Assocation Viewpoint

PRISM International Moves Forward with Thailand Conference

RISM International will be holding its first conference of 2009 in Bangkok, Thailand, Feb. 18-20, 2009. A number of PRISM International members have expressed concern over protests that took place in Thailand in November of 2008. The PRISM International board of directors and the Asia Pacific Conference Planning Committee also have been concerned and have been monitoring the situation closely since September.

At its December meeting, the PRISM International board reviewed the available facts and carefully considered the recommendations of the PRISM Asia Pacific Conference Committee. The board continues to support Bangkok as its conference destination. This decision was based on the following facts:

The disruption of air service was peaceful and opposed by Thai citizens—current events do not lead conference planners to believe this type of incident will be repeated.

The King of Thailand, who is deeply respected in the country, has strongly discouraged any further disruption of travel to and from the country.

Even at the height of the protests, no violence was directed at visitors to the country.

The political demands of the protestors have led to court rulings and other political leadership changes that appear to have resolved the situation.

Thailand remains a dynamic destination with much to offer conference attendees.

The appointment of the new Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva appears to signal a closing of the balance of power between the two disputing political factions and will likely support a growing spirit of compromise that should lead to stability in Thailand.

PRISM International members were assured by letter that the association’s board will continue to monitor the situation closely. The Thai people provide one of the most friendly and most hospitable destinations in Asia. PRISM International conference planners support the choice of Bangkok and feel that it will represent both the most comprehensive educational event PRISM International has ever hosted in the region, as well as a truly enjoyable experience for all conference attendees.

In addition to the Bangkok conference, PRISM International’s Annual Conference will be in Daytona Beach, Fla., May 6-9. In returning to a beach-front venue, PRISM International seeks to blend both outstanding educational programming and an expansive industry-specific trade show with the relaxing atmosphere of a vacation resort for those attendees who seek to combine business with pleasure.

PRISM International is a nonprofit trade association serving information management outsourcing companies, such as commercial records centers, data protection facilities, confidential destruction services companies, imaging services companies and other related services companies. For more information about PRISM International conferences, visit www.prismintl.org or e-mail at staff@prismintl.org.

Jim Booth is executive director of PRISM International, based in Garner, N.C. He can be contacted at jim@prismintl.org.

 

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