Strong Strategy Pays Off for IEC

The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) didn't want to let outside factors determine their convention numbers. After low attendance in 2004, IEC focused on promoting a more dynamic convention. The result: A 33 percent attendance jump, a sold-out room block and sold-out exhibit space at the 2005 annual convention, held Oct. 5-8 in Baltimore. IEC welcomed 165 first-time attendees, the highest number ever to attend a convention.

In Minneapolis in 2004, attendance dropped 14 percent from the previous year and exhibitor attendance dropped 9 percent.

"With the economy still somewhat slow in many areas, members and exhibitors were reluctant to commit to participating," said Larry Mullins, IEC's executive vice president and CEO.

He credits a strengthening economy in part for the strong numbers in 2005.

But IEC also crafted a much stronger marketing message, plus substantially increased the number of education sessions and networking opportunities, including networking opportunities for spouses.

A new membership video promoted the association, with five minutes devoted to the convention - educational opportunities, networking, and Baltimore itself. The association also sent every member a personal letter from the IEC president, highlighting how he took his company from $5 million to $25 million in over four years, and how education and networking fed that effort.

Mullins emphasized an increase in another area - fun. IEC created multiple contests and giveaways: Prizes included $50 and $100 gift certificates. If chapter executive directors met a designated goal, they were given a specially designed winner's jacket. A trivia contest included a $500 prize.

"Everyone likes to go home with something, especially cash," said Mullins.

Lunch Symposium Adds to ARN

With positive feedback and strong attendance, the Association of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) continued a traditional format with one new twist at its 2005 Educational Conference, held Oct. 5-8 in Palm Springs.

Conference organizers were pleased with a new lunch symposium, which added a more social component to the typical lecture-style education programming. After positive feedback, they hope to continue the new element, which was sponsored by Purdue University.

Called a "Lunch and Learn," the symposium addressed pain and the rehabilitation process. A medical doctor presented the lecture, with lunch served as attendees filtered into the room.

"We do not always have the funding from industry to present a meal symposium," said Mary Telios, ARN's manager of corporate relations. "It adds value to the conference in that the attendees have an additional opportunity to learn and add continuing education to their full conference experience."