Just like the entire year of 2020, this year’s annual W.A.C.E. conference will be unlike any other we’ve ever experienced.
Following three days of outstanding keynotes and award presentations on February 3–5, the conference committee will be offering up eight consecutive weeks of webinars on impactful topics that, based on recent polling, our association members need and want.
“Informative programming, like the conference breakouts that we are all familiar with, will now be presented in weekly sessions beginning on February 10 and will be recorded for easy access for all registered conference attendees,” said Conference Chair Jeremy Harris, ACE, president/CEO of the Long Beach Area (CA) Chamber.
Conference Webinars
• February 10: “Yesterday’s Approach to Membership Won’t Get It Done Today.” This session will feature Bill and Doug Holman, who will address the recruiting process, establishing value and how to seek investments based on how your chamber can help prospective members attain their business goals.
• February 17: “Diversifying and Maximizing Revenue Streams.” Chambers are under increased pressure to find new and creative revenue streams, while also maximizing profits from their current programs. Scott Muelrath from the Henderson (NV) Chamber, Nona Watson from the Palm Springs (CA) Chamber, Emily Falappino from the Temecula Valley (CA) Chamber and Candace Carnahan from the Grand Junction Area (CO) Chamber will review the many ways that chambers are successfully generating revenue with real examples from the field, while offering guidance on taking a fresh look at existing programs to find hidden money.
• February 24: “Strategic Communications to Deliver Value.” When it comes to communicating value, most chambers have plenty of room for improvement. Before you can convey the value of your organization, you need to identify your message that lies in your strengths, core initiatives and brand personality. Laura Perdew of the Greater Irvine (CA) Chamber will be joined by Joyce Goedeke of the Vegas (NV) Chamber and Michael Shepard of The Shepard Group to create a roadmap for a successful communications plan.
• March 3: “Partnerships and Collaborative Efforts that Matter.” Now more than ever, chambers need to develop and foster strategic relationships with economic development organizations, school districts, other nonprofits and more. Panelists Robert Heidt of the Glendale (AZ) Chamber, Jim Johnson of the Georgetown (TX) Chamber, Mike Neal of the Tulsa Regional (OK) Chamber and Pam Ridler of the Castle Rock (CO) Chamber will explore this essential topic for chamber success.
• March 10: “Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Equality.” You’ll hear from John Brewer of the Billings (MT) Chamber, Tom Pierson of the Tacoma-Pierce County (WA) Chamber and Kuma Roberts of the Tulsa Regional (OK) Chamber about their successful efforts to lead their communities through these challenging, important topics.
• March 17: “Streamlining Strategies: Doing More With Less.” You’ll learn strategies from accomplished chamber professionals—Pat Patrick of the Lodi (CA) Chamber and Brittany Quick-Warner of the Eugene Area (OR) Chamber—how they have sustained their strong chambers in the face of limited resources, staff and time.
• March 24: “Economic Recovery.” Chambers are uniquely positioned to bring together and share resources, strategies and information critical to rebuilding business activity necessary to support members and community needs. Paul Holden of the Burnaby (BC) Board of Trade, Amy Ward of the Greater Kings County (CA) Chamber and Erik Williams of the Vail Valley (CO) Partnership will be presenting best-in-class recovery ideas.
• March 31: “Chambers Leading Through Crisis.” Pulling it all together in this final session will be Eddie McBride from the Lubbock (TX) Chamber, Diane Schwenke from the Grand Junction Area (CO) Chamber and Mark Turner from the Gilroy (CA) Chamber. They will be sharing examples of how chambers across the country were resilient and stepped up in new ways to lead their businesses and communities through the most challenging times ever.
Register Today
The weekly webinars will all be presented live on the designated dates at 10 a.m. (Pacific). Conference registration includes access to these sessions. For more information or to register for the conference, go to www.calchamber.com/waceannualconference2021.