Building Connections is Essential for CAE Success

Looking back, I probably could have taken the Certified Association Executive (CAE) exam ten years ago. I had just completed the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organizational Management (IOM) program. With more than a decade of experience working for

Read More

Six Tips & Suggestions to Prepare for the CAE Exam

I’ll be honest—when I committed to becoming a Certified Association Executive (CAE), I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I knew that there were a number of requirements—five years or more of experience in association management, 100

Read More

What does “International” mean for an organization?

Last year at this time, the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) was finalizing a lengthy re-branding process for the association. Attention was given to a new logo, focused mission and vision, key messaging, and more before turning to the association’s

Read More

The Value of Membership

Is membership valuable? As a volunteer, I work with many non-profit fraternal organizations. The number one question I keep asking their leadership is “what makes membership valuable?” Associations exist in a competitive environment. We have to constantly show value if

Read More