Setting the Stage for WTCA Members to Thrive
Setting the Stage for WTCA Members to Thrive
Crystal Edn, Member Engagement Manager at the WTCA, explains how a patchwork of NYC experiences allows her to successfully develop programs and resources for the WTCA’s 320+ members.
A big bite of the Big Apple
Chrystal Edn: “My career path has been unconventional. For over 15 years, my days were spent in sales and the non-profit sector, while my nights and weekends were devoted to working in NYC theatre. Before coming to the WTCA, I spent nearly a decade managing a portfolio of blood drives, creating marketing pieces and delivering speeches to convince New Yorkers to donate blood.” Edn’s ability to successfully motivate her largely corporate clientele to give back to their community was evidenced in her presentation, titled "A Sweet and Salty Balance: Blending Blood Center Needs with Corporate Clients", about optimizing the relationship between corporate clients and non-profits.
MAC on track
Today, Edn relies on her skills as a director in NYC theatre in her work with the WTCA Member Advisory Councils (MACs). The MACs were developed in 2018 as a vehicle for members to share best practices and to stimulate business partnerships between WTCs and their business networks.
“I was instantly drawn to the passion of our members, and I knew I could ‘set the stage’ for their success. Directing a play is about defining your vision for a script and guiding each team member (designers, actors, etc.) to use their individual expertise to collectively tell the same story. Just recently, the trade services MAC launched a workshop series to teach other members how to develop their own virtual trade mission programs. The MACs continue to be a driving force for the association."
General Assembly (GA) Week
Edn excitedly turned the conversation to an upcoming global event. Earlier today, the WTCA opened registration for its 2021 General Assembly (GA) Week. “The April 26-30 event is a tremendous opportunity for businesses,” said Edn. The GA will feature livestream programming, as well as a new approach to B2B networking using AI-powered matchmaking. “We are a diverse global network. Finding business prospects at a virtual event— or even at an in-person event— can be incredibly difficult. We are fully committed to embracing and to leveraging new technologies. At this year’s GA, an algorithm will allow attendees to efficiently and effectively connect with business prospects around the world.” Because the association is invested in providing new levels of connection, tickets for the GA are complimentary for WTCs and their business networks.
To learn more about the 2021 WTCA General Assembly, visit https://events.bizzabo.com/WTCAGA2021.
