Plenty of meetings industry
associations fall under our radar, either because they are
too small, too new or too low-key. Test your knowledge of
associations by matching the acronyms in the left-hand column with
the descriptions of the associations that appear at right. Answers
can be found below.
A. A small group of organizations that
collectively manage 25 of the 50 largest trade shows in North
America
B. An association catering to planners and
exhibitors in the health-care industry
C. An organization whose members advise meeting
planners and others on proper protocol and etiquette
D. A 350-member group of meeting professionals and
suppliers, based in Alexandria, Va.
E. A group of female meeting professionals that
hosts three golf events each year
F. A new association that focuses on marketing
special-event venues
G. An organization of European destinations that
host conferences
H. An association, founded in 1997, for owners of
independent planning firms
1. AMPs
2. IAPC
3. MATSO
4. SESMA
5. MILO
6. HCEA
7. AMMC
8. EFCT
Answers: 1-D (Association of Meeting
Professionals; www.ampsweb.org); 2-C (International Association of
Protocol Consultants; www.protocolconsultants.org); 3-A (Major
American Trade Show Organizers; www.matso.org); 4-F (Special Event Sites
Marketing Alliance; www.sesma.org); 5-E (Meeting Industry Ladies
Organization; www.clubmilo.com); 6-B (Healthcare Convention and
Exhibitors Association; www.hcea.org); 7-H (Alliance of Meeting Management
Companies; www.ammc.org); 8-G (European Federation of Conference
Towns; www.efct.com).