It’s Not Too Late! Register For Next Month's Legislative Fly-In

This year’s grassroots advocacy event is scheduled for March 22–23, 2006 and presents a great opportunity for association advocates to educate congressional staff members on the critical issues and challenges facing associations.

The ASAE Legislative Fly-In will commence on Wednesday, March 22, and the kick-off includes a joint luncheon with ASAE’s Board of Directors followed by a best practices session. We will wrap up with an up-to-the-minute issues briefing. On Thursday, March 23, ASAE advocates will have the opportunity to visit with staff members of the Senate and House to discuss issues impacting the association community.

There are still a few $300 travel scholarships available to those who are interested in participating in this event. To apply, please visit our website.

If you have any questions, contact Jessica Vickery at 202-626-2831 or jvickery@asaenet.org.   

For more information on public policy issues, visit the public policy section of the ASAE Web site at http://www.asaenet.org/.

If you would like to subscribe to InRoads, the weekly public policy newsletter, or manage your InRoads account, please visit http://capwiz.com/asaeinroads/mlm/signup/.

Congratulations to NYSAE Education & Research Foundation “Vision” Award Winners

Two Upcoming Virtual Learning Opportunities

Present Like a Pro!
February 9, 2006, 2:00–3:30 p.m. EST
Members $179, Nonmembers $279
OnlineU Virtual seminar

Register for one site and include your entire staff!

Would you like to improve your presentation skills? Then join us for this 90-minute program where you will learn the communication skills needed to present ideas clearly, concisely and effectively to your prospects, customers and members to win more business.

Join us to...

• Develop presentations that meet your members' needs and expectations;
• Learn how to highlight your value proposition to gain interest;
• Organize your thoughts to conduct business more quickly;
• Establish a professional tone to maintain listener confidence;
• Learn techniques for delivering presentations with impact and pizzazz that maintain interest and help you avoid the dreaded death by PowerPoint;
• Format presentations to convey the message at a glance and to avoid visual clutter;
• Eliminate presentation pitfalls and deal effectively with difficult personality types; and
• Adopt the #1 characteristic of all exceptional sales presenters.

Please have a short PowerPoint presentation on hand—preferably one in progress—that you can review and rework during the presentation. 

Content Leader: Judy Griffin is a business communications expert and a four-year associate of Jim Kidd Sales Coach.

Register now!

The Other Side of the Story: Career Stages vs. Generational Issues
February 15, 2006, 2:00–3:30 p.m. EST
Members $179, Nonmembers $279
OnlineU Virtual seminar

Register for one site and include your entire staff!

Generational trends, habits and characteristics provide some profound challenges (and maybe some opportunities) for membership organizations.  How does this affect you? Participate in this virtual program to find out!

There is a growing perception and evidence that career stages carry the same weight, or even greater weight, than generational issues in determining people's attitudes toward their organizations. In this seminar we'll look at both areas and explore which are really obvious in the workplace and in membership organizations. 

Join us to...

• Examine the similarities and differences between career stages and generational characteristics;
• Learn techniques for using this information to move your association forward; and
• Find out what others are doing to meet these career and generational challenges in their organizations.

The ability to understand the basic motivators of your members (and staff) is critical to success in today's association management environment!

Content Leader: Mark Levin, CAE, CSP, EVP, Chain Link Fence
Manufacturers Institute; president, B.A.I., Inc.

Mark Levin has more than 30 years of experience in association and not-for-profit organizational management. 

Register now!

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Take a Sneak Peak at The Great Ideas Conference

We thought you might want a more tangible understanding of what The Great Ideas Conference is all about—so here’s a quick video clip of The Great Ideas, Orlando Conference! We invite you to take a few moments and view photos, “sit in” on some previous speaker sessions, and see how this conference will benefit you.   (Click here to download Windows Media Player)

The Great Ideas Conference: An Innovative Learning Experience
February 26–28, 2006
Loews Coronado Bay Resort, San Diego, CA
Members $495, Nonmembers $695
Register today!

Did you know? We’ve added features such as the Learning Lounge and the Creativity Room to encourage you to solve problems in ways never before imagined. We’ve also guaranteed that you get the most out of your time as possible by tailoring the Idea Labs to specific audiences such as professionals in marketing, professional development, membership, technology, meetings, communications along with our newly added CEO Track. We hope to see you there!

Register now!

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Enter The 2006 Associations Advance America Awards

Show How Your Association Leads the Way–Enter The 2006 Associations Advance America Awards

February 17 and May 2 deadlines!

Leaders are defined by their ability to collaborate, to partner, to share ideas and ultimately to become models of action. Associations are diverse, engaged, goal driven and community oriented—they are leaders in every case. Each year, up to 50 associations are selected to receive the Associations Advance America Award of Excellence for fostering strong communities and stewardship of American life. Six Award of Excellence winners are then chosen to receive the highly coveted Summit Award. This award celebrates the commitment to community that is exhibited everyday by our nation’s trade, professional and philanthropic associations, and the role they play in our world.

Award Categories

• Skills Training and Professional Development;
• Ethical, Technical or Professional Standards;
• Economic Development;
• Business and Social Innovation;
• Information and Knowledge Creation;
• Public Education and Information;
• Civic and Community Volunteer Activities; and
• Citizenship and Enhancing Democracy.

Who is eligible to enter?

• Anyone who is involved in an association including volunteers, staff members, chief staff executives or association staff;
• Anyone who wants to show off the good deeds of an association--whether you are a member of the association or not; and
• ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership members and nonmembers alike.

Deadlines are approaching fast—Enter your organization today!

• February 17, 2006, is the deadline for programs conducted between October 2004 and January 2006; and
• May 2, 2006, is the deadline for programs  conducted between January 2005 and April 2006.
  

Exceptional Boards: Strengthening the Governance Team

Exceptional Boards: Strengthening the Governance Team
March 9–10, 2006
The Center for Association Leadership's Marriott Learning Complex, Washington, DC
Members $525; Nonmembers $725; Volunteers $525

Register today! Limited seating!

A highly engaging learning experience for association CEOs to attend with their elected officers and/or their entire executive committee.

Exceptional Boards is a workshop that provides insights into improving the effectiveness of your board operations. The program demonstrates how to breakthrough the barriers that hinder exceptional governance and create a strong and vibrant governance team. The program is most valuable if you attend with your newly elected officer a few months before they take office and/or your executive committee.

Exceptional Boards focuses on the information and tools you need to build a dynamic board—one that understands its role, fulfills its responsibilities, demonstrates visionary leadership and ultimately leads the association and the industry, profession or cause it represents to new heights.

Attend this program and…

• Develop a shared understanding of the responsibilities of the board, elected officer and CEO;
• Collaborate on what is needed for your board to demonstrate exceptional governance;
• Create a governance team action plan that addresses areas requiring the greatest collaboration between the CEO and elected officer;
• Create opportunities for a sustained, guided discussion focusing on the role of the board chair and CEO in educating and leading the board; and
• Actively engage in dialogue with your peers and share strategies to enhance board effectiveness.

“This course is like drivers ed: Every CEO and chair-elect team should be required to take it.  I've attended this program twice and will come back each year with my new officer.” Tim Holt, president/CEO, National School Supply & Equipment Association.

Content Leaders: Nancy Axelrod is an independent consultant who provides services to nonprofit organizations in board education, development and self-assessment, strategic planning and leadership transitions. She is the founding chief executive of the National Center for Nonprofit Boards, now known as BoardSource.

Paul Greeley is the president of Association and Non Profit Strategic Consulting Services for The Signature Group. With more than 35 years of experience in association management including 20 years as CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives he provides strategic and management consulting services for associations and other nonprofit organizations.

This program is also offered May 18–19, 2006 in San Francisco. For more information, visit www.centeronline.org. To register, call 888-950-2723 or 202-371-0940.

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The 2006 California Association Law Symposium is Thursday–Don't Forget to Register

2006 California Association Law Symposium
February 9, 2006
Hilton Sacramento Arden West, Sacramento, CA
Members $195; Nonmembers $295

There's still time to register!

This outstanding symposium is designed specifically for CEOs, COOs and professionals who deal with contracts, antitrust or governance issues that impact their associations. It's an excellent refresher course in the rules and regulations by which all associations must abide. Join seasoned presenters and fresh faces as they facilitate sessions on how to improve contracts, fine-tune your antitrust instincts, avoid claims and litigation, and more!

Come early for the 2006 CalSAE Legislative Meet and Greet Reception at the Senator Hotel, February 8, 2006 from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Use this prime networking opportunity to meet with members of the Legislature and their staff in a relaxed setting. We encourage you to bring your lobbyist or other members of your staff who are involved in the Legislative arena. More information is available on the CalSAE website or you may contact Wendy Hand at 916-482-5090.

2006 Chicago Association Law Symposium
April 6, 2006
Mid America Club, Chicago IL
Members $295, Nonmembers $495
Register now!

The Chicago Association Law Symposium is just around the corner.  Join us to explore contingency planning, how to best insure your directors and officers and new governance regulations and legal developments.  Plus, choose from the following sessions:

• Disaster Planning: What to expect when you’re not expecting
  What would you do if a disaster struck your headquarters or occurred in the midst of your annual meeting? You can control how you plan for and respond to possible tragedies. Join two association executives as they share their experience in planning for and responding to threats or disasters. You will learn the elements that comprise a comprehensive disaster recovery plan.
• A Code to Live By? Key Ethics Considerations for Association Lawyers and Executives
  Is having a Code of Ethics for your members enough? In this point/counterpoint format, you will hear from executives and counsel for associations that have adopted Codes of Ethics. They will explore both the challenges and benefits of creating and asking members to adhere to a code.
• Lightning Strikes Again: Inquiring Minds Still Want to Know!
  The Lightning Round is back by popular demand! This panel of experts in association law and management will field a flurry of questions about various topics in a rapid-fire, timed format requiring succinct and articulate responses.

This program also provides an opportunity for you to build a network of peers within the association community who you can share ideas with throughout the year.  Register today!

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CAE Application Deadline–February 10 for May Exam
 
If you intend to sit for the upcoming CAE exam on May 5, 2006, the deadline for submitting your application is this Friday, February 10.  Below are important dates about upcoming CAE exam administrations.  Please note that your application must be received by ASAE in the CAE program office by close of business by the date listed.

Friday, May 5, 2006 exam The standard application deadline is Friday, February 10, 2006. The extended application deadline, which is the last opportunity to apply and subject to an additional $100 fee, is Friday, March 10, 2006.

Friday, December 1, 2006 exam The standard application deadline is Friday, September 8, 2006  The extended application deadline, which is the last opportunity to apply, subject to an additional  $100 fee, is Friday, October 6, 2006.

Friday, May 4, 2007 exam The standard application deadline Friday, February 9, 2007. The extended application deadline, which is the last opportunity to apply, subject to an additional $100 fee, is Friday, March 9, 2007.

(Note:  If you already have an approved application on file, you will be contacted by the CAE department approximately six weeks before the examination date to provide you an option to register to sit for the exam.  Check your profile online to ensure we have the most current contact information for you.  Applications remain eligible for up to three years after the date of approval).

Becoming a CAE is a three part process.  The first step to earning your CAE is to complete the professional and educational requirements necessary to become eligible to sit for the exam.  Once you have met the requirements and are prepared to sit for the exam, the next step is to submit your application to the CAE program, complete with the signed standards of conduct and applicable payment.  Once your application has been received, it will be reviewed and you will be notified of your eligibility to take the exam.  The last step is to sit for (and pass) the exam to earn your CAE.  Once you have earned your CAE, it is necessary to renew your credential every three years to maintain your certification. 
 
For full CAE program details, including the CAE Application and the CAE Candidate Handbook visit www.asaenet.org/cae.  To contact CAE staff, e-mail CAEdept@asaenet.org or call 202-626-2759.

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Question of the Week–360 Degree Evaluations

Do you have samples of 360 degree evaluations?

ASAE & THE CENTER RESOURCES

Seven Best Practices for Conducting 360s
Executive IdeaLink, April 2005
http://www.asaenet.org/Publications/EnewsletterArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=11283

Seven Reasons Why 360's Fail
Executive IdeaLink, February 2005
http://www.asaenet.org/Publications/EnewsletterArticleDetail.cfm?ItemNumber=10913

OUTSIDE RESOURCES

360 Degree Leadership Assessment
http://www.surveytracker.com/surveys/360/360.htm

360 degree feedback form template example
http://www.businessballs.com/performanceappraisals.htm
–scroll down to "360 degree feedback form template example"
Association Xpertise 360° Evaluation Tool
http://www.axi.ca/tca/Jul2003/templatesplus_1.shtml

NAIS Evaluation 360 and Pay for Performance
http://www.nais.org/articlePrint.cfm?print=Y&ItemNumber=145544

Sample 360 Feedback
http://www.turknett.com/sectionN/360sample.pdf

If you have a question or pressing issue that you would like to see addressed in the Weekly Bulletin, contact Knowledge Center/Information Central at 202-326-9559 or infocentral@asaenet.org.

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Find the Best Association Jobs at Career Headquarters

Realize your professional potential in association management through www.careerhq.org—the best source of association jobs and resumes. Advertise your resume free of charge to hundreds of association employers and search CareerHQ.org’s targeted job database for the position that’s right for you. CareerHQ.org offers career development services including job coaching, resume writing and a career knowledge database. Numerous services are free, including resume review, interviewing guidelines and a behavioral style analysis. You’ll also find helpful tips and resources to assist in your job hunt.

Director, Communications
BOMA International–Washington, DC

Chief Knowledge Officer (CKO)
Educatonal Research Service–Arlington, VA

Executive Director
California State Firefighters' Association–Sacramento, CA

Exposition Manager
Professional Photographers of America–Atlanta, GA

Membership Development Manager 
International Trademark Association (INTA)–New York, NY

Career Headquarters is powered by Boxwood Technology.

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Register for Upcoming Events Offered by CenterU–Your Gateway to Excellence in Association Learning

Hotel Operations Program: Swissotel Chicago
February 8–11, 2006
Chicago, IL

2006 California Association Law Symposium
February 9, 2006
Sacramento, CA

Present Like A Pro!
February 9, 2006
OnlineU virtual seminar

The Symposium for Chief Executive and Chief Elected Officers–Loews Coronado Bay Resort
February 13–14, 2006
Coronado, CA

Career Stages vs. Generational Issues
February 15, 2006
OnlineU virtual seminar

Letters to the Editor and Opinion Editorials: A View from Inside The Washington Post
February 16, 2006
Washington, DC

Executive Foresight Discussion Group 
February 21, 2006
Audioconference

The Great Ideas Conference
February 26–28, 2006
San Diego, CA

Mapping Out Your International Strategy
March 7, 2006
Washington, DC

Hotel Operations: Hyatt Regency San Francisco
March 8–11, 2006
San Francisco, CA

Exceptional Boards: Strengthening the Governance Team
March 9–10, 2006
Washington, DC

Women's Learning Journey to South Africa
March 11–23, 2006
South Africa

Executive Foresight Discussion Group
March 21, 2006
OnlineU audio seminar

The Convention Center Operations Program
March 22–24, 2006
Boston, MA

2006 March CAE Study Course: A Three-Day Immersion Program
March 23–25, 2006
Washington, DC

Business of Meetings: Strategy and Marketing Course
March 28–29, 2006
Chicago, IL

Business of Meetings: Meetings and Expositions Operations Course
March 28–29, 2006
Chicago, IL

Business of Meetings: Core Business Management–Financial, Legal, Human Resources
March 30–31, 2006
Chicago, IL

Business of Meetings: Leadership and Communication Course
March 30–31, 2006
Chicago, IL

For a full listing of upcoming programs click here.

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Concerned about delivery rates of your e-marketing campaigns? Are you losing touch with members?

Delivery is job one with MagnetMail, the ASAE Sponsored e-Marketing Program that powers ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership. Find out how you can increase your throughput rates and connect more effectively with your organization. Call MagnetMail at 877-488-2666, or visit us on the Web at www.realmagnet.com/commpartners. To request additional information, complete our online form.