With ASAE’s upcoming annual convention scheduled for this summer, one could say things are getting pretty “hot in Cleveland” (sorry, could not resist the pun on the TV program that ran for six seasons). As ASAE prepares for its major industry event (August 10-13, 2024) at the Huntington Convention Center, the professional organization’s alliance partners are lining up quickly. They include, but are not limited to, such popular cities as Discover Puerto Rico, Visit Orlando, Visit Phoenix, Austin/Live Music Capital of the World, and even faraway places like Dubai, among many other household names of the meetings and hospitality trade.
At any rate, ASAE attendees are sure to be impressed by ASM Global’s Huntington facility which, according to www.clevelandconventions.com, provides more than 475,000 square feet of prime meeting and event space, and includes 225,000 square feet of exhibit hall space, two ballrooms, and more than 50 breakout rooms. Plus, the downtown center is connected to the Hilton Cleveland Downtown, and the Cleveland Public Auditorium and Conference Center which features a 10,000-seat, stadium-style auditorium.
As attendees venture out into the city, they are sure to be equally impressed with its cultural offerings. For instance, Cleveland’s performing arts center is the second largest in the country (Lincoln Center, in New York City is the first). It hosts a variety of Broadway shows, world-class concerts, and other special events throughout the year that attract visitors from all over the country.
Also, The New York Times has referred to the Cleveland Orchestra as “America’s finest still,” and the highly visited I. M. Pei-designed Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame overlooks the Lake Erie waterfront. Ethnic restaurants, exciting nightclubs, interesting museums and other forms of entertainment like ethnic festivals year ‘round complement the scene, making Cleveland a stimulating destination for all.
As always, ASAE will provide stellar opportunities to network with attendees and exhibitors, as well as connect with ASAE staff. Per its website, asae.org, “the ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition is where thousands of association professionals and industry partners gather to exchange knowledge, resources, strategies, solutions, and more. Over three days of learning, growing, and finding inspiration, attendees are equipped with a year’s worth of support in their daily responsibilities as leaders in the association industry.”
ASAE reminds everyone that “by attending the ASAE Annual Meeting, planners can earn credit hours toward certification or renewal of the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation.”
So, what’s not to like? Cleveland is hot and ready for any planner’s consideration. For more information on this year’s major event, which is still in its planning stages, log onto www.asae.org for regular updates.
For those who really plan ahead: ASAE for the next several years include Los Angeles, CA (2025), Indianapolis, IN (2026), and Charlotte, NC (2027). If you go, let us know your reaction to The Forest City, as it is nicknamed.
