FSAE Source Magazine - September/October 2014

SOURCE www.fsae.org

success by association

2014 FSAE Leadership Award Winners ABCs of ADACompliant Conferences The QAS Program

sep/oct 2014

Here, The Meeting Planner Becomes Employee Of The Year. s a meeting feel Have you met Jacksonville? It’s the city that make view of your like an outing; where your attendees can get a clear And a place river. the or presentation while overlooking the ocean and endless that’s known for its fresh seafood, warm smiles, Your group. g? missin supply of outdoor adventure. So what’s

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Or go to Visit Jacksonville.com/meetings for more information.

FSAE Staff Florida Society of Association Executives 2410 Mahan Drive, Suite 2 Tallahassee, FL 32308-5302

Source

Printer: Rose Printing

Editor

Adrian Amos Honderick

Phone: (850) 222-7994 Fax : (850) 222-6350 fsae@fsae.org www.fsae.org

adrian@fsae.org (850) 702-0946

Cover Photo provided by Copeland Productions

PUBLISHER President/CEO

Frank Rudd, CAE, CMP

Frank Rudd, CAE, CMP

frank@fsae.org

frank@fsae.org; (850) 702-0943

(850) 702-0943

copelandproductions.com Disclaimer: Articles in this publication are designed

Marketing, Communications and Technology

to provide accurate and

Manager

Advertising Sales

Adrian Amos Honderick

Sue Damon

with respect to the subject

adrian@fsae.org: (850) 702-0946

suedamon1@aol.com

matter covered. It is provided

(850) 926-3318

with the understanding that

Office Manager/Bookkeeper Paige Graham

Graphic Design

paige@fsae.org; (850) 702-0945

Jesse Beleck

authoritative information

neither FSAE nor the authors are engaged in rendering legal or other professional services. If legal advice or other

jesse@DesignOnTheBrain.com

expert assistance is required,

Director of Membership and Development

(850) 524-3787 |

the services of a competent

Hester Ndoja, CAE

DesignOnTheBrain.com

professional should be sought.

hester@fsae.org; (850) 702-0944

速

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SOURCE success by association

sep/oct 2014

8

2014 FSAE Leadership Award Winners

The ABCs of ADA-Compliant Conferences

12

The Qualified Association Specialist Program: More than Individual Professional Development

16

For Members By Members Today’s Membership Department, Tomorrow’s Community Management

18

Bringing Sexy Back: Membership Marketing

20

Next Level RFPs: Best Practice Tips

30

Issue Special Section

New Members

10

Annual Conference Recap

22

Member News

14

Buyer’s Guide

32

Foundation Donors

42

Meetings at Resorts & Spas

33

Meetings in North Florida

36

2014 FSAE CALENDAR

November 6-7

February 17

The Shores Resort & Spa, Daytona Beach

FSU Conference Center, Tallahassee

Member ROI Summit: The Missing October 23 Executive Series Luncheon Link for Explosive Growth

2015

July 15 - 17, 2015

FL Sheriff’s Association Training Room, Tallahassee

CEO Roundtable

September 26-28 CEO Retreat

South Seas Island Resort, Captiva Island

October 15

TSAE-FSAE Meeting Planner Expo FSU Conference Center, Tallahassee

October 7

October 14

Oktoberfest Celebration of FSAE-TSAE Unification For Executive Members, Tallahassee

Governor’s Club, Tallahassee Sponsored by Ocala/Marion County Visitors & Convention Bureau

November 6

Central Florida Meet & Greet The Shores Resort & Spa, Daytona Beach

FSAE Board Meetings

February 16 FSU Conference Center, Tallahassee

FSAE Board Meetings

2015 Annual Conference

Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, St. Petersburg

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From the cEO

Frank Rudd FSAE President/CEO

I hope you are as excited as I am about the news that FSAE and the Tallahassee Society of Association Executives (TSAE) will become one organization starting on January 1. This opportunity gives us a wonderful platform to expand our offerings to the members of FSAE. It will help us reach more midmanagement staff and young professionals who work for associations. Most importantly it will give us a model that we can duplicate in other areas of the state: providing a range of educational and networking opportunities that give our members the Return on Investment that you’re looking for.

looking for. Our membership continues to grow as we have just surpassed the 750 member mark and the participation at our Annual Conference was the highest since 2008. Add in the joining together of FSAE and TSAE and I think you will agree, 2015 is going to be a banner year for YOUR PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY – FSAE! A special thanks to all the FSAE and TSAE members who worked together to come up with a Memorandum of Understanding that created a win/win situation for association executives and associate members of both organizations.

To me, a vibrant association is one that is growing in members and participation and offering programs that the members are

Our membership continues to grow as we have just surpassed the 750 member mark and the participation at our Annual Conference was the highest since 2008.

Central FL Meet & Greet

mber ted:

13

2014

12 Keys to Becoming a Platinum Communicator

h

with Delatorro McNeal, II

ss ers.

November 6, 2014 The Shores Resort & Spa Daytona Beach

at on!

E www.fsae.org 4

sep/oct 2014

We have an abundance of continuing education offerings this fall. Look on page 3 for more details. In addition to these programs, our Qualified Association Specialist (QAS) Certificate Program continues be a very popular resource for our members and non members alike. We’ve had over 100 people register for QAS and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive on what new and seasoned professionals have learned from the program. Read about one association’s interesting QAS journey on page 16.

I look forward to seeing you at one of our programs this fall and hope you will take a minute to tell me your vision of what you want FSAE to be.

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A PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA SOCIETY OF ASSociATION EXECUTIVES

5

From the chairs

One of the world’s most recognized advertising slogans is: “Because I’m worth it!”

This tagline came about during a 1973 business brainstorming session about how to introduce the most expensive hair color in the world: Preference, by L’Oreal. They were trying to convey the difference in the product. But what they achieved was even more… that they cared about the customer. The last line in the original commercial was, “Actually, I don’t mind spending more, because I’m worth it”! L’Oreal still uses the tagline and it’s come to represent women embracing their unique beauty while reinforcing a sense of self-worth.

By Janegale Boyd

Janegale Boyd FSAE Chair

At FSAE, we have the same attitude: you are worth it! Your FSAE membership is worth it! We have exciting times ahead. Recently we announced that your FSAE leadership began a dialogue about leveraging the collective strengths of Tallahassee Society of Association Executives and FSAE. We appointed a small task force to explore the benefits and drawbacks of uniting the two organizations. As a result, both groups agreed that the benefits of a combined state association community were too great to pass up! Announcements have gone out to each membership about the transition. Read more about this merger on www.fsae.org/unification.

FSAE currently is the umbrella organization that represents over 1.5 million Association Executives, professionals, and associate members in Florida. Having two well-respected associations joining forces is not only exciting, it provides us the ability to deliver the level of services our members expect and need. Associations must remain relevant in today’s business environment. We must provide our respective members with business intelligence, opportunities and the ability to respond rapidly to change.

Deborah Boza-Valledor, CIPS, CRB, CRS, Foundation Chair

As a combined organization moving forward, we will undertake an exciting strategic planning process that ultimately serves you, the Association Professional. We are asking for your ideas and input. This merger is more than updating ones look or image; it’s about giving all association professionals real membership Return on Investment (ROI) through education, networking, cutting edge programs and useable ideas.

As Ellen DeGeneres once remarked,

“True beauty is not related to what color your hair is or what color your eyes are. True beauty is about who you are as a human being, your principles, your moral compass.”

Help us determine the course of our shared future and keep in mind the ROI we wish to achieve.

Let’s work together to be the best organization for association professionals, because both Deborah and I know “You are worth it!”

By Deborah Boza-Valledor, CIPS, CRB, CRS Knowledge, they say, is power. And in today’s rapidly changing

association environment, knowledge and education are requirements for association executives who want to stay at the top of their field and effectively help their associations reach their goals. The recent announcements from both FSAE and TSAE, that these two wellrespected associations are joining forces at the end of this year, are both exciting and filled with opportunities: opportunities to increase the R.O.I. for all of us as members.

As your FSAE Foundation, our commitment for our unified association is to continue our mission to support education and research, while increasing the opportunities for professional development, networking, resources, publications, and public relations efforts for the association management professional.

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By Deborah Boza-Valledor, CIPS, CRB, CRS (continued)

So where do we go from here?

At our recent Annual Conference, your FSAE Foundation announced our Bright Ideas Innovation Grants. Changing business models is a pressing priority for most associations. There is a strong emphasis on innovative solutions to address unique and complex challenges of the 21st century. But how do you find the resources and support to begin such a project? Our goal is to increase the opportunities to innovate and reward and fund that innovation.

• What could you do to make your association a better place to work - more efficient - more effective?

• What could you do to provide a better member experience - drive membership - make a real difference?

• What could you do if you could get some funding to help bring that Bright Idea to life?

• Your Bright Idea might not require much money to get it off the ground...but it would make a real difference.

• By making your Bright Idea available to be shared and utilized by other members of FSAE, our unified association can make a real difference to associations across Florida.

In serving as a champion and role model for innovation, this exciting program represents one element in FSAE Foundation’s commitment to increase the culture of innovation in our association community. More information on the application and qualifications, judging and timeline will soon be available online at FSAE.org.

We’re in This Together.

Our Members will have much to gain and we’ll keep you posted about the increased education and networking opportunities as we leverage the collective strengths of our associations. Janegale and I hope you are as excited as we are that this uniting will allow us to have one organization to serve you and significantly increase your membership R.O.I.

E ASY PE ASY LEMON SQU EEZ Y. PLANNING A CONVENTION D O E S N ’ T H AV E T O B E D I F F I C U LT.

C A R I B E R O YA L E . C O M / MEETINGS-EVENTS 4 0 7. 2 3 8 . 8 1 0 0

A PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA SOCIETY OF ASSociATION EXECUTIVES

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FEATURE STORY

Executive of the Year: Rusty Payton, CAE, MBA

Associate of the Year: Meg Caldwell, CMP

2014 FSAE Leadership

Award Winners

by Adrian Amos, FSAE Marketing, Communications & Technology Manager and Source Editor Every year at FSAE’s Annual Conference we honor one executive member, one associate member and a rising star for their exceptional service to FSAE and the association management industry. This year we are thrilled to present:

Executive of the Year: Rusty Payton, CAE, MBA Associate of the Year: Meg Caldwell, CMP Executive Rising Star: Adrienne Bryant, CAE Associate Rising Star: Jason Carroll, CMP I had the pleasure of meeting with each of our winners and hearing their stories of working in the association industry and being a member of FSAE.

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Executive of the Year: Rusty Payton, CAE, MBA Rusty Payton, CAE, MBA began his career in associations as a lobbyist for the FL Dental Association in 1993. At the Capital for 14 years, Rusty served as lobbyist and Director of Governmental Affairs until his promotion to Chief Operating Officer in 2007. Not long after becoming COO, Rusty joined FSAE.

Having a strong lobbying background, Rusty got immediately involved with the FSAE Government Affairs committee, where he recently helped orchestrate webinars to inform members of Political Action Committee (PAC) funding changes in 2013 and hear from bill sponsors on the “Charity Re-Write” bill in 2014. Both webinars featured industry experts to inform members of the legislation and how it might affect their organizations.

Joining the FSAE Board of Directors in 2011, Rusty was recently elected to serve as Chair-Elect for 2014-15. He

Executive Rising Star: Adrienne Bryant, CAE

Associate Rising Star: Jason Carroll, CMP

also served on the Governance Committee for two years, as Chair in 2013-14. “The Governance Committee has been extremely active these past few years,” said Rusty. “Our bylaws and policies needed to be updated or rewritten and it was a tremendous amount of work for committee members.

Working on Governance isn’t sexy – but it strengthens the organization and having that solid foundation will help us move forward.”

FSAE’s Impact on Rusty’s Career “I got involved with FSAE to expand my network,” Rusty added. “I knew a lot of lobbyists and people in the dental industry, but as COO I needed to get to know more association executives. FSAE has helped make that happen.

I can call on people from large or small, state or national associations to see how they handle similar issues. I also have a better understanding of how our associate partners help make our lives easier. I have these relationships because of FSAE and getting to know members on committees and serving on the Board.”

“But what FSAE has done most for me is made me more empathetic with our members and volunteer leaders,” he added. “I appreciate the struggle my board members have in managing patients and serving FDA. It’s hard to balance volunteering and professional life, and as an active member of FSAE I understand that. As staff, you know the ins and outs of important issues and we frequently talk about developments ‘around the water cooler.’ On a conference call with members, it can take a while for them to fully understand an issue. It can be frustrating, but now I understand that the issues aren’t their job – it’s ours.”

The FDA’s Mission of Mercy As COO, Rusty oversees several departments in the FDA including Government Affairs, Communications, IT, Conventions and Continuing Education as well as being primary staff person for the FDA Foundation and Leadership Development Committee. With over 50 total staff and 6,500 members statewide this is no small task.

Already this year there have been several successful initiatives in Rusty’s departments that he’s proud of: the FDA rebranding campaign, a successful annual meeting, positive legislative session and the Foundation’s first ever Mission of Mercy.

The Mission of Mercy provided free dental care totaling $1.1 million in March 2014.

The 1,400 member volunteers were able to treat over 1,600 Tampa residents with everything from cleanings, extractions, restorations and even some prosthetics. The FDA partnered with the American Dental Care Foundation in Kansas to secure the equipment and expertise needed including 130 dental chairs and PVC piping to run water and air to treatment stations. Rusty worked with fellow FSAE members Lisa Chamberlain and Holly Coger of Visit Tampa to find the

2014 FSAE Leadership Award Winners (continued on pg 37) A PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA SOCIETY OF ASSoCIATION EXECUTIVES

9

FSAE members

Executive Members: Dawn Brehm COO Life Sciences Trainers & Educators Network 1947 NC Hwy 61 S Burlington, NC 27215 Phone: (336) 449-1216 www.l-ten.org

Mark Cruise Executive Director FL Assn of Free and Charitable Clinics 76 4th St. North, #977 St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Phone: (727) 823-3733 www.fafcc.org

Michael Daniels Executive Director FL Alliance for Assistive Services & Technology 3333 W. Pensacola St., Bld. 100, Ste. 140 Tallahassee, FL 32304 Phone: (850) 487-3278 www.faast.org

Carol Dover President & CEO FL Restaurant & Lodging Assn 230 S. Adams St. Tallahassee, FL 32301 Phone: (850) 224-2250 www.frla.org

Kimberly Foster Executive Director FL Assn of Agencies Serving the Blind 6835 Seabiscuit Trl. Tallahassee, FL 32309 Phone: (850) 570-2148 www.faasb.org

Michael Hartel VP of Development and Technology NAVC (North American Veterinary Community) 2555 N.W. 95th St. Gainesville, FL 32606 Phone: (352) 301-3441 www.navc.com

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Welcome New Members Melissa Keahey

Andrew Humphrey

Irene Garcia

FL College of Emergency Physicians 3717 S. Conway Rd. Orlando, FL 328112 Phone: (407) 281-7396 www.fcep.org

19031 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Lutz, FL 33548 Phone: (813) 885-4641

Sales Manager Hilton Palacio del Rio 200 South Alamo Street San Antonio, TX 78205 Phone: (210) 570-0748 www.palaciodelrio.com

Jessica Lowe-Minor Executive Director League of Women Voters of FL 540 Beverly Ct. Tallahassee, FL 32301 Phone: (850) 224-2545

Helen Oberbeck 14030 Briarwood Rd. Azle, TX 76020 Phone: (817) 800-3981

Associate Members: Ben Bowersox

Vice President GMS Group 19031 N. Dale Mabry Hwy Lutz, FL 33548 Phone: (813) 885-4641

Wealth Advisor Capital City Trust Company 304 E. Tennessee St. Tallahassee, FL 32301 Phone: (850) 402-7507 www.ccbg.com

Sandra Moore, CMP

Holly Coger Laverentz

Cecily Millan

Executive Services, Meetings & Events FL Restaurant & Lodging Assn 6317 Crawfordville Rd. Tallahassee, FL 32305 Phone: (850) 879-2645 www.frla.org

National Sales Manager Visit Tampa Bay 401 E. Jackson St., Ste. 2100 Tampa, FL 33602 Phone: (813) 342-4057 www.VisitTampaBay.com

Brandie Tapscott

Kris Cloonan

CFO FL Concrete & Products Assn, Inc. 6353 Lee Vista Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32822 Phone: (407) 895-9333 www.fcpa.org

Sales Manager DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando Downtown 60 S. Ivanhoe Blvd.

Orlando, FL 32804 Phone: (407) 802-3461 www.doubletreeorlandodowntown.com

Kelsey Tidler

Jennifer Cook

Membership Manager West Coast District Dental Assn 1114 Kyle Wood Ln. Brandon, FL 33511 Phone: (813) 654-2500 www.wcdental.org

Student Members: Courtney Ferm 19031 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Lutz, FL 33548 Phone: (813) 885-4641

Krystal Ferm 19031 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. Lutz, FL 33548 Phone: (813) 885-4641

Director of Sales Doubletree by Hilton St. Augustine Historic Distric 116 San Marco Ave. St. Augustine, FL 32084 Phone: (904) 825-1923 www.staugustinehistoricdistric.doubletree.com

Timothy Donovan CEO Advanced Innovations 4200 Warrrick Hills Dr. Wesley Chapel, FL 33543 Phone: (813) 991-5656 www.aim4best.com

Brecht Heuchan President/CEO ContributionLink, LLC 118 E. Sixth Ave. Tallahassee, FL 32303 Phone: (850) 702-0144 www.contributionlink.com

Carol Hill, MBA Area Sales Manger Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort and Spa 17260 Harbour Pointe Dr. Fort Myers, FL 33908 Phone: (850) 321-6502 www.SanibelMarriott.com

Sarah Beth Hopton Managing Partner Conversa 106 S. Armenia Ave. Tampa, FL 33609 Phone: (813) 252-2409 www.conversaco.com

Carole Kindred Hotel Site Selection JHG Marketing 786 Lantern Way Clearwater, FL 33765 Phone: (727) 443-5511 www.jhgmarketing.com

Don May SVP/ Tallahassee City Executive Farmers & Merchants Bank 3320 Thomasville Rd. Tallahassee, FL 32308 Phone: 850-893-5100 www.fmbbank.com

Stephanie Noa AppRiver 1101 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Ste. 200 Gulf Breeze, FL 32561 Phone: (850) 932-5338 www.appriver.com

Jesse Perez

Gina Leigh Volmuth

Sales Manager Doubletree by Hilton Tampa Airport 4500 W. Cypress St. Tampa, FL 33607 Phone: (813) 998-2216 www.tampadoubletree.com

SVP of Design and Technologies Praxsys Technologies 140 Pine Ave. North Oldsmar, FL 34677 Phone: (813) 855-0201 www.praxsystech.com

Dorry Taylor

William Volmuth

Sales Manager Omni Amelia Island Plantation 3900 Beach Lagoon Dr. Amelia Island, FL 32034 Phone: (904) 261-6161 www.omnihotels.com

CEO/President Praxsys Technologies 140 Pine Ave. North Oldsmar, FL 34677 Phone: (813) 855-0201 www.praxsystech.com

Key takeaway “When digesting pages of post-meeting ideas, let it marinate.

Then come back and look for themes.”

Value Propositions Melynn Sight Mia Cary

Tamara Volkert Program Developer Hunt Insurance Group, LLC / Willis 3606 Maclay Blvd. South Tallahassee, FL 32312 Phone: (850) 556-3069 www.huntinsurancegroup.net

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A PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA SOCIETY OF ASSoCIATION EXECUTIVES

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FEATURE STORY

The ABCs of ADA-Compliant Conferences

By Michael P. Spellman

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a Federal civil rights law designed to protect persons with disabilities by prohibiting discrimination in employment (Title I), ensuring equal access to services of state and local governments (Title II), and ensuring equal access to “places of public accommodations” (12 categories of private businesses and/ or non-profit organizations) (Title III). ADA compliance is not only an issue for employers in hiring decisions, it’s also important to consider when planning conferences and meetings.

Planning “accessible conferences” involves focusing on all aspects of your meeting, from choosing a site through promotion, registration, presentations and handouts. This includes not only selecting ADA compliant facilities, but also ensuring the material presented is accessible to all attendees.

One major area of equal access under the ADA that’s not often considered is “effective communication” for sight and hearing impaired individuals. Organizations will likely be required to provide materials, if requested, in Braille, as well as providing auxiliary aids and services for hearing impaired persons, such as qualified sign language interpreters.

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Below are some guidelines for not running afoul of the ADA in your next meeting. This area of the law is often factdriven, making each case different. In general, however, the following guidelines will be helpful.

Choosing an Accessible Site

When choosing a site for a meeting or conference, the meeting planner should determine whether or not any barriers to accessibility exist. The site visit must include checking entrance and interior doorways, parking lots, corridors, stairways, elevators, sleeping rooms, meeting rooms, restrooms, dining facilities, telephones, water fountains, temperature controls, light and emergency controls, and the fitness center. In addition, the accessibility of any outside entertainment and transportation services offered to participants must be checked. For all participants, the time necessary to move from one session to another must be considered and allowed for in the agenda. For example, do participants have to change floors to get to lunch or to the next session? Are the distance and route between meeting rooms traversable for all?

The staff of the hotel or conference center must also be educated about issues of accessibility. The conference planner should provide the site staff with as much information as possible about individuals with disabilities.

When choosing a site for a meeting or conference, the meeting planner should determine whether or not any barriers to accessibility exist.

The goal of the conference planner is to select a conference setting that allows a person with a disability to move about the conference site freely and independently and participate in and benefit from the conference program. To achieve this goal, the following points should be considered during the site visit.

Mobility Impairments

The following accommodations should be provided for individuals with mobility impairments, including those using wheelchairs, crutches, canes, or walkers: • Accessibility of main entrances and doorways wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and three-wheel carts of varying sizes • Capability to provide appropriately graded ramping in inaccessible areas • Level surfaces • Accessible restrooms (including wide doors and adequate space, unobstructed sinks of appropriate height, grab bars, etc.)

• Wheelchair accessible registration table • Accessible electrical outlets and closet rods of appropriate height in guest rooms

Visual Impairments

The following accommodations should be provided for individuals who are partially sighted or blind: • Well-lit areas, adjustable lighting • Obstacle-free environment (i.e., free of protruding objects that cannot be detected easily) • Large, tactile directions for equipment, elevators, and restrooms; elevator numbers written in Braille or raised print • Dog runs in or near the hotel or convention center for guide-dog users • Appropriate accommodations in guest rooms

Hearing Impairments

The following accommodations should be provided for individuals who are hard of hearing or who are deaf: • Guest rooms equipped with alternative emergency devices such as visual alarms and indicators, (e.g., flashing lights on doors, telephones, and as fire alarms)

• An available telecommunication device for the deaf (TDD) • Dog runs for hearing-dog users

Promotion and Registration

Conference planners should arrange for all promotional material to be available in alternative formats, such as Braille or computer disk. In all conference material, make participants aware that accommodations can be made for a variety of needs. The registration form must ask whether any special assistance is needed, and should set a reasonable deadline for requesting any ADA accommodation. Examples include statements such as the following: • If you have a disability and require special assistance, please inform (conference planner) by attaching your requirements to this form or call (conference planner.)

• If you have a disability and may require accommodation in order to fully participate in this activity, please check here.

You will be contacted by someone from our staff to discuss your specific needs.

Designate someone on staff to handle all issues concerning accommodations for participants with disabilities during the meeting. Have this person available to assist in room registration and site orientation.

Social Functions and Meals

When planning social functions and meals, meeting planners should: • Include personal assistants and interpreters in the estimated number of participants • Make adequate provisions for seating, allowing all participants to sit in the same area. Do not place persons in wheelchairs, or those who use walkers or dog guides on the fringes • Avoid buffet lines; they can be particularly difficult for persons with mobility or visual impairments.

Conference Presentations

The meeting planner must work with invited speakers and presenters to ensure that presentations are accessible to persons with disabilities. Attention to the following points will enhance the accessibility of conference presentations.

All Participants with Disabilities • Choose well-lit and easily accessible meeting rooms • Control background noise to the greatest extent possible • Choose a meeting room with good acoustics and an auxiliary sound system, if possible • Provide written materials in a variety of formats, such as raised print, large print, Braille, audio cassette, and computer disks

The ABCs of ADA-Compliant Conferences (continued on pg 40) A PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA SOCIETY OF ASSociATION EXECUTIVES

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FSAE MemberS

Executive Member News

Jane Toombs Sponsors LinkedIN Job Search Workshop on MacDill AFB Project Transition USA, the only 501(c)(3) nonprofit that specializes in teaching transitioning U.S. military veterans and their families how to fully utilize the powerful business networking site LinkedIN, is pleased to announce their newest LinkedIN Job Search Workshop Sponsor. Jane Toombs, a CEO-to-CEO Introduction Facilitator in Tampa, FL, chose to personally sponsor their June 2014 LinkedIN Job Search Workshop on MacDill Air Force Base, home of U.S. Central Command. Jane served for over 13 years as the Executive Director of the CEO Council of Tampa Bay, the premier organization for entrepreneurial Chief Executive Officers in Tampa Bay, FL. During this time it grew from 86 to 250 CEO members, helping CEOs build relationships, generate ideas and formulate solutions to manage and grow their companies.

In July, Partners in Association Management, announced a new division to serve non-profits and associations to aid them in meeting the needs of their members and planning for future growth.

The new division, Partners Strategic Solutions (PS Squared), will provide organizations with a variety of services such as: strategic planning, staff development tools, and board training. In addition, PS Squared will provide services where the PS Squared team will review specific components of an organization’s day-to-day activities, such as their annual membership plan or annual convention and identify measures that will increase effectiveness, add value or reduce costs. “We are excited to now offer the same type of service we have been providing to the non-profits we manage every day to other organizations on a project basis,” said President and CEO Bennett Napier. “We have long felt that our talented team of experts had so much to offer the association and non-profit community. We now we have a

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mechanism in place to offer those services to others through PS Squared.”

Associate Member News Congratulations to Chip Minick

on his recent promotion to Senior Account Executive for Marriott International! Chip now handles sales for Marriott’s North Florida markets (anything north of Gainesville).

Chip has spent over 19 years in the hospitality industry working with a number of full-service and resort properties throughout the state of Florida and South Carolina. Most recently Chip was representing the Marriott properties on Sanibel and Hutchinson Island. Chip remains a key contributor to the MARSAT team and brings a wealth of knowledge from his 10+ years in the Florida Association market.

Tampa-Area Hotels are Top in Florida Competitive Set for Tourism Growth Visit Tampa Bay recently announced that Hillsborough County is leading Orlando and Fort Lauderdale in year-to-date (January June) increases for hotel average occupancy, revenue per room and average daily rate. Tampa also had the second highest increase against national cities like Charlotte, NC, Nashville, TN and Baltimore, MD to name a few.

“These are remarkable numbers for our destination in what is a very strong set of competitors,” said Visit Tampa Bay President & CEO Santiago Corrada. “Clearly our sales and marketing efforts are having the desired impact. These increases are a bold statement on Tampa’s growing reputation as a top Florida destination for visitors from around the globe, which we are proud to claim.”

If the sun and the sea aren’t incentive enough, maybe our multi-million dollar renovation will be.

Call now and receive 15% off the master account* Sundial offers you and your group endless possibilities and unique package offerings for your ideal island gathering. It’s the perfect reward for a job well done. Contact us today and discover why we were voted the “Best Full-Service Resort” on Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

1451 Middle Gulf Drive, Sanibel Island, Florida sundialresort.com 877.736.4320 *Valid on 25 group room nights or more, certain restrictions apply.

A PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA SOCIETY OF ASSociATION EXECUTIVES 15

FEATURE STORY

The Qualified Association Specialist More than Individual Professional Development An interview with ASMI President Beth Armstrong on her company’s plan for QAS

ASMI President Beth Armstrong

FSAEs Qualified Association Specialist program launched nationally in December 2013. In the first two months, over 65 people had registered for the program – 15 of which were from Association and Society Management International (ASMI) with a very interesting plan for taking QAS. ASMI had just received the AMC Institute Accreditation where the independent auditor found that the organization “invests as much or more in personnel than any other firm they had previously audited.” Beth Armstrong, President, was extremely proud of this finding and it encouraged her to do even more for her staff. Several employees were interested in participating in QAS and as Beth looked into the program’s content and cost, she found it comprehensive and affordable enough to use QAS as a group learning experience.

“We scheduled a day every few weeks when the majority of us could get together to watch a module and discuss it,” said Beth.

“We all took notes on specifics that applied to our clients and new ideas we’d like to try.”

Examples include:

• adding the not-for-profit organization’s mission statement to every meeting agenda (from Module 1 on Organization Types and Management Structures) • pinning cool aspects of a conference site, apparel and recipes of meals served at association events on Pinterest (Module 6 on Marketing and Communication) • provide volunteers who are inviting new members with a short, introductory video (can post on YouTube) so that they only need to pass it along and use it as an entrée to discussion (Module 8 on Membership) • apply crowd-sourcing to conference planning – ask members what they want to learn and provide speakers this guidance (Module 9 on Meetings)

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Beth included a wide range of employees in the QAS program from staff who had only been with ASMI for a few months, to 26-year veterans. Staff who work remotely even called in to participate in the post-video discussions.

“Everyone got something out of the presentations and the experience,” Beth said. “Several of our CAEs even felt like QAS was a good refresher and the staff got competitive about completing modules.”

“In the end, the discussions were as meaningful as the program’s content,” Beth continued. “Not only did we get ideas for our clients, we had the added bonus of great teambuilding. The process engaged staff at an intellectual level and encouraged us all to think about our roles in the organization as a whole.”

All 15 ASMI staffers earned their QAS certificate by midApril, taking only 2 months to complete all 13 modules.

Over 100 people have registered for QAS to date and the response from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. Learn more about the QAS program at www.

AssociationSpecialist.org. Learn more about ASMI at www.asmii.com.

OUR MOST POWERFUL

TECH NOLO G Y IS HIS TOR Y.

Smaller. Slower. Stronger. We don’t follow convention in St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra.

But that’s why people actually remember meetings and conventions held here . Because they’re bigger than business. They’re journeys into a seaside romance with Old World Europe . And that modern meeting stuff?

It’s here too.

Visit MyFloridaMeetings.com for an interactive Group & Meeting Guide or call 800-418-7529.

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A PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA SOCIETY OF ASSociATION EXECUTIVES

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8/15/14 11:10 AM

For Members

By Members

Today’s Membership Department, Tomorrow’s Community Management?

The community evolution has associations and nonprofits expanding their views on how to manage membership and communications. As a new but increasingly welcomed change, traditional membership departments in associations are incorporating online communities and automation to further improve member engagement and retention.

•

engagement can be encouraged to complete their profile or engage in some capacity with the community

•

Community management can be integrated into a membership manager’s scope of responsibilities, and ultimately enhance the task of onboarding, engaging and retaining members. The advent of affective automation tools for an online community means there is a net reduction in workload and a boost in managerial efficiency for a membership department. Managers can take on a wider scope of member retention efforts up front, ultimately able to focus more on organizational KPIs and improved processes overall.

For example, the process of onboarding new members typically involves minimal interactions, an email or welcome letter, from an already busy membership department.

Therefore first year members are the least likely to renew. By leveraging your community platform’s automation tools, you can use the system’s logic to set up a series of introduction messages, follow-up emails reminders on community activity and personalized notes for check-in calls.

Recognition. Reward members who have created

value for the organization by engaging in some capacity with digital rewards like badges and digital ribbons, as well as the more traditional discounts and special opportunities

•

Account Management. Ensure all members

receive personalized attention, such as responding to each message posted. The last thing you want is to hype up your community as a place to access industry expertise, only to have questions met with chirping crickets. Every new member (ideally, every member) should have an account manager (community manager) who they feel comfortable to reach out to if they have a question

By Andy Steggles

Many organizations contemplate investing in an online community platform for their members, but struggle with the concept of spreading already stretched staff resources to support such an initiative. There’s no need to panic over the health and status of your membership department. Preexisting staff resources and new platforms can be leveraged to bring more order and breadth to the membership manager role.

Inaction. Members with the lowest level of

•

Quality. Do whatever it takes to ensure your

community does not become a feeding ground for vendors. Ensure the quality of the discussions within your community remains professional and all messages contribute to the organizational body of knowledge, using moderation techniques to help with this goal

When considering implementing a new online community, review the scope of membership and which tasks would generate more ROI for the organization. Do you have member service representatives whose primary responsibilities involve answering phones or email? Offer them additional training in community management, data tracking/reporting or curating content. Don’t have the staff capacity to dedicate to community management? Supplement your existing volunteer structure by engaging in task-based volunteerism and use this as an opportunity to engage more members in a way that ultimately creates more value for the membership.

In an era when data collection is key, an online community offers a treasure trove. Seasoned membership managers (now including community management) are able to track and report measurable objectives and results for their top KPIs. Some of the more common online community statistics tracked includes:

Communities offer plenty of new engagement tactics from which traditional membership departments can benefit. Here are additional member-focused transactions to help trigger Calls To Action (CTA) events:

• Number of members with completed profiles and average completeness percentage • Number of members who’ve logged into your website in a given time period

18

Today’s Membership Department (continued on pg 40)

sep/oct 2014

Which includes: Full Breakfast Buffet in La Hacienda Restaurant AM & PM Meeting breaks - Chef ’s Choice Full Lunch Buffet - La Hacienda Restaurant Chef ’s Choice Complimentary meeting room rental 10% OFF audio visual equipment rental Additional recreation specials include: Golf on Las Colinas, select treatments at Spa Marbella, Trap & Skeet or Boat Rentals, $50 per person++*. Guests rooms offered at special rates. *Some restrictions apply by date or availability. Package is for 25 people or more for new meetings held before December 24, 2014. ++Gratuity and tax are additional.

H ow e y - i n - t H e -H i l l s , Fl | MissionInnResort.com | 800-523-2289

For Members

By Members

Bringing Sexy Back: Membership Marketing

By Will Lesley

The one thing we don’t have enough of is time. And, if you don’t have time to spare, your members don’t, either. Every minute is precious and we create filters to help us be more efficient. These filters can be e-mail filters built into our e-mail programs, human “gate keepers” answering phones or opening mail, or internal filters that turn us “on” to things we want to spend time on and turn us “off” to things we don’t want to waste time on.

One of the hardest things to accomplish is getting members and prospect members to open the marketing piece I’ve sent. I could write an amazing marketing piece, offer them free membership or the deal of a lifetime, but if they don’t open it how can they possibly respond? Answer: They can’t.

If your marketing piece is a physical mail piece: • Try a postcard or self-mailer where your main message is right out front – hard to ignore a message if you don’t even have to open something to see it.

• Use color! Yes, black ink only does make for a lower impact on your budget but it’s not that impressive or eye-catching.

• If you have to put your marketing piece inside of an envelope try having envelopes printed with full color graphics – this option isn’t as expensive as you might think (printing full color graphics on the front of our envelopes only increased the price per box by $35) • Hire a graphic designer – your project will go quicker if you’re not trying to “make it work” using a program like Word to put something together. A professional graphic designer can do the design work and ensure that the finished project will meet your printer’s requirements while allowing you to work on the messaging/content.

Before

So, the first hurdle is getting them to open your marketing piece. How do you do that?

After

If your marketing piece is an e-mail: • Choose a smart, catchy subject line – but don’t lie about what is inside the e-mail (otherwise known as “clickbating”).

• Don’t attach files to your e-mail – this can restrict who receives your e-mail.

• Use your own e-mail address, or something like “membership@association.org” for the “From” and “Reply To” fields.

• Try using a term like “Limited Time Offer” in the subject line to help members/customers recognize the need to open the e-mail now, and not wait (even a small delay ups the chance that they’ll forget to open it and eventually just delete it).

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Bring Sexy Back

“But,” you protest, “there’s nothing sexy about purple polkadot hardhat makers!” I so get that, trust me. You’re not wrong, but you’re not exactly right, either. We’ve all been faced with the burden of taking something that is not

Bringing Sexy Back (continued on pg 41)

ROSEN HOTELS & RESORTS

40

years of passion

40 years of setting new standards in Orlando.

Over the past 40 years, Rosen Hotels & Resorts has delivered one-of-a-kind Orlando experiences with service that continually redefines exceptional. In a city famous for worldclass hospitality, that is an achievement we proudly celebrate, and we invite you to do the same. To mark this special milestone, we have put together a host of anniversary offers to take advantage of. And to make it even sweeter, we will be giving away beautiful ruby necklaces throughout 2014. Ask your Sales Associate for details, and don’t forget to submit an RFP.

Call 407.996.4890 or visit RosenHotels.com/40 to learn about our special anniversary offers and take advantage of them.

A PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA SOCIETY OF ASSociATION EXECUTIVES

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2014 FSAE

22

sep/oct 2014

CONFERENCE

A PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA SOCIETY OF ASSociATION EXECUTIVES

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Success!

2014 Conference Highlights 2014 Conference Recap: • • • •

Total Registrants: 404 (142 Execs; 232 Associates) Sponsorship: $102,050 (Cash) and approximately $165,070 (In-Kind) Amazing Challenge participants: 122 Total raised to date for Sneakers for September: $3,215 with a match coming from Green Bag Project supporter Art Eurbin for a total donation of $6,430 • Key Takeaways submitted: 149 • First-Time Attendees: 115 • Number of CAE/CMP credits: 12

2014 Auction Recap: • • • •

Money Raised: Over $41,000 Donations Received: 218 (144 in silent auction, 74 in Online Auction) Big Tickets Sold: 481 Big Ticket Winners: Marriott Beaches: Lissette Zuknick, West Coast District Dental Assn; Marriott Luxury: Elaine Carpenter, FL Retail Federation; Ritz Carlton: Keyna Cory, FL Recycling Partnership; IHG: Glenn East, Northeast FL Assn of REALTORS • Big Ticket Top Sellers: Al Pasini - 103; Val Anderson - 33; Adrienne Bryant - 32 • Wine and Liquor Toss raised over $1,500 • Onsite Auction Volunteers: 28

Key takeaway “Most associations with online courses are moving toward the blended model, both activities, and facilitator participating.”

Hybrid Education – Kenneth Nanni Jeannette Gabay

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Key takeaway “The time to look for new talent is before you need it.”

CEO roundtable – Jim Zaniello Mark Landreth

Key takeaway “Even with Florida’s gift laws, you can still give plaques and awards.”

Can grassroots help your bottom line? Jack Cory & Erin Daly Will Lessley

A PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA SOCIETY OF ASSociATION EXECUTIVES

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Key takeaway “Newsjacking” is a great way to get your message out.”

Kick-Butt Branding Karen Post Drew Eason

Innovation Lounge

2014 Technology Expo

FSAE showcased the best association technology solutions at Annual Conference through our Innovation Lounge Technology Expo. We want to thank our 2014 participants and invite you to contact any one of these companies for your technology needs! Visit www.fsae.org/InnovationLounge to learn more.

Thanks to our Expo Sponsor!

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sep/oct 2014

www.fsae.org/innovationLounge

Key takeaway “Membership is not a cost benefit analysis” What 50,000 Members Say - Greg Melia Marilin Aubuchon

Key takeaway “Look for a work/life integration, not a work/life balance” Tools for Young Professionals - Gabriel Eckert Deborah Probst

Key takeaway “To be effective presenting, take your audience on a journey.”

Pitiful Powerpoints - John Ricco & Kiki L’Italien Marilin Aubuchon

EVERYTHING. IN THE RIGHT PLACE. Fresh, flexible meeting space, a team of seasoned meeting support professionals, exemplary service with a smile... all on one of the world’s best beaches.

• 585 remodeled guest rooms and suites • Largest beachfront meetings resort on Florida’s west coast • Over 70,000 square feet of flexible meeting and function space • Centrally located 10 minutes off Interstate 275 and an easy 30-minute drive from Tampa and St. Petersburg/Clearwater airports

TradeWindsMeetings.com Sales@TWResort.com 800.345.6461

A PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA SOCIETY OF ASSociATION EXECUTIVES

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Thank You Sponsors!

as of July 1

Platinum Sponsors

Planting the Seeds Innovation Planting theof seeds

Gold Sponsors

of innovation

Silver Sponsor Bronze Sponsors

Sponsors

Marketing Maximizers & Conference Partners AssociationCFO Creative Staging Services, Inc. Caribe Royale Disney Destinations IntrinXec Experience Kissimmee Job Creators Network Review My AMS The Shores Resort & Spa Wonder Works

TM

www.fsae.org/annualConference

GET LOST IN THOUGHT. NOT IN THE CROWD.

RIGHT FOR YOUR BUDGET. RIGHT NEXT TO ORLANDO. Mediocrity adjourned. Seminole County gives your group a beautiful, natural setting that’s less crowded and more relaxed, yet still close to world-famous theme parks. From some of Florida’s finest group hotels (priced less than Orlando resorts), to inspiring outdoor venues, to expert planning assistance, it’s better to meet in Seminole County. So come meet in Seminole County, North Orlando’s oasis for group meetings, and let our planners help coordinate your next meeting.

MEETINSEMINOLE.COM • 407-665-2901

A PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA SOCIETY OF ASSociATION EXECUTIVES

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For Members

By Members

Next Level RFPs: Best Practice Tips from the Associate Advisory Committee Panelists at the 2014 Annual Conference The good news is the economy is improving and the frequency and size of meetings is on the rise. But with that comes a volume of leads, RFP’s, RFI’s and the challenge of effectively managing them like we’ve never seen.

Meeting planners want their information “yesterday,” and suppliers are faced with sifting through inquiries direct from clients, regional and national sales offices, major site selection providers, and third parties; sometimes receiving the same lead from multiple sources.

So what information is the supplier looking for in an RFP to respond in the fastest, most accurate manner and what can planners do to facilitate that process? Events large and small start with the RFP to find the best locations and rates available. Creating a solid and informative RFP and response offer from the beginning saves everyone valuable resources and time.

At FSAEs 2014 Annual Conference, panelists from the Associate Advisory Committee discussed best practices and offer you the following tips for both sides of the negotiating table:

Tips for Executives & Meeting Planners: Follow-up with venues you send RFP’s with a call. The digital universe can let us down from time to time and things do get lost in cyber space. If you really are interested in a response, be sure to make that phone call.

Jason Carroll, CMP Director of Sales & Events, The Florida Aquarium

When asking for a proposal, do not be afraid to give your rate range. This will save a lot of time for both the planner and the hotel. Hotels will not go higher just because they see your range. Giving the rate range eliminates looking at dates where the budget will not permit.

Kimberly Chorniewy National Sales Manager, The Breakers Palm Beach

Track and provide accurate history and expenditures of your meetings. Be sure to include room nights blocked and actualized each night and the Food & Beverage spend for all of your events, even breaks. Venues and destinations want to see the overall value of the business and having accurate history will help both parties make the best, informed decisions.

Lisa Chamberlain, CMP National Sales Manager, Visit Tampa Bay

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Whenever possible, be flexible on the dates for your event. Be honest with your board … you can’t get a $99 per night rate in the middle of season in Palm Beach! And make sure to give your board a deadline to make a decision so that you don’t keep the hotel waiting.

Keyna Cory, Executive Director, FL Recycling Partnership

Be concise in your RFP and don’t bury important hot buttons and concessions in long narratives.

Suppliers can respond most effectively when items are bullet pointed for clarity.

Lisa Miller, CMP, Senior Sales Manager, The Caribe Royale

Tips for RFP Responders: Whether a piece of business is six weeks or six years out, get your client’s attention with the first offer. As a third party who has presented search results to clients, I know there isn’t always the luxury of time to negotiate. Decisions on a shortlist can be made quickly, and based strictly on rate, rental, or any hot button presented in the RFP. Unless the business is marginal, come out swinging!

Richard Miseyko, CMP, CMM, President, Site Search, Inc.

FSAEs’ New, Affordable Program on the Principles of Association Management • Enhance your overall knowledge and skill in association management • Strengthen your talent & awareness with personal development opportunities • Master the fundamentals needed for career advancement • Earn 13 CAE or CMP credit Hours!

• Save $100 through October 31 with coupon code FSAESource1014

www.fsae.org/AssociationSpecialist A PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA SOCIETY OF ASSociATION EXECUTIVES

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Support those who support fsae

FACILITIES

Buyer’s Guide

BELLASERA HOTEL, NAPLES

(800) 548-5284

BellaseraNaples.com/MeetingsGroups

THE BREAKERS PALM BEACH

(561) 653-6604

TheBreakers.com

CARIBE ROYALE

(407) 238-8100

CaribeRoyale.com

DAYTONA BEACH RESORT

(800) 654-6216

DaytonaBeachResort.com

DIAMONDHEAD BEACH RESORT

(888) 865-5844

DiamondheaFL.com/MeetingsGroups

DOUBLETREE HOTEL PALM BEACH GARDENS

(561) 776-2913

DoubletreePalmBeachGardens.com

DOUBLETREE HOTEL TAMPA WESTSHORE

(800) 222-TREE

TampaDoubletree.com

DOUBLETREE RESORT ORLANDO— INTERNATIONAL DRIVE

(407) 352-1100

DoubletreeOrlandoIDrive.com

EMBASSY SUITES ORLANDO - LAKE BUENA VISTA SOUTH

(407) 597-4100

OrlandoLakeBuenaVistaSouth.EmbassySuites.com

Eau Palm Beach

(561) 540-4806

eaupalmbeach.com

HAMMOCK BEACH RESORT

(844) 271-5896

SalamanderHotels.com

HILTON COCOA BEACH OCEANFRONT

(321) 799-0003

HiltonCocoaBeach.com

HILTON SANDESTIN BEACH GOLF RESORT & SPA

(877) 705-6641

SandestinBeachHilton.com

HOLLYWOOD BEACH MARRIOTT

(954) 924-2202

MarriottHollywoodBeach.com

HUTCHINSON ISLAND MARRIOTT

(800) 947-2148

HutchinsonIslMarriott.com

HUTCHINSON ISLAND MARRIOTT BEACH RESORT & MARINA

(772) 225-3700

MarcoIslandMarriott.com

INNISBROOK RESORT

(844) 271-5893

SalamanderHotels.com

MARCO ISLAND MARRIOTT

(941) 642-2794

MarcoMarriottResort.com

MARCO ISLAND MARRIOTT BEACH RESORT, GOLF CLUB & SPA

(239) 394-2511

MarcoIslandMarriott.com

MARRIOTT HARBOR BEACH RESORT & SPA

(954) 766-6133

MarriottHarborBeach.com

MARRIOTT HOLLYWOOD BEACH

(954) 924-2202

HollywoodBeachMarriott.com

MARRIOTT ST. PETERSBURG/CLEARWATER

(866) 508-0265

StPeteClearwaterMarriott.com

MIAMI MARRIOTT BISCAYNE BAY

(305) 374-3900

MarriottBiscayneBay.com

NAPLES GRANDE BEACH RESORT

(239) 594-6736

NaplesGrandeResort.com

OCEAN REEF CLUB

(305) 367-2611

OceanReef.com

OCEANSIDE INN

(386) 255-4492

OceanSideDaytona.com/events

ORLANDO MARRIOTT LAKE MARY

(407) 995-1100

marriott.com/mcoml

PELICAN GRAND BEACH RESORT

(954) 556-7598

PelicanBeach.com

PGA NATIONAL RESORT AND SPA

(800) 533-4669

PGAresort.com

The Plaza Historic Beach Resort & Spa

(386) 267-1639

PlazaResortandSpa.com

PONTE VEDRA BEACH RESORTS

(800) 234-7842

PVresorts.com

RENAISSANCE ORLANDO HOTEL

(407) 513-7208

RenaissanceOrlandoAP.com

RENAISSANCE ORLANDO AT SEAWORLD

(407) 351-5555

RenaissanceSeaworldOrlando.com

RENAISSANCE VINOY RESORT

(888) 303-4430

VinoyRenaissanceResort.com

THE RESORT AT MARINAVILLAGE

(239) 541-5000

MarinaVillageResort.com

REUNION RESORT

(877) 271-5896

SalamanderHotels.com

ROSEN CENTRE

(800) 800-9840

RosenCentre.com

ROSEN PLAZA

(800) 336-9700

RosenPlaza.com

ROSEN SHINGLE CREEK

(866) 996-9939

RosenShingleCreek.com

SAFETY HARBOR RESORT

(727) 724-7708

SafetyHarborSpa.com

SANDESTIN® GOLF AND BEACH RESORT

(850) 267-6136

sandestin.com

SANIBEL HARBOUR RESORT & SPA

(239) 466-4000

sanibel-resort.com

SANIBEL HARBOUR MARRIOTT RESORT & SPA

(239) 466-4000

SanibelMarriott.com

SHERATON FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH HOTEL

(954) 524-5551

sheraton.com/FortLauderdaleBeach

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sep/oct 2014

SIRATA BEACH RESORT

(727) 363-5107

sirata.com

TAMPA MARRIOTT WATERSIDE HOTEL & MARINA

(813) 204-6338

TampaWaterside.com

TRADEWINDS

(727) 363-2215

TradeWindsMeetings.com

WESTIN IMAGINE ORLANDO

(407) 233-2971

westin.com/ImagineOrlando

SERVICES AMERICAN AUDIO VISUAL

(407) 888-8300

americanaudiovisual.com

BOYD BROTHERS, INC

(800) 677-BOYD (2693)

boyd-printing.com

LINE1 COMMUNICATIONS

(850) 668-6666

line1com.com

ASSOCIATION STUDIOS

(800) 820-6020

AssociationStudios.com

HIGHER LOGIC

(866) 670-1402

HigherLogic.com

PEACH NEW MEDIA

(866) 702-3278

PeachNewMedia.com

THE BEACHES OF FORT MYERS & SANIBEL

(800) 237-6444

FortMyersSanibelMeetings.com

BRADENTON AREA CVB

(941) 729-9177

BradentonGulfIslands.com/Meetings

GREATER FT. LAUDERDALE CVB

(800) 356-1662

sunny.org/meetings

GREATER MIAMI CVB

(800) 933-8448

MiamiMeetings.com

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY

(772) 567-3491

IndianRiverChamber.com SebastianChamber.com

VISIT JACKSONVILLE & THE BEACHES

(800) 340-4444

VisitJacksonville.com/meetings

EXPERIENCE KISSIMMEE

(407) 742-8252

MeetInKissimmee.com/meetings

VISIT ORLANDO

(800) 362-4424

OrlandoMeeting.com

Discover the Palm Beaches

(561) 233-3000

palmbeachfl.com

SEMINOLE COUNTY

(800) 800-7832

visitseminole.com

ST. AUGUSTINE/PONTE VEDRA

(800) 418-7529

myfloridameetings.com

CVBs

VISIT CENTRAL FLORIDA

(863)551-4709

VisitCentralFlorida.com

VISIT ST. PETE/CLEARWATER

(727) 464-7234

VisitStPeteClearwater.com

VISIT TAMPA BAY

(800) 826-8358

VisitTampaBay.com

Meetings at Resorts and Spas Caribe Royale Caribe Royale is excited to announce a $3.5 million renovation project scheduled for completion in December 2014. The new aesthetic is inspired by the Mediterranean and will feature earth tone accents, washed greys, terra cotta, clean lines, and fresh foliage. The project includes new two new lounges, flooring, wall coverings, fixtures, and furniture in the hotel’s main Lobby Reception building. The Tower III guest suite building will also receive new carpet, fixtures, and wall coverings complimenting the fresh, contemporary atmosphere established in the main Lobby Reception building.

Located just 1.5 miles from the Walt Disney World® Theme Parks, – and offering over 1,300 exceptional all-suite accommodations and over 150,000 sq. ft. of meeting space – the Caribe Royale is your ideal convention destination.

DiamondHead Beach Resort With 8,000 square feet of event space including an executive boardroom, ballroom and outdoor terrace overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, DiamondHead is the perfect spot for your next meeting or event. With our professional sales and catering staff to help coordinate all arrangements, audio and visual requirements, menus and transportation, your event will be one to remember. DiamondHead Beach Resort is a proud member of the Florida Green Lodging Program.

DiamondHead is a landmark beach resort in the Times Square district of Fort Myers Beach, featuring one-bedroom suites, Cabana’s Beach Bar & Grille, Chloe’s Restaurant & Lounge, Esterra Spa, beach sports, and pool activities. Offering spacious 700 sq ft suites with separate living area and kitchenette that can accommodate up to four, with private screened balconies that feature spectacular Gulf views.

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Grand Golf Resorts of Florida Collection The Grand Golf Resorts of Florida, a collection that includes Innisbrook Resort in Tampa Bay, Reunion Resort in Orlando and Hammock Beach Resort, features unique meeting spaces, spacious accommodations and top-notch golf and amenities.

Innisbrook Resort is situated on 900 wooded acres of rolling hills in Tampa Bay on Florida’s Gulf Coast and features 600 spacious guest suites and rooms. The campus-style resort has 100,000 square feet of unique indoor and outdoor space and boasts one of the largest exhibit halls in Florida. Innisbrook Resort features four restaurants and three bars, 11 tennis courts, the new luxury Indaba Spa with 12 treatment rooms and state-of-the-art fitness center, six heated swimming pool complexes, a nature preserve and four courses of championship golf designed by legend Larry Packard, including the championship Copperhead Course.

Innisbrook Resort

The AAA Four Diamond-rated Reunion Resort includes more than 300 luxury accommodations that range from private villas to vacation homes. Reunion’s meeting spaces consists of breathtaking ballrooms, spacious conference rooms and outdoor event space. The resort features fine-dining outlets, including the roof top restaurant, Eleven; a full-service boutique spa; a water park with a playground, 1,000-foot lazy river and slide. Reunion Resort is also the only location in the United States to have course designs by Tom Watson, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Reunion Resort is also home to the only ANNIKA Academy in the United States.

Situated along more than two miles of spectacular Atlantic beach on Florida’s Palm Coast, the AAA Four Diamond-rated Hammock Beach Resort has over 300 accommodations, including a 12-story tower of luxury suites. The resort features indoor space and unique outdoor space such as the Grand Event and Ocean Event lawns and Hammock’s 117-foot luxury yacht, the Sundancer, which cruises the Intracoastal Waterway. Hammock Beach Resort includes casual and fine dining restaurants with views of the Atlantic Ocean, a multi-level water and swim pavilion, fitness center and spa. The resort also features the newly renovated Conservatory Course and the Ocean Course, which plays six holes directly along the Atlantic Ocean. For more information about the Grand Golf Resorts of Florida collection, visit www.grandgolfresorts.com.

Reunion Resort

Embassy Suites • Orlando • Lake Buena Vista South Imagine a new Embassy Suites® designed for truly great Orlando meetings. With 300 spacious two-room suites and 40,000 square feet of meeting, prefunction and outdoor patio space, we offer the most meeting space of any Embassy Suites in Florida. Boasting unique outdoor reception areas, a 15,000 square foot ballroom, 5,000 square foot junior ballroom, numerous boardrooms and 28 breakout rooms, we have the flexibility to accommodate your meeting needs and give everyone the room they deserve. Plus each guest will enjoy free cooked-toorder breakfast and complimentary Evening Reception* with beer, wine, mixed drinks, sodas, juices, and dry snacks. The hotel also offers free self-parking and no resort fees. Located just 3.5 miles from the Walt Disney World® Resort and 20 minutes from Orlando International Airport.

Mission Inn Resort – An Association Dream Set among the scenic rolling citrus hills just north of Orlando, Mission Inn provides associations a comfortable “home away from home atmosphere” for Florida meetings. The resort provides a variety of meeting and breakout rooms, picturesque dining venues, and consistent award-winning service for 30 to 300 guests.

Recent renovations of $1.5 Million include exterior paint, guest rooms and suites, public spaces and more have added to the resort’s look and the price-value on rooms and restaurants important to association attendees.

Located in central Florida at I-75 and Florida Turnpike, Mission Inn provides the ideal location where attendees can build relationships, unwind after hours at the golf course and spa, or enroll in an adventure learning program. For group information, contact Dawn Lafferty at 352-324-3901, dlafferty@missioninnresort. com; www.MissionInnResort.com.

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Hammock Beach Resort

Naples Grande Beach Resort Set alongside a 200 acre Mangrove Estuary, the resort features the largest and most newly renovated guestrooms and suites in Southwest Florida, with private balconies and Gulf of Mexico views. Guests will indulge in miles of sugar sand beach; three signature pools complete with private cabanas, zero entry, a whirlpool and waterslide; exclusive golfing privileges on our 18-hole golf course designed

by Rees Jones; 15 Har-Tru tennis courts managed by Peter Burwash International tennis pros and an expansive full service spa and salon. With seven distinctive dining options to choose from, each meal feels like a unique experience; and with over 83,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor space, each event feels one of a kind with the attentive service of our award-winning staff. Visit naplesgrande. com or call (239) 594-6736.

Ocean Reef Club Secluded on the northernmost tip of Key Largo, Ocean Reef Club offers 2,500 pristine, secure acres less than an hour’s drive from Miami and easily accessible by car, yacht or through our private airport.

There are a variety of meeting spaces indoor and out, from Buccaneer Island for waterfront events of virtually any size to 30,000 total square feet of indoor space.

At Ocean Reef Club, select from more than 275 accommodations, including Inn rooms, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom villas and beautiful private homes. Beyond the meeting, there are endless ways to spend the day, with two championship golf courses, twenty tennis courts, dual oceanfront pools, a salon and spa, nine restaurants and lounges, and over a dozen eclectic shops. Contact Ocean Reef Club at www. oceanreef.com or 800-843-2730.

Rosen Hotels & Resorts Orlando Over the past 40 years, Rosen Hotels & Resorts has delivered one-of-a-kind Orlando experiences with service that continually redefines exceptional. Rosen’s three convention properties offer an astounding array of facilities, conveniently located in the heart of Orlando’s shopping, dining and attractions.

AAA Four Diamond Rosen Shingle Creek offers a 230-acre escape with 1,501 rooms, 191 suites and 490,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; Rosen Centre Hotel offers 1,334 rooms, 36 suites and more than 150,000 sq. ft. of meeting space; and Rosen Plaza Hotel offers 800 rooms, 80 suites and more than 60,000 sq. ft. of meeting space.

Call 407.996.9939 or visit RosenHotels.com/40 to learn about our special 40th anniversary offers. Ask your sales associate for details when you submit an RFP.

Seminole County Just on the other side of Orlando, Seminole County offers a beautiful natural setting for your next meeting. Your group will enjoy a more relaxed, less crowded environment that’s still within minutes of world-class attractions.

You’ll discover some of Florida’s newest properties for nearly one-third less than most Orlando resorts. With more than 100,000 square feet of combined meeting space and nearly 5,000 rooms, Seminole County can answer your needs and your budget. Acres of parkland, natural beauty and unique after-hours fun offer exciting team-building adventures. The Seminole County Convention and Visitors Bureau can check availability, arrange transportation and off-site venues, and secure discounted attraction packages and more. For expert planning assistance, call Stephanie Hunicke at 407-665-2901 or visit www.MeetinSeminole.com.

Sundial Beach Resort & Spa For truly inspired meetings and events, gather your group at the beautifully re-designed Sundial Beach Resort & Spa, named the “Best Full-Service Resort” on Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Sanibel’s premier meeting venue, Sundial offers 12,000 square feet of flexible space able to accommodate up to 300 guests as well as unique outdoor event space. The newly renovated facility includes nine separate event rooms that come with views of the Gulf, which the outdoor event space overlooks as well. In their leisure time, attendees can participate in a variety of resort activities including water sports, golf, tennis, and beach volleyball, or just relax in one of five heated swimming pools. Guests can also relax and rejuvenate-mind, body and soul at the newly opened Kay Casperson Lifestyle Spa. Call 239.394.6008 or visit www.sundialresort.com.

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TradeWinds Island Grand Meeting attendees find that miles of white sandy beach, 10 dining and entertainment venues, spa and fitness center, cutting-edge water sports and children’s programs make TradeWinds Island Grand ideal for combining business with a post-meeting getaway.

Meeting planners appreciate the value-added group rates at TradeWinds which include Wi-Fi in meeting space and guest rooms, overnight parking, use of fitness and business centers and waived resort fee.

Over 70,000 square feet of flexible meeting space includes 21 breakout rooms, three rooms exceeding 8,000 square feet plus tropical courtyards and beachfront terraces. Remodeled guest rooms feature new, sophisticated décor, luxury pillow-top bedding, HDTVs and travertine tile.

TradeWinds boasts the winning combination of a central location with easy access and the nation’s #1 beach destination (TripAdvisor 2012).

800.345.6461, TradeWindsMeetings.com

Meetings in North FL Visit Jacksonville Jacksonville, perfectly positioned along the Atlantic Ocean in Northeast Florida, is called the “River City by the Sea.” Whether you are looking to discover the undiscovered, ignite romance, reconnect with family, or be inspired by the city’s cultural offerings, unique cuisine, or uncrowded beaches, anything is possible.

Visitors will find plenty to do with diverse activities, restaurants, and nightlife.

From convention hotels to resorts to boutique properties, Jacksonville offers more than 18,000 guest rooms, fitting every budget and preference. Jacksonville welcomes groups from 10 to 10,000 to experience its unique meeting venues and event spaces. Beyond the meeting room, the possibility for an unforgettable experience is waiting for you in Jacksonville! Call (800) 340-4444 or go to www. visitjacksonville.com/meetings for more information.

Ponte Vedra Inn & Club The historic Ponte Vedra Inn & Club has been a northeast Florida landmark since its celebrated opening in 1928. Located in the picturesque seaside village of Ponte Vedra Beach, just 20 miles southeast of Jacksonville, this AAA Five-Diamond rated oceanfront resort has hosted some of the nation’s most influential groups and meetings. Palms, dunes and the Atlantic surf provide a dramatic backdrop for 250 luxurious rooms and suites, beach, golf, tennis, pools, gym, spa, restaurants and shopping. Ponte Vedra is a 17-time recipient of the “Gold Key Award” for meetings excellence. Groups from 10-450 persons are well cared for with more than 25,000 sq. ft. of meeting and banquet space.

Customized events include putting green coffee breaks, “Closest to the Hole” cocktail receptions and beach Olympics. Call (800) 234-7842 or visit www. pontevedra.com.

Invite history and inspiration to your next meeting.

Stand out from the crowd by taking your crowd to Florida’s Historic Coast®, St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra. It’s where 42 miles of Atlantic beaches and 500 years of history surround a place that’s witnessed the discovery of America and a renaissance of commerce and culture. When it comes to meetings, St. Augustine | Ponte Vedra charts its own course, too, featuring a range of historic to contemporary properties for up to1,500 attendees and world-famous golf.

Take your next gathering to this place where history isn’t the same old story. Visit MyFloridaMeetings.com for info and check out our interactive Group & Meeting Guide. Or call 1-800-418-7529.

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2014 FSAE Leadership Award Winners (continued from right location to handle the crowd size and logistic flexibility needed. They directed Rusty to the Tampa Fairgrounds and it was the perfect location for this event.

“People were lined up the night before at 9:00 pm and slept in their cars,” Rusty said. “The gates opened at 4:45 am and by 5:30 we got a call that we may already be full in terms of who we could treat in one day. It was amazing. This was the first Mission of Mercy event in Florida and we’re working on the process for regions of the state to host the next one in 2016 and then annually. It’s our goal to touch as many areas of the state as we can.”

“People from other states that have held these events also came down to offer support and guidance on some of the patient flow and logistics. In addition to all of our member volunteers, there wasn’t a single person on staff that didn’t contribute to this event in some way. We all pulled together to make this happen and it was a huge success. This award is really for everyone at the FDA.” Rusty’s advice to other members: “Get involved with FSAE. You’ll be surprised at how FSAE can help your job and your career.” After 21 years at FDA, Rusty is leaving the organization in October to join the FL Home Builders Association as CEO and Chief Lobbyist. “My work on the FSAE Search Committee helped me get the job at FHBA. I had firsthand knowledge of the search process from the other side and I had a different understanding of the interview process and the difficult decisions involved. That experience made my interview much less intimidating and I was more relaxed through the process. So you never know what will come back to help you from participating in FSAE.” Congratulations Rusty on winning Executive of the Year, and on your new adventure!

Associate of the Year: Meg Caldwell, CMP Meg Caldwell joined FSAE in 2010 right after accepting a position as Sales Manager for the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort & Spa in Point Clear, Alabama - located on the Gulf Coast near Pensacola. Meg was given a geographic territory of several states in the southeast including Florida. This was the first time she had a geographic region and not a vertical market, like associations or corporate sales – and she knew she needed to research and reach out to different markets to meet her sales goals.

The Grand Hotel is a natural fit for the association market. It’s a resort property with the meeting space and room nights associations need. So Meg researched associations in her territories and found FSAE – just in time to register for the 2010 Annual Conference in Naples. New to this market, Meg

9)

was a little overwhelmed but thought Conference was a great experience. She met several key association executives that she is still connected with today. After Conference, Meg knew she needed to get involved with FSAE so she volunteered to serve on the Silent Auction Committee.

What Chairing a Committee Has Meant for Meg “Throughout my career, I’ve learned that you have to get involved to meet people and build relationships,” said Meg. “I’ve served on committees before, but it really affected me once I joined the Silent Auction Committee and served as Co-Chair. Your commitment level is different as Chair – it’s up to you to make sure the committee succeeds in meeting its goals. In 2012, I Co-Chaired with Jim Ayotte, and he was a big part of that being such a positive experience.”

“As Chairs, Jim and I organized the committee, reported to the board, developed the committee goals and organized the Big Ticket packages,” Meg continued.

“It was up to us to make sure all committee members understood their commitment involved in soliciting the donations that make the event and the Foundation a success.”

In 2012 the Foundation had the largest silent auction ever with over 275 donations that raised over $50,000 for professional development funding. In 2013, the committee launched the first online auction held the month prior to the on-site Silent Auction at Conference.

“Those were big achievements for the Foundation,” said Meg. “Each had their own challenges to overcome. I’ve been fortunate to work with excellent committee members to make these past few years so successful.”

In July, Meg was sworn-in as a Foundation Trustee and will serve a two-year term to continue supporting the Foundation’s mission and success.

Meg’s passion isn’t all devoted to FSAE. In the past 18 months, she has increased revenue from her market territory by 50% and is on pace to exceed her annual revenue goals by 10%. She also mentors new staff members and helps make sure they have the training and support they need to be successful. Meg not only helped train staff on the newly implemented Marriott Global System, she also frequently acts A PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA SOCIETY OF ASSociATION EXECUTIVES

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as a sounding board and helps sales associates strategize to create the best proposals and find solutions for client issues.

so much of themselves and that’s really helped me in my career. It makes me want to continue to be involved and give back to other members.”

“I want to do my best at everything I do,” said Meg. “Whether it’s work or play, I believe that if I do my best I’ll be successful.

That’s something I instill in my children and try to emulate at work. Whether it’s making sure co-workers have the right tools to effectively do their jobs or my own sales goals, I give 100%.”

Meg’s advice to other members: “Get Involved. Serve on a committee and be active. FSAE is so much more rewarding when you do. If you give a little of yourself, you’ll get so much more in return!”

Congratulations Meg! And thank you for your years of service to FSAE and the Foundation!

Executive Rising Star: Adrienne Bryant, CAE Adrienne Bryant, CAE joined FSAE in 2010 – shortly after starting her first association job at the Association of Florida Colleges. She wanted to learn more about the industry to determine if association management would be a good fit for her. She was looking for her career niche – and FSAE helped her find it!

Adrienne worked in the hospitality industry for over six years as a Revenue Manager prior to transitioning to an association. After a layoff, she thought she’d explore working for an association since the various staff appeared to work so well together (and have so much fun) at the meetings her property hosted.

“I wasn’t sure how my job skills would translate from hotelier to association management, but they’re really quite similar,” Adrienne said. “Both are strongly grounded in customer service, marketing and retention. You have to make your customers happy so they keep coming back – whether that’s through repeat business or membership renewals. But I didn’t really know if associations were where I belonged. So I joined TSAE and FSAE so I could learn more about what this path had to offer.”

From “Non-Joiner” to Rising Star Adrienne never considered herself a “joiner” and these organizations were the first she got involved with on a routine basis. After working with AFC members, she wanted to understand more about their roles as volunteers and balancing those duties with full time jobs. But what she learned and gained from the organizations was much more.

“The association community has been incredibly welcoming and helpful,” Adrienne said. “Not all industries are like that.

I am in awe everyday of the support and responsiveness I receive from fellow members. People in this community give

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Adrienne has attended a few FSAE events over the years, including a Leadership Roundtable and a couple of Annual Conferences. She isn’t always able to travel or attend meetings because of her work schedule. But even without the in-person camaraderie, she’s found a tremendous benefit in getting to know other members through serving on FSAE Committees. This has helped her strengthen her network of peers and provided a means to give back to the association community. In the last three years, Adrienne has served on 10 FSAE Committees – in addition to serving on the TSAE Board of Directors, the ASAE Technology Section Council, acceptance as an ASAE DELP Scholar and earning her CAE! “Initially, it was difficult for me to find my way in my career,” Adrienne added. “FSAE and the association community have helped me create my own mission and vision statements and strategic plan. Without the support and guidance from members in this organization, I may never have gotten this far this quickly. I want to help other people in similar situations and guide them toward success. I am a learner and my involvement with FSAE has helped me continue to learn and grow professionally. Plus, a big part of learning for me is also sharing that information. I always wanted to be a teacher, and through my work in associations – I am.”

Adrienne is the kind of person who is always looking for the next step in her career and pushing herself to move to the next level. AFC has a small staff, and while she hasn’t been able to advance into higher positions, her job duties have evolved over her six-year tenure so that she can continue to learn and grow professionally. Hired as the Member Information and Database Manager to implement a new AMS system, she now also manages AFC’s Annual Conference Trade Show and sponsorship programs where she has met or exceeded revenue projections for the past five years.

Most recently, she has also acquired the management and marketing of the organization’s new professional development certificate program.

Adrienne gives her organization, her volunteer responsibilities and her own career goals an incredible amount of attention

and dedication. She is truly a rising star in our community and will continue to do amazing things! Congratulations Adrienne!

members as well as associate to associate members,” said Jason. “This gives us a way to collect the information and show how important FSAE membership is to our industry and the economy.”

Associate Rising Star: Jason Carroll, CMP Jason Carroll, CMP joined FSAE in 2007, shortly after moving to Tampa to be the Events Coordinator for The Florida Aquarium. However, he didn’t start getting involved with FSAE until 2009 when he attended his first conference at the Sawgrass Golf Resort & Spa in Ponte Vedra Beach.

“Lisa Chamberlain with Visit Tampa convinced me to go to that first conference,” said Jason. “She introduced me to a lot of members and I was a little intimidated because of the obvious long-standing relationships people had built. But I put myself out there and started getting involved and it’s been well worth it! I haven’t missed a conference in five years.

FSAE offer members a tremendous amount of opportunity, but you have to reach out to take advantage of what’s there.”

In the last two years, Jason has definitely gotten more involved with FSAE. He currently serves on the Associate Advisory Committee (AAC) and made calls to new and prospective members as part of the Membership Committee in 2013. In addition, The Florida Aquarium sponsored the 2013 Welcome Reception in conjunction with Visit Tampa, and Jason was very involved in planning the conference event.

“The 2013 Welcome Reception is the best ROI I’ve ever gotten out of a sponsorship,” said Jason. “I got immediate feedback from FSAE members and quickly booked business from it. Even at this year’s conference, people came up to me to talk about last year’s Reception. It’s helped me improve relationships with members I didn’t really know since they’ve experienced what we do here.”

Influencing Positive Change in the Association Industry One of Jason’s professional goals is to influence positive change in the association industry through his position at The Florida Aquarium and his volunteer work with FSAE and Meeting Professionals International (MPI). And he’s actively working to accomplish both!

Recently, Jason helped the AAC launch the new Buy FSAE. It Matters. campaign to track member to member business with a focus on the financial impact of membership ROI. The campaign is modeled after MPI Tampa Bay Chapter’s “Connections” campaign that launched while Jason was President in 2010, which received international recognition.

The Buy FSAE. It Matters. campaign officially launched at the 2014 Annual Conference and is currently reporting over 4.3 million in member business transactions – from just over 40 submissions. “We know there’s a tremendous amount of business that occurs between executive and associate

Jason has also led effective change in the sales department at the Aquarium. As Director of Sales & Events, Jason has been very involved in planning the Aquarium’s new meeting space and has set record numbers in attendance and revenue – doubling the number of events held annually and taking weddings at the Aquarium from 10 to 110 during his tenure. Jason also restructured the sales department so that everyone worked on a team goal, instead of competing in market segments. That’s made a huge difference in employee morale and tenure. “When I started, we had turnover in the sales department every 12 to 16 months. Now, there are employees of the department with over 6 years at the Aquarium. It’s a better place to work and it feels better for everyone to be part of a team working on a goal together.”

And as active as Jason is in professional associations, he encourages the same in his staff. “I earned my CMP in 2013,” Jason said. “That accomplishment was important to me, so I’m offering the same opportunity to our team. A few are going for their CMP with financial help from the Aquarium and some choose to use funds for attending conferences for professional development. What strengthens the individual, strengthens all of us. That’s important to me too.”

Jason is definitely a Rising Star in FSAE and the association industry. It will be interesting to see where his next idea takes the Aquarium and FSAE! Congratulations Jason!

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The ABCs of ADA-Compliant Conferences (continued from pg 13) • Instruct the presenter(s) to include only the key points of the presentation on overheads or slides. Be sure they are completely legible, with large print and sharp, contrasting colors • Ask the speaker(s) to accompany conference materials, including presentations and handouts, with a complete verbal description. If slides, overheads, videos, or other visual aids are used, the speaker must describe them orally. Ask presenter(s) to provide a copy of presentation materials well in advance to allow for large print or Braille transcription.

• Check for the special needs of presenters with disabilities. Special needs may include ramping or podium requests, a reverse interpreter, an orientation and mobility specialist, or guide for a person with limited vision.

The following issues are particularly relevant to the accessibility of presentations for persons with visual impairments or those who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Visual Impairments • Meet with participants and show them the site by explaining the layout, identifying the location of amenities and exits, and walking through the meeting area with them. Help them to find seating in the meeting room.

• Have a staff member or volunteer available to sit with the participant and describe the presentations, if the participant so desires.

• Design all exhibits so that they may be touched and/or heard. Always provide an alternative to solely visual exhibits.

• Caution presenter(s) against relying solely on oral presentations and gestures to illustrate a point, or using visual points of reference (e.g., “here” or “there.”)

Deaf or Hard of Hearing • Allow for preferred seating, usually in front of the speaker and interpreter, away from heating and air conditioning units, hallways, and other “noisy” areas • Check that window coverings are adjustable to reduce or remove glare • Arrange for qualified, professional interpreters, trained in the preferred communication style, for example, American Sign Language, Signed English, or Cued-Speech. Use a local or national agency or organization to obtain interpreters.

• Investigate the possibility of real-time captioning for large group meetings • Arrange for an adequate number of interpreters for meetings, meals, and social events. At least two interpreters must be available for any meeting longer than two hours. Have an additional interpreter available for registration.

Generally, the type of auxiliary aid or service necessary to ensure effective communication with sight and hearing impaired individuals will vary in accordance with the particular needs of the individual, as well as the nature, length, and complexity of the communication (i.e., presentation). The event planner should communicate directly with the individual(s) requesting an accommodation to determine what type of auxiliary aids or services are needed. The ultimate decision of what measures to take, however, rests with the organization.

Michael P. Spellman is a civil litigator who focuses on representing employers in discrimination and retaliation actions and representing state and local governmental entities, officials and employees in civil rights matters, including cases alleging constitutional violations and police misconduct. He also practices in the areas of commercial litigation, insurance defense, professional liability, voting rights and election law, as well as in collective bargaining negotiations, grievances and arbitrations. Mr. Spellman has litigated numerous cases involving the ADA, and specifically Title III of the ADA, including one case involving public rights of way which resulted in a multi-million dollar settlement. Mr. Spellman has also served as local counsel in a variety of civil cases in Federal Court.

Today’s Membership Department (continued from pg 18) • • • • • •

Average number of messages posted per member Most active members based on contributions or page views Number of first time posters to discussion groups Number of member directory searches and/or connections established Ratio of lurkers to contributors Total member engagement score

Wondering how you compare to other associations? The 2014 Community Benchmarking Report, which was compiled by Marketing General and commissioned by Higher Logic, compares the member engagement results from over 300 associations.

Download a free copy of this report at www.higherlogic.com/benchmarking.

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Associations should try to identify traditional member management responsibilities that are time-consuming and provide less value, and alter those positions to include community automation tools that provide more value, both now and in the future.

Even when there’s more work, it’s usually an opportunity to prioritize. Your organization can bridge the gap between the way membership was always managed and a future where the online community will play an increasingly important role for member acquisition and retention.

Andy is a frequent thought leader and keynote speaker at conferences and events, traveling the globe to educate professionals about the importance of collaborative software, the cloud and the impact technology makes on the community it serves. At Higher Logic, his guidance helps clients experience these profound impacts. Prior to joining Higher Logic, Andy spent ten years serving as the Chief Information Officer at the Risk & Insurance Management Society, Inc. (RIMS) where he headed their technology and social strategy initiatives. From 1986–1996, Andy served in the Royal Navy, which allowed him to travel internationally around most of the world including the Arctic and Antarctic. He returned from a three-year tour in Hong Kong to study Computer Science at Brunel University in London.

Bringing Sexy Back (continued from pg 20) necessarily appealing and trying to make the best of it. When I say “bring sexy back” I mean find the appeal – whatever it is.

Here are a few things to think about to find your own sexy: •

Volunteers – volunteering for a good cause makes us feel good (yes, even volunteering to serve on the board of a trade group that makes purple polkadot hardhats)

•

The Public – your group impacts the public in some way. Identify how and pull that heart string. (Here’s a recent article from Associations Now on how one group is using crowdsourcing to locate swarms of bees – it’s a win/win)

•

Anniversaries – how long has your group been in existence? Is it time for a party? Celebrate your success and make a big deal about how you’ve reached this milestone.

Create It – if you just can’t find the existing sexy, what about creating a program that helps someone? The program can even help your existing members! Disaster Relief funds, Habitat for Humanity, canned food drives, volunteering with another group – there are plenty of options. Pick one, build a little (or big!) PR campaign around it, and sell that image!

Can’t make a big investment in updating your image right now? Make a small change and measure the results. I saw a 10% increase in membership renewals by switching to a full color graphic envelope during this year’s renewal cycle. Beta testing small changes allows you to figure out how to best plan your full scale overhaul and gives you firm ground to stand on when it comes time to explain to the board why you need to expand the membership/marketing budget.

•

People want to belong to a group they can be proud of. Give your members a reason to be proud. Arm your membership ambassadors with stylish recruitment packets, great examples of what your association has done recently and the enthusiasm that comes from knowing they’re a part of something bigger than themselves. And sexy. Did I mention that?

William Lessley is the Membership Program Manager at Partners in Association Management. Read more at www.partnerspreceptors.com.

Key takeaway “Add more innovation and creative ideas by using “Yes, and...” rather than “Yes, but...”

Ding! Happens - Avish Parashar Kathy Ireland A PUBLICATION OF THE FLORIDA SOCIETY OF ASSociATION EXECUTIVES

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FSAE Foundation

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If you’re thinking it’s time to make a move to a new job, but you don’t know how (or where) to begin, get the ideas and answers you need at careerheadquarters.fsae.org.

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Scan today’s job market

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