Reserve Your Spot Today for FOCUS - New WSAE Event

WSAE's inaugural FOCUS event convenes WSAE members and non-members working in the association, non-profit and hospitality industries and provides meaningful, short, “focused” education sessions along with networking opportunities.

Programming will include a deep dive workshop with broad appeal and tangible takeaways.

Spotlight on a theme: Influence

CAE Credits: up to 4

Want to promote a new product or service or raise awareness for your brand? WSAE, in partnership, is looking for FOCUS sponsors to support the event. Please contact Chris Caple at ccaple@wsae.org for a customized opportunity. 

Join a Committee or Task Force in 2023

WSAE volunteer committees and task forces are a vital link to the success of the association. They help ensure the information and knowledge shared with the membership is timely and accurate. 

Volunteering to serve is a leadership opportunity that shouldn’t be missed. If the time is right in your career, stand up and serve!  

To view a list of WSAE committee volunteer opportunities visit our Committees web page. 

Timeline:

• January 31, 2023: Call for volunteers closes 
• Applicants notified of appointments by February 10, 2023 

New Advertising Opportunities in 2023!

WSAE is excited to announce that member communications will look a little different this year. After quite a bit of work over the past year and in collaboration with both the Communications and Industry Partner Task Forces, WSAE will be updating our communications strategy. A hallmark of our new communications strategy is that in place of a print magazine, beginning in Q2 WSAE will be publishing e-blasts every two weeks, branded VantagePoint, that will contain all the content usually included in VantagePoint magazine. 

As part of this new plan, we have formed a partnership with Association Revenue Partners (ARP). ARP is a digital marketing company that works with state and national associations to provide opportunities for industry partners, as well as others serving associations, to reach association members. Through this new partnership with ARP, WSAE will be able to offer more frequent, targeted and measurable advertising and promotional opportunities for our industry partners. WSAE members will have the first opportunity to secure promotional availability as inventory will be limited.

Advertising opportunities will be available in these VantagePoint e-blasts and on our website, sold separately through ARP. Note, however, that Annual Sponsorship Packages will still be handled through WSAE staff, and are available in a streamlined process - You can complete the form and pay online in a matter of minutes! More information about those can be found in the 2023 Partner Prospectus.

Real Time Compensation Benchmarking Site Now Includes DEI Section

WSAE has partnered with other SAEs to make the Real-Time Compensation Benchmarking Survey tool possible. And by giving a little, you will GET A LOT!

• Compare your organization's key operational metrics to others across the industry in real time.
• Evaluate valuable KPI's, including salaries, benefits, positions/departments, and more!
• Generate customized reports and graphs like the below to inform decisions and keep your organization competitive.

If you have never participated, get started here.

If you have Participated, update your data today!

Please note, this is a comprehensive survey with several sections of data. You do not need to complete the survey all at one time. To save your work and return to the survey later, simply click “Save” at the bottom of any page.

WSAE Blog - Featured Article

Associations and Cybersecurity Risk

By Joe Ruskey

President, Dependable Solutions

Yes, membership and trade associations are at risk. Here’s how you can protect your data and fulfill your fiduciary duty to safeguard your organization.

Just like other types of businesses, associations know a serious cybersecurity problem exists “out there”, but many organizations’ staff and leadership feel unequipped to do much about it. A recent survey from Foundry found that 90 percent of respondents believe that not enough is being done to prevent security breaches within their organizations. Read more about other relevant highlights from the report.

Professional Development

Considering Earning Your CAE?

WSAE is partnered with the Michigan Society of Association Executives (MSAE) to offer CAE prep courses that incorporate study guides, reading comprehension questions, flashcards and practice tests. With three different courses, there is an option to fit every level of preparedness, and WSAE members can register at a member rate - just use discount code ASA-Con223-spring for the concentrated course and ASA-FS23-spring for the full course.

Full Course

Ideal for individuals new to the CAE process, this 16-week course features weekly calls, personalized guidance through the application process, three rounds of domain exams, online and phone community, mentor search, a 200-question simulated exam and more.

Concentrated Course

If you have participated in the ASAE Immersion Program or have started the CAE process, this accelerated version of the full course is for you. Condensed into a 12-week period, participants receive weekly group calls, organized reading lists, test taking tips and a 200-question simulated exam.

CRAM Session

This is the ideal program for CAE candidates who have taken a preparation course or are taking the CAE exam for a second time. The course will review and discuss key decisions tested in the exam. We recommend that attendees read the Professional Practices of Association Management and Association Law Handbook prior to attending CRAM.

More information about earning your CAE.

Qualified Association Specialist (QAS)

The Qualified Association Specialist (QAS) Certificate Program, offered through the Florida Society of Association Executives (FSAE), gathers seasoned experts from around the country to present a comprehensive overview of the many facets of working in or with an association. This program is perfect for young (or new) professionals in the association industry who want to better understand the many facets of their organization. More information. This program is eligible for 12 CAE hours. WSAE member discount code: WSAEQAS-SAE. 

2023 Event Calendar Set

Mark Your Calendars for Next Year's WSAE Events:

FOCUS

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Doubletree Madison-Eastside, Madison

LIVE @ Osthoff

Tuesday, May 23-Wednesday, May 24, 2023 

Osthoff Resort, Elkhart Lake

CEO RETREAT

Tuesday, July 11-Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Hotel Retlaw, Fond du Lac

WOMEN’S FORUM

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Hyatt Regency, Milwaukee

THE SUMMIT

Wednesday, October 25-Thursday, October 26, 2023 

The Trade Hotel/Deer District, Milwaukee

Save these dates on your calendar by downloading a calendar invite from the event pages linked above.

Upcoming Webinars

How to Build an Intentional Employee Culture

Wednesday, February 8 | 12:30-1:30 PM

Charting Your DEI Data Journey

Thursday, February 23 | 12:30-1:30 PM

Welcome New Members!

• Kent Anderson, Impact Association Management
• Laura Bradley, Destination Door County
• Nadir Carlson, National Association of Social Workers, Wisconsin Chapter
• Christine Casey, State Bar of Wisconsin
• Tracy K Johnson, CAE, MPA, Commercial Association of Realtors
• Nick Loppnow, Wisconsin Bankers Association
• Nichole Nikolic, Executive Director, Inc
• Rachel Owen, PhD, ASA - CSSA - SSSA
• Erik Sjolander, Explore La Crosse
• Jessica Uecker, Realtors Association of Northeast Wisconsin

Peterson Earns QAS Certification

AMPED Association Management is pleased to announce that Diana Peterson has completed and passed the exam for the Florida Society of Association Executives Qualified Association Specialists (QAS) Program.

Peterson is the Operations Manager for both the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS) and Leadership California. She is also the Membership Manager for the Society for Research on Adolescence, providing a wide array of operational, administrative, financial and technical support to members, non-members, board, donors, volunteers, staff, and various vendors.

“My many roles within operations, administration and client support depend on a 360 view,” says Peterson. “The 12 modules of the QAS provided valuable insight into some areas I haven’t touched as much over my past 6 years at AMPED, while enhancing knowledge I’ve already gained on the job. Whether on the CAE track or not, the QAS Certification Program is a good source for a comprehensive, high-level view for anyone making or considering a career in association management.”

QAS is a comprehensive overview of association management – from the legal and financial “business model” of associations’ unique governance/volunteer structure, to understanding the key principles of membership, communications, events, non-dues revenue programs, public policy and more. The program strengthens knowledge and skills in association management and helps professionals master the fundamentals needed for career advancement.

WBA Releases Wisconsin Economic Report

Business Sector Leaders Offer Outlook on 2023 Economy

The Wisconsin Bankers Association (WBA) has compiled eight sector-specific reports from industry experts on what 2023 will hold for Wisconsin. The reports include insights from: 

• Rose Oswald Poels, Wisconsin Bankers Association
• Robb Kahl, Construction Business Group
• Kevin Krentz, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation
• Brandon Scholz, Wisconsin Grocers Association
• Eric Borgerding, Wisconsin Hospital Association
• Kurt Bauer, Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce
• Michael Theo, Wisconsin REALTORS® Association
• Tom Still, Wisconsin Technology Council

In her report on the banking industry, WBA President and CEO Rose Oswald Poels notes the impact of inflation. “Despite concerns looming about a recession, Wisconsin consumers and business owners will be able to continue to rely on their banks as a source of trusted financial partnership and a safe place to deposit their money,” says Oswald Poels. 

Download the reports.

WHLA Announces Winner of the 2023 Website & Wisconsin Lodging Directory Cover Contest

The Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association (WHLA) has announced the winner of the 2023 Wisconsin Lodging Directory Cover Contest is Bay Shore Inn of Door County. Selected from a group of 15 finalists, Bay Shore Inn received the most out of 3,712 votes, and will be featured on the homepage of WisconsinLodging.org and as the cover image on 140,000 copies of the 2023 Wisconsin Lodging Directory.

“We are excited to feature this great lakeside property on the cover of the 2023 Wisconsin Lodging Directory. As travelers hit the road, we look forward to them picking up one of the 140,000 copies of this year’s publication,” said WHLA President & CEO Bill Elliott, CAE. He continued, “Every year, people exploring the State of Wisconsin use our directory and our WisconsinLodging.org website to find a great place to stay. We encourage travelers to get out there and enjoy some true Wisconsin Hospitality.”

The National College Testing Association Names Impact Association Management as AMC

Impact Association Management announced a new partnership with the National College Testing Association (NCTA). This partnership will assist NCTA in its mission to promote professionalism and quality in the administration of testing services and programs.

“NCTA looks forward to this new partnership,” said Sara Rieder Bennett, Ph.D., President of NCTA. “Impact comes with a wealth of experience and the Governing Council sees great opportunity to support our members more than ever with this transition."

“We look forward to working with NCTA on continuing their growth and ensuring an

amazing member experience,” said Jodi Fisher, CAE, CEO and Founder of Impact Association

Management.

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 submit your brags using this form. Please note that there is no additional cost to this promotion - It is included as a benefit of your WSAE membership. 

Advocacy

ASAE American Associations Day

March 27 - Mar 28, 2023 | Washington, DC

A new Congress brings new opportunities and challenges, and associations need to be at the table. As legislators consider legislation to protect association events and equitable workforce development policies, they will rely on us as a major resource for knowledge, expertise, and compelling data. 

Join in ASAE's annual legislative fly-in. Registration includes two days of policy education, advocacy and networking. American Associations Day is also a terrific opportunity to network with peers from around the country.

During American Associations Day, attendees will:

• Inform Hill staff about how their associations build up America’s economy,
• Help grow support for policies that promote robust, economic development policies; and
• Learn key principles in association advocacy and tips to build successful policy programs.

We are a community, and our collective voice is powerful!

Check Out These Opportunities Currently Posted

in WSAE's Career Headquarters

WSAE welcomes 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. If you are interested, check out our Annual Sponsorship Packages, or contact Chris Caple at ccaple@wsae.org with any questions or to discuss other Partnership opportunities.