The word “relic” connotes antiquity and outmodedness, so how can one get updated with a relic? Well, only when it is not the word relic per se but an acronym. Here’s what I mean. As an association executive, I need to brush up and keep abreast of what’s happening in the association world, here and… Read More Get updated with a relic

Part Three In last week’s column, I wrote about the “antenna shops” of Tokyo—those that display and sell products from the regions of Japan, function as publicity and tourism centers, offer information about the region for potential visitors, and serve as meeting places for the locals of the region living in the big city. I… Read More Tokyo Surprises: Japan’s ‘47’

Part Two In last week’s column, I wrote about the surprises from my four-day educational visit organized by the Tokyo Convention and Visitors Bureau (TCVB) for our association, ADFIAP. This time, I wish to introduce to you the “antenna shops” of Tokyo. Yes, you heard me right: Antenna shops. Not those selling gadgets that enhance radio… Read More Tokyo surprises: Antenna shops

The misspelled word, “surprises,” in the title is not the editor’s fault. It’s my way to attract your attention. But more than that, it’s also my wish to highlight the “3Ps” inside the word because of my memorable experience during my recent four-day educational trip in the Japanese capital, hosted by the Tokyo Convention and… Read More Tokyo SurPPPrises!

Nowadays in the association world, I hear a lot about building a “legacy,” especially in the context of what associations “leave behind” after organizing events in a venue destination. In his article in Legatus magazine, Paul J. Voss writes that the word legacy has been used exclusively as a noun for nearly 500 years but has expanded… Read More Legacy of associations

I am bringing back (hence the word, redux) but updating my January 4, 2017 column as my organization, the Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE), recently forged a collaboration with the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) to further boost MICE tourism in the Philippines. MICE stands for meetings, incentives, conferences and events. The PCAAE is… Read More Associations and tourism: Redux

Filipinos like to organize or attend gatherings—whether of families, friends, classmates, or office colleagues—to meet and greet, update one another and celebrate. This fiesta culture is one of the influences of Spain that has taken root in the Philippines. So it’s not surprising that many associations also thrive in the country. There is even a joke that if… Read More Associations and reunions