2025 GSAE Holiday Luncheon, Awards Show & Business Meeting
Cost
GSAE Member – $59 ($69 after Dec. 2)
GSAE additional staff – $45 ($55 after Dec. 2)
Guests – $69 ($79 after Dec. 2)
Room Block available from our host Hilton Atlanta Northeast for $129 plus taxes. Reserve room here.
Schedule
10:00 am–1:30 pm: ACFB Food Drive
10:15 am–12:00 pm: Silent Auction, Wine Toss & Networking Reception
12:00–1:30 pm: Luncheon, Awards Show, Annual Business Meeting & Officer Installation
1:30 pm: Silent Auction Cash-out
Thank you to our annual AV sponsor: OAV, Orchestrated Audiovisual & Production Services
Donate Now, then Bid High and Bid Often!
Donating a silent auction prize is one of the best ways to promote your organization, while helping GSAE raise money for educational programming. Our 2024 Silent Auctions raised over $26,000. Thanks to member Tony Rissley and his sister Amanda Rissley of Expo Auctions, the auction is virtual and open to all GSAE members.
If helpful, we encourage you to partner with a sister property, organization, and/or your local CVB to help promote your area or organization and support GSAE's educational programming. Donate a prize today.
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GSAE Member News
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Myra Jacob has joined Northview Hotels & Resorts, still representing The Westin Jekyll Island & now the King & Prince Beach & Golf Resort.
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Michael Dunham, CEO, Associated General Contractors of Georgia, Inc., will retire at the end of December.
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Jim Sprouse, CAE, Executive Director of Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association, will retire at the end of December. Read more.
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Chris Hardman, MGHM, currently Director of Governmental Affairs & Membership, will be the new Executive Director of Georgia Hotel & Lodging Association.
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Amy Hudson, State Association Sales Manager, Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau, will retire at the end of December. |
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Carmen Atchison will be the new State Association Sales Manager of Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau.
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Jenna Snyder, CMP, is Destination Services Executive at Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau.
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Fredia Brady is Sr. Director of Sales & Marketing at Savannah Convention Center. |
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Congratulations to Cookie Smoak, former President of ATL Airport District, on her induction into the Atlanta Hospitality Hall of Fame. |
9th Annual Stella Awards – Northstar Meetings Group
Voted on and judged by meeting planners, Northstar's Stella Awards recognize the world's best hotels, airlines, convention and conference centers, cruise lines, destination marketing organizations and destination management companies. Learn More.
2025 Best Hotels/Resorts – Southeast
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Bronze
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2025 Best Convention Centers – Southeast
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Gold
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2025 Best CVB/DMO – Southeast
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Silver
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2025 Best Golf Resort – Southeast
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Bronze |
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2025 Best Renovation - Southeast
2025 Best of Meetings Today Award Winners
See the full list
Best Convention Centers
Best South Hotels
Best East Hotels
Best South CVB/DMO
GSAE Member Townhall Meetings
GSAE members are invited to attend one of three virtual Brown Bag Lunch Listening Sessions via Zoom, facilitated by Cynthia Mills, FASAE, CAE, CMC, CPC, CCRC. These informal, town hall–style conversations are designed to give you the opportunity to share your ideas, feedback, and aspirations for GSAE’s future.
Each session is tailored to a different group within our community:
- All GSAE Members - Nov. 4 at 12 pm
- Past Board Members and Chairs - Nov. 5 at 12 pm
- Committee & SIG Leaders – Focused on current committee and shared interest group leaders - Nov. 6
GSAE Leadership Nominating Committee
The 2026 Nominating Committee includes at-large GSAE association executive members in good standing in addition to GSAE Past Chair Amy Kane, CAE, MBA Chair Jason Cline, CAE, and Chair Elect Jacob Wilder, CAE. Invited to serve this year: Besty Eddy, CAE, Steven Schumacher, Austin Seamster, Tip Tucker Kendall, CAE, and Jennie Thomas, CAE. The committee is chaired by Amy Kane, CAE, MBA, and will meet on Oct. 20.
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.
The slate of nominees will be offered to the membership for review no later than November 10, 2025. Board members and officers will be accepted and installed at the GSAE Annual Business Meeting on December 10, 2025.
GAMOA Reaches $1 Million Milestone in Support of Bert’s Big Adventure
The Georgia Amusement & Music Operators Association (GAMOA) proudly announced a major milestone at its annual Southern Amusement & Entertainment Expo, held August 19-21. Since selecting Bert’s Big Adventure as its official charity partner in 2020, GAMOA has raised an impressive $1 million to support the organization’s mission of providing children with terminal and chronic illnesses, along with their families, an all-expenses-paid, once-in-a-lifetime trip to Walt Disney World.
Each year, GAMOA members and Expo attendees contribute through donations and popular fundraising events such as Casino Night and the fan-favorite Ringing in the Booze Toss. These efforts have generated approximately $250,000 annually over the last five years, culminating in this year’s remarkable $1 million milestone.
“Reaching the $1 million mark is an incredible achievement that reflects the generosity and commitment of our members and partners,” said Christina Kaiser, Executive Director. “We are honored to support Bert’s Big Adventure and the life-changing experiences they provide for children and families.”
Georgia Certified Economic Developer Program Graduates
Congratulations to GSAE member Chris Chammoun, Executive Director of American Peanut Shellers Association, and friend of GSAE, Jay Markwalter, Deputy Commissioner of Tourism for Georgia Department of Economic Development, on completing the Georgia Certified Economic Developer program. Learn more.
Signia by Hilton Breaks Ground in Savannah
Savannah Georgia Convention Center Authority (SGCCA) and global hospitality leader Hilton broke ground on the 444-room Signia by Hilton Savannah, expected to debut in mid-2028. The property will serve as Savannah Convention Center’s headquarters hotel and will represent Georgia’s second Signia by Hilton hotel. Read more.
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.
2026 GSAE Hosting Opportunities Available
- Quarterly Luncheons on April 15, July 15, Sept. 16 and Dec. 9 – view luncheon RFP.
- Interested in hosting the 2026 GSAE Leadership Retreat? Contact Corrin at corrin "at" gsae.org.
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.
Effectively engaging association members in various settings requires a range of products and services. GSAE's annual Membership Directory & Buyers' Guide is a key resource, offering valuable contact information and serving as a crucial purchasing tool throughout the year. As Georgia’s only professional association for nonprofit trade organizations, GSAE connects you with decision-makers across the state. Secure your ad spot in the 2026 issue by October 17, 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 2026 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.
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Winter 2026 – Financial Health and Revenue Diversification
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Spring 2026 – AI, Data and Decision Making for Associations
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Summer 2026 – Next Gen Member Engagement Models
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Fall 2026 – The Future of Hybrid & Experiential Meetings
- Also seeking guest columnists – 700-1,200 words, anytime.
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Certified Association Executive (CAE) Study Course
- 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.
Other CAE course options are available online.
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Master the Art of Email Marketing
Take the guesswork out of email marketing with our free Best Practices for Email Marketing Guide. Whether you're searching for a subject line that gets clicks, want to improve your design or need help staying compliant, this guide covers it all. You’ll also learn how to personalize content using data and new tools so your emails land with more impact and drive better results.
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Are you or your member organizations wondering how you’ll be impacted by the Supreme Court’s 2024-2025 term? Fisher Phillips can help. We have curated 12 cases that have reshaped workplaces, industries, and litigation exposure. Contact Terri Stewart at FPatlanta@fisherphillips.com for the latest developments courtesy of your GSAE membership.
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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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Mark your calendars to join ASAE in person on Monday, March 23–Tuesday, March 24, in Washington, DC, for ASAE’s annual Legislative Fly-In.
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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. Learn more about Shared Interest Group (SIG) opportunities and join through your member profile or send an email to GSAE.
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GSAE Professional Development Cmte Meeting | 2026 Topics and Speakers | 2:00–3:00 pm
