Facing fees, executive negotiates, saves meeting
Terry Peters said he doesnt like to gloat. Still, the senior director of technical and industry affairs for the Society of the Plastics Industry, said hes proud of his recent negotiations with Hyatt Corporation. At issue was a May meeting in Indian Wells, Calif., for members of SPIs fluoropolymers division, an event that in recent years drew between 130 to 150 attendees. But this year was different. Reviewing the numbers months in advance, Peters projected this year would be off 60 to 70 percent.
Read MoreFinancial group chief sees revival from the freefall
Against the backdrop of an economy struggling to right itself, Steve Bartlett is watching his industry contribute to a successful recovery. As CEO of The Financial Services Roundtable, the 97-member group of the nations largest financial services companies, he came aboard when it was evolving from the then-named Bankers Roundtable to a trade group that he says now represents major companies that finance most of the American lifestyle.
Read MoreFormer CEOs are not quite ready for an early retirement
Many CEOs, it seems, dont really retire. They may transition to high-level lobbying or consulting, start an association management company, take a COO job, or, at least in one case, become a passionate painter. But flat-out retire, as in daily golf, early-bird specials and Florida? A rather unappealing concept, based on recent conversations with a handful of former CEOs.
Read MoreHigh speed rail trade group forms to foster industry in U.S.
Coming on the heels of an Obama administration proposal for faster passenger trains and with an industry poised to reap the benefit of the economic stimulus, the U.S. High Speed Rail Association has launched and already is planning its first conference for this month.
Read MoreLocal mortgage lenders unite for more focused advocacy
Seeking a higher Capitol Hill profile to counter big-bank lobbying power, independent mortgage banks have joined in recent days, forming two groups, the Community Mortgage Lenders of America and the Community Mortgage Banking Project.
Read MoreMeeting contract fees add to woes
As if revenue declines werent making life hard enough for association leaders, a growing number of executives are now facing the fine print in their hotel meeting contracts, documents which, in many cases, were written years ago and include whopping fees for attendance declines and event cancellations.
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