Meeting & Event Planning Solutions

More than 5,000 people are slated to attend the 2011 American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Annual Meeting and Exposition in early August - a signal event of the meetings industry that is taking place in St. Louis this year.

Kathleen “Kitty” Ratcliffe, President of the St. Louis CVC, stands ready to welcome what is termed by some the "Super Bowl" of conventions. “Member associations dominate this $102-billion meetings industry," said Ratcliffe, “spending more than $60 billion annually to hold meetings and conventions. ASAE is a great opportunity for us and our many partners to showcase St. Louis as a super region for future meetings and conventions.”

Scheduled for August 6-9, 2011 at the America’s Center convention complex, ASAE will bring together 3,000 association executives, 2,500 industry suppliers and 500 other participants to St. Louis for an array of intense yet fun educational and networking opportunities.

As part of the itinerary, ASAE will partner with the St. Louis CVC and Stray Rescue to offer convention attendees a one-of-a-kind opportunity to make a difference for animals in the region during two unique events. From 11:30 AM to 4 PM Saturday, August 6, attendees can take part in a doggie treat-baking workshop at America’s Center, as well as participate in a “Doggie Day Spa” that same day.

Attendees are also invited to Stray Rescue’s primary shelter in downtown St. Louis from 2:30 to 5:30 PM Tuesday, August 9 to assist during a “Shelter Shift” where they may choose from tasks that help the shelter run on a daily basis.

“As a very pet-friendly community with many attractions, dog parks, gardens, hotels and outdoor restaurants that welcome pets, ASAE’s service project for Stray Rescue was a fitting choice,” said Ratcliffe. “Our region has a great history as a pet-loving culture with the founding of the Humane Society of Missouri and the Animal Protective Association in St. Louis.”

For ASAE members who wish to travel with their pets, St. Louis has more than 50 pet-friendly hotels to choose from.

Learn more about St. Louis in the Cvent Destination Guide.