Association Forum Unveils Big Plans for 35th Annual Holiday Showcase® 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Monica Linders 
312-924-7009 
linders@associationforum.org 

Chicago, IL – September 13, 2023 – Association Forum, the premier hub for Chicagoland associations, is excited to announce the next-generation of its annual flagship event, Holiday Showcase, as it marks its 35th anniversary. This year’s theme, Incubate, represents a bold step forward, inviting attendees to be an integral part of creating an environment that promotes development and growth within the industry. 

“Holiday Showcase has long been a pivotal event in the association community, and its 35th anniversary provides a perfect opportunity to reflect on its successes and embrace innovative changes,” says Callan Stapleton, CAE, executive vice president & president of business and education services for the Illinois Bankers Association and chair of the Holiday Showcase Program Advisory Group. “The new approach promises to revolutionize the way attendees engage with the event,” he says, adding, “as well as foster collaboration, and inspire fresh thinking.” 

The expansion of Holiday Showcase means more content, more sessions, and more opportunities for learning. But that’s not the only change attendees can expect this year. Holiday Showcase’s huge exhibit hall is being elevated.  

“The exhibit hall is my favorite, and this year is bound to be the best yet,” says Loretta Yingling, CMP, national sales manager for the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau and co-chair of the Holiday Showcase Tradeshow Advisory Group. “This year we’re bringing back the Career Center where attendees can get headshots and career coaching,” says Co-chair Danny Harris, CAE, CEO, National Association of Fire Equipment Distributors. “I’m also excited about the One Idea Stage featuring brief presentations around success stories and lessons learned within the association community,” Harris adds. 

Key Highlights of 2023’s Holiday Showcase: 

Incubate Theme: The theme “Incubate” sets the stage for the event. Attendees will experience a dynamic program demonstrating how ideas can be tested, evolved, nurtured, challenged, transformed, and brought to life. It also enables the organization to bring its One Idea Can Change the World^® initiative to life, inspiring innovative thinking, and collaboration.  

Two Full Days: This year’s Holiday Showcase will be expanded to two full days of timely and thought-provoking sessions. The event kicks off on Wednesday, November 29, with a half-day of pre-conference sessions, an inspiring opening keynote, engaging breakout sessions, and a lively reception. Day 2, on Thursday, November 30, will feature a diverse range of breakout sessions, a keynote brunch, and a sold-out exhibit hall. 

Real-Time Activation of Praxis: The redesigned event embraces praxis, encouraging attendees to explore new avenues and push the boundaries of the status quo. It serves as a platform for innovative, iterative thinking and offers a wide range of perspectives. This diversity of thought leads to practical solutions that attendees can apply in their professional lives. 

With so many facets to the meeting, organizations are encouraged to bring the whole team. Educational sessions and exhibit floor activations will touch on all levels of association management.  

Registration for Holiday Showcase 2023 is now open, and early bird rates are available until November 8. To learn more about the event and secure your spot, please visit HolidayShowcase.org. 

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