Last month I had the pleasure of attending the annual meeting of the National Association of Waterfront Employers (NAWE), a trade association whose member companies include privately owned stevedores, marine terminal operators and other waterfront-related employees.
Members gathered at this event in Washington, D.C., to discuss trends and issues affecting the maritime and terminal operating industries. They also had the opportunity to attend educational seminars and participate in networking events with decision-makers and legislators in the federal maritime community.
Below I have listed five reasons to hold an annual event for members:
- Foster Networking. Annual events allow members to connect and build relationships with one another and share their thoughts and opinions about the issues confronting their industry. They also can solicit input on the products and services of their business.
- Provide Education. Annual meetings allow organizations to offer educational sessions and workshops and share important information. For instance, throughout the NAWE event, experts provided insights into legislative initiatives, cybersecurity, investment outlooks, emissions reduction tactics, economic and trade trends, and even crisis communications best practices.
- Create Opportunities for Listening. Hosting an annual meeting allows your leaders to hear from members about their specific needs, which can help them determine how to enhance the programs they’re offering.
- Recognize Outstanding Work. Many trade associations use their annual events to recognize and honor the achievements of their members. Industry awards provide recognition for the hard work and achievements of individuals and organizations, which can be a source of pride and motivation for award recipients. Awards can also raise the profile of both the recipient and the organization offering it.
- Reinforce Perceptions. Annual meetings are a terrific way to reinforce perceptions that your organization is a valuable thought leader, influencing the thinking and practices of the industry. It’s also an opportunity to develop a list of ideas to explore in greater detail in the coming months. This is important because to maintain thought leadership, you’ll want to continually share ideas through articles or blog posts, speaking or publishing research.
Overall, an organization’s annual meeting provides connection and collaboration, allowing people to take a break from today’s digital work environment. Members gain access to new educational opportunities and can network with individuals they may not have connected with otherwise.