The Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives recently convened chamber professionals from across the country in Indianapolis for their annual conference, held in-person for the first time since 2019. Programming covered everything from diversity, equity and inclusion to talent attraction work to marketing, and everything in between that’s part of the many hats Chamber professionals wear.

As the lanyard sponsor, Livability joined a high-caliber group of exhibitors and couldn’t have been happier to join old friends and new faces to learn and celebrate the catalytic role of chambers in communities across the country.

Below are some key takeaways from attendees on knowledge they’re excited to take home and implement in their work. 

“When it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion, it’s important to be proactive in your outreach and accessible in your approach. People don’t always realize their relevance to their local chamber even though they could make a big impact, so you may have to seek them out and welcome them into the fold.”

– Alyssa Lombardo, Director of Programs & Events, GOA Regional Business Association

“This is the first conference I’ve attended in years and was a good reminder that we’re dealing with many of the same issues though we may tackle them in different ways.  Some other good reminders I will take home: it’s okay to keep things simple, every community has to have collaboration to be successful and to be okay paying for services outside of your expertise even if it requires finding a sponsor.”

– Jeff Schaaf, Director of Talent Strategy, Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce

“I loved hearing about the marketing campaigns for boomerangs and how to understand and cater to that audience.”

– Nancy Spivey, Vice President of Talent Strategies, Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce

“Don’t ignore texting as a way to reach people. I’d also like to start segmenting our newsletters and ensuring our website is entirely ADA-optimized.”

– Sybil Topel, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce

“I’m taking home tons of ideas to implement to promote and sell sponsorships!”

– Janet Davis, President & CEO, Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce 

“I hope to implement tracking of member conversions through Facebook and LinkedIn campaigns and then develop a template of benefits and how we talk about them. I really think that will help staff use the same language when out in the community and also through our channels.

– Cassie Stoner, Director of Membership, Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce 

“These types of events are always a good reminder that economic development leaders are radical problem solvers, as well as very collaborative and willing to share info to help support each other.”

– Tiffany Tauscheck, CCE, IOM, CDME, Chief Operations Officer at Greater Des Moines Partnership/President of Downtown DSM, Inc.

“I came home mindful of the huge range of community issues chambers address with community partnerships, using their unique influence to bring different entities to the table on everything from homelessness to workplace wellness to childcare accessibility.”

– Amanda Ellis, Editor in Chief, Livability.com