Approximately 800 member volunteers convened at the Hilton Anatole, Dallas, Texas, in September for the 2016 Assistance League National Conference, themed The Power of Change, Navigating Change and Driving Growth.
Some chapters had one person in attendance, while others, such as nearby San Antonio, had as many as 30, but all agreed that the conference exceeded expectations with the unveiling of a new national marketing plan. Those in attendance returned to their home chapters with hearts full of inspiration and minds brimming with valuable information.
Keynote speaker Andy Goodman, a nationally recognized author, speaker and consultant in the field of public interest communication, kicked off the conference with an engaging presentation on the value of stories and challenged each member to develop a powerful personal story about the impact of Assistance League.
“People can be numbed by numbers,” Goodman said, “but stories are stored.” Founder of The Goodman Center in Los Angeles, he concluded by reminding the audience that “nobody ever marched on Washington because of a pie chart.”
Closing keynote speaker Aimee Runyon, CEO of Phoenix-based NotMYkid, highlighted the strengths of Assistance League before unveiling the comprehensive marketing plan, created by Farr Marketing Group of Los Angeles. The focus of the plan is to maximize nationwide awareness through consistent branding, national publicity and social media.
Conference participants attended three days of motivational and engaging sessions on all aspects of Assistance League programs and operations, networked with their peers and celebrated The Power of Change at a Texas-style dinner, fashionably dressed in cowboy hats and denim.
