Learner’s Digest: January 2021
 2020 tested all of us in infinite ways – and 2021 hasn’t started off very differently. While the advent of the vaccine assures us there is an end to the pandemic, many association leaders recognize that our road to recovery is just beginning. And even for those associations that have weathered this time relatively unscathed, societal and economic changes will demand adaptation and resilience. Through the turbulence, you may have discovered that keeping the principles of good organizational stewardship top of mind is critical. Without clear direction, how can leaders identify priorities and set reasonable goals? These past 12 months have underscored the essential role of strong boards in establishing a clear strategic direction for the organizations they govern. To support your association in building this strong foundation, consider taking part in two exceptional opportunities focused on these fundamentals. The Symposium for Chief Staff and Chief Elected Officers is an excellent investment in galvanizing a strong relationship with your board chair. With one session already sold out, don’t miss this opportunity for two productive days that will set you on the path to success. The Governance Forum is a like board retreat with all the logistics taken care of for you. This year, you can bring your entire board and leadership team together at one fixed price for a facilitated workshop where you’ll clarify roles and strategic priorities. We’ve all done a great job transitioning to the virtual world. And while we might all be suffering from digital burnout, I think you’ll be pleased to experience the refreshing curriculum design and opportunities for interaction that CSAE has developed to keep your learning fresh. I’m excited to see you at these and our other upcoming events, including Tête-à-Tête and the Winter Summit. While it has been a rocky road, one silver lining is knowing that you are not alone – CSAE members from coast to coast are sharing this experience. Come connect with your peers and join local events in the virtual space from wherever you may be.  Danielle Lamothe Vice President, Learning and Innovation Discover 5 Important Habits at Tête-à-Tête – February 10, 2021 Join Tête-à-Tête’s opening keynote speaker Riaz Meghji to learn Five Habits of Human Connection and the conversational skills that will connect you to exciting new opportunities in 2021! Attend the lunchtime Planner Panel Discussion, where industry experts will evaluate the virtual conference experience of 2020. What went well and what pitfalls can you avoid when planning your association’s next online event? Plus, you’ll hear the latest COVID-19 news from closing keynote speaker and renowned epidemiologist Dr. David Fisman. Hear how upcoming vaccinations will affect your event planning for 2021. Don’t miss this chance to learn how you can prepare your association for an uncertain future! Tête-à-Tête registration is free for all association and not-for-profit executive directors and employees, meeting and event planners, and government procurers – register here!  New – & Free! CEO Roundtable Series – February 17, 2021 Join your leadership peers at CSAE Ottawa-Gatineau’s new CEO Roundtable Series on February 17, 2021 at 12:00 pm Eastern. Open to all CSAE members across Canada at no charge, discuss challenges and opportunities unique to association leadership roles and discover fresh ways to approach common issues.1.5 hour virtual session. There will be five facilitated, simultaneous roundtables on the following topics: Member Engagement Diversity & Inclusion Board/Volunteer Engagement Staff Mental Health Staff Engagement and Virtual Management Don’t delay, register here>> New Session Added: CSAE Symposium for Chief Staff and Chief Elected Officers – February 25-26, 2021 Is your board chair new this year? Here’s your chance to forge a connection with them at this two-day session, where association CEOs and their board chairs attend together to cement their relationship and joint priorities for the year ahead. Expertly facilitated by Glenn Tecker and Donna French Dunn, CAE. The February 22-23 symposium is now sold out, but you can attend the newly-added session February 25-26. Register here! Unsure about signing up? Find out why this event is a must-attend, as we chat with a CSAE member who has attended with her board chairs for more than 10 years!  CSAE Trillium’s Winter Summit – March 2-4, 2021 Everyone across the country is welcome to explore resilience and its relation to mental health, joy and renewal at the Winter Summit. Early bird pricing ends February 2: Register today! – Keynote speaker Hamza Khan will deliver actionable insights on resilience, productivity and leadership. Hamza is an award-winning marketer, bestselling author and global keynote speaker whose TEDx talk “Stop Managing, Start Leading” has been viewed over a million times. Don’t miss the opportunity to help yourself and your association to thrive. – What Keeps You Up At Night? Participate in a 90-minute, peer-based learning event unlike any other. Draw from the wisdom of the crowd, share your own successes and connect with association and business leaders from across the country. Hosted in Remo, you’ll hop from table to table, connecting with others in facilitated discussion. Learn more here. Governance Forum with Dr. David Weiss – April 8, 2021 During these unprecedented times, boards and senior management must effectively – and collaboratively – plan ahead to be successful beyond this crisis. Bring your board and team leadership together – at a single price – for a productive session that will set you up for success in 2021. Learn more and register here. NEW DATE: CSAE Trillium Technology Day – April 28, 2021 There’s no doubt technology makes your association tick! Join association colleagues to “seize the day” and learn to make technology work for you. The pandemic has created opportunities and challenges for association professionals from coast to coast – and all are welcome at this half-day event, featuring a keynote address from Ricardo Wagner of Microsoft Canada on prioritizing accessibility. Plus, we’ll have multiple technology-focused case studies and a panel on the “Technology of People.” Don’t miss this chance to brush up on the soft skills you’ll need to manage the interface of people and technology. Learn more and register here.  |
| Reach Higher With Your CAE® Designation Spring is the time for fresh beginnings! Take your career to the next level with the Certified Association Executive® (CAE®) program. The spring intake is now open for registration. Here’s what graduate Tim Peel, vice president at CCAB – Division of BPA Worldwide, had to say about the program: “The curriculum of CAE covers all facets of managing an association, and the course and assignment work is relevant and interesting. The CAE formalizes the knowledge of association management – this creates an important set of standards and recognized credentials within the industry.” Find out more about the CAE program here>> |
| Upcoming Events CSAE New Member Orientation Thursday, February 4 – 1:00 PM EST New to CSAE? Learn how to get the most from your membership at our next virtual orientation session. Register here for the free session – the access code is your member ID. If you are unable to attend on February 4, contact janice@csae.com for information on future sessions. Talk Tuesday – Member-Exclusive Tuesday, February 9 – 2:00 PM EST Join Tracy Folkes Hanson, CSAE president and CEO, and your association colleagues from across the country to discuss challenges and opportunities specific to the not-for-profit sector. All CSAE Members are welcome at these no-charge chats! Access meeting details here. Partner Offering: How AI Will Transform Financial Management March 11, 2021 RPA. Machine Learning. Algorithms. What do these terms have in common? They are all part of Artificial Intelligence, and they’re being used all around us, from the spam filter on your email to your digital assistant. But what does AI do for businesses, and what does it really mean for the finance function? Join us as we discuss AI and the impact it will have on how you manage your financials. Our expert panel will be discussing AI, the benefits for companies of all sizes, and how you can prepare today for the financial management of tomorrow. Register here>> Presented by CSAE Partner:  |
| Let’s Talk about Mental Health More than ever, it’s important to speak openly and honestly about our collective mental health challenges as we navigate this global pandemic. As an association leader, you may be feeling a great deal of stress as you grapple with meeting your own personal obligations while focusing on the needs of your employees and members. Our latest blog sums up expert advice and coping strategies gleaned from a mental health and wellness panel at CSAE’s 2020 Conference. Click here for 12 Expert Tips for Leadership on Mental Health. |
| Bookstore Selection: Guide to Effective Committees for Directors of Not-For-Profit Organizations, Third Edition Committees are vital components of a successful association. When they work effectively, committees provide valuable insight and advice to the board of directors and staff, helping an organization achieve its goals and vision. But when they’re not functioning well, committees can be detrimental to your association. This book guides committees through the processes, practices, and policies required to become effective, using detailed examples that will serve as a foundation for success. Visit the CSAE Bookstore for more information and to purchase |
