ASAE Research Foundation’s Centennial Research Report Shows Value of Associations
August 18, 2020
On Aug. 10, the ASAE Research Foundation released the results of its multi-year Centennial Research Initiative, “Impact Every Day” to coincide with the 2020 ASAE Virtual Annual Meeting & Exposition.
A sample of the findings show survey respondents overwhelmingly agree that associations have enabled them to contribute to society in their respective fields. Additionally, their expectations for associations to assist in shaping future industry progress and productivity is extremely high. Finally, interviews with external stakeholders revealed a perception that the largest contributions of associations have been in education, and that they would like to see organizations invest more effort in other areas, particularly workforce development.
Research for the report was gathered via case-studies, surveys and interviews. The case studies represent a cross section of the association community, while the survey data reflects the perspectives of members, non-members, association professionals and outside stakeholders. Interview participants, industry leaders from outside of the association space, provided perspectives on multiple areas of association practices, including past contributions to society, how best to prepare the industry to face future challenges and the efforts being taken to foster transformative thinking throughout the association community.
“As we come to the close of our centennial celebrations, ‘Impact Every Day’ provides a comprehensive look at the work associations and nonprofits have achieved, and delivers a road map to help guide our industry through a future that is evolving faster than anyone could have anticipated,” said Susan Robertson, ASAE president and CEO.
She continued, “ASAE, through the work of the ASAE Research Foundation, has long held a position in the association community as the premier source of learning, knowledge, and future-oriented research for the association and nonprofit profession. [This] report demonstrates the importance of that mission.”
Attendees of the 2020 ASAE Virtual Annual Meeting had the opportunity to attend two individual education sessions focused on the results of the report. During these sessions, representatives from organizations that participated in the case study portion of the research shared their stories. Additional research content was available in the virtual ASAE Research Foundation Lounge and also on ASAE Research Foundation’s website. The full report will be available for download this fall.
“Collaboration was key to the development of this ground-breaking research,” said Sharon E. Moss, president of the ASAE Research Foundation. “We could not have produced such a comprehensive report without the support of our volunteer advisory committee who ensured continuous alignment of the research to our guiding principles and goals.”
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
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