American Society of Association Executives Unveils Sneak Peek of Xperience Design Project

January 1, 2017

The American Society of Association Executives recently hosted a successful pilot for their newest event, Xperience Design Project (XDP).

Held Dec. 16, the exclusive, one-day, sneak peek of XDP was at the Gaylord National® Resort & Convention Center, and it brought together more than 80 association meeting, marketing, programming, and technology professionals, as well as industry partners to test and fine-tune the new format.

The inaugural event, May 23-24, will attract upwards of 1,800 total guests, according to ASA officials.

“XDP is an innovative, business-focused experience that will be a unique opportunity for the association industry and our members,” said John H. Graham, IV, FASAE, CAE, president and CEO of ASAE. “The pilot gave us the ability to see how the different aspects of XDP played out, so we can provide attendees with an exceptional experience in May.”

The format of the pilot was a microcosm of the two-day XDP experience.

 First, guests participated in The Lab - an immersive, facilitated learning journey around three core topics and each led by a prominent industry leader.

·         Experience Design and Event Innovation: James H Gilmore, co-founder of Strategic Horizons LLP and Adjunct Faculty, UVA Darden Business School

·         Content Strategy and Learning Design: Jonathan Finkelstein, CEO, Credly

·         Marketing and Technology: Reggie Aggarwal, CEO, Founder of Cvent

Afterwards, pilot participants took part in the Business Exchange, a series of one-on-one conversations with industry partners.

Participants could engage in one of three fast-paced accelerator labs that were focused on embracing change and experience enhancements they could implement at future events. It was followed by two unique “Surprise and Delight” team created activities.

The full group reconvened to close out the event with key takeaways and a one-of-a-kind ending with a co-created XDP song, written, and performed by Jonathan Mann.

“With XDP, ASAE has built a creative environment that fosters collaboration and business between association professionals and the industry partners with whom they work,” said Lisa Kay Solomon, author, strategist and host of XDP.

She added, “The best part is that it’s a true ‘learning by doing’ approach where participants get exposed to new concepts and ideas through conversations and then build on them through immersive experiences. Guests will discuss proven best practices and co-create new solutions they can take back to their offices and start implement immediately.”

ASAE partnered with 360 Live Media, a marketing and experience design agency based in Washington, D.C., to create the XDP pilot and upcoming event in May.

For more than a year, ASAE and 360 Live Media have been conducting research, developing the experience design strategy, and building partnerships within the association meetings industry in order to successfully launch XDP in 2017.

“ASAE is changing the game with XDP because it’s the only experience that integrates the principles of design thinking in order to help association professionals deliver more impactful events that will deliver even more value to their members,” said Don Neal, Founder and CEO of 360 Live Media.

He added, “We are proud to partner with ASAE in creating an unprecedented format that challenges guests to transform their traditional association meetings, trade shows, and conferences into experiences that will inspire their audiences and improve their organization’s bottom line.

To reserve a spot for the inaugural XDP, members and industry partners can register on January 23, 2017. For information about XDP, visitwww.xdpbyasae.org

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact