Arrive early, and enjoy an EXTRA full day of education - compliments of ACOM!

Choose from programming on Saturday and/or Sunday…

Get a jump start on your education in 2009, compliments of ACOM.  Once again, at ACOM’s Annual Conference, convention service management professionals at hotels, centers and bureaus will join with meeting professionals from around the U.S. to strengthen their collaborative relationship to further the effectiveness of the meeting’s industry.

ACOM, the Association of Convention Operations Management, is dedicated to advancing the practice of convention services management (CSM) and preparing CSM professionals for their critical role in partnering with planners for the success of meeting and events.  ACOM members hold many positions at convention & visitors bureaus, convention centers, conference facilities and hotels.

This year, ACOM and PCMA will again partner to offer you the opportunity to explore and improve your relationships with CSMs.  Programming at both the PCMA and ACOM Annual Conferences will include sessions geared toward forging improved strategies to enhance a meeting’s effectiveness. 

As a PCMA Annual Meeting registrant, you are invited to attend programming at the ACOM Annual Conference on Saturday, January 10 or Sunday, January 11, 2009, at no additional cost, as part of your PCMA registration fee.  Registrants may also attend meal functions for a nominal fee.

To register, please check the appropriate box on PCMA’s Annual Meeting registration site.  ACOM sessions will be held at the Westin Canal Place in New Orleans.

While improving your knowledge of the meetings industry, you will also earn valuable CEUs toward your CMP certification.  It’s extra, value-added sessions and networking at no additional cost to you!

Schedule for Complimentary Program at ACOM Conference

Tentative Schedule (as of July 23, 2008); see www.acomonline.org for current information.
*An additional fee will apply if you would like to sign up for meal functions.

Saturday, January 10

8:00am – 8:45am

Continental Breakfast

9:00am – 9:45am

Engaging your Community

10:00am – 10:45am

Learning about ADA Compliance

11:00am – 12:00pm

Concurrent Tracks:
  • CSM Teaming: Why It Can Help Decrease Turn-Over and Give Your CSMs a Life!
  • Emails as Contracts – What you Need to Know
  • Creative Site Inspections Part 1: Getting to know your meeting planner

12:15pm – 1:45pm

Awards Luncheon and Business Meeting

2:00pm – 2:45pm

Concurrent Tracks:
  • Managing Outsourced Services
  • Work/Life Balance
  • Creative Site Inspections Part 2: Situation – Role Playing

3:00pm –4:00pm

Overcoming Adversity: Disaster Planning

4:00pm – 5:00pm

Mentoring Program/Leadership Academy

Sunday, January 11

8:00am – 9:00am

 Continental Breakfast

9:00am – 10:00am

Technology Trends affecting the Hospitality and Meeting Industry

10:15am– 11:30am

Green Meetings: What We Can Learn from What is Pledged to be

the Greenest Convention Ever

12:00pm – 1:30pm

Roundtable Luncheon: Discuss current industry topics with fellow

meetings industry colleagues

2:15pm – 3:15pm

Marketing & Branding Your Destination at the Hospitality Frontline

To register, please check the appropriate box on PCMA’s registration site.