Q&A with Andres Salas, Account Director, FILO Productions

AFFILIATE CORNER IS a space dedicated to celebrating the affiliate members who support, strengthen, and inspire our association community. These professionals bring unique perspectives, trusted expertise, and a genuine spirit of collaboration that help move our shared mission forward. Through short interviews and personal stories, this section offers a closer look at the people behind the partnerships and the meaningful impact they make every day.

1. Who do you represent, and what path led you to your current role?

I am the Account Director for FILO (First In Last Out) Productions, based in Austin. We are a full-service production company that can handle conferences, meetings, concerts, large-scale social events, and so much more. At FILO, we are your one-stop shop.

Before I began with FILO back in 2014, I worked for another national AV company. Being based out of a hotel in downtown Austin and across from the convention center, I saw the large number of events that were happening in both my hotel and at the center. Most of the groups were already contracted with another provider so I decided to be more proactive with these inbound groups. I started calling up associations asking for an opportunity to bid on the events that were coming to Austin. It took some time to climb that hill, but perseverance and long-lasting relationships were founded on those efforts. I now have the privilege of partnering with many amazing associations.

2. What project, event, or moment best represents the impact of your work?

The moment that best represents the impact of my work was when I was nominated to apply to serve as a TSAE Board Member. I was so humbled by the fact that one of my association clients would consider me a worthy candidate. I was thrilled to get the news that I had been selected to serve. It made me feel like the work I had done up to this point was worthwhile and that my clients saw the value of what I could bring to the TSAE Board.

3. What is one challenge affiliate partners are helping associations solve right now?

In my opinion, an affiliate partner should be an extension of their association client. For me, I see myself, along with FILO, as their internal production company, and it’s my role to guide them through the production process to ultimately have the best event experience possible. I don’t consider this a challenge as much as it is my responsibility to ensure our mutual success.

4. What is one insight, habit, or experience that influences how you approach your work?

The fact that I get to work with many different associations and take their productions to different venues is so valuable. It forces me to approach each event as a unique experience. Budgets are different. Venues have their own characteristics. There is no “cookie cutter” option. I love this about my work in that it never gets dull. This just forces me to be more creative in how I can continue to deliver the best production each and every time.

5. Looking ahead, what change do you think will most impact associations in the next 3-5 years?

Generally speaking, I think the biggest impact to not only associations but affiliates is the generational shift in the workforce. We have already begun to see the demographics shift as the workforce gets younger. It will be critical to create an environment that is not only inviting but compelling for a new generation of association and affiliate professionals to feel like they have a role to play in this incredible industry.

6. What is something you learned about associations in working with them that truly surprised you?

Community. It is truly about relationships. The professionals who work for associations are some of the nicest and caring people. They not only create an environment in their own associations for their members to feel connected, but I’ve seen the professional connections made at TSAE. Whether it’s on a post on the TSAE Community Exchange, a Learn@Lunch, or at New Ideas, the community rallies to support each other and cheer for each other’s successes. I am very fortunate to be a part of this industry as I, too, have been welcomed with open arms. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this amazing community.