ASAE Launching American Associations Week June 15-18
June 9, 2020
ASAE has scheduled a virtual American Associations Week 2020 for June 15-18 to build support for much-needed legislative assistance for America’s trade and professional associations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
American Associations Week will engage the association community in a collective response designed to educate legislators and Capitol Hill staff about the plight of America’s 501(c)(6) associations, the myriad ways they are assisting struggling industries and professions during the pandemic, and the urgent need for Congress to include them in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) in the next COVID relief package.
This week will serve as a free, virtual education and advocacy event for associations after ASAE’s American Associations Day had to be postponed during the initial spread of the coronavirus in the U.S. back in March.
Events are scheduled throughout the week for associations to learn the state of play for ASAE’s COVID-19 policy asks on Capitol Hill; hear how other associations are effectively communicating about their industries and professions during the pandemic; and examine how research and data are serving as critical tools for informing policymakers in digital advocacy campaigns.
ASAE’s Public Policy team is providing a robust package of materials, social media messaging and other tools to help enhance our community’s voice during the week-long virtual fly-in. Participants can pick and choose which sessions they want to participate in throughout the week. A full AAW schedule can be found on The Power of A website. Among the highlights:
- Monday, June 15: ASAE Policy Briefing, 2:00-3:00 p.m. EST
- Wednesday, June 17: Virtual Town Hall with Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA), 10:00-11:00 a.m. EST
- Thursday, June 18: Fireside Chat with Andrew Grossman, Chief Tax Counsel of the House Ways and Means Committee, 3:30-4:30 p.m. EST
“Like the industries and professions they represent, associations find themselves in financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said ASAE President and CEO Susan Robertson. “Associations need access to emergency federal assistance to continue to support the industries and professions that will put the U.S. and world economy back to work when this crisis abates.”
She continued, “American Associations Week is about telling our community’s story and helping Congress understand that associations have been working without a safety net throughout this pandemic to help their members and the American workforce stay afloat. We won’t be able to continue our efforts without access to some of the same COVID-19 relief programs that Congress has already approved for small businesses and other industries.”
To register for AAW’s events and access downloadable resources to support association advocacy efforts, go here. Be sure to follow and use the hashtag #associationsweek on social media to participate in the conversation.
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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