Among our favorite traditions is taking time to pause and celebrate the leaders among us. But we need your help in the form of nomination of deserving candidates. Please review the award categories and take 5 minutes now to submit a nomination for a leader within your network. Award categories: Innovation in Associations, Spirit Award, Rising Star, Associate of the Year and Association Executive of the Year. Award recipients will be announced during the lunch program at the Annual Convention at the Clearwater Casino Resort on Thursday June 8, 2023. This rich tradition elevates and celebrates our honored members at convention and forever into the history records of WSAE. 

The WSAE DEI Task Force partnered with Whitney Marsh of Yum Yum Morale, LLC, to develop and distribute a DEI survey to the membership in the spring of 2022. This data set contained twenty-four questions, twenty-two questions are quantitative and two qualitative. Forty responses were received. Results are compiled and shared in a power point presentation format utilizing charts to graphically demonstrate trends.

We invite education proposals to be considered for the WSAE Annual Convention located at the Suquamish Clearwater Resort Casino, June 8-9, 2023. The theme for the convention is "Riding the Wave of Innovation." There will be both plenary and breakout sessions. The tentative schedule is available on the WSAE convention landing page. WSAE is seeking expertise in the topics of growing leaders at every level; building a culture of inclusion; people strategies; and soft skills for leaders working with volunteers. Innovations, diversity, and ethics lenses are encouraged to be included in session content.  Please respond by 5:00 p.m. (PT), Wednesday January 11, 2023, to ensure your session will be considered.

Shop Talks are lightly facilitated Zoom conversations designed to virtually connect you with your peers to discuss the changing business environment. If you have questions or would like to share practices that have worked well for you and your organization, please register and plan to join us. Or visits the Shop Talk Archive to view recordings from previous programs. New in 2023, programs begin at 12:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
January 11: Three Elements of Any Productive Meeting, 12:30 p.m./Hybrid, World Trade Center
January 25: Membership Makeover Hits & Misses
February 8: Keeping Boardrooms Productive & Collegial in a Polarized World
February 22: Must-Haves for Your Social Media Guidelines
Visit the Shop Talk site for topics and dates through June 2023

After significant review and member responses, the board has agreed to a name change more reflective of our inclusive values and professionalism: the Washington Society for Association Excellence. This new name communicates a more welcoming message to prospective members and reaffirms our commitment to professionalism through our education and professional development programming.

Would you feel more included or inclined to join WSAE based on the proposed name? WSAE is committed to diversity and thanks you in advance for sharing your thoughts with us. 

[Early Bird rates extended through June 3] Listen to a brief video from thought leader Valerie Hope for a sneak peak on her opening and closing keynote presentations. Valerie's opening keynote will help attendees gain an understanding of how joy comes from harnessing the power of the human spirit when we commit to creating a culture of curiosity and connection between people. Closing out the Convention, Valerie will integrate mindfulness, conflict resolution, and improve practices to help leaders how to connect with others in meaningful ways.