ASAE Debuts New Diversity + Inclusion Benchmarking Tool
April 29, 2013
The American Society of Association Executives recently introduced the first Diversity + Inclusion (D+I) tool for associations called the Association Inclusion Index.
It is an online, diagnostic tool that evaluates D+I policies, philosophies and practices against community standards.
The tool offers strategies and solutions for expanding an organization’s reach, relevance and reputation through practicing inclusive excellence.
“It’s critical for organizations to understand how diversity and inclusion plays a practical role in staffing, recruiting, retaining, and engaging members and volunteers,” said ASAE President and CEO John H. Graham IV, CAE.
He added, “Whether you already have a diversity + inclusion commitment in place or are thinking about starting one, the Association Inclusion Index tool will provide CEOs of associations and nonprofit organizations with critical data points and communication tools to inform your employees, board of directors, and members about your results and next steps.”
The tool focuses on five key D+I performance domains in associations: Mission and Focus, Roles and Leadership Accountability, Resources, Operations, and Communication and Culture.
It also allows associations to benchmark their own practices and immediately provide stakeholders with critical data to direct their time and funds in meaningful ways.
In the future, associations who purchase the tool will be able to compare their results to their peers by industry, staff and budget size. ASAE will analyze D+I trends and create aggregate reports that will inform the community.
ASAE used various research methods to identify best practices and information related to D + I performance in nonprofits and association management. During the summer and fall of 2012, ASAE performed two rounds of beta testing to ensure the questions and responses yielded valid and reliable results.
“The first beta testing phase, in which I participated, immediately revealed which areas our association needed to improve in order to enhance our diversity and inclusion practices,” said Dr. Rosa Aronson, CAE, TESOL International Association executive director and D+I committee chair.
She added, “Associations can greatly benefit from taking the Association Inclusion Index tool because it implicitly creates a roadmap for an inclusive culture in your organization.”
The Association Inclusion Index is available to ASAE members for $199 and non-members for $299. For more information or to purchase the tool, please visit www.asaecenter.org/diversity and click on “Association Inclusion Index” in the side menu.
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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