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Wednesday, December 7 
10:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort
IN PERSON
Registration is open until FRIDAY

 

 

 

  

Thank you to our host: Atlanta Evergreen Lakeside Resort

 

Thank you to our sponsor: Visit Valdosta

 

 

Thank you to our AV sponsor: OAV

Cost
GSAE Member - $59 ($69 after Dec. 2)

Additional staff member, same company - $39
Guests - $69 ($79 after December 2)

Schedule
10:15 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Silent Auction, Wine Toss & Networking Reception
10:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m.: ACFB Donations Accepted for Drawing

12:00-1:30 p.m.: Luncheon, Annual Business Meeting & Officer Installation, and Awards Show
1:30 p.m.: Silent Auction Cash-Out

Silent Auction
Donating to the silent auction helps raise funds to continue GSAE’s mission of advancing the profession of association management and enhancing the professionalism of association executives. We understand that it may not be feasible for you to donate in quite the way you have in the past, however, every donation, no matter what, helps us reach our goal. The Silent Auction will again be virtual, with mobile bidding only, thanks to our friend Tony Rissley, Expo Auctions

WINE TOSS: Back by popular demand! Please consider donating a bottle(s) of wine, liquor and/or beer for the GSAE Wine Toss. Attendees will purchase rings to toss - whatever they ring, they win!

Registration is open - plan to join us December 7 for a terrific time of fellowship and celebrating our award winners.

 

Have a compelling story to share? GSAE is seeking members interested in sharing effective practices, compelling case studies, and pilot programs next year. Have another story idea? Either way, contact Wendy at wendy@gsae.org if you are interested in contributing to our community knowledge.

  • Winter - Rethinking How We Communicate
  • Spring - A New Generation of CEOs
  • Summer - Associations' Role in Workforce Development
  • Fall - The State of Meetings Revisited
 
Huntsville/Madison County CVB
Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center
Member News
  Mike Giles, President, Georgia Poultry Federation
The Clifford M. Clarke Award is GSAE's highest honor and is presented to honor a member for an outstanding career of leadership and service to associations in Georgia. 
"You cannot tell the story of GSAE without the Georgia Poultry Federation. Mike has remained loyal and supportive of GSAE and the association community throughout his tenure. A former GSAE Foundation Chair and past recipient of the Skelton-Massey award, Mike deserves to be recognized for his service to our community."
      
    Kelly J. McLendon, CAE, Executive Director, Georgia Pest Control Association
The Alan R. Johnson Award was established in 1994 and named in memory of a former Chair of the GSAE Foundation. It is given to an association executive in Georgia who has demonstrated qualities of teamwork (ability to work with and support others), vision (ability to see possibilities for making things happen and communicating this vision to others), and servant leadership (willingness to reach out beyond work and home to benefit the community).
     

 

Jillianne Jewell, Specialist, Governance, American College of Rheumatology
The Sharon Hunt Emerging Leader Award is presented to an association executive with ten years or less of experience in associations who demonstrates leadership through service to GSAE, their own association, and to their community. The award was named in 2014 to honor past president Sharon Hunt, CAE, who mentored a generation of association leaders during her career. 
     
  Holly B. Wright, Director, National Accounts, Omni Amelia Island Resort
The Peggy Seigler Corporate Member of the Year is presented to the corporate supplier member who has demonstrated outstanding and continuous service to the association community in Georgia. Named in 2015, the award celebrates the many contributions and memory of Peggy Seigler, MPA, CDME, a beloved and valued member of the community.
     
    Tara Morrison, CAE, CMP, President, Association Management Executives, Inc.
The Skelton-Massey Award is presented to the person who recruits the most new individual members into GSAE during the year. The award recognizes the member who supports and sponsors the most new members, strengthening GSAE in size and effectiveness. 
     
  Carol Hall, Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center
The Stephen Styron Award is presented to an outstanding committee, Shared Interest Group, or task force chair. It is named in honor of one of GSAE's past presidents who was the first Georgian to earn the CAE designation.
     
  Cyndi Willis, Atlanta Marriott Northest/Emory Area
The Stephen Styron Award is presented to an outstanding committee, Shared Interest Group, or task force chair. It is named in honor of one of GSAE's past presidents who was the first Georgian to earn the CAE designation.
     
  Damian M. Kavanagh, Ed.D., CAE, President & CEO, MISBO
The Chair's Award is presented for going above and beyond the call of duty to help GSAE.
 

As Chair of the Nominating Committee, I am pleased to announce the following slate of officers and GSAE Board of Directors members for 2023.  Please note that this term of office, unless otherwise noted, will run for 2 years from January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024.
 
CHAIR (automatic) - Val Smith, CAE
CHAIR-ELECT - Amy Kane, CAE, MBA
TREASURER - Jason Cline, CAE                   
PAST Chair (automatic) - Mike Pennington, CAE
 
BEGINNING two-year terms on the Board                                          
Kara Bastarache, CAE
Betsy Eddy, CAE
Steven Schumacher
Jacob Wilder, CAE           
CORPORATE MEMBER - Jeremy Minnick
 
COMPLETING terms on the Board in December 2023                      
Cece Corbin, CMP
Samantha (Sam) Evans, CAE, MBA
Lisa-Marie Haygood, CAE
Jan Price, CAE                  
CORPORATE MEMBER - Maria Trammell
                                                                                                        
The Nominating Committee endorses the slate for the 2023 GSAE Foundation Board of Trustees.
PAST Chair (automatic) - Tara Morrison, CAE, CMP
CHAIR (automatic) - Julia Boyd, CAE
CHAIR-ELECT - Julie Anderson, CAE, MBA
TREASURER - Kelly McLendon, CAE
BOARD Representative - Amy Kane, CAE, MBA
 
Our thanks to our board members who will complete their terms this year. They will be recognized during the December 7 GSAE Business Meeting. They are Robin Lane, CAE, Jason Moss, Kevin Perry, and John Roch, CAE.           
                                                                                    
Respectfully submitted, the 2023 GSAE Nominating Committee
Mary Wheatley, IOM, CAE, Mike Pennington, CAE, Val Smith, CAE, Bill Anderson, CAE, Leigh Beakley, Jillianne Jewell, Kelly McLendon, CAE, Chris Oronzi, CPTD, Dianne Sagaas, and Royalle Wright.

 
  Elyse Harris is Director of Sales for Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau.
     
  Alison Walker is Convention Sales Executive for The Classic Center.
     
  Becca Colbert, CMP is Manager of Education & Events at American Health Care Association.
     
  Austin Childers is Senior Marketing Manager, insightsoftware.
     
  Lane Gibbs is Director of Operations at Novi AMS.
     
  Fiona Corbett, CMP is Senior Vice President, Events at the Technology Association of Georgia.
     
  Christopher Oronzi, CPTD is Training Specialist at BCD Travel.
     
  Sheryl Ehlers, CMP was recently recognized as leader of the third quarter at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria.
     
  Congratulations to John Roch, CAE, on his new position with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Division of HIV Prevention in the Office of Policy, Planning, Partnerships, and Communications.
     
  GSAE member Dewayne Hill won the awards for Best Magician, Best Family Entertainer (second year in a row), and Runner up for Best Stand-up Comedian from Creative Loafing’s annual "Best Of” list. Creative Loafing Magazine presented the award on October 6 at Seminole Hard Rock Event Center.
     
  Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC is very proud to have once again been awarded – for the third year in a row in its three-year history – the (top) Tier 1 designation in the Washington, DC metropolitan area for Nonprofit/Charities Law for 2023 by Best Law Firms®/U.S. News & World Report® (there is no national category). Congratulations to frequent GSAE speaker, Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum, Esq. Read More 
 
  Visit Panama City Beach is pleased to announce the appointment of industry-veteran Steve Bailey as Vice President of Sales. A Panama City Beach native, Bailey previously served as Director of Sales & Operations for a local hospitality group for over 20 years, and has garnered extensive experience in the restaurant, hospitality, and tourism industries.
 
  Come by and see our interactive kiosks in the Tennessee Aquarium Plaza to build your own personalized itinerary, purchase official Chattanooga merchandise, and learn about all things Chattanooga. Learn More 
 
  The Emory Conference Center Hotel recently underwent a multimillion-dollar re-imagination, which includes a redesigned conference space with the latest advances in technology and audiovisual systems, amphitheaters, lobby, communal space, and bar. The hotel features 325 newly renovated and modern guestrooms, including six executive suites, an updated fitness center, pool, and access to hiking and walking trails. Contact GSAE member Julie Batten, CMP for more information. Information courtesy of Decaturish.com.
 
  Frommer’s staffers and contributors have selected places that are marking milestones and heading in new directions, adding fresh attractions and gussying up old standbys, recovering from past challenges and emerging as formidable competitors for more established tourism epicenters. Learn More
  • Visit Macon - The central Georgia city of Macon is commemorating its bicentennial in 2023. Congratulations to Gary Wheat and Trish Whitley for this neat recognition!
 

Meetings Today polled its audience about what they think the best facilities - and now destinations and convention centers - are via their experiences with them in the previous year. The magazine also reached out to industry professionals and weighed their own coverage to determine the 2022 winners. Read More

Best CVB/DMO Winners

  • Louisville Tourism
  • Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation
  • San Diego Tourism Authority 
  • Visit Lauderdale
  • Visit Myrtle Beach
  • Visit Raleigh
  • Visit Savannah 
  • Visit Tampa

Best Hotel and Convention Center Winners

  • Kiawah Island Golf Resort 
  • The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa 
  • The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa
  • Myrtle Beach Convention Center
 

Georgia Trend Magazine announces its inaugural GEORGIA 500, a comprehensive list of influential Georgians by category and nomination. Congrats to the following GSAE supporters for the recognition! Learn More

  • Will Bentley
  • Jeremy T. Bonfini
  • Peter Bowen, TMP, CDME
  • Bennish Brown
  • Karen Bremer, CAE
  • Matt Caseman
  • Chris Clark
  • Mike Giles
  • Jones Hooks
  • Mark Jaronski
  • Joseph Marinelli
  • Jay Markwalter,TMP
  • Jason Moss
  • William Pate
  • Earl V. Rogers
  • Michael "Sully” Sullivan
  • Monty Veazy
  • Andres Villegas
  • Gary Wheat
  • Larry K. Williams
 

We are so excited about our 2023 calendar. We’ll add additional opportunities for connecting and learning throughout the year, but this is a great start! Sponsorship order form is available online.

  • Shared Interest Group meetings are included in your membership.
  • Association Executive dues are $325; additional staff members are $150.
  • Corporate Supplier dues are $350; additional staff from the same company are $250.
  • Luncheons in February, April, July, and September are $49 for GSAE members. 
  • The new Association Executive-MBA lite program (The AE-MBA) will be $995, with an early bird rate of $795. Designed for new and experienced CEOs as well as aspiring and ambitious future CEOs, this is an amazing 10-week opportunity to hone your financial and management skills in a virtual cohort of like-minded professionals. *Not affiliated with a university.
  • The Holiday Luncheon & Silent Auction is $59 for GSAE members. One sponsorship is left at $1,500.
  • The 2023 Annual Meeting is in Charleston, SC, May 31-June 2. Registration fee for the first association executive attendee - $399; corporate supplier exhibitor and sponsor packages range from $689-$2,999; additional attendees from the same organization - $359 each.
  • The CAE Study Group is $89 for GSAE members and will meet in the summer.
 

In Person Events

  • Interested in hosting a luncheon or Shared Interest Group meeting? All the info is available online.
  • February 15 - 2023 Winter Luncheon, sponsored by Jekyll Island Authority. Hosted by Crowne Plaza Atlanta NE -  Norcross
  • April 19 - 2023 Spring Luncheon, sponsored by Cartersville-Bartow County CVB. Location open.
  • May 31-June 2 - 2023 Annual Meeting, Charleston, SC
  • July 19 OR July 26 - 2023 Summer Event, sponsored by Jekyll Island Authority. Location open.
  • September 20 - 2023 Abit Massey Lecture Series, sponsored by Visit Savannah. Location open.
  • December 6 - 2023 Holiday Luncheon & Awards Show, sponsored by Great Wolf Lodge Georgia. Hosted by Gas South Convention Center.

GSAE's New AE-MBA-lite Program Spring Dates (live webinars, 9:00-10:00 a.m.)
Approved for 10 CAE Credits

  • Registration is OPEN.
  • Early bird pricing available: $795 
  • March 2 - Program Kickoff & Onboarding
  • March 16 - Vision, Goals & Planning Process
  • March 30 - The Right Team & Right Customers
  • April 13 - An Empowered System of Management
  • April 27 - Demystifying the Financials
  • May 11 -  Applying the Financials & Graduation
 
mulit colored row houses plus May 31 through June 2 dates

 

 
Destination Augusta
The Lodge at Gulf State Park
GSAE News & Events
  We understand your time is valuable, and we strive to make volunteer service convenient and rewarding. From welcoming new members to helping experienced ones prepare for the CAE exam, planning the education programming to making recommendations to the Board of Directors, GSAE volunteers truly do the work of the organization. Please send an email to Wendy to be considered. Illustration by Kristin Baldeschwiler from Pixabay

New Opportunities

  • Association Management 101 - association professional members are needed to help identify topics and delivery systems for a 101 course for new professionals. Time frame: Winter 2023.
  • The following Committees and SIGS are seeking additional leaders for the 2023 program year:
    • Table Hosts
    • Meet & Greet
    • CAE Study Group
    • Tech Ninjas
    • Under 40 Professionals Shared Interest Group
    • Professional Development
 

Y'all asked; we listened. GSAE is thrilled to announce a new partnership with Naylor Association Solutions and Boxwood Career Headquarters. Multiple options for job seekers, employers, and future execs are available at careers.gsae.org headquarters. We encourage all job seekers, especially, to create a new account and upload your resume. Use your GSAE member number to receive the preferred pricing options.

 

knowledge hub words with computer screen image
Here you will find an 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. Be sure to check back often as GSAE continues to add resources to this page going forward. Access the Hub.

 
  ASA Compensation logo

The Real-Time Compensation Benchmarking tool is a 24/7/365 online compensation benchmarking platform designed exclusively for executives
of professional, trade and service-centric associations/nonprofits.

  • Your competition is no longer just Georgia-based; sign up today to get the data your organization needs to remain competitive.
  • Sample questions - gather your information before you start the survey - NEW
  • FAQs on the entire benchmarking system
  • Data gathering is in full swing
  • $149 subscription rate for GSAE members
  • Compare key operational metrics, estimate valuable KPIs and generate customized reports.
  • Get started now!
 

Live webinars are worth 1 CAE hour. Did you know? More than 90 CAE-qualifying recorded webinars are available 24/7 on our GSAE website.

 
Visit Macon
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
  • GSAE does not contract with third-party companies to sell our mailing list or member data. Please disregard any such fraudulent company solicitations. If you would like to rent GSAE's mailing list legitimately, you may access the contract on our forms page. We do not release your email address as part of the mailing list rental agreement - ever, per Board policy.
  • While we would like to sue every company that tries to de-fraud y'all, it's whack-a-mole. Please delete, block and ignore. These folks are stealthy, slippery and not good people.
  • If you have any questions about the validity of a message from GSAE - from staff, our officers, our website or our enewsletter provider - please don't hesitate to contact us directly.
 
News Briefs
 
  What challenges are associations experiencing? Association Laboratory and the Research Alliance invites you to participate in the 12th Annual Looking Forward Impact survey, the longest running environmental scan of the association space. Participants will receive complimentary access to a customizable dashboard that allows you to view the data and download a unique report to guide you, your staff and volunteer leadership on the issues facing you as an association exec. Editorial: GSAE gets brownie points galore if you respond through our link. 
 
  Group Sales Symposium 2022
December 12-13, 2022 Crowne Plaza Atlanta Peachtree City

201 Aberdeen Pkwy., Peachtree City, GA 30269
Registration Information Available
The Group Sales Symposium is an educational and networking event for all meetings/convention sales professionals: attendees include destination marketing organization group sales teams, hotel and lodging sales professionals, and group attractions, event facilities and conference center sales associates. 
 
  Join Erin Sullivan, VP of Marketing at Personify, and Ashly Stewart, Marketing Manager at Personify, on Thursday, December 8, at 12:30 p.m. ET for the complimentary webinar, "The Top Association Tech Trends for 2023.” The hosts will discuss the technology that association and nonprofit leaders are looking forward to next year including:
  • Personalized Giving Experiences
  • Member-Empowering Technology
  • Digitally-Enhanced Events
 
GSAE compiles a compendium of podcasts, blogs and resources from association land that we think will help you be better at your job. Follow, listen, and learn!
 
 
Valdosta-Lowndes Co. Conference Center & Tourism Authority
Alabama Gulf Coast CVB
GSAE Membership Directory & Buyers' Guide

Update your membership listing today by logging into your profile. and renewing your GSAE membership

  • Upload your photo (using the one from LinkedIn is super easy)
  • Add your birthday
  • Share your area of expertise
  • Start connecting with other members
 
GSAEtv
 
 
Careers
Remote; Novi AMS is a fundamentally different approach to non-profit Association Management Software (AMS) for organizations using QuickBooks. Our engineering and experience teams work side-by-side with our customers to continue to develop the only AMS created for associations, by associations. At Novi, we are a diverse team of dedicated, inspired, energetic and FUN thought leaders who love to celebrate wins. We function with a high level of transparency and trust and come together daily to innovate and create impact - we like to call it amplifying change.
 
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa
Panama City Beach CVB
 

 

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