Attendees at conventions in Alabama have their agendas full and find the conferences to be valuable on many levels.
According to John Matson, director of communications for the Alabama Nursing Home Association, the value of the association’s annual meeting is twofold. Members stay up-to-date in the heavily regulated industry while networking with their peers from across the state.
Sharon Austin, executive administrator of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Alabama, echoes the sentiment regarding the importance of being aware of current regulations, citing “new legislation, rule makings and increased oversight, ” particularly changes in 2017 following the election year.
Ken Smith, executive director of the Alabama League of Municipalities, similarly emphasizes the importance of the League’s annual convention. “It is crucial that Alabama’s municipal leaders stay informed on current issues and remain up to date on how changes will impact them and their communities.”
For the Alabama Grocers Association, according to its President Ellie Taylor, like all of the organization’s events, the conference promotes the growth and success of the industry “through advocacy, public relations and networking.”
Here’s a quick look at upcoming conferences. Each group has more details on the web.
Alabama Association of Accountants and Tax Preparers 75th Annual Convention
June 19 – 21, 2017 // Location TBA
This convention features guest speakers from the IRS and Alabama Department of Revenue, and provides CPE credits relating to accounting, ethics and tax updates. There will also be a trade show, luncheon and auction. aaoatp.com
Alabama Bankers Association Annual Convention
June 4-7, 2017 // Omni Nashville Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee
Expected to draw more than 500 attendees, the convention features general sessions with industry-specific speakers on banking and motivational speakers, providing an opportunity for CPE and CLE credits. Also includes networking, a silent auction and a trade show. alabamabankers.com
Alabama Broadcasters Association Annual Conference
August 18-19, 2017 // Hyatt Regency Birmingham Wynfrey Hotel, Birmingham
Over two days, informative sessions at this conference address topics for news and sales departments, legal and FCC updates and engineering, plus a trade show and awards presentations. al-ba.com
Alabama Business Law Conference
October 28, 2017 // Birmingham Marriott, Birmingham
The Alabama Business Law Conference offers judicial perspective, presentations by leading attorneys in the field, opportunities for questions and discussion, course materials for reference and CLE credit. mleesmith.com
Alabama Forestry Association Annual Meeting
Dates, Location TBA
The meeting features a wide variety of seminars and speakers, including elected officials, plus a trade show and social events. Continuing education credit is available. alaforestry.org
Alabama Global Supply Chain and Logistics Summit
Dates, Location TBA
This annual event brings together local, state and regional business professionals for discussions on global supply chain trends and strategically navigating through the rapidly changing world of supply chain to improve company efficiency and increase a business’ bottom line.
Alabama Governor’s Conference on Tourism
August 19 – 22, 2017 // Sheraton Birmingham Convention Complex, Birmingham
Tourism professionals gather to learn about the economic impact of the industry on the Alabama economy and new strategies for marketing local attractions and amenities, supporting scholarship programs and celebrating achievements. Includes social events, a trade show and awards. alabamagovernorsconference.com
Alabama Grocers Association 2017 Convention
July 23 – 26, 2017 // Sandestin Beach Resort, Destin, Florida
This convention typically includes a golf tournament, a silent auction, a business forum, an exhibit hall with more than 70 booths featuring vendors from all aspects of the grocery industry, and a banquet and awards ceremony. alabamagrocers.org
Alabama Hospital Association Annual Meeting
Dates, Location TBA
The Alabama Hospital Association annual conference is open only to its members. alaha.org
Alabama League of Municipalities 2017 Annual Convention
May 20 – 23, 2017 // Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex, Birmingham
The League’s convention focuses on topics specific to municipal government. Includes a trade expo. Elected officials can earn credit in the League’s Certified Municipal Official program. alalm.org
Alabama Natural Gas Association Annual Conference
Dates, Location TBA
The association promotes the natural gas industry. Its conference is open only to its members. alnga.org
Alabama Nursing Home Association Annual Conference
September 13-15, 2017 // Hyatt Regency Birmingham Wynfrey Hotel, Birmingham
Alabama’s largest long-term care trade show features information on products and services for nursing homes. Attendees can earn CEUs and contact hours. anha.org
Alabama Realtors Annual Convention
September 17-19, 2017 // Alabama Realtors office, Montgomery
This convention features a trade show, guest speakers and panel discussions on industry and regulatory issues, and networking events. Continuing education credit is available. alabamarealtors.com
Alabama Society for Human Resource Management State Council Conference
May 16-17, 2017 // Location TBA, Birmingham
The conference features programs geared toward professional development. al.shrm.org
Alabama State Bar Association Annual Meeting
Dates, Location TBA
As the official statewide organization of lawyers in Alabama, the Bar Association is dedicated to promoting professional responsibility and competence, improving the administration of justice and increasing the public understanding of and respect for the law. alabar.org
Alabama Water Resources Conference
Date TBA // Perdido Beach Resort, Orange Beach
This forum for members of the water resources community covers multidisciplinary aspects of water resources, research, challenges of water resources management and making connections to improve understanding of complex issues. Attendees are eligible for continuing education credit. aaes.auburn.edu/wrc/extension-outreach/awrc-conference
Association of County Commissions of Alabama 89th Annual Convention
August 22 – 24, 2017 // Perdido Beach Resort, Orange Beach
Open to county commissioners, members of ACCA affiliate organizations, county employees and vendors, the convention begins with golf and deep sea fishing, followed by general sessions with subject matter experts, a trade show, networking events and an awards ceremony. alabamacounties.org
Business Council of Alabama / Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama Annual Meeting
December 2, 2016 // The Harbert Center, Birmingham
The partnership’s annual luncheon recognizes and celebrates leaders of both organizations and their achievements during the year, including the first annual Small Business Awards, selected from nominations by local chambers of commerce. bcatoday.org, alabamachambers.org
Business Council of Alabama / Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama Governmental Affairs Conference
August 11-13, 2017 // Marriott Grand Hotel, Point Clear
This summer event allows the state’s top business leaders and elected leaders to discuss politics and policy in a relaxed environment; also informational meetings and speakers. bcatoday.org
17th Annual Commercial Real Estate Conference and Expo
February 10, 2017 // The Club, Birmingham
Alabama’s only statewide commercial real estate conference draws more than 500 attendees and features keynote speakers, panel discussion, networking and trade expo. Continuing education credit is available. acre.cba.ua.edu
CEO, Executive Management and Directors’ Conference
August 3-6, 2017 // Marriott Grand Hotel, Point Clear
Sponsored by the Alabama Bankers Association and typically attended by more than 700 professionals, the conference includes presentations by the state banking department and the FDIC. Attendees are eligible for CPE and CLE credits. alabamabankers.com
Mortgage Bankers Association of Alabama 33rd Annual Convention
June 6-7, 2017 // Hyatt Regency Hotel Riverchase Galleria, Birmingham
Regarded by affiliates, representatives and speakers as one of the top mortgage conventions in the country, this convention features a golf tournament, buffet dinner, educational sessions conducted by nationally known experts and a trade show, along with the opportunity to earn continuing education credit. mbaal.org
Public Relations Council of Alabama State Conference
Dates, Location TBA
Public relations professionals gather to hear speakers and celebrate the industry and its top performers. pcraonline.com
Southeastern Environmental Conference
Dates, Location TBA
Geared towards manufacturers, utilities and municipalities, this conference focuses on broad environmental challenges. The event features speakers, a vendor expo and networking opportunities. alabamasafestate.ua.edu
Alabama Captive Association Inc. Annual Conference
Dates, Location TBA
This conference includes presentations on a variety of pertinent topics. alcaptives.org
Megan Boyle is a freelance contributor to Business Alabama.
Text by Megan Boyle
