Affiliates Forum: NAFA Affiliates Hard At Work To Ensure A Successful 2013 I&E

During the past twelve months, the NAFA Affiliates Committee has launched many initiatives to promote the interests of all NAFA Affiliate members, especially in regards to the upcoming I&E April 23-26, 2013, in Atlantic City, NJ. At various Affiliates Committee meetings, there has been much discussion on how Expo exhibitors can attract more attendees to their booths and follow through on these leads. In addition, the NAFA Affiliates Committee is working with NAFA to develop services to make it easier for attendees to get to Atlantic City, especially those who are flying into Philadelphia. A shuttle has been organized from the Philadelphia airport to Atlantic City with sponsorship opportunities for Affiliates.

NAFA’s First Annual Fleet Excellence Awards Night on Tuesday, April 23 will include the awards ceremony that launches NAFA's new "Flexy" award, a reception, which will be followed by a concert featuring Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. Each day of the I&E will feature a different keynote speaker and continental breakfast.

The Affiliates Committee is working with NAFA to attract more fleet managers to the Expo floor. Among some ideas discussed was exhibitor poker, celebrity impersonators, charity bracelets, chapter scavenger hunts, ticket drop at exhibit hall entrance to enter a prize drawing, and a silent auction. First- and second-time exhibitors will receive signs acknowledging that they are new exhibitors. NAFA will continue to offer Expo attendees Web-based tools to help them be more effective on the show floor. One of the tools is a smartphone app called "Map Your Show." This mobile phone application allows attendees to map out, in advance, the booths they’d like to visit at the I&E Expo to help manage their time and effectiveness on the show floor. Changes have been made to the networking reception at the 2013 I&E with a plan to distribute food and beverages on trays as people enter to help reduce lines at food stations and bar stations. Another change is to offer a specialty drink at the bar station. In addition, NAFA is seeking to attract new sponsors who serve municipalities and universities.

The mission of the Affiliates Committee is to promote your interests. We want you to get the most out of your NAFA membership. Let me know if there are any issues, topics, or potential initiatives you would like the Affiliates Committee to discuss.

In closing, the Affiliates Committee would like to wish everyone a joyous holiday season and a very prosperous New Year!