This pressing issue forms the backbone of Association Focus, a specialized day of education and discussion sponsored by the Amsterdam Convention Bureau, designed specifically for association professionals. Set to take place on Monday, May 13, just before the commencement of IMEX Frankfurt, this program is a collaborative effort with notable contributions from ICCA, AC Forum, and ASAE. It’s a day dedicated to providing valuable insights, recommendations, and the opportunity for professionals to engage in meaningful debates and idea exchanges.
A Testament to Resilience and Adaptability
At the heart of Association Focus is the story of Darren Edwards, a disabled adventurer and explorer whose life underwent a dramatic transformation following a spinal cord injury incurred during a rock-climbing accident. As a former soldier and passionate mountaineer, Darren’s journey from the depths of despair to becoming an acclaimed speaker on mental toughness and teamwork is nothing short of inspirational. His plenary session, titled “The Adaptive Mindset: Five Pillars to Overcome Adversity,” promises to shed light on the crucial skills of adaptability and mental fortitude in overcoming challenges. Darren’s perspective is particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced world, where businesses and individuals alike must be prepared to adapt to unforeseen circumstances.
Embracing Upskilling and Reskilling
The rapid pace of technological advancement and its impact on the job market cannot be overstated. With the World Economic Forum projecting that 23 percent of jobs will evolve within the next five years, the urgency for upskilling and reskilling has never been more apparent. Meredith Ellison from the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence will lead a pivotal discussion on this topic, exploring the necessary tools and strategies to build a future-ready workforce.
AI’s Role in Association Planning
Artificial Intelligence (AI) stands at the forefront of technological innovations affecting the roles and responsibilities within associations. Despite the widespread engagement with AI among associations and not-for-profits, a significant knowledge gap remains in leveraging AI to achieve tangible impact. Veemal Gungadin, founder and CEO of Gevme, will spearhead a session aimed at demystifying AI and exploring its potential to enhance association planning and operations.
Designing Impactful Events
The significance of experience design in event planning cannot be overstated. Pigalle Tavakkoli, founder of the School of Experience Design, emphasizes the role of experience design in eliciting emotions, memories, and behaviors that last long after an event has concluded. This session will delve into how designing for emotional impact can transform events into catalysts for lasting change.
Sustainability: A Journey with Missed Opportunities
Sustainability remains a critical yet often underutilized aspect of event planning. Recent findings from the ICCA & Destination Canada International Sustainability Report highlight a lack of communication and reporting on sustainability efforts among planners. Guy Bigwood from GDS will lead an engaging session on embracing sustainability, sharing best practices and strategies to enhance the sustainability footprint of events.
Equipping Planners for Future Success
The challenges facing the global economy, including economic instability, political uncertainty, and environmental crises, necessitate a skill set grounded in adaptability, innovation, resilience, and collaboration. Carina Bauer, CEO of the IMEX Group, underscores the importance of these attributes in navigating the road ahead. Association Focus aims to arm association professionals with the knowledge and connections necessary to forge a successful path in the uncertain landscape of the future.
Sponsored by the Amsterdam Convention Bureau and held at the Sheraton Frankfurt Airport Hotel, Association Focus precedes the Association Social at the Frankfurt Marriott Hotel. This dedicated day of learning and networking, delivered in partnership with ICCA, AC Forum, and ASAE, represents a unique opportunity for association professionals to come together, share experiences, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Association Focus stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the association planning community. Through shared stories of resilience, cutting-edge discussions on technology and sustainability, and a collective exploration of future trends, this event promises to equip attendees with the tools and insights necessary for success. As the landscape of association planning continues to evolve, events like Association Focus provide a valuable forum for professionals to learn, grow, and adapt to the ever-changing demands of their roles, ensuring their organizations remain at the forefront of their respective fields.
