Director, Meetings and Conventions
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD)
Schaumburg, Ill.
Describe your event.
We held our Summer Academy Meeting 2007 in August at the Hilton New York. This is the second-largest dermatology meeting in the country, only compared to our Annual Meeting. We had over 4,100 attendees.
Why did you decide to host the meeting in New York City?
New York consistently draws the highest meeting attendance for the Summer Academy Meeting. We traditionally rotate every other year between New York and various other cities. Geographically, we have a large member base on the East Coast. In addition to those that register in advance, we also get our largest number of on-site registrants—due to the ease, number and locations of airports, as well as the convenience of alternate modes of transportation, including driving or taking the train. New York also possesses a great appeal for our members in terms of the vast array of cultural attractions, restaurants, entertainment, theater, etc.
What did your attendees seem to enjoy the most?
Besides the AAD Summer Academy Meeting educational program, they liked the overall variety and number of things that New York has to offer.
Was anybody particularly helpful?
The convention and visitors bureau, NYC & Company, and in particular, Jerry Cito, regional director of sales. Given the fact that we are not necessarily a large meeting or piece of business given the size of New York, Cito and NYC & Company make us feel as if we are. They continue to encourage and support all of our meetings we hold in New York, including some small regional/committee-type meetings. Their overall response time in regards to an inquiry or request for assistance is always within a day—or less!
How does New York City compare to other cities where you have hosted meetings?
New York is definitely one of the top three cities. Ease of getting there and the number and variety of things to see and do make it one of our preferred meeting venues. However, it tends to be one of the most expensive as well.
Would you return?
Yes, given our registration attendance and overall attendee satisfaction with New York, I am sure we will continue to return (provided it never becomes too cost-prohibitive).