ASAE’s Technology Conference & Expo Breaks Attendance Records

January 5, 2016

When 1,292 attendees came to the 10th Technology Conference & Expo, held by the American Society of Association Executives Dec. 14-16 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at National Harbor, Md., it was the highest attended conference in the event’s history. 

Participants took part in 42 high-level practical education sessions within five pathways (Disrupters; Leadership & Strategy; Learning & Technology; MarComm & Technology; and The Business of IT) and a sold-out trade show floor.

The final attendance breakdown for this year’s conference: Execs (Assn Execs, Consultants, CEO/CIO Preconference Workshop) 734, Exhibitors (Exhibiting Booth Staff,) 392, and Other (Industry Partners, Press, Speakers, Staff, and Vendors) 159.

Additionally, a total of 130 companies representing 174 booths exhibited in the expo hall this year, which resulted in a strong ratio of 57 percent buyers (association staff) to 30 percent sellers (industry partners) and 13 percent of others.

“We have seen this conference continue to grow each year as association leaders incorporate technology and digital evolution into their organizational strategies,” said ASAE President & CEO John H. Graham IV, FASAE, CAE.

He added, “We included new Pathways this year on Learning +Technology and Marketing + Communications that resonated with our members. The five Pathways allowed participants to be very selective in expanding their knowledge in different areas relating to technology,”

At a preconference event Dec. 14, a group of 60 CIOs’ participated in the CIO UnSummit: Managing Technology in a Disrupted World. They took part in “fishbowl” discussions on a variety of topics including: beacon technology, the future of the AMS, and balance between legacy/sustaining technology and innovations.

Kicking off the Technology Conference was Opening General Session speaker Rick Smolan, who is CEO of Against All Odds Production, a former photographer for TIME, LIFE, and National Geographic and creator of the epic "Day in the Life" book series. 

He shared insights from his most recent research on the human face of the big data revolution - how real-time visualization of data has enabled us to sense, measure and understand aspects of our lives we never thought possible.

He encouraged attendees to embrace big data and find creative ways for their associations to use it effectively.

Closing out the conference, ASAE celebrated its 10th anniversary with music by Hey Baby, networking, and food.

The 2016 Technology Conference & Expo will take place Dec. 12-14 at the same location.

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