Showcase
Convention Showcase will take place on Monday, March 28th from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm in the Baltimore Convention Center Exhibit Hall (lower level). Learn more about Showcase here under Convention Special Events.
The purpose of the Convention Showcase is to provide an opportunity for association entities like Commissions, Standing Committees, State and International Divisions, and Task Forces to highlight their contributions to ACPA and the field, while also highlighting opportunities for member involvement.
The Showcase theme, FREE TO B’MORE!, reflects the desire to create a welcoming and festive (and free!) environment that allows members to explore and expand their myriad opportunities for involvement across our association – feel FREE to explore, connect, learn, and engage! Participants can connect with current ACPA leaders to explore specific ways to become more involved in our association and to network with colleagues. This year, the Showcase will be sharing space with Exhibitors to allow participants to engage with even more partners and colleagues!
Reserve a table for Showcase here. All table requests need to be submitted by December 17, 2010. ACPA entities may conduct a drawing at their promotional table during the 2011 ACPA Showcase, provided all of the following criteria are met:
- The drawing is only offered during the ACPA Showcase.
- The drawing is consistent with the mission and goals of ACPA, in addition to the Commission, Standing Committees, State or International Division, or Task Force.
- All funds collected must be deposited in an ACPA reserve account established for the entity (most entities already have reserve accounts) so the funds can be accountable to the IRS as appropriate. ACPA’s Director of Fiscal Services, Tom Gentry, will be available to receive these funds.
- No drawing may be for the benefit of an individual and must be for the expressed benefit of the official ACPA entity (Commission, Standing Committee, State Divisions, International Division or Task Force).
If you have any questions about the Convention Showcase, please contact one of the Showcase co-chairs:
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Daniel Ostick |
Chanda Corbett |
A More Sustainable Showcase
In December 2005, ACPA and eight other higher education associations officially founded the Higher Education Association Sustainability Consortium (HEASC). As part of the U.S. Partnership for Decade of Education for Sustainable Development, the mission of the work of the consortium is to help “leverage the United Nations Decade to foster education for sustainable development in the United States.”
ACPA recognizes that colleges and universities provide students with the knowledge they need to make an impact in their personal, civic and professional lives. By educating them about the principles of sustainability, they can make positive changes for society by making economically, environmentally, and socially responsible choices that help create a flourishing ecosystem, healthier communities and stronger societies.
The 2011 Convention Team is supporting the sustainability efforts of ACPA by assessing how best to reduce the Convention’s negative impact on the environment, economy, and social health. As a result, one of our goals is to make this a sustainable Showcase. The goals of our tables should be to make connections with each other while gaining new members into our individual groups. This is done through networking face-to-face and directing people to websites. The core purpose of the Showcase is to communicate to the membership of ACPA.
When preparing your materials for the Showcase, please consider the following:
- Have materials you have used in the past had the intended impact on the ACPA membership you desired? How do you know?
- If you distribute paper materials, print on 100% post consumer recycled paper, paper labeled as FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), use both sides of the paper, or decrease the size and amount of the paper used.
- If you intend to give items away at Showcase, please consider limiting your items, purchasing items, which are intended for reuse, and being conscious of the materials and labors used in creating the product. We highly encourage you to really think about whether or not you should give anything away. More than likely, many items get thrown away because people decide they can’t travel with all the items they picked up; or they question, “do I really need this?” and all those items end up discarded when they arrive home.
We would like for people to both honor traditions and find a way of making them fit in with the association’s initiatives on sustainability. We are not saying “no trinkets or giveaways.” We are simply saying “As an entire Association, let’s make a commitment to be more sustainable.” We highly encourage you to carefully consider and honor our commitment to a sustainable ACPA Baltimore 2011 Annual Convention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Showcase have a theme?
What sort of activities should we be planning?
What about giveaways and food?
Can we request more than one table?
What are the display guidelines?
Will there be access to a wireless signal?
Can I ship Showcase items ahead of time?
What is the Showcase?
The Convention Showcase serves to provide an opportunity for association entities like standing committees, state/international divisions, commissions, and task forces to highlight their contributions to the association and the field, while also highlighting opportunities for member involvement.
Does the Showcase have a theme?
Yes. The theme is FREE TO B’MORE! It reflects the desire to create a welcoming and festive (and free!) environment for our members that allows them to explore and expand their myriad opportunities for involvement across our association. Convention participants should gain an understanding of the different ways to become involved in the association and B’MORE! Feel FREE to explore, connect, learn, and engage!
What happens at the Showcase?
Each ACPA entity (commission, task force, state/international division, or standing committee) will host a table at the Convention Showcase. Fun activities are planned at each table to introduce convention attendees to each of the organizations. Often groups offer literature about the organization’s purpose. Groups are encouraged to offer some way for attendees to indicate interest in their organization &emdash; a sign-up sheet or a business card drop-off. Groups offering prizes or giveaways are asked to follow the sustainability guidelines. Light snacks will be served at the showcase and entertainment provided.
What sort of activities should we be planning?
Many groups use the Showcase or Convention theme to plan their activities. Seek the advice of colleagues and get creative! Groups will plan games or trivia contests and offer prizes. Some groups have organized raffles. Activities should be brief and fun; the intent is to engage attendees in conversation about what your organization does and how they may get involved.
What about giveaways and food?
Giveaways are discouraged, though if groups choose to offer a give-away, we ask that that items are practical. All giveaways should meet the suggested sustainability guidelines. Groups are asked not to give away food, candy, beverages or gum. Stickers should also be avoided. However, name-badge stickers are permissible.
Can we request more than one table?
Due to space restrictions in the Baltimore Convention Center, only one table will be available for each group.
What are the display guidelines?
- You will be provided with one folding table measuring approximately 6'. Displays should be kept to the table area, and not disrupt walkways.
- Two chairs will be provided for each table.
- Display items must be free standing; no items may be taped or stapled to walls or carpet.
- Helium-filled balloons are not permitted.
- You will not have access to electricity.
- Groups are asked not to use items involving water, sand, or dirt.
- No music or other sound effects that could potentially disrupt other displays.
Will there be access to a wireless signal?
There is no access to a wireless signal in the Baltimore Convention Center.
Can I ship Showcase items ahead of time?
Groups wishing to send items ahead of time must send packages directly to the hotel where the group’s representative is staying. Please contact your hotel for details.
