Greetings ASAE Community,

 

Please find a few important updates from ASAE in the past few weeks:

 

ASAE Celebrates 2025 Summit Award Honorees

ASAE’s sold-out 2025 Summit Awards Dinner takes place tonight at the iconic National Building Museum in Washington, DC.

 

The Summit Awards are ASAE’s highest recognition for associations making a meaningful impact in the U.S. and around the world. The program celebrates the innovative association programs, partnerships and initiatives that transform communities, advance industries, and improve lives.

 

This year’s honorees include:

 

• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) – Alexandria, VA
  Program: Jobs of Tomorrow – Marriage and Family Therapy Docuseries
• American Society of Hematology – Washington, DC
  Program: Consortium on Newborn Screening in Africa
• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) – Rockville, MD
  Program: TALK and HEAR Text Messaging Programs
• Building Owners and Managers Association of Greater Los Angeles – Los Angeles, CA
  Program: Second Wave Support: Fire Recovery Donation Drive
• Florida Association of Free and Charitable Clinics – Jacksonville, FL
  Program: FAFCC State Funds Grant Program
• National Adoption Association – Linthicum Heights, MD
  Program: The Ujima Collective

 

Save the Date: The 2026 ASAE Summit Awards Dinner will take place Sept. 22, 2026.

 

ASAE’s Historic Move on Track for March 2026

We’re excited to share that construction and planning for ASAE’s new headquarters at 1101 K Street NW are right on schedule for our move in early March 2026.

 

After more than 40 years in our current building, this move represents a significant milestone — the start of a new chapter for ASAE. Our new space has been designed with care to reflect the way we work today: modern, collaborative, and welcoming. It will be a place where staff and members can connect, exchange ideas, and spark innovation together.

 

We look forward to opening our doors and welcoming ASAE members to this vibrant new space next year!

 

ASAE Research Foundation Taking Applications for 2026 Scholarships

The ASAE Research Foundation is now accepting applications for three major scholarship programs — the AMC Leaders Scholarship, the Future Leaders Professional Development Scholarship, and the John H. Graham Fund Scholarship — with a deadline of November 9, 2025.

 

These scholarships are designed to empower association professionals at all career stages to advance their leadership skills, connect with ASAE’s dynamic community, and access unique opportunities for professional growth. Read more in ASAE’s press release.

 

For more information about eligibility, benefits, and deadlines, visit https://foundation.asaecenter.org/scholarships/.

 

ASAE to Host Association Focus at IMEX America

ASAE is gearing up to host Association Focus on October 6 as part of IMEX America at the Mandalay Bay North Convention Center in Las Vegas. Association Focus is designed specifically for association leaders and event professionals seeking insights and strategies to navigate the challenges of today’s fast-changing environment.

 

This year’s program will feature dynamic speakers including Meridith Elliott Powell, Hall of Fame Speaker and business growth strategist, who will share how association leaders can turn uncertainty into a competitive advantage, and Sharifa Wilkinson, who will offer practical strategies for driving engagement and creating impactful member experiences. Together, they will deliver actionable ideas to help participants rethink how they innovate, attract talent, and deliver results for their organizations.

 

ASAE’s goal with Association Focus is to provide a collaborative space where association executives and event professionals can share knowledge, build connections, and leave inspired to lead their organizations forward. By coming together at IMEX America, participants will gain the tools and perspectives needed to meet disruption head-on and position their associations for success. Attendees of Association Focus must be registered for IMEX America.

 

ASAE’s NextGen Association Summit Coming Up Oct. 1-4 in Columbus

ASAE’s 2025 NextGen Association Summit is taking place October 1-4, 2025, in partnership with ASAE Strategic Partner Experience Columbus.

 

The Summit is ASAE’s signature leadership development program for high-potential leaders age 35 and under, designed to build new skills, boost creative confidence, and connect participants with the tools and network they need to advance their careers and make an impact on the association sector. Read about the 25 participants selected to take part in the NextGen Association Summit.

 

This year’s program will be facilitated by Trevor Mitchell, President & CEO of the International Association of Venue Managers, with Annie Storey, ASAE Board Member, serving as a mentor to participants. Congratulations to this year’s participants!

 

Inaugural ASAE Public Policy Forum to Take Place March 23

ASAE is excited to announce the first-ever ASAE Public Policy Forum for association leaders, scheduled for March 23, 2026, at the historic Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC.

 

This exclusive, executive-level program will bring together association leaders for a focused discussion on the most pressing public policy and advocacy challenges impacting associations today. Topics will include the potential for new federal tax policy changes in 2026, workforce and labor issues, and other developments shaping the operating environment for associations.

 

ASAE is currently finalizing an agenda designed to deliver strategic insights, practical takeaways, and opportunities for peer exchange. A roster of expert speakers will be announced soon.

 

Space for this inaugural program will be limited. To receive updates and be notified as soon as registration opens, please complete this interest form.

 

As always, thank you for your engagement with ASAE and please reach out with any questions.

 

Warm regards,

 

 

Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE

President and CEO