ASAE, Reno-Tahoe USA Host NextGen Summit for Young Professionals
September 28, 2013
Young professionals are the future of the trade show industry and the American Society of Association Executives, along with its strategic partner Reno-Tahoe USA, recently hosted the NextGen Summit to touch on issues for this group.
The NextGen Summit, held Sept. 18-21 in Reno, Nev., included guests from the ASAE Board of Directors, California Society of Association Executives, The Association Forum of Chicago and the Texas Society of Association Executives.
Twenty-five individuals selected to participate were chosen from a national search process representing some of the brightest and most active association professionals under the age of 35.
Shelly Alcorn, CAE, of Alcorn Associates Management Consulting, led facilitated conversations around different topics including: professional development, opportunities for young professionals, issues they are facing, as well as ways associations can address these issues.
“As the baby boomer generation is set to retire, it’s important for the association community to engage professionals from all generations, so we can ensure we have a pipeline of future leaders,” said ASAE President and CEO John H. Graham IV, CAE.
He added, “The conference provided insight on how young professionals wanted to be engaged in the community, to learn and to be heard.”
Here are some of the key findings from the group:
• The biggest opportunities for younger professionals are to establish relationships early in their career, to continue learning post-formal education, and the opportunity to be involved in advancing their industry.
• Young Professionals are tired of traditional conversations around social media, mentoring, and generational differences – they want to be heard, not just considered.
• The group encouraged associations to think toward the future, to be proactive in providing what their industry needs, to build collaborative relationships with other organizations, and to explore models that reach beyond the traditional confines of membership.
• Attendees were optimistic and had a positive outlook for the long term health and survival of associations.
“As a Strategic Partner of ASAE, Reno Tahoe USA is already a big supporter of education in the association management field,” said Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority President and CEO Christopher Baum.
He added, “With Gen X and Gen Y managers ascending to roles of greater responsibility, we saw this as the perfect time for a summit with ASAE to start the conversation as well as recognize and train tomorrow's industry leaders.”
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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