ASAE is shutting down its annual Springtime Expo after 40 years so it can launch a new event the association is billing as a "game changer" for the industry.

Starting in 2017, Springtime will be replaced by the Xperience Design Project, a two-day conference for association professionals looking for ways to improve and expand their meetings.

"We are excited about XDP because it will be a game changer for the association industry," ASAE CEO John Graham said. "It will provide attendees and industry partners the opportunity to discuss topics together and create innovative and effective solutions."

The first XDP will be held May 23-24, 2017, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Md. ASAE partnered with 360 Live Media, a DC-based marketing and experience design agency, to develop the event.

ASAE announced the new event Thursday during Springtime at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. This year marked the 40th anniversary of Springtime, but the association believed that for the conference to remain relevant, it needed a drastic overhaul.

"The event will be 100 percent interactive, allow for one-on-one conversations, and build important relationships, so our members and industry partners can elevate how they conduct business as well as implement their meetings," Graham said.

More information about XDP is available on the official website: xdp.asaecenter.org

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