Newswise — Christopher J. Wehking, CMP has been hired as the new Director of Meetings and Exhibits at the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Wehking will join the ASA January 25.

Wehking currently serves as Director of Meetings and Exhibits for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). During his four years at ASPS, Wehking successfully introduced a new Annual Meeting and Exhibit Program, solidifying the event as the premier educational and exhibit event for the plastic surgery specialty.

“Christopher brings to ASA a diverse set of association experiences, knowledge of best practices, and a proven leadership track record will help expand ASA’s already-growing Annual Meeting” said ASA Executive Vice-President John Thorner, J.D., CAE. “His experience with the Society of Plastic Surgeons coupled with the experience of other new ASA Directors who have come from other medical societies will help, ASA synthesize the best of the best practices for better serving ASA’s 43,000 members.”

Prior to his work at the ASPS, Wehking served in several roles at the American Hardware Manufacturers Association (AHMA) from 1986 to 2005 including Manager-Meetings, Manager-Expositions, Assistant Director-Trade Events, Director-Trade Events and Vice-President Trade Events and Operations. In this latter role, he managed AHMA’s world-renowned $14 million trade show.

Wehking is an active member of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) where he currently serves on its Board of Directors. He also is a member and participant of several additional industry organizations including IAEE, ASAE, MATSO, HCEA and MPI programs, providing committee, speaker and educational support for more than 20 years.

“I am excited to join ASA at such an opportune time. I look forward to demonstrating the highest level of service to ASA’s members and to the anesthesiology community,” said Wehking. “My goal is together with the rest of the ASA staff we will make all ASA meetings and events ‘must attend’ appointments for all anesthesiologists and their industry partners.”

Wehking received a bachelors degree in hospitality from the University of Wisconsin and is a Certified Meeting Planner (CMP).

The American Society of AnesthesiologistsAnesthesiologists: Physicians providing the lifeline of modern medicine. Founded in 1905, the American Society of Anesthesiologists is an educational, research and scientific association with 43,000 members organized to raise and maintain the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology and improve the care of the patient.

For more information on the field of anesthesiology, visit the American Society of Anesthesiologists Web site at www.asahq.org. For patient information, visit www.lifelinetomodernmedicine.com.