February 12, 2025

ACCED-I Events & News

Board President's Message - Kelly O'Neal, CMP, MBA

Punxsutawney Phil – Mere Rodent or Insightful Philosopher

As some of you know my institution celebrates Groundhog Day in a BIG way, like three days of celebrating, big. The history of this quirky campus event has a dubious origin story but our students and alumni still enjoy the annual revelry and have, for more than 50 years. Which is kind of cool as the university is not even 70 years old. Included in all the activities is the Groundhog Day movie on a continuous loop and philosophical discourse (musings about a day that occurs over and over)…of course, it’s a liberal arts school. Well on the last day of this year’s fun, a favorite alum (and former student worker) comments that planning for the school’s Groundhog Day must feel like the movie. I laughed. More

Step into Leadership: Apply Now for an Action Team Position

We are looking for ACCED-I members interested in applying for Action Team leadership positions. These pivotal roles within ACCED-I are essential in advancing the Association's goals through collaborative efforts on specific objectives. Detailed descriptions of each Action Team's goals can be found here.

The following four (4) positions will become available March 2025:

CCEP Action Team Vice Chair
Leadership Development Action Team Vice Chair
Recognition Action Team Vice Chair
Community Engagement Action Team Chair - new!

Learn more about the responsibilities and qualifications, and apply by February 14, 2025 for full consideration.

Join the Conversation

Collaborate with your colleagues at an upcoming 'roundtable' discussion. Bring your questions, solutions, and challenges to share with the group.

March 11th - Summer Outlook 2025

Countdown to the Annual Conference

The ACCED-I Annual Conference is just one month away! This highly anticipated event is packed with networking opportunities, an exciting Expo, and industry-leading education on the latest topics and trends in conferences, events, and higher education. Be inspired and learn best practices that you can take back to your institution in 2025. View the event schedule, presenters, register here, and start planning your time in Albuquerque!

Virtual Know Before You Go

Are you ready for an exciting time in Albuquerque, NM? Join your fellow attendees March 12th on Zoom and dive into all the amazing details of the upcoming ACCED-I 45th Annual Conference! Register here to save your spot!

Hotel Room Blocks End Soon

Take advantage of the discounted group rates for the 45th Annual Conference host hotels and stay at the center of all the action. The Clyde Hotel is offering a rate of $179 per night if booked by February 26th, and the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Albuquerque room rate is $192 per night if booked by February 23rd. Reservations can be made here.

Exclusive Offer from United

We are pleased to partner with United Airlines for air travel to our upcoming Annual Conference in 2025. Learn more about travel to Albuquerque here.

Important Message for Exhibitors

Last week an email was sent to all Annual Conference exhibitors with information on how to upload your company description, promotions, booth number, and other important details to the Annual Conference event app, Whova. If you didn't receive the email, please let us know at amie@acced-i.org. Thank you!

Opportunity to Present at an Annual Conference Showcase

You're invited to participate in showcases at this year’s Annual Conference in Albuquerque. Showcases provide you with dedicated time to briefly highlight your program and/or department with a five minute presentation to attendees. Spaces are limited so don't delay. Sign up here.

Congratulations Award Nominees

The Recognition Action Team is excited to honor ACCED-I members who have excelled in collegiate conferences and events this past year. Nominees and recipients will be recognized at the ACCED-I 45th Annual Conference Awards & Recognition Luncheon in Albuquerque on Monday, March 24, 2025. In this issue of the Connect newsletter, we are celebrating nominees in three award categories:

Jack Thornton Distinguished Service Award

Nominees:

Megan McCann - Illinois State University

Jason McClellan, MBA, MSF, CMP - Washington University in St. Louis

Outstanding Institutional Achievement Award: Single Event

Nominees:

Flagler College

Florida Institute of Technology

Loyola Marymount University

Outstanding Institutional Achievement Award: Long Term Process

Nominees:

Colorado State University

Georgetown University

Illinois Wesleyan University

University of Wisconsin-Madison

ACCED-I Career Center

Current job listings:

Michigan

University of Michigan

Conferences and Summer Operations Manager

Rhode Island

Salve Regina University

Executive Director of Business Development for Auxiliary Services

Washington

Washington State University Vancouver

Auxiliary and Events Manager

Cornell University Achieves One-Stop Shop Certification

Cornell University located in Ithaca, NY, recently earned ACCED-I One-Stop Shop (OSS) Certification. The certification meets a growing demand among meeting planners for a sure and easy way of identifying operations that deliver on the promise of “one contact, one contract and one bill."

Learn more about how your institution can become certified here.

Regional Events (Find your region )

Attend a regionally hosted networking call, cross-regional webinar, or in-person Drive-In to connect with colleagues and expand your industry knowledge.

Virtual Webinar - hosted by the LDAT - open to all Regions

*Important Date Change*

Treasure Hunt: A Search for Software | February 28, 2025 - 12:00pm - 1:30pm MT

Join us as we explore different options for scheduling and event registration systems. You just might leave with the satisfaction of finding exactly what you need in a sea of endless options.

This event (originally scheduled for January 31st) has been moved to February 28th to provide an enhanced experience. If you've already registered, you do not need to register again.

Networking Call

February 13, 2025 - 11:00am - 11:45am ET

Join your Region 2 colleagues for a networking call and Valentine's Trivia.

In-person Drive-Ins

February 13 2025 - 10:00am - 2:00pm ET

Engage with colleagues to explore collaboration with Campus Partners. Who are the partners and how do you work through issues? Join members of Region 4 for an in-depth discussion on this topic.

Location: Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, PA

Membership

Refer a New Member - Get an Amazon Gift Card

Do you know someone who could benefit from an ACCED-I membership? Refer them today and receive a $25 Amazon gift card when they register for a new Individual, Institutional, or Corporate membership.

The process is simple:

Talk to your colleagues about ACCED-I
Refer them to our website to register as a new member; request that they add your name as their referral on the application
Enjoy your shopping trip!

If you have any questions, contact us at info@acced-i.org.

Bundle Your Membership

Is your membership up for renewal? Take advantage of our combined invoice option to secure your attendance at the Annual Conference plus your yearly ACCED-I membership. The invoice will include:

Membership dues
Registration fees for the 45th Annual Conference in Albuquerque, NM, March 2025

We'd like to make it as easy as possible to meet your professional development goals this year by streamlining the process. Contact us at info@acced-i.org to discuss your renewal options.

Welcome New Members

Please welcome the following new and

returning members to ACCED-I!

Linnea C. Swanson - California State University, Long Beach

Leah Keator - Creighton University

Amy Troha - Lamar University

Grayson Meek - Lamar University

Angeline Sosa - New Jersey Institute of Technology

Aaron Beadle - Pacific University

Jacob Olsen - Providence College

Mickaylie Boldenow - St. Olaf College

Kelli Hoskins - St. Olaf College

Esteban Olivares - Summer Discovery

Shannon M. Venenga - University of North Texas

Curtis Vigil - University of New Mexico

Check out the latest conversations:

Intern Housing Contracts

Assessment of Events Office

Have a question or topic you'd like to discuss with the community? Log in to the website, find the Community you're interested in, then search the current topics or post your own. Click here to get started!

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Region 1, Region 2, Region 3, Region 4, Region 5

Main office: (970) 449-4960 | Email: info@acced-i.org

Account questions | Billing | Event registration | One-Stop Shop: Sandy@acced-i.org

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Education | Annual Conference | CCEP: Diana@acced-i.org

Connect Newsletter | Social Media | Marketing | Website | Career Center: Jennifer@acced-i.org