January 2016
Special Program in February
How to Get Members to Scream Your Name and Beg for More
10 key tips from a fellow association executive

Associations and members are seeing market disruption all around them. Trends, technology and habits are having a bigger impact than ever on membership and bottom lines. The question is, "Are you embracing it, or ignoring it?" In this energetic session, association executive Tom Morrison will unpack the chaotic trends coming at associations and the 10 keys to maximizing member value, member engagement and building revenues in the midst of disruption.

As Tom always says..."Maximizing Member Engagement Solves EVERYTHING." Join us to explore topics such as:
  • The keys to recruiting members
  • The keys to engaging them in your programs
  • How to choose and build non-dues revenue programs
  • How to create a culture of innovation in your Board
  • The key metrics you need to be following to make change effective and timely
  • How to reach the younger generation for volunteerism & membership
This session is highly informative and motivating on making change that will push your association into the future.

TWO DATES AND LOCATIONS!
Both sessions include time for Solutions Network Spoke meetings. 
Milwaukee
Wednesday, February 24
Best Place at the Historic Pabst Brewery
1:45 - 5:30 p.m.
Followed by a reception.
Register Now
Madison
Thursday, February 25
HotelRED
8:30 - 11:30 a.m.
CEO Roundtable
BRAND NEW--Now offered in Madison! 
CEO Roundtables are designed specifically for association CEOs only, as a venue for networking and sharing ideas. This is a perfect opportunity to meet with your peers in a casual setting and discuss topics of interest.

Don't miss the first one to be held in Madison!
Jan 28, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM (CT)
National Association of the Remodeling Industry of Madison - Fitchburg
Join WSAE for a lunchtime CEO Roundtable in Madison, hosted by Kathy Raab, Executive Director of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry of Madison. As a kick-off to future roundtables, we'll use our time together to determine the direction and format for subsequent meetings.
 
Milwaukee
March 17, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM (CT)
Metropolitan Builders Association - Waukesha
Join WSAE for a lunchtime CEO Roundtable in Milwaukee, hosted by Kristine Hillmer, MBA, CAE, Executive Director, Metropolitan Builders Association.

Webinars
Webinar Series






What You Need to Know About Member Surveys
Jan 21, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (CT)

Refreshing Your Convention
Feb 4, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (CT)
Feb 18, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (CT)

Did you know that WSAE's bimonthly live webinars are recorded and converted to on-demand programs within 24 hours? If you missed any of our top webinars from the past year, it's not too late! Click below to learn more about the most well-attended and well-reviewed courses of 2015 that are now available for you to take at your convenience from your home or office: Remember that half of your CAE application and renewal hours can be completed online. Visit elearning.wsae.org to view the full catalog of upcoming live webinars and 80 self-study courses!

Spring Outing
It's never too early
to think Spring!

The 2016 Spring Outing will feature a new look

The Spring Outing will be held at a new location, Geneva National Golf Club and The Ridge in Lake Geneva. And, for the first time, this year's event will include an educational component.

Please plan to join us May 23-24!
Registration will be opening soon.
Sponsorships are available.

WSAE Connected Community
Discussions

Member database information 

"Our membership software company is merging with another and we just learned that the costs of making the transition might just be as high as starting over. While we are not happy about it, we have decided to take a look around and are looking for suggestions. We are looking for something that is reasonably comprehensive but not overkill. Any ideas?"  


Your 2016 anti-resolutions 
"Hello to anyone who is in the office today! 'Tis the season for the endless plethora of self-help articles about New Year's resolutions. To counter this, we're in the process of writing a fun piece for our blog on ANTI-resolutions. Because isn't it easier and more fun to put our foot down about what we aren't going to do, than continue to put pressure on ourselves about what MORE we NEED to do? And we'd love to gather input from you. So if you have just a moment to spare... What is your top ANTI-resolution for 2016? That one thing in your professional life that you're finally going to let go of, or give yourself permission to say "no" to? Here's an example for you: This year, I'm not going to worry about how many emails are left in my "in" box. Your turn!" 

Getting ready for Generation Z? 
"Has anyone started getting familiar with the up-and-coming Generation Z? How do you think this new member will affect association content, marketing and events? "

Blogs

2016 State of the Industry Report: The changing shape of conference content
by Aaron Manogue

For most associations, a primary objective of the annual conference is delivering education and knowledge to attendees. Which means that for conferences, content is king. As technology continues to evolve, attendee demographics shift and user preferences change, are associations seeing a shift in how they need to deliver content to meet the needs of current and future attendees? The short answer...yes. We conducted an online survey of 151 association professionals, a majority of whom are responsible for conference planning, to understand the current state of conference content, key challenges, and how organizations are preparing for their future members.... 
Top 10 tips for writing for the web 
by Sherry Budziak 

Readers expect a different experience when consuming information online. While some basic and foundational rules of journalism still apply, others do not. We must adjust our idea of what good writing means when working in digital formats. By following these 10 web writing tips, you're likely to experience better engagement with users, an enhanced reputation, and greater trust as a resource.
Read more.

Mickey wouldn't do that (but bugs would) 
by Michael DiFrisco 

Aligning your association's character, conduct, and conversation.
I watched a whole DVD of Bugs Bunny cartoons over the holiday break. Yes, I still love the classic Looney Toons, and even though I practically know all the lines and gags by heart, I still laugh at Bugsy's antics. But it struck me how different his personality-his brand-is from Mickey Mouse. Bugs is irreverent and vindictive. He seeks revenge ("Of course you know, this means war") and has no problem shoving Daffy Duck into a stove with a stick of dynamite. And he's hilarious doing it. Mickey, on the other hand, is everyone's friend. He's gentle, kind, and caring.

Membership Renewal
Check this off your list.
Renew your 
WSAE  membership today

WSAE is busy planning ahead for 2016: finalizing details for the 2016 Spring Outing (which will include an educational component based on your feedback), working with members and industry experts on exciting new webinar topics, planning quarterly educational events with exciting speakers sharing the latest trends in our industry, and collaborating with our task forces to advance the mission of WSAE.

These are just a few of the items on our new year "to-do" list, and we know yours is likely just as long. 2016 WSAE membership dues renewals are open, so log in today, make your payment and check this one off your list!

2016 Sponsorships
WSAE offering new one-stop sponsor packages

For the first time ever, WSAE has assembled special sponsor packages that include featured status at our regular events plus special advertising bundles. You'll find a package to fit your budget. Plan now and secure your spot for 2016!

See the full prospectus of   sponsorship and advertising opportunities here .

You Like to Read, Right?
Book reviewers needed!
We like to include reviews of books of interest to association professionals in VantagePoint. To make it super simple for reviewers, WSAE has a fully-stocked library of great options for you to select from if you wish. We even picked up a few new releases at the recent ASAE Annual Meeting. If you're interested in providing a 300-word book review, please contact Michelle Czosek.

WSAE Partnerships
Institute for Organization Management scholarships available
The Wisconsin Society of Association Executives is proud to partner with Institute for Organization Management, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation's professional development program for non-profit executives, and offer two $500 partial tuition scholarships to one of Institute's 2016 sites. The two scholarships, available to our members, will be awarded to students attending Institute for the first time to assist with enrollment fees and cannot be combined with any other Institute scholarships.

For 95 years, Institute has educated association, chamber, and other nonprofit leaders across the country through its national program, highly rated curriculum and high caliber instructors. Thousands of executives have attended Institute sites across the country to strengthen their management skills, learn industry best practices, and gain a broad national perspective from peers. Institute has helped them build stronger organizations, become stronger business advocates and better serve their members. In addition, you will earn points towards your CCE or CAE certification as Institute's curriculum is directly tied to the bodies of knowledge of both the American Society of Association Executives and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives.

Upon completion of the Institute program, graduates receive the IOM recognition which allows them to use the letters "IOM" in public mention and professional correspondence. The IOM recognition signifies the completion of 96 hours of course instruction in nonprofit management and commitment to the industry.

If you are interested in this scholarship opportunity, contact Michelle Czosek by March 25th.
  • Early registration deadline for Midwest and Southeast Institute is April 22th.
  • Early registration deadline for West and Northeast Institute is May 27th.
For more information about Institute's curriculum, sites, and dates, visit the Institute web site and Prospective Student Toolkit to help you gain insight into the program.

Welcome New Members
Peter Alles, MPA
National Fluid Power Association

Eric Armstrong
National Fluid Power Association

Tracy Grzybowski
Omnipress

Alex Hintz
National Fluid Power Association

Thomas Klement
Wisconsin Library Association

Stephanie Sehrbrock
Executive Director, Inc
Calendar of events
Career Headquarters
Career Headquarters Highlights
Program Manager
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Executive Director, Inc.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Executive Director, Inc.

Senior Program Manager
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Executive Director, Inc.

West Allis, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Dental Association

Component Relations Coordinator
West Allis, Wisconsin
Wisconsin Dental Association

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Executive Director, Inc.

Madison, Wisconsin
Credit Union National Association

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Executive Director, Inc.

Marshfield, Wisconsin
Marshfield Labs

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Executive Director, Inc.
Wisconsin Society of Association Executives
22 N. Carroll Street   |  Madison, WI  53703
(608) 310-7850  |   mczosek@wsae.org  |    www.wsae.org
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