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"Conventional" WisdomPosted 3/12/2006By Denny Kahler, AAM
Recent discussions among various board members have included a proposal to revitalize the annual business meeting to incorporate some of the activities of the past gatherings. Perhaps we should consider revisiting the unique benefits an annual convention can bring to our members as compared to the business format of recent years. A bit of history: Post-9/11, fewer members were traveling and discussions began about altering the format of what was then an annual "convention." As such, it included a festive atmosphere with entertainment, management classes and casual activities, which were held concurrently with the business sessions of today's annual business meetings. A number of factors contributed to the format change, including attendance counts, production costs, member interest and availability to attend a longer session, and nationwide association trends. My question to you - the ASA member - is this: Would you like the opportunity to attend an ASA annual convention? Having made the switch a few years ago, the annual business meeting typically includes open meetings of the ASA affiliate assembly and board of directors, a state-of-the-association address and swearing-in of the new board. If these events were combined with entertainment, perhaps a few special events, and maybe some management sessions, would you attend each year? Do you seek a meeting format that provides an abundance of networking functions? Are you looking for the opportunity for a vacation getaway with an automotive theme? A greater opportunity for networking is one of the key benefits an annual convention can offer members. Currently, our primary networking event for members is ASA's Celebration of Excellence. Held each year during NACE and CARS, this awards dinner brings together ASA members from both divisions. But is this enough time to network? Does it meet your need to learn from your peers - and to share your knowledge as well? We don't know. Only you can truly provide that feedback. The rest of the ASA board and I want to hear from you! Do you miss the lively atmosphere an annual convention can offer? How long should it last? Where should it be held? Is budget a concern, and if so, what range best suits your needs? If ASA revitalizes the annual convention in lieu of the streamlined business meeting, how often would you be able to attend? Please share your thoughts with me by sending an e-mail to dennyasa@earthlink.net. Because ASA is a member-driven association, I need to hear from you!
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Copyright (c) 1996-2008. Automotive Service Association. All rights reserved.
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In about a month, ASA will hold its 2006 annual business meeting in Austin, Texas. It's a meeting format conducive to making great strides in the governance of your association. The general membership has been notified of the gathering in this publication and others, and all members are certainly welcome to attend. But because this annual gathering was streamlined in 2004, the general atmosphere of the business meeting is, well, "strictly business." While that's great for conducting business, the format is not attractive to the general membership ... and we miss you.
