Press Room
VSAE TO PRESENT 2020 VA POLITICAL OUTLOOK
Dr. Bob Holsworth Will Offer Insights and Predictions on Virginia Politics
December 13, 2019
The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) will hold its annual Virginia Political Outlook luncheon on Friday, January 3, 2020 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., during which Dr. Bob Holsworth will speak.
This is the twenty-second consecutive year Dr. Holsworth will present his political insights to VSAE. The 2019 election was a power changing event for Virginia’s House of Delegates. Dr. Holsworth will share what can be learned from the election and what this might mean for the Commonwealth and the country going forward. He will also give a preview of the upcoming General Assembly session and Virginia’s elections next November. Dr. Holsworth is always an enlightening presenter so don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to hear VSAE’s most requested speaker.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Dr. Bob Holsworth is a Managing Partner of DecideSmart, a company that focuses on enabling innovation to succeed. His observations on national and Virginia politics have appeared in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, the New York Times, and numerous other papers and news magazines. He was the founding Director of both the Center for Public Policy and the Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he also taught courses in Virginia politics, American politics, and political theory. In addition, Dr. Holsworth served as the Executive Director of the Governor’s Commission on Efficiency and Effectiveness. He received his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
REGISTRATION
VSAE non-members can register for $50 for lunch, if done by Tuesday, December 31, 2019. 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, and others who serve the association industry with products or services. 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 Awards of Excellence at Most Popular Annual Event
November 4, 2019
The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) will hold its annual Awards Luncheon & Silent Auction on Friday, December 6, 2019 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 100 items. Auction proceeds go to benefit VSAE’s educational programming as well as a designated charity. This year’s charity is the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Goochland, an organization dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight against cancer.
The Awards Luncheon immediately follows the Silent Auction. Based on peer nominations, VSAE’s Awards of Excellence recognize leadership and service to the association community and are given annually in four categories. Scot McRoberts, Executive Director of the VA Council of CEOs, is this year’s winner of the CEO Award of Excellence. the highest award VSAE can bestow upon one of its Executive members. The Association Staff Award of Excellence will be given to Courtney Fleming, Senior Vice President of Education & Training at VA Bankers Association. The Associate Member Award of Excellence allows the association community to recognize those suppliers and vendors among its members who have distinguished themselves through their leadership qualities and professionalism. This year’s winner is Mary Kelly, Senior Sales Manager at Marriott Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Finally, the Career Service Award, which is given to an individual outside of the field of association management who through hard work and dedication has provided exceptional service over the years to the association community, will be presented to Mark Yardis, Vice President of Operation for Shamin Hotels.
REGISTRATION
Regular registration is $54 for VSAE members and $77 for non-members. It includes access to the auction, networking reception, and 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/alsareg19.
Formed in 1949, VSAE is a 400-plus member association consisting of association executives, association management companies, and others who serve the association industry with products or services. 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 TELLING YOUR ASSOCIATION STORY
October 18, 2019
The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) will hold its November Seminar Series with Lunch on Friday, November 1, 2019 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Richmond-Midlothian. The meeting will feature a 2.5-hour 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 Jeff Kelley of Kelley Communications.
The seminar, “Telling Your Association Story,” will help you navigate and master your organization’s public message. You will learn four key aspects of public relations: Storytelling, Elevator Pitches, the Art of Persuasion, and Media Kits. As part of each segment, enjoy an energizing, hands-on workshop and group discussion. During the luncheon, Kelley will present “Turn Your Association into a News Engine.”
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Jeff Kelley began his career as a business and technology reporter for the Richmond Times-Dispatch, covering startups and enterprises and interviewing everyone from Fortune 500 CEOs to bootstrapping entrepreneurs. With both agency and in-house PR experience, he formed Kelley Communications in early 2015 to offer companies a nimble partner to deliver high-quality content and media needs on-time and under-budget. Jeff has also served as a public relations writing instructor at VCU.
REGISTRATION
VSAE non-members can register for the seminar for $90 through Tuesday, October 29, 2019. 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, and others who serve the association industry with products or services. 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 TO HOLD FALL CONFERENCE WITH TRADESHOW
Virginia’s Premier Conference & Tradeshow for Associations, Non-profits,
and Professional Meeting Planners
August 16, 2019
The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) will hold its 23rd Fall Conference, Virginia’s premier conference and tradeshow for association executives, professional meeting planners, and other non-profit leaders, on Wednesday and Thursday, October 2 - 3 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center and Hilton Richmond Downtown.
The tradeshow includes over 90 exhibitors from across the Commonwealth and beyond, ranging from hotels, resorts, and local CVBs to accounting firms, event technology providers, and organizational consultants, all focused on helping attendees deliver more value to their organization and its members.
New this year is a 2.5-hour workshop on Wednesday, October 2, “Tactics for Better Engagement from Sponsors, Exhibitors, and Advertisers.” The next day’s breakfast features a keynote presentation from Karen McCullough, “Beyond the Brand – Putting People First.” Breakout session topics include building a digital marketing strategy, keeping up with the pace of change, coaching speakers and volunteers, managing employee pay, utilizing etiquette for business success, and rewarding employee performance.
A range of attendance options/registration rates are available and include an additional networking opportunity - a reception with exhibitors and other attendees on the evening of Wednesday, October 2 at the Hilton Richmond Downtown. Registration and more information about the Fall Conference is available at vsae.org/fall-conference.
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 TRUST BASED LEADERSHIP
"Trust Based Leadership – Proven Ways to Stop Managing and Start Leading"
August 14, 2019
The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) will hold its September Seminar Series with Lunch on Thursday, September 5, 2019 at the Richmond Marriott Downtown. The meeting will feature a 2.5-hour seminar at 8:30 a.m., with a networking reception and luncheon to follow from 11:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. The content leader will be Mark Given.
Given's seminar, “Trust Based Leadership – Proven Ways to Stop Managing and Start Leading,” will explore how improved leadership skills and people-centric leadership techniques can eliminate poor communication, employee and consumer complaints, and difficult misrepresentation and legal issues. Learn the important difference between managing tasks and leading people. We will also discuss leading with the intent to serve, utilizing better listening skills, understanding what clients and team members want, and clarifying the needs and wants of those we serve. During the luncheon, Given will present “Trust Based Success - Proven Ways to Stop Stressing and Start Living.”
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
After his education at Ohio State University and Elon College, Mark Given spent 20 years as CEO of a multi-state retail sales and rental company that grew to 47 locations. The next 18 years have included international speaking/teaching, volunteering, and community leadership. All along the way, Mark has invested tens of thousands of hours speaking and teaching his life and business changing Trust Based Philosophy systems, leadership skills, and personal mastery systems with hundreds of companies and organizations.
REGISTRATION
VSAE non-members can register for the seminar for $90 if done by Monday, September 2, 2019. 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, and others who serve the association industry with products or services. 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
July 15, 2019
The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) will hold its fourth annual SIG-a-Palooza on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at the Virginia Crossings, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. 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.
The 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 those who serve the association industry to learn from colleagues about the issues relevant to them. There is no formal presentation, though the breakfast includes recognition of SIG leaders from the previous year.
The following are the currently active SIGs that plan to meet at SIG-a-Palooza.
Associate Member (New) - For Associate Members in various roles, who wish to share sales and marketing best practices as a supplier to the group.
Association Management Companies - For executives of firms that provide management and specialized administrative services to trade associations and professional societies.
Communications & Marketing - For association professionals who are responsible for communications and marketing within their organizations.
Government Affairs - For executives who lobby or are otherwise involved in association advocacy efforts.
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.
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.
Technology (New)
For association staff whose responsibilities include aspects of technology and want to participate in a guided discussion and share best practices.
REGISTRATION
VSAE non-members can register for $35 if done by Monday, August 5, 2019. 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/palooza.
Formed in 1949, VSAE is an association with approximately 400 members consisting of association executives, association management companies, and others who serve the association industry with products or services. 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 MEETINGS & MEMBERSHIP
Dan and Nicole Ratner to Present "The Marriage of Meetings and Membership"
May 22, 2019
The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) will hold its June Seminar Series with Lunch on Friday, June 7, 2019 at The Westin Richmond Hotel. The meeting will feature a 2.5-hour seminar at 8:30 a.m., with a networking reception and luncheon to follow from 11:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. The content leaders will be Dan and Nicole Ratner, The Next Steps, LLC.
The Ratners’ seminar, “The Marriage of Meetings and Membership,” will explore the relationship between an organization’s meeting planners and its membership team to grow membership enrollment as well as attendance. Learn about the four types of constituents, the In It ForEVER™ Principle (which focuses on the four major needs of members and attendees: experience, value, engagement, and relevance), strategies and techniques for collaboration between meetings and membership stakeholders, and ideas and activities to implement at meetings and conferences to support membership development. During the luncheon, the Ratners’ will present “Attendees & Members Are In It ForEVER.”
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Together Dan and Nicole have over 30 years experience in the Association world. In his more than 20 years as an association professional, Dan has specialized in membership development and retention at all levels rising to executive levels of both professional and trade associations. Nicole, who is both a CAE and CMP, has over 16 years of experience in association management with expertise in meeting and event planning, educational programming, board and committee relations, communications, and more. Their combined experience is what makes them a unique team. Both are active within the ASAE community, with Nicole having served on several committees.
REGISTRATION
VSAE non-members can register for the seminar for $90 if done by Tuesday, June 4, 2019. On-site registration is available and subject to higher fees. Call VSAE at (804) 747-4971 for more information or register online at vsae.org.
Formed in 1949, VSAE is a 400-plus member association consisting of association executives, association management companies, and others who serve the association industry with products or services. 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’s INAUGURAL ASSOCIATION LEADERSHIP VIRGINIA (ALV) PROGRAM
GRADUATES NINE ASSOCIATION PROFESSIONALS
May 21, 2019
The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) is pleased to announce that nine association executives recently completed its leadership development program, Association Leadership Virginia (ALV) on May 7. The program brought together association professionals from across Virginia and from all levels of association management to discuss and explore strategies for leadership. A full list of the graduates is below.
2019 ALV Graduates
Connie Bruce, VA Council of CEOs
Samantha Kenny, Easter Associates, Inc.
Jerry Layne, Industrial Designers Society of America
Carter Lyons, CAE, Independent Insurance Agents of VA, Inc.
Walt Lyons, VA Bankers Association
Susan Park, Coastal & Estuarine Research Federation
Lauren Simonetti, VA Society of CPAs
Abby Tammen, Charlottesville Area Assn. of REALTORS
Sydney Thomas, LeadingAge Virginia
Launched in 2018, ALV is aimed at developing leaders for the Commonwealth’s association management industry. Tom and Melissa Laughon of Catch Your Limit designed and facilitated the year-long program, guiding participants as they learned about their own leadership style and how to harness it to have a positive impact in their organization.
“Congratulations to the new class of ALV! We are all impressed by the display of their collective teamwork and individual focus on excellence in association management” said Duront “D.” Walton, CAE, VSAE President and Executive Director of VA Telecommunications Industry Association.
The next ALV Program will begin in early 2020. For more details about the ALV Program, visit vsae.org/association-leadership-virginia or call Sonnia Montemayor at (804) 249-2234.
ABOUT VSAE
Formed in 1949, VSAE is a 400-plus member association consisting of association executives, association management companies, and others who serve the association industry with products or services. VSAE’s vision is to be the best at making associations the best by providing opportunities for association professionals to connect, learn, and lead.
ABOUT CATCH YOUR LIMIT
Catch Your Limit was founded in 1999, has extensive association experience, and guides clients (from start-ups and non-profits to Fortune 500 companies) to measurable, sustainable success in transformational change, strategic planning, leadership cohesion, collaborative cultures/teams, recruitment, retention, and more.
VSAE ANNOUNCES 2019 ANNUAL CONFERENCE
People, Process & Performance
March 11, 2019
VSAE’s Annual Conference is Virginia’s premier educational conference for association professionals. The theme for this year’s conference is, “People, Process & Performance.” It is scheduled for Sunday, May 5 through Tuesday, May 7, and will be hosted by The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, VA . 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 Michelle Tillis Lederman. Her presentation, “The Relationship Driven Leader: Because People Do Business with People They Like,“ focuses on how our ability to create meaningful and lasting relationships directly impacts our success, from hiring to being a trustworthy leader, to shaping organizational culture. At lunch, keynote speaker Mark Grossman will present, “YOU Can Be the Best Negotiator in the Room: Every Great Association Executive is a Great Negotiator.” This high-energy, entertaining, and yet substantive session will give you the benefit of what Grossman has learned in his 30-plus years as a negotiator.
The three-day conference also includes the following twelve breakout sessions in four distinct tracks.
Data Management:
- Learning to Be Data-Driven – Strategy Before Software – Michael Butera
- Governance – Questions Seldom Asked – Answers Needed – Michael Butera
- Technology Trends and the Effects on Associations – Reggie Henry
Marketing:
- Find Your Fan Factor: Streamline, Organize & Leverage Your Social Media Marketing – Meredith Oliver
- Reframe: The Power of Vulnerability to Unlock Peak Performance – Meredith Oliver
- Using LinkedIn as an Organizational Marketing Tool – Teddy Burriss
Leadership:
- You – The Brand: Determine and Drive How Others See You – Michelle Tillis Lederman
- The Changing Workforce – Brad Dawson
- Which Hats Are You Wearing? Switching Hats to Facilitate Stronger Teams – 2018-2019 ALV Cohort Class
Networking:
- Increasing Your Networking Effectiveness – Jim Roman
- Take Your Negotiating Skills to the Next Level – Mark Grossman
- Mastering Your Memory – Tyler Enslin
Pre-conference activities and an opening reception occur on Sunday, and a dinner, reception and entertainment take place Monday evening.
Formed in 1949, VSAE is a 400-plus member association consisting of association executives, association management companies, and others who serve the association industry with products and services. 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 DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Charm Bullard to Present “Unconscious Bias - Making the Unconscious Conscious”
March 8, 2019
The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) will hold its April Seminar Series with Breakfast on Friday, April 5, 2019 at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Richmond Downtown. The meeting will feature a breakfast from 8:30-9:45 a.m., followed by a networking reception and 2.5-hour seminar at 10:00 a.m. The content leader will be Charm Bullard, Director of Programs, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities (VCIC).
Bullard’s seminar, “Unconscious Bias – Making the Unconscious Conscious,” will offer an opportunity to self-reflect on your own foundation of diversity and inclusion, explore ways that all employees benefit from an inclusive workplace, and learn approaches organizations can implement to help employees make better, bias-free decisions. During the breakfast, Bullard will present “Foundation of Diversity & Inclusion.”
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
In her role as Director of Programs at VCIC, Charm Bullard designs and facilitates educational programs on diversity and inclusion for middle schools, high schools, colleges, workplaces, and community groups. Prior to joining VCIC, she worked in student affairs on collegiate campuses throughout the Southeast. It was during that time that she found her passion for encouraging and supporting diversity and inclusion. Charm is the founder of the Connecting Women of Color Conference at the University of Richmond, which has been featured in Women in Higher Education and Essence magazines.
REGISTRATION
VSAE non-members can register for the seminar for $90 if done by Tuesday, April 2, 2019. On-site registration is available and subject to higher fees. Call VSAE at (804) 747-4971 for more information.
Formed in 1949, VSAE is a 400-plus member association consisting of association executives, association management companies, and others who serve the association industry with products and services. 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 INNOVATION
Carol Hamilton to Present "Shifting from Informal to Intentional:
Pathways to Innovation"
February 19, 2019
The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) will hold its March Seminar Series with lunch on Friday, March 1, 2019 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. The meeting will feature a 2.5-hour seminar at 8:30 a.m., with a networking reception and luncheon to follow from 11:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. The content leader will be Carol Hamilton, Grace Social Sector Consulting, LLC.
Hamilton’s seminar, “Shifting from Informal to Intentional: Pathways to Innovation,” will detail how recent research shows that most associations have yet to establish intentional practices to cultivate innovation within their organization. Using a human centered design approach builds focus and intention into innovation processes. Design Thinking is a human-centered and systematic approach to problem solving and innovation. By focusing on empathy and iteration, the design thinking process helps you create solutions that are grounded in the experience of your stakeholders and informed by their feedback through a co-creation process. This helps protect your organization from costly program development that you ultimately discover has no audience. During the luncheon, Hamilton will present “What Organizations with Healthy Cultures Do Differently.”
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Carol Hamilton helps associations become more strategic and innovative. She provides organization development consulting, meeting design and facilitation, and training, to organizations. She has expertise as an innovator leading groups applying human centered design to program and organizational challenges. Carol speaks frequently on association learning and innovation topics including leading sessions at Great Ideas, ASAE’s Annual Conference and Idea Swaps. She graduated from Swarthmore College and has her Masters in Organization Development from American University.
REGISTRATION
VSAE non-members can register for the seminar for $90 if done by Tuesday, February 26, 2019. On-site registration is available and subject to higher fees. Call VSAE at (804) 747-4971 for more information or register online at vsae.org.
Formed in 1949, VSAE is a 400-plus member association consisting of association executives, association management companies, and others who serve the association industry with products and services. 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 CONSTRUCTIVE CONFLICT
Melissa and Tom Laughon to Present “Courage & Conflict - Critical Conversations!”
January 9, 2019
The Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE) will hold its February Seminar Series with lunch on Friday, February 1, 2019 at the Hilton Richmond Downtown. The meeting will feature a 2.5-hour seminar at 8:30 a.m., with a networking reception and luncheon to follow from 11:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. The content leaders will be Melissa and Tom Laughon.
The seminar, “Courage & Conflict - Critical Conversations!” will focus on constructive conflict, which is essential to building relationships, high-performing teams, and strategies for success. In this interactive session, explore strategies to foster improved interpersonal relationships, idea generation, and increased productivity. Become a catalyst for courageous communication with your staff, board, legislators, and other stakeholders and encourage others to follow your lead.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Melissa and Tom Laughon own Catch Your Limit Consulting, which guides organizations, including Fortune 500 companies and national associations, in leadership development, creativity, innovation, teaming and positive change. Melissa’s expertise in organizational challenges centers on change initiatives, creating engaged cultures, recruiting and growing the best leaders, building strong teams/leaders, as well as succession planning. In addition to her leadership and organizational management practice, Melissa is an experienced and sought-after strategic planning facilitator. Tom, a leading expert on creativity and strategic thinking, has proven that a consultant doesn’t need wingtips and a tie to be a trusted and effective advisor to corporations large and small. After working in the advertising industry for over 25 years, he has evolved into a leadership and management consultant, strategist, keynote speaker, facilitator, professor, and writer.
REGISTRATION
VSAE non-members can register for the seminar for $90 if done by Tuesday, January 29, 2019. On-site registration is available and subject to higher fees. Call VSAE at (804) 747-4971 for more information or register at vsae.org.
Formed in 1949, VSAE is a 400-plus member association consisting of association executives, association management companies, and others who serve the association industry with products or services. VSAE’s vision is to be the best at making associations the best by providing opportunities for association professionals to connect, learn, and lead.
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