With 2011 now in our rear view windows, I would like to take a minute to reflect on a few items that happened last year:
THE GOOD
PCMA unveiled its Learning Lounge at last year’s Convening Leaders in Las Vegas to rave reviews. Featuring a behind the house look and short, interactive presentations on a variety of topics, the Learning Lounge was the talk of the event. Kudos to Dave Lutz and Jeff Hurt for partnering with PCMA to create this new look educational project. I look forward to this year’s version in San Diego!
Congratulations to Steve Knight and Reed Travel Exhibitions on the successful launch of AIBTM – The Americas Meetings and Events Exhibition in Baltimore. TSNN honored AIBTM as Best in Show for their Events Excellence Awards. It is very rare for a new launch to be recognized immediately as one of the best shows in the industry. AIBTM returns to Baltimore this June 19-21.
The Baltimore Orioles announce the return of the cartoon bird logo to their caps for the upcoming baseball season. While the Orioles wore a similar logo during the 1966 – 1988 seasons, they won 3 World Series, 3 American League Championships and appeared in two other playoff series. During the other years with the other cap, the Orioles have only two playoff appearance. Let’s hope this leads to the Orioles first winning season this century. Please.
THE BAD
The tendency of the major associations in the meetings and events industry to bog down thier general sessions with a endless procession of sponsors and propaganda before the speaker ever appears on stage. One group went over an hour into the 90 minute time slot allotted for the general session before we even heard the speakers name. Rumor has it that PCMA is going to buck this trend with their upcoming event in San Diego. I can only hope so!
Another troubling trend is that many of the major industry events insist on including a “State of the Industry Panel” on their agendas. I sat through three of these sessions in 2011 and walked out of one. It was original a few years back, but it now has been overdone and needs to be given a rest.
THE UGLY
Prior to the start of the 2011 NCAA football season, the Terps of the University of Maryland unveiled new uniforms and helmets that could be mixed to create 32 different uniform combos. After warming up before the home opener versus Miami on Labor Day, the Terps changed into a unannounced 33rd uniform they called Maryland Pride.
Based on the Maryland state flag, the uniforms caused a great deal of discussion and nearly brought down Twitter with all of the comments it generated. That night was the highlight of the Terps season unforuately.
Yes, this uniform is ugly. I also like them and since the University of Maryland system is my alma mater, you better not say anything bad about them….
