Hammock @ ASAE 2009

You might have thought you had walked into a party instead of a conference room this morning for the Sunday opening session at ASAE 2009. Colored lights bounced across the room as a dance beat welcomed (and awakened) conference attendees.

As things kicked off Sunday, we were all entertained by a song written specifically for this conference. Fellow attendees from associations all over the country lent their voices and musical talents to a great little song that will be going through my head all day. "If you're looking for an answer, connect with me." (The beat of the bongo drums was my personal favorite part.)

ASAE executives were then introduced and brought to the stage to give the official welcome to the conference. "The more you put into this meeting, the more you'll get out of it," they told the crowd.

The executives spoke at length about the impact that the current world economy is having on associations and their members. ASAE is conducting biannual studies of their members' members to gather valuable information about association activity as it relates to the economy and membership.

The also talked about the importance of research, advocacy and the importance of telling a good story. You know we at Hammock love a good story!