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4 > Spring 2016 793211_Valdosta.indd 1 09/02/16 4:34 AM connections Volume 14, Issue 2 Spring 2016 > Georgia Society of Association Executives > DEPARTMENTS Connections is Published for: Georgia Society of Message from the Chair 7 Association Executives 233 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 751 Atlanta, GA 30303 www.gsae.org GSAE News & Events 8 Chair: David Ellis, CAE New Members 11 Chair‑Elect: Tara Morrison, CAE, CMP Meetings Thought Past Chair: Jim Fowler, CAE Leadership 26 Treasurer: Gene Stinson, CAE, PCED, CEcD, HLM Index of Advertisers 30 Board of Directors: Julie Anderson, CAE Sarah J. Berke, CAE Carol Hall Advertiser.com 30 Kristen Hartman, CAE Jon Krueger Lee Lemke, CAE Gale Macke > FEATURES Joel Peacock Mark Sedgely Bryan Tolar Tradeshow Trends to President: Watch Closely 12 Wendy Kavanagh, CAE [email protected] BY MARY LOU JAY Manager of Membership & Communications: Take Your Event Virtual: Jane Anne Sutphin [email protected] Recent Trends and

Published by: Strategies with Hybrid Events 14 BY TRACY TOMPKINS

5950 NW First Place Gainesville, FL 32607 Extend Your Phone: (800) 369‑6220 or Conference Content 16 (352) 332‑1252 BY TRACY KING, MA, CAE Fax: (352) 331‑3525 www.naylor.com Publisher: Cementing the Board John Bacon Chair‑CEO Partnership 19 Editor: BY DOUG EADIE Sarah Sain Project Manager: Looking Forward— Brittany Thompson The Future of Associations 20 Advertising Sales Director: Debbi McClanahan BY DEAN WEST, FASAE Advertising Sales Representatives: Amanda Blanchard, Tony Chiccarello, GSAE Internship Program: Mercedes Lucero, Rick McPhee, Beth Palmer, Scott Pauquette, An Eye‑Opening Experience 22 Jamie Williams, Matthew Yates BY JENNIE NESSPOR, CAE, AND PARKER WILLIAMS Marketing Account Specialist: Karim Hussain Layout & Design: GSAE Scene 24 Sunny Goel Cover Photo: Destination: Athens 28 Megan Dempsey of Dempsey Media Photography & Videography Choices: Hiring, Firing Event photos: Spence Downs and Emails 29 PUBLISHED MAY 2016/GSA‑Q0216/3009 BY JOHN P. HARRISON, CAE, CMP

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Tradeshow, Events and Meetings, Oh My!

BY DAVID ELLIS, CAE

DID YOU KNOW GSAE offers at least 25 hours of Safari during Annual Meeting and the Mock Site in-person Certified Association Executive (CAE) Visit during the Tradeshow. continuing education annually? Our Annual Meeting, We are working to create more meeting connection five luncheons, at least two workshops and half a points for GSAE members. The Supplier Council dozen Shared Interest Group (SIG) meetings, plus our met in February and April and is hard at work CAE Study Group, provides multiple opportunities creating tradeshow options and other opportunities for our members to gather and learn together. Add to collaborate with their association executive in our live and recorded webinar schedule, our colleagues. We appreciate the leadership shown by our co-sponsorship of FSAE’s Qualified Association suppliers to find new ways to connect in meaningful Specialist (QAS) program, plus the Leadership ways with potential and existing clients. Watch for Academy offered every two years, and you can see us to explore more ways to establish our supplier our commitment to helping members be better at members as content experts and resources to help their jobs. association professionals solve problems and improve Based on the feedback from our Leadership Retreat their members own experiences. last August, we’ve also introduced the following We have revamped the CAE Study Group from initiatives in our professional development: nine sessions to three half-day sessions to better • Marketing—Staff is creating short, sweet accommodate our members’ busy schedules and to and video-laden messages using GSAEtv capitalize on the group wisdom of our facilitators. episodes, speaker videos and, soon, GSAE Our hope is the “seminar” format will lead to more member-produced content. cross-domain learning and to our participants • Experimenting—The Millennial Infusion Program, synthesizing the information more effectively, based on Set GSAE Afire and Wisdom While You Walk are the latest information we’ve heard about adult learning. all examples of how GSAE continues to model GSAE remains committed to putting the right innovative programs for you all to adopt and adapt people in the right room at the right time. I hope for your organization. you will join us at an upcoming event and see how • Crowdsourcing—We are soliciting opinions and GSAE implements the most effective ideas from creating action based on the answers we receive. our community. We asked our emerging professionals which program they wanted to see from Beth Brooks, CAE in April. Where possible, we will continue to gather real-time feedback for programs. The committee also requested deconstructing certain association activities and sharing that information David Ellis, CAE from the point of view of a vendor, planner, speaker Executive Vice President or attendee. The results include the Green Meeting Greater Atlanta Homebuilders Association

connections > 7 > GSAE news & events Save the Date The Power of A for GSAE Events in 2016 To help you plan your professional development year, GSAE’s current calendar of events is available below. We will offer more than 25 hours of CAE-matched programming this year. GSAE is a Preferred CAE Provider through the CAE Commission. Our list of events is always available online at www.gsae.org (Learn/Calendar View). Various Shared Interest Group meetings and webinars will be added throughout the year. GSAE members visited Washington, D.C., March 9-10 • JULY 13 for American Associations Day to advocate for vital GSAE Summer Luncheon at The association issues. Sessions featured briefs on Center for Civil & Human Rights, timely issues, including the potential Department sponsored by Jekyll Island Authority of Labor changes to overtime rules and the value • SEPTEMBER 21 of meetings, as well as a primer on getting the GSAE Quarterly Luncheon, The Abit most out of your congressional meetings. Massey Lecture Series at The Commerce Club Atlanta, featuring John Graham, IV, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO, ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership; sponsored by Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau • NOVEMBER 16 GSAE event at Georgia International Convention Center; sponsorship opportunities available • DECEMBER 14 GSAE Holiday Luncheon, Awards Adam Thocher, CAE, Gabriel Eckert, FASAE, CAE, Rob Sumner, Esq., Show & Silent Auction—hosting & Rick Walker, Esq., Gerald Huang, Senator Perdue’s office, sponsorship opportunities available Michael Black, Senator Isakson’s office, Wendy Kavanagh, CAE

Gabriel Eckert, FASAE, CAE Named to ASAE’s 2016 Class of Fellows

Gabriel Eckert, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director, Building Owners and Managers Association of Georgia, along with four other inspiring leaders in the association community, has been named to ASAE’s 2016 Class of Fellows. The Fellows program recognizes individual accomplishments and contributions to ASAE and the association sector, and is a call to service for the profession. The 2016 Fellows join 251 association industry professionals who have received this designation since the program’s inception in 1986. Serving as role models and ambassadors for the association community, Fellows seek out opportunities to serve on boards and committees and participate as speakers, authors, reviewers, and mentors.

8 > Spring 2016 GSAE Sponsorship and Hosting Opportunities

Luncheons are the primary venue for networking in GSAE. About 180 members generally attend each luncheon, which is preceded by a 30-minute networking reception. Your exclusive sponsorship includes an exhibit table during registration and the networking reception, 2-3 minutes of podium time, rights to leave a brochure or flyer on each seat, luncheon registration for five people, recognition in promotional materials and post-event attendee mailing labels. November and December are still available for sponsorship. The host property of each luncheon will receive an exhibit table during registration and the networking reception, the opportunity to place material at each place setting, podium time, significant exposure and an attendee mailing list following the luncheon. This is a great opportunity to showcase your property! All GSAE luncheons are on Wednesdays. Available 2016 dates are: November 16 and December 14.

Live Webinars – Approved for 1 CAE Hour Each

TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2016 Maverick in Your Midst: How to Deal Effectively—L. Kay Wilson Published by Connecticut Society of Association Executives and ASAE Annual Georgia Society of Association Executives Meeting & 2-3 p.m. $45 for Members Exposition Maverick personalities abound. When they are moderated Join 5,000+ of your mavericks, they are drivers, they get things done and they work well colleagues from across the with others. When they are unmitigated mavericks, they can wreak country for three full days havoc with boards and leadership teams. They engage in domination of powerful networking, tactics, are pushy and take up the space and room where real dialogue thought-provoking education ought to be. This program focuses on diffusing the domination sessions and innovative tactics, holding mavericks accountable and conducting safe and business solutions, August fair discussions on important topics through facilitation skills. 13-16, 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah. SCSAE, TNSAE, WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016 VSAE and GSAE members Grow Your Association Like a Billion Dollar Brand—Gerry O’Brion will gather for an attendee Published by Illinois Society of Association Executives and reception on Monday, Georgia Society of Association Executives August 15 before The Classic. 2-3 p.m. Drop by Christopher’s Prime $45 for Members Steak House & Grill between The best associations are adept at attracting new members and 5:15 and 6:30 p.m. for the turning all of their members into raving fans. The ones who do this opportunity to connect with grow and thrive, while the ones that don’t risk falling into a death your Southern SAE peers spiral. Learn the five critical questions that every association needs to and industry partners. be asking to stay relevant in today’s changing landscape. This content Visit annual.asaecenter.org is perfect for association executives, decision-makers, executive today for registration level leadership, and other marketing and planning members. information and GSAE’s online calendar for Learn more and register for live and on‑demand webinars at directions to the reception. www.gsae.org (Learn/Live Webinars).

connections > 9 As hosts of the 2017 GSAE Annual Meeting, we can’t wait to show you the new development and revitalization that is taking place throughout Macon. It’s more than a place on a map. It’s a vibe all its own.

800.768.3401 | VisitMacon.org new members Through April 5, 2016

Linda Arcangeli‑Story, CMP Tania Lynn Ivan Surcy >Manager, Meetings & Expositions Sales Manager Senior Sales Manager Kellen Sheraton Bay Point Resort Holiday Inn Atlanta Perimeter

Kasha Askew, MSM Elizabeth Mays Kim Thompson Director of Membership Event Sales Manager Director of Sales & Education The Center for Civil & Beach House American Academy of Human Rights Pediatrics Georgia Chapter Laurie Tufts William McBroom Investor Engagement Manager Rosie Bailey Stevens Director of Conference Sales Georgia Chamber of Commerce Director of Sales St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra & Hyatt Atlanta Midtown The Beaches Visitors & John Visconti Convention Bureau Director of Sales & Marketing Imani Beckles The Westin Atlanta Perimeter Exhibit & Event Planning Assistant Jason Moss North Georgia Municipal Association CEO Georgia Manufacturing Alliance Tameshia Weaver Debra Berliner, BS, MBA Sales Manager Senior Vice President Kimberly Rice The Georgian Terrace Hotel Kellen Senior Sales Manager Ponte Vedra Beach Resorts Carole Weems Amy Critzer Administrative & Association Manager John Roch Accreditation Assistant Meeting Expectations Communications & Projects SAIS Manager Louise Dillard The Association for Clinical Tiffany Williams Owner Pastoral Education (ACPE) Associate Director of Sales Dillard House Inc. Garrett Popcorn Shops Jason Rupp, MBA Polly Ann Elliott Executive Director Chris Worel Director of Sales Southeastern Medcial Device Executive Vice President Courtyard Charleston Historic Association American Commerce Bank District Alicia Russell Diane Hamby Sales Manager Director of Membership Embassy Suites by Hilton GSAE Members & Operations Atlanta Airport on the Move! Georgia Chiropractic Association Ilemona Salifu Shanan Atkinson Associate Director of Sales Account Executive Nick Hancock Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead Nardone Consulting Group, Inc. Sales Manager Georgia World Congress Center Omaira Seto Marva Huie Sales Manager Sales Manager Terry Izaguirre Westgate River Ranch Resort DoubleTree by Hilton Business Manager & Rodeo Atlanta Downtown The Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. Carly Sharec Dawn James Director of Communications Digital Marketing Coordinator Amara Koroma & Events Synthetic Turf Council Sales Manager, Group Georgia Chiropractic The Westin Buckhead Atlanta Association Steve Michael Senior Financial Advisor Marietta Wealth Management

connections > 11 >

Trends to

BY MARY LOU JAY Watch Closely

TRYING TO ANTICIPATE what said Amy Clark, when they have paid to be in the you should be planning for Managing Director, company of other human beings, your tradeshows a few years Southeast, live, face-to-face,” he said. down the line? We asked three HelmsBriscoe. industry experts to share Clark recently New Approaches to Traffic Flow their observations on trends attended a tech The traditional aisles of that could transform your conference where tradeshows may be disappearing meetings in the future. one speaker even to encourage more traffic told the audience, “It’s okay to through the exhibit hall. Increased Interaction keep your head down the whole “We’re now changing the typical through Technology time.” That speaker utilized floor plans in the exhibit hall to Tradeshow organizers will the extra screens as part of her give them a more circular flow, increasingly rely on apps rather presentation, asking participants because we have moved our than paper to provide attendees to post photos and encouraging functions around so that there with necessary information. them to look at the websites of are more events going on within Social media will play a larger various platforms and programs the hall throughout the entire role to encourage engagement that she was discussing. show,” said Linda of millennial participants. But Don Neal, Arcangeli‑Story, Speakers will find that at least founder and CEO CMP, Manager, some portion of their audiences of 360 Live Media, Meetings & will be using a device even as doesn’t see the Expositions, they’re talking. “Whereas a more greater use of Kellen. “We’re seasoned event planner might technology as a moving the meal view that as being disrespectful positive trend. functions into the or disengaged, some speakers “I think the last exhibit halls or doing raffles today are now utilizing all of thing people should be doing is there. My last show, not only did the screen capabilities that consuming media on their phones we do receptions in the exhibit individuals have in front of them,” and being immersed in technology hall, but every single break, every

12 > Spring 2016 Better Ways to Judge ROI enough, Neal adds. The streamed In the future, exhibitors should tradeshows that he has seen be using three key metrics to work well are those produced and make their decisions about which designed much like a TV show. tradeshows to attend, according Clark has a different perspective. to Neal. They should know the She recently participated in a acquisition cost of a new customer, live-streamed meeting held by the the cost of retaining current Professional Conference Mangers customers and the lifetime value Association. “It was pretty of their customers. With that amazing,” she said. “If you were not information they can look at the able to attend, you knew that you cost of various shows and calculate could log-in at any point during which provide the best ROI. the day and catch a session that Neal’s company has been you wanted. Plus, they engaged working with ASAE: The Center you throughout the whole course for Association Leadership and its of the event; I would get a prompt business partner community to telling me that a session was help them understand the questions going to start. It was like I was they should ask and how to make standing in the pre-function area the calculations required to get and somebody was ringing a bell. the best ROI. That will enable “Tech solutions aren’t a ASAE to effectively sell their real substitute for in-person meetings, estate and square footage around but a supplement and a way of something other than historical engaging more individuals in the averages of what a square foot on way that they prefer,” she added. a tradeshow floor cost, he said. “With good tech results—especially if it’s a first-time try—this can Opinions Vary on lead to greater desire to interact in single thing that we did that was a Tradeshow Alternatives person when/if the time permits.” common time for the whole group, Neither Neal nor Arcangeli-Story Hosted buyer programs have we held it in the exhibit hall.” see a big increase in virtual gained popularity, but there are RFID (radio frequency tradeshows or in hybrid meetings pitfalls. “The positive for companies identification) and beacon that combine on-site participation is that they’re getting people there systems could become more and online streaming. that might not otherwise be able popular as tradeshow organizers “I know some organizations to go,” said Arcangeli-Story. “But use them to improve traffic are trying virtual tradeshows the downside is if you’re paying for flow. “They are very helpful to try to save money, but I don’t a free trip, are you really getting for e-mapping the experience, really have an interest in them; legitimate buyers? It’s hard to say.” unclogging the choke points and I want to touch, feel, look, and Neal favors a different approach providing data and feedback I think attendees want that, like the one in development for about traffic flow and ingress too,” said Arcangeli-Story. a new ASAE event. Business and egress,” said Neal. “We see hybrid meetings all partners and their customers “RFID allows exhibitors to the time, but they don’t really co-create solutions and develop know if someone they want work,” said Neal. “If you’ve ever relationships based on a new to talk to is in their vicinity,” skyped or been on a webinar, it’s value model, less transactional added Clark. “But I don’t know just not as good. It’s very flat. The and more consultative. that the cost of such technology reason is that you make a personal “When they go the second day has come to the price point that connection with somebody when into these facilitated meetings, the average member of GSAE you’re within 3 feet of them, in a they already have a relationship,” would be able to consider it.” way that you can never do through said Neal. “It’s a much more On the floor itself, exhibitors technology. So while there is human, more thoughtful way to do may be requesting bigger booths efficiency, hybrid meetings don’t business. The key is to move into and offer amenities like coffee come close to live interaction.” more of a relationship orientation and massages to create a more Since everyone today is a rather than a transactional, one-off comfortable, welcoming space to sophisticated media consumer, relationship, which is the way many meet with potential customers. simply filming a session isn’t tradeshows today are built.”

connections > 13 facets exclusive to in-person events reduces the overall time it takes your association to plan the event. Because all > sessions and presentations are automatically recorded during a virtual event, the time it takes to package content and edit it for post-event consumption is reduced. While these benefits appeal to many associations, there are some barriers, real and perceived, to holding a virtual event: • Members don’t want to Take Your attend virtual events. Has your association asked them Event Virtual: lately? If not, incorporate a few Recent Trends and Strategies with Hybrid Events questions about the desirability and viability of members BY TRACY TOMPKINS attending virtual events in your next membership survey. A VIRTUAL EVENT is a Web-based potential members who would • The quality of the learning event that replicates many aspects not otherwise attend your opportunity is not on par with of a traditional location-based in-person event. Travel costs in‑person events. This used conference, membership meeting and time out of the office can to be a legitimate concern of or trade show through webinars, make even a premier event out organizations that wanted to webcasts, discussion groups, of reach for some members. host virtual events. However, social networking or other online • Flexibility. Associations have broadband coverage and platforms. It might take place more flexibility to get highly technology has improved so much on a standalone basis, or in sought-after speakers if their that even a modest professional conjunction with a location-based presentation can be recorded and can easily and affordably equip event. If you’re thinking about pushed out to attendees later. themselves with the tools needed hosting a virtual event, some • Save money. Event space, to enjoy a virtual event with questions to ask include: speaker fees, food and beverage, crisp, clear audio and graphics. • What is the general type of unused hotel rooms and on-site • Virtual events will cannibalize meeting we’re holding? materials quickly add up for live existing events and revenue • What is this meeting’s purpose? events. Virtual events are not streams. Virtual events rarely • What is our desired outcome free, but much less expensive replace face-to-face events from this meeting? than a physical event. Think because the desire for members • How will we measure and track about it: No paying for a block of to network and meet up with progress toward our desired rooms that doesn’t sell, ballroom old friends remains strong. outcome for this meeting? space or travel for speakers. Despite the costs of travel, • What key business • Identify new non‑dues revenue time off work and away from opportunities are we trying opportunities. Associations family and the long hours events to address by potentially can replicate many revenue sometime entail, members holding a virtual event? sources typically found at still rank in-person events Answering these questions can onsite events – a bookstore or as one of the top benefits of help ensure that a virtual event resource center, sponsorships association membership. fits into your association’s overall and foundation fundraisers. business strategy. Make sure to • Reduce event planning time Planning a Virtual Event consider the benefits of hosting a and post‑event resource When planning a virtual virtual event, which are numerous: availability. Not having to book event for the professional • Expand the reach of your meeting space 18 months in development of your association event. Reach existing or advance or spend time on other members, it’s imperative to have

14 > Spring 2016 5 KEYS for a a game plan in place before, your association could have several Successful Virtual Professional during and after the event. options for engaging attendees Development Program during your virtual event. In 1. Know your audience. Develop Pre‑event addition to live presentation personalized content that Before your association even sessions that your audience is useful and engaging. promotes a virtual professional will log into, virtual learning 2. Design a professional development opportunity, set your offers the automatic ability to development program/event goals and objectives for the event. record what is presented for later with diverse content for a What does your association want viewing. This ability to time-shift variety of learning styles. to provide its members through a makes virtual professional 3. Allow yourself sufficient time virtual event? What objectives will development an appealing option for planning, plus sufficient you carry out to accomplish your for professionals juggling multiple time for new users to learn goal? Once your goal is in place, work and personal responsibilities, how to navigate your system. build a timeline for accomplishing and is a valuable benefit your 4. Determine your key your contributing objectives. association should tout. performance indicators Train everyone involved in Virtual professional development and track those metrics. producing the virtual event on also offers interactive features such What measures of a how to use the technology well as polling (live or over time), chat successful virtual learning in advance. Speakers especially rooms or virtual lounges, games program are important to need to know how to operate related to the topic, quizzes and you and your members? your event software so they can social media integration. If there 5. Own the engagement. flawlessly deliver an engaging is an exhibitor portion of your Actively manage and assist session. Consider creating a text learning event, companies can offer your virtual students. or video tutorial that anyone on promotions in the form of codes your team can reference, and make redeemable online for discounts or sure the system you use works free items, or digital badges that association to answer the question, on all devices and browsers. attendees can show off on their “Should we do this again?” Determine the fee structure event or social media profiles. for your virtual professional Conclusion development. Will you charge both Post‑event Virtual events can be a members and non-members, or Once your virtual professional welcome, practical addition to will you offer members discounted event has ended, survey attendees your association’s event lineup. or free enrollment? Because about their experience the same Virtual events offer convenience travel isn’t necessary, attendees way your association would ask and flexibility for speakers and have the luxury of waiting them to evaluate an in-person attendees. They often cost less until the last minute to attend event. You might consider using to produce than live events and a virtual event. Therefore, your communication tools that are the savings can be passed on to association can promote different built in to your virtual event members, making it easier for registration offers right up to the platform to accomplish this task. them to be engaged with your day the virtual event begins. Measure and report on every association. Although there Finally, be sure to plan for interaction, click, download, time are some perceived barriers to adequate promotion of your virtual spent, page view, sponsor lead and hosting a virtual event, today’s professional event before it launches. unique attendee recorded during technology largely provides a In addition to standard marketing your event. These quantitative quality experience even for the such as notices in your newsletter, metrics can all be measured with most basic computer setup. magazine, website and social media virtual events and are important for pages, consider offering a video proving the return on investment Tracy Tompkins is a business that shows off the virtual learning of your virtual event to your staff, development director for Naylor platform in addition to introducing your board and your membership. Learning Solutions. She focuses the professional development At the same time, measure and on delivering learning and topic your association will cover. report attendee satisfaction, level event solutions ideally suited of individual engagement, social for associations. Read more best During the event media mentions, and quality of practices, news and leadership Depending on the nature of your leads that sponsors collected. strategies from Naylor at professional development topic, Combined, these metrics allow your www.associationadviser.com.

connections > 15 >

YourEXTEND Conference Content BY TRACY KING, MA, CAE

OUR ANNUAL CONFERENCE is our You can’t refold a crisp origami they really want are tools flagship education product. crane into a dragonfly—it won’t and resources. Instead of Naturally we want to maximize work. Each fold is put into collecting PowerPoints and our investment and extend the place to achieve a particular Prezis, request your speakers reach of this great content. design. Same with learning. submit a tip sheet, job aid, Unfortunately, most associations So you want an origami crane checklist, how-to guide, model, are doing it wrong. and a dragonfly. What do you do? or process distilling their It’s time to forget about insights into a useful resource repurposing and embrace Three Ideas attendees can use and share. PURPOSING. But repurposing If your goal is to extend the Life cycle: While these begin is efficient and responsible! learning of your conference, as conference session handouts, Repurposing suggests we can consider these opportunities. they become a powerful catalyst efficiently reuse components 1. Hybrid Learning. Extend for workplace impact. Consider of education that have been the reach of your conference the potential referrals as tools delivered (past tense done) for to new audiences—perhaps branded to your association are additional meaningful learning your future live attendees. passed around teams because of opportunities. And we can’t. Craft a meaningful experience their value. Imagine the online Example: Captured conference that incorporates not only resource library you could build recordings are not good learning streaming of select sessions, with these tools that would opportunities. Why? Because but live chat with those become indispensable to your what’s been captured was designed speakers and some hybrid-only members. Think about how for a learner in a live classroom content. Take a look at my you could assess downloads to learning space. Can someone be blog on the PCMACL hybrid determine content priorities determined and dig in to learn experience for inspiration. for future education offerings. something from a captured Life cycle: This is an 3. Touchpoints. Let’s free our recording? Sure—but they will investment in cultivating education from product more likely Google the subject than future live attendees while silos delivering one-offs and sit through an hour long video of extending the reach of the deploy learning that touches a slide deck. Once removed from present conference. #winwin. our members over a period the classroom and situated in a You may also consider of time through different virtual learning environment, we extending the learning via channels—reaching them have different expectations of how the desktop portal you create where they are. Allow all of we want to interact with content. with your vendor partner for your education vehicles to Captured lecture is not designed additional content drops. participate in threading your to be chunked out or accessible in 2. Session Tools. While attendees association’s content priorities online learning environments. may request slide decks, what through multiple touchpoints

16 > Spring 2016 that beautifully highlight learning from your conference • Capture how-to’s from your different facets of a subject by making it a part of a broader session speakers—brief through a variety of learning education delivery strategy. clips distilled from their experiences. A few examples: presentations that you can use • Publish an article that leads to A Word about the Elephant Nearby to build a library of insights. a live education session that’s I don’t mean to beat up on • TED Talk-style presentations followed up by a webinar capture products. I’ve produced transition well onto devices. punctuated by an email conference capture products. If you’re delivering them, sharing a valuable job aid. Members ask for them and we capture them for sure. • Facilitate a social media think we need to deliver them. Extending your conference conversation about a hot We don’t. This is not how we content is not about repurposing topic, host a thought leader actively learn on devices. If you’re what’s been designed and session at your conference going to capture content at your delivered for the big gathering. from which you derive a conference, capture it with the It’s about pausing to plan in handy white paper that you future mode of delivery in mind. advance how you can capitalize can then distribute through • Consider capturing faculty on the gathering to draw out your social media channels. commentary on their session. content you can continue • Craft an online course that Pair the recording with an delivering all year long. pulls participants together article or use it to stimulate for a live skill-building a webinar conversation. experience, followed • Consider capturing hallway Tracy King, MA, CAE, is an by an eMentorship that insights from attendees— education thought leader and leads to a certificate. testimonials you can drop learning strategist. She is an The possibilities are endless! throughout the year to build author, speaker and founder of Life cycle: You decide! Your momentum for your next event— InspirEd. For more information, touch points on a topic could be but also a formative assessment visit www.inspired‑ed.com. Reach three or could thread throughout for your association to see what is her at tracy@inspired‑ed.com and an entire year. Extend the resonating with your attendees. follow her at @TracyInspired.

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807481_Georgia.indd 1 connections4/15/16 1:12> AM17

>Cementing the Board Chair‑CEOPartnership BY DOUG EADIE

A Wise CEO Investment Getting to Know Your Board Chair compensation that will not only Board-savvy CEOs well Board-savvy CEOs who excel at reward the board chair for her know that investing in the partnering with their board chair service, but will also help to development of a rock-solid always, in my experience, make a cement the board chair-CEO board chair-CEO working concerted effort to get to know their working relationship. The relationship can yield powerful preeminent partner in-depth as most obvious is for the CEO organizational dividends. In quickly as they can, often starting to go out of his way to ensure fact, I would suggest that one with the resources that the board that the chair succeeds in of the preeminent priorities of chair brings to her leadership her formal governing role. a truly board-savvy CEO is to role, including skills, expertise, For example, the president transform her board chair into knowledge, external connections and CEO of a state professional a strong governing partner, a and reputation, to name some of the association, without fail, spends reliable ally, and when needed, more important attributes. This is at least an hour on the phone an ardent change champion. especially important in enlisting the with his board chair before every The board chair makes an board chair to provide leadership meeting of the board’s governance especially important partner for beyond merely chairing board committee, which the chair heads, the CEO not only because of his meetings, since it would obviously going over the agenda point by formal authority as “CEO” of the be counterproductive to call on point, answering any questions governing board, but also the fact the board chair for leadership the chair might have, thereby that board chairs are often major he isn’t capable of providing. making sure the chair is well actors who wield tremendous For example, a few years ago prepared to lead discussion. influence in their communities, I worked with a board chair—a including in the profession labor leader—who was a virtuoso Treating Your Board Chair to a or industry an association at behind-the-scenes negotiation Richer Governing Experience represents. I’ve seen board-savvy but terribly ineffectual as In my experience, many CEOs successfully employ four a public speaker—with his less board-savvy CEOs can strategies in building close and uninspiring monotone delivery easily miss the opportunity to productive working relationships and tendency to stumble over cement the relationship with with their board chairs: words. His board-savvy CEO their board chair by helping 1. Get to know the board knew enough to call on him as a her enrich her professional chair really well. partner in negotiating privately experience beyond the strict 2. Actively help the board with key stakeholders, but to boundaries of her formal chair succeed in her avoid having him represent the governing role. This is an formal governing role. nonprofit as a speaker in key important way the CEO can 3. Actively assist the board forums like radio talk shows. say, through concrete action, chair in having a richer, more “I really do care about the satisfying experience beyond Helping Your Board Chair Succeed quality of your experience, and her formal leadership role. Board chairs are unpaid I’ll do what I can to make it more 4. And never miss an opportunity volunteers in the nonprofit interesting and rewarding, beyond to provide the board chair and public sectors, so truly helping you succeed in your with ego satisfaction, often in board savvy CEOs are always governing role.” Don’t doubt for a little but important ways. on the lookout for nonmonetary Continued on page 21

connections > 19 > Looking Forward— The Future of Associations BY DEAN WEST, FASAE

IN 2016, THE Harvard Business and professions. Particularly because people and companies can Review published a study of 50,000 for professional societies, the compare jobs, salaries and other companies over a 40-year span that federal government is a source of information in a way that was not identified a striking conclusion: subject matter experts, members previously possible. “Companies are dying at a faster and conference attendees. In Looking Forward 2016, the rate than ever before.” The reasons: In Looking Forward 2016, two most significant workforce • Organizations face more 44 percent of associations concerns of association CEOs diverse environments that are noted changes in federal laws are recruiting and retaining harsher, less predictable and and regulations as one of their qualified staff (39 percent) and more malleable than before. top government concerns, managing a multigenerational • Technology increased the followed by increased federal workforce (30 percent). pace and impact of change. regulatory costs (35 percent). • Businesses (and people) are more Impact on Association Strategy interconnected than before. Technology The study asked leaders how Recently, Association This year’s study of association the anticipated forces impacting Laboratory concluded Looking leaders also echoed the Harvard members would affect their Forward 2016, the company’s Business Review’s conclusions association’s strategy. Looking annual environmental study of on the impact of technology. Forward 2016 identified the association environment. Associations are facing significant substantial concerns among Association leaders were asked technological issues, as identified association leaders regarding to identify the most significant by CEOs responding to our survey. key association strategies. issues facing their members In 2016, ensuring the privacy Three out of four association and the likely impact of these and security of data and pressures CEOs (74 percent) are somewhat issues on association strategy. on technology infrastructure or very concerned about their were survey options for the first members’ commitment of time Harsher Climate time. Already, more than 3 out of and money to the association. Like the Harvard Business Review 10 respondents believe these are Time and money are the study, nearly 300 association substantial issues facing their building blocks of engagement. leaders identified substantial members. Managing the volume If members are unwilling to devote challenges facing their members. of information members receive time and financial resources Respondents identified increasing remained the top concern, with to the association, successfully pessimism about the economy. 55 percent of association CEOs achieving sustainable growth In addition, respondents were naming it as a top driver in becomes much more difficult. concerned about the impact of the decision-making. In addition, competition is federal government, of mergers and increasingly of concern. Nearly acquisitions and uncertainty on a Interconnectedness seven in 10 respondents were global scale, and of changes in the The ability of people and concerned about competition. ability of organizations to operate organizations to connect creates both Sixty-eight percent of respondents across international borders. opportunities and challenges for are concerned about competition The federal government plays members. In particular, Association from other associations, and a critical role in establishing Laboratory concluded that the ability 64 percent of respondents are the ground rules for industries to connect impacts associations concerned about competition

20 > Spring 2016 from for-profit organizations. 1. Future‑Focused Knowledge: how they configure and price These competitive pressures The less you know about the those benefits. Only by providing influence key initiatives. future, the more difficult customized engagement models Seventy percent of respondents it is to adapt to the future. can associations differentiate believe it will be more difficult Associations need to improve themselves from the competition. to make their voice heard among their processes for identifying Associations are faced with competing groups. This has critical and providing information a challenging environment, yet implications for associations about future trends. Only by many are successfully addressing active in government advocacy. understanding the environment these challenges and creating Finally, association leaders are within which members will innovative solutions for their concerned about the impact of the operate can association leaders members. Through their efforts, changing business environment on design strategies to help these association leaders are truly key revenue strategies. More than their members succeed. transforming their organizations half of the CEOs surveyed noted 2. Board‑Staff Partnerships: and creating the next generation of they are either somewhat or very Associations need to improve the association business models. concerned about future negative ability of volunteer leaders and impacts on sponsorships, meeting executive staff to make sound Dean West, FASAE, is president of attendance, retention, acquisition decisions. Associations waste Association Laboratory. Reach him and publications revenue. too much time managing the at [email protected] governing process. A leadership or (312) 244‑2626. Solutions? team that works effectively Based on Association Laboratory’s and that is held accountable Looking Forward 2016 Read the full version of work with various associations is essential to success. Association Laboratory’s Looking and additional industry research, 3. Customized Engagement Forward 2016 white paper at we identified three essential Models: Associations need to associationlaboratory.com/pdf/ strategic priorities for associations identify their primary target Looking_Forward_2016.pdf or to help deal with the changing audience, prioritize essential log into www.gsae.org and click on industry studies. business environment. benefits, and then customize

Continued from page 19 minute that such attentiveness can highlighting the governance small, less elaborate ways that be a powerful relationship builder. improvements that had been CEOs can attend to their chair’s For example, a tremendously implemented on the chair’s ego needs if they’re board-savvy board-savvy public school watch. Not only was her chair enough to pay attention. To take superintendent I was working touched by the superintendent’s some common examples: invite with, knowing that her board caring so deeply about his the board chair to sit in on a chair was very interested in professional aspirations, the meeting with a key stakeholder or climbing the volunteer ladder opportunity to work closely to participate in a radio talk show; in the state school boards together in planning and recognize the chair for her service association and eventually in the presenting the workshop further in one of your publications; make national association, went way solidified the relationship. sure the chair is provided with an out of her way to help her chair important speaking opportunity realize this professional vision. Providing Your Board Chair at your annual conference. For one thing, she spent a half- with Ego Satisfaction day with her chair one Saturday, Board chairs are typically This article draws on Doug Eadie’s helping her map out a strategy blessed with robust egos; that’s newest book, The Board‑Savvy CEO for rising through the volunteer one of the reasons they’ve become (www.theboardsavvyceo.com). ranks, including volunteering to their boards’ leader. Board-savvy To reach Doug, email him at serve on ad hoc committees and CEOs know that a fairly simple, [email protected] or call task forces. The superintendent inexpensive way to strengthen (800) 209‑7652. GSAE members may even put together a proposal their relationship with the chair purchase The Board‑Savvy CEO at for she and her board chair to is to capitalize on opportunities a 20 percent discount by clicking present a workshop at the next to provide the chair with ego on www.theboardsavvyceo.com state association conference, satisfaction. There are myriad and using the discount code GSAE.

connections > 21 GSAE Foundation

Intern Parker Williams with Angela Holland, CAE (seated) > and Jennie Nesspor, CAE of the Georgia Association of Convenience Stores. GSAE Internship Program: An Eye‑Opening Experience THE ASSOCIATION’S PERSPECTIVE BY JENNIE NESSPOR, CAE MANAGER, EVENTS AND ADMINISTRATION, GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF CONVENIENCE STORES

THE GEORGIA ASSOCIATION of tradeshow. Parker jumped in view and eventually showcase Convenience Stores (GACS) was feet first, assisting with show new offerings of our members. honored to receive GSAE’s 2015 management. It was important to To make the trip as smooth as internship grant. As our president give Parker ownership of projects possible, we needed to provide a of 29 years prepared to retire, and so he could see the process from plan that included the best driving our vice president was readying start to finish while learning routes, hotel information and herself to move into the role at the how to troubleshoot issues along other pertinent details. Parker end of the year, it was clear that an the way. We tasked Parker with was familiar with a website that intern would be a welcome asset managing legislative invitations would plot the stops in an easy during this season of transition. and registrations to the show, to read, streamlined manner and Working in a small staff along with vendor registration. was able to complete the work environment, this was my first Event registration was a new much more efficiently. He was then supervisory role (and our first experience for Parker, providing tasked with editing footage from intern) at GACS. Parker Williams a learning opportunity while the trip to create a presentable came highly recommended to us allowing him to interact with our video for our summer convention. from the House of Representatives members. In addition to his role Parker’s previous experience in office. As a student at Georgia during tradeshow preparations the film industry provided him State University, Parker had a and execution, he also assisted with a vast education of video wide array of previous experience, with other event registration editing and provided a unique a complement to the association and management, database opportunity to combine past industry that manages a variety management and video creation. knowledge and new skills. of tasks. His previous position Parker’s knowledge of technology GACS appreciates the at the Capitol was an added was a welcome addition to the skill opportunity to share association asset to GACS, with our major set he brought to GACS. He created knowledge and experience focus on legislative issues. a brand new membership video with a potential industry We welcomed Parker to GACS for our website, which had been member. Thank you to GSAE Headquarters on October 16, 2015. in desperate need of updating. and the GSAE Foundation for At that point, we were a month Board members had decided providing such an incredible away from our largest event – the to take a tour of the state to opportunity to your members!

22 > Spring 2016 THE INTERN’S PERSPECTIVE BY PARKER WILLIAMS, INTERN, GEORGIA ASSOCIATION OF CONVENIENCE STORES I HAD THE pleasure of working as an by Angela and Jennie’s ability to daunting amounts of information intern for the Georgia Association of manage such a massive and diverse into usable and manageable data, Convenience Stores (GACS) this past group day-to-day, all while growing to organizing years of publications fall/winter. Before my time with membership, encouraging industry and even researching and creating GACS, associations were completely partnerships and expanding an industry resource myself. foreign to me. Perhaps the greatest legislative and regulatory Overall, the greatest takeaway thing I discovered was the scope of influence to the benefit of all I can share is that associations impact associations can have. parties involved. (and GACS, in particular) provide One of my first tasks was to send Then came “The Show.” so much more for their members correspondence to each legislator The annual fall trade show was than I ever expected, and it is in the state, many of whom had a more complex undertaking than abundantly clear that they are longstanding relationships with I could have imagined just one worth the cost of membership, GACS. The depth and breadth of year ago. Months of hard work and tenfold. I thoroughly enjoyed my legislative rapport was beyond planning manifested in a bricolage time at GACS, and I look forward anything I had previously of infinite moving parts, somehow to interacting with them in the experienced. Shortly after that, coming together to create one years to come. I was asked to organize and seamless whole. It was an incredible integrate new members into our event; being part of the planning and tracking programs, which helped me execution was both a source of pride Learn More To find out more about gain an understanding of just how and, upon realizing how small my association grants, read the large and important GACS is. role really was, humility. article titled “Associations Interning in a small staff I am proud to have been able Using Grants More Frequently organization opened my eyes to how to use my own skills to help the to Strengthen the Association difficult—and rewarding—these association, from editing videos Community and Inspire Big Ideas” at associationadviser.com. jobs can be. I am deeply impressed for distribution and consolidating

08/13–16/2016

SALT LAKE CITY, UT

SALT PALACE CONVENTION The 2016 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition is CENTER where we’ll all give a little and get a lot more.

Give your time and experience at this year’s ASAE Annual Meeting, get a year’s worth of ideas and support from your community.

register asaecenter.org/AnnualMeeting ASAE CORPORATE PARTNERS Visit Baltimore · Dallas CVB · Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB · Fort Worth CVB · GEICO · Louisville CVB · Mexico Tourism Board · Naylor Association Solutions · Omaha CVB Visit Orlando · Visit Salt Lake · Meet in Washington State share ASAE EVENT PARTNERS BrightKey · THE BROADMOOR · CliftonLarsonAllen LLP · DelCor Technology Solutions, Inc. · Dubai Association Centre · Hong Kong Tourism Board · Johnson Lambert LLP & Vault #ASAE16 Consulting · Korea Tourism Organization · Manifest · MemberClicks · Meet in Minnesota · New Orleans Convention & Visitors Bureau & New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center

806279_Editorial.indd 1 connections4/8/16 7:17> PM23 GSAE Scene

GSAE February Luncheon > Thank you to our February Luncheon Sponsors: SPONSOR HOST AV

ON FEBRUARY 17, GSAE members met at the Ramada Plaza Atlanta Downtown Capitol Park for our first luncheon of 2016. Featured speaker and author Mark Levin, CAE, CSP educated attendees on how to “use MembershipMapping™ to engage members and give them the experiences they want and value,” based on his book, Managing the Membership Experience. In addition to the keynote presentation, Levin also led a deep dive discussion prior to lunch.

GSAE April Luncheon Thank you to our April Luncheon Sponsors: SPONSOR HOST AV

THE APRIL 20 GSAE Luncheon was held at the Cobb Galleria Centre, featuring award-winning speaker and trainer David Brooks on the “5 Secrets of Presentations.” The morning began with an “Aspiring CEOs” workshop led by Beth Brooks, CAE, author of the book The New CEO’s Guide.

New CAEs at the February Emerging Professionals SIG gathered for a social event at The Athvengers gave away a fabulous Athens Luncheon: Damian Kavanagh, TopGolf Atlanta in March: Kevin Ksionzyk, Sebastian Almario, basket to one lucky Annual Meeting registrant – Ed.S., CAE, Jennie Nesspor, CAE, John Roch, Derek Leman, Jacob Wilder, Kevin Shea, Cindy Durham, CAE! (L‑R): Elizabeth Hovell, Tim Kline, CAE, Julia Boyd, CAE Shan Haugabrook, Julia Boyd, CAE and Jennie Nesspor, CAE. Abby Hicks, Cassie Johnson, Missy Wilson, and Tangela Monroe, MBA, CAE. Taylor Eson, Katherin Puckett, Cindy Durham, CAE and Rita Lowery.

24 > Spring 2016 Members enjoyed the “Aspiring CEOs” workshop led by Beth Brooks, CAE prior to the April Luncheon.

Janell Martin, Kristen Hartman, CAE, Julia Boyd, CAE, Julie Anderson, Thank you to Richmond Region Tourism and their industry CAE and Sarah Osbourne catch up at the April 20 GSAE Luncheon. partners for sponsoring the April luncheon: Nancy Bass, Michelle Moker, Patty Yeager and Grace Wilson.

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connections > 25 789380_GrossDuke.indd 1 1/29/16 2:29646626_Hilton.indd PM 1 7/2/13 2:39 PM meetings thought leadership

BY AMY DREW THOMPSON

they can get for their money in terms of space rental offsets or menu choices. They neglect the > reality of a balance of space requirements, menu and service options, as well as room rates.” Understanding the value of your food and beverage spend—“the whole spend,” she emphasizes—is essential. “That includes meals, hotel restaurant and bar use, coffee shop, room service, etc.” Groups that use a lot of the latter, she notes, bring hotels additional revenue. “That justifies a bigger ‘ask.’ Make sure you keep your food and beverage use history—just F&B per as you would your hotel room or meeting space use. Documented, actual usage is a the CVB powerful tool at the negotiating table.” Everyone loves local color—and flavor. Take advantage when possible, North says. THE FOOD IS what many attendees remember “Ask about dishes that are unique to the area.” most about any event, which is why negotiating Important don’ts to remember? “Don’t forget F&B can be a harrowing prospect for some about your vegetarian and/or special-needs association meeting planners. What tools attendees [when it comes to food]; ask the F&B can help you stretch your budget and get a manager what options they can provide. Don’t better deal? Robin North, vice president of forget about alcohol: ask for the house brands and sales and services for the Macon-Bibb County find out which are upscale. How does the venue Convention & Visitors Bureau, weighs in. charge for alcohol that’s provided by a vendor or “I think the biggest mistake I’ve seen planners sponsor? What is their corkage fee and what does make is not understanding the true value of their it include? And don’t dismiss a complete meeting business,” she says thoughtfully. “Some groups plan package. Find out what it includes and how flexible a very limited F&B budget, then overestimate what it is.” It may just meet your overall budget! Event Marketing: Past Imperfect Could Mean Future Fabulous

WHILE YOU CAN look to mentors, industry gurus and the best tools—digital and traditional—for (duh!) the internet for new and exciting ways to the job. Get your team together to get their market your gathering, sometimes glancing back take on the best and worst of the last event over your shoulder can make all the difference. and forge ahead with the good. What Worked, What Didn’t? A detailed look Socialize! Do you have a solid, steady at your last few meetings may hold the key to infusion of blog posts, but no one’s reading success moving forward. What can be gleaned: them? Get someone on point with your social attendee demographics, level of interest/sales media outreach—find out which platforms at given sessions or events, app downloads are most engaging to your membership and, of course, social media interaction. and start scheduling. And remember what Right Hand, Meet Left. Your team needs hit the mark last time. Be sure to monitor to stay connected. Delineate team member regularly so that any conversations generated responsibilities up front, shore up internal as the event approaches are nurtured and and external communication, and figure out any questions answered promptly.

26 > Spring 2016 for attendees. Do you have a clear picture of who they are? You should. Knowing your audience will factor into everything: hip versus affordable, walkable versus transportation, regional only versus longer-distance travel, tech-forward versus traditional. A detailed demographic breakdown of your guest list will help you craft the perfect party. What’s the Why? A meeting’s objective should be front and center when doing site selection. Incentive trips are a natural fit with a beach, mountain or golf resort, but if your group is making time for something smaller and less grand—consider something airport convenient or smaller. Schools, small hotel chains, restaurants and even churches Site Seeing and libraries often have spaces ideally suited for trainings sessions or similar events—at a much lower rate than traditional meeting spaces. SO YOU’RE GETTING the gang together for a What’s the Cost? You may have fallen in love meeting, educational program or professional with a hip new venue the last time you were development opportunity? Whether you’re in Atlanta, silently imagining your attendees’ planning regionally or considering the whole of delight over a farm-to-table dinner and craft Georgia, with so many vibrant cities offering cocktails beneath the vintage glow of its Edison so much in the way of quality hotel/conference bulbs—but really, is it worth the expense? Think center venues and off-site locations and fun about this event’s purpose and where that money things to do, how do you narrow down the list? could be better spent. A more affordable city or Who’s Coming? Odds are you wouldn’t choose venue isn’t just better for you bottom line—it the same birthday restaurant for your grandmother could prove better for attendance if it’s more as you would your romantic partner. Same goes affordable for your intended guests, as well. An Annual Meeting Idea: Break It Up!

IT’S THAT TIME again! So, what’s on tap for your forge new connections. What’s more, they aid association’s annual meeting? Odds are there’s communication, decision-making and other plenty of great information in the pipeline and valuable assets in any professional’s arsenal! education is on tap, but how do you plan on Music Soothes the Savage Attendee: Anyone delivering? Gone are the days of morning-to-night can get a little sluggish after a morning filled sit-ins where speakers simply impart the data flow with PowerPoints. In the same way it fuels brain while attendees are expected to soak it all up like activity in infants, a little music—classical or parched sponges. What’s in now? Refreshers! otherwise—can do the same for your members. What Breaking up informationally heavy general genre you choose may depend on your demographics, or even breakout sessions not only helps your but lively is a safe and stimulating bet! attendees transition from one topic to another—they Work in Wellness: Depending on the length make for nice “caffeine” injections, energizing of the session, consider allowing attendees brains and getting them ready to learn anew. a seventh inning stretch. Is your venue a Quickie Team Building Exercises: Whether pretty one? How about a quick walk around your attendees are there with immediate the hotel or conference center, or outside on colleagues or making new friends, these fun the grounds if weather permits. Offer up a problem-solving games—some take just 15 minutes map with interesting things for them to look on average—do plenty to get the brain cells for—an herb garden, hummingbird feeders or fired up while strengthening bonds or helping an interesting piece of art in the lobby.

connections > 27 > destination spotlight Unleashing for GSAE’s Annual Meeting

BY KHYRA WALKER

ABOUT 60 MILES northeast of Atlanta, The Classic Center is the area’s close to 200 new rooms to Athens, not only will meeting planners largest facility, with spaces that suit will be completed by fall of find unique and historic venues any organization. The venue offers 2017. Two additional downtown and event spaces, but conference a 56,000 square foot exhibit hall, hotels are also projected to begin attendees will also be provided with an 8,000 square foot atrium, 2,100 construction within the next a one-of-a-kind experience that seat performing arts theatre, 35 two years. reflects the town’s creative energy. meeting rooms and award-winning Steps from The Classic Center, Athens, an eclectic town famously customer service. more than 150 unique dining, known for being the birthplace shopping and entertainment of R.E.M. and the University of options occupy downtown, ready Georgia, is also home to a vibrant for the visitor that wants to make downtown area, countless dining the most of a quick break between options and outstanding meeting sessions. Have a sweet tooth? Stop spaces. Athens’ atmosphere has by Insomnia for a succulent, warm proven to lead to record-breaking cookie. Want to grab a gift for a attendance for meetings and truly friend? Hunt for the perfect vinyl at add value, inspire visitors and Wuxtry Records, peruse local goods revamp the meeting culture norm. from Frontier, or search for UGA Named for the Ancient Greek Traditional boardrooms are fan gear at Clubhouse, UGAFanz center of education, Athens was a thing of the past as Athens or Red Zone. Choices are limitless founded as a college town and over has several creative and artistic for visitors during down time the past two centuries the town and spaces for out-of-the-box meetings, in Athens. university have grown and thrived breakout sessions and soirees. For the foodie, Athens offers a together. Stepping across Broad Graduate Athens’ sophisticated large selection of dining options Street is a step back in time: on one meeting room atmosphere and The at locally owned restaurants. side of Broad Street is the vibrant, Foundry can hold a small meeting Athens’ favorite Five and Ten, historic downtown entertainment of its own. The State Botanical gives diners an upscale experience district; on the other, University Garden’s Conservatory Great Room, with a mix of Southern charm of Georgia’s North Campus with a comfortable indoor space with the and European-inspired dishes. its Greek Revival buildings dating allure of the outdoors, is an original Hugh Acheson, James Beard back to the first decades of the 19th location to host a welcome banquet Award-winning owner and chef, century. Now commonly referred or reception. 19th century mansions opened Five and Ten in March to as “The Classic City of the along Antebellum Trails give 2000 and the restaurant has since South,” Athens’ uncanny charm and guests a glimpse of The Old South’s garnered national attention. energy will help visitors of any age rich history. The National, another Acheson recapture their youth. Both The Classic Center and classic, blends the comfort of a Athens can comfortably the downtown area have a few community restaurant with more of accommodate conferences, additions coming within the next a Mediterranean influence. As farm corporate events, tradeshows, and few years. Plans for a Hyatt Place, to table eating is the food industry’s conventions alike, up to groups connected to The Classic Center, latest trend, Heirloom Athens of 6,000. With meeting rooms just are now coming to fruition as celebrates local community farmers steps from world-renowned music construction started in mid-March by concocting a new take on venues and acclaimed restaurants, 2016. The hotel, which will bring Continued on page 30

28 > Spring 2016 > choices Hiring, Firing and Emails

BY JOHN P. HARRISON, CAE, CMP

THREE BIG THINGS have changed in and a resume with no mistakes, (20-something), I shipped off to the work environment since the shows up for an interview on an overseas job whereupon I soon last century: hiring, firing and time in business attire (and that found out it was my duty to fire the correspondence that goes with means coat and tie or a woman’s an old timer, a national leader in them—emails. Let me mention equivalent), speaks well (with a his field. Why me? I was a young up front that this not a nostalgic minimum of the filler “like”), sends outsider who could probably escape lament about the good old days a quick thank you and follows up back to America without too much when folks could spell and had to see if I’d like any examples of trouble. The lawyers fretted over some semblance of manners their work. And I’m not ashamed what to do because the laws were (besides we all know nostalgia is to insist on such standards. socialist, and no one could be fired not what it used to be). No, this is We could just dumb everything without a couple of years of labor more of a how-to piece for things down, so we’ve nothing left but court. So I looked under some rocks going forward. pointing and grunting. Could no one suspected and uncovered First, hiring folks—especially pointing and grunting get the job a travel receipt compensation young people. They had it right done? Yes, a very primitive one. “problem” on the part of the old when they said good help is hard to Firing folks, nobody likes. Or if man in question. Common practice, find. I’ve posted some job openings you do like it, something’s seriously I was told, but still an open secret. recently, and my kingdom is for wrong. When I was but a boy by However, it was a big part of this someone who sends a cover email modern standards of adolescence Continued on page 30

connections > 29 Continued from page 28 continued from page 29 traditional dishes. Athens’ favorite employee’s total compensation. who is on the reply list. Look at barbecue joint, Pulaski Heights I decided to finesse this. “Can I it, make sure it’s right. Read all BBQ, combines down home cooking tell him I need his wisdom here names before using reply all. with options for the meat-eater, in the office with no more travel This is thing one. pescaterian and vegetarian. Seabear allowed?” Yes, said the lawyers, 2. Subject—Give a meaningful Oyster Bar merges high quality and thus without labor law alarms, subject line, never omit this, and seafood with the warmth of the we cut his pay. He quit on the remember that the subject line local neighborhood bar. Their happy spot, got hired by an international is not policed by spell check. hour of all-you-can-eat oysters, association the next day, and— 3. Attachments—If the text half-priced beers and the occasional boom—I became his friend for life. is going to be longer than shot make for an appetizing A “good” firing, if you will, a little one quick screen, put it afternoon. behind-the-scenes flair before in an attachment and just Along with many delicious food the more up-front days of email. cover the highlights in the options, there is also a growing And to be sure, the handful of email’s text. And, remember craft beer scene in Athens. firings I’ve been involved with to attach the attachment Terrapin, Creature Comforts and since then have had emails as you’re meaning to send. Southern Brewing Company all call part of the mix. Someone sends an 4. Run spell check and read it over. Athens home and are a must-visit email (or in one case, a text) that Look at the grammar. Make sure during free time. Only a few blocks is misdirected or puts in writing the content speaks well of you. from downtown hotels and The something that shouldn’t have This isn’t that hard, people. Classic Center, Creature Comforts been: presto-change-o, bad things 5. Signature–Sign off with your is one of America’s fastest growing happen. There’s proof, there’s a contact information below your breweries, having just opened two trail; it’s not so much he-said, she- name, at least once in the email years ago but has already collected said, but what’s on the screen that chain. Can they contact you numerous industry awards and counts. It’s amazing what people based on your email signature, become a household name. Sip a will put in writing without much and does it link to or provide Tropicalia or Cosmik Debris after thought to where it will end up. appropriate information about a tour of the brewery. Located on If one can master the art of your organization? Oh, and the north side of town, Terrapin is email, good things will soon skip the preachy things about an established Athens favorite and follow. Here’s the promised how-to. printing or whatever. It’s offer tours throughout the week. Always check these five things, probably not accurate anyway. If the arts and outdoors pique going from top to bottom of each There you have it, five easy visitors’ interest, the city is and every important email: pieces to help with emails, hiring also fortunate to have The State 1. To—Is it to the right person(s)? and firing. Those three things so Botanical Garden of Georgia This includes who is copied and very often seem to intertwine. and Georgia Museum of Art. The Georgia Museum of Art is the state’s official art museum and features more than 9,000 pieces index of advertisers/advertiser.com in its permanent collection and ACCOUNTANTS CONVENTION & VISITOR BUREAUS visiting exhibitions all year round. Gross Duke Nelson & Co, PC ...... 25 Augusta CVB ...... 4 The 313-acre State Botanical www.grossdukenelson.com www.augustaga.org Macon‑Bibb County CVB ...... 10 Garden is an All-American ASSOCIATION SOLUTIONS www.VisitMacon.org Selections Garden and an Audubon Naylor Association Solutions ...... 18 Valdosta Lowndes CVB ...... 4 www.naylor.com Important Birding Area. www.visitvaldosta.org The truth is people love to come CAREER SOLUTIONS HOTELS & RESORTS to Athens and are often excited to Boxwood Career Solutions ...... 6 www.boxwoodtech.com Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & see when a meeting or convention Conference Center ...... 25 CONFERENCE & CONVENTION CENTERS will be held here. GSAE is one lucky www.atlantamarietta.hilton.com Atlanta Convention Center at group and Athens is waiting for Holiday Inn Resort Panama City ...... Inside Back Cover AmericasMart ...... Inside Front Cover www.hipanamacity.com your arrival. See you in June! www.atlconventioncenter.com Sea Palms Golf Resort ...... Outside Back Cover Georgia International Convention Center ...... 17 www.seapalms.com www.gicc.com Khyra Walker is PR Coordinator for University of Georgia Center for University of Georgia Center for the Athens Convention & Visitors Continuing Education ...... 3 Continuing Education ...... 3 Bureau. She can be reached at www.ugahotel.com www.ugahotel.com [email protected].

30 > Spring 2016

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