Second to None

"The distinctions between 'first-tier cities' and so-called 'second-tier cities' have become blurred," asserts Gary LaBranche, vice president for professional development for the Washington D.C. based American Society of Association Executives. "The differences are increasingly less relevant because of the investment in infrastructure and development of convention facilities by the second-tier cities. Many of those cities are now positioned--or will soon be positioned--to compete even more