WSAE "hits the road" in March
Virtual Roadshow Series
ROAD SHOW STOP #1
Communicating Value to Maximize Member Engagement
Thursday, March 4, 2021 | 9:00-10:00 am CT
Many associations are seeing long-term membership numbers drop. In this interactive session, we will discuss what engagement means to different member segments, how to define and measure value and engagement, and how to increase overall engagement. Key to engagement is value. We will have an open discussion on strategies and tips for educating potential members on the value of their association investment and helping members to see your value beyond transactions. Learn tips for sharing why it’s important to invest even if the potential member has limited time to be involved. Leave with strategies to how to help prospects, members, and your industry understand the value that their investment brings to your overall mission and what engagement can mean to their organization or business.
Presenter Shari Pash, Membership and Growth Strategist, Strategic Solutions for Growth
Shari is founder of Strategic Solutions for Growth, a training company headquartered in Grand Rapids, MI. Her work focus is on sustainable member growth and Board of Director goals and strategy sessions, which requires much more than just maintaining the status quo - it calls for innovation, creativity, and a strategic approach. That’s why chambers of commerce, non-profit organizations, and associations throughout the U.S. and Canada are turning to Shari. Learn more about Shari: www.sharipash.com.
ROAD SHOW STOP #2
Unpacking Hybrid Events
Thursday, March 18 | 3:00-4:30 pm CT
Hybrid events combine in-person elements with the virtual environment. Sounds simple enough but the reality is, there is no set rule for what a hybrid format should be. While a hybrid event has advantages (for example, potentially reaching a larger audience), it also has its own set of challenges to consider, such as the fact that the needs and expectations of virtual attendees differ from those attending in-person.
- Is it possible to create a shared experience for your virtual and face-to-face audiences?
- How long should the event be?
- Do both virtual and in-person activities have to be offered simultaneously?
- What are the costs to consider - and how should you charge attendees?
How can you adapt your content to the digital environment, keep your dual audiences engaged, provide value to sponsors or exhibitors, train your speakers and attendees, and manage costs including technology needs and in-person F&B? All these questions and more will be explored during this robust panel discussion moderated by Megan Denhardt, CAE, DES, President of Denhardt Productions. Submit your burning questions ahead of time and come ready to contribute to this informative dialogue.
The one-hour panel discussion will be followed with 30 minutes for networking.
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Each stop in the Road Show is worth 1 CAE credit (2 credits for both).
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If you are interested in supporting the Road Show events through sponsorship, please contact Chris Caple at ccaple@wsae.org. |
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Join the conversation in the WSAE Connected Community
On the WSAE homepage, we feature the Connected Community - your online community to connect with your colleagues, seeking advice or suggestions and sharing your experiences. For example:
Riches in Niches
I'm looking for associations that strategically moved from "one size fits all" to "riches in niches" as models (examples, specialty events or products for a segment of membership). If you've made this transition or know of other associations that have changed their approach, please share them with me and all. Join the conversation.
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Renew your membership for 2021
2021 membership dues renewals are open. We thank you in advance for your prompt attention and processing. If you have not made payment yet, all current memberships expired on 12/31/2020. Log in today to make payment under "My Transactions" to keep your membership intact and prevent disruption of access to benefits and service.
We want you to know we recognize that 2020 has certainly posed its challenges, and that we work hard to ensure members receive more value than their dues cost them. Please let us know if budget tightening due to the current pandemic-related climate is making it a challenge to pay your membership dues. We can work something out. We are here for you and are happy to discuss payment structure and additional benefits for your organization. Contact Suzanna Hogendorn, or call the office at (608) 310-7850, with any questions.
We look forward to a new year and beginning to move past some of what has made 2020 hard for so many and remaining focused on doing great work together!
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2021 Annual partner packages still available
We welcome an average of ten new members monthly, on top of a steady base of members - WSAE enjoys a 93% retention rate. This means that sponsors and advertisers have the opportunity to continually make new contacts while building on the relationships they have already established.
We are once again making it easy for you to maximize your exposure through sponsorship packages that include event recognition and advertising bundled together. A variety of sponsorship levels are available to help fit your needs and goals. Review the 2021 Partnership Prospectus. Plan now and secure your sponsorship for 2021. To fully take advantage of all Partner Package benefits, reserve yours today! Please contact Chris Caple at ccaple@wsae.org with questions or to discuss other Partnership opportunities.
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DHS Announces Weekly Newsletter to Keep Public Informed of COVID-19 Response and Vaccine Progress
The Department of Health Services (DHS) has announced a newsletter the public can sign up for to get direct information about the COVID-19 response and vaccine rollout. Every Friday, a COVID-19 update newsletter will be sent via email to people who sign up to receive it.
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Online CAE prep courses
WSAE partners with the Michigan Society of Association Executives (MSAE) to offer online CAE exam preparation courses. MSAE is offering three revised programs designed to help association professionals earn their association management credentials. The courses – a comprehensive 14-week Full Course (registration is closed because this one has already started), an 8-week Concentrated Course (begins soon), and a week-long CRAM Course – have been revised to incorporate the changes that were recently made to the CAE Content Outline by the American Society of Association Executives.
Be sure to mention your WSAE membership!
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We are finalizing our events list for 2021. Please reach out to Michelle at mczosek@wsae.org if you have any ideas for programming you would find valuable!
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Road Show Stop #1 - Communicating Value to Maximize Member Engagement
Thursday, March 4, 2021 | 9:00-10:00 am CT
Road Show Stop #2 - Unpacking Hybrid Events
Thursday, March 18 | 3:00-4:30 pm CT
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Spring Forward
Grand Geneva Resort & Spa
June 7-8
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SummerTime to Shine
Location and date tbd
July
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The Summit
Brookfield Conference Center
October 26-27
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Note: For the in-person events, WSAE along with leadership will closely monitor the Covid19 pandemic situation. Decisions to hold these events in-person will be confirmed with careful consideration, keeping the health and safety of our members at the forefront. If interested in supporting these events through sponsorship, please contact Chris Caple at ccaple@wsae.org.
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FREE WEBINAR
Paycheck Protection Program 2.0:
Lessons Learned So Far and Considerations for Associations
Friday, January 29 | 1:00 pm ET
ASAE will host a free webinar this Friday, January 29, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern to examine the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) application process, lessons learned and critical information that 501(c)(6)s and others need to know before, during and after they apply for a PPP loan. ASAE staff and experts in nonprofit law and accounting stand ready to answer your questions. Register for the webinar.
Speakers:
- Susan Robertson, CAE, President & CEO, ASAE
- Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum, Esq., Managing Partner, Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC
- Mike Tryon, Partner, RSM US LLP
- Mary Kate Cunningham, CAE, Senior Vice President, Public Policy, ASAE
- Jeff Evans, Associate Director, Public Policy, ASAE
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ON DEMAND WEBINAR
Paycheck Protection Program 2.0: Everything Associations Need to Know
Recorded January 27, 2021
The second iteration of the federal Paycheck Protection Program is now live and underway – and most 501(c)(6) associations are now eligible for much-needed funding, along with 501(c)(3) organizations. That being said, the rules regarding eligibility and qualification, the determination of loan amounts, the loan forgiveness requirements, and even which 501(c)(6) associations can qualify are complex, nuanced and, in many cases, many questions remain unanswered. The U.S. Small Business Administration has issued interim guidance – which fills in some of the blanks – and has put out first- and second-round loan applications and a loan forgiveness application, and some of the guidance from PPP 1.0 last year still applies. If that isn’t enough to make your head spin, wait until we dive into the details.
Thankfully, one of the nation’s leading association attorneys – Jeff Tenenbaum – is ready to break it all down, explain the rules and requirements in plain English, and tell associations everything they need to know about applying for a PPP loan. He also will address changes to the federal Employee Retention Tax Credit and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan program.
This is a critical webinar that should be of great interest and importance to all associations, and one that will offer practical advice and guidance, easy-to-understand explanations of this complex set of rules, and will leave time to answer your most pressing questions.
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ON DEMAND WEBINAR
Creative Solutions for Associations' 2021 Meeting and Conference Legal Challenges
Recorded January 13, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic caused associations’ to cancel most in-person meetings and conferences for 2020. But the challenges for 2021 are going to be even greater from a legal and contracting perspective. This is because as we (hopefully) start to turn the corner on the pandemic – thanks to the arrival of vaccines – it will become harder and harder for associations to successfully execute penalty free, force majeure contract terminations (as so many were able to do in 2020).
Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools Executive Director Christina Lewellen, MBA, CAE and Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC Managing Partner Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum, Esq. offer real-time, practical advice and guidance, best practices, and suggestions for dealing with the daunting challenges of dealing with your 2021 meeting contracts in this webinar.
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CEO Café
Your virtual morning kick-off
WSAE connects you with others who share your passion for leadership. These opportunities are designed specifically for association CEOs only, as a confidential venue for networking, sharing ideas and keeping up with the latest in association management. More info.
Upcoming dates:
- Thursday, February 11, 2021 | 8:00 - 9:00 am CT
- Thursday, February 18, 2021 | 8:00 - 9:00 am CT *
- Thursday, March 11, 2021 | 8:00 - 9:00 am CT
* CEO Café on February 18 will feature attorney Ann Barry Hanneman, von Briesen & Roper, s.c. She will join the CEO Café for this special session on labor and employment issues related to COVID-19. Ann will provide a brief overview and then be available to answer your questions. More info and to register.
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Webinars
As a CAE-Approved Provider, WSAE provides webinars that meet the professional development requirements needed to earn or maintain the Certified Association Executive credential.
February 10, 2021 | 12:30 - 1:30 pm CT
February 24, 2021 | 12:30 - 1:30 pm CT
March 17, 2021 | 12:30 - 1:30 pm CT
March 24, 2021 | 12:30 - 1:30 pm CT
WSAE offers an extensive library of online learning, covering a broad array of association management topics, available 24/7, at your convenience!
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WSAE webinars are worth 1 CAE credit each.
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Webinar topic ideas?
Do you have a great topic for a WSAE webinar, or know a potential speaker who would be interested in presenting? Contact Michelle Czosek with your ideas!
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Welcome new members
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Jeremiah Cook, CMP, Experience Rochester, Minnesota
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Jody Felski, Executive Director, Inc
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Denise Humphrey, Greater Green Bay CVB
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Pablo Sanchez, Park Bank
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Destination Madison announces selection of their new President and CEO
Ellie Westman Chin was selected after a nationwide search. She currently works as the President and CEO for Visit Franklin in Tennessee. Destination Madison noted that Westman Chin was named the 2018 Greater Nashville Hospitality Association Woman in Hospitality and Tourism Leader of the Year. Destination Madison Board Chair Greg Frank explained that they wanted someone who saw Madison as a top travel destination, had industry experience and “got Madison’s vibe.”
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Gus Martinez named to MPI's Diversity Equity & Inclusion Committee
Gus Martinez, Diversity Consultant with GSM Diversity, has been named to the Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Diversity Equity & Inclusion Committee for 2021. Gus says, "Being a consultant in this space, it is a mission that I am fully committed to. I am excited to do my part helping shape the organization and industry for a stronger and better tomorrow."
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Toni Herkert joins League of Wisconsin Municipalities staff
The League of Wisconsin Municipalities is pleased to announce that Toni Herkert has joined our staff as the League’s new Government Affairs Director. Toni will work closely with Curt Witynski, the League’s Deputy Director, to advance city and village legislative goals in the State Capitol.
“Toni Herkert is one of those unique individuals who combines deep knowledge of both the legislative and agency processes with a lot of tenacity and pragmatism,” said Jerry Deschane, the League’s Executive Director. “She will be an outstanding representative for municipal leaders in Wisconsin.”
Toni is the former long-time policy advisor for Wisconsin State Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay). She most recently served as a Policy Analyst and Clerk of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy. She is an expert on issues related to water regulation, including permitting and zoning. Toni holds a B.S. in Environmental Science and Political Science from St. Norbert College and M.S. in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay. She has also previously worked at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Wisconsin Lakes and NEW Water (formally Green Bay Metropolitan Sewerage District).
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So You Want to Be an Elected Official
Are you running for a local government office like Mayor or Village Board or are you considering becoming a candidate in the future? Do you know someone who is? The League of Wisconsin Municipalities' new booklet So You Want To Be An Elected Official provides insight on what it is like to be an elected official, can inform your campaign and prepare you to hold office. It’s a quick read, outlining roles and responsibilities, knowing the law and implementing policy. Order the booklet.
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Brag a little bit - Let us help spread your good news!
Did your property recently complete a renovation? Did you launch a new product or service for associations? Perhaps you received a promotion or industry recognition? Let us know! We love to help spread good news related to our industry partner members. Please send your brags to
Michelle Czosek. Please note that there is no additional cost to this promotion - It is included as a benefit of your WSAE membership.
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PPP now available to all lenders
As of Tuesday, January 19, all lenders have gained access to PPP funds. Regulators have not clarified lobbying-related definitions for 501(c)(6) eligibility.
On December 22, 2020, ASAE delivered a letter to regulators to help determine exactly what terms mean and how the Small Business Administration and the Department of the Treasury plan to implement 501(c)(6) eligibility criteria. It is unclear whether applicants should use the IRS Form 990 or the Lobbying Disclosure Act to determine lobbying activities.
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The Tavern League of Wisconsin
Madison
Executive Director Inc.
Milwaukee
Executive Director Inc.
Milwaukee
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Thank You to 2021 Annual Sponsors |
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