The Association for Convention Operations Management (ACOM), an organization dedicated to advancing the practice of convention services management in the meetings industry, will hold its 22nd Annual Conference Jan. 8-10 at the Westin City Center in Dallas. The event will host convention services professionals from across the nation who will gather to discuss tools and techniques to help them effectively service their meeting planner clients.
As many convention services managers face budget cutbacks and other effects of the economic recession, the general session “Signs of the Times Part I: Sharing Strategies,” will enable attendees to learn how they can maintain good service despite industry changes, including incorporating new trends such as the use of social media. Attendees also can hear from meeting planners on how managers can help them effectively execute successful meetings and overcome challenges in the session “Signs of the Times Part II: Meeting Planner Perspective.”
Also, new this year, the conference will feature junior- and senior-level tracks that will help attendees learn from their peers and address topics specific to each level’s needs. Three tracks dedicated to convention service managers from hotels, convention centers and convention and visitors’ bureaus will be featured again this year.
“This year’s conference program is filled with sessions and workshops as well as thought-provoking speakers that will help attendees learn how to further showcase the value CSMs (convention service managers) bring to the industry and their importance to the quality of meetings as we continue to experience difficult times due to the current recession,” said Lyan Tassler, president of ACOM.
World-class guitarist and stand-up comedian, Mike Rayburn, will deliver the keynote address on Jan. 8. In his speech titled, “What If…and Why Not?” Mike will teach attendees three powerful tools they can use to reach their full potential, to look at old things in a new way and to leap beyond their perceived limitations. On Jan. 10, Izzy Gessell from Izzy G and Company will teach attendees how to take a tactical approach during the event planning process when faced with both generational differences and cultural diversity in his session titled “Generational & Cultural Partnerships.”
The Convention Services Manager of the Year Awards will be announced at the Conference at the luncheon on Jan. 9. The awards are hosted in partnership with Successful Meetings magazine. Also during the luncheon, ACOM will meet the student recipient of the Donald S. Freeman Jr. ACOM Conference Scholarship as well as the deserving ACOM member who will receive the first annual William H. Just CAE, CMP Memorial Award.
ACOM is proud to have the following sponsors for the event including the Dallas Convention and Visitors Bureau, Orchid Event Solutions, Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority and Automated Event Staff Scheduling (Aesop).
Those interested in the ACOM annual conference can visit the Web site at www.acomonline.org or contact Lynn McCullough at (609) 799-3712.
