#MSAE22: Annual Conference Highlights

Loaded with learning and networking opportunities for association professionals and industry partners, MSAE's Annual Conference was abuzz with the unique energy of an in-person meeting. Just in case you missed it, here are a few highlights: 

Pre Conference Micro Immersion Sessions

A little rain didn't prevent early arrivals from enjoying some fun micro immersion sessions that showed off some of what the Bay City area has to offer! At the Bourbon & Cigars; The Perfect Combination outing, participants learned how to prepare, cut, and smoke a cigar and had the opportunity to taste a few local bourbons. During Local Flavor: Incorporating Regional Foods into Events, participants enjoyed networking while enjoying wine, cheese, and locally-sourced blueberries. Finally, the adventurous participants who attended Infusing Wellness into Your Programs: Namaste! took a pedal trolley to a yoga class and then enjoyed visiting with each other over nutritious beverages at a local health bar.  

Annual Meeting

MSAE's Annual Business Meeting was held on Tuesday, August 2. Jimmy Greene, President at Associated Builders & Contractors of Michigan, Jean Jernigan, CAE, CMP, President, Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce, Erin McDonough, Executive Director at Insurance Alliance of Michigan, and Delaney McKinley, CAE, Vice President of Membership, Marketing & Events for Michigan Manufacturers Association were elected to MSAE's Board of Directors. 

The membership also adopted the proposed bylaw amendments, which increased the total possible seats on MSAE's board from 12 to 15 and designated one seat each for representatives from a convention and visitor's bureau, an association management company, and an industry partner. 

Tuesday

Performance Coach Amanda Blanck's high-energy session on leadership and building high-value-adding teams left attendees wanting to learn more about these timely topics.

Popular breakout sessions on Tuesday included Larisa Draves' Panel Conversation on Utilizing Destination Marketing Organization Services to Streamline your Next Event, Jill Doyle's Hiring During the Great Recession, and Pete Zimek's Building Member Value in a Post-Pandemic World. 

Our hosts, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bay City - Riverfront and Go Great Lakes Bay, delighted participants with excellent barbecue-inspired eats and an amazing band, Soul XPress. After an evening of dancing and eating, participants enjoyed camaraderie and conversation at the AfterGlow, sponsored by Mission Point. 

Wednesday 

Participants kicked off the day with working breakfasts identifying the forces that are impacting associations. Then, panelists Sue Radwan, Steve Carey, Sam Klemet, and Delaney McKinley shared their perspectives on how those forces are affecting associations and the industries we serve. 

Popular breakout sessions on Wednesday included Amber Sheerin's Crashing Waves or Smooth Sailing: A Meeting Design Puzzle, Trevor Mitchell's Charting Your DEI Data Journey, and a lively panel on How to Rethink Success moderated by Kim Corcoran. 

The conference wrapped up with a bang. Attendees loved the closing speaker, Arel Moodie, and his tips on Adult Development Theory. (Arel also received rave reviews for his express learning session on How to Be a Great Presenter.) 

MSAE appreciates our members and sponsors for supporting #MSAE22. #MSAE23 is right around the corner! Remember to fill out the conference evaluation so we can build the best possible conference experience!