INSIDE AAHA
11
Te Inside Scoop on AAHA’s Yearly Conference W
ith AAHA Phoenix 2013 in the rear- view mirror, planning for our 2014
conference in Nashville is well under way. And as many of our members prob- ably realize, planning and executing an event like AAHA’s yearly conference is no small feat. For some insight into this giant task, we sat down with Chuck Pot- ter, AAHA’s senior manager of confer- ences, meetings and expositions.
Trends: How long have you been in meet- ing planning? Chuck Potter: Thirty years. Sixteen years with AAHA.
T: Wow, you’ve been planning meetings for quite some time. What is your favor- ite part about your job? CP: Setting the stage for education and learning, both figuratively and literally.
T: And, dare I ask, your least favorite part? CP: Not being able to control or effec- tively influence decisions by hotels, air- lines, and convention centers whose poli- cies and procedures may have a negative impact on a member’s decision to attend one of our meetings.
T: How does planning meetings for AAHA differ from other places you’ve worked? CP: Meeting planning is a skill that is somewhat transferrable. The basic prin- ciples of meeting planning don’t really change that much. But what sets AAHA apart from other places I’ve worked is the members. I love them—they genu- inely want to learn, and they’re so easy to work with.
T: So, let’s get to the nitty gritty. AAHA’s yearly conference has been held in some pretty cool cities in recent years: Tampa, Phoenix, Denver, Long Beach. And Nash- ville is coming up in 2014. How are loca- tions chosen for AAHA’s biggest meeting every year? Is it ultimately your decision?
Trends magazine, May 2013
CP: It isn’t entirely up to me. I make a recommendation to our deputy executive director and chief operating officer, who in turn work with our executive director, who then presents a formal written motion to our board of directors for approval. For my recommendation, I look at member density in an area, drivability—we want as many members of a practice team to have the opportunity to attend the confer- ence. I also consider cities that are open to hosting associations of our size—not too big, not too small. Cities that are safe, family-friendly, accessible, and without extremely restrictive policies or procedures that would deter attendance. We also look for fun, popular destinations. For example, we have Austin, Texas, slated for 2016. Austin is such a fun, tech-savvy place. I’m sure a lot of members will enjoy visiting there. We want cities that want us—places that are a good fit for our attendees and appreciate our business.
T: So you’re also looking for places that attendees will be excited to visit? CP: To a degree, yes. We also want to be innovative and fresh with our choices— cities that offer a unique and different experience.
T: There’s a lot of excitement around AAHA’s conference in Nashville. Why do you think that is? What’s the draw? CP: Music is the draw to Nashville. It’s also close to so many veterinary prac- tices—many within 500 miles. It’s afford- able, safe, a great size. It’s just a good, clean, fun city.
T: You mentioned Austin for 2016. Can you give us any clues as to some other future locations of AAHA’s yearly conference? CP: 2015 will be in Tampa, and yes, Austin in 2016. Some of these same cit- ies may be booked again in the future, but it will be based on affordability, ser- vices, attendee and exhibitor feedback, and other criteria.
T: Which future spot are you most excited about? CP: Nashville. The brand-new headquar- ters hotel, the Omni Nashville, is physi- cally connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. It’s really beautiful. There’s so much to do in Nashville—it’s a town that offers our members, exhibitors and sponsors a very positive experience. I’m looking forward to it.
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