Association Forum: Elevate Your Career & Lead!
Are you ready to be recognized as a leader in association management? Now is the time to seize the opportunity and elevate your career by stepping into the spotlight and letting your achievements inspire the next generation of professionals!
The Association Forum's initiatives are designed to foster excellence within the association management profession, providing opportunities for professional development, networking, and recognition. The organization champions best practices, offers resources, and creates platforms for collaboration and innovation within the industry.
| Association Forum: Key Programs and Initiatives | |
|---|---|
| Program | Description |
| Forty Under 40 Program | An exclusive program celebrating brilliance, leadership, and impact among association management professionals under the age of 40. Participants refine their leadership skills, explore innovative strategies, and build valuable connections. |
| Honors Awards Program | Provides accolades and recognition to outstanding association professionals and supporting partner members for their achievements in advancing the profession. Awards are presented at the annual Honors Gala. |
| Certified Association Executive (CAE) Preparation | Supports professionals in earning the CAE designation, a mark of professional recognition and career advancement in association management. Provides resources and educational programs to help individuals prepare for the certification. |
| Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) | Offers opportunities for networking and learning through 13 different SIGs, each meeting twice a year. Participants can maximize their learning and networking potential by participating in these groups. |
| Forum Magazine | A member benefit providing access to articles on a wide variety of relevant topics, including leadership, governance, administration, meetings, marketing, and more. |
| Leadership Program | A program designed for new and experienced emerging leaders, offering five modules and a program kickoff meeting, totaling 18 hours of approved CAE education. The spring 2025 cohort will be fully virtual. |
| Excelerate Partner Program | A gateway to connecting with association leaders and professionals through innovative and strategic partnerships. The program helps partners position their brand across media and content channels. |
For professionals looking to advance their careers, the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation is a significant milestone. The Association Forum is a resource for professionals aiming to earn this distinction. Through its educational programs and resources, the organization facilitates preparation for the CAE exam and supports individuals in achieving this mark of professional recognition.
The ASAECenter.org is a valuable resource to reference for this.
The "Forty Under 40" program serves as a platform to celebrate the emerging leaders in association management. This initiative recognizes exceptional individuals under the age of 40 who have demonstrated leadership and made a significant impact in their field. It is an opportunity to refine leadership skills, explore innovative strategies, and build valuable connections.
For many years, the Honors Gala has been a tradition for Chicagoland associations. It is a fundraising event and brings together hundreds of association professionals and supplier partners to celebrate and honor industry colleagues. The evening showcases key industry leaders, providing them with recognition for their achievements.
For those looking to expand their knowledge and network within the field, the Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) offer a valuable opportunity. With 13 different groups, each meeting twice a year, members can delve into specific areas of interest, share ideas, and learn from peers. These groups are ideal for maximizing learning and networking potential.
The Association Forum also supports its members by providing access to a wide array of articles on relevant and timely topics through its Forum magazine. These articles cover subjects such as new power leadership, association governance, meetings, marketing, and more, all geared towards helping professionals stay current and informed. It is a member benefit, so access to the issue.
The leadership program is also designed for new and experienced emerging leaders, ensuring that individuals at all levels can benefit from the resources and training offered. The spring 2025 cohort will be fully virtual, providing flexibility and accessibility for participants.
The Excelerate Partner Program is designed to facilitate strategic collaborations between the Association Forum and its partners. Through this program, partners can connect with association leaders and professionals through innovative and strategic partnerships, creating a tailored plan that aligns with business objectives and boosts visibility.
The Association Forum understands the importance of staying current with industry trends. Through its resources and events, the organization provides a platform for professionals to navigate the future with confidence, helping them sharpen their business acumen and enhance their leadership impact.
The Association Forum's dedication to excellence is evident in its focus on professional recognition and development. Whether through the CAE designation, the Honors Awards, or various educational programs, the forum remains committed to advancing the association management profession.
The Association Forum encourages professionals to showcase their organization's diverse leaders and ensure that the diversity of its membership is reflected in the organization's leadership. Benchmarking organizational metrics against industry standards is also a key strategy for success.
The Association Forum facilitates networking, skill-building, and recognition for its members, creating an environment that helps professionals thrive.
The Association Forum plays a pivotal role in empowering leaders and shaping the future of association management. By participating in the initiatives, professionals can unlock the power of connection, insight, and success.
In summary, the Association Forum stands as a valuable resource for association professionals. By offering opportunities for networking, leadership development, and recognition, it continues to empower individuals and advance the association management profession.
