The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business is holding its 2008 International Conference and Annual Meeting at the Hawai'i Convention Center through April 16.

This annual event brings together nearly 1,800 management-education professionals from more than 40 countries for a learning and networking experience.

Statewide spending is projected at close to $8.5 million with more than $800,000 in statewide tax revenue. The convention center's hotel partners will benefit with more than 14,000 booked rooms.

This conference's proximity to members in Asia make it the association's most international conference to date.

The AACSB is a not-for-profit corporation of educational institutions, corporations and other organizations devoted to the promotion and improvement of higher education in business administration and management.