Moving a Convention with Two Weeks' Notice

Home , Behold (statue), The Atlantic (Atlanta), The Battery Atlanta

connecting leaders, WINTER advancing associations 18

unexpected crisis. their response to an response an their to how they manage will themselves and plan for for themselves plan and Associations can ready Preparedness Emergency Emergency

Georgia Society of Association Executives The Official of the Magazine connections 706.529.5951 Comfort and Convenience Meet Here

Convene Collaborate Relax iFully customize your next i14 fl exible, air-walled meeting iNEW 206-room Hotel Indigo tradeshow, meeting or rooms (18,000 total sq. ft.) in downtown Atlanta special event connected to hotel i2 directly connected hotels – iDiscover excellent value iMore than 200,000 additional 1,200 newly renovated with the area’s lowest sq. ft. available for larger, rooms and suites for optimal square-foot price space-intensive programs convenience and comfort

CONTACT US TODAY: 888.263.7456 • [email protected] • AtlConventionCenter.com UNSPOILED ADVENTUROUS WELCOMING Situated along the picturesque salt Great things happen when you venture After a multi-million dollar renovation, marshes of St. Simons Island, you will find outside the meeting room. You will find the resort features the largest ballroom the perfect location for groups that believe something for everyone with 27 holes of on St. Simons Island with 20,000 square meetings on the Georgia coast should be championship golf, foot golf, bike rentals, feet of indoor and outdoor space and 12 the perfect mix of business and pleasure. stand up paddle boards, driving range, eco- meeting rooms. Stop by The Public House Start your day enjoying the sunrise from tours, kayaks, 2 sparking pools, cabanas, for local fare in a relaxed atmosphere, dine your private balcony. Each and every one bird watching, tennis courts, fitness center, al fresco overlooking the pool or sip on a of our 125 rooms features stunning views of volleyball and private beach access. hand crafted cocktail. the salt marsh or golf course.

515 North Windward Drive | St. Simons Island, GA 31522 | seapalms.com

Senior Sales Manager, Morgan Stincer at (912) 660-8634 | [email protected]

Ask about the Fun & Games Promotion to receive a complimentary Courtyard Welcome Reception connections Volume 16, Issue 1 Winter 2018 Georgia Society of > Association Executives DEPARTMENTS connections is published for: > Georgia Society of Association Executives 233 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 751 GSAE News & Events 06 Atlanta, GA 30303 www.gsae.org Chair: Gene Stinson, CAE, PCED, CEcD, HLM New Members 08 Chair-Elect: Bryan Tolar Meetings Tips & Tricks 24 Past Chair: Tara Morrison, CAE, CMP Treasurer: Joel Peacock Index of Advertisers 30 Board of Directors: Alyson Abercrombie, CAE Julia Boyd, CAE Advertiser.com 30 Beth Chitnis, CAE Amy Clark Ashley Goodin, CAE John Harrison, CAE, CMP Angela Holland, CAE Tim Kline, CAE FEATURES Erik Lawser, CAE > Tangela Monroe, CAE Kevin Shea, CEcD President: Living Legends: Wendy Kavanagh, CAE [email protected] Jim Fowler, CAE; Manager of Membership & David Ellis, CAE; and Communications: Jane Anne Sutphin Tara Morrison, CAE, CMP 09 [email protected] Published by: Moving a Convention with Two Weeks’ Notice 12 5950 NW First Place Gainesville, FL 32607 BY MARY LOU JAY Phone: (800) 369-6220 or (352) 332-1252 Fax: (352) 331-3525 What to Do First in an www.naylor.com Editor: Active Security Threat 16 Sarah Sain BY J. TRIPP MITCHELL, CPP Project Manager: Brittany Thompson Advertising Sales Director: GSAE Presents Debbi McClanahan Annual Awards 18 Advertising Sales Representatives: Amanda Blanchard, Tony Chiccarello, Rick McPhee, Beth Palmer, Scott Pauquette, Tiffany Rapp, GSAE 100th Anniversary Gala Jamie Williams, Matthew Yates & Holiday Luncheon 21 Marketing Account Specialist: Larissa Flores Project Support Specialist: Destination: Sandestin, Morgan Bedsole Panama City, Gulf Shores Cover Design: Sharon Lynne, Dan Dahlin & Orange Beach 26 Layout & Design: Topnoyze Graphics Choices: Graduation Cover Photo: Jenn Pierce Has Meaning 28 PUBLISHED FEBRUARY 2018/ BY JOHN P. HARRISON, CAE, CMP GSA-Q0118/9776

connections > 5 GSAE news & events

>Save the GSAE Sponsorship and Date for Hosting Opportunities GSAE Events Luncheons are the primary venue for networking in 2018 in GSAE. About 180 members generally attend each luncheon, which is preceded by a 30-minute networking To help you plan reception. Your exclusive sponsorship includes an exhibit your professional table during registration and the networking reception, development year, 2-3 minutes of podium time, rights to leave a brochure or GSAE’s current flyer on each seat, luncheon registration for five people, calendar of events is available below. We recognition in promotional materials and post-event will offer more than 25 hours of in person attendee mailing labels. Sponsorship opportunities are CAE-matched programming this year, plus 24 available for November and December (one remaining). hours of online learning opportunities. GSAE The host property of each luncheon will receive an is a Preferred CAE Provider through the exhibit table during registration and the networking CAE Commission. Our list of events is reception, the opportunity to place material at each always available online at www.gsae.org place setting, podium time, significant exposure and (Calendar View). Various Shared Interest an attendee mailing list following the luncheon. This is Group meetings will be added throughout the a great opportunity to showcase your property! Available year. We look forward to seeing you! 2018 dates: July 11, September 20, November 14 and • April 18 Quarterly Luncheon at Omni Hotel December 12. at The Battery Atlanta; sponsored by Jekyll The Annual Meeting remains GSAE’s top professional Island Authority development program. This year, we’ll be at the • July 11 Summer Luncheon, sponsored by Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort, May 30-June 1. We Coral Hospitality expect a total conference attendance of more than 200 • *September 20 Quarterly Luncheon, The members and guests. Sponsorship packages include Abit Massey Lecture Series, sponsored full conference registration and all sponsors will be by Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau recognized in print and electronic promotional materials, (*date change due to Yom Kippur) in the annual meeting program, AM app and with • November 14 Tech Showcase & Luncheon signage and a gift during the meeting. Opportunities • December 12 Holiday Luncheon, Awards include general sessions, breakfast, breakout sessions Show, Silent Auction & Annual Business and breaks. Meeting, sponsored by Jekyll Please visit www.gsae.org (Support/Sponsorships) or Island Authority call the GSAE office at (404) 577-7850 for more details.

2018 GSAE Annual Meeting, May 30-June 1 at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort in Miramar Beach, FL • Up to 12 hours of CAE credit (with pre-con workshop) • $399 association executive members; $659 corporate supplier members • $659-$2,909 corporate supplier exhibit and sponsor packages (includes registration) • $299 special pricing for additional staff from the same organization and our retired members • 3rd Annual Beer Pour and (new in 2018) a Wine Pour, both benefitting the GSAE Foundation • Silent Auction & Connections Sponsor Lounge • Ends by noon on Friday • $155-$359 room rates (room taxes & fees excluded)

6 > Winter 2018 GSAE On ASAE’s DELP Demand Learning Applications Open Did you know GSAE’s live webinars are ASAE invites qualified association professionals to recorded and converted to on-demand apply for the 2018-2020 class of the Diversity Executive programs within 24 hours? If you missed Leadership Program (DELP) by Monday, March 19, any of our webinars from the past year, 2018. The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau it’s not too late. Accessible online 24/7, is the exclusive sponsor of DELP since 2001. DELP is an a sampling of the available courses are accelerated leadership program of education, mentoring listed below. Register for a bundle of and volunteer service in the association community. webinars to save up to 40 percent! Candidates who have at least three years of mid-senior • 5 Trends Associations Can’t Ignore level association management experience or at least one • Getting It All Done: Time Management year of experience as an association CEO (as of the date in a Chaotic Workplace of their application) and are members of a racial/ethnic • Is it Time for an Event minority group, lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender, or have Sponsorships Makeover? a disability are encouraged to apply. • New Member On-Boarding Strategies During this two-year program, DELP scholars will and Services experience membership and volunteer service in ASAE Additional fun fact: Up to half of your and have access to industry leaders who could serve as CAE renewal or CAE application hours career coaches or mentors. DELP scholars from Georgia may be completed online with qualifying receive complimentary GSAE membership during their courses. Visit education.gsae.org to view appointment. For more information and to see the list of the full catalog of upcoming live webinars previous DELP scholarship recipients, visit and nearly 100 self-study courses! asaecenter.org/DELP.

Congratulations to GSAE’s Newest Certified Association Executives Earning the CAE credential is the hallmark of a committed association professional. It helps drive professional self-confidence, opens doors, creates connections, and offers widespread value and recognition for candidates. Congratulations to GSAE’s newest CAEs.

Charles G. Haws, CAE Janet Orwig, MBA, CAE Teresa Tatum, CAE Senior Specialist, Membership Associate Executive Officer Executive Director American College of for Member Services Georgia Association of Medical Rheumatology Association of State and Equipment Suppliers (GAMES) Provincial Psychology Boards

connections > 7 new members Through January 8, 2018

Rebecca Barham Cheryl Dermyre Michael Royer Jason Whitt Senior Sales Manager Technical Projects Manager Director of Sales & Marketing Convention Sales Manager The Ridges Resort on Architectural Woodwork Crowne Plaza Atlanta SW Richmond Region Tourism Lake Chatuge Institute - Peachtree City Hotel & Ben Wilder John Barrett Valerie Drake Conference Center Tourism Development Testing Laboratory Associate Director of Group Sales Louise Rubel Manager >Architectural Woodwork Sheraton Bay Point Resort Sr. Director, Global Board & Visit NC Smokies Institute Sharon Hopkins Working Groups Megan Wilkinson Deborah N. Barron Sales Manager IHG Owners Association, Inc. Sales Manager Sales Manager Graduate Athens Pieter Schumacher Atlanta Convention & Savannah Marriott Benjamin Hopper, COSS Southeastern Association Visitors Bureau Riverfront Divisional Operations Sales Manager Jennifer Winkler Matt Beard Manager Charleston Marriott Director, Government Affairs Director of Group Sales TAPPI Ann Shipmon American Council of Westin & Sheraton Paula Korowin, CMP, MA Senior Sales Manager Engineering Companies of Birmingham Hotels Director of Meetings The Westin Atlanta Perimeter Georgia (ACEC Georgia) Jordan Bradford Industrial Asset Management North Member Value & Recruitment Council (IAMC) Ashley B. Swain Specialist Associate Director for Sales & members on the move Renee Lalanne-Wuerdeman Tania K. Lynn Professional Photographers Director of Conference & Marketing of America Columbia County Convention Sr. Sales Manager Group Sales By the Sea Resorts Debbie Brady Visit Panama City Beach & Visitors Bureau Jason Russo Account Executive Rebecca Masic Gilbert Villard, CIS Association Services Group Regional Director of Sales National Sales Manager Account Executive Francis Marion Hotel Carla Carroll Association Services Group Greater Fort Lauderdale Director of Global Sales Convention & Visitors Bureau Rosie Bailey Stevens Ashley Owens Director of Sales & Marketing Salamander Hotels & Resorts Account Sales Manager Ashley Westbrook Director of Association Renaissance Atlanta Robert Coleman, MBA Visit Charlotte/Charlotte Midtown CEO Regional Visitors Authority Management Services Georgia Pharmacy TAPPI Association

R Savannah Historic District

We opened our doors in 2016 after an extensive restoration of the circa 1851 Guckenheimer building, Hotel Indigo Savannah Historic District is situated directly on vibrant Ellis Square, just blocks from Savannah’s must-see venues and attractions.

Our doors opened in March 2016

8 865802_Hotel.indd> Winter 2018 1 4/21/17 1:30 AM > living legend Clearer Metrics for a Clearer Vision

COMING FROM A background that state, matching member needs a difference in what they do; includes significant experience as with timely, leading-edge offerings to get folks feeling good about a vice president with Kellen and while balancing the revenue and themselves and their contributions as vice president of association workflow challenges that come to the greater cause.” This management at Cornerstone with growth. inclusive spirit continues to define Communications Group, Jim Recognizing that not all board GSAE as a place for all association Fowler, CAE, who was the chair members are equally fluent in professionals, not just C-suiters. of GSAE in 2015, brought with interpreting financials, Fowler When he’s asked what he most him a wealth of lessons learned saw an opportunity to simplify enjoyed about his time as chair, from years of observing—as well the financial reporting process Fowler answers, “Serving with a as actively participating in— without diluting or simplifying the great board of directors, working association governance. information the board received. alongside a great staff, and Fowler, who serves currently as “I spearheaded an initiative representing an incredibly smart president of the Atlanta/Georgia to streamline our financial and talented group of association Apartment Association, noted how reporting, which provided clarity leaders in Georgia.” important it is for board members and resulted in easier-to-interpret And like every good volunteer to have clear, easily digestible and financials for our board members,” leader, Fowler recognizes just salient metrics at their fingertips. he says. how vital the relationship Although a board of directors is The new process enabled between elected leader and by definition a deliberative and the board members to better chief staff officer is. “I enjoyed contemplative body, time is still understand the full financial a very transparent and fluid a precious currency not to be health of GSAE, giving them relationship with Wendy W. wasted. The clearer the metrics, greater confidence in decision Kavanagh, CAE,” he says, the more informed the decision. making and enabling the “where we each had a clear Fowler says that he was organization to focus on what understanding and respect for “fortunate to serve in a time where Fowler says were his main our respective roles. As one of our organization wasn’t faced strategic goals as GSAE chair: “To my last roles as past chair, I with any major issues.” Like many spread the word about all the great introduced a more focused, goal- of the chairs before him, Fowler things associations accomplish oriented annual review process, entered his time as GSAE chair and to continually pump up GSAE which was adopted going forward during a period of equilibrium. members, regardless of rank or for ease of use for Wendy and the The organization was in a steady position, in that everyone makes executive committee.”

Fowler’s goal as GSAE chair: “To spread the word about all the great things associations accomplish and to continually pump up GSAE members, regardless of rank or position, in that everyone makes a difference in what they do; to get folks feeling good about themselves and their contributions to the greater cause.”

connections > 9 > living legend Fine-Tuning the Future

AS ANYONE WHO has spent time in Ellis didn’t seek to make a “big call to tell me she has solved a the GSAE community knows, an splash” as chair. Instead, “I focused problem, rather than presenting organization’s might has little to my time on nuance,” he says. “What me with a problem. She’s do with its resources or size and we had was working. My job—our incredibly smart and incredibly absolutely everything to do with job, really, because everyone was resourceful, and we’re so fortunate the people who comprise it: not just involved—was to make things to have her.” the staff and elected leadership but even better.” Ellis, who for the past 12 years every single person who touches Ellis credits GSAE’s success to was the executive vice president of the organization. the hard work of everyone. “The the Greater Atlanta Home Builders During his tenure as GSAE chair thing that we really work hard at, Association and before that served in 2016, David Ellis, CAE, helped particularly in leadership, is we as EVP of the Collier Building GSAE make even better uses of work as a team toward the long-term Industry Association, says that its resources as the organization plan, toward what happens when what he valued the most as GSAE constantly and rapidly evolved to our turn at the wheel, so to speak, chair, and continues to value, is address emerging member needs. has long passed,” he says. “What will the time that he spent with other When asked how he approached this organization look like next year? association executives. his position as elected leader of In 10 years? Twenty years? What “I got to know a wide variety, a the organization, Ellis says, “I might be down the road? What is diverse group of professionals who was elected to make sure that right around the corner. We have to work in my industry,” he says. “The something that was already going all look at that together, and it takes only people I meet all day long in really well—GSAE—continued to many, many sources of input to do my position are home builders, go really well. I saw what I was that with any real success.” who of course I love talking to. tasked to do as keeping the trains Ellis says the obvious and most Those are the people who I serve. on track. important source of this input But when working with GSAE, “We weren’t selling cookies is members, and he especially you get to meet people from all to make budget,” he adds with a credits GSAE President Wendy W. kinds of associations—healthcare, laugh, “so I saw my tenure as a Kavanagh, CAE, as a major strength food service, technology. It really great time to fine tune delivery, to in this area. “Wendy does a fabulous broadens you and gives you a see how we could provide services job working with the members of platform to hone your craft and and programs even better, more GSAE,” he says. “She is dynamic and learn more about what’s out there, efficiently, and with improvements innovative and keeps her finger on and it enables you to better in technology and delivery.” the pulse of everything. She would serve your members.”

When working with GSAE, you get to meet people from all kinds of associations— healthcare, food service, technology. It really broadens you and gives you a platform to hone your craft and learn more about what’s out there, and it enables you to better serve your members.

10 > Winter 2018 > living legend Heart and Soul

“I DIDN’T REALLY have any sector, as well as her extensive same dynamic. While everyone aspirations to be chair,” says the experience managing all types may be focused on a common end, 2017 chair of GSAE, Tara Morrison, of associations through her firm, the paths they find desirable will CAE, CMP, who currently serves equip Morrison with valuable always be filled with differences. as president of Association vision and experience, which The job of the board collectively— Management Executives, Inc. in she is putting to work for GSAE’s and especially the board chair— Norcross, Georgia. “I didn’t have members and for the is to pull from these competing my eye on the chair, but I’ve always organization’s future. viewpoints a singular vision wanted to be involved. It’s an Morrison says that just and strategy. organization that is near and dear as important as a leader’s The key, Morrison says, is to to my heart.” knowledge—and perhaps more so— “think about the golden rule. In “Heart” is a fitting metaphor is the leader’s deliberate practice our industry, we are basically like for Morrison’s motivation, what of listening carefully to others a conveyor belt; you have constant drives her. “When I first delved and always displaying empathy. movement, and different people into association management, I was “Getting to know people that I come through, some of whom don’t the director of corporate wellness hadn’t had a chance to meet before have agendas that are in line with and CPR programs at the American has been enlightening and really your organization, or at least aren’t Heart Association in Georgia. informative,” Morrison says. “I get in line with where the majority of Following that, I was executive to be involved in a lot of committee the organization’s stakeholders director for special societies at the work that I otherwise wouldn’t believe it should go.” Medical Association of Georgia.” have been involved in, and through She encourages all to keep Few sectors are as demanding, that, I get a clearer picture of how empathy and fairness in mind, changing and challenging as the entire organization especially with the challenges that healthcare. Many of your members comes together.” come when volunteer leaders turn have actual life and death on She emphasizes the importance over. “Think about the golden rule the line in their jobs, every day. of understanding that even when when new volunteer leadership It’s imperative for association everyone is working toward comes through. It can be hard to executives serving that sector the same goal—as they are on a deal with different personalities to have foresight, to serve as board—people are still people. and people with different agendas. trusted counselors and advisors to They are relentlessly individual Lean on your staff to make sure people with often-grueling career and relentlessly unique, and no that they can manage things and be challenges. Her experience in that two groups will ever have the the constant.”

“Think about the golden rule when new volunteer leadership comes through. It can be hard to deal with different personalities and people with different agendas. Lean on your staff to make sure that they can manage things and be the constant.”

connections > 11 > PIERCE JENN BY PHOTOS

Moving a Convention with Two Weeks’ Notice BY MARY LOU JAY

12 > Winter 2018 ASSOCIATIONS GENERALLY PLAN shops. While NAEC is best known the Atlantic City Convention & annual conventions years in for its trade show, it also has Visitors Authority, and hotel advance. So imagine finding out at extensive educational offerings. representatives were familiar with the very last minute that you have Education programs and NAEC’s needs. Freeman, NAEC’s just two weeks to move everything membership dues provide some show decorator, had worked on to a new venue more than 1,000 revenues, but the trade show serves some of these Atlantic City shows, miles away. as NAEC’s primary income source, and RCS, which had handled NAEC Staff members at the National so cancelling the convention would registration for several years, could Association of Elevator Contractors have been financially devastating. accommodate the new schedule. In (NAEC) faced that challenge in In addition, many of NAEC’s addition, NAEC had just completed September 2017. Just days before members are small to medium- the space draw for the 2018 Atlantic its convention and exposition sized companies who depend on the City convention, so they used those at Orlando Convention Center, annual show to reach customers. booth assignments for 2017 as a Hurricane Irma began aiming Many elevator companies also use starting point. All of these entities straight for the site. the continuing education options to worked together to move the freight The official convention start was meet their licensing requirements. originally shipped to Orlando to September 11th, but exhibitors Even before NAEC pulled the Atlantic City and to handle the and attendees would start arriving plug on the Orlando meeting, many convention details. on September 9th, according to Witham had informally polled When the staff redid the four- NAEC Executive Director Teresa exhibitors and convention day program schedule, they found Witham. In the days before the registrants to get their feedback that only one of the dozen-plus storm’s expected arrival, NAEC on possible rescheduling. “We speakers wasn’t able to attend staff constantly monitored the were flooded with support; it was the rescheduled show. Exhibitors weather and talked every day with so overwhelmingly positive,” said also came through, with 145 (out convention and hotel staff. But Witham. “They told us ‘This is of a typical 190) participating. they held off cancelling the event, critical to our business—if you can Although a few downsized their hoping the hurricane would change make this happen, we will booths, several upsized them, since course. be there!’” Atlantic City is a big market for the Two things occurred to force elevator industry. a decision. “The Hyatt Regency, The Stars Aligned “The stars were definitely in our primary hotel, told us that all Witham had communicated alignment,” said Witham. food outlets would be closed and constantly throughout this time all guests’ meals would be served with Connie Bergeron, CMP Positive responses buffet style in banquet rooms. of Site Selection Solutions Inc., NAEC staff members (eight While bars might stay open, a NAEC’s long-time partner for full-time and one part-time) curfew might be imposed so people all association meetings. Since worked long hours prior to the would have to stay in their rooms,” Orlando had no availability for rescheduled meeting to ensure said Witham. Then the airport 2017, they contacted Atlantic City, everything went smoothly. It was announced on September 8th that site of the 2018 NAEC convention, a trial by fire for the two new staff it would be closing on the first to see if they had space for 2017. members who had never attended arrival day for NAEC’s Atlantic City was happy to help a NAEC convention. meeting participants. since another organization had just Handling the flood of emails At that point there was little canceled an upcoming meeting. that poured into the office choice; the NAEC Exhibitor This had opened up 2017 space in was challenging. After first Advisory Group and the Board, led the convention center and at four attempting personal responses, by President Craig Zomchek, and hotels. However, the available staff members eventually Witham determined the Orlando dates were September 22-26, which resorted to an autoresponder that convention could not go on. gave association staff just two referred senders to the website weeks to readjust schedules, notify and assured them they would Cancellation Not an Option the 1,900 exhibitors, speakers and be contacted after cancellation NAEC has approximately participants, and transport show and rescheduling decisions had 750 members. They include exhibits from Orlando to Atlantic been made. Once the event was contractors who maintain, install City. rescheduled, the staff sent out and modernize elevators and Several things made this email blasts to alert the entire lifts, elevator manufacturers, process possible. NAEC had industry of the changes. consultants, inspectors and been to Atlantic City many times “Those two weeks passed in a universities with their own elevator before, so the association knew blur,” recalls Witham.

connections > 13 What planners

searchElegant meeting for? suites Alongside an ideal outdoor setting Paired with superb banquet services All in one venue …

rainwaterconferencecenter.com

229.219.4405

868107_Valdosta.indd 1 5/2/17 8:51 PM

When your meeting site is a sight to behold. True, most meetings take place in … well, a room. But in Norfolk, everyone knows what’s just outside those doors – a vibrant, edgy waterfront city waiting to be explored! That energy infuses your event from start to finish, business to pleasure. Discover more at visitnorfolk.com. 1-800-368-3097

14897232_Visit.indd > Winter 1 2018 12/28/17 1:05 AM But NAEC accomplished the Witham said it would be difficult a convention, she says that overall seemingly impossible, and the to plan in advance for an emergency the experience provided growth rescheduled show was a success. like this, especially since they are so opportunity for the staff and “The exhibitors and attendees rare. “I’ve been in a meeting-oriented reinforced an already strong who came to Atlantic City were environment for 40-plus years, and in-house team environment. She a phenomenal group of upbeat, I’ve never encountered anyone who expressed pride in how well the supportive people who were so had to do this type of thing.” staff handled the pressures of the happy to be there. In some ways, Reflecting on the experience, volume of work in a short period it was one of the best conventions Witham said she’d like NAEC of time. we’ve ever had,” said Witham. to develop a formal process for Witham also reiterated that Members and non-members refunding its own exhibitors without the cooperation of the personally thanked her, the staff and and attendees in the event of an Orlando team, Freeman, the Atlantic the Board for their extraordinary emergency. If that policy had been City teams, Connie Bergeron, the efforts to make the established and in place, it would confidence of the membership and convention happen. have allowed the staff to focus the interest of the industry, the There were some downsides. more on the planning needed for 2017 Convention would not have The show didn’t generate as much the change rather than on so much happened. She is also appreciative revenue as budgeted, and NAEC back and forth communication with of the board and volunteers’ quick took a hit because it had to refund the cancelling parties. She advises responsiveness throughout some exhibitor and registration associations to confirm, months in those weeks. fees. Fortunately, many agreed to advance, that they have insurance “It was certainly not a bed apply their payments towards the policies to limit their losses in the of roses, but it was a million 2018 show. “That distributed our event of an emergency. NAEC is now times better than not having a hurt over two years instead of just having claim challenges due to some convention and exposition,” Witham one,” said Witham. “Instead of one delays and lack of communication added. “While, I wouldn’t wish financially horrid year we will now from their insurance-related vendors. the experience on anyone, I can’t have two challenging ones, and we While Witham and her staff hope imagine it could have turned out will be fine after that.” they never again have to reschedule much better.”

connections > 15 > What to Do First in an Active ©ISTOCK.COM/ARUBA200 Security Threat BY J. TRIPP MITCHELL, CPP

16 > Winter 2018 WHAT IS AN active security threat? Many just hope for the best, but GET READY – Situational For the purpose of this article, that is not enough. Preparation awareness meets risk management. a working definition becomes is as easy as increasing For example, if you see something anytime a serious life threatening suspicious (or something just not security incident is about to awareness, planning a response, right), you could be putting yourself happen, is in progress and/or and executing that response. at risk by even going inside or is expanding. These incidents remaining in a location too long. include such threats as workplace places you enter and evaluate a GET UP – Move and be ready to violence, active shooters and quick emergency response once move out of harm’s way as rapidly killers, targeted ideological you are inside could save as possible. violence and even terrorism. In your life. GET OUT – Will you have the a nutshell, you are in the wrong For example, look for suspicious mindset to escape when a threat place at that wrong time! individuals standing around turns active? Did you see the fire During my career, I have had doorways or inside cars lurking exit? Where are the doors? What the blessing of speaking, training around the parking lot. Gauge could you hide behind that could and consulting with major it first, then do not go inside if provide cover (not just hide). Also organizations about security you see something alarming. At think of a “Plan B” if something matters and threat management. your job, restaurants, church or does not go as you expected. As a certified trainer in active anytime out in public, take time You are ultimately responsible shooter response and emergency to identify the key exits in an for your own personal safety. At the management, I have seen emergency. Where do you sit? end of the day, only YOU can make firsthand the true need to be Are you paying attention to who the decisions to save yourself and prepared for this type of event. enters? How will you escape? others. The awareness you have Unfortunately, one of the biggest Where will you take shelter or and the plan you make will be the hurdles to overcome is apathy cover? I recommend this whole difference between life and death. of the individual. People believe heartedly. I conduct my own quick By considering these two proactive “it will never happen here.” This mental risk assessment almost strategies you can formulate mindset turns to chaos and everywhere I go nowadays, not an instant action plan almost carnage when an active security out of paranoia, but out everywhere you go. threat, such as an active shooter, of precaution. emerges. In fact, it is that apathy that inspires me to train 2. Prepare Your Plan even harder. My security management firm There are many approaches to takes time to review and learn enhancing your security protocols from case studies that involve and personal protection when incidents of mass murder, active security threats become active. shooters and terror. Many of Here are my Top 2: these studies have been beneficial to my training seminars as I 1. Situational Assessments try to bridge the gap on how to J. Tripp Mitchell, CPP, is CEO of the This is one of the simplest survive an active threat. One professional security management approaches to personal security common theme I train for is to firm Guardstar, LLC. He is an one can use. Situational prepare and plan for it. Many just experienced investigator and security assessments are all about hope for the best, but that is not practitioner with a demonstrated evaluating your environment enough. Preparation is as easy as track record of providing results and and paying attention to your increasing awareness, planning effective leadership as well as training surroundings. Many who are a response, and executing in professional and academic settings. oblivious to their surroundings that response. The plans for Tripp spoke at the 2016 GSAE Annual become victims. Taking just a few individuals do not have to be Meeting and the GSAE Luncheon on moments to look and assess the difficult, just realistic. February 21.

connections > 17 congratulations shared profession. Please join us in congratulating him.

2017 Alan R. Johnson Award >GSAE Presents Recipient: Abit Massey, CAE Annual Awards

GSAE’S ANNUAL AWARDS were late Clifford M. Clarke, President presented during the Holiday Emeritus of the Luncheon, December 13 at SunTrust Arthritis Foundation. Park. On behalf of the GSAE Awards Jim Moody, CAE has served Committee, comprised of past GSAE as President of the Construction and GSAE Foundation presidents, Suppliers Association for 11 years. chairs, and previous recipients of In that time they’ve expanded the Sharon Hunt Emerging Leader from an initial two states to five, Award, we are happy to share a as of January 2018. Jim and his few reasons why the committee board have focused on turning a The Alan R. Johnson Award, chose this year’s recipients. Videos social organization into one that established in 1994 and named featuring the award winners provides meaningful business in memory of a past chair of the premiered at the ceremony and are help to its members through GSAE Foundation, is given to an available online (www.gsae.org/ benchmarking, safety and HR association executive in Georgia About/2017 GSAE Award Winners). services, and assistance with who has demonstrated qualities The contributions of these members generational transitions in family of teamwork, vision and servant help drive GSAE’s continued businesses. CSA also stabilized its leadership. success. Thank you to this year’s self-insured worker’s compensation Abit has served the association award recipients. fund so it provides a solid return community for many, many years. for members and the association. He’s a past president of both ASAE 2017 Clifford M. Clarke Award Previously, Jim served in executive and GSAE, an ASAE fellow, Clifford Recipient: Jim Moody, CAE roles with the Building Owners and M. Clarke Award winner, a 14 Managers Association of Atlanta time winner of our membership and GSAE. He began his association recruitment award, and most career with the American College recently, a 2017 GSAE Superlative. of Rheumatology. In his local community, Abit Jim is a consensus-builder and and his wife Kayanne work in the a noted NICE devil’s advocate. Gainesville First Baptist Church He volunteers, both within his Nursery during Sunday School hour community and within GSAE. He and are in rotation two Sundays a was the 2012 Chairman of the month as greeters and ushers for GSAE Board of Directors, served the 8:30 service. He is President of as a presenter and panelist for Junior Achievement of Northeast both the Leadership Academy and Georgia, Chair of Advisory Council the CAE Study Group, and has for United Way of Hall County mentored numerous association and Chair of the Georgia Games The Clifford M. Clarke Award rock stars. He was named one of Commission. is GSAE’s highest recognition, GSAE’s 90 Movers & Shakers in Abit’s support of our state’s bestowed upon a Georgia 2007, a GSAE Superlative in 2017, precious resources is boundless. He association executive who and has received several awards is Chair of the Franklin D. Roosevelt has demonstrated exemplary including the Alan R. Johnson Warm Springs Memorial Advisory personal leadership and Award for servant leadership and Committee, Chair of Friends of service. The award honors the Skelton-Massey Award for Healan’s-Head’s Mill, a partnership outstanding accomplishments helping GSAE grow in size and with Hall County to preserve and and service in association effectiveness. restore a grist mill built in the management. Established in Jim exemplifies the highest 1850s on the North Oconee River. 1969, the award is named for the ideals and standards of our In addition, he is Immediate Past

18 > Winter 2018 President of Georgia Women of in her association management 2017 Stephen Styron Award Recipient: Achievement, which every year skills, volunteers at every turn, and Jennie Nesspor, CAE honors exceptional women who are is also just a lot of fun to be around! a continuing inspiration. And isn’t that what all association Amazingly, he is also serving as executives should strive to be?” a member of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of 2017 Chair’s Award Recipient: the University of Georgia Research Lori K. Spear, CAE Foundation and enjoying working every day with the Georgia Poultry Federation and its President Mike Giles.

2017 Sharon Hunt Emerging Leader Award Recipient: Julia Boyd, CAE

The Stephen Styron Award is presented in honor of one of GSAE’s past presidents. This award is given to the volunteer leader the current chair feels has done the most outstanding job. The Chair’s Award is presented As chair of the Table Hosts to the member that the chair feels Committee in 2017, Jennie’s has made a significant contribution enthusiasm and support of GSAE to the Society, advancing the aims, allowed us to engage members in an ideals and standards of GSAE and authentic, personal way. In addition, association management. she appeared in a video promoting While Lori’s accomplishments the Foundation’s internship program. The Sharon Hunt Emerging are many—she is a Certified Jennie helps GSAE succeed in one of Leader Award is presented to an Association Executive, a past our most important areas—creating association executive with ten years president of GSAE, a 2017 GSAE opportunities to build meaningful or less of experience in associations Superlative, and a recipient of relationships in the association who demonstrates leadership the Clifford M. Clarke Award community. We appreciate her through service to GSAE, their own —she is being recognized this contributions this year to connect association and to their community. year for her contributions to the leaders and advance associations. The award was named in 2014 to enormously successful “Pay the honor past president Sharon Hunt, Pig” program. Implementing an 2017 Peggy Seigler Corporate CAE, who mentored a generation of idea created with our partners at Member of the Year Recipient: association leaders during the Charleston Area Convention Jeff Sabourin, PRG her career. & Visitors Bureau in 2015, Lori Julia served as Chair the CAE and her team of volunteers and Study Group in 2017 and previously sponsors, including Map Dynamics, led GSAE’s Emerging Professionals have raised over $8,000 to benefit Shared Interest Group. Julia is a local charities in our host cities. member of ASAE and holds the 2017 Chair Tara Morrison, CAE, Certified Association Executive CMP said, “Lori’s commitment to designation. Julia graduated from supporting our charitable work in GSAE’s Leadership Academy in 2016 local communities is unwavering and serves on the 2018 Board and endlessly creative. She of Directors. added ribbons to the Pay the Pig Said the member who nominated promotion this year on her own her, “I wanted to nominate Julia for dime, and I believe they were gone every GSAE award. This association by the end of the first day. Staff likes to talk about promoting could not pull off such a successful The Peggy Seigler Corporate association rock stars … we’ve got fundraiser without Lori’s Member of the Year is presented one in Julia. She’s extremely bright leadership.” to the corporate supplier member

connections > 19 who has demonstrated outstanding larger than it is.’ He’s a mainstay at legendary recruiters and GSAE and continuous service to the all GSAE events and always has a past presidents, inspires members association community in Georgia. smile and a consult ready for to promote GSAE’s value and Named in 2015, the award honors GSAE members.” benefits loudly and often. the many contributions of Peggy Karl is being honored for his Seigler, MPA, CDME, a beloved and 2017 Skelton-Massey Award promotion of GSAE membership valued member of the community. Recipient: Karl M. Kirsch, CAE and involvement to his professional Jeff and his company, PRG, have staff and to others in our provided audio visual equipment community. When we ask our and support for luncheons, newest members why they joined workshops and the Annual Meeting GSAE, the answer we hear most for many years. Our GSAE staff often is, “My CEO said.” Having a relies on Jeff’s professionalism and supervisor who is supportive of can-do attitude to produce effective active engagement in GSAE cannot and engaging events. His expertise be underestimated. These are the and willingness to help us folks who encourage their staff disseminate information effectively to give GSAE the time, energy and offer engaging professional and talent we need to support development opportunities provide our mission. Karl was awarded the backbone of our successful GSAE’s highest honor, the Clifford in-person events. M. Clarke Award in 2016 and, Wrote one of our members, “As Renamed in 2010, the Skelton- most recently, GSAE members long as I have been a member, I Massey Award recognizes the recognized Karl’s ability to connect have seen, heard, and experienced member who sponsors the most the right people with one another the support that Jeff has given to new members, strengthening by naming him one of GSAE’s 2017 GSAE and our events. His event GSAE in size and effectiveness. We Superlatives in honor of the support allows GSAE to ‘appear hope the award, named after two 100th anniversary.

GSAE career headquarters

careers in association management for job seekers and employers careercenter.gsae.org/jobs

20780354_Editorial.indd > Winter 2018 1 19/11/15 10:59 pm GSAE events >Holiday Luncheon, Awards Show, Officer Installation & Silent Auction

WE CELEBRATED THE accomplishments of our 2017 entire Silent Auction Committee award recipients (read more and everyone who bid at either about them on page 18) at the of our auctions. Check out a list annual Holiday Luncheon on of our donors online and thank December 13. Thanks to our them for supporting GSAE. generous silent auction donors Attendees donated 295 pounds and bidders, we raised more of food to support the Atlanta Mike Giles, Abit Massey, CAE and Bryan Tolar sporting their most festive holiday ties. than $20,700 in 2017 to help Community Food Bank through support the high level, quality our annual food drive. Lori programming we all enjoy at our K. Spear, CAE, Chair’s Award meetings and conferences. A huge recipient, encouraged attendees thank you our committee leaders to donate to Toys for Tots, Spence Downs, Loren Einstein raising $600 over the course of and Karla Yeck, along with the the luncheon. Jennie Nesspor, CAE, Jeremy Minnick and Angela Holland, CAE

Sponsor

Awards Video Sponsor

2017 GSAE Board Chair Tara Morrison, CAE, CMP with the 2017 award recipients: Host Jeff Sabourin, Abit Massey, CAE, Lori K. Spear, CAE, Julia Boyd, CAE, Jennie Nesspor, CAE, Jim Moody, CAE and Karl Kirsch, CAE

Catering

Linda Minnick and James Pace assisting Kevin Shea, CEcD, Sheryl Ehlers and with the annual ACFB food drive. Kelly McLendon, CAE

connections > 21 GSAE events >GSAE’s 100th Anniversary Gala

THE GEORGIA SOCIETY of and recognized at the event, Association Executives with categories ranging from celebrated our 100th fun to mission critical to GSAE. anniversary with a gala at This was an evening people will the Biltmore Ballrooms in be talking about for years to Midtown on November 15, 2017. come! A special thank you to Attendees enjoyed walking the task force for their hard the red carpet and posing for work: Ragan Cohn, CAE; Pat the photographer, a cocktail Dunwoody, CAE, LEED AP; Sam hour, dinner by Bold American Evans; Erin Hall; Dawn James; Catering and an after-party with Felicia Kenan; Karl Kirsch, desserts and the opportunity to CAE; Robin Lane, CAE; Mike sign the “Who’s Who” keepsake Pennington, CAE; Lori K. Spear, program. Superlatives were CAE; Mary Wheatley, CAE; voted on by the membership Jacob Wilder, CAE.

SPONSORS Presenting Sponsor

Millennium Sponsors

Century Sponsors

Red Carpet Experience In-Kind Sponsors AV PARTNER HOST

22 > Winter 2018 There were 19 past presidents and chairs of the GSAE Board of Directors in attendance.

ACR staff Kamilah Greene, David Haag, MSM, CAE, Amy Kane, CAE, Robin Lane, CAE, Julie Anderson, CAE, Mary Wheatley, CAE, IOM, Charlie Haws, Janell Martin and Sharon Ross

Lowell Aplebaum, CAE, Gabriel Eckert, FASAE, CAE and Christopher Oronzi Darcel Ivey and Marva Huie

Jim Fowler, CAE, Megan Entriken, 2017 Board Chair, Tara Morrison, CAE, CMP Karla Yeck and Martin Bay, CMP Abit Massey, CAE and Kayanne Massey and Gala emcee Mike Pennington, CAE

Georgia Municipal Association staff Presenting sponsor Augusta Convention Yalonde Tanner, Erica Powell, CMP and Amy Clark, Suzanne Cross, Sheryl Ehlers and & Visitors Bureau’s Jay Markwalter, TMP Janice Eidson, CMP Mr. Abit fan head (Jared Travis, we think!) and Barry White, IOM, CDME

connections > 23 meetings tips & tricks

vice president of sales for Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism, who also touts laser-sharp What Can CVBs referrals for things like catering and team building. “Whether you are seeking an upscale space for an incentive trip or a board retreat Do For You? or a large conference center, save time and let the sales team source LOOKING TO INCREASE attendance members to play a bit and find proposals on your behalf from only and get members excited about the more reasons to attend. the properties meeting your needs.” next meeting? The professionals “Through our ‘Make It Your at your chosen destination’s Real. FUN. Beach’ campaign, Grow Your Numbers, Shrink convention and visitors bureau are our team can interact with the Your Spend your partners in planning. planner, while showcasing the “Your local CVB sales destination’s authentic, fun, and professional may be able to provide Beyond Dates & Rates high-quality beach attractions and free services to promote attendance Research is showing that many accommodations.” at your meeting,” Gendler explains. business travelers take extra days Meanwhile, a fun quiz (that Her team, for example, provides after conferences to enjoy leisure divides attractions into Family/ complimentary e-postcards with time in their event’s destination, Beach, Ecotourism, Adrenaline unlimited use and personalized and CVB staffers can help you and Romance) invites visitors messaging to promote early market your meeting’s locale in to choose from the wide range registration—or other important ways that can boost numbers. of activities that can get messages to client attendees. Ask “Planners need to know the attendees’ wheels spinning with what your destination’s team can ins and outs of the destination,” fun post-conference—or even do to help you market your event. says Renee Lalanne-Wuderman, between-session—ideas. director of conference & group Customization is King sales for Visit Panama City Beach. Superb Site Selection “No two groups are the same, Many CVBs offer superb online “The CVB sales team are the so it is important to enter each tools that not only help planners local experts and can save you time partnership with a clean slate,” get a handle on everything a identifying the right property for says Lalanne-Wuderman. “Meeting city offers, but allow association your needs,” says Beth Gendler, planners are always looking

24 > Winter 2018 for something different, and industry, but when was the last into some of your concerns understanding your destination, time you sat down—really, sat through experience with another and understanding what they do down, like at an actual table—and planner—so come to the table well, is key.” met with your key suppliers? forthcoming about your agenda. For example, Visit Panama City While modern tech advents For suppliers, sharing all those Beach recently launched their from email to Skype have for sure tidbits—best practices and Décor by the Shore Shopping made things easier, as association mistakes made—go a long way Trail, which connects each coastal planners, we know the value in showing planners you’ve seen emporium store throughout of face-to-face interaction. In it all; it turns you from mere the beach. ways, its value has only climbed. supplier into trusted adviser. “By picking up a Décor by the What better way to let a supplier Last but not least, don’t forget Shore punch card, your group can know how much you value the to follow up. Quarterly business visit all of the stores to win a swag relationship than to make time to reports notwithstanding, bag from Visit Panama City Beach. meet in person? communication is key. Note Getting the groups engaged with Live meetings may require a the key points discussed in small businesses in the community significant time investment, but your meetings and touch base is just one of the ways to customize interacting on a more personal regularly as the year rolls on. a group’s visit.” level builds rapport, confidence, Each of you has a lot of names in And seriously: who doesn’t positivity; it forges teams. And that virtual Rolodex, reminders love swag? meeting for something social— are wonderful. Make plans to coffee or a meal—while doing schedule a follow-up—perhaps business will also afford insight this time a call or Skype session— Supplier into one another’s personalities, perhaps to discuss business, Relationships: something even face-timing can’t perhaps just to touch base if really convey. there’s nothing on the calendar The Power of F2F Sharing information with just yet. It’s a great way to stay It’s not something that should your supplier is essential—he up to date on processes, plans and need explaining in the meetings or she may well have insight future possibilities. Welcome to Paradise!

Meet in Paradise at the Island House Hotel Orange Beach - a DoubleTree by Hilton hotel.

• 336 ft. of private beach, perfect for receptions • 100% Beachfront Rooms with Private balcony

• 7000+ sq.ft of Meeting and Outdoor Event Space • Complementary High Speed WiFi

26650 Perdido Beach Boulevard, Orange Beach, AL 36561 251-981-6100 [email protected] www.islandhousehotel.com

900638_Island.indd 1 connections1/27/18 12:52 > PM25 > destination spotlight

All Meetings Point South EARLY 2018’S ICY weather blast alike experience and share Sandestin also features an came creeping way too far moments to remember. impressive list of activities South for many folks’ liking, so Sandestin’s 65,000 square for groups. The resort’s four warmer thoughts are likely in feet of meeting space can be championship golf courses are the minds of your membership. customized for groups from 10 to perfect for a group outing. There’s Considering heading down to 1,600 and features more than 25 also charter boat fishing from the beach? Here are some of the breakout rooms, a 13,500-square- Baytowne Marina and beach newest hotels, hot spots and foot ballroom, a 12,600-square- bonfires with live entertainment. more along the Emerald and Gulf foot exhibit hall and four For team-building programs, Coast—each is worthy of further boardrooms. Sandestin challenges groups investigation! For those seeking adventure or with everything from a ropes relaxation, there are a number course and ziplines to a rock- SANDESTIN of activities to choose from, climbing wall and stand-up paddle In a few short months, GSAE including a round of golf, tennis boarding. will gather at the Sandestin lesson, boating, biking or a Teambuilding activities include Golf & Beach Resort for the 2018 sunset dinner cruise. Options for fun runs, beach Olympics, Annual Meeting. Sandestin Golf mixers and private dining abound scavenger hunts, relay races, bay & Beach Resort is a top-rated just steps away in the Village, fishing, Baytowne Adventure Zone, Florida destination along the offering dozens of entertainment stand-up paddle board relays on state’s Emerald Coast. Known for and dining options, from Choctawhatchee Bay, Minute to its white sand beaches and tasty restaurants, bars and nightclubs Win it Challenges and much more. seafood, Sandestin is all about to retail merchants and a Proven professionals in the helping guests and attendees seasonal ice-skating rink. conference industry, Sandestin

delivers seamless service, LEED Gold and SITES Platinum- shop, fitness center, pool and flawless programs and impressive certified property. The Hilton- executive meeting space, and it’s corporate retreat facilities. A branded hotel and conference adjacent to the new Big Wave meeting resort like Sandestin is center is expected to open in Dave’s restaurant, which offers a the perfect way to make the 2018 fall 2018 and include meeting fusion of Gulf Coast seafood and Annual Meeting a fun, productive space for up to 1,500. Alabama’s traditional American fare. and memorable event. governor has already said the Finally in Orange Beach, beachfront destination will be a there’s the Island House Hotel—a PANAMA CITY “crown jewel.” The property will DoubleTree by Hilton, which just Opening in 2018 along the connect to nearby Gulf State Park, completed a multi-million-dollar Florida panhandle is the 200-room with any number of places for renovation in 2017. The Island SpringHill Suites by Marriott in people to gather, including a beach House boasts one of the largest Panama City. While the property’s pavilion, butterfly garden and private beaches of any hotel lazy river, splash pad and other amphitheater. along Alabama’s Gulf Coast, and family-friendly amenities will It will join the Hotel Indigo each of its 161 rooms features a draw in vacationers, it will also Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, large private balcony overlooking attract business travelers seeking a 62-room boutique property the emerald waters. To top that a little fun and sun on the job. that opened in 2017. Each Hotel off, the property has nearly 6,000 Indigo is designed to highlight square feet of meeting, ballroom GULF SHORES & the local culture and character, and banquet space that can ORANGE BEACH so the Orange Beach and Gulf accommodate meetings of nearly Coming this year to Gulf Shores Shores property features any size. is the highly anticipated Lodge contemporary design mixed Sources: Sandestin Golf & Beach at Gulf State Park. A national with beach elements that help Resort, Visit Panama City Beach, sales team is now in place and guests feel relaxed and at ease. Gulf State Park, Hotel Indigo accepting RFPs for the 350-room, The hotel also has a coffee Orange Beach and Gulf Shores

connections > 27 choices First, all the women in the audience please stand up. Now repeat after me, “I—state your name—am a proud alumna of this university.” Good. Now, all of you ladies together say, “We are proud alumnae of this > university.” Right, that’s pronounced, alum-nay, by the way. Now, if the ladies will please sit down and all the men please stand up. Now, gentlemen, repeat after me, “I—state your name—am a proud alumnus of this university.” That’s good. Now, guys, all together say, “We are proud alumni of this university.” Perfect. OK, everyone please stand up, and say together, “We are proud alumni of this university.” I bet some activist out there is wondering why is the masculine plural, alumni, used for everybody. My answer is this: The common and

©ISTOCK.COM/DHAVATAR mundane generally takes on the masculine, and the special and life- bearing takes on the feminine. Thus, some say, “you guys,” for everyone; most use “gay,” the male version, for gay, lesbian, etc., and originally we said “a person, he,” instead of the Graduation more cumbersome, “a person, he or she.” Ships, airplanes, nations, and yes, our mother earth, are special and feminine because they carry life. Has Meaning Please respect that. Unless we in the workforce, in our speech, and in our graduates great wisdom and daily lives accommodate and honor inspiration? Or would I sink low motherhood, our future generations and use the chance to nitpick at may not be plural. some of the things that are growing Speaking of plural, when you nuisances. Here goes: combine with another person in Ladies and gentlemen, marriage or in a sentence, let it congratulations! I’m here to provide bring out your best. Do not say, “Me you some parting advice as you and Mike are going to the store.” BY JOHN HARRISON, leave this great institution. In the Think about what you would say CAE, CMP interest of time I shall use only two- if you were going by yourself, thirds of the tried and true formula without Mike. Would you say, “Me SPRINGTIME IS JUST around the of tell-em-what-you’re-going-to-say/ is going to the store?” No. And do corner, and that means graduations. say-it/and-then-tell-em-that-you’ve- not say, “They gave the prize to And that means graduation said-it. I’m going to speak to both Mary and I.” Would you say, “They ceremonies and, of course, sides of your brain and impart gave the prize to I?” Treat the commencement addresses. There droplets of existential knowledge concept and the grammar of the are some such speeches that are and then tell you the meaning of team properly; let not combination inspirational and make the news. I life without any summary at the cause sloppiness. When together in frequently read those and have even end. So, please don’t wait until a partnership, the rules of civility been moved to wonder what I would the phrase “in conclusion” to pay and pleasantness are important. write if given such an opportunity. attention because there will be no Your grammar should reflect Would I bring the newly-minted summary at the end. this attention. You have now been

28 > Winter 2018 educated. Mike and I should show Learn to understand a few basics and it can be. Do not be misled by this to Mary and me. of accounting. It has little to do with your education. You had faith in Now to the other side of the brain, math; many a mathematician has something originally—or before you the more quantitative. Numbers perished in accounting. It is simply became informed. You must make the and graphs are important. They tell a set of rules for putting quantities transition back to the pre-informed a story in few words. The greatest in a certain holding place. Don’t let truth—and have post-informed faith. graph of all time is the space and it be a mystery, for you will pay a That will give you meaning to give time record of Napoleon’s march higher price. The basic equation is life meaning. into Russia. In that fascinating ALE, Assets = Liability + Equity, I told you at the start I would give graph, the x-axis is time and the or, in other words, what you have is you two-thirds of the formula and names of the battles and terrain a summation of what you owe and simply tell you what I was going to features (those are the independent what you own. Drink up the ALE and say, then say it—but I wouldn’t tell variables because they keep going try to own more than you owe. you that I said it (no summary). And independently no matter what), and And when you do own something, I won’t. Always keep your word, along the y-axis is the numbers invest it (or in it) wisely, for you must and if you—for good and unselfish of soldiers remaining (that’s the earn a much higher percent than you reason—ever need to amend it, do dependent variable, because it well, lose to get back to the same starting so cleverly and in a fashion that still depends). You can see the march of point. Remember this: If you have complies with the contract. In other the season along the time and terrain $1,000 and lose 20 percent, you end words, use both sides of your brain. axis and how the number of troops up with $800. You then have to earn Pay close attention to respectful starts to wither. You can picture the back 25 percent—or a higher percent grammar. Appreciate that which poor souls dropping from hunger, than you lost—to get back to $1,000. carries life. Love numbers, for they disease and frostbite, and perhaps Now, the moment all you alumni too contain a poetic story, as do all even battle. Remember there is have really been waiting for: the the languages. It all has meaning, as poetry, meaning and effort behind meaning of life. It is very simple. it did before you came here and will the numbers. Appreciate the effect of The meaning of life is [drum roll] to after you’ve gone. Especially if you a good graph. give life meaning. It sounds easy, give it such.

GSAE Leadership Academy 2.0

The next Leadership Academy local associations. Convenient class will begin in October payment plans are available 2018 and will offer up to 56 as long as the balance is met credit hours to qualify to sit by December 31, 2019. the efforts of more than 50 organizational management, for the Certified Association GSAE’s Leadership Academy volunteers who have shared while providing GSAE with a Executive (CAE) exam or launched in 2008 as a result their knowledge with the next deep bench of leaders. Over a to recertify. The class will of a three-year task force co- generation of association third of the participants have kick off with an overnight chaired by two past presidents, leaders in Georgia. The since earned the Certified retreat followed by 8 day- the late Clare B. Reagan, Leadership Academy is an Association Executive (CAE) long sessions and will CAE, IOM and Ragan Cohn, excellent opportunity for designation and more than include experiential learning CAE. It continues to be a association professionals three-fourths have volunteered opportunities and tours of flagship program, thanks to to build their knowledge of with the Society.

connections > 29 895354_Editorial.indd 1 2/6/18 1:24 PM index of advertisers/advertiser.com

CONFERENCE & CONVENTION CENTERS Thank you to Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart ...... 3 www.atlconventioncenter.com Dalton Convention Center ...... Inside Front Cover our advertisers. www.DaltonTradeCenter.com

CONVENTION & VISITOR BUREAUS They make this Valdosta Lowndes CVB ...... 14 www.rainwaterconferencecenter.com Visit Norfolk ...... 14 publication www.visitnorfolk.com

HOTELS & RESORTS possible. Hotel Indigo Savannah ...... 8 www.hotelindigo.com/savannah For information on how to Island House Hotel Orange Beach - a DoubleTree by Hilton ...... 25 www.islandhousehotel.com advertise in a future issue of Sea Palms Golf Resort ...... 4 www.seapalms. com connections, contact: The Henderson ...... Outside Back Cover Brittany Thompson www.SalamanderHotels.com PRINTING & PUBLISHING (800) 369-6220, ext. 3452 Naylor Association Solutions ...... Inside Back Cover [email protected] www.naylor.com

30900926_Editorial.indd > Winter 2018 1 22/01/18 4:50 PM The happy feeling you get when you {Achieve More} Happy, as in: boosting your membership levels to new heights; hosting your own branded, revenue-generating career center; or synchronizing your print, digital and social media efforts across all channels for enhanced ROI.

By using association solutions from Naylor, you and your staff can achieve more of your organizational goals while your dedicated Naylor team works behind the scenes to help make it all happen. Simplify—and amplify—your communication efforts, events and technology solutions while streamlining your day-to-day association management tasks with Naylor’s best-in-breed solutions.

To find out how your association can achieve more, visit us at naylor.com Destin’s newest luxury event experience.

DESTIN, FLORIDA

At The Henderson—Destin’s newest and most exquisite beachfront resort—it’s anything but business as usual. Here you’ll discover pristine white sand beaches, the all-new Salamander Spa, 170 guestrooms and over 30,000 square-feet of ﬂexible indoor and outdoor meeting space. So pack your bags—and your sunglasses.

HendersonBeachResort.com/meet | 850.424.4533