The TopClass Blog

With less than two weeks to the ASAE Annual Meeting and Expo 2016, the largest event for Associations each year, we are putting in place our final preparations to exhibit at Booth #515. As we pack and ship our materials, arrange meetings with partners, clients and interested associations, and put the finishing touches on our demos, we started thinking about all the opportunities that the ASAE Annual Expo 2016 provides. Are you ready?

For any association executives looking for new technology solutions, or seeking to change to a new system, there will be a huge range of solution providers to choose from. There will be over 400 companies offering not only technology solutions but a multitude of other business and hospitality services. Browsing the Expo Hall and visiting the booths will provide opportunities to get a closer look at the technologies themselves, but also to collect case studies and brochures, and to speak with the vendors about their experiences of working with associations like yours. Use our tips to learn how to make the most of your time at the ASAE Annual Expo 2016:

The Expo Hall will be open at the Salt Palace Convention Center:

Sunday, August 14
10:15 a.m.–1:45 p.m.

Monday, August 15
10:15 a.m.–1:45 p.m.

Plan, Plan, Plan

As with any big event, the key to making the most of your time there is in the planning. The Expo Hall is only open for two and a half hours each day, so make sure you check out the Exhibitor List and Association Solutions Marketplace Map. We would suggest making a list of the exhibitors you really want to visit, those you would like to visit if you have some time, and also leaving some time to browse the booths, because sometimes you could come across something unexpected that turns out to be really useful. If you use the map to plan a route, you can use your time at the expo more efficiently to get all the information you need.

Arrange Appointments to Dig Deeper

The Business Connection Lounge at ASAE Annual is perfect for arranging one-on-one meetings with exhibitors so that you can have a deeper discussion about your needs. Sometimes the booths can get quite busy, and it can be difficult to ask all the questions you want to if you are conscious of other associations waiting to speak with the exhibitors also. Appointments can be arranged outside of the Expo Hall opening hours also, extending your opportunities to research new solutions for your association. Make sure you check the ASAE Annual Meeting schedule when making appointments to make sure you don't miss any of the great education sessions!

Know Your Requirements

If you are looking for any new technology solutions, such as association learning management systems or other technologies, the ASAE Annual Expo 2016 is a great place to do your research and to shortlist vendors you would like to engage with further after the show to learn more. However, if you are really seriously looking, it would be a great idea to make a list of your requirements, and to keep these on hand as you walk through the expo hall. There will be so many different types of solution, each offering something slightly different, or the latest and greatest trending features, and having your core requirements list on hand will ensure you don't get distracted by shiny features you don't want or need. With your list on hand, you'll be able to consider carefully if these match or enhance your required features, and then you can have a more meaningful conversation with the vendor.

Because we are in the business of learning solutions for associations, here's a link to an on-demand webinar on How to Select an Association LMS, which gives a great overview on defining requirements for selecting a learning management system for your association. You might also want to check out this article on Defining your LMS Requirements like a Pro, from the analysts at Talented Learning.

WBT Systems will be exhibiting our learning solutions for Associations in the Expo Hall at Booth #515, during the ASAE Annual Meeting and Expo 2016. We would be happy to share our extensive experience of working with associations to power their education and certification programs with you, and we will have exciting news to share! Make sure to make time to visit and chat to us about your learning solution requirements.