Hot News

 Generation X & Y may not have taken over the meetings business, but they are certainly planning and attending meetings and events. Some boomers have noticed that some of the old ways of marketing, promoting and planning meetings and events may not be as effective with these younger professionals from the new generation. The International Association of Conference Centers recently announce it was creating a new position of Board Association to as "Board Advisor" who will identify and advise the association on emerging trends and the unique perspectives of Generation X & Y. Well, IACC has found its X/Yer.

The Board of Directors for the has appointed Warren Call, 27 years old, Sales Manager of the Crystal Center at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Michigan as IACC’s first Board Associate.

In nominating Call, Rick Schmitt, Vice President of Sales at Crystal Mountain, said,"Warren would be an outstanding individual to serve as the Board Associate for IACC. His education is diverse and his long-term commitment to the hospitality industry is broad and passionate. "

A Michigan native, Call is actively involved with the Michigan Society of Association Executives and holds a bachelors degree from Michigan State University, where he graduated with honors, and an MBA from the International program at St. Johns University in Rome, Italy.

Call himself is eager to begin educating IACC on X/Y meeting planners and attendees. "We see things differently," said Call of his generation. "Everything can be done another way. A fresh perspective is always a good thing."

Call will attend all Board meetings beginning with the Annual Conference in April. In addition, he will be assigned to work on an IACC committee and give a final report on his observations and experiences at the Winter Board Meeting in January 2008. He will also assist the Board in addressing the association’s ongoing commitment to leadership development.

"I look forward to working with Warren to help shape the future of IACC and our industry," said Neil Pompan, president of IACC, NA SIACC North America’s President.