connecting leaders, SPRING advancing associations 15
> with
Millennials
Targeted Programs at ASHRAE Programs Targeted Young Members Respond to to Respond Members Young
Keeping Up Keeping The
Georgia Society of Association Executives of Association Society Georgia The Official Magazine of the of the Magazine The Official connections
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4 737077_Augusta.indd Spring 15 1 20/03/15 1:22 AM connectionsThe Official Magazine of the Georgia Society of Association Executives Volume 13, Issue 2 Spring 2015 > Georgia Society of Association Executives > DEPARTMENTS Connections is Published for: Georgia Society of Association Executives Message from the Chair 6 233 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 751 Atlanta, GA 30303 www.gsae.org GSAE News & Events 7 Chair: Jim Fowler, CAE New Members 9 Chair-Elect: David Ellis, CAE Past Chair: GSAE Events 25 Susan Cheshire, CAE Treasurer: Index of Advertisers 30 Tara Morrison, CAE Board of Directors: Julie Anderson, CAE Advertiser.com 30 Todd Daniel, CAE Sheryl Ehlers Jon Krueger Gale Macke Natalie Nardone, CAE, CMP > FEATURES Joel Peacock Bryan Tolar Michael Walsh, CAE Keeping Up with Mark Sedgely the Millennials 10 President: BY MARY LOU JAY Wendy Kavanagh, CAE [email protected] Manager of Membership & Coaching Investments Communications: Jane Anne Sutphin in the Workforce 14 [email protected] BY CYNTHIA MILLS, FASAE, Published by: CAE, CMC, CPC, CCRC
5950 NW First Place Gainesville, FL 32607 A Conversation with Phone: (800) 369-6220 or (352) 332-1252 Them Young’uns 18 Fax: (352) 331-3525 BY SHELLY ALCORN, CAE www.naylor.com Publisher: Tracy Tompkins The Sandwich Generation: Editor: Juggling Family Elsbeth Russell Project Manager: Responsibilities 20 Brittany Thompson BY ERIK LAWSER Advertising Sales Director: Debbi McClanahan Advertising Sales Representatives: The Internship Experience 22 Amanda Blanchard, Tony Chiccarello, BY SAMANTHA KILGORE & CAMILLE ODOM Mercedes Lucero, Rick McPhee, Beth Palmer, Barb Scott, Jamie Williams Marketing Account Specialist: Destination: Karim Hussain Meet at the Coast 27 Layout & Design: Paramjeet Kaur Cover Photo: Choices: Art to the Science Megan Dempsey of Dempsey Media Photography & Videography or the Science to the Art 29 PUBLISHED MAY 2015/GSA-Q0215/1256 BY JOHN P. HARRISON, CAE
connections 5 message from the chair > Back When I Was Your Age…
ThERE’S A MovEMENT taking shape, in case you weren’t aware, led by a group that today comprises ThE EMERGING PRoFESSIoNAlS roughly one-third of our total population. The AMBASSADoR PRoGRAM Keep an eye out at this year’s Annual Meeting for group values family and community, and is focused our emerging professionals and their ambassadors! on a work-life balance. By and large, they are This program connects emerging professionals hard-working, eager to learn, and willing to take on with a seasoned professional to help the newcomer additional responsibility — if they are appreciated navigate sessions, discover new resources and create and challenged. They are results-oriented and take networking opportunities. Being an Ambassador is a short-term commitment care of business utilizing the latest technologies, and requires very little time, yet can make a big without embracing the traditional 9-to-5 workday. difference in the Annual Meeting experience Environment is important, and experiences for the Emerging Professional. Annual Meeting are what it’s all about — being where the action Ambassadors will benefit by expanding their is, entertained and engaged. Yes, the millennial professional contacts while investing in the future of the organization, and will also receive recognition movement is well underway. throughout the Annual Meeting. For you baby boomers out there, like me, all the If you are interested in helping an Emerging attention being given to this group of under 30s is Professional navigate future meetings, check the box tough to digest. After all, we’ve been the favored on the registration form and we will match you with child for so long, growing up hearing how unique a first-time attendee. If you have already registered for the annual meeting and would like to participate, we were, used to receiving the special treatment, please email Wendy at [email protected]. recipients of a better world our parents worked hard to create after surviving the Great Depression and World War II. For decades we ruled and knew question is, “What are our organizations doing all there was to know. We were on the cutting edge to prepare for this changing demographic, and of technology, easily transitioning from facsimile to to provide these up and coming new members e-mail, and understanding the importance of keeping with the purpose and fulfillment they seek?” our websites fresh. The role suited us well, and we Recognizing the movement, GSAE hosted an thrived playing the part. interactive “Millennial Infusion” luncheon last year, While the party’s not over for us, millennials are showcasing live examples and scenarios of how to grabbing the spotlight. Economists, manufacturers work best in multi-generational associations. We’ve and advertisers are focused on these young adults, a also introduced an Ambassador Program, connecting generation more educated than any other. All kinds emerging young professionals with seasoned of interesting reports are out there to read on the association executives for the purpose of two-way movement, and almost every one carries a common growth and a better understanding of how different theme in that the millennials mean business and are generations can work with one another toward a rapidly advancing in their professional careers. greater result. So what does this mean for the associations Watch for more programming in this area coming we manage, especially when baby boomers soon. Whatever your generation or your role, always likely make up the bulk of your membership? be your best — for the millennials are coming, and Fortunately, a recent poll suggests that young they are making a difference! Americans believe that through involvement in nonprofits, they are contributing to positive societal changes. So as millennials are looking for the right organizations to join, and baby boomers Jim Fowler, CAE are beginning to think of retirement, the real President, Atlanta Apartment Association
6 Spring 15 GSAE news & events Save the Date for GSAE Events in 2015 GSAE’s calendar offers more than 25 hours of CAE-matched programming this year. GSAE has been approved >for Preferred CAE Provider status through the CAE Commission. Our list of events is always available online at www.gsae.org (Learn/Calendar View). Various Shared Interest Group meetings will be added throughout the year.
July JUlY Nov NovEMBER 8 GSAE Summer IGNITE Luncheon 11 GSAE Tradeshow & Luncheon featuring economist Jeff Saut Aug AUGUST 8-11 ASAE 2015 Annual Meeting, Detroit Dec DECEMBER 9 Holiday Luncheon, Awards Sep SEPTEMBER Show, Silent Auction & 16 The Abit Massey Lecture Series featuring President Jere Morehead, University of Georgia Annual Business Meeting
GSAE Leadership Academy ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition ASAE Annual is THE can’t-miss event of the year. Join Applications Available 5,000+ of your colleagues from across the country for Our outline for the Leadership Academy three full days of powerful networking, thought-provoking includes updated content that GSAE education sessions, and innovative business solutions members identify as most critical and August 8-11, 2015. Visit http://www.asaeannualmeeting.org relevant for association professionals today. today. Editorial note: This also provides an excellent 1. The Association Ecosystem and excuse to check in with our own Greg DeSandy, who is Governance Issues DOS at the very fancy Cobo Center now. 2. Strategy, Change and Decision-Making 3. Creating Member Value/Determining ROI 4. Shaping the Association Experience: Brand, Identity, Touch and Technology 5. Human Capital: Engaging Employee and The Power of A GSAE members Steve Echard, CAE, IOM, Volunteer Talent Tom Delany, Trace Haythorn, Gabriel Eckert, CAE, 6. Leading Groups and Teams/ and Wendy Kavanagh, CAE visited Washington, DC Conflict Management for American Associations Day to advocate for vital 7. Everyday Innovation and Idea association issues. Management Sessions featured briefs 8. Challenges and Choices: Charting Your on timely issues like tax Professional Pathways reform and nonprofit The 2015-16 Leadership Academy will governance as well as begin with a kick off retreat on Thursday a primer on getting and Friday, October 22-23. Apply today the most out of your online at www.gsae.org. congressional meetings.
Invitation to IGNITE GSAE GSAE is accepting proposals from our talented members to present a five minute, 15 slide IGNITE session at the July luncheon. We are especially interested in lessons learned, experiences created and other success stories from the association and supplier community. Tell us your story today. Email Wendy at [email protected] with your great idea.
connections 7 Live Webinar – Approved for 1 CAE Hour Tuesday, June 23, 2015 - Turning Millennials Into Members - Sarah Sladek Published by Midwest Society of Association Executives and Georgia Society of Association Executives 2–3 p.m. $45 for Members Starting in 2015, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predict that Generation Y (ages 18 to 31) will replace Baby Boomers as the majority of the workforce. This is the largest human capital shift in history. Plus, Millennials have such dramatically different values and communication styles that it will take all-new membership and marketing strategies to turn them into loyal members. Learn new tactics for growing your membership base, including how to: • Relate to the Generation Y mindset • Leverage the “Trickle Up Effect” • Introduce concepts relevant to Millennials without alienating the rest of your membership • Engage Millennials with a “must-have” membership value proposition • Market your association so it’s visible, valuable and relevant to Millennials Bottom line: Millennials’ new values and behaviors can be threats or opportunities for your association. Knowing Y and the new rules of engagement makes the difference. Learn more and register for live and on-demand webinars at www.gsae.org (Learn/Live Webinars).
GSAE Hosting Opportunities The host property of each luncheon will receive a reserved table during registration, the opportunity to place material at each place setting, podium time, significant exposure and an attendee mailing list following the luncheon. This is a great opportunity to showcase your property! All GSAE luncheons are on Wednesdays. Available 2015 dates are: July 8, September 16 and December 9.
8 741721_Northwest.indd Spring 15 1 07/04/15 6:28 am new members Through March 16, 2015
Jessica Atkinson Sharon Hopkins Jill Russell Account Coordinator Senior Sales Manager Sales Manager Nardone Consulting Group Graduate Athens Charleston Harbor Resort & > Marina Angela Bond Gordon “Skip” Jones Publications & Communications Director of Membership Samuel Saussy Manager Recruitment & Business Services Director of Sales Georgia Association of Water Georgia Dental Association Graduate Athens Professionals Mike King Ellen Shea, CMP Collin Cash Grand Hyatt Atlanta Buckhead Account Manager Business Development Nardone Consulting Group Historic Marietta Trolley Co. Lisa Kraus Gardner Marketing & Communications Ginger Slaick Gai C. Craig Nardone Consulting Group Executive Vice President Executive Vice President Georgia-SMACNA PaymentsFirst, Inc. Susana Lanier Member Services Manager Sara Webb Mary Dart Georgia Association of Water InTandem Promotions Sales Manager Professionals SuperShuttle Atlanta Tiffany West-Bey Stephanie Lotti Business Development Sales Patricia Duncan Director of Member Services Manager Executive Director (Interim) Georgia Dental Association Westin Atlanta Airport American Spinal Injury Association Karen Lowe, CPA Jenna Westbrook Catherine Ford Association Accountant Sales Manager Executive Director Nardone Consulting Group Hyatt Regency Greenville Atlanta Society of Finance & Investment Lyssa Nunn Molly Whobrey Member Services Coordinator Association Manager Carol Galbreath Georgia Association of Water Meeting Expectations Senior Director, Marketing & PR Professionals Georgia Dental Association Patrice Williams Jasmine Okafor Administrative Assistant/Planner Greg Griffith Development Specialist Georgia Dental Association Executive Director The Association for Clinical Georgia State Soccer Association Pastoral Education, Inc. (Georgia Soccer) Tracy Oosterman Anna Groce One More Sponsor Membership & Marketing Manager Meeting Expectations Katie Pereira InTandem Promotions
members on the move Steve Bailey Erik Lawser Sandy Shepard Director of Sales & Marketing Financial Advisor Sales Manager Resort Collection Investment Planning & Wyndham Atlanta Galleria Management Group of Erin Kratky Raymond James Group Sales Account Executive Cabin Bluff
connections 9 The society formed the Young Engineers in ASHRAE (YEA) committee to develop programs geared to engineers under age 35. YEA members benefit from special leadership opportunities plus their own newsletters and social activities. The success of the YEA program is reflected in the numbers; > 9,100 Millennials are now ASHRAE members.
KEEPING UPWITh E h T MYoung MembersIll RespondENNIA to Targeted Programs atl AShSRAE
BY MARY loU JAY
Members of the Millennial generation can be skeptical “We realized that we can’t take the perspective about the benefits of belonging to a professional that young members are going to beat a path to our association. Here’s how one group is bringing more door,” said Jeff Littleton, ASHRAE executive vice young members in. president. “We needed to create a more welcoming environment for our young people, one that was ATlANTA-BASED AShRAE REPRESENTS more than 54,000 unique to their priorities.” building system design and industrial processes The society formed the Young Engineers in ASHRAE professionals around the world. But 10 years the (YEA) committee to develop programs geared to society recognized it wasn’t attracting enough young engineers under age 35. YEA members benefit engineers as members. from special leadership opportunities plus their
10 Spring 15 own newsletters and social activities. The success Dealing with the demands of Millennials can be of the YEA program is reflected in the numbers; challenging, but associations that work with them 9,100 Millennials are now ASHRAE members. will reap the rewards of their energy, enthusiasm Early leadership opportunities and new ideas. Gen Ys are an impatient generation. “Young people expect us to be very respectful of their time, so they want any engagement they have with the society to be very time efficient,” said Littleton. “They don’t like bureaucracy; they want to jump in, have an impact, contribute to the greater good and move on. They don’t want to spend a lot of times on things that are not going to be productive for them or for the industry.” Through the YEA program they can quickly develop the leadership skills necessary to make that immediate impact. YEA Leadership Weekends bring 30 young engineers together for team-building, social activities and discussions about what it takes to be a leader. ASHRAE’s region and chapter organizations pay all the expenses for participants, giving them the chance to meet and network with other young professionals from different areas. Twice a year, a select group of YEA members experience firsthand what it’s like to be an ASHRAE leader. The young people selected for Leadership U shadow the four vice presidents of the association during the winter or annual meetings. They accompany the ASHRAE officers to meetings of the board, executive committee and councils and participate in the same social events. The ASHRAE Foundation covers all their costs. The success of Leadership U encouraged ASHRAE’s 14 regional groups to introduce a similar LeaDRS (Leadership Development through Regional Support) program. Members chosen as LeaDRS shadow their regional directors at one of the two large ASHRAE meetings. Participants in Leadership U and LeaDRS are treated as VIPs and introduced at the big social events. “We embrace them and celebrate the fact that we are working hard at training young people to take leadership positions within the society,” said Littleton. ASHRAE makes a special effort to involve YEA Atlanta-based members in chapter, region and society activities ASHRAE represents and to appoint them to its technical and standing more than committees. ASHRAE calls the experience they gain 54,000 building during this time the ASHRAE MBA. “They’re going system design and to have the opportunity to develop skills in different industrial processes professionals around ways and faster than they would through traditional the world. But employment paths over the same time,” said Littleton. 10 years the society recognized it wasn’t Bridging the generation gap attracting enough At a time when many organizations are struggling young engineers as members. to keep their grassroots programs alive, ASHRAE is enjoys a growing, active membership. One reason is its outreach to students and to YEA members through mentoring programs, which take place primarily at
connections 11 They say the truth will set you free. Well, truths about other vendors which they might As the provider of the only career center prefer you didn’t. solution endorsed by ASAE, Boxwood Download your free copy right now and isn’t afraid to tell the truth, the whole truth get all the facts you’ll need to help your and nothing but in our “50 Facts every association be all it can be. association needs to know about career centers” eBook. info.boxwoodtech.com/SAE50 In it, you’ll discover exactly what Boxwood can bring to the table to help your association grow and prosper. You may also learn some At a time when many organizations are struggling to keep their grassroots programs alive, ASHRAE is enjoys a growing, active membership.
group of young engineers. In 2012, when the society was again the co-sponsor, it added a collegiate edition for students. Both programs are now fixtures of DiscoverE.
The benefits of Millennial members Littleton said that one of the greatest challenges of engaging young people is employer support. “We’re reaching out to the major employers of prospective YEA members—any members, for that matter, but it’s especially targeted to YEA,” said Littleton. Unlike older members, who have the seniority that allows them to attend events, Jeff Littleton, ASHRAE executive vice president says the association younger professionals may not be able to get the saw the need “to create a more welcoming environment for our young time off and/or the financial support that enables people, one that was unique to their priorities.” them to go to ASHRAE meetings and conferences. “We’re working hard to try to figure out the chapter level. To ensure good matches, prospective new and different ways to garner employer mentors and mentees fill out surveys and the pairing support,” said Littleton. ASHRAE has started a is evaluated after three months. campaign to explain the benefits of membership Chapters also reach out to student chapters, to companies that employ large numbers of sponsoring pizza parties and bringing in members prospective members. The society’s officers and to talk to them about career opportunities. “That’s staff members make personal visits to targeted where the face-to-face relationship really starts. From companies, explaining the advantages of ASHRAE my perspective, it’s really important to have that membership to company executives and managers grass-roots engagement,” Littleton added. The ASHRAE and showing them how employees’ participation president also makes a point to address the 500 to will ultimately benefit their organization. 700 student members who attend a special breakfast Young professionals who are able to take advantage during the annual and winter meetings each year. of ASHRAE’s YEA program are enthusiastic about Once students graduate, it can be difficult to the program. One measure of success: members are keep track of them. ASHRAE encourages them to reluctant to leave the program when they age out. continue their affiliation with the society through A resolution introduced at a recent ASHAE meeting its Smart Start dues program. Young graduates proposed raising the maximum age for participation to pay only $20 for dues the first year (the same 40. (It failed.) amount as student dues), $73 the second year, and Littleton admits that it can be difficult for those $94 the third year; after that, they’re responsible who have participated in YEA to adjust to ASHRAE’s for the full $199 payment each year. There’s a traditional, slower speed. But the Millennials may similar affiliate membership program for young soon be changing that as well. All of the board professionals who were not student members. members of at least one chapter are YEA members, and ASHRAE’s involvement with students includes its they will increasingly influence both the activities sponsorship of 15 to 20 scholarships that provide and the pace of the entire organization. “That’s really selected students with a total of $90,000 to $110,000 powerful,” Littleton said. each year. The society tracks the recipients to see how Associations need to remember that this new many go on to become members. Scholarship winners generation likes to lead—and to lead early. “They’re often go on to become active ASHRAE members; one not going to wait 10 years to be the chair of a young woman who received a scholarship is now a committee. They want to get there now, have a big member of ASHRAE’s board. impact and be recognized for it, get career benefits In 2003, when ASHRAE first served as professional and move on,” said Littleton. society co-sponsor of DiscoverE (formerly the National Dealing with the demands of Millennials Engineers Week Foundation), it introduced a “New can be challenging, but associations that Faces of Engineering” competition which publicly work with them will reap the rewards of their recognizes the real world accomplishments of a select energy, enthusiasm and new ideas.
connections 13 >CoAChING
IN vESTMENTS IN E h T WoRKFoRCE Sustainability Strategy & Competitive Advantage
BY CYNThIA MIllS, FASAE, CAE, CMC, CPC, CCRC
“I absolutely believe that people, unless coached, never reach their maximum capabilities.” —Bob Nardelli, former CEO, Home Depot
14 Spring 15 NEvER hAvE ThE opportunities been numbers.4 Change management them wrong; perplexes the younger so great to harvest the energy, skills are an essential tool for all generations and certainly does not enthusiasm, and confidence of leaders at this moment in time. Do yield the desired response. young professionals and marry you know them and exercise them? According to Jason Ryan Dorsey, it with the wisdom, experiences, The complexity, rate of change, and the Gen Y Guy® of The Center for and discernment of leaders in our constantly altered expectations of Generational Kinetics, “Gen Y is associations and the professions our employees and customers know the only generation in the current and industries we lead. The no boundaries, while no more hours workforce that has never expected question is what is today’s have been added to a day. Leaders to work for one company their differentiator that will help us will continue to have to deal with entire life. In fact, most audiences perpetuate sustainability and these dynamics in the years ahead. are shocked when I reveal the competitive advantage? Coaching is the sustainability actual length of employment that Today’s business challenges mechanism to help our leaders and Gen Y thinks equals being a loyal demand more from everyone developing professionals navigate employee … Where companies and professionally, whether seasoned and excel as we accomplish our organizations struggle is when they leaders or just starting out. How visions in this fluid environment. solely rely on employment strategies do we leverage our time and talent Let’s start with an easy that worked well in the past but are to fast-track leadership, create example — reducing the chorus not a fit for Gen Y.”6 innovative cultures, enhance value of complaints to a low murmur We have been, and continue in, a and marry wisdom and experience that Gen Y won’t open emails and business climate that neither our with enthusiastic, energetic and only look at subject lines; won’t education nor our parents’ business emerging brilliance? pick up the phone but will answer experiences prepared us as leaders Where could we go if our a text. Swap that for coaching to handle. How do we respond to leadership teams were able to and dispensing guidance on our workforces? We have grown up function at peak level most of the how to discern the appropriate with train, train, train; educate, time, communicating in synchrony? communication methods in educate, educate as the mantra for How would we stack up against our various circumstances, and we developing professionals. These competitors if we were really paying have an opportunity for beautiful certainly remain valid practices, attention to people development? relationships with a generation that and yet, it’s not enough anymore. How far could we stretch if we wants to learn, learn, learn. This has become the baseline; not had an accountability partner Younger workers are painted the gold standard. who was FOR US and our success? with the brush that they want First and foremost, with four How could the harmony in our to be thanked for showing up to generations in play and another organization be advanced if all of work and need a trophy for coming coming, we are less alike than ever the generations were sharing their back from lunch as opposed to before in our workforce’s history. knowledge with each other? How being open to and desiring regular This creates communication issues, might our hiring decisions change feedback. Missed is that, “They differing expectations, wasted time if in the interview we learned that want work that is meaningful from not trying to understand, and a potential employee was not open and consistent with their socially frustration in the workplace that to development through coaching? and environmentally responsible no one needs. Secondly, despite The What would happen if the leader values,” according to Karen Foster American Dream’s statistics report of your association or company in What’s Good About Generation on www.stageoflife.com that 10,000 bought into creating a coaching Y?5 Associations are the perfectly people per day are reaching 65, environment in the workplace? positioned employers to fulfill “40 percent of baby boomers plan Our working environment this yearning and capitalize on to work until they drop according now includes the following: attracting smart, capable, and to a recent AARP survey.” This Millennials are now the majority excited young professionals to our lack of migration to the next era in the workplace.1 Every month, a organizations and then preparing of life is stunting the professional quarter-million Americans turn 65.2 them. When leaders expect a set of development of those who would be Millennials have been unprepared behaviors that we simply have not 3 for leadership roles. Generational instilled in our successors, nor has Don’t miss Cynthia Mills, FASAE, differences will continue to play the environment they have grown CAE, CMC, CPC, CCRC “So You’ve out in the Boardroom, C-Suite, your up in rewarded, we must be mindful Been At This for a While…” at small business, and in membership- of that; meeting them where they the GSAE Annual Meeting on based organizations. Women are are now and helping them to Thursday, May 28 and Friday, earning more degrees than men and develop and evolve. Choosing to May 29 in Charleston! attending graduate school in higher interact with each other by making
connections 15 “I never cease to be amazed at the power of the coaching process skill and competency required to to draw out the skills or talent that was previously hidden within perform a job adequately. It may an individual, and which invariably finds a way to solve a problem include written materials, exams, previously thought unsolvable.” and on-site skills assessments. Continuing education may —John Russell, Managing Director, Harley-Davidson Europe, Ltd. include support for certifications and advanced degrees. moving into other phases of their However, we’ve all heard the Where there is significant career development in companies mantra of “when I stop learning, I’m confusion is the use of the terms and organizations. In addition, moving on to the organization that mentoring and coaching. Mentoring it requires those who remain in continues to teach me something;” is a form of experiential learning, the workplace longer to continue a word to the wise for associations regularly engaged in, between adapting, learning new skills and and company owners. someone in your company who remaining flexible to a rapidly It is also absolutely true that creates a formalized professional changing environment. when we fail to have a strategy relationship with someone On the one hand, we have around our workforce development who usually has aspirations to 20-somethings trapped in their and understand what the various more senior job responsibilities inability to move into opportunities tools are at our disposal, we now than their current employment. that will provide them with key risk our very sustainability. One Mentoring is characterized by the development experiences with thing has never changed and “off-loading” of information and fewer job openings. They are not that is that we get our work done experiences from one person to learning the skill sets, making through people. The perspective another. It may involve exposure to their mistakes, and developing to take is how well we finesse our company meetings to which they experiential wisdom that allows understanding of professional might not ordinarily participate. them to step into the roles we development, networking, It may include introductions to all need them to in their 30s. mentoring, training, continuing key players in the industry and We must help them be ready for education, and now coaching, as a inclusion in outings or business senior leadership with the ability competitive advantage. lunches. There may be portions to assess risks and make sound What IS your strategy of higher level projects or judgment calls. How do we prepare for deploying each of these assignments that are entrusted our associations, our members and opportunities to develop your very to the mentee to develop their their companies, for sustainability diverse workforce, enhance loyalty, understanding with assessment and look beyond just taking care reduce your turnover costs, create discussions along the way. of the day-to-day operations? This a workplace environment that your When designing a mentoring is a succession planning question team wants to be a part of every program, remember this is not that is critical to the future life of day, and focus your remaining seniority driven and grab the our associations, and one, which we time on growing your association opportunity to implement “reverse ignore to our peril as leaders. or business? Each of these ways mentoring.” What a tremendous Those of us who are in of maximizing your workforce’s chance for your young leaders to leadership roles often use the performance has a return on be fully engaged, a key buzzword terms professional development, investment for your businesses, and in HR these days, and to help your networking, mentoring, training, should not be viewed as a cost. The long-termers learn relevant new and continuing education as if they cost occurs when failing to invest. skills by interacting with younger are inter-changeable and return the Let’s look at a few components team members! These types of same result. We need to fine-tune of a building a strategy and their relationships can have considerable our understandings of what each of differentiators. Professional value in the development of these can mean for our employees development is the over-arching an employee; particularly one and become adept at knowing when term, which encompasses all who has made commitments to deploy what strategy to develop of the other strategies that you to the association or company our workforce. We must view our might deploy. Networking is an with regards to their long-term investment of time and dollars in experiential learning opportunity intentions; not to mention fostering our employees’ careers as part of that can certainly be a part of understanding between generations. our sustainability strategy and not your BD strategy but is also a In addition, the creation of a culture a perk. It is absolutely true that our way for your employees to have that values all voices at the table team members benefit from these a form of “on-the-job” training. based on the contributions they can experiences, and they very well Training is providing access to make creates a cutting-edge brand may expect it from the employer. specific techniques that enhance reputation for you.
16 Spring 15 Coaching is an alternative to change management, reinforce with eight affiliated companies mentoring but is not a mentoring culture, and to assist their key partnering with clients to subset. It usually involves hiring players in adapting to new transform people and organizations a third party from outside the behaviors in order to be successful. to exceed their expectations. organization as an executive or Creating a coaching environment As a management consultant, professional coach to an individual requires an “all-in” approach. It executive coach, leadership or a team of individuals. It is necessitates support from the top and board development guide, important when seeking a coach for the financial and time resources speaker/facilitator, author, and to identify someone who has required and a belief that people award-winning CEO; she works received appropriate instruction are how the bottom line will be nationally and internationally and certifications. The most improved. with companies, associations, important aspect of coaching is Those participating have validated small businesses, non-profits, NGOs, that it is confidential. If there is not the addition of coaching to their and churches. Cynthia is a former an expectation of confidentiality, human resources strategies. In the President of GSAE. Contact Cynthia: this must be disclosed by the seminal study by The Manchester CynthiaMills@TheLeadersHaven. employer to the coachee(s) at Review, “Maximizing the Impact of com; www.TheLeadersHaven.com; the onset of the relationship. Executive Coaching,” ROI averaged @TheLeadersHaven; www.linkedin/ The primary characteristic of 5.7 times the initial investment. in/leadershavenceo. coaching is the use of questioning Eight-six percent of participants as the methodology by which and 74 percent of stakeholders Notes: the coachee explores topics indicated that they were “very 1 Millennials Will Become the Majority of professional development, satisfied” or “extremely satisfied” in the Workforce in 2015. Is Your Company Ready? Fast Company, Sydney behavioral responses, and personal/ with the coaching process.7 Brownstone, Nov. 4, 2014: http://www. professional growth that allows Booz Allen calculated their return fastcoexist.com/3037823/millennials- 8 them to become more effective in on investment at 689 percent. will-become-the-majority-in-the- their work environments. Certainly, We are moving faster than workforce-in-2015-is-your-company-read there are assessment tools that can ever before with technology that 2 What Baby Boomers’ Retirement Means be used throughout the process, allows us, and demands of us, to for the Economy, Five-Thirty-Eight, May 7, goals and homework for the coachee communicate and respond to our 2014, http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/ what-baby-boomers-retirement-means- to work through, and ongoing peers, members, and customers for-the-u-s-economy/ discussions of progress. However, expectations at a speed that we 3 The Mantle of Leadership is Passing to to reemphasize, coaching is not would not have dreamt of even Millennials - Get Ready, Forbes, November mentoring. Coaching involves 10 years ago — Blackberries to 12, 2014, http://www.forbes.com/sites/ 80 percent listening and 20 percent iPhones to iPads to Apple Watches to georgebradt/2014/11/12/the-mantle-of- determining the appropriate drones to gamification. Everyone is leadership-is-passing-to-millennials-get- questions and paths to guide the looking for the competitive edge, and ready/ 4 Report Says More Women Graduating coachee in their self-exploration. once everyone adapts to the latest College Still Face Unequal Pay, USA Today, The ultimate goal is to maximize technological change or innovation, Ben Sheffler, November 7, 2014, http:// the performance of the individual there IS no longer an edge. college.usatoday.com/2014/11/07/report- and/or the team to fulfill the Our edge always comes from says-more-women-graduating-college- mission and/or bottom line. One people who improve strategy, still-facing-unequal-pay/ of the key aspects of coaching is problem solve, increase productivity 5 What’s Good About Gen Y, Karen Foster, having someone hold the coachee and maximize services, and January 24, 2013, http://greatergood. berkeley.edu/article/item/whats_good_ accountable. When goals and therefore member and customer about_generation_y commitments are outlined between retention. Whether hiring certified 6 Top 10 Millennials and Gen Y Questions sessions and are not kept, that alone coaches as leadership partners or Answered, http://jasondorsey.com/ is a behavior that must be examined creating a coaching culture in your millennials/the-top-gen-y-questions- and addressed. However, coaching company, a coaching investment answered/ relationships do not involve in our people is the sustainability 7 Maximizing the Impact of Executive reporting back to the supervisor, strategy and competitive advantage Coaching, The Manchester Review, 2001, Vol 6, Number 1, p., http://www. company owner, or peers in these of the 21st century. Our people are boldanhayes.com/ecroi.pdf circumstances; nor is session the difference. 8 Booz Allen’s Learning and Development content part of the performance Opportunities, p. 49. http://nelsoncohen. evaluation process. Cynthia Mills, FASAE, CAE, CMC, com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Booz- Coaching can also be a skill set CPC, CCRC is Founder, President Allen-Learning-and-Development.pdf that is taught to the leaders of & CEO of The Leaders’ Haven, 9 Alvin Toffler, http://www.alvintoffler. a company in order to facilitate an international consultancy net/?fa=galleryquotes
connections 17 A CoNvERSATIoN
> with ThEM YoUNG’UNS BY ShEllY AlCoRN, CAE
IT ISN’T ANY secret associations tended to center our critique on the importance of this new social are having to adapt to a radically things we weren’t sure we could dynamic but where we toy with the changing world. However, our fix. In some ways, the generation concept, this incoming generation relentless focus on attempting to coming up behind us is more is living with it. With all of the dissect the psychology of incoming frustrated than we were. It’s one moving I did when I was younger, generations as a way to market thing to be irritated by systemic I had the ability to regularly association services to them might problems you aren’t sure you can reinvent myself. It used to be that be missing the point. We have fix; it’s another level of frustration you had the ability to “disappear,” to continue to push ourselves to entirely to see the problems being and re-emerge. Your past mistakes understand the larger societal perpetuated and potential solutions receded into memory and unless context younger people are being ignored. someone had a Polaroid, nobody navigating their way through. This had any documentation of it. Now, also means listening to their often “The hamster wheel of ‘experience’.” with every move documented your pointed critique of their current Although this is a common mistakes are public, and recorded. environment and seeing how we frustration for any young person Trying to reinvent yourself in can impact those issues with novel entering the job market, the a world where nobody lets you and innovative solutions. If the intensity of competition in a forget who “you are,” is incredibly industry or profession is the body still sluggish economy is making difficult. It’s bad enough in terms we serve, solving problems for this problem worse. Employers of personal development, but what those individuals who have those frequently choose to hire more about public professional records jobs or careers is the heartbeat. experienced candidates who have that are just as indelible? How do Recently, I took the time to proven track records. Globally we help people adjust to this new have a conversation with a couple youth unemployment is running reality and give them tools to help of 19-somethings and I found at 13.1 percent and in 2015 the them grow and mature without their insights interesting. Quite United States is at 11.9%. Some of pigeonholing them forever for frankly, some of the issues they are those numbers can be explained mistakes they might make? struggling with sound familiar to by those young people who have many we faced as Generation Xers the opportunity to put off entering “It’s all about who you know.” entering our early 20s. Although the workforce to attend college, but Again, this is not necessarily a generational “observations” tend to we shouldn’t assume things are new dynamic but this cut-throat be extremely biased, when thinking rosy for the rest. Although unpaid employment market is making back to conversations I had with internships continue to be touted those professional contacts more my peers when I was younger, we as a solution, those don’t help important than ever. Hiring is younger folks who need enough more and more a function of money to live independently from “word of mouth,” than it used to their parents. Associations have be. I realize a lot of association to figure out ways to break this professionals tend to believe cycle and help younger folks gain “networking” is passé, but to my affordable, marketable, verified mind, it’s more important than hard and soft skills and give these ever. We tend to assume younger younger generations a leg up in the people automatically know how to “experience” race. network professionally due to their skill at personally networking “It’s almost impossible to reinvent but this is a false assumption. ourselves.” Breaking out of a personal network I think those of us who are in order to meet the people who older have already recognized can help you advance your career
18 Spring 15 is a message we need to be sending “People don’t know how much we is actually as exhausting for them more often. already know.” as it is for us. In a world that is The flip-side of thinking they perpetually “arriving,” we are “The conveyer belt high school know more than they do is the losing the ability to take a breather experience is a waste of time.” tendency to think incoming at “arrived” before moving to the Over and over again I hear generations are “self-centered” next challenge. younger people complaining that and clueless about big picture The fact is, every incoming high school seems less and less issues. Because of their access generation has had challenges relevant. Hearing, “My history to an “always on” media, they being accepted by those who hold textbook still has Bill Clinton as are more tuned into “the world” positions of power. This generation the president” makes me foam as a collective organism than suffers from some of the same at the mouth. Giving younger we were. I remember in the 80s labels every generation is labeled people outdated information, with and 90s many of us being very with that often have more to do outdated tools is a guaranteed turn- concerned about corporate control. with “youth” than the year you off. How do you expect younger This incoming generation is also were born. That being said, there people to trust the information you concerned, but with recent rulings are themes in every generational are providing, or assume it will be such as Citizens United, they story that require us to reinvent useful AT ALL when it’s already are losing faith that anything ourselves in order to solve new stale? Your association MUST focus can be done about it. Issues as sets of problems. The good news on “what’s coming next” and ensure varied as income inequality, lack is we have more tools than ever your content and your instructional of social mobility, issues around to do exactly that. With a little methods are up to date. You must their difficulty reaching financial intention and conscious effort diversify the languages you offer independence, and climate change joined with a LOT of listening and educational materials in to ensure loom large. Incoming generations expanding collaborative capacity, you are seen as a resource, not a seem hyper-aware of the issues I have more faith than ever that blockade, to those who do not speak around diminishing resources of we can rise to the challenge and English as their first language. all types. It seems they have faith ensure associations become an these issues can be solved, but even more important part of the “People think we already know unsure if the will exists to do so. evolving societal story than we more than we do.” If your association doesn’t begin already are. Although the message “be to think differently about basic confident” seems to have sunk in, workplace fairness issues such as Shelly Alcorn, CAE is a Principal we mistake confidence for actual raising the minimum wage, equal in Alcorn Associates Management knowledge. It’s easy to assume pay for equal work, encouraging Consulting. She is a thought- the high school system is getting members to adopt sustainable leader, facilitator, trainer and young people up to speed and they business practices, or believing award winning public speaker will need less and less assistance you have no responsibility to specializing in non-profit trade transitioning into the workplace. intervene on tangential social and professional associations. She However, the opposite is true. issues because those issues aren’t creates compelling educational Yes, the workplace is changing “in your mission statement” you experiences, designs tactical and in good ways. Less hierarchy, will begin to look as frozen in strategic solutions and speaks more transparent practices, time as other institutions younger on critical issues faced by the etc. However, young people still people trust even less. association community. She is need to learn the ropes in ANY also the author of the “Association job they do. If your association “Yes, we like technology but we are Subculture” blog and the host and can help incoming generations never satisfied with it.” co-producer of an association gain those insights through There was an interesting related internet show, “The well-executed mentoring and element to the discussion around Association Forecast.” Reach her at targeted, customized coaching technology. These younger folks [email protected]. assistance you stand to reap seemed irritated by the fact multiple rewards. I’m not talking that they themselves are always about the standard “reverse looking for “the next technological Don’t miss Shelly Alcorn, CAE and her mentoring” programs that get so thing.” Digital natives or not, keynote, “Buckle Up Kids: Behind the much attention. I’m talking about this persistent level of general Wheel of the Disruptionmobile” at the meeting individuals where they are dissatisfaction with the tools they Annual Meeting on Friday, May 29 in and providing “guerilla workplace have and the general attitude that Charleston! survival skills.” “this isn’t as good as it could be,”
connections 19 > worklife
Juggling Family ENERATION: THE SANDWICH G Responsibilities
a new life as empty nesters and returned home after a divorce or a getting reacquainted with each job loss. other as a couple. However, life • Like many individuals, you has grown even more complicated may be incurring debt at an in recent years. Here are some unprecedented rate, facing pension of the things you can expect to shortfalls, and wondering about face as a member of the sandwich the future of Social Security. generation today: • Your parents may need assistance BY ERIK lAWSER What can you do to prepare as they become older. Higher for the future? living standards mean an Holding down a job and AT A TIME when your career is increased life expectancy, and raising a family in today’s reaching a peak and you are you may need to help your parents world is hard enough without looking ahead to your own prepare adequately for the future. having to worry about keeping retirement, you may find yourself • If your family is small and the three-headed monster of in the position of having to widely dispersed, you may end college, retirement, and concerns help your children with college up as the primary caregiver for about elderly parents at bay. But expenses while at the same time your parents. if you take some time now to looking after the needs of your • If you’ve delayed having determine your goals and work aging parents. Squeezed in the children so that you could on a flexible plan, you’ll save middle, you’ve joined the ranks of focus on your career first, much stress—and expense—in the “sandwich generation.” your children may be starting years to come. Planning ahead college at the same time as your gives you the chance to take the What challenges will you face? parents become dependent on wishes of the entire family into Your parents faced some of you for support. account and to reduce future the same challenges that you • You may be facing the challenges disagreements with your siblings may be facing now: adjusting to of “boomerang children” who have over the care of your parents.
20 Spring 15 Here are some ways you can to consider hiring a professional • Avoid dipping into your retirement prepare now for the issues you may geriatric care manager who can savings to pay for college. Your face in the future: help oversee your parent’s care children can repay loans with • Start saving for the soaring cost of and direct you to the community their future salaries; your pension college as soon as possible. resources your parent needs. will be the only income you have. • Work hard to control your debt. Eventually, though, you may decide • If you have boomerang children Installment debts (car payments, that your parent needs to move in at home, make sure all your credit cards, personal loans, with you. If this happens, keep the expectations have been shared college loans, etc.) should account following points in mind: with them, too. Don’t be afraid for no more than 20 percent of • Share all your expectations in to discuss a target date for their your take-home pay. advance; a parent will want to departure. • Review your financial goals feel part of your household and • Don’t neglect your own family regularly, and make any may be happy to take on some when taking care of a parent. Even changes to your financial responsibilities. though your parent may have more plan that are necessary to • Bear in mind that your parent pressing needs, your first duty is accommodate an unexpected needs a separate room and phone to your children who depend on event, such as a career change for space and privacy. you for everything. or the illness of a parent. • Contact local, civic, and religious Most importantly, take care • Invest in your own future by organizations to find out about of yourself. Get enough rest and putting as much as you can into programs that will involve your relaxation every evening, and a retirement plan, where your parent in the community. stay involved with your friends savings (which may be matched by • Try to work with other family and interests. Finally, keep lines your employer) grow tax deferred members and get them to help out, of communication open with your until you retire. perhaps by providing temporary spouse, parents, children, and • Encourage realistic expectations care for your parent if you must siblings. This may be especially among your children; their desire take a much-needed break. important for the smooth running to attend an expensive college • Be sympathetic and supportive of your multi-generation family, will add to your stress if you can’t of your children—they’re trying resulting in a workable and healthy afford it. to adjust, too. Tell them honestly home environment. • Talk to your parents about the about the pros and cons of having provisions they’ve made for a grandparent in the house. Ask Erik Lawser is a Financial Advisor the future. Do they have long- them to take responsibility for with the Investment Planning term care insurance? Adequate certain chores, but don’t require and Management Group of retirement income? Learn them to be the caregivers. Raymond James in Atlanta. He the whereabouts of all their can be reached at (770) 673-2133 or documents and get a list of the Considering the needs of your children [email protected], professionals and friends they rely Your children may be feeling the or for more information visit on for advice and support. effects of your situation more than www.ipmgatlanta.com. you think, especially if they are Caring for your parents teenagers. At a time when they are This information was developed Much depends on whether a most in need of your patience and by Broadridge, an independent parent is living with you or out attention, you may be preoccupied third party. It is general in nature, of town. If your parent lives with your parents and how to look is not a complete statement of a distance away, you have the after them. all information necessary for responsibility of monitoring his Here are some things to keep in making an investment decision, or her welfare from afar. Daily mind as you try to balance your and is not a recommendation or phone calls can be time consuming, family’s needs: a solicitation to buy or sell any and having to rely on your • Explain fully what changes may security. Investments and strategies parent’s support network may be come about as you begin caring for mentioned may not be suitable for frustrating. Travel to your parent’s your parent. Usually, children only all investors. Past performance may home may be expensive, and you need their questions and concerns not be indicative of future results. may worry about being away from to be addressed before making the Raymond James & Associates, Inc. family. To reduce your stress, try adjustment. member New York Stock Exchange/ to involve your siblings (if you • Discuss college plans with your SIPC does not provide advice on have any) in looking after Mom or children. They may have to settle tax, legal or mortgage issues. These Dad, too. If your parent’s needs are for less than they wanted, or at matters should be discussed with an great enough, you may also want least take a job to help meet costs. appropriate professional.
connections 21 >
ThE INTERNShIP ExPERIENCE This installation of our Internship Experience series focuses on one intern’s time at Association Services Group. From the organization BY SAMANThA KIlGoRE, DIRECToR oF MARKETING AND CoMMUNICATIoNS, ASSoCIATIoN SERvICES GRoUP
JUST AFTER NEW Year’s Day in 2015, January of 2012, so it was easy to focus on more than one thing at I, along with the rest of the team to recall what helped me most a time. This is a huge plus from a at Association Services Group, as a newbie to the industry. The management perspective in this LLC, welcomed our new intern, challenge would be in translation. industry, and can definitely be a Camille Odom. Although we had Take our association’s needs good draw for future employees. tremendous candidates, Camille and goals and cater those to seemed to fit perfectly into our give Camille the professional 2. Take advantage of the office culture. She had a go-getter experience that could help her in-between time. attitude and positivity that reach her career ambitions. Some of the best conversations makes for excellent association Here are some things that stuck Camille and I would have often management — and honestly, out during this experience: took place on the car ride to something we would need to get meetings. This was a good time for through one of the companies’ 1. Multi-tasking is a good selling her to ask any general questions busiest seasons. point for this generation. about the task at hand, association A recent graduate from the In one of our first conversations management in general, and often University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!), about this internship opportunity, why we might be doing something Camille started off at a full on I remember telling Camille she in particular with a client sprint on January 5. From January definitely would not be getting association. It also encouraged me until Mid- March alone, she bored at ASG. In her time here so to think critically about how and attended and assisted with four far, Camille has dealt with host why we do certain things with our annual meetings, two day-long hotel BEO’s, manned membership clients, and even what could be strategic board meetings, and booths, created marketing e-blasts, done differently. one statewide informational tour and helped hone the budget for an across seven different South upcoming board meeting. Luckily 3. Give ownership. Georgia locations. for Generation Y — of which I am a One of the most valuable things I should take a moment here to part — juggling comes easy. Due to I learned from my work with ASG mention that though Camille was the sheer number of mobile devices, in 2012, and something we’ve our third intern here at ASG, she social media networks, television, made a point to give Camille these was the first I would supervise. I radio and internet marketing past months, is ownership. A was actually the very first intern and plain old distractions, our project to see through from start for ASG, in a not-so-far-away generation has been conditioned to finish can draw out tons of new
22 Spring 15 experiences for the student that transitioning a temporary intern more still for the GSAE for their include coordination, planning, into a full time team member. commitment to supporting the budgeting and (most importantly) We are thankful here at ASG association management industry trouble shooting. Real life work to have had Camille with us for with grant opportunities like this! experiences can be the key to the last three months — and even Thanks again, GSAE! From the Intern technical aspects is keeping up One of the most important BY CAMIllE oDoM with your time. Even though this things I’ve learned in my time I AM CURRENTlY participating in can be difficult when you are not here at ASG is the importance of an internship with an Association in the office, I learned that this is not just communication with your Management Company (AMC) one way association management membership — but the right kind called Association Services Group companies save their clients of communication. For several of (ASG) in LaGrange, Georgia. The money. For an AMC to increase our client boards, while they have internship is five months long efficiency and decrease client and check email, they appreciate and geared towards marketing expenses, record keeping is key. phone calls, and respond better to and communications. Following The first week of my internship postal mail. They understand the graduation from the University was spent in Savannah, Georgia at importance of social media, but of Georgia in December, I moved the largest conference the office defer to our ‘expertise’ in email to LaGrange and started the coordinates. More than 3,000 marketing, and reaching out to internship the first week of people attend and it involves a younger generations using non- January. As I sat down to write large number of staff members to traditional techniques. In the same this article midway through the coordinate and run the show. Prior way, we as a staff respect their internship period, I was able to to the conference, as I heard people wisdom and knowledge in making reflect on my experiences with ASG talk about how big of a deal it is, personal connections through thus far. I realized how blessed I kept wondering, “Why did they those traditional avenues, like the I am to have this opportunity. In want me to start this week? Aren’t phone and postal mail. While our just three months, I have grown I just going to be in the way?” generations are much different, both professionally and personally It turned out to be just the they are still relevant to effective from this experience and I thank opposite situation. The onsite association management today. GSAE for helping to make it staff welcomed me to the ASG As I continue to reflect on this possible. family and made me feel needed. experience, I have learned a great Much of what I have learned, has I helped at registration, manned deal from my supervisor, Samantha been about how an AMC operates. the membership booth, went to a Kilgore. She is the Director of Prior to working with ASG, I had no board of directors meeting, and Communications for ASG as well as clue what an AMC was. When I first helped with the silent auction. I several clients. Samantha is great talked to Samantha, my supervisor, learned an incredible amount as at her job and she knows what it about the position I had trouble the week went along because I takes to best communicate with understanding how I could work was right in the middle of it all. the members of the organizations. for three different associations If I had spent my first week in I have enjoyed working with her all at once. Later, she explained it the office, I would have missed and watching how she juggles all of in a way that made more sense to out on all those valuable learning her responsibilities. She has been me. Samantha said, “The company experiences. After the conference, extremely helpful at explaining functions sort of like a law firm when it came time to discuss what things and patient with me as I ask where we might have different changes need to be made next year, questions and learn by doing. I am clients. If you spend five hours on I could better understand and thankful to have this opportunity a project for a client, we would bill even provide some input because to learn and grow professionally by them for five hours of your time.” I was able to see it in action. working alongside Samantha and One thing I learned very Following that first week, I began the rest of the ASG staff. quickly is that working for an working on several special projects. AMC requires attention to detail. I planned an educational workshop learn More Everything you do for a client must from top to bottom. Being so For more information about be kept separate including the time hands-on for this event helped me the GSAE Internship Grant spent working and the supplies learn a lot and I was able to apply Program please visit gsae.org. that are used. One of the most what I learned to later projects.
connections 23 734833_Valdosta.indd 1 2/13/15 5:07 AM
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24724386_Macon.indd Spring 115 05/12/14 1:41 PM GSAE events 2015 GSAE February luncheon & Participation Fair On February 18, GSAE hosted our Quarterly Luncheon & Participation Fair at Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta >Downtown. The keynote featured Jeff De Cagna, FRSA, FASAE, the chief strategist and founder of Principled Innovation LLC and the association community’s leading voice for innovation and his presentation, “The BlackBerry Breakdown: What Went Wrong, What’s Next and What Association Leaders Can Learn.” Check out all the action from the event below, and visit GSAE.org for a schedule of upcoming luncheons and events.
Thank You A huge thank you goes out to our fabulous luncheon sponsor and host.
sponsor
host
April Quarterly luncheon On April 15, GSAE presented a luncheon at Sonesta Gwinnett Place Atlanta Hotel featuring a keynote and deep dive workshop led by Michigan native Aaron Wolowiec. A talented and passionate learning strategist and meetings coach, Wolowiec shared ways that associations can ensure their education programs foster true learning in the minds and in the workplaces of attendees.
Thank You A huge thank you goes out to our fabulous luncheon sponsors and host. sponsors
host
connections 25 REDISCOVER JEKYLL ISLAND
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740459_The.indd26 1Spring 15 5/5/15 11:59646626_Hilton.indd PM 1 7/2/13 2:39 PM S P
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receives 14 million visitors annually. NS destination spotlight o RE d C > ONTENT Meet at the Coast
ThERE IS No shortage of beachfront Westin Jekyll Island is Starwood property on the east coast from Hotels and Resorts’ newest hotel which to host your next event. in the Southeast, located along From Georgia up through the the beautiful Georgia coastline, Carolinas, meeting venues offering direct beach access and highlight sandy beaches, green golf breathtaking ocean views. The courses and blue skies that will brand-new property features attract attendees. 187 guestrooms, 13 suites and The new Jeykll Island Convention function space for meetings or Center is the only oceanfront uplifting social events. Guests will convention facility on the east enjoy a resort style pool and an coast south of New Jersey, a array of dining options. fact not lost on the building’s Up the beach in South design team. Throughout the Carolina, the Myrtle Beach 128,000-square foot building, area encompasses 60 miles The Westin Jekyll Island is Starwood Hotels and hints of the coastal environment of coastline, which receives Resorts’ newest hotel in the Southeast, located are found. 14 million visitors annually. along the beautiful Georgia coastline, offering direct beach access and breathtaking ocean views. Architectural design firm HHCP Boasting spectacular beaches, crafted the center’s Atlantic Hall challenging golf courses and fresh ballroom to be versatile for almost local seafood, area also features any size crowd. At 45,000-square the expanded and renovated feet, the ballroom can be a single, Myrtle Beach Convention grand room with unobstructed Center. The center is home to space, or can be divided into two, a 400 room luxury hotel with three, four, six or eight sections. 100,000 square foot Exhibit Hall When utilized as a single room, the and 18,000 square foot Grand venue holds up to 6,900 individuals Ballroom, seating 1,500 people. in a standing reception; a seated The Myrtle Beach area also boasts banquet can accommodate up to more than 89,000 guest rooms 2,800 attendees. The flexible nature in virtually every price range. Hilton Head Island is in the midst of an exciting of the venue and its ample open Nearby, Hilton Head Island renaissance, where almost $300 million dollars in space make the facility perfect for a is in the midst of an exciting renovations is being invested in the island. variety of events. renaissance, where almost In addition to the large, flexible $300 million dollars in renovations and over 9500 square feet of Atlantic Hall, the new convention is being invested into the island, dedicated oceanfront event space. center offers an additional 11 including countless resort When the meetings are breakout meeting rooms, including upgrades and enhancements. over, your attendees can the upgraded 3,200-square foot One such property is the Westin enjoy any of Hilton Head’s Ben Porter Oceanside Salon. Hilton Head Island Resort 24 world-class golf courses, Large pre-function areas and and Spa, which is fresh off a miles of pristine beaches, over more than 30,000-square feet $30 million renovation. The 270 restaurants, 350 tennis courts, of patio and lawn function 416-room beachfront resort also and 200 stores and outlets. No areas make the new center as features more than 30,500 square matter which east coast beach malleable as it is efficient. feet of meeting and event space you pick for your meeting, it’s If you’re looking for a place for within 19 rooms (including a clear that your attendees will members to stay and meet, The 13,200-square foot Grand Ballroom) be in for a relaxing treat.
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28745115_HistoricIron.indd Spring 15 1 4/22/15 11:17 AM > choices ART To ThE SCIENCE oR ThE SCIENCE To
BY JohN P. hARRISoN, ThE ART CAE
ThE ClASSIC Who-ShoUlD- With the Internet and smart Conversely, the philosophical RUN-AN-ASSoCIATIoN struggle phones, retaining knowledge isn’t may go unanalyzed to the point between the “industry person” what it used to be. Those of you in of little basis in reality. There and the “professional association yesteryear who could spew trivial can be causes and stances not management person” reflects a facts to the rest of us have now based in science nor any proper larger struggle in our society: the been neutered by the portable historical perspective, but technical degree versus the liberal encyclopedic device. Conversations instead on popular feeling — arts degree. This debate has taken today are punctuated by the pause unsubstantiated but accepted on more significance lately as a of folks checking the mentioned theory. Many a cause célèbre university education in the U.S. facts on their phones—if they grows from the sheer weight of has become so disproportionately bother to check. Today, it’s social media or from endorsements expensive relative to past years. more a matter of being a find- by clueless famous people. Some Also, graduating college students it-all instead of a know-it-all. ideas become overnight and now wonder if they will be able However, one still needs to be widespread moral wallpaper or to pay off their college debt given able to synthesize, interpret and new ways of doing business the jobs they can land right out properly use information toward with no debate or of school. The liberal arts purists some meaning. The technical must analysis: think now risk the label of technically be positioned eventually by the Groupthink on and vocationally unprepared; the philosophical. a huge scale. technical types seem to be in the lead, for the moment. Thus, to be best positioned for the future, I would recommend to anyone now in college that they double major in a liberal art and a science/technical field. Something like French lit and engineering or art and math, or classics and Biology (that’s what I actually lucked into, more by confusion than design). I’ve known several with this background, and it has served them particularly well. It also helps cope with the industry versus association management struggle. Here’s a case in point. First, let’s realize that there’s something going on in the larger backdrop of history. Information is now at everyone’s fingertips.
connections 29 Bring the art to the science or the science to the art. That’s Index of Advertisers/ what we in the association management profession are here for. Advertiser.com And it’s a great gig! CAREER CENTERS Boxwood Technology ...... 12 How about the ridiculous myth in the substrate for the printed www.boxwoodtech.com that the Great Wall of China is word—parchment to paper) and CONFERENCE AND CONVENTION CENTERS the only thing man-made that’s the existing data then for the Atlanta Convention Center at visible from space. This tidbit, production costs of paper vs. AmericasMart ...... Inside Front Cover probably contrived to emphasize a the feasibility and advantages www.atlconventioncenter.com politically correct point and make of “electronic paper” (this was Columbus Convention & the ancient and non-Western stand long before the iPad, which in Trade Center ...... 28 www.conventiontradecenter.com tall, is completely unfounded. fact was to became our predicted Georgia International Do we really believe a long line “e-paper”). We used both the Convention Center ...... 4 of fairly dark-colored bricks arts and the sciences to reach www.gicc.com about five yards wide is going to our conclusion. Macon - Bibb County CVB ...... 24 be more visible than thousands Right now, I’m working on a www.maconga.org/meeting-planner of miles of relatively bright study for the financial services CONFERENCE CENTERS highway about 40 yards wide? Of industry: What effect will the Anderson Conference course not; that was conjecture Internet have on financial Center ...... Inside Back Cover www.andersonconferencecenter.com from the 1800s, whose imagery advice? How will the next Northwest Georgia Trade and was never scrutinized. generation of investors want Convention Center ...... 8 While an association manager to gather and gain knowledge www.daltontradecenter.com in a manufacturing industry of how they should invest? It’s CONVENTION & VISITOR BUREAUS (paper), I had the good fortune to a similar study but completely Albany CVB ...... 28 join with an engineer and write different. We’ll need the www.visitalbanyga.com a seminal work predicting the historical analogues, the current Augusta CVB ...... 4 decline and conversion of that trends, and the technical www.MeetInAugusta.com industry based on historical possibilities posed against our Valdosta Lowndes CVB ...... 24 www.rainwaterconferencecenter.com analysis and current data. The educated thinking and honest Visit Savannah ...... 3 work—not too popular with predictions. I will be the only www.SavannahMeetings.com the manufacturers, of course— non-industry guy in the room HOTELS & RESORTS correctly foresaw that paper as with a dozen industry notables, Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & a substrate for the written word and we’ll make it happen. That’s Conference Center ...... 26 would decline (eventually the what association managers are www.atlantamarietta.hilton.com supposed to do. (Why would they number of engineer members of PRINTING & PUBLISHING the association dropped by close need yet another industry expert Naylor Association to an order of magnitude). in the mix?) Bring the art to the Solutions ...... Outside Back Cover The prediction was based science or the science to the art. www.naylor.com mainly on two things: exploring That’s what we in the association TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANTS history (i.e., what happened the management profession are here Information Technology Advisory Group ...... 30 last time there was a change for. And it’s a great gig! www.itaginfo.com
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