GSAE eNewsletter

Exhibitors - reserve your tradeshow booth today!

Attendees, $25 - register today! (association/non-profit professionals and 3rd party meeting planners only)

Chuck Wade is the President and CEO of The Council on Alcohol and Drugs. He has been the state director of Drugs Don’t Work in Georgia for the past seventeen years.

Since Mr. Wade became the state director of the Drugs Don’t Work program in 1996, Drugs Don’t Work in Georgia has been adopted by sixty-eight counties in Georgia and was named one of the 2002 Exemplary Substance Abuse Prevention Programs by the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, the National Center for the Advancement of Drug Prevention, and the Centers for the Application of Prevention Technologies. Currently there are more than 9,700 certified drug-free companies in Georgia. These companies represent more than one million drug-free employees.

View Chuck's complete bio and connect with him on LinkedIn.


Schedule – Spend the Day with GSAE

Morning Workshop Options, 10-11:30 a.m.
Hotel Contracts Boot Camp for Experienced Meeting Professionals - John S. Foster, ESQ. CHME
You can be the best negotiator in the world, but the bottom line is whether your contract is legally clear, inclusive, and enforceable. Preparing a well-written hotel contract requires the strategic knowledge of what to negotiate and a strategy for preparing the wording in the contract. This session is for novices and pros that need a refresher on the basics. It will cover legal tips and pitfalls to avoid that every meeting professional must understand to survive in today’s business climate and avoid expensive lawsuits. Topics will include: John’s golden rule of contracting; breach of contract issues – "penalties" vs. "damages" and what’s enforceable; the importance of understanding profit margins in hotels; the two methods of calculating guest room attrition damages; a recommended formula for calculating attrition damages, the audit clause and privacy, cancellation vs. termination, plus much more. The session will be interactive and your questions will be addressed.

Working with Associations - Moderated by Sharon Hunt, CAE and Jack Dozier, CAE
You receive 3 RFPs from GSAE members in one day and can respond to only one? Which one would you pursue? Discover how to use a rifle instead of a shotgun to effectively sell to associations. From a survey of GSAE members, find the answers to these questions: What is the most important factor that association executives consider when selecting a provider of goods or services? What questions would association executives like to ask vendors? What are the frustrations that association executives have with vendors? What are the deal breakers in site selection? Who makes the site selection decisions?

Panel Discussion - Implementing Technology: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Implementing new technology, whether it’s a new AMS system, website redesign, or mobile app, can be fraught with challenges and frustration. But if successful, it can be a rewarding and unifying experience for your association and members. How can you make every project a success? How do you get Board and member buy-in? How do you plan for the financial and human resources and time commitment needed? How can you convert dissidents into project champions? GSAE members, Susan Cheshire, CAE, Sarah Stewart, and Jacob Wilder are coming together to share their experiences and answer your questions from the strategic to the tactical.

11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. – Tradeshow & Lunch: A walking, talking, eating and connecting experience – it’ll be grand!
Check out our exhibitors here!

2-2:45 p.m. – Keynote & Fancy Dessert with Chuck Wade, plus all the cool giveaways, including a $10 gift card for EVERY attendee!

Exhibitor Cost:
GSAE Member Exhibitor: $750
GSAE Guest Exhibitor: $850
Loyalty Exhibitors (exhibited in 2013) receive a $100 discount
Booth share fee - $200 (to share with someone from a different company)

Exhibitor cost includes pre- and post-show mailing labels, logo, contact info & links to your website from our online tradeshow map and 2 registrants. Booths are limited to 2 representatives.

Please note: non-exhibiting corporate members/guests may not attend this event, in order to maximize our exhibitors' ROI. This is the only event with this type of registration limitation. Onsite registration is not available to our corporate members or corporate guests due to set-up requirements. Thanks for your understanding.

Thank you to our Keynote Sponsor:	Thank you to our Host:
Humana, Inc.	Georgia World Congress Center

As a CAE Approved Provider educational program related to the CAE exam content outline, this program may be applied for 1 credit toward your CAE application or renewal professional development requirements. An additional 1.5 credits are available if you attend a workshop, for a total of 2.5 credits.

Trade Show Floor Set-up:	Interactive Tradeshow Map:

Thank You to our Food & Beverage Sponsors:

 

• Dues for 2015 remain unchanged and are due January 1. Click here for the full dues schedule.
• Individual Member dues are $195 (exec #1); $150 (exec #2-3); $125 (exec #4+)
  
• Corporate Member dues are $300 (corporate contact #1); $250 (corporate contact #2+)
  
• Shared Interest Group meetings are included in your membership (a nominal fee may be included to cover a meal).
• Luncheons in February, April, July and September are $30 for all GSAE members.
• Stand alone workshops will be priced based on $30 per CAE credit hour offered.
• November 11, 2015 Tradeshow – exhibitor price is $750 ($100 discount to all 2014 exhibitors)
• The Holiday Luncheon & Silent Auction is $40 for all GSAE members.
• The 2015 Annual Meeting in beautiful Charleston, South Carolina is May 27-29. Registration fees for the first Individual member - $295; corporate supplier member - $350; additional attendees from the same organization - $175 each. 
• Annual Meeting room rates at the Francis Marion Hotel - $169 run of house (plus taxes). 
• Full on sponsorship brochure is available online today.

 

Featuring a spotlight on professional development, the Fall/Winter issue of connections magazine highlights the Southern Economic Development Council, and President Gene Stinson, CAE, PCED, CEcD, HLM, and Director of Membership and Events Laura Guerin, CMP, share their strategies for educating members to better their industry.

Editor's Note: Several quotes in the print version of the connections magazine Fall/Winter 2014 feature story, "Developing the Developers," were attributed incorrectly. The corrected version, including photo captions, can be read by clicking on the "Learn More" link below. We sincerely regret the errors.

 

Jim Bracewell is now President at The Bracewell Group, Ltd.
Jim Fowler, CAE has been named President of the Atlanta Apartment Association.
Nick Hancock is now at the Georgia World Congress Center. Welcome home, Nick!

 

Mallary Taylor, formerly a Sales Coordinator for VisitSavannah, will handle the southeast market that will include meetings from state associations, local businesses and corporate groups. She has a great understanding of the market from her experience at Visit Savannah and is already familiar with most of the clients. Welcome, Mallory!

 

We are delighted to announce we are naming the GSAE Emerging Leader Award in honor of one our most beloved and respected leaders. Beginning this December, it will be called the Sharon Hunt Emerging Leader Award.

We can’t think of anyone more deserving. Throughout her career, Sharon has engaged young professionals and recruited new people into our profession. She has also served as a mentor to so many over the years. Please join us in honoring Sharon’s dedication to mentoring, supporting and nurturing countless generations of association professionals in our community by donating $30 in her honor to the GSAE Foundation to support innovative educational opportunities within GSAE.

Sincerely, Susan Cheshire, CAE, Chair, GSAE & Mike Pennington, CAE, Chair, GSAE Foundation

P.S. Watch your email next week for our list of 2014 GSAE Award Winners.

 

Friday, November 14, 2014
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Be the first to experience our Fully Renovated Hotel and Brand New Rocks Restaurant and Lounge! We’ve also made refreshing changes to our guest rooms, lobby, meeting space and exterior. Celebrate with us as we enjoy tastes from our new menus, mocktails and cocktails, live entertainment, hot air balloon rides, and more. Ribbon Cutting: 10:30 a.m. and Open House: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Please RSVP to Brilliant@AtlantaMarriottNW.com to confirm your attendance.

 

Editor-in-Chief Pilar Guzmánappeared on CBS This Morning to announce this year’s winners. "It’s a very exciting time for Charleston," said Mrs.Guzmán."The little city that could...A jewel box — a huge food scene happening in addition to its historic charms. It is one of the most beloved cities." Check out the wonderful video here.

Mark your calendar today to join GSAE for our Annual Meeting May 27-29, 2015 in Charleston.

 

Sylvia Woolcock, Sales Account Executive, is pleased to share the completion of The Westin Atlanta Perimeter North’s renovation. The hotel underwent a transformation of all 372 spacious guestrooms; expanded its 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space to include two additional boardrooms and a Westin Executive Club Lounge; and introduced a new full-service restaurant, Savor bar & kitchen, with Executive Chef Robert Chaffin and Restaurant Chef John Bjorge at the helm. The hotel’s sensory-rich environment provides a respite from the rigors of travel and sets a welcoming tone. Blending organic colors and textures with Westin’s signature décor and design elements, guests are greeted with the refreshing scent of White Tea by Westin, ambient lighting and tranquil acoustics. 

 

The Georgia Association of the American Institute of Architects (AIA Georgia) is pleased to announce the appointment of David L. Southerland as Executive Director. Southerland began his role at AIA Georgia on October 14, 2014.

David Southerland comes to AIA Georgia with a strong nonprofit background in transportation, sustainability and community design. With a passion for AIA Georgia’s mission, as Executive Director he will provide vision and leadership for the association. His roles will include advocacy, business development, promoting the role of architects in our communities and managing the day-to-day business operation of AIA Georgia. Please join us in welcoming David to the GSAE community!

 

Candace Crossfield, CMP, Manager, Meetings & Exposition, Kellen Company, recently earned the Certified Meeting Professional credential. The CMP credential is recognized globally as the badge of excellence in the meeting, convention, exhibition, and event industry. The qualifications for certification are based on professional experience, education, and a rigorous exam.

 

 

Although the 2015 GSAE Quarterly Luncheon & Participation Fair is still a few months away, it's never too early to start thinking of ways to expand your GSAE involvement! If you'd like to join a SIG(s) before then, or if you're interested in chairing a SIG, simply email GSAE.

GSAE's Shared Interest Groups (SIGs) offer one of the best resources for association executives and professionals. These self-directed groups of GSAE members focus on a particular area and delve into various topics within that area. In addition to learning from the "experts" in a particular area of interest, GSAE's SIGs offer members a place to discuss with peers issues of personal relevance.

Emerging Professionals SIG
Formerly the Young Professionals, this SIG is designed for GSAE members who are new to the association profession and are interested in connecting with peers and leaders to grow professionally. Join the discussion and learn about upcoming events by becoming a fan of the Facebook page today.

Government Relations SIG
For association professionals who have an interest in government relations or who work in an advocacy environment.

Small Association Staff SIG
Designed for staff of associations with 10 or fewer employees. Focuses on best practices and sharing resources.

Communications SIG
For communications professionals working in an association or generalists with some communications responsibilities (including electronic communications).

Atlanta-area YourMembership.com Users Group
Formerly the Affiniscape 360 Users Group, this SIG is for association professionals using YourMembership.com and will meet quarterly for peer-to-peer training on the merger and a variety of modules.

 

We are pleased to announce the following slate of officers and Board Members for 2015.

Chair : Jim Fowler, CAE
Chair-elect: David Ellis, CAE
Treasurer: Tara Morrison, CAE
Past Chair: Susan Cheshire, CAE

Directors: Julie Anderson, CAE; Jon Krueger; Gale Macke; Joel Peacock; Bryan Tolar; Todd Daniel, CAE; Natalie Nardone, CAE; Mike Walsh, CAE; Sheryl Ehlers; Mark Sedgley

Our thanks to our board members who have completed their terms this year:
Pat Dunwoody, CAE, LEED AP; Peter Finsen; Russ Webb; Mary Wheatley, IOM; Peggy Seigler, MPA, CDME.

The Nominating Committee endorses the slate for the GSAE Foundation Board of Trustees.
Chair – Mike Giles; Chair-elect – Donna Heavener, CAE; Treasurer – Pat Dunwoody, CAE, LEED AP; Past Chair – Mike Pennington, CAE.

Respectfully submitted:
Aubie Knight, CIC, CRM; Susan Cheshire, CAE; Jim Fowler, CAE; LeeAnne Minnick and Barry White.

 

Donate now to the 2014 GSAE Holiday Silent Auction, to be held Wednesday, December 10 at the Georgia Aquarium. The Auction is a great way to show your support and help raise funds for GSAE. This year's Annual Meeting Silent Auction donations produced revenues totaling more than $9,000 to help continue GSAE’s mission of advancing the profession of association management and enhancing the professionalism of association executives. We're asking all GSAE members and friends for support of the Silent Auction this year. Any donation of any size will be most appreciated and welcomed — we can even package smaller donations together to create a fabulous gift basket or experience! Check out our current donations and start planning your shopping list today!

 

November 2014
Nov. 12, Wednesday - GSAE Board of Directors Meeting
Georgia Association of Water Professionals
9:30 a.m. - 12:01 p.m.

Nov. 13, Thursday - GSAE YourMembership.com Users Group
Georgia Nurses Association
9 - 11 a.m.
Register

Nov. 19, Wednesday
2014 GSAE Tradeshow & Luncheon
Georgia World Congress Center
10 a.m. - 2:45 p.m.
Register

December 2014
Dec. 5, Friday - CAE Exam
SAIS (map)

Dec. 10, Wednesday - 2014 GSAE Holiday Luncheon & Silent Auction
Georgia Aquarium (map)
10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

 

November 18, 2014
Maggiano's, 3368 Peachtree Road
11:15 a.m.-1 p.m.

"Accounting Standards Updates for Nonprofits and What's on the Horizon" - G. Bliss Jones, Jones and Kolb
The cost per person is $25. Please contact Molly Amos at mca@joneskolb.com to RSVP.

 

Save the date for ASAE’s American Association Day, the only legislative fly-in for association professionals. Join us on March 18–19, 2015 when other association executives will visit Washington, DC to advocate for vital association issues.Last year, a record number of participants came from 36 states, and this year the issues facing the association community and our exempt purposes are even greater.

Attend American Associations Day to tell your member of Congress that your association, and all of those in your state, are driving the economy and improving society. Because if they have no idea why associations matter, then how will they stand up for us? To help make this an even more diverse event geographically, ASAE is offering a scholarship to those outside the DC-metro area.

Visit thepowerofa.org/hillvisit/ to learn more. Register today by contacting Mary Kate Cunningham at 202-626-2787 or mcunningham@asaecenter.org

 

Charities across Georgia will again rally the state’s collective philanthropic spirit on Thursday, November 13 for the second annual GA Gives Day 2014. On November 13th, over 1,600 nonprofits throughout Georgia, along with major media, corporate, government and philanthropic leaders will try to engage over 10,000 donors to give to a cause of their choice in one 24 hour period. The objective of the day is to celebrate the work and worth of nonprofits in our everyday lives and to celebrate the spirit of generosity in our state by raising as much awareness and as much money as possible during that timeframe. 100 percent of all donations go directly to your causes.

Donate to the GSAE Foundation or another favorite nonprofit today!