History

The Association for Convention Marketing Executives was formed in 1990 when several in the convention industry noticed a need for increased cooperation between the marketing efforts of convention centers and convention bureaus.

William Just, CMP, President of an Atlanta based association marketing firm, managed the Association and helped formulate a 12 member board. Caroll Armstrong, then Marketing Director for the San Diego Convention Center was instrumental in getting ACME off the ground and served as the first President of the organization.

Just was quoted at the time, “ACME’s focus is better marketing, sales and management of citywide events. There’s a tremendous amount of concern over citywide conventions. They’re just not handled from a marketing or management standpoint. Who’s in charge – the bureau or the center?” ACME hopes to bring together the major players in the sales and management of citywide events to reach some answers.

Just and his team managed the Association through 2003, when a new management company was put in place. The Association is currently managed by Giuffrida Associates, an association management company based in Washington, DC. Sheila Crowley serves as Executive Director.