A Venue with Impact
ASAE treated its 2,700 attendees and 1,700 exhibitors to a field-level opening-night reception in the six-year-old Mercedes-Benz Stadium that's right across the street from Georgia World Congress Center.
Bright and Airy
ASAE had many games, food stations, and bars set around the floor of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. ASAE promoted itself in a noticeable way on the huge LED screens around the venue.
A Bird's Eye View of Opening Night
Atlanta-based band TLC performed all its hits from the 1990s in a one-hour set, getting attendees to dance, sing, and have a great time.
Setting the Rhythm of the Day
On the meeting's first morning, a local drumming troupe gave a rousing welcome to attendees coming off the hotel shuttles on their way into the Georgia World Congress Center.
Is That a Mirage? No, a Signia
Another thing attendees saw on their way into GWCC was the under-constructon Signia by Hilton, which will open in March 2024 with 976 guest rooms, 137,000 square feet of event space, three restaurants, two bars, and an indoor walkway to the center.
Up Close with a Renowned Keynote Speaker
After his 45-minute presentation to the full audience, Daymond John, creator of the FUBU apparel brand and a star of the business-focused TV show Shark Tank, spent another hour taking questions from more than 70 sponsors and VIPs in a breakout space near the ballroom.
A Testament to Resilience
Chad Foster went blind at age 21, and reframed his life to make the greatest impact he could by embracing his circumstances. His day-two keynote presentation was inspiring, and he also spent time afterwards speaking with attendees in the Keppler Speakers Bureau booth on the show floor.
A Few Wonderful Moments of Refreshment
ASAE provided a five-minute-massage station near the center of the show floor. Not surprisingly, it was a very popular spot during the two days of exhibits.
Making "New Bees" Comfortable and Productive
This was the second year ASAE offered The Hive, an area for first-timers—or "new bees"—to meet with each other as well as veteran industry members for informal learning opportunities.
Getting Planners to Remember Your Name
The CVB reps from Columbus, Georgia, brought along a hometown resident—the AFLAC duck—to take photos with planners at the bureau's exhibit booth. AFLAC is headquartered in Columbus.
Under the Sea, Food and Beverage for Thee
The ASAE Foundation's annual Classic took place at the Georgia Aquarium, the second-largest aquarium in the world. The main room shown here led to glass-walled corridors where attendees came nearly face-to-face with belugas, giant rays, tiger and hammerhead sharks, and even a 30-foot long whale shark.
Recognition in Unexpected Places
In one of the largest tanks in the Georgia Aquarium, the staff moved rocks around the sandy floor to spell out ASAE. It was visible from the windows facing the main reception room.
Another Underwater Recognition Opportunity
In the area of the aquarium where attendees had the widest view, a scuba diver swam near the glass with a sign that said "ASAE Annual Meeting," which will refresh attendees' memories when they look at their photos months or years after the event.
