About Associations West
Mission
About
Associations West is a nonprofit 501(c)6 membership organization advancing and fostering the educational and professional needs of the association community in California, Nevada and Oregon. We are the "association for association professionals."
History and Mergers
Our organization rebranded to Associations West 2025, we are formerly known as the California Society of Association Executives (CalSAE). CalSAE was created in 2002 through a merger with the Capital, San Diego, and Southern CA Societies of Association Executives. The Bay Area region was formed in 2005 by a vote of the membership.
The Oregon region was formed in 2022 through a merger with the Oregon Society of Association Management (OSAM). Associations West began serving Nevada in 2025 (there was no "local" society then), and in 2026 we merged with the Washington Society for Association Excellence.
Member Types
Association Professional members are individuals employed by associations or non-profit organizations, including individuals that work for an Association Management Company. The professional staff of associations includes CEOs, directors, managers, and administrative personnel within trade, professional, technical, educational, philanthropic, or similar nonprofit organizations. Check out the benefits of membership.
Industry Partner members represent suppliers of goods and services to associations. These individuals come from the business sector and represent such diverse industries as hospitality and convention services, banking and finance, insurance, technology, marketing, consulting, publishing, and many more. Check out the benefits of membership.