I just read about a really great idea on View from a Corner Office, a blog written by an anonymous association exec:
Several years back when I headed another association, we held an "Our Other
Lives" exhibition in the annual meeting trade show. This exhibit gave members
of the association a chance to shine in their creative pursuits, entirely
unrelated to their professional aspirations. It was a charming and enlightening
event.
What a great idea! I'd love to see some of the meetings/hospitality industry associations offer this as a secondary expo. I know meeting planners who are truly brilliant photographers, poets, artists, crafters...wouldn't this just be a blast? They could probably even charge a little (probably not too much, though) for people to exhibit on tabletops. Anyone want to pick up on this one?