Greetings everyone.  I recently ran into an old friend from my very first association.  We were both starting our careers in the early 1970s, he as a salesman for one of our member manufacturers and me as a neophyte association executive.  I use the term “executive” lightly, as I was, at the time, the number three person in a three person organization.

During our chat, he mentioned how valuable the association’s educational programs had been to him as a young guy just starting out, and how they helped him gain a valuable insight into the workings of the industry and an understanding of how things were done.  The networking opportunities had also given him the chance to meet and get to know more senior people in the industry, connections that would prove priceless in the years ahead.  He went on to a very successful career as a CEO of one of the largest companies in the industry.

Our conversation made me reminisce about my early days as a member of NYSAE and how fortunate I was that my employer gave me the opportunity to participate in the association’s programs and activities.  I can still recall attending a Trade Association 101 course that really opened my eyes as to how to expand the scope of our association and take a greater leadership role in the industry.  It also made me realize that association management could be a great career path. 

Fast forward to 2019.  I’ve now spent more than 40 years in association management and I sometimes wonder what would have happened had I not attended that NYSAE program all those years ago, and so many more since then.  I’m very grateful for the doors that were opened to me, and to my first employer for allowing me access to the great resources that NYSAE has offered over the years and to be a part of this wonderful community.

Looking ahead, associations are now being counted on more than ever to provide leadership in their respective industries, and NYSAE is stepping up its programming and variety of events to give our members the tools to succeed.  I hope you will take advantage, and perhaps bring along some of those rising stars in your organization who will be our future leaders.

Wishing you a very happy and peaceful Thanksgiving.

 

Charles Riotto