When the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) presents its 14th annual Affordable Meetings(r) National show, Sept. 3 – 4, 2003, at the new Washington Convention Center, attendees will have access…
When the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) presents its 14th annual Affordable Meetings(r) National show, Sept. 3 – 4, 2003, at the new Washington Convention Center, attendees will have access to the largest number of educational seminars offered in the industry at an individual event, all free-of-charge.
Qualified meeting planners can choose from 35 seminars at the two-day event, which delivers an unmatched exposition along with the dynamic educational program of workshops on topics related to cost-effective meeting planning, a particularly relevant subject given today`s challenging economic climate. Last year`s show drew more than 2,500 attendees (including meeting planners and exhibitors) making it one of the most successful and valuable events for professionals in the industry.
What also makes the HSMAI Affordable Meetings(r) shows so unique is that many of the attendees are meeting planners from corporations as opposed to professionals from meeting planner organizations. As individuals with little or no background in the industry, they find great value in the show as an educational training ground, something of a university for the meetings industry.
Educational Programs
Meeting planners will be able to choose from 35 informative seminars (an increase over last year) covering 28 topics that will focus on key subjects of importance to planners at all levels of experience. The comprehensive educational series will offer attendees the opportunity to acquire expert insights, new ideas, and inspirational advice, helping them to produce more effective meetings.
Planners may choose from a variety of programs depending on their experience and interest. Topics include: meeting contracts, on-site management, negotiation skills, budgeting, effective communication, technology, marketing, designing a brochure and more. Select sessions will be repeated so that participants have the opportunity to attend sessions that run concurrently. Also, as an added benefit, attendees will receive a complimentary bound book containing handouts from all of the seminars.
Seminars hours are as follows: Wed., Sept. 3: 9 am – noon and 3:45 – 5:15 pm; Thurs., Sept. 4: 9 am – noon.
Trade Show Exposition
Planners will have the opportunity to meet with exhibitors at a trade show housing approximately 700 booths representing hotels and resorts, university conference centers, unique meeting sites, convention and visitor bureaus, transportation companies, trade publications, software and audio/visual businesses, and other meeting and convention suppliers. Prepared to provide the best services and products, exhibitors will assist planners by offering cost-effective meeting packages and enticing incentives.
Exposition hours are from noon – 3:30 pm on Wed., Sept. 3 and Thurs., Sept. 4.
Bookstore
The HSMAI`s Affordable Meetings(r) Bookstore is a one-stop shopping source for attendees to find the most up-to-date publications and resource materials focusing on the needs of meeting planners at every level of experience. This exceptional educational resource will feature a wide assortment of printed materials and audio/visual resources, as well as a complete line of CMP study materials. Located on the exposition floor, the Bookstore will be open during exhibition hours, and cash, checks and major credit cards will be accepted.
Prize Drawings
Meeting planners will have the opportunity to win great vacation and cash prizes during the trade show. Four vacation travel packages to exciting resort destinations will be awarded, as well as cash prizes of $5,000 on both days of the show. Attendees can register for the prize drawings on-site, and they must be present at the time of the drawing to be eligible to win.
Networking Reception
A networking reception is set for Wed., Sept. 3 from 5:30 – 7:30 pm at the new Washington Convention Center. Providing an excellent opportunity for liaising with fellow planners and other industry professionals, the reception will feature great food and drink plus fun-filled entertainment.
Approximately 1,900 planners are expected to visit this premier exposition and educational conference. This impressive group represents meeting and event planners from a variety of organizations, with a majority from corporate, association and independent sectors and the balance from government, non-profit, education, religious, medical/health care organizations, travel agents, trade show management and the military. HSMAI`s Affordable Meetings(r) National is owned and presented by the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International and managed by George Little Management, LLC (GLM).
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
