Garry Taylor AMEA Executive Director
into the schedule
AMEA’s first conference in Montgomery proved to be a very positive experience. As I heard a number of times during the weekend and since, the new venue has a “real convention atmosphere”. Itwas nice having everything under one roof and the hotel, convention center, and performing arts center, for themost part, all served our purposes very well.
MENC President Scott Shuler’s keynote address was outstanding! The inaugural Alabama Intercollegiate Band, conducted by Ray Cramer, was a huge success, as was the addition of two All-State Jazz Bands to the Saturdaymorning lineup. As always, the All-State Show Choir was fantastic. All of the performances on Saturday morning were very well attended.
Karen Hickok, along with her husband Steve, did a terrific job with registration. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this year’s registration run smoothly. Our thanks also go to EddyWilliams and the Huntingdon College Music Department for providing equipment and student workers for the stage crew.
Yes, this year’s conference was a positive experience, but it was also a tremendous learning experience. As youmight expect, there were unexpected challenges and we had a few “growing pains.”
Many of you filled out conference evaluation forms thatwere in your packets or the on-line conference evaluation survey. We appreciate your suggestions! Below are a few things we learned from the 2011 conference.
• We learned that loud sounds bleed
over from one ballroom to the next. We may not be able to solve this problem completely, but we believe that with careful room layout and more strategic scheduling, we can improve on this.
ala breve
•We learnedwe needmore time built for
visiting
exhibits and socializing. YourGoverning Board did a great job of selecting clinic sessions and performances but most divisions had somany things going on that little time was left for anything else. At the Saturday AMEA Board meeting following the conference, there was discussion about employing a “quality vs. quantity” philosophy when it comes to sessions and performances. Attendance at all events may be better if the schedule is not quite so packed.
• We learned we need to use the
biggest of the three available exhibit halls. We filled up Exhibit Hall B with a record 103 booths.
In Tuscaloosa we were
limited to 80 and that included the tables in the lobby. We will move to the larger Exhibit Hall C next year, which will provide space for about 40 more booths.
• We learned we need a concession
stand in the exhibit hall. Coincidentally, Exhibit Hall C has a concession stand and we’ve already talked to the Renaissance about opening it next year. It will be convenient to grab a quick cup of coffee or snack while browsing the exhibits.We also plan to provide a water station or two in the exhibit hall.
•We learned having lobby
performances is a good idea. A “lobby performance” option has been added to the
2012 performance application for chamber groups, etc.
• We learned that we will sell out of
rooms in the Renaissance. We made arrangements for discounted rooms at other area hotels this year and will do the same for next year’s conference.
•We learned we need a Montgomery
Convention and Visitor’s Bureau representative available in the lobby with information about area restaurants and attractions. The Montgomery CVB were extremely helpful this year and have promised to have someone in the lobby in 2012.
Yes, this year’s conference was a success but it can be better. With your help, we will make it better. Please continue to support
the conference with your
attendance. Your AMEA conference registration helps pay for the wonderful facilities at the Renaissance, including the beautiful ballrooms, massive exhibition hall, and the very impressiveMontgomery Performing Arts Center. It also covers things that are less obvious, like the conference programs, display boards for the HED poster session, piano rental and tuning, audio visual equipment rental, etc. Our move to Montgomery is a positive one for AMEA but it is more expensive and we need your support to continue to provide the top notch conference that you expect and deserve. Maintaining membership in MENC/AMEA and attending the conference provides that support! It’s a win-win!
MENC President Scott Shuler delivers the AMEA Keynote Address 9
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