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Abstract: Allow a state to host an ASHA convention every 5 years
RESOLVED, That LC 4-96, which establishes a rotational schedule for the annual convention, be rescinded; and further
RESOLVED, That no state host an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association annual convention more frequently than once every 5 years.
RATIONALE: As established by LC 4-96, ASHA is currently prohibited from holding its annual convention in a given state more than once every 6 years. ASHA’s convention and meetings staff have worked closely with the Council of State Speech-Language-Hearing Association Presidents and the Joint Committee on State-National Association Relationships to review ASHA’s concerns and constraints as well as the concerns and constraints place on most states. An extensive solutions-oriented process was undertaken over the last year and a half involving all of the stakeholders, including both state association representatives and Legislative Council delegations from potentially affected states. The result of this process was identification of two needed steps:
- A compensation package for host state speech-language-hearing associations and
- An adjustment to the convention rotation schedule.
The compensation package was approved by the Executive Board on August 22, 2002. This current resolution reflects the agreed-upon change in rotation. Allowing a five-year rotation will increase flexibility and should enable ASHA to negotiate more favorable contracts, including hotel room rates for attendees.
OUTCOME(S): Returning to a state, rather than holding the convention in a different state, may result in cost savings to the Association through more favorable contracts and to members through better hotel room rates. As convention sites have already been selected through 2006, these benefits could potentially begin in 2007.
BUDGET IMPACT: Enhanced ability to negotiate may result in savings. The exact amount cannot be determined at this time.
PROGRAMMATIC IMPACT: If the resolution is not passed, ASHA will continue to be limited in sites that can host the convention and may need to use more expensive facilities.
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