After more than 10 years, Chicago has been chosen to host American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Annual Meeting & Exposition in 2018. The event, which draws around 7,000 association professionals from across the United States, will be held Aug. 18-21 at McCormick Place West Building. A joint announcement was made today by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Choose Chicago President and CEO David Whitaker.
“Playing the backdrop to ASAE 2018 demonstrates the city of Chicago’s world-class reputation as a true hub for industry and culture,” said Mayor Emanuel. “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. Many attendees are leading decision makers for their respective organizations and determine the location for their own meetings and conventions.
“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,” said John H. Graham, president and CEO of ASAE.
Since ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition was last hosted in Chicago, the city has experienced an increase in new hotels with 2,200 rooms added in the last year. McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America, will undergo a $650 million expansion to include a 10,000-seat event center and 1,200-room Marriott Marquis Chicago hotel completed by the end of next year.
Navy Pier, one of the city’s most famed landmarks, will also receive its own 200-room hotel by the late 2018. Earlier this year, the most visited attraction in the Midwest unveiled a 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel during the Pier’s Centennial Celebration. Citywide development is part of Chicago’s plan to attract 55 million visitors by 2020.
“It is an absolute privilege to welcome ASAE back to Chicago, 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,” said Whitaker. “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.”
