FSAE is seeking locations for our 2020 events - including our Central and South Florida Power Luncheons, Roundtables and CEO Retreats. This is a great opportunity to bring association executives to your property/location to experience it first hand, especially if you've undergone a recent renovation, are a new property or have something new to show off. Please download our 2020 Event RFP (Word Doc) to see if we're a good fit to assist you in your goals for booking association business.

We are working with Site Search, Inc. to find locations for our events, which are only possible with the support of our generous Associate Members, like you. As a hosting event sponsor, FSAE features your property/location in all event-related marketing and communications promotions and event attendees gain firsthand exposure to your property/location - which can result in additional business opportunities for you!

Educate Association Executives for the Next Era in Association Management

FSAE wants to ensure association executives are prepared to bring organizations into the next era through education that stimulates interactive discussions and audience engagement. We want attendees at all FSAE 2020 events to return to their associations with a fresh perspective, the ability to implement cultural change and the strategic capacity to deliver and act on new knowledge, no matter their level of association management experience.

If this sounds like something you can deliver, please complete the FSAE Call for Presentations to be considered for the 2020 Annual Conference, Education Expo, educational symposiums, luncheon presentations and webinars. 

The 2019 FSAE Annual Conference service project with Rethreaded is featured in Naylor's Association Adviser:

FSAE Re-Imagines Charitable Support through a Rethreaded Pop-Up Shop at its Annual Conference

A history of giving back at annual conference

The Florida Society of Association Executives (FSAE) began incorporating a social responsibility component into its annual conference back in 2010. That year, conference attendees helped sort and box food for a food bank. Over the years, attendees have donated to multiple Florida-based food banks, Friends of the Palm Beach County Library System, All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, and Sneakers for September, a nonprofit that provides new sneakers for children in Orange and Osceola counties. In 2016, FSAE’s giving was personal: Conference attendees were asked to donate to the UF (University of Florida) Health Cancer Center in memory of FSAE members who had recently lost battles with cancer.

Read article

Volunteers and the service they provide Committees and Task Forces are vital to the success of FSAE and the FSAE Foundation!

If you want to be a part of making your professional community stronger, volunteer for a committee! Upcoming terms begin September 2019 and run through July 2020 (Annual Conference). Committees typically meet monthly and (almost) always by conference call. 

The Florida Society of Association Executives Foundation has granted over $17,600 this year to 29 professionals across Florida. The members that will receive these grants will use the 2019 funds for professional development and educational opportunities that help advance their careers in the non-profit and association management industry.

“The Hilton Hotel Sponsors are so honored to be part of Hilton’s Diversity and Inclusion Grant.  In a time where there seems to be so much divide, we are proud to be advocates in uniting and providing professional development opportunities for our association professionals. Hilton is not just a company committed to diversity and inclusion, we embody it and we look forward to continuing this partnership for years to come!” said Cheryl James, Hilton Worldwide (who partnered with a select number of Florida Hilton Properties to provide this grant).

FSAE presented its most prestigious leadership awards at its recent Annual Conference held at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront. The Executive of the Year Award honors an association executive who has displayed the highest commitment to professional growth and dedication to advancing the association management profession. The Associate of the Year Award honors an association supplier whose dedication and leadership also advances the industry. FSAE’s Rising Star Award honors an association professional and/or supplier member who contribute significant time and talent to ensure FSAE’s continued success.

FSAE also recognized organizations that support the association industry and local communities. Our Association of the Year and Supporting Associate Organization of the Year awards honor organizations that demonstrate outstanding efforts, excellence and innovation.

FSAE partnered with Sustainable Events Network, Florida & Caribbean to rescue food from #FSAE19, and was able to help feed the 800 homeless clients of Jacksonville's Sulzbacher organization!

The Executive Chef from Sulzbacher reported “According to our calculations, we received 25 pans of various desserts, 8 pans of sliced beef, 4 pans of broccoli and 5 pans of rosemary polenta. Damian Johnson, our Sous Chef picked up the food and we were able to serve it to some of our clients the next day. We serve approximately 800 meals each day so your generosity is very much appreciated.”

The Florida Society of Association Executives (FSAE) announced the installation of its 2019-20 Board of Directors at FSAE’s Annual Conference in Jacksonville, FL. The FSAE Board is comprised of some of Florida’s best leaders in the association industry.

FSAE Board Officers:
Chair: Jim Ayotte, MBA, CAE; Executive Director, FL Manufactured Housing Assn, Tallahassee, FL
Chair-Elect: Lonny Powell; CEO & EVP, FL Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Assn, Ocala, FL
Treasurer: Fran Gilbert, CAE; President & CEO, Starfish Management Solutions, Tallahassee, FL
Secretary: Jaime Caldwell, President, SFL Hospital & Healthcare Assn, Dania Beach, FL
Immediate Past-Chair: Rachel Luoma, CAE; Chief Staff Executive/Vice-President, Partners in Assn Management, Inc., Tallahassee, FL

FSAE is excited to announce our new Membership & Events Coordinator, Lana Steele!

Lana joined the FSAE team in June 2019 as our Membership & Events Coordinator. Her experience in event planning and marketing began with an internship for FL Hospice & Palliative Care Association. Most recently she served as a Private Event Coordinator for the University Center Club.

Thank you for participating in our 2019 FSAE Board Elections. We are pleased to announce our 2019-20 Board of Directors:

Officers:

Chair: Jim Ayotte, MBA, CAE; Executive Director, FL Manufactured Housing Assn 
Chair-Elect: Lonny Powell; CEO & EVP, FL Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Assn
Treasurer: Fran Gilbert, CAE; President & CEO, Starfish Management Solutions
Secretary: Jaime Caldwell, President, SFL Hospital & Healthcare Assn
Immediate Past-Chair: Rachel Luoma, CAE; Chief Staff Executive/Vice-President, Partners in Assn Management, Inc.

FSAE Foundation Online Auction
Open May 31 - June 7

The FSAE Foundation’s Auction has become one of the places to shop. Where else can you find such incredible items and fantastic trips?!? And now, you can browse and buy those items from the comfort of your living room with the Online Auction!

The Online Auction opens Friday, May 31 and closes Friday, June 7 at 2 pm EST. And it’s open to FSAE Members and Non-Members so tell your coworkers, friends & family about the fantastic deals available while supporting professional development and education in the association industry.

www.fsae.org/silentAuction

The FSAE Foundation is proud to announce its 2019 Grant Recipients. Thanks to our generous corporate partners and member contributions, we’ve awarded 29 grants totaling $17,605 for professional development funding. Thank you to all our contributors that make this possible!

Hilton Diversity & Inclusion Grant
Heather Armstrong, Executive Director, Recycle Florida Today, Inc.
Mia Thomas, Director of Learning - Curriculum Development, Florida Institute of CPAs

To hire and retain top-talent for your organization you need to know your salaries and benefits packages are competitive for an association of your size and location.

The FSAE Foundation is here to help ensure you and your employees are taken care of with the 2019 Compensation & Benefits Survey.

Order Your Copy Today!

The Michigan SAE (MSAE) is offering two in-person Complete Review And Mentoring (CRAM) Sessions in April to help anyone taking the CAE exam this May. Sessions include a 200-question practice exam and test-taking approaches to help you succeed. The 20 hour program is ideal for anyone that is self-studying, anyone that is seeing the test again, or someone that needs 20 hours toward a future CAE application. Printed and digital flash cards are also for sale.

Sessions are April 11-13 in Baltimore and April 14-16 in Chicago.

Help Direct the Future of FSAE as a Board Member 

The FSAE Nominating Committee is seeking nominations (self nominations only) for individuals with leadership and management experience to serve as At-Large Members of the Board of Directors. 

FSAE is seeking two (2) At-Large Directors (3-year term) and one (1) Associate At-Large Director (2-year term).

The Certified Association Executive: 2019 and Beyond

By Lowell Aplebaum, CAE, CPF
CAE Commission Chair, 2018-19
Published in January/February 2019 FSAE Source Magazine

As we enter 2019, we find the Certified Association Executive (CAE) continues to serve as our industry’s seminal credential. As of the end of 2018 there were over 4,300 Certified Association Executives. If you have kept an eye on association job boards over the past few years, you probably have noticed the trend of more employers seeking candidates that have their CAE.

Congratulations the six FSAE members who recently earned their Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential:

Amanda Bowen, CAE; Vice President, Nancy D. Stephens & Associates, LLC, Tallahassee, FL
Jennifer Brown, CAE; Director, Membership & Communications, American Academy of Optometry, Orlando, FL
John Piland, CAE; CEO, Shriners International Headquarters, Tampa, FL
Gary Scarboro, CAE; Executive Director, American Institute of Architects Orlando, Orlando, FL
Alexis Simoneau, CAE; Novi Evangelist, Novi AMS, Orlando, FL
Kristi Spargo, CAE; Chief Staff Executive, Partners in Association Management, Tallahassee, FL

These members are part of a group 160 professionals to pass the CAE exam administered in December 2018. We are happy to report that all new CAEs in Florida are already FSAE members! We currently have 127 CAEs in the FSAE membership and there are more than 4,300 worldwide. 

2019 Grant Applications Now Open!

FSAE Foundation Grants Extend Your Budget for Professional Development!
Get the professional development skills and hours you need - with a little help from your friends at FSAE. This year we're pleased to announce over $17,600 - potentially as many as 31 grants are available! New this year: A Year of FSAE to attend Education Expo, Power Luncheons, Think Tank and take the Qualified Association Specialist online program. Learn More

Grants include funding to attend Annual Conference, earn CAE/CMP certifications, and special grants for communication staffers, Young Professionals, Small Staff, Under-Represented Diverse Groups and one specifically for a non-member (tell your friends!). 

The 2018 Foundation Annual Report is now available online - and soon to be delivered with your January/February Source Magazine! See how the Foundation contributions are spent to improve FSAE programs and your professional development.

Thank you Rapid Press for sponsoring the Report!

FSAE19 Hotel Reservations Now Open

Make your plans now to attend FSAE19: Ignite Your Inspiration July 10-12 at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront! Hotel reservations are open now. Registration opens March 1.