2015 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition Unveils Opening Keynote Will Be Josh Linkner

March 30, 2015

The American Society of Association Executives expects nearly 5,500 nonprofit and association professionals to come together Aug. 8-11 for the 2015 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition, which will be held at Detroit’s newly renovated Cobo Center.

How can associations harness fresh approaches to all aspects of their work? Opening general speaker Josh Linkner, a business leader, venture capitalist, tech entrepreneur and author, will discuss a systematic process he discovered that increases creativity and produces results.

At the opening keynote, attendees will walk away with practical tools they can use in their own organizations to help deliver bottom-line results.

For the closing general session,  Sherry Turkle, a professor, author, consultant, researcher and licensed clinical psychologist, will explore how technology is impacting our social interaction and the cost it has on our personal and work lives. She also will highlight the importance of face-to-face conversations.

New this year, ASAE is offering an Executive Leadership Program, Aspiring CEOs programming, a pre-conference focusing on achieving global growth, and Detroit EduTours.

The three Game Changer sessions are presented by influential leaders in business and innovation. They include:

•      Sheryl Connelly, who leads Global Consumer Trends and Futuring for the Ford Motor Company

•      Alex Sheen, Founder of because I said I would, a global nonprofit and social movement

•      Liz Wiseman, President of the Wiseman Group, a leadership research and development firm

“As association professionals, we are looking at how trends will impact our organization and how to create new ideas,” said ASAE President & CEO John H. Graham IV, FASAE, CAE.

He added, “Linkner and Turkle are strategic thinkers who will give attendees insight on how to cultivate fresh thinking into an organization and how technology is impacting our lives. All the education sessions will provide participants with ideas they can take back to their organization."

For this year’s community service project, ASAE is working with Alternatives For Girls, which helps homeless and high-risk girls and young women avoid violence, teen pregnancy, and exploitation. Participants will have an opportunity to read and make bookmarks with the girls, tour the facility, and pack hygiene kits.

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.