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 Professions require infusions of new blood to grow. Conference Centers have also realized those infusions should use young blood. A year ago, the International Association of Conference Centers (IACC) created a special Board Associate position to be filled by exclusively by "twenty-somethings" in order to reflect the influence of generations X and Y among both meeting planners and venues. The idea has been so well received that The Board’s Executive Committee recommended that a second Board Associate position be established along with extending the term of the position to 18 months.

The position of Board Associate was established with "a particular focus of identifying x and advising the Board of Directors on emerging trends from Generations X and Y" said Neil Pompan, President of the North American Chapter, IACC.

Last year, the Board of Directors appointed Warren Call, 27 years old, the former Sales Manager of the Crystal Center at Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville, Michigan as IACC’s first Board Associate. Having Gen X/Y on the board prompted the creation of the Green Task Force and the Emerging Trends Task Force, which recently its first report on the new generation’s impact on meetings marketing. (available here), which "examines how Millennial-age meeting planners research and select sites for their events and how their approach differs from other age groups."

"It is imperative that we maintain a cutting-edge perspective on technological and societal trends that affect our industry and not only embrace those trends, but get ahead of that curve and project trends," said Pampon. "Adding a second Board Associate will help IACC to make a significant impact on our industry and our association."

In addition to creating a second Board Associate position, its tenure has been extended an additional six months. Board Associate service begins on January 1 and ends with the Annual Conference in the following year. Board Associate service will include six Board meetings and two IACC conferences.

IACC’s new Gen x/y representatives are Melissa Bell, 24, currently employed by Dolce International as Conference Manager at BMO Financial Group, Institute for Learning in Toronto and Emily Heckaman, 26, Conference Planner for the University Place Conference Center and Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana. In nominating Bell for Board Associate, Scott Johnston, General Manager, Institute for Learning, "Melissa stands out as an example of the high quality performer that the conference centre industry is capable of attracting, developing and retaining. She is a valued member of the team, has a wonderful genuine personality, and would absolutely progress the value of the position to its fullest potential."

Heckaman was nominated by Tom Cappucci, General Manager, University Place Conference Center and Hotel, as well as IACC, NA First Vice President. "Emily consistently brings creativity and innovative ideas to constantly improve the meeting experience," said Cappucci. "Her enthusiasm and energy always manage to exceed customer expectations."