CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - July 26, 2016) - Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Choose Chicago President and CEO David Whitaker today announced the return of the American Society of Association Executives' (ASAE) Annual Meeting & Exposition to Chicago from August 18-21, 2018. Approximately 7,000 association professionals from across the U.S. and world are expected to attend the convention that will bring in more than $16 million in estimated direct expenditures. Chicago last hosted the ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition in 2007.
"Playing the backdrop to ASAE 2018 demonstrates the City of Chicago's world-class reputation as a true hub for industry and culture," Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. "We are proud to welcome ASAE back and host this important conference once again. As one of the most visited cities in the United States and one of the top cities in the world to conduct business, there is no better time to show every member everything Chicago has to offer."
The three-day conference includes educational seminars on strategic planning, community engagement, advocacy, leadership and service, global marketing and more, and is also an opportunity to showcase Chicago as the number one meetings and events destination in the world. Many of the show's attendees are the leading decision makers for their respective organizations and determine the location for their own meetings and conventions.
"It is an absolute privilege to welcome ASAE back to Chicago in 2018, and it is also a tremendous opportunity as a destination to share with attendees the incredible developments that have taken place in Chicago since ASAE was last here in 2007," David Whitaker, President and CEO of Choose Chicago said. "From the expanded McCormick Place campus, to a redeveloped Navy Pier, to our burgeoning restaurant scene, our globally-recognized cultural institutions and everything in between, Chicago continues to be an exciting place to convene, work and play. We're also thrilled and honored to engage and collaborate with local ASAE members who are part of this community and who share a commitment to this great city as well as the diverse industries they serve."
As of 2018, Chicago will have hosted the ASAE Annual Meeting more than any other city in ASAE's 98-year existence.
"We are excited to come back to Chicago for the ASAE Annual Meeting in 2018. Our last visit in 2007 resulted in the largest association attendance in ASAE's history with more than 3,700 executives. In two years, our members will be able to experience the West Building of McCormick Place and explore the new venues and restaurants in the new McCormick Square. I worked with David Whitaker in Toronto in 2009, and I know that his team will deliver an unbelievable experience for our members," ASAE President and CEO John H. Graham, IV, FASAE, CAE said.
Attendees of the 2018 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition will have a chance to experience the expanded McCormick Place campus and the McCormick Square neighborhood.
"We are thrilled that ASAE, the premier event for association executives, will converge at the McCormick Place West Building in 2018," Lori Healey, CEO of the MPEA said. "The 2018 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition will come at no more perfect time as McCormick Square, Chicago's newest neighborhood, will be abuzz with improved on-site convenience and amenities. In the fall of 2017, the Marriott Marquis Chicago and the 10,000 seat Event Center will join McCormick Place and the Hyatt Regency, completing the build out of the McCormick Square campus."
The 2018 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition will be held August 18 through August 21 at the McCormick Place West Building.
Contact Information:
Melanie Perez