GSAE eNewsletter
November 2023
featured stories

December 6, 2023 - Register Today

10:15 am - 12:00 pm
Gas South Convention Center

GSAE Member - $59
GSAE additional staff - $39

Thank you to our sponsors:  

 

Donating a silent auction prize is one of the best ways to promote your organization, while helping GSAE raise money for educational programming. Our 2022 Silent Auctions raised over $19,000. Thanks to member Tony Rissley and Expo Auctions, the auction is virtual and open to all GSAE members.

If helpful, we encourage you to partner with a sister property, organization, and/or your local CVB to help promote your area or organization and support GSAE's educational programming.

 
Huntsville/Madison County CVB
Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center
member news
Kristen Morgan, CAE Kristen Morgan, CAE is the Interim Executive Director at Georgia Dental Association.
Sheryl Ehlers, CMP Sheryl Ehlers, CMP earned a new certification, "Artificial Intelligence: How it Works and its Impact" from Florida International University.
 Tony Rissley International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE) recognized Tony Rissley, Expo Auctions as the winner of the Innovative Business Solutions Award. Read more.
 Yalonde Tanner International Association of Exhibitions and Events® (IAEE) recognized Yalonde Tanner with one of three Chapter Merit Awards. Read more.
   
 Visit Savannah Logo Savannah Hilton Head (SAV) named # 1 in the 2023 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards: Top 10 Airports in the U.S. Read more. 
Abit Massey UGA Donor and longtime supporter Abit Massey, CAE was honored recently with the news a classroom inside UGA’s Poultry Science Building will be named for him. We are still working on the list of donors but please accept our thanks for supporting the campaign this fall! Read more.
   
 GSAE Rockstar Logo The 2024 Nominating Committee has announced the slate of officers, members of the Board of Directors, and the Foundation's Board of Trustees. Office installation and recognition of outgoing leaders is December 6 during the GSAE Annual Business Meeting at Gas South Convention Center. Review the slate
Atlanta/Georgia Chapters, Independent Electrical Contractors Awards
IEC Logo   Niel Dawson receiving award

IEC Atlanta was awarded the 2023 IEC National Chapter of the Year Award in the Large Chapter Category at the IEC National Convention in Dallas in October.

Additionally, the Atlanta Chapter was awarded the Membership Growth Award, Community Spirit Award, and Safety Professional of the Year. Congratulations to GSAE members Niel Dawson, MS, Todd Hawkins, CAE, and Marie Thornton.

Congratulations to the 7th Annual Stella Award Winners from Northstar Meetings Group!

Voted on and judged by meeting planners, Northstar's Stella Awards recognize the world's best hotels, airlines, convention and conference centers, cruise lines, destination marketing organizations and destination management companies. Learn More

2023 Best Hotels/Resorts – Southeast

Silver

 

 Bronze

Ritz Carlton logo   Barnsley resort logo

 2023 Best Convention Centers – Southeast

Gold

  Finalist
Tampa Convention Center Logo   Georgia International Convention Center logo

 2023 Best CVB/DMO – Southeast

Silver

  Bronze
Visit Tampa Bay logo   Atlanta CVB logo

 

Finalist

  Finalist
Atlanta Airport District logo   Explore Gwinnett logo

2023 Best Hotel/Resort Renovation – Southeast

Silver

2023 Best Food and Beverage – Southeast

Finalist

One Ocean Resort Logo

Additional Barnsley Resort Honors
Gold - Best Decor/Design
Silver - Best Hotel/Resort Event Space – Southeast
Bronze - Best Boutique Property – Southeast
Bronze - Best Golf Resort – Southeast

The Westin Atlanta Gwinnett
  Opening March 2024
  • Conveniently located right next to Gas South Convention Center
  • 324 Guest Rooms
  • Over 17,500 square feet for meetings and events
  • Patty Wong is our new rep!
  • Learn More
Explore The Classic Center Arena with Hard-Hat Tours this Fall
Athens GA red logo   The Classic Center and Visit Athens are partnering to offer exclusive hard-hat tours. Be among the first to explore the arena's potential, which promises to be the ultimate setting for unforgettable experiences.

Reach out to Visit Athens GA Director of Sales Elyse Harris for more details on this exciting milestone in construction and to secure your future event dates. She can be reached at EHarris "at" VisitAthensGA.com.

Save the Date! Athens Wine Weekend, February 2 - 4, 2024
Wine Weekend logo

 

The Classic Center loves its GSAE partners and will be offering a special GSAE package for the 2024 Athens Wine Weekend! Sip and sample the best wine and cooking artistry during this weekend of exquisite taste in downtown Athens.

  

The Savannah Georgia Convention Center Authority (SGCCA) recently voted to pursue a hotel development project that mirrors the successful model used by Georgia World Congress Center Authority in its development of Signia by Hilton Atlanta. The hotel will be exclusively owned by SGCCA. Read more.
 
2024 GSAE Annual Meeting, May 29 - May 31
The Lodge at Gulf State Park, a Hilton Hotel
& Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism
  • Top-notch education from thought leaders
  • Up to 10 CAE credits
  • Over 230 attendees expected
  • Golf, kayaks, crafts, beer pour and wine tastings
  • Registration - $399 - $2909
  • Additional staff - $369
  • Room rates - $179 - $209, before taxes and fees
  • Take the new 360° Tour of The Lodge
GSAE 2024 Budget Numbers
GSAE Rockstars logo Let us help you plan for 2024!
  • Shared Interest Group meetings are included in your membership.
  • Membership dues will begin billing this month.
  • Association Executive dues are $325; additional association staff members are $150.
  • Corporate Supplier dues are $350; additional staff from the same company are $250.
  • Local events on February 21, April 17, July 17, and September 18 are $49.
  • July Event sponsorship is $1,500.
  • The Holiday Luncheon, Business Meeting, Awards Show & Silent Auction, December 11, 2024, is $59 for GSAE members.
  • Two sponsorships are available for $2,000 each.

GSAE join now logo

Got GSAE Member News?

Has something phenomenal happened in your professional life? An award, new job, organizational excellence? Let us share it, too! Just send press releases, job changes, and award announcements to Corrin Wagnon at corrin "at" gsae.org.

The Meeting was just the Beginning
Chattanooga Area CVB®
Craft cocktails, boutique hotels and a thriving arts scene make this vibrant city a draw for connoisseurs of all kinds. And don't even get us started on our outdoor adventures. So, meet here. We'll help you make it happen, every step of the way.
Meet in Chattanooga
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gsae brief
We understand your time is valuable, and we strive to make volunteer service convenient and rewarding. GSAE volunteers truly do the work of the organization. Please send an email to Wendy at wendy "at" gsae.org if you are interested in learning more about 2024 committee leadership roles. 

 
Information for all MSAE CAE courses is available on MSAE’s CAE site
  • GSAE members have a code in the Member Offers tab of their profile.
  • CRAM course fees are based on current/previous attendance, so no discount code is needed.
  • Other CAE course options are available online.
 
Did you know our Career Headquarters links to ASAE's national site? **And** if you buy a posting through us, GSAE gets a royalty payment to support the Society's programming. Check out the Careers section at the bottom of this e-newsletter for the latest Georgia postings.
 
Discover GSAE's entirely FREE library of downloadable content, including white papers, guides, infographics, case studies, industry analysis and so much more! Consider this your one-stop shop when looking for current topics you need to learn about that are influencing our entire industry. Be sure to check back often as GSAE continues to add resources to this page going forward.
 
Have a compelling story to share? GSAE is seeking members interested in sharing effective practices, compelling case studies, and pilot programs. Or, are you interested in writing a guest column? Let us know!  Contact Wendy at wendy "at" gsae.org.

Winter 2024 – TBD
Spring 2024 – Association Communications: What's New (including AI that won't keep you up at night)
Summer 2024 – Governance & Tech
Fall 2024 – Content Curation (Develop Once. Publish Everywhere.)
 
Destination Augusta
The Lodge at Gulf State Park
Where inspiration comes in waves.
Ponte Vedra Beach Resorts®
Situated on more than a mile of Atlantic oceanfront just 20 minutes southeast of Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club and The Lodge & Club Ponte Vedra Beach have played host to exceptional meetings, conferences and conventions since 1928. Boasting 30,000+ square feet of flexible function space, luxury accommodations, world-class dining, two championship golf courses and an extraordinary spa, these two resorts offer a beautiful balance of business and pleasure.
Learn More
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industry news
Tuesday, November 28, 1:00 pm - Wednesday, November 29, 3:00 pm
Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina
4000 Summit Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30319
 
The Group Sales Symposium is an educational and networking event for all meetings/convention sales professionals: attendees include destination marketing organization group sales teams, hotel and lodging sales professionals, and group attractions, event facilities and conference center sales associates. 
 
Are labor and employment-related concerns keeping you up at night? Whether they’re new – like the pros and cons of AI in the workplace – or perennial ones surrounding compliance with the maze of applicable workplace laws, Fisher Phillips can help.
 
Pease contact Terri Stewart at fpatlanta "at" fisherphillips.com for a free 30-minute consultation.
 
Your final opportunity to get research-driven, peer-informed CAE education for 2023. Association Laboratory's popular virtual CAE-athons are an easy, inexpensive, and fun way to get educated on some of the critical issues facing associations. The bonus? Get the CAE hours you need to qualify for or maintain your certified association executive credential. Sign up for one or any combination to get the hours you need. This is our last of the year!
  • Scenario Planning: Your Solution to Optimal Organizational Planning
  • The Power of a Prepared Board
  • Non-members Matter
  • Tips, Tricks, and Traps to Educational Strategy
  • DEI and the Ethics of a Diverse Leadership Model
Each webinar is $60. Purchase all 5 and receive a 20% discount (a $60 value)
 
What’s the issue? Training & credentials are ineligible for 529s. America’s workforce is comprised mostly of middle-skill jobs that require more than a high school education but not a bachelor’s degree, according to the National Skills Coalition. A differentiator amid the 21st century workforce economy is postsecondary credentialing—for workers with or without a college degree.
 
Much of this credentialing and training is provided by us, associations and organizations supporting industries and professions that drive our economy and strengthen our communities.
 
 

Tagoras is running their annual survey on current/emerging trends in the business of continuing education and professional development. It'll only take 6 minutes to complete and results will be shared in aggregate. Take a few moments to weigh in on association professional development.

The survey will be open through the end of November. Take the survey now. 

 
We are excited to share a unique offering from The National Center for Civil and Human Rights (NCCHR) –– their Diversity, Equity & Inclusion training that inspires collaboration and innovation for corporations and nonprofits in real-time, in-person or virtually. Partnering with UPS, there are opportunities for free training for qualified 501(c)3 organizations.
 
Webinars, Podcasts & Blogs from Around the Web
GSAE compiles a compendium of podcasts, blogs and resources from association land that we think will help you be better at your job. Follow, listen, and learn!
Visit Macon
Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort
gsaetv

  • Recordings of livestreamed and virtual meetings are available on our GSAE1917 YouTube Channel through GSAEtv.

  • GSAE's Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) are complimentary, self-directed groups of GSAE members that focus on a particular area of interest. Learn more about Shared Interest Group (SIG) opportunities and join through your member profile or send an email to GSAE.

 
Visit Athens
Alabama Gulf Coast CVB
careers
Director of Education and Meeting Planning | Georgia Academy of Family Physicians
Atlanta, Georgia. This position plans, develops, and implements all Georgia Academy of Family Physicians (GAFP) educational activities and meetings within established budgets and reports to the Deputy Executive Vice President. Specialized skills desired: Experience in management of educational programming, marketing, and event planning. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years experience in meeting planning; knowledge of continuing medical education principles; travel required to serve as on-site meeting manager at events or represent the Academy professionally. Work remotely on Mondays and Fridays. The Georgia Academy of Family Physicians represents family physicians in the state of Georgia. There are over 3,000 members that include active, retired, family medicine residents, and Georgia medical students interested in family medicine.
Chapter Services Manager | NAIOP GA
Buckhead / Lenox area, Georgia. NAIOP GA is an active and engaged association of commercial real estate development professionals in Georgia. We are a chapter of NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, and the leading organization for developers, owners and related professionals in office, industrial, and mixed-use real estate. The Chapter Services Manager helps drive member satisfaction using outstanding customer support, administrative, and organizational skills and has resposibilities in the areas of: membership and database, general office and administrative, meetings and events. This position is initially in-person, with an option for hybrid work after an initial period. Skills and qualifications: Flexibility to work occasional early mornings / late afternoons to support meetings; excellent written and verbal communication skills; expert organizational skills, exemplary planning and time management skills; 3-5 years of administrative or association experience.
Citywide Sales Executive (Atlanta-based) | Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
Atlanta, Georgia. The citywide sales executive is responsible for the selling and marketing of Metro Atlanta as a destination for prospective trade shows and group meetings. The primary responsibility will be to generate leads and subsequent bookings for trade show and national account sales (1,201 room nights on peak or more). This position reports to the Vice President, Sales. Core competencies: Communication Skills, Critical Thinking/Problem Solving, Teamwork, Customer Service, Management. Qualifications: Minimum 10 years of sales experience in CVB, DMO, convention center, hotel or hospitality contract sales, 5 of which focus on trade show sales; Strong sales skills, including communication (verbal and written) and presentation skills; Strong knowledge of hotels and event facilities; Ability to work a flexible schedule to include early mornings, late evenings and weekends; Ability to travel 25 to 35%.
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa