Five Ways To Make Meetings Worth the Trip

We talked to three associations about how they’re trying to dazzle members at their annual meetings so members choose them over the beach. (Our rule: Don't have any french-fry stealing seagulls at your convention.)

1) Make it appcessible.

The American Sociological Association is giving attendees of its annual meeting in San Francisco next week an app with the schedule of events, a map of the venue, a way to message other attendees and ASA staff, and forms for session evaluations. Executive director Sally T. Hillsman says ASA had quietly used the app at previous meetings but several features were added this year, so the association is trying to get more attendees to use it.

2) Make content easy to get.

ASA will also broadcast in real time and provide captioning of many of its plenary sessions. Sally expects over 6,000 attendees, so the DC-based organization wanted to give people with hearing and sight impediments easy access. (Trudging to the front of a crowded ballroom is no easy feat.) Videos will also be available online for people who can’t attend.

3) Provide usable education.

ASCD, which represents educators, is organizing a session at its annual conference next year in Houston, where future teachers will be able to receive guidance from established educators on getting teaching jobs. ASCD’s Kevin Scott says many college career centers don’t have specific job-hunting services for the teaching profession. Just because teachers are in demand doesn’t mean it’s so simple to get a job.

4) Make sure they get it.

ASCD also passes out postcards near the end of some conference sessions for attendees to write down things they plan to do differently and other things they’ve learned. Once the postcards arrive a few days later, attendees are reminded of what they need to be doing. The practice works best with small sessions, says Kevin. 

5) Get the big names.

The American Water Works Association is putting more emphasis on recruiting well-known people as keynote speakers at its annual conference and exposition. This year's event drew 11,500 people to Boston, where they heard former NY Mayor Rudy Giuliani. AWWA spokeswoman Deirdre Mueller says the speech was standing-room only and created buzz for the association. Speaking fees can be tough for a nonprofit like AWWA, so the organization is working on ways to finance speakers, like bringing in sponsors.