With dozens — possibly hundreds — of events for association executives and professionals to attend in 2019, it’s never been more difficult to pick your favorite events.
To help guide association professionals toward the right conferences, Protech Associates’ Charlie Sapienza will serve up some of his favorite association events, share what he thinks is the best option for each team member and explain how to justify attendee expenses to your executive director or board.
A Recap of Some of Charlie’s Top 5 Can’t-miss Association Events for 2019
For people new to the association space, the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) meetings and conferences are the place to start. For others who have attended ASAE’s association events for years, it might be time to branch out.
Two great places to start: Association TRENDS’ AMS Fest and Higher Logic’s Super Forum.
AMS Fest
The ASAE events are a fantastic way to introduce yourself into the world of association executives, share ideas with your peers and learn from industry thought leaders. But if you’re looking for a more focused experience, try attending the next AMS Fest.
According to Association TRENDS, the organization that oversees AMS Fest, 97 percent of executives say their needs where met by AMS Fest. That said, it’s not just for people ready to make an association management software purchase.
Association TRENDS says only 61 percent of executives attending AMS Fest planned on purchasing a new system within the next 18 months. Think of AMS Fest as a mini ASAE Technology Conference. It’s a place where you can learn member database best practices, see what other associations are using for software and network in a cozier environment.
Higher Logic Super Forum
Does your association need an online community or a new marketing automation tool? Or maybe you just want to attend some great sessions focused on those topics. Either way, the Higher Logic Super Forum puts on an impressive show for marketing and membership folks.
And if an association professional has a conflict and can’t attend the ASAE events, the Higher Logic Super Forum is a great alternative for anyone looking to network.
Consider these attendance numbers:
- 2018 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition: 6,092
- 2018 ASAE Technology Conference: 1,001
- 2018 Higher Logic Super Forum: 700+
The Higher Logic Super Forum has grown quite steadily in the last few years. If you haven’t checked it out yet, clear your calendars Nov. 17-20.
Want to know the three other can’t-miss association events in 2019? Click the link listed at the top of this blog post to view the pre-recorded webinar.
Links to Bookmark
Events to Attend
- .orgCommunity’s Innovation Summit
- Association TRENDS’ AMS Fest
- ASAE Annual Meeting
- Higher Logic Super Forum
- Association Forum’s Holiday Showcase