2011 Annual Conference
Westin Casuarina
Las Vegas, Nevada
January 7-9, 2011

ACOM's Conference Committee, led by Sharon Gronowski, CMP, Positively Cleveland, is Hitting the Jackpot with Convention Services, and are putting together a great educational and networking program just for YOU!

Once again, ACOM has partnered with the Conference Hotel to get you a low rate on sleeping rooms. Reserve your sleeping room by September 10 and receive a reduced rate of $179! January is a busy month in Las Vegas, with the large Consumer Electronics Show (CES) taking place over the same dates as the ACOM Conference. Be sure to reserve your sleeping room early to ensure your stay at the ACOM Conference Hotel - the Westin Casuarina! To make reservations, please visit ACOM Reservation Website.

As a reminder, the Summer Education Conference is "under construction" this year. Make sure you direct those Summer Conference dollars to the 2011 Annual Conference in Las Vegas!

2010 Annual Conference Wrap-Up

ACOM Annual Conference Helps Attendees Overcome Recession Blues
Marilyn Healey, CMP, of the Hyatt Regency
Long Beach Announced as 2010 ACOM President

The Association for Convention Operations Management (ACOM), an organization dedicated to advancing the practice of convention services management in the meetings industry, held its 22nd Annual Conference January 8-10, 2010 at the Westin City Center in Dallas, Texas. Marilyn Healey, CMP, Convention Services Manager at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach, was announced as ACOM’s 2010 President at the Conference.

The Conference offered a variety of educational sessions to help attendees overcome current economic challenges. “The Sign of the Times Part I: Sharing Strategies” session led by meetings industry veteran, Joan Eisenstodt, helped attendees learn how to maintain good service despite industry changes. Mike Rayburn’s keynote address and Izzy Gessell’s session on generational differences and cultural diversity were among the highlights of the Conference, according to attendees. Attendees also learned how convention services managers (CSMs) can better service their meeting planner clients, ultimately leading to more successful events.

“The Conference program provided attendees with an accurate picture of the issues currently facing the convention services industry and how we as an organization can come together and help each other succeed,” said Marilyn Healey, CMP, ACOM President. “I look forward to working with everyone involved in the organization to help ACOM flourish in the new year.”

During the 2010 Awards Luncheon and Business Meeting, several industry awards were presented. Given out in conjunction with Successful Meetings magazine, the CSM of the Year Awards were announced and honored Robin Wilczynski, Hilton Tucson El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort; Susan R. Schwint, Visit Charlotte and Kimberly S.
Kreml, University Center of Lake County. Also, Melissa Laskowsky, CMP, Event Services Manager at the Georgia Mountains Center received the Member of the Year Award; Julie Pingston, CMP, Senior Vice President at the Greater Lansing CVB received the President’s Award; Gary Musich, VP, Convention Development at the Atlantic City CVA received the Executive Excellence Award and Gwen Davis, Director, Meeting Services at the Paralyzed Veterans of America received the Meeting Professional of the Year Award.

ACOM also presented Amanda Tess Bonvechio, CMP, Convention Services and Housing Manager at Positively Cleveland with the first Annual William H. Just CAE, CMP Memorial Award, and Jennifer Matthews from the University of Alabama received the 3rd Annual Donald S. Freeman, Jr. ACOM Conference Scholarship.