news: archive: 4th Association Congress doubles in...
4th Association Congress doubles in size in 2010
160 international, European and national association executives and association conference organisers from 18 countries attended the Association Congress 2010 London at the Millennium Conference Centre, in July. The fourth congress in the series reached the record number of 271 participants this year, which made it the largest conference
for associations in Europe.
Chaired by Dr Elling Hamso of the Event ROI Institute, the congress took the theme “Enhancing Performance, Value and Return on Investment for your Organisation, Members and Delegates”. Over two days, targeted practical sessions were aimed at reducing costs, improving efficiency, developing new revenue streams, as well as securing the membership base.
Among the 27 outstanding speakers invited from various continents and professional backgrounds were Isabel Bardinet of European Society of Cardiology (France), Tamlynne Wilton of the Foundation of Professional Development (South Africa), Dr David Robinson of The Open University, and Linda Pereira of CPL Events (Portugal).
The invitation-only “Association Leadership Summit” was attended by 32 heads of international and European associations, who gathered to discuss the major challenges in management and development of associations at the highest level.
Among the highlights of the three-day agenda was the Gala Networking Dinner hosted by the Seoul Convention Bureau, which included a live musical performance by an electric violinist, a Korean inspired gourmet dinner and a Korean cultural fashion show.
Workshops provided high-value, concentrated learning, with sessions for a wide range of association management disciplines.
Exhibitors ranged from leading destinations, such as Vienna and Toronto; to event services suppliers such as Hiscox; venues such as the Edinburgh International Conference Centre and Marriott Hotels; and association technology providers, Pixl8.
