Professional Development

Advancing Together Mentorship Program
Fall
In partnership with The Art of Mentoring, this program will provide an opportunity for members to share knowledge, develop valued relationships, and advance their professional and career goals. Mentees will gain personal and professional development through problem-solving and constructive guidance from a mentor to help navigate their career journey.

Alliance Learning Collective (ALC) - virtual
Fall
The ALC brings association professionals from across the US together to cultivate connections while providing deeper learning experiences. You'll be matched with a cohort of your peers over three highly interactive 90-minute learning sessions. You'll be learning from a national expert and facilitator while tapping into the knowledge of the community.

AMC Retreat
August or September
We recognize that the structure and organizational needs of an Association Management Company (AMC) are unique and complex, and differ in design and administration compared to general association management. This is an annual two-day retreat designed for owners to gather for peer-to-peer education, discussion, and networking in an intimate group setting.  

Associations 360
February
Designed for those new to the association industry. This program focuses on providing an overarching examination of associations, their role in society, and their major functional areas. Encouraged to build a network with fellow attendees who are on a similar career journey. 

Aspire: The Academy for Next Generation Association Leadership
A certificate program focused on preparing the next generation of leaders to develop and guide professional and trade associations in society. The Academy applies recognized industry benchmarks of success from ASAE’s “The Seven Measures of Success” and the domains of the Certified Association Executive program. All while in turn expanding your network of peers and learning from a faculty of esteemed association executives. 

CAE Study Group - virtual
Spring and Fall
For those pursuing their Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential. The study group meets together virtually once a week for two months prior to the exam. More Details


Couch Chats - virtual
Spring and Fall
Facilitator-led discussion groups dedicated to one of the four primary areas of association management: CEO/executive directors, membership and marketing, events and education, and operations and finance.  Designed to allow you to connect with your peers virtually to discuss current challenges and share ideas in a relaxed small group setting. Free for members.

ELEVATE Annual Conference
April
ELEVATE is one of our signature events where association colleagues come together for four exciting days of networking, learning, and face-to-face connections. Experience sessions that inspire new thinking, promote innovative solutions, and supply you with strategies to help your organization thrive.  

Emerging Professionals Happy Hour with Education - NEW! 
Sept & May
Under 35 or been in the industry less than 5 years...join us in a relaxed, social atmosphere to expand your network and elevate your career with some bite-sized tips from seasoned association professionals.  

Insights Executive Summit
February
Specifically for advanced-level CEOs, a two-day program with high-level content in an intensive and interactive environment. 

Ladies Who Lead
March
Geared towards women in the association industry (however, all are welcome) to create a space to discuss topics that impact them, learn from one another, network, and engage in a fun experience together (previously included a wine train social and a walking food tour). 

LevelUp Regional Education/Networking
Spring and Fall
Designed to help you get to the next level by focusing on various elements of association management and leadership. Programs vary by region - an educational keynote speaker will be featured usually followed by networking time and a luncheon.

MAXIMIZE Your Membership
Sept, Dec (Seasonal), Feb &  April (ELEVATE)
A deep dive into Associations West and all of our membership benefits and offerings. Targeted to new and re-engaging members.

Membership & Marketing Summit (MMS)
June
A full-day immersive exploration of emerging ideas, industry trends and leading best practices in association membership and marketing.  Includes a keynote speaker and multi-track break out sessions.

Live Webinars & On Demand Learning - virtual
Year Round
A variety of live webinars are produced by Associations West around 6 times a year on a range of topics such as DEI, Finance, Membership and Marketing, Ethics, etc.  Additionally members can access webinars produced by other SAEs as well as on-demand programs by clicking here.

Oregon Retreat – Learning & Networking Experience - June
Held in a beautiful retreat-like location, this program will provide a supportive environment that fosters growth and learning, surrounded by peers who share similar career goals and aspirations. Enhance their skills, refine their strategic thinking, and adopt innovative tactics essential for future leadership success.

Peer-to-Peer Social Learning
Year Round
Each region often produces regular informal discussions (virtual or in-person), which provide interaction directly with colleagues. Examples include Peer Luncheons by function area, Coffee & Connect, and more.

Seasonal Spectacular
December
The premier networking event for the association community on the West Coast! Including an expansive tradeshow, focused business solution appointments, exceptional education programs, plus exciting networking opportunities - all in the spirit of the holiday season! 

Webinar Wednesdays 
Year Round
This 8-part virtual series will explore timely and relevant topics curated to enhance leadership skills and provide strategies to navigate today's ever-evolving landscape. Each session will focus on one of the Certified Association Executive,CAE, domains Bonus: One webinar will offer 1 CAE Ethics Credit.