Episode 035 - Renee Lewis, CMP - Executive Director

 

The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Annual Meeting 2015 in Detroit is just three short weeks away. And we think the international audience that this event attracts is going to get more than they bargained for by coming to the City of Detroit.

In this episode, Mike Bills and Misty Miller highlight a conversation with Renee Lewis, CMP, about reinventing the conference experience and why Detroit is a destination like none other.

QUOTE IT
“As a meeting planner you’re always looking for what the best rates are for the organization, what’s the best space, do they have my dates available, but the other part of that is that your members experience the destination.” (6:02)

“I guess you could make some changes and say you’re reinventing, but at the same time you’re not always solving the issue.” (11:18)

DIG IN
Renee tells a story from her past at the 9:40 mark about redefining a conference experience by boldly questioning the organization's core offerings.

At 18:18 Renee sums up why this year’s ASAE Annual Meeting participants will learn something special that they can’t get anywhere else.

TAKEAWAYS
1 - Detroit as a destination is rapidly evolving to offer fresh, engaging and unique experiences beyond the breakout rooms and exhibit hall.

2 - Letting go of stale education models that no longer serve your core audience keeps your organization relevant and in-demand.

3 - Detroit’s comeback gives conference goers a first-hand look at how sustainable change can be applied in a fluid system.

4 - Look for barriers that seem immovable, and figure out how to redefine them to be an asset instead of a road block.

5 - The PureReinvention team can help meeting planners build one-of-a-kind content for their next meeting in Detroit based on the lessons of successful local business owners, organizations and individuals that are redefining and rebuilding the city in real time.