WSAE Events and Programs

Annual Summit

The premier WSAE event bringing together association professionals and industry partners for learning, leadership, and lasting connections

As WSAE’s premier event, the Annual Summit brings together association professionals from across Wisconsin for the largest and most comprehensive learning and networking experience of the year. Featuring dynamic education for all career stages, the Annual Summit also hosts the WSAE Annual Business Meeting and celebrates excellence through its annual Awards Program. With dedicated opportunities to engage with Industry Partners at table-top exhibits, attendees gain valuable insights, build meaningful connections, and experience the full strength of the association community.

Live@

Association professionals convene to experience unique Wisconsin destinations that inspire learning and community.

Bringing together meeting and association professionals from across the state, WSAE’s Live@ events showcase a distinct Wisconsin destination while delivering meaningful, multi-level education. Attendees experience the unique character of the host location firsthand, all while building connections and expanding their expertise. Designed to inspire connection and creativity, Live@ delivers both professional growth and a memorable, place-based experience.

Women’s Forum

Rooted in women’s perspectives, empowering and strengthening every leader.

The Women’s Forum brings together association professionals for an engaging and inclusive experience focused on topics that resonate across career stages and lived experiences. While centered on content that supports and elevates women in the profession, the event warmly welcomes all attendees. Through thoughtful education, shared perspectives, and meaningful conversation, the Women’s Forum creates space for connection, growth, and inspiration within a supportive and inclusive community.

CEO Retreat

Trusted peers engage in deep conversation and strategic insight.

The CEO Retreat offers an exclusive, intimate experience designed specifically for association CEOs and executive directors. This highly curated gathering creates space for candid, high-level dialogue and deep discussion on the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing WSAE leaders. Through meaningful peer exchange and thoughtful facilitation, attendees gain fresh perspectives, trusted connections, and strategic insight in a setting that encourages reflection and openness. 

CEO Roundtables

CEOs connect, share, and support one another in a relaxed gathering over a meal.

WSAE’s CEO Roundtables provide a relaxed, conversational setting for CEO-level members to connect, share insights, and learn from one another. Held as informal, one-hour gatherings over lunch or cocktails, these sessions are hosted by fellow CEOs and occasionally supported by Industry Partners. Whether at a member office or local venue, these CEO Roundtables foster authentic dialogue, peer support, and valuable relationship-building in a casual and approachable environment.

Association Leadership Academy (ALA)

Developing the next generation of Wisconsin association professionals.

The WSAE Association Leadership Academy is a growing program aimed at early association professionals who have an interest in further developing their careers in Association Management. This program is a one year (Fall 2025-Fall 2026), cohort-based program developed to assist participants in building a professional community of association peers and to enhance individual leadership skills. Approximately 20 professionals will be invited to participate per cohort, with the aim of including a wide representation of the association community in each cohort.