GSAE's Abit Massey Lecture Series
Wednesday, September 17
11:30 am–1:30 pm ET
Atlanta Marriott Northeast/Emory Area
The Abit Massey Lecturer is Gary Black, former Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture and now Managing Partner of On Point Strategies, Inc. He will be presenting on Certainty in Uncertain Times by unlocking the real-world principles of effective leadership through the power of storytelling. Learn more.
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Learn more about why we honor Abit Massey each year with a lecture focused on association leadership. |
Schedule
10:30–11:30 am: New Member Orientation
11:30 am–12:00 pm: Networking Reception
12:00–1:30 pm: Luncheon with Lecturer
1:30 pm: Property Tour
Cost
GSAE Member – $49 ($59 after September 12)
Guests – $69 ($79 after September 12)
Thank you to our Annual AV Sponsor: OAV (Orchestrated Audiovisual & Production Services)
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Visit Athens GA Hosted the Leadership Retreat & Leadership Academy Capstone
The 2025 GSAE Board and Leadership Academy Class held their retreats last month. A huge thank you to The Classic Center, Visit Athens GA, Hyatt Place Athens Downtown, and Levy Catering at The Classic Center for hosting this year's retreat. We can’t wait to return for the 2026 GSAE Annual Meeting, May 27–29.
Congratulations to the 2025 GSAE Leadership Academy Graduates
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Kendra Allen
Coordinator, ARP
American College of Rheumatology
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Kelly Barta
Executive Director/President
ITASN
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Emily Engel Fries
Director of Government Relations & Member Services
Georgia Ready Mixed Concrete Association
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Laura French
Director of Community Engagement
Hemophilia of Georgia
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Chelsea Juras
VP-Strategic Initiatives
Atlanta Apartment Association
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Kaitlyn McKenzie
Member Experience Manager
Georgia Dental Association
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Nancy Pass, CMP
Director of Operations
Georgia Senior Living Association
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Maggie Patterson
Director of Sponsorships
Atlanta Apartment Association
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Austin Seamster
Manager, Education and Safety
Associated Builders & Contractors of Georgia
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Mark Sullivan
Vice President-Finance & HR
Atlanta Apartment Association
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National Coin & Bullion Association
| David Crenshaw, executive director of the National Coin & Bullion Association, was recently named to Coin World’s 2025 Most Influential People in Numismatics list, recognizing his leadership and advocacy on behalf of the coin and bullion industry. He also received the Numismatic Literary Guild’s 2025 Executive Director’s Award of Excellence for his efforts in advancing awareness and legislative support for ending sales taxes on coins and precious metals nationwide. |
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Lanier Islands Opens new Wedding Venue
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Legacy Lodge Lanier Islands Resort unveils Williams Family Story and Chapel. The newest addition to the resort. Opening celebration is September 21. Read more. |
2025 Fall Foundation Grant Applications Open
The next round of grant applications is due September 30, 2025. Any 501(c) organization that employs at least one GSAE member may apply. The applications will be judged on the quality of the internship experience described in the application. Funds will be available for use anytime during 2026. Recipients will be announced during the GSAE Holiday Luncheon on December 10. Apply today!
ASAE Annual Meeting & Expo Recognition
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2025 Inline Booth Exhibit Winner: 3rd Place, VisitGreenvilleSC – Booth 1301 |
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2025 Island Booth Exhibit Winner: 2nd Place, Visit Tampa Bay – Booth 1437 |
FSAE Launched QAS 2.0 - Association Management Training
| FSAE has launched QAS 2.0. Master the fundamentals for career advancement in Association Management. This is a refreshed and modernized version of the original program. With updated content and speakers. GSAE members have a code in the Member Offers tab of their profile. Learn more. |
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Offer for Associations
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Did you know GSAE's annual AV provider, Orchestrated Audiovisual & Production Services (OAV), also has an entertainment division providing the best in production equipment and services to the entertainment market since 2003.
This division operates separately but can also work in concert with the AV division allowing OAV to seamlessly deliver a complete high end AV/Production package capable of covering your needs from opening General Session to post event entertainment.
- Between now and December 31, 2025, all GSAE members can receive a 20% discount on equipment when confirming or adding these services to their existing AV order.
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2025 Association Benchmarking Report is Out
This year’s report highlights a notable shift in member engagement. Associations are now connecting with members an average of 30.4 times per month across print, digital, social media, and video. That’s four more touchpoints per month than last year..
GSAE 2026 Budget Numbers
We’ll add additional opportunities for connecting and learning throughout the year, but this is a great start!
- Shared Interest Group meetings are included in your membership.
- Association Executive dues are $325; additional association staff members are $150 a la carte.
- GSAE group memberships for Association Executives. View pricing
- Corporate Supplier dues are $350; additional staff from the same company are $250.
- Quarterly luncheons on February 18, April 15, July 15, and September 16, 2026 are $59 for GSAE members.
- Exclusive luncheon sponsorship available for $2,000.
- The Holiday Luncheon, Awards Show & Silent Auction on December 9, 2026 is $69 for GSAE members.
- Three sponsorships available for $2,000 each. (one sold)
- The 2026 GSAE Annual Meeting is in Athens, GA, May 27-May 29. Registration fee for the first association executive attendee – $429; corporate supplier exhibitor and sponsor packages range from $729-$3,599; additional attendees from the same organization – $389 each.
2025 Inclusion Calendar Published
Welcome Mat. GSAE is committed to being a resource and model for members and organizations on effective practices that drive successful diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. GSAE believes in fostering a welcoming culture amongst our members that is diverse, inclusive, and equitable to all. We know our differences are what make us stronger. Through diverse perspectives, an inclusive culture, and equitable opportunities, we are connecting leaders, advancing associations. Access the 2025 Inclusion Calendar.
Scammers, Spammers & Phishing - Bleh
GSAE will never, ever ask you to buy gift cards or transfer money among our Board members, volunteers, or staff. We do not use third parties to sell our hotel room blocks or offer membership lists. Call us at (404) 577-7850 if you have a question about an email.
We also urge you to train your staff to do the same – call and confirm authenticity if you are not expecting a proposal from a property or other service provider. Every employee should also have two-factor authentication on every single log-in. We regularly receive the "was this you?" message. Nine times out of ten, it wasn't!
Have GSAE News to Share?
Please send job changes, member news, and press releases to Corrin at corrin "at" gsae.org by the second Monday of the month.
Four seats for individual association member directors and one seat for a corporate supplier (hospitality) director will be available for two-year terms, beginning January 1, 2026. Nominations will also be accepted for the one-year Treasurer position for both the Society and the Foundation Board of Trustees.
If you or someone you know would like to be considered, please complete the online application ( self-nomination or nominate someone else). All candidates must be GSAE members in good standing. Deadline for nominations is September 30, 2025.
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GSAE recognizes excellence by presenting a variety of awards to members, including our highest honor, the Clifford M. Clarke Award. To nominate a member for an award, simply contact GSAE, at gsae "at" gsae.org.
The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, September 30, 2025
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We understand your time is valuable, and we strive to make volunteer service convenient and rewarding. GSAE volunteers truly do the work of the organization. Please send an email to Corrin at corrin "at" gsae.org if you are interested in learning more about 2025 committee and SIG leadership opportunities.
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Explore GSAE's entirely FREE library of downloadable content, including white papers, guides, infographics, case studies, industry analysis, and so much more! Consider this your one-stop shop when looking for current topics you need to learn about that are influencing our entire industry.
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Did you know our Career Headquarters links to ASAE's national site? **And** if you buy a posting through us, GSAE gets a royalty payment to support the Society's programming. Check out the Careers section at the bottom of this e-newsletter for the latest Georgia postings.
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GSAE is seeking members interested in sharing effective practices, compelling case studies, and pilot programs. Have another story idea? Contact Corrin at corrin "at" gsae.org if you are interested in contributing to our community knowledge.
- Fall 2025 – Association Management Companies: Adapting to What Associations Need Now – editorial content due Monday, September 29
- Also seeking guest columnists – 700-1,200 words, anytime.
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Certified Association Executive (CAE) Study Course
- Concentrated Course begins Sept. 15.
- Virtual CRAM 1-Week Course begins Nov. 7.
- GSAE members have a code in the Member Offers tab of their profile.
- CRAM course fees are based on current/previous attendance, so no discount code is needed.
- Fall CAE Study Course begins Sept. 17 - Nov. 12
Other CAE course options are available online.
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Are you or your member organizations concerned about AI Hiring Bias Lawsuits? Fisher Phillips can help. We have 10 Actions You Can Take to Prevent AI Litigation. Contact Terri Stewart FPatlanta@fisherphillips.com for the latest developments courtesy of your GSAE membership.
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New Federal Law Expands Use of 529 Plans to Include Qualified Expenses on Credentialing Programs. Congress recently passed the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act as part of a broader overhaul of the tax code, incorporating the bill into the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The bill was signed into law on July 4, 2025. As a result, Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code has been amended to add a new subsection on “qualified postsecondary credential expenses,” including fees for the CAE exam and renewal process.
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Webinars, Podcasts, & Blogs from Around the Web
GSAE compiles a compendium of podcasts, blogs, and resources from association land that we think will help you be better at your job.
Highlights this month include new issues from Association Brain Food (free education!), podcasts from our SAE colleagues, and a new Rogue Tulip's Radio Free 501c episode. Follow, listen, and learn!
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- Recordings of livestreamed and virtual meetings are available on our GSAE1917 YouTube Channel through GSAEtv.
- GSAE's Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) are complimentary, self-directed groups of GSAE members that focus on a particular area of interest. Join through your member profile or send an email to GSAE.
- More upcoming meetings will be announced throughout the year.
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Webinar: Partnering for Impact | 1:30 pm
