More than 90 VSAE members gathered for SIG-a-Palooza last week, setting a new attendance record and filling the virtual meeting rooms with lively discussion, practical ideas and strong peer-to-peer exchange.

The annual program brought together six of VSAE’s Shared Interest Groups (SIGs), giving members an opportunity to connect with colleagues who share similar roles and challenges. Rather than traditional presentations, the sessions centered on facilitated conversation, allowing attendees to share what is working in their organizations, ask questions and learn from one another.

More than 35 CEOs, senior staff members, and industry partners convened in Charlottesville for this year’s VSAE CEO & Senior Staff Retreat—an intimate, high-engagement program designed to give leaders space to think strategically, share openly, and learn from one another. Held at The Draftsman, Autograph Collection, the retreat brought together association executives from a wide range of sectors including construction, finance, regulatory affairs, banking, architecture, and more, underscoring the breadth and strength of Virginia’s association community.

What drew you to the association industry?

A $5 per hour paid internship at the VSCPA!

We asked three new association CEOs the following questions to learn about their career paths and insights on issues facing the industry. The three interviewed were Christina Lewellen, MBA, CAE (CL), Executive Director, Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools; Sarah Mattes Marshall, CAE (SM), Executive Director, VA College of Emergency Physicians; and Abby Tammen (AT), CEO, Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS.

On November 18-19, VSAE hosted its annual CEO and Senior Staff Retreat virtually. The two-day retreat was facilitated by the tandem of Seth Kahan (Founder of Visionary Leadership) and John Sarvay (Founder of Floricane). 35 people attended the event, including several recent VSAE members and even a few non-members!

The retreat proved to be an engaging and through-provoking combination of small group discussions, interactive exercises, and candid conversations about the challenges and subsequent opportunities associations face headed into the new year.