Press Room 

DR. HOLSWORTH TO PRESENT AT VSAE MEETING
Holsworth to Present "Virginia Political Outlook 2018" in January

December 12, 2017

The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) will hold its annual Virginia Political Outlook luncheon on Friday, January 5, 2018 at the Omni Richmond Hotel. A networking reception will be held from 11:00-11:45 a.m. and a luncheon from 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dr. Bob Holsworth is the speaker.  

This is the twentieth consecutive year Dr. Holsworth will present his political insights to VSAE. The 2017 election was a potentially power changing event for Virginia’s House of Delegates. Holsworth will share what can be learned from the election and what this might mean for the country and the Commonwealth going forward. He will also give a preview of the upcoming General Assembly session and Virginia’s congressional elections in November.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Dr. Bob Holsworth is a leading political analyst from Virginia and is seen regularly on television. He received his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and is a retired VCU professor, where he taught courses in Virginia politics, American politics, and political theory. Holsworth is always an enlightening presenter and will gladly take questions if time allows. Do not miss this once-a-year opportunity to hear VSAE’s most requested speaker.

REGISTRATION

VSAE non-members can register for $50 for lunch, if done by Tuesday, January 2, 2018. On-site registration is available and subject to higher fees. Call VSAE at (804) 747-4971 for more information or register online.

Formed in 1949, VSAE is a 400-plus member association consisting of association executives, association management companies, representatives from the hospitality industry, and others who serve the association industry. VSAE’s vision is to be the best at making associations the best by providing opportunities for association professionals to connect, learn, and lead.


VSAE BESTOWS ANNUAL AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
Dale Bennett; Barbara Homiller, CAE; Kurt Krause; and Debbie Dabney Receive Industry's Top Award

December 5, 2017

Four individuals were honored last week with the highest awards in the Commonwealth’s association management industry. The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) annual Awards of Excellence were presented at VSAE’s Awards Luncheon & Silent Auction on Friday, December 1 at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa at Short Pump.

Dale Bennett, President and CEO of the Virginia Trucking Association was awarded the CEO Award of Excellence. The Award is given to an outstanding association professional who has been nominated by his peers in recognition of his leadership and achievement.

Dale was hired by VTA in 1984 and became President and CEO in 1989. In 1990, he joined VSAE and has been an active member since, including serving on the Board of Directors and as President (2002-2003). He has also been a member of several committees and task forces during his tenure as a member. Dale is receiving this award in recognition for his many years of service to VSAE and the association community.

Barbara Homiller, CAE, who retired as Chief Operating Officer of the Better Business Bureau Serving Central Virginia in May, was awarded the Association Staff Award of Excellence. This award recognizes an association staff professional for her contributions to her association and VSAE. Criteria for this award include high integrity, professionalism, peer recognition, a record of success in association management, and consistent leadership and service to VSAE.

Barbara has been an active member of VSAE for many years. She has served in several volunteer roles including on the Education Committee, Board of Directors, and as President (2016 to 2017). During her term as President, she oversaw the development and adoption of a new vision, mission, and strategic plan for the organization. Her tireless efforts for VSAE and the broader association community earned her this recognition.

Kurt Krause, General Manager, Hilton Norfolk The Main, was awarded the Associate Member Award of Excellence. This award recognizes an Associate member who has distinguished himself through professionalism and customer service.

Kurt has been a long time active and engaged member of VSAE. He has served the organization in many positions including as a member of the Annual Conference Committee and on the Board of Directors. During his involvement with VSAE, he has hosted numerous events at Hilton Norfolk the Main as well as at previous properties where he worked, every time providing a level of excellence unparalleled in the hospitality industry.

Debbie Dabney, Catering and Conference Planning Manager at Keswick Hall and Golf Club, received the Career Service Award, which is presented to an individual outside of the field of association management, who through hard work, pleasing personality, and dedication to her job, has provided exceptional service to the association community over the years.

Debbie has a long history in the hospitality industry, the last seven years of which have been at Keswick Hall. Her attention to detail, superior organizational skills, and amazing customer service make coming to Keswick a truly enjoyable experience for meeting attendees and conference planners alike.

Formed in 1949, VSAE is a 400-plus member association consisting of association executives, association management companies, representatives from the hospitality industry, and others who serve the association industry. VSAE’s vision is to be the best at making associations the best by providing opportunities for association professionals to connect, learn, and lead. 


VSAE HOLDS AWARDS LUNCHEON & SILENT AUCTION
VSAE to Present Coveted Awards of Excellence at Most Popular Annual Event

November 8, 2017

The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) will hold its annual Awards Luncheon & Silent Auction on Friday, December 1, 2017 at the Hilton Richmond Hotel & Spa at Short Pump. The event will feature a Silent Auction at 10:30 a.m. with the Awards Luncheon to follow from 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

The event begins with a Silent Auction featuring over 130 items. Auction proceeds go to benefit VSAE’s educational programming as well as a designated charity. This year’s charity is Good Neighbor Village. The Village is a community setting for adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities. It exists to meet with comfort and dignity, the housing, administrative, fellowship, and community needs of the residents as they strive to be, to the best of their ability, productive and independent members of the community.

The Awards Luncheon immediately follows the Silent Auction. The luncheon features VSAE’s coveted Awards of Excellence. The Awards of Excellence recognize leadership and service to the association community over the past year. VSAE gives the awards annually in three categories. The CEO Award of Excellence is the highest award VSAE can bestow upon one of its Executive members. This award is given to an outstanding chief staff executive who has been nominated by peers in recognition of his or her leadership and achievement. The Association Staff Award of Excellence gives VSAE the opportunity to recognize an outstanding association staff professional for his or her contributions to their association. The VSAE Associate Member Award of Excellence allows the association community to recognize those suppliers and vendors among its members who have distinguished themselves among their peers through their leadership qualities and professionalism.  Finally, the Career Service Award is given to a non-member. VSAE also uses this event to recognize other notable achievements in the association community over the past year.

REGISTRATION

Regular registration starts at $49 for VSAE members and $75 for non-members. It includes access to the auction, networking reception, and a ticket to the Awards Luncheon. On-site registration is available and subject to higher fees. Call VSAE at (804) 747-4971 for more information or register online now at vsae.org.

Formed in 1949, VSAE is a 400-plus member association consisting of association executives, association management companies, representatives from the hospitality industry, and others who serve the association industry. VSAE’s vision is to be the best at making associations the best by providing opportunities for association professionals to connect, learn, and lead.


VSAE HOLDS SEMINAR ON ASSOCIATION TECHNOLOGY
Moira Edwards, CAE to Present “Choosing the Right AMS for Your Association”

October 12, 2017

The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) will hold its November Monthly Luncheon & Seminar on Friday, November 3, 2017 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Richmond-Midlothian. The meeting will feature a seminar at 8:30 a.m., with a networking reception and luncheon to follow from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The content leader will be Moira Edwards, CAE, President of Ellipsis Partners.

Edwards will present “Choosing the Right AMS for Your Association,” a thorough exploration of each step in the process of selecting an association management system (AMS), identifying core tasks, and highlighting the wisdom of what to do and what to avoid at each stage. Attendees will emerge with a draft project plan, including who to include in the project, the specific steps to take, a draft timeline, and a list of available systems that might suit their association. During the luncheon, Edwards will present, “5 Top Trends Impacting Association Technology.” In this presentation, attendees will take a tour through the five most urgent technology concepts to be prepared for what’s coming next.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Moira Edwards, CAE is the President of Ellipsis Partners and focuses on the impact of technology on organizational strategy. She joined Ellipsis Partners after 15 years as an association staffer and leader. Edwards volunteers with ASAE and is the current Chair of the Technology Council.

REGISTRATION
VSAE non-members can register for the seminar for $90 if done by Tuesday, October 31, 2017. On-site registration is available and subject to higher fees. Call VSAE at (804) 747-4971 for more information or register online now.

Formed in 1949, VSAE is a 400-plus member association consisting of association executives, association management companies, representatives from the hospitality industry, and others who serve the association industry. VSAE’s vision is to be the best at making associations the best by providing opportunities for association professionals to connect, learn, and lead.

VSAE HOLDS SEMINAR ON LEADERSHIP
Tom Davidson to Present “The Dark Side of Strength in Leadership”

August 11, 2017

The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) will hold its September Monthly Luncheon & Seminar on Friday, September 8, 2017 at the Meadow Event Park in Doswell, Va. The meeting will feature a seminar at 8:30 a.m., with a networking reception and luncheon to follow from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The content leader will be Tom Davidson, CSP, PCC, SPHR from Leadership Nature.

This interactive seminar, “The Dark Side of Strength in Leadership,” is an information-packed and thought-provoking presentation that will help attendees identify and avoid the deadly blind spots we all have in one form or another to help staff succeed; save time, money, and embarrassment; and avoid potential train wrecks in the process. During the luncheon, Davidson will present, “Making the Most of Mistakes,” to help release people’s potential while maintaining accountability by drawing a critical distinction between mistakes and misdeeds.

A more personalized organizational leadership evaluation is available during registration for $50. Davidson will offer attendees a confidential online assessment and the attendee will receive an individualized report at the seminar.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Tom Davidson, CSP, PCC, SPHR, is the principal consultant and speaker with Leadership Nature. He works with forestry and natural resource managers to accelerate their future leaders, ignite their leadership teams, and regenerate their meetings and events...because great leaders do not grow on trees.

REGISTRATION
VSAE non-members can register for the seminar for $90 if done by Tuesday, September 5, 2017. On-site registration is available and subject to higher fees. Call VSAE at (804) 747-4971 for more information or register online now.

Formed in 1949, VSAE is a 400-plus member association consisting of association executives, association management companies, representatives from the hospitality industry, and others who serve the association industry. VSAE’s vision is to be the best at making associations the best by providing opportunities for association professionals to connect, learn, and lead.


VSAE HOLDS SIG-A-PALOOZA
Event Includes Breakfast and Peer-to-Peer Small Groups 

June 8, 2017

The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) will hold its second annual SIG-a-Palooza on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at the Wyndham Virginia Crossings Hotel & Conference Center. The meeting will feature a breakfast at 8:30 a.m. followed by a SIG-a-Palooza event from 10:00-11:30 a.m.

A SIG-a-Palooza is a collection of small Shared Interest Group (SIG) meetings. The SIGs are member-led groups organized around areas of interest. They offer a forum for peer-to-peer learning in a small group atmosphere. The SIGs are a great way for association executives and other non-profit leaders to learn from colleagues about the issues relevant to them. There is no formal presentation or speaker.

The following are the currently active SIGs that plan to meet at SIG-a-Palooza.

Association Management Companies - For executives of firms that provide management and specialized administrative services to trade associations and professional societies.
Emerging Association Professionals - For executives to support and advocate for the next generation of association leaders.
Large Association CEOs - For CEOs of associations with six or more employees. Discussion topics include staff development, board relations, legislative issues, technology, and association resources. 
Meeting Planner - For association professionals who are responsible for meeting planning within their organizations. 
Membership - For executives responsible for or involved in membership acquisition and retention for their organizations. 
Senior Staff - For executives who deal with organization-wide issues like strategic planning, staff management, and organization culture.
Small Association CEOs - For CEOs of associations with five or fewer employees. Discussion topics include staff development, board relations, legislative issues, technology, and association resources. 

REGISTRATION
VSAE non-members can register for $35 if done by Tuesday, August 8, 2017. On-site registration is available and subject to higher fees. Call VSAE at (804) 747-4971 for more information or register online now.

Formed in 1949, VSAE is a 400-plus member association consisting of association executives, association management companies, representatives from the hospitality industry, and others who serve the association industry. VSAE’s vision is to be the best at making associations the best by providing opportunities for association professionals to connect, learn, and lead.


VSAE Holds Seminar on Business Presentation Skills
Jason Young to Present, "Speak Smart"

May 4, 2017

The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) will hold its June Monthly Luncheon & Seminar on Friday, June 2, 2017 at the Four Points by Sheraton Richmond. The meeting will feature a seminar at 8:30 a.m., with a networking reception and luncheon to follow from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The content leader will be Jason Young, a former senior-level manager at Southwest Airlines.

This interactive seminar, “Speak Smart - Business Presentation Skills,” will teach individuals at all levels to prepare and deliver presentations that are well organized, dynamic, and motivational. Whether through sales presentations, speeches, one-on-one meetings, or just serving a member, the ability to connect and effectively communicate with an audience is critical. This seminar will teach essential communications skills everyone needs to transfer knowledge, deliver customer service, inspire others, and get results. During the luncheon, Young will present, “Culturetopia: Creating a High Performance Organization,” where attendees will get an introduction to Young’s innovative perspective on how to create and sustain a culture of care and accountability where people can do their best work.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Jason Young has been called a “rare breed” when it comes to developing leadership, team, and customer service initiatives. As a former leader at Southwest Airlines, Jason learned the value of a high performance workplace culture. During his ten years with the airline, he was a key driver in creating and developing the company’s innovative training programs for its successful leadership and customer service culture. As a result, Southwest has consistently rated the highest in customer service and employee satisfaction. Jason has captured his philosophy of creating high performance cultures in his book, “The Culturetopia Effect."

REGISTRATION
VSAE non-members can register for the seminar for $90 if done by Tuesday, May 30, 2017. On-site registration is available and subject to higher fees. Call VSAE at (804) 747-4971 for more information or register online now.

Formed in 1949, VSAE is a 400 plus member association consisting of association executives, association management companies, representatives from the hospitality industry, and others who serve the association industry. VSAE’s vision is to be the best at making associations the best by providing opportunities for association professionals to connect, learn, and lead.


VSAE Installs New Volunteer Leadership for 2017-2018
Scot McRoberts, MPA, IOM Becomes President

May 1, 2017

During its Annual Conference at The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center, the Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) installed its newly-elected 2017-2018 Board of Directors. Scot McRoberts, MPA, IOM, Executive Director, Virginia Council of CEOs, was installed as President. Mr. McRoberts succeeds Barbara Homiller, MBA, CAE, Chief Operating Officer, Better Business Bureau Serving Central Virginia, who became the Immediate Past President.

“Scot is a leader among leaders and we are excited to have his leadership skills helping guide VSAE over the next year,” said Brandon Robinson, CAE executive director of VSAE.

Ray Mattes, III, CAE, President and CEO, Retail Alliance, will serve as President Elect.

Other officers include Duront A. “D” Walton, Jr., Executive Director, Virginia Telecommunications Industry Association, who will serve as Treasurer, and Phyllis Errico, JD, CAE, General Counsel, Virginia Association of Counties, who will serve as Secretary.

Newly installed directors include Jim Roman, Speaker Trainer Consultant, Business Owner’s Institute, Matthew Stanley, Vice President of Government Affairs & Association Relations, Elwood Consulting, LLC, and Tom Witt, Engineer Director, Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance.

Directors continuing to serve for VSAE are: Maureen Dingus, CAE, Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Society of CPAs; Courtney Fleming, Vice President, Education and Training/Communications, Virginia Bankers Association; Katie Frazier, President, Virginia Agribusiness Council; Nancy L. Israel, Executive Director, American Council of Engineering Companies of Virginia; Danny Mitchell, AAI, AAI-M, Vice President of Business Development, Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia; Gail Phillips, CAE, Senior Vice President, Organization Management Group; and Steven Williams, Partner, Hardiman-Williams, LLC.


VSAE Announces 2017 Annual Conference
Aspiring to be the Best

April 11, 2017

VSAE’s Annual Conference is Virginia’s premier educational conference for association professionals. The theme for this year’s conference is, “Aspiring to be the Best.” It is scheduled for Sunday, April 30 through Tuesday, May 2, and will be hosted by The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center and Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge. The conference attracts nearly 200 attendees from all over the Commonwealth. In addition to association executives, the conference draws meeting planners, hoteliers, and other suppliers to the association management industry. More information can be found at vsae.org/annual.

This year’s opening keynote speaker is Kevin Brown. Brown’s presentation, “The Hero Effect - Being Your Best When It Matters the Most,” will shares ideas, strategies, and principles that will inspire and equip participants to show up every day and make a positive difference. At the heart of Kevin’s message is a simple yet powerful philosophy for life that drives every thought, every action, and ultimately every result for success both personally and professionally.

The three-day conference also includes the following breakout sessions.

  • Establishing Effective Chapter/Association Partnerships - Trevor Mitchell, CAE
  • Major Trends Affecting Associations and the State of the Association Industry - Scott Wiley, CAE
  • Education Hacker: Revolutionizing Your Organization's Learning Opportunities - Jeff Hurt
  • Toot Your Own Horn, But Don't Blow It - Sandra Giarde, CAE

The conference closes with a keynote presentation from Mary Kelly, PhD, CSP, CDR, US Navy (Ret). During her presentation, “Master Your World: 10 Executive Strategies to Improve Productivity, Profits, and Communication in Your Business and Your Association,” Kelly will outline how to make leadership possible regardless of your position within an organization. This inspirational program is packed with templates and tools so leaders can achieve optimal results.


VSAE HOLDS SEMINAR ON ASSOCIATION COMMUNICATIONS
Naylor Association Solutions to Present “The State of Association Communications and Tips for Improvement”

March 7, 2017

The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) will hold its April Monthly Luncheon & Seminar on Friday, April 7, 2017 at the Richmond Marriott Short Pump. The meeting will feature a seminar at 8:30 a.m., with a networking reception and luncheon to follow from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The content leader will be Jill Andreu with Naylor Association Solutions.

This interactive seminar, “Where Perception Meets Reality: The State of Association Communications and Tips for Improvement,” will provide association leaders a comprehensive look at the latest membership communication and technology trends, best practices, and resource investments. Using data from Association Adviser’s Communications Benchmarking study, Andreu will dial down into the state of the industry and the challenges faced by associations. During the luncheon, Andreu will present, “Tackling Technology: Updates and Info from the 2016 Annual Benchmarking Survey,” where attendees will learn how to invest in and embrace technology to drive an association’s success. She will explore the current state of the association tech landscape and showcase proven practices to maximize, automate, and monetize efforts.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Jill Andreu is Vice President of Content Strategy and Development for Naylor Association Solutions. She is responsible for the overall strategy and leadership of Naylor’s content department. Her diverse Naylor career – spanning from editor to group publisher – bring both an editorial and strategic business growth perspective to the company.

REGISTRATION
VSAE non-members can register for the seminar for $90 if done by Tuesday, April 4, 2017. On-site registration is available and subject to higher fees. Call VSAE at (804) 747-4971 for more information or register online now at vsae.org.

Formed in 1949, VSAE is a 400 plus member association consisting of association executives, association management companies, representatives from the hospitality industry, and others who serve the association industry. VSAE’s vision is to be the best at making associations the best by providing opportunities for association professionals to connect, learn, and lead.


VSAE HOLDS SEMINAR ON BIG DATA
Bryce Gartner to Present “Building a Data Culture for Success”

February 7, 2017

The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) will hold its March Monthly Luncheon & Seminar on Friday, March 3, 2017 at the Hilton Richmond Downtown. The meeting will feature a seminar at 8:30 a.m., with a networking reception and luncheon to follow from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The content leader will be Bryce Gartner with icimo, LLC.

Gartner’s seminar, “Building a Data Culture for Success,” will discuss key blockers, benefits, and ways to drive a change in your organization by understanding how to use your data and build a culture emphasizing data-driven change. Bryce will discuss specific examples of associations, non-profits, and for profit companies. During the luncheon, Gartner will present, “The Key to Disruptive Change – Data,” sharing some of the leaders impacting change in their industry, what they have done to change the marketplace, and how data drove the change. He will share some key best practices and ways to get started quickly in driving a culture of change in your organization.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Bryce Gartner is Founder/Chief Experience Officer of icimo, LLC. Bryce is a proven leader in creating data driven organizations, brand management, strategic planning, and new product development. His quest for business solutions has led him to build a broad range of experiences and relationships. He blends his expertise in both marketing and technology to build solutions that grow business based on customer data. Based in Cary, N.C., icimo helps organizations become data driven through a combination of services and software tools enabling data storytelling, visualization, and data analysis.

REGISTRATION
VSAE non-members can register for the seminar for $90 if done by Tuesday, February 28, 2017. On-site registration is available and subject to higher fees. Call VSAE at (804) 747-4971 for more information or register online now at vsae.org.

Formed in 1949, VSAE is a 400 plus member association consisting of association executives, association management companies, representatives from the hospitality industry, and others who serve the association industry. VSAE’s vision is to be the best at making associations the best by providing opportunities for association professionals to connect, learn, and lead.


VSAE Holds Seminar on Membership Recruitment
J.J. White to Present "Creating Value Through the Prospect Point of View"

January 10, 2017

The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) will hold its February Monthly Luncheon & Seminar on Friday, February 3, 2017 at the Omni Richmond Hotel. The meeting will feature a seminar at 8:30 a.m., with a networking reception and luncheon to follow from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The content leader will be J.J. White with Dale Carnegie Virginia.

White’s Seminar, “Creating Value Through the Prospect Point of View,” is centered around the fact that 85 percent of success in membership recruitment comes from understanding the member’s – or client’s – point of view. The session will explore ways to gain attention, create trust, and credibility. Attendees will leave the workshop with a greater understanding of why people buy and how to help them do it. During the luncheon, White will facilitate a conversation among three association professionals on membership recruitment. The panelists include Scot McRoberts, MPA, IOM, Executive Director of the Virginia Council of CEOs; Danny Mitchell, AAI, AAI-M, Vice President of Business Development from the Independent Insurance Agents of Virginia; and Julia Henderson, Membership Marketing Manager with the Virginia Society of CPAs. Each of these individuals will share their own unique approach to membership recruitment.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

J.J. White is the Executive Director of Dale Carnegie Virginia and is a graduate of Roanoke College. White joined Dale Carnegie in 2000, and is a recipient of the Dale Carnegie Chairman’s Club Award. He is a certified trainer in the Team Engagement, Sales Effectiveness, Presentation Effectiveness, and Process Improvement curricula.

REGISTRATION

VSAE non-members can register for the seminar for $90 if done by Tuesday, January 31, 2017. On-site registration is available and subject to higher fees. Call VSAE at (804) 747-4971 for more information or register online now at vsae.org.

Formed in 1949, VSAE is a 400 plus member association consisting of association executives, association management companies, representatives from the hospitality industry, and others who serve the association industry. VSAE’s vision is to be the best at making associations the best by providing opportunities for association professionals to connect, learn, and lead.


2016 Press Room Archive

2015 Press Room Archive