2012 Fall Conference
November 14-16, 2012
The Fairmont Washington, DC
Fall Conference is the annual opportunity for attendees to learn issues that are fundamental to the industry’s health and growth. The conference kicked-off on Wednesday with a busy day of committee meetings followed by the Opening Night Reception sponsored by RCI and the Trustee Foundation Dinner sponsored by Wells Fargo Finance at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum. Networking opportunities abounded at these events and throughout the day.
On Thursday committee meetings continued along with educational programming. Attendees heard from Francis Coullart, the President of the Experience Co-Creation Partership at PriceWaterhouse Coopers. He talked about the "Ten Commandments of Co-Creation"; how to market and sell to generation x and generation y; a rising group of consumers. Later in the day was a great follow-up session, "Reaching the New Generation of Timshare Owners" sponsored by Oombaga and Triton Timeshare Software, where an interactive workshop took place. First representatives from Sachs Insights, a research company ARDA hired, shared results and video clips from focus groups that had previously taken place to get a better understanding of what someone with no knowledge of a timeshare thinks. Attendees then broke into groups and came up with the best ways to approach these potential owners. Attendees then heard from the Honorable Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Economist, former Director of the Cognressional Budget Office and Former Chief Economic Policy Advisor to Senator John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign sponsored by FARROW Commercial Construction. Thursday concluded with a Reception sponsored by Interval International at The Westin Georgetown.
On the last day of the conference Stu Rothenberg, the Editor and Publisher of the Rothenberg Political Report and Columnist for Roll Call, was the keynote speaker for a special general session breakfast honoring Chairman’s League members .
In these turbulent economic times, it is pertinent to know updated issues facing our industry on both federal and state levels, as well as network within core members of ARDA leadership and committee teams. Committees play an integral role in the association’s business and industry positions and can only be strong and representative if members participate. If you are not currently involved in an ARDA committee or were unable to attend Fall Conference, you are invited to drop in on any of the open meetings at ARDA World 2013, the Annual Convention & Exposition, and consider becoming a member of a committee.
Save the Date! The 2013 ARDA Fall Conference will be November 13-15. Check back in the summer for more information.