This year the economy interrupted our normal ICOM meeting schedule. Because we re-scheduled our International Management Conference in Beijing for 2010 we have had more options for our regional meetings this year.
One thing we have been wanting to try is a combined meeting of the America's; the North American Region together with the Latin American Region. We just did it and it worked out very well. So well we'll do it again next year in San Juan, Puerto Rico hosted by Arteaga & Arteaga.
Cramer-Krasselt, Chicago hosted this unique meeting in a style
befitting our biggest member in a city full of style. The turnout was very good for a bad economy; all but one of our North American members and well over half of our Latin American members were in attendance.
The North Americans met on Wednesday, North Americans and Latin Americans together on Thursday and Latin Americans met on Friday. Some Latins came early for Wednesday's sessions and some North Americans stayed late to participate in Friday's sessions.
In the pre-meeting survey our members said they wanted to learn more about social media, alternative compensations systems, setting up and analyzing digital marketing, new business techniques and how others are dealing with the economic downturn. All of these topics were covered by outstanding guest speakers and presenting members.
But, as usual, it was not all business. Following C-K's recommendations we had dinners on the famous Navy Pier looking back at the ever-growing city skyline (with fireworks), a great steak place that served huge portions and a family-style Italian restaurant that was full of wonderful food and happy noise. The members were also invited to cocktails at Peter and Linda Krivkovich's fabulous high-rise penthouse home with extraordinary views of Chicago.
You can see presentations and pictures from the first ever Meeting of the Americas on the ICOM web site (www.icomagencies.com).
