The annual W.A.C.E. Conference kicks off on February 5‒7 in Portland, Oregon. From recent conversations with Association members, the following has emerged as eight key reasons to attend the conference.
Best Reasons to Attend
1. Relationships. The conference is a great opportunity to make new friends, see your lifelong chamber buddies and make business connections with our exhibitors, whose products and services can help take your chamber to the next level.
2. Answers. The 2020 conference, chaired by Brad Hicks, president/CEO of the Chamber of Medford/Jackson County (OR), offers an unprecedented educational experience. With 10 breakouts on Wednesday, February 5 and 15 on Thursday, February 6, attendees can put together a conference agenda that meets their needs and gives them the answers to chart their course to success.
3. Great Speakers. The general session speakers are a huge part of the conference. From the kickoff with Crystal Washington to the closing bell with Barry Moltz, you’ll be stretched to expand your horizons. Dr. Steve Swafford, Dr. Chris Thornberg and Robert Tucker will challenge, inspire and make us all a whole lot smarter.
4. Smart People. Speaking of “smart”—have you ever noticed that the best in the chamber business attend the W.A.C.E. conferences? Executives at chambers that seem to have the most problems hardly ever leave town, much less attend a professional development conference. It’s pretty simple: If you want to be a winner, your chances increase dramatically by attending the annual conference.
5. Exhibitors. There are a bunch of other smart folks attending the 2020 conference. Our exhibit space is sold out with approximately 25 companies looking forward to doing business with you and your chamber. Visit the exhibitors; you’ll be glad you did.
6. Catch Your Breath. Let’s face it, many of you are so busy that you need to get away from the rat race and be around your peers—people who really, truly understand what you do and have to put up with.
7. Cool Stuff. The W.A.C.E. Foundation’s live and silent auctions are great opportunities to “give back” to the chamber industry. The monies raised go to scholarships to help your peers get professional development training. An added bonus is that, by bidding on auction items, you can get some really “cool stuff”—maybe even your next family vacation.
8. Winning a “Trophy.” Not everyone gets a trophy at W.A.C.E., but we do have a tremendous awards program acknowledging and recognizing the “Best in the West.” You could be an award winner!
See you soon in the great city of Portland!