/* > /*--> September 18, 2009 By Mark Tarallo Gordon Smith, a former two-term Republican senator from Oregon, has been picked as the new CEO and president of the National Association of Broadcasters. The appointment is effective as of Nov. 1.
Read MoreFlashy neon and shiny glass of the associations Alexandria, Va., office reflects Lori Andersons vision of her industry. Cool, she calls it. President and CEO of the International Sign Association since 2004, Anderson has become a booster, calling signs the face of business. And shes put her enthusiastic stamp on the groups new headquarters. Anderson has been hands-on, from choosing an architect to coordinating members in-kind donations to showcase contemporary signage style.
Read MoreEven with the promise of a better domestic economy ahead, expansion abroad still beckons many U.S.-based industry groups in search of new business opportunities for member companies, as well as professional associations interested in increased membership. People are looking for additional sources of revenue, new markets, said Megan Freedman, director of international programs at ASAE and The Center for Association Leadership.
Read MoreFor the Society for Human Resource Management, the long road to China started roughly a decade ago. U.S.-Sino relations were improving, and China was set to become more active in the international community as a member of the World Trade Organization. The societys members started venturing to China on their own. That means we have to be there with them, said Brian Glade, SHRMs vice president of international programs.
Read MoreU.S.-based conferences can be one of the most effective ways for associations to build an international membership and potentially serve as launching pads for global expansion, association managers say.
Read MoreThe U.S. Travel Association announced Sept. 16 the results of a new study that connects business travel investment to increases in company revenue and new client conversion rates. The report, conducted by forecast firm Oxford Economics, found that every dollar invested in business travel results in an average of $12.50 in increased revenue and $3.80 in new profits. The report also found that the elimination of business travel reduces profits by an average of 17 percent.
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