A HUGE Thank You From Us To You For #EngageAssn

The refrain of Dido’s song Thank You was playing in the background… ♫♪ "Thank you for the best day of my life…" ♫♪

And it was a great couple of days in Ottawa last week as the Greenfield Services team concluded its second annual Engaging Associations Forum.

Apologies for the sentimentality of all this, but our need to express gratitude is significant.  This event brought together over 100 senior association executives, meeting professionals, speakers and partners.  They gathered at the Ottawa Marriott for a heartfelt exchange on the subject of engagement and management of non-profit organizations.  We welcomed 50% more association executives compared to last year, with true coast-to-coast coverage as we welcomed participants from BC and PEI, Alberta, Ontario and Québec.

What was also most gratifying is that almost one-third of participants who had joined us for the inaugural event in 2014 deemed it such a great conference that they returned again this year.

Event hosts Doreen Ashton Wagner and Meagan Rockett, and the entire team, wish to acknowledge the following amazing partners:

• The Loulou Lounge Furniture Rental and chic & swell creative meetings and events team of Carole Saad, Cathy Montopoli and Rebecca Trafford, for helping us create a unique and welcoming environment where participants felt at ease to exchange and connect.
• Robert Thompson, Alex Zubair and the technicians at AV Canada, not only for equipment and expertise, but also for their patience and support in working with a constantly changing scenario, complete with impromptu audience participation and Catchboxes being thrown around.
• Lisanne Bourassa of Consensus Meeting Planning, for your energy and unrelenting attention to all the little details, because true engagement is ALL about the details!
• Rachel Stephan of sensov event marketing who supported us with our website and who, in spite of a family emergency, found the time to tape a heartfelt challenge that got our audience talking during an engaging Meetings & Events session.
•  Travel Alberta’s Jennifer Holly, and her dynamic team of partners (Banff, Calgary, Edmonton and Red Deer), who supported our vision for a second year in a row.  They know the true meaning of partnership because they allowed us to take risks and create an event like no other, dedicated to association executives.
• Lorie Blackwell and Susan Saganski of Marriott International, along with the wonderful team at the Ottawa Marriott, from the General Manager, Sales, Banquet and Kitchen Teams.  You rolled out the figurative red carpet for us!  Your surprises were delightful, and you made us look good to all our participants.
• Kelly MacDonald-Hill of Speakers’ Spotlight, thank you for bringing us the leadership insights of our opening keynote speaker, Jill Birch.  You both helped us realize how relational leadership is the foundation of everything we do.
•  Lee-Anne Leckie, CMP of The International Centre in Toronto, you proved that you live your values of creativity and sustainability by agreeing to work with us so we could facilitate the conversation amongst non-profit organizational leaders.
•  A passionate, lifelong learner herself, Brenda Howes of The Howes Group helped us connect with Dr. Susan Phillips, of the Master’s and Diploma programs in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Carleton University.  She is a connector and a trusted partner.
• To our wonderful transportation partners, Lori Wagner of Porter Airlines and Kim Morissette of VIA Rail.  The fact that you guys collaborated with us is already amazing; but that you also work together makes this one of the best examples of “coopetition” we could ever find.
•  ASI and Canadian representative Andrew Sherwin, thank you for demystifying the metrics of engagement and for providing extra value to our participants by giving them your book The Association CEO’s Guide to Improving Organizational Performance.
• To Allan Isfan and Marie-Louise Doyle at MyEventApps, thank you for teaming up with us.  We appreciate your patience as we focused on face-to-face engagement at this event, and look forward to learning more about how we can increase engagement even further with our ubiquitous mobile devices.

And finally to our wonderful suppliers:

o    Louis Buschman of EventDawn for your wonderful Catchbox microphones;

o    Dean McGee of Xibita for the tradeshow booth that became our A-Ha Wall;

o    And Gary Taylor of MyBadges.com for your super-duper magnetic name badges!

The dates for the Engaging Associations Forum 2016 will be announced later this fall!

#Engageassn is around the corner - register NOW!

For the second consecutive year, the Engaging Associations Forum will create an environment where association executives have the opportunity for a true dialogue on the issues that keeps them up at night, foster learning and the exchange of ideas for the next generation of association, the association of the future.

Why?  Because things need to change.

If you have not yet registered, take a look at the program outline.  It will be an event not to be missed!

Technology: How are you keeping up with the technological advancements that impact your association?  Have you joined the #mobilesocial revolution? Or do you find that you’re barely able to keep pace?  Join former association exec and self-described geek Jim Spellos as he reviews what’s new and way cool in technology – from websites to critical augmented reality tools.

Sponsorship: Association business models are shifting and some see membership dues as an obsolete practice.  Where does this leave sponsorship?  Beyond the traditional "metal levels" what do sponsors want before they open their wallets? Hear directly from sponsors such as Porter Airlines’ Lori Wagner, Travel Alberta’s Jenn Holly and Sponsorship Consultant Ted Wagstaff; ask questions and see how your sponsorship program measures up!

Ubers of Associations: In less than three years, Uber – the car-hailing start-up – went from 0 to 160,000+ drivers and a valuation of $41 billion. Regardless of whether we view it a threat or an opportunity, this company is a disruptor. So what are the Ubers of the association world? It’s a question that Dr. Susan Phillips of Carleton University has asked in Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. Get ready for a lively discussion!

Meetings & Events: Associations view meetings and events as prime opportunities to engage members, sponsors and other stakeholders. How can an association build anticipation and grow their event attendance all while harnessing the power of face-to-face engagement once onsite in order to enhance and prolong the event experience year-round? Rachel Stephan of sensov / event marketing shares proven engagement techniques from her work with national meetings like CIM Convention and international congresses such as the World Congress of Biomaterials and World Congress of Food Science and Technology.

The Association of the Future: The world is changing so quickly, who can predict the future anymore?  Success in the future may be less about prediction and more about sharing and capitalizing on information now to be clear on what the future may hold. Mark Thompson of McKinley Solutions leads us through an innovative group exercise: edgecrafting, where the power of what we know now collectively can help us prepare individually for the future.

Join us July 23-24 at the Ottawa Marriott!

Do You Want to Be An Engaging #Association Executive?

For the second consecutive year, the Engaging Associations Forum will create an environment where association executives have the opportunity for a true dialogue on the issues that keeps them up at night, foster learning and the exchange of ideas for the next generation of association, the association of the future.

Why?  Because things need to change.

If you have not yet registered, take a look at the program outline.  It will be an event not to be missed!

Sustainable Leadership: Is a leader a position, or is a leader a person? Much of the thinking today about leadership is often about what needs to happen and who needs to make it happen. What we now know, however, is that a fundamental shift is required to think about how the work gets done. Presented by Jill Birch, this interactive and experiential keynote session will show rather than just tell leaders about new ways to think about their leadership.

Storytelling: The Professional Golfers' Association of Canada has implemented a unique program to leverage the unique skills of volunteers, board members and even staff, overcoming challenges and maximizing the association's success. Gary Bernard, CEO, PGA of Canada and Mark Thompson of McKinley Solutions share their experience.

Marketing & Communications: The corporate world is all-abuzz about branding and “living up to a brand.” But what are we talking about, really? How does this apply to member-based, not-for-profit organizations and engagement? Speech-Language and Audiology Canada CEO Joanne Charlebois leads the conversation with her experience – the risks and rewards – of re-branding an established association.

Strategy & Change: A “Fireside Chat” between strategy consultant Meredith Low and two association executives who have successfully navigated significant organizational change, each in their own way: Alison Dantas, Canadian Chiropractic Association and Mary Ann Rangam, Ontario Professional Planners Institute.

Want more info?  Check out the full program and other details here.  Or, just join us!  Register today, there are only a few spots left for the Engaging Associations Forum, July 23-24, 2015 at the Ottawa Marriott!

Qualities of a Board Member

Back in 2012, The NonProfit Times published an article on the 7 Important Qualities of Board Members, as follows:

Integrity: Demonstrating a zero tolerance for unethical behavior, both for themselves and their colleagues.

Independence: Having no unique business, financial or personal relationships — or hoped-for-relationships — that create even the perception of a conflict of interest.

Mature Confidence: Speaking out and actively participating in board and committee deliberations.

Corporate Manners: Recognizing the difference between productively participating in discussions and counter-productively dominating deliberations through the volume or length of comments. Must be able to work with other members to create workable compromises.

A Sense of Context: Making relevant, informed comments focused on the specific aspect of the issue being considered. Must be able to stay on topic.

Courage: Willingness to do the right thing/make the right decision even if it is difficult or unpopular (i.e., no fence sitting).

Commitment: Understanding that being an effective board member requires the time, the heart, and the standards to make the enterprise successful.

Do you agree with these?  Are any missing?  

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Keeping Employees Engaged via @CBInspired

I came across this image through LinkedIn.  After some research, I discovered that it was tweeted on June 12 by CB Inspired, and I think it captured it well:

Great snapshot @CBInspired! I think that it very simply captures what employers need to do to keep employees engaged.  NONE of them are hard to do.

The Howes Group partners with #Engageassn as Innovator

On July 23-24, 2015, Greenfield Services will host the second annual Engaging Associations Forum at the Ottawa Marriott, geared towards association executives who want to create change in the industry.  The event will provide the opportunity for a true exchange of ideas for a new generation of association to succeed, grow and prosper.

Joining us as an Innovator partner is The Howes Group, who were recently told they were nominated & a finalist for the upcoming 3rd Annual Plannie Awards (for Savvy Sourcing).

“Brenda Howes has always believed in collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurs, so partnering with her and her team for the Engaging Associations Forum was perfect.  Not only does she have over two decades experience working with organizations of all sizes, but as an innovator herself, she brings us Susan Phillips, a Professor with Carleton University to present this year.  We are very grateful for her partnership this year!” says Meagan Rockett, Greenfield’s Director of Client Solutions.

With just 7 weeks left to the Forum, we invite you to have a look at the final program, and to join us.
For more information about the Engaging Associations Forum, please contact:

Meagan Rockett
Director, Client Solutions
Greenfield Services Inc.
613-288-4517
meagan@greenfield-services.ca

VIA Rail Partners with #Engageassn as Thought-Leader

On July 23-24, 2015, Greenfield Services will host the second annual Engaging Associations Forum at the Ottawa Marriott, geared towards association executives who want to create change in the industry.  The event will provide the opportunity for a true exchange of ideas for a new generation of association to succeed, grow and prosper.

Joining us as a Thought-Leader partner is Via Rail Canada, offering national passenger rail transportation service that meets the needs of travellers in Canada.

“We were very fortunate to sercure the partnership with Via Rail Canada for the 2015 Engaging Associations Forum.  They have both partnered with us to show their commitment to the industry, but are also offering a special discount to participants located outside of Ottawa to travel to and from the Forum” says Meagan Rockett, Greenfield’s Director of Client Solutions.

For the week of the Forum, those wishing to travel by train will receive 15% off the best available fare in Economy, Business, Sleeper, or Sleeper Touring class.

For more information about the Engaging Associations Forum, please contact:

Meagan Rockett
Director, Client Solutions
Greenfield Services Inc.
613-288-4517
meagan@greenfield-services.ca

@MyEventApps Supports #Engageassn as a Thought-Leader

On July 23-24, 2015, Greenfield Services will host the second annual Engaging Associations Forum at the Ottawa Marriott, geared towards association executives who want to create change in the industry.  The event will provide the opportunity for a true exchange of ideas for a new generation of association to succeed, grow and prosper.

Joining us as a Thought-Leader partner is MyEventApps, founded by Allan Isfan and Bill Love.  Their mission is to make it easy for event based organizations to go mobile because they know it will help them prosper, and that makes them happy.

“Our partnership with MyEventApps this year is great news.  They are locally based, affordable and provide an easy solution that everyone can use.  We look forward to using MyEventApps as the official app for the Engaging Associations Forum, and demonstrating its ease of use with our participants this year.” says Meagan Rockett, Greenfield’s Director of Client Solutions.

For more information about the Engaging Associations Forum, please contact:

Meagan Rockett
Director, Client Solutions
Greenfield Services Inc.
613-288-4517
meagan@greenfield-services.ca

Advanced Solutions International (@advsol) joins #Engageassn as Thought-Leader

On July 23-24, 2015, Greenfield Services will host the second annual Engaging Associations Forum at the Ottawa Marriott, geared towards association executives who want to create change in the industry.  The event will provide the opportunity for a true exchange of ideas for a new generation of association to succeed, grow and prosper.

Joining us as a Thought-Leader partner is Advanced Solutions International (ASI), the makers of iMIS Engagement Management System, the leading membership and fundraising software.  

“When it was confirmed that ASI would partner with the Engaging Associations Forum this year, we were thrilled.  It is the second time that ASI has come forward to show their support for the association industry with us here at Greenfield Services, the first being the partnership on the 2014 Pulse Report.  This venture just goes to show that ASI really believes that innovation and education are leading factors in association education today.” says Meagan Rockett, Greenfield’s Director of Client Solutions.

For more information about the Engaging Associations Forum, please contact:

Meagan Rockett
Director, Client Solutions
Greenfield Services Inc.
613-288-4517
meagan@greenfield-services.ca

AFP Ottawa (@AFPottawa) Supports #Engageassn

We are thrilled to announce that the Association of Fundraising Professionals - Ottawa Chapter (AFP Ottawa) has joined forces with Greenfield Services as an industry supporter of the the second annual Engaging Associations Forum, July 23 & 24, 2015 at the Ottawa Marriott.

The event, hosted by Greenfield Services Inc. is geared towards association executives who want to create change in the industry.  The event will provide the opportunity for a true exchange of ideas for a new generation of association to succeed, grow and prosper.

“AFP Ottawa has been at the forefront of fundraising education for the non-profit industry.  We are happy to join forces with them this year to bring another aspect of education to their members; focusing outside of the fundraising perspective that AFP Ottawa is famous for.  With this partnership, we aim to provide another angle of thought-leadership to their members.  With the Engaging Associations Forum, we will be discussing leadership, marketing & communications, meetings and events, technology and leadership.  We look forward to seeing how we can join forces to educate the industry.” says Meagan Rockett, Greenfield’s Director of Client Solutions.

For more information about the Engaging Associations Forum, please contact:

Meagan Rockett
Director, Client Solutions
Greenfield Services Inc.
613-288-4517
meagan@greenfield-services.ca

Jill Birch to Open the Engaging Associations Forum on Sustainable Leadership

We are thrilled to announce that Jill Birch, CEO of the Canadian Art Foundation will be joining us to kick-off the Engaging Associations Forum this July 23-24, 2015!

Jill Birch is the CEO of the Canadian Art Foundation and the Publisher of Canadian Art magazine. She is the former vice president of fundraising and alumni at OCAD University; former President of the OCAD University Foundation; and the former principal and national capability lead at Knightsbridge, where she ensured that organizational talent development goals and leadership capabilities were realized. She was also the vice president of business development at Sheridan College, and is the former associate director of In-Company Development, International Training and Partnerships with the Schulich School of Business at York University.

Birch has worked with organizations in the digital, high-tech, health, advertising, financial services, energy, public, manufacturing and telecommunications sectors and has spoken to groups across Canada and around the world. She is currently a PhD candidate with Griffith University in Australia, where she is researching relational leadership processes. She is also a Certified Association Executive.

A Leadership and Organizational Change Expert, Birch will be kicking off the Forum discussing New Thinking on the Old Challenge of Sustainable Leadership:

Is a leader a position, or is a leader a person? Jill Birch answers this question - and many more - on building leadership capacity to drive the competitive advantage. 

Join us at the Engaging Associations Forum to listen, learn and engage Jill on her vast expertise in the association and not-for-profit sector.  

Speakers' Spotlight is an integral part of the reason we are able to welcome Jill Birch to the Forum this summer.  While they represent a wide variety of motivational speakers who present energetic talks that will inspire you and your staff to take action, be it in your personal lives, your workplace, or both, we felt we needed someone who had history in this industry, and worked closely with them to find the right fit for the event.

And, it was much easier than we thought.  They worked closely with us to ensure that our needs and goals were met, in order to deliver the best value to participants.  Speakers' Spotlight is committed to serving the diverse needs of the corporations, organizations, companies, non-profit and government groups that contact us when seeking conference speakers, and we work hard to find the conference speakers that will best meet and exceed your needs.  For your next conference, we highly recommend that you take a look at how they can help you!

Porter Airlines Partners with #Engageassn as an Innovator

On July 23-24, 2015, Greenfield Services will host the second annual Engaging Associations Forum at the Ottawa Marriott, geared towards association executives who want to create change in the industry.  The event will provide the opportunity for a true exchange of ideas for a new generation of association to succeed, grow and prosper.

Joining us as an Innovator partner is Porter Airlines,  who recently celebrated their 8th anniversary in operation.

“When we received confirmation that Porter Airlines was joining forces with us this year for the Engaging Associations Forum, it marked a very exciting time for us.  It shows that the Forum has really become a driving force for education and innovation for association executives.  Porter not only has agreed to partner with us, but they are offering a special discount to participants located outside of Ottawa to travel to and from the Forum under a specially discounted rate.  AND, they have provided an incentive to those who register before June 15th, 2015.” says Meagan Rockett, Greenfield’s Director of Client Solutions.

Porter Airlines is proud to offer a 15% discount on available base fares (with the exception of the lowest class fare during a public seat sale) for travel to and from 2015 Engaging Associations Forum. The discounted fares are available for booking from March 3, 2015 to July 27, 2015.  Please visit the Engaging Associations Forum website for further details.

In addition, Porter Airlines will provide (2) tickets anywhere Porter flies as an incentive for delegates to register for the Forum by June 15, 2015. The draw for the tickets will take place during the Forum.

For more information about the Engaging Associations Forum, please contact:

Meagan Rockett
Director, Client Solutions
Greenfield Services Inc.
613-288-4517
meagan@greenfield-services.ca

The International Centre Partners with #Engageassn as Thought-Leader

On July 23-24, 2015, Greenfield Services will host the second annual Engaging Associations Forum at the Ottawa Marriott, geared towards association executives who want to create change in the industry.  The event will provide the opportunity for a true exchange of ideas for a new generation of association to succeed, grow and prosper.

Joining us as a Thought-Leader partner is The International Centre, one of the only privately owned trade and consumer show and conference facilities in Canada.

“We were thrilled to hear that The International Centre wanted to come on board by partnering with us this year.  Their commitment and contribution to change in the association and not-for-profit industry truly allows us to bring our event to the next level.  The Engaging Associations Forum has garnered some great feedback, and we look forward to pushing the envelope again this year.  And we could not do it without thought-leaders like The International Centre.” says Meagan Rockett, Greenfield’s Director of Client Solutions.

For more information about the Engaging Associations Forum, please contact:

Meagan Rockett
Director, Client Solutions
Greenfield Services Inc.
613-288-4517
meagan@greenfield-services.ca

Top 10 Reasons to Attend the Engaging Associations Forum

Thinking about joining us for the Engaging Associations Forum?  Here are the Top 10 reasons why you should participate:

1. Be a Part of Something DIFFERENT:  While this is our second annual event, it is not something we created on our own; focus groups were conducted leading up to the inaugural event, and feedback was gathered on what should be discussed in 2015.  Our goal is to facilitate a change in the way associations operate.
2. Conversations:  While we have set sessions, our promise to you is that you will not sit in a meeting room all day listening to the speaker.  Participants will be asked to share, question, and challenge what is being said to ensure that all knowledge and experience is shared throughout the forum.
3. Less Time Away:  Taking place all day July 23rd, and just over a half day on the 24th, we are creating an experience that ensures you are taking as little time away from the office as possible; AND that you can get away for a bit of a long weekend at the end!
4. Engagement:  There are always questions that don’t get asked; whether that is a lack of time, or a lack of comfort publically sharing.  That’s OK here – we have extended the breaks and meal times to ensure that you have the time to speak with the facilitators, our partners, and your peers.  As one focus group participant said, “Business is not conducted in the meeting room, it’s done in the hallway, and 15 minutes is simply not enough time”.
5. Location, Location, Location:  With the Forum taking place in Ottawa, ON; it is easy for association executives to get here, and it is central to many of the Canadian-based associations; which means lower costs for participating!
6. Change:  We all want to do things differently.  But how do we get started?  This year, not only will we have a fabulous line up of industry experts, Association Executives are taking the ranks of speakers to share their direct experience with all of us! 
7. Unique Approach:  We are committed to presenting this in a way you have not experienced before.  We selected the Ottawa Marriott to host this event.  Our goal is to change the expectations that we all have of a conference taking place in any hotel meeting room.  We are going to create an environment that is modern, fun, relaxing, and that fosters the conversations we need to have. 
8. Action:  With each session delivered, you will receive key takeaways from the facilitators, and we will be providing a forum to share your “A-ha!” moments; little snippets of information that you would like to use in your daily work life.  We will be reporting back to all participants with session summaries, case studies, etc.
9. Network with Partners who GET IT:  Those who have chosen to partner with us truly understand that change is required to ensure associations thrive in the future.  We will have a select group of partners joining us – our commitment is to present to you quality companies to have conversations with, and not overwhelm you with too many of them.  Businesses who have not officially partnered with us will not be in attendance.
10. Cost:  We have chosen to keep this Forum affordable for all – and at a rate of $359 plus tax, you cannot beat the education that you will receive!

Interested in attending?  Register today!

Strategy & Change - Fast & Slow

Meredith Low, Principal
Meredith Low Consulting

Pressures for change abound in the association landscape – technology, social innovation, business models, and relationships with members are all in flux. We’d like to talk about approaches to change – slow, and fast.

When is it time for a patient, slow approach to change within your association – and when do you have to move at breakneck speed? Can you sequence changes, or do you have to move on multiple fronts at once?

How will you know? What are the risks?

And what situation are you personally best matched with, as a leader?

Join us at the Engaging Associations Forum July 23-24, 2015 at the Ottawa Marriott, where Meredith Low will facilitate a conversation about:

Alison Dantas, CEO
Canadian Chiropractic Association

• Making the case for change – is the platform really burning? Ablaze, or slowly smoldering?
• How do you know if big fast change is the right way to go – or not?
• How to bring people on board – or work around them
• Grasping and dealing with the risks of change
• Making course corrections – and skirting disaster
• The need for courage, given the possibility of failure
• How to put your own preconditions for success in place

The panelists, Alison Dantas, CEO of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, and Mary Ann Rangam, Executive Director of the Ontario Professional Planners Institute, will share their very different experiences of leading associations through profound organizational transformations – taking place over many years, or perhaps just a few months.

Come to be galvanized, inspired, and energized. It’s about vision, tenacity, and courage – whatever your timeframe, and whatever your own style.

Mary Ann Rangam, Executive Director
Ontario Professional Planners Institute

About the Engaging Associations Forum:

Heeding Gandhi’s famous quote, “be the change you want to see in the world,” the Greenfield Services team put its time, effort and money where its heart is. The 2014 Engaging Associations event was created to elevate the conversation, and promote change in the Canadian Association and Not-for-Profit sector. A total of 74 participants came together for this inaugural event; they welcomed the new, engaging format, sharing best practices, challenges and successes.

The 2015 Engaging Associations Forum will continue down this path, offering more opportunity to exchange top-level ideas with your peers, and to learn how engagement is critical for your association on every single level.

This year’s instalment will focus on the association of the future. This is a highly interactive event, where participation and commentary is expected not only from presenters and facilitators, but the participants as well. Ready for a different kind of conversation? Join us in Ottawa, July 23-24.

Registration Now Open for the 2015 Engaging Associations Forum

On the heels of a successful Engaging Associations in July 2014, we are pleased to announce that the Engaging Associations Forum will return for a second year - the website is LIVE, and registration is NOW OPEN!

What's new this year?

In 2015, we will continue to focus on how to create an engaging association, with a heavy focus on topics to create the association, membership models, and strategies for the future.

We  have a great line-up of speakers, who are ready to help you create change.

The sessions will be MORE interactive than in 2014, and we want you to be a part of it!

We invite you to take a look at the newly designed website, and encourage you to be part of the conversation, and create change!  Join us July 23-24, 2015 in Ottawa.

For more information on the 2014 event, please click here to access our e-book.

Greenfield Services Announces the Location of the 2015 Engaging Associations Forum

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Engaging Association Forum

Alexandria, ON, February 2015 – On July 23-24, 2014 Greenfield Services has announced that the second annual Engaging Associations Forum will take place at the Ottawa Marriott.  Continuing on the success of the first year, the event will provide the opportunity for a true exchange of ideas for a new generation of association to succeed, grow and prosper.

“We had such a successful event last year, we needed to continue with our commitment to do things differently.  With the event taking place at the Ottawa Marriott, our goal will be to show participants what can be done with hotel meeting rooms to engage and have meaningful exchanges with peers,” said Meagan Rockett; Director, Client Solutions.

The Engaging Association Forum is an event co-created with association executives, from senior levels to entry-level young professional.  Leading up to the inaugural event, we held focus groups with executives, and heard that:

• The Forum should provide attendees with the opportunity to learn and share experiences beyond heard from consultants and suppliers.  Peer-driven content, with support from industry experts is expected.
• The Forum should be appropriate in length, should not take too much time away from the office.
• The Forum should allow for fresh, alternative formats that enhance the learning experience.

Leading up to this year, we conducted a survey asking what association executives want to see this year at the Forum.

Association Executives are the main drivers of this Forum, and therefore, a limited number of salespeople or industry suppliers will be admitted.

We are committed to providing the industry with just that, and look forward to being part of the change!

For more information please contact:
Meagan Rockett
Director, Client Solutions
Greenfield Services Inc.
613-288-4517
meagan@greenfield-services.ca 

Greenfield Services Inc. is a full service association management and business development firm dedicated to the needs of professional and trade associations.  Areas of expertise include Membership Marketing, Membership Engagement, Sponsorship & Exhibit Sales and Event Marketing.  To learn more about the Forum, or to sign up for updates, please click here.

Travel Alberta (@TAMeetings) Returns for a 2nd Year at #Engageassn

Travel Alberta has confirmed partnership once again for the second instalment of the Engaging Associations Forum; taking place July 23-24, 2015 in Ottawa, ON.  Once again, we aim to provide the opportunity for a true exchange of ideas for a new generation of association to succeed, grow and prosper.

In 2014, Travel Alberta was a founding sponsor of the inaugural event, and returns as a Top Engager in 2015.

"Travel Alberta's return to the Engaging Associations Forum was fantastic news for us, as it shows industry dedication to innovation and creating change", says Meagan Rockett, Greenfield's Director of Client Solutions.  "In 2014, the room was truly buzzing from the word 'go', and I really was at a loss for words.  We could not have pulled it off last year without our partnership with Travel Alberta, and look forward to working with Jennifer and the rest of her partners again this year to move the needle even further!"

Travel Alberta has been working hard at keeping on top of industry trends, which includes the use of social media in their marketing.  Their latest video, "241 Moments in Alberta", shows a rapid-fire series of Instagram images of the province.  Incorporating the use of real photos from real travellers into their sales and marketing plans shows their personality, and a commitment to remain at the forefront of innovation.

The website for the Engaging Associations Forum is just about ready - and will be live in the coming days.  Registration will open before the end of February.

If you have questions regarding the Engaging Associations Forum, please do not hesitate to contact:

Meagan Rockett
Director, Client Solutions
Greenfield Services Inc.
613-288-4517
meagan@greenfield-services.ca

Marriott International (@MarriottIntl) a Top Engager with #Engageassn

Alexandria, ON, January 22, 2015 – Greenfield Services is pleased to announce its partnership with Marriott International - for the second year in a row - as a Top Engager with the Engaging Associations Forum.

The Forum, taking place July 23-24, 2015 in Ottawa, ON, is the second annual event hosted by Greenfield Services Inc.  Our aim is to elevate the conversation that association executives are having, so their organizations succeed, grow and prosper.

For the second year, we aim to:

• Provide attendees the opportunity to learn and share experiences beyond the typical presentation formats;
• Foster peer-to-peer conversations and the exchange leading to real-life, tested solutions;  
• Create a forum that lives beyond the event itself, where participants will be able to continue sharing ideas and results of their new-found engagement activities.

In the coming weeks, we will have the website updated, and will be launching the program as it is finalized.  Registration should be open in February 2015.

Stay tuned to the blog for further details, or our event website.

If you have questions regarding the Engaging Associations Forum, please do not hesitate to contact:

Meagan Rockett
Director, Client Solutions
Greenfield Services Inc.
613-288-4517
meagan@greenfield-services.ca

Greenfield Services to attend #CSAE Tête-à-Tête (#TeteaTete)

On Thursday, January 29, 2015 leaders of Associations, Not-For-Profits, Professional Meeting Planners as well as Government Producers will be heading to the Ottawa Convention Centre to attend 2014’s installment of CSAE’s Tête-à-Tête – and Greenfield Services Inc is thrilled to be joining them!

Every year Tête-à-Tête continues to grow, and we can expect huge attendance for the 25th Anniversary!  The Chapter has set it up for success - offering two FANTASTIC keynote speakers (David Usher as the morning keynote; and Ron Tite as the lunch keynote).  Last year; over 500 people registered for the event - will you be celebrating the anniversary with us this year?  

The Chapter put out a great article about the humble beginnings - read more here. 

For more information on the event, or to register, please click here.  Feel free to stop by our booth (#231), or contact us by email to pre-book an appointment.  We will be offering a complimentary registration draw for our Engaging Associations Forum later this year to those who come by.  We look forward to seeing you all at the show!