The AUTM staff are making their final preparations before leaving for Las Vegas this week. The packets are stuffed, programs printed, ribbons ordered, scripts written, slides designed…I could go on and on.
As you start making preparations for the AUTM Annual Meeting I’d like you to add one more thing to your to-do list. At some point during the meeting find Alan Bentley, VP for Annual Meeting, shake his hand and tell him “job well done, sir.”
Why would I suggest more than 1,800 people shake Alan’s hand over the course of three days? Because he deserves it, and quite frankly we can’t think of anything better (and believe me we’ve tried). So much of what will take place next week is due to Alan’s leadership and creativity. Everything from the Industry Roundtable to the Texas Hold 'em Tournament was Alan’s brainchild. And he didn’t just come up with the ideas; he played an integral role in making them happen. Alan has spent years listening to what the members said they wanted out of AUTM and translated these needs into events and activities.
Now, Alan will try to be modest and say that the Annual Meeting Program Committee deserves the kudos too—and he would be right. The committee has done yeoman’s work as well. It was Alan’s leadership which determined the goals and kept the committee focused on achieving those goals.
We all knew there were risks involved in holding a meeting in Las Vegas. Alan has made sure we have overcome these risks and put together an outstanding meeting for you all. And, as if this wasn’t enough to worry about he has already started working on the 2012 meeting.
I’ll be the first to admit I wasn’t sure every one of his ideas would work. So, Alan this is for you—you were right, the Texas Hold 'em Tournament was a great idea. Clearly, he has proven me wrong on this one.
And no, I didn’t lose a bet and have to write this blog as payoff. I have been involved in managing association’s annual meetings for 20 years and I know their success is a direct result of the leadership’s understanding of the members needs and commitment to meet them. Don't just take my word for it, here is what my team had to say about working with Alan:
"He created a lot of work for everyone involved in planning this year's meeting, but it was worth it!" Krista Baran, Administrative Director
"Who's Alan? Just kidding. Alan has a great knack for bringing topical content to the meeting. This year's debate will be even better than last year's!" – Aaron Adair, Professional Development Manager
"I too, was skeptical about the Texas Hold 'em Tournament, but it just goes to show you that Alan has a great handle on what our attendees want. By the way, Alan sorry about your room being over the dumpster and next to the ice machine." Jacky Schweinzger, CMP, Meetings Director
"Alan brought so much creativity and enthusiasm to this year's meeting. He created so many new networking opportunities. I can't wait to hear the rave reviews. People are going to love it." – Jodi Talley, AUTM Communications Director
So, don’t forget—give Alan his kudos. Don’t worry, you’ll be able to find him. He’s not the tallest guy in the world but what he lacks in stature, he more than makes up for in dedication to AUTM.