Fusion Productions - Integrating Meetings, Learning & Technology

(February 2002)

The American Society for Association Executives (ASAE), Disney Institute, and Fusion Productions announce collaboration to produce an ongoing, annual version of the breakthrough “Associations: DigitalNow” conference – the second installment of which was presented at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts in February.

As a result of the conference’s success for the second year running, the three companies agreed to move forward on an annual basis.

According to Hugh Lee, Fusion Productions’ president, the agreement represents the fulfillment of another goal by the successful, Webster-based company – which integrates meeting design and production with next-generation Web technology to present adult learning “experiences” on desktops and stages worldwide.

“We are pleased to be co-branding our Fusion-developed content with one of the most successful brands in the history of marketing,” he said. “What most people don’t realize is that the value of that brand extends far beyond family entertainment. They are uniquely qualified to provide an environment that resonates emotionally with adults. Since Fusion is all about engaging minds, touching emotions, and expanding imaginations, they are an ideal partner for us.”

Associations: digitalNow is branded as the leading Internet strategy conference for associations – of which there are more than 20,000 in the United States alone. The conference combines high-level “star” speakers with hands-on workshops and case studies from among ASAE’s membership – representing associations large and small.

This year’s opening keynote featured Jim Collins, author of Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, the mega hit which spent five years on the New York Times bestseller list. Collins current release, Good To Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap… and Others Don’t, is an exploration of the differences between “great” companies, and those which are merely “good.” Collins keynote address was developed with significant research into the world of associations, making use of Fusion’s extensive association client list and in house expertise.

Also presenting keynotes at the conference were Bruce Kasanoff, founder of Inside Privacy, who spoke about the “personalization” that today’s Internet technology tools make possible, and how they have permanently changed the relationship between associations and their members; and Karen Stephenson, founder and president of NetForm – a company specializing in applying Stephenson’s advanced theories on organizational interactions to corporate and association personnel structures.