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Real-time.
How does it play out at an industry conference?
Audience questions are tweeted to the moderator even as the panelists
are still making their points. If there’s a change in schedule, an app lets
attendees know immediately so they can avoid being in the wrong
place at the wrong time. Individuals interact with others about their
experiences
as they’re happening
. And even people who couldn’t
attend can join the conversation — in the now.
For ARDA World 2015, real-time was much more than a popular
buzzword. It was a guiding principal that lent immediacy and relevancy
to the conference.
While technology permitted industry professionals to connect from
points across the globe, that easy access didn’t diminish the numbers
at the annual convention and expo, themed “Timeshare in Real-Time.”
Nearly 2,500 came together for information, education, and networking
at the Orlando World Center Marriott in April.
“ARDA World 2015 far exceeded our expectations and I believe
those of our members,” says Howard C. Nusbaum, ARDA president and
CEO. “Not only was attendance strong, but the education sessions and
forum programming were at capacity. Attendees seemed more engaged
than ever, and the feedback I’ve received has been tremendous.”
Seven waves of educational sessions and a series of forums tackled
topics ranging from tech trends and reputation management to resales
solutions and association governance — complete with a mock HOA
board meeting.
Drawing audiences to the Palms Ballroom, Nusbaum welcomed
attendees, introduced outgoing and incoming leadership, recognized
key supporters, and presented the graduates of ARDA’s LEAP program.
Keynote speaker Jay Baer,
The New York Times
best-selling author
of the book
Youtility
, enlightened listeners with advice on how to reach
and serve consumers whose attention is increasingly fragmented, and
whose options continue to multiply. “The message delivered by our
keynote speaker was directly aligned with the efforts coming out of our
research and communications initiatives,” notes Nusbaum. “It was
relevant, timely, and meaningful.”
Bringing home these issues even further was a panel of seasoned
CEOs who shared their thoughts on topics such as fee-for-service,
mixed use, publicly traded timeshare companies, and the changing
profile of the timeshare prospect, an increasingly savvy consumer who
may be fact-checking the sales presentation as it is given.
New to the event was the Digital Zone, an ongoing social media
feed broadcast from the center of the exhibition hall, which provided
updates, posts, and conversations, allowing attendees and non-
attendees, speakers, and presenters to interact.
“I’m encouraged to see our industry is not only keeping up with, but
is on top of the latest trends — listening to consumers in real-time,” says
Nusbaum, who shared information about ARDA’s listening initiative with
attendees. “It was evident to me that the industry feels it is on solid
ground and moving forward on an exciting path.”
MEETINGS
ARDA World 2015 Offers Immediacy, Relevance
ACONFERENCE IN
Real Time
20
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vacation industry review
JULY – SEPTEMBER 2015