Annual Meeting Revenue Development Success Story

Client

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) is an association of surgeons and other professionals dedicated to assuring high-quality patient treatment through research and education for prevention and management of disorders of the colon, rectum and anus.

Challenge

Maintaining or elevating industry support for annual scientific meetings is increasingly difficult. With the economic recession, more rigid sponsorship regulations and attendees' access to virtual meetings, many associations are experiencing substantial declines in corporate sponsorship.

Action

Working with the Society leadership, EAI developed an effective funding program that achieved the results ASCRS was hoping for.

The ASCRS/EAI staff meet face-to-face with industry partners throughout the year to determine how to best align strategies for the greatest benefit of the Society and its members. In these meetings, staff looks to see where our client goals align with industry partners and continually look for new creative ideas and programs that industry is willing to fund.

Building these relationships is the key. Our strategy is not to obtain a one-time grant, but to build ongoing mutually beneficial partnerships.

In addition to sponsorship of quality educational programs, ASCRS offers industry partners exciting promotional opportunities such as product theaters, internet cafes, mobile apps, corporate banners, and recharging stations. In appreciation of their support, sponsors are recognized and made highly visible to the membership.

Results

The ASCRS experienced record-high industry support of over $1 million in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

In addition, EAI helped ASCRS set new annual meeting attendance records in 2010 and 2011 when 1,375 and 1,840 physicians took part in the five-day scientific program.