2025 Annual Conference

Interesting in exhibiting or sponsoring the 2025 Annual Conference?  Click here for our sponsorship prospectus or register online! 

Questions?  Contact office@midatlantic-sae.org.

As a CAE Approved Provider educational program related to the CAE exam content outline, this program may be applied for 6.75 credits toward your CAE application or renewal professional development requirements.

6:30 - 9:00 p.m.

CEO Dinner Discussion for Senior Association Executives (OPTIONAL ADD-ON)

Senior level Association executives are encouraged to join us for an engaging evening with colleagues. In this intimate environment, executives will share issues they are facing within their own organizations and seek solutions from their peers. Attendees will enjoy unforgettable cocktails and dinner.  

Note: This session is for professional members only (not associate members). Ad additional fee of $150 will apply for this optional session. The dinner is limited to the first 25 people who register. 

10:00 a.m.
Exhibit Hall Opens

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Welcome & Opening Remarks

10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Opening Keynote

“Elevating Engagement”

We worry about the members we are not retaining. Then, we lose sleep, wondering about how to engage younger members. Once they’ve been members for a while, getting folks to participate, contribute, and volunteer can be difficult. If it feels like member engagement is in shorter supply than ever, you are right!

Members’ needs are changing—they require more than value to engage with your association. They also want memorable, positive experiences. It is time for every association leader to take on the role of CEO. Chief Experience Officer, that is!

Join us as author Amanda Lea Kaiser walks you through how engagement builds from our members’ point of view. No matter the size of your association, learn how to transform engagement for all stakeholders. Using uncommon strategies from her book Elevating Engagement, you will understand how to create an energized and highly motivated membership.

By the end of the keynote, you’ll have the mindset of a Chief Experience Officer. Are you ready to go, CEO?

Amanda Lea Kaiser is a member engagement strategist and author of Elevating Engagement: Uncommon Strategies for Creating a Thriving Member Community.

She has studied engagement for over 25 years—first, consumer engagement while managing the beloved Crayola brand, and now member engagement for associations and professional communities. As a researcher, author, and frequent experimenter she is at the forefront of exploring how engagement is rapidly changing.

11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch & Exhibits

“Key Components of a Successful Corporate Partnership Program”

This session will explain the three pillars of a successful association corporate partnership program: Leadership Support, a Business Model, and Culture Change. Leadership support is critical to ensuring that the association’s staff and board are motivated and have clearly-defined roles in support of the partnership program. The business model ensures that the partnership program fulfills the evolving needs of the association and its members, as well as corporate sponsors and partners. Culture change ensures that the association’s corporate partner program aligns with the organization’s evolving goals and strategies.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Learn why some corporate partnership programs achieve – or exceed – their goals while others do not
• Understand the leadership roles of the association’s CEO and program Directors to create, scale, and sustain successful corporate partnership programs
• Find out the components of business models that result in increased sponsorship revenue and member value
• Discover how to foster a culture that solidifies sustainable success as part of the association’s mission and strategy

Bruce Rosenthal is a corporate sponsorships strategist dedicated to helping associations develop transformational sponsorship and partnership programs. These programs are designed to increase revenue, enhance member value, grow the association’s brand, fulfill the association's mission, and ensure organizational sustainability. Bruce’s book, Mastering Association Corporate Sponsorships was published in May 2025.

“Mastering Media Relations: Association Advocacy in Good Times & Bad”

News is changing at a dizzying pace. Changes in the economy or legislative priorities are impacting your association members and those they serve – sometimes for better and sometimes for worse.

Now is the time for your association to inform, advocate and make your voice heard in a big way. But how, and to whom?

This time-critical workshop will guide attendees through the process of implementing a media relations strategy that provides much-needed visibility for your association and its mission.

You will learn how to use current events as a catalyst for garnering media interviews that position your members as experts in their field. Whether the current news cycle is conducive to your association’s purpose or whether it’s detrimental, you will learn the art of navigating traditional, broadcast, electronic and industry-specific media in ways that elevate your members and strengthen your association’s reputation and voice.

Bring your association’s good news or bad news scenario with you and you’ll leave this workshop with a comprehensive strategy for communicating it.

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the role of media relations in advancing an association’s visibility and mission in both favorable and challenging news cycles.
• Identify and analyze current events that can serve as effective catalysts for media outreach and advocacy.
• Develop a comprehensive media relations strategy tailored to their association’s specific news — whether positive or negative.
• Craft compelling messages and talking points that position members as credible experts in their field.
• Navigate traditional, broadcast, electronic, and industry-specific media outlets to maximize message reach and impact.
• Apply media pitching techniques to secure interviews and coverage that reinforce the association’s goals and enhance its public profile.
• Leave with a customized communication plan that can be immediately implemented to respond to or leverage the current news cycle.

Leza Raffel, founder and president of The Communication Solutions Group, Inc. is the driving force behind her 33-year-old 33-year-oldions and marketing company.

A graduate of Ithaca College with a BS from the School of Communications, Leza worked as a public relations specialist and director of public relations with other companies before starting her own full-service public relations and marketing firm. Leza specializes in overseeing the development and implementation of complete marketing plans for companies, non-profits, charitable organizations, educational institutions and government agencies.

She also excels at media relations and regularly provides media training to associations and nonprofit leaders. In addition, Leza has extensive experience in crisis communications.

She is also Professional in Residence at Ithaca College’s School of Communication, where she has also endowed a leadership scholarship. She conducts media training annually at UCLA and at professional association conferences nationwide.

Under Leza’s mentorship, over 115 college students have interned at Communication Solutions. This milestone earned her the 2023 “Commitment to Education Award” from the Philadelphia Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.

Leza resides in Abington, PA with her husband and cats. She has an adult son, also a graduate of Ithaca College. When not working, she spins, kickboxes, cooks and enjoys wine tasting.

2:00 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.
Breakout Session #2

"Elevating Email Strategies"

We rely heavily on email marketing to communicate with members, but we're often doing the same things we’ve been doing for years. In this session we'll talk about how AI is changing the email game, and how that gives us more time to use different strategies to make our emails shine.

Through sharing Association success stories and examples, we'll look at the power of email traffic control, automation, understanding your audience through email testing & data, and more. Leave with 10 new email strategies to elevate your emails that you can implement right when you get back to the office.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Understand quick ways to save time using AI, the power of email traffic control & email automation, and new strategies to take emails to the next level

Amber Worthen is the Founder and CEO of Email Maven a service agency that helps associations get all their email work done. She's worked for associations for over 12 years. She loves email and loves finding her fellow email experts around the world to exchange ideas and help each other in our daily work. She is also a wife and mom of three busy kids.

"Navigating Government Affairs:
Advocacy Strategies for Association Success"

In an ever-evolving regulatory landscape, particularly with a new administration in place with new priorities and control of Congress, associations must stay ahead of legislative and policy changes that impact their industries and professions. This panel will explore key government affairs and advocacy issues affecting association clients, offering insights into effective lobbying strategies, coalition-building, and grassroots engagement. Our expert panelists will share real-world examples of how associations can influence policy, navigate compliance challenges, and leverage advocacy to advance their missions. Join us for a dynamic discussion on the critical role of government affairs in shaping the future of associations and the industries they serve.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Analyze how changes in the current Administration and congressional control influence the regulatory and legislative priorities that impact associations and their members.
• Identify key government affairs and advocacy issues currently affecting association clients across diverse industries and professions.
• Apply effective advocacy strategies, including lobbying, coalition-building, and grassroots mobilization to influence policy outcomes in alignment with their association's mission.
• Evaluate real-world case studies that demonstrate successful association-led policy initiatives, including how they overcame compliance hurdles and political challenges.
• Develop a framework for proactive government relations monitoring that helps their associations stay agile and responsive to a dynamic policy landscape.

3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Breakout Session #3

"Elevating New Member Engagement"

Do you worry that some new members join and never use their benefits? According to the New Member Engagement Study, nearly three-quarters of your colleagues worry about this trend and the high number of new members who don’t renew. The good news is that we can take a few crucial steps to engage this sometimes-tricky segment.

Join Amanda Lea Kaiser, author, and member engagement strategist as we explore new members’ go and no/go decisions at this stage of the member journey. You will learn about solutions that you can easily add to what you already do, be surprised by the data, and experience fun new ideas. You’ll leave this 45-minute program with simple processes you can implement or action with your team. Together, let’s elevate new member engagement!

Amanda Lea Kaiser is a member engagement strategist and author of Elevating Engagement: Uncommon Strategies for Creating a Thriving Member Community.

She has studied engagement for over 25 years—first, consumer engagement while managing the beloved Crayola brand, and now member engagement for associations and professional communities. As a researcher, author, and frequent experimenter she is at the forefront of exploring how engagement is rapidly changing.

"LEGO Leadership: Building a Better Team"

Is your team clicking together like a perfectly built structure or clunking along like mismatched pieces? Strong collaboration and communication are the foundation of any high-performing team, and in this interactive session, you’ll discover how to strengthen both through the power of play.

Using LEGO bricks as both metaphor and hands-on tool, we’ll explore what it takes to build trust, align around shared goals and adapt to change. You’ll gain fresh insights into team dynamics, leadership styles and the invisible structures that support effective teamwork. Come ready to build, reflect and leave with practical strategies for assembling a more connected, resilient team: one brick at a time.

Tara Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP is the Executive Director at the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) and the RTDNA Foundation. Prior to her position at RTDNA, she served as the Society of Professional Journalists’ (SPJ) Interim Executive Director, Associate Executive Director and Membership Strategist. Throughout her career, Tara has trained more than 3,000 journalists and nonprofit professionals in effective leadership and worked with countless associations and journalism organizations to build strategic plans for a successful future.

In 2018, she was named to Association Forum’s Forty Under 40 for her work with a variety of associations and involvement in state and national association organizations and, in 2020, she received ASAE’s Certified Association Designation (CAE) and was named an ASAE Fellow in 2025. She has a journalism degree from Indiana University (Go Hoosiers!), as well as an MBA, and resides in Indianapolis with her husband and two daughters. Aside from associations and journalism, she loves craft beer, great pens and true crime podcasts.

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Closing Keynote

“The Executive* Oxygen Mask: Prioritizing Wellness”

As a Chief Staff Executive (CSE), you’re the linchpin of your organization and yet the demands of leadership can come at a steep personal cost. A recent survey of nearly 150 association executives revealed that 85% reported negative impacts on their health due to their roles, with many experiencing burnout, sleep disturbances and chronic stress.

Let's talk about the critical importance of prioritizing your own well-being. We’ll explore strategies for setting boundaries, fostering supportive cultures and implementing sustainable self-care practices. By putting on your “executive oxygen mask” first, you’ll not only enhance your personal health but also strengthen your capacity to lead effectively and inspire your team.

* The oxygen masks we talk about in this session fit all association professional roles, not just CSEs.

Tara Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP is the Executive Director at the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) and the RTDNA Foundation. Prior to her position at RTDNA, she served as the Society of Professional Journalists’ (SPJ) Interim Executive Director, Associate Executive Director and Membership Strategist. Throughout her career, Tara has trained more than 3,000 journalists and nonprofit professionals in effective leadership and worked with countless associations and journalism organizations to build strategic plans for a successful future.

In 2018, she was named to Association Forum’s Forty Under 40 for her work with a variety of associations and involvement in state and national association organizations and, in 2020, she received ASAE’s Certified Association Designation (CAE) and was named an ASAE Fellow in 2025. She has a journalism degree from Indiana University (Go Hoosiers!), as well as an MBA, and resides in Indianapolis with her husband and two daughters. Aside from associations and journalism, she loves craft beer, great pens and true crime podcasts.

5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
"New to MASAE" Meet & Greet

This session is designed for new members, first-time attendees and anyone else who wants to learn more about the benefits of MASAE membership. Whether you’re a first-time attendee, returning attendee, or just want to meet new members, it's a great introduction to the Annual Meeting and an opportunity to ask those burning questions you have about our exciting group! Come join the fun and share your own experiences.

9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.
General Session

“Exploring AI in Associations: Practical Insights from an AI Explorer in the Association Space”

AI is quickly becoming part of the association landscape, and like many of you, I’m navigating what it means for our work, our members, and our missions. In this session, I’ll share what I’ve learned so far on my journey exploring AI—from promising use cases to real-world experiments and lessons learned. We’ll look at how associations are beginning to use AI tools to enhance member engagement, improve efficiency, and support decision-making—while also unpacking some of the risks and questions that come with it. This is a conversation for fellow association professionals who are curious, cautious, and ready to learn together. None of us are experts — but we can all be EXPLORERS!

Mary Connor serves as Chief Strategy Officer for Stringfellow Management Company and is president of SMG Consulting. With over 25 years of experience in association management, Mary is a Certified Association Executive, credentialed in Six Sigma/Lean, trained in Association Foresight studies, and a Certified Association AI Professional.

Mary leads SMG’s AI initiative, developing and implementing a company-wide strategy that includes safety protocols, comprehensive training programs, employee use-case tracking, and ongoing research into AI tools relevant to the association management space. As head of SMG Consulting, she integrates foresight methodologies into strategic planning, with a strong emphasis on AI futures thinking and its impact on associations. Mary also facilitates Organizational 360 Assessments and a variety of consulting engagements designed to help associations adapt and thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

10:00 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.
General Session

"Navigating Hotel Landscape"

Watch for more information soon!

Michael Dominguez serves as the President & CEO for Associated Luxury Hotels International (ALHI).   ALHI is the largest Global Sales Organization with a team of nearly 80 professionals located among 26 offices across North America and Europe. Prior to joining ALHI, Michael served in executive sales leadership roles with MGM Resorts International as Chief Sales Officer and many brand and independent branded companies.

Michael is an-award winning hospitality industry veteran. He has received multiple honors for his leadership and influence and has been recognized as a change agent by his peers. He’s also been a speaker with Fortune 100 Companies on topics ranging from disruption to the economy and a passion around Leadership and was an invited speaker at SXSW in 2018.

11:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.
Closing Keynote 

“Membership: Bet on Value, Play to Win!”

Get ready to deal yourself into an interactive session that brings fresh energy and strategic focus to membership growth. With Atlantic City as our backdrop, this casino-themed experience will challenge assumptions, spark new ideas, and help you rethink how to recruit, engage, and retain members.

In this fun, hands-on session, Kim Chhabria and Amy Williams will lead you through dynamic rounds of insights, real-time polls, and collaborative activities to uncover what drives member behavior today. You'll explore creative, proven strategies to attract and retain your audience.

Session highlights include:

• Real-time polling on membership challenges and trends
• High-impact engagement tactics
• Rapid-fire retention tips
• Unconventional ideas that deliver results

You’ll leave with smart moves to play in 2026 and beyond.