Professional Development

AMC Retreat
Annually
This 1.5-day retreat is built for association management companies to connect around shared challenges, business strategy, and growth opportunities. Expect honest conversation, space to recharge, and ideas to move your firm forward.

Ascend: Association Leadership Lab – Developing the Next Tier of Leaders (NEW!)
February 2027
Tailored for mid-level professionals ready to lead, Ascend builds confidence and strategy through interactive sessions and peer exchange. Includes a shared lunch with CEOs attending Insights Executive Summit for deeper cross-level learning.

Shop Talks – Exclusively for Associations West Members (NEW!) – Virtual
Quarterly
Explore big questions and practical solutions with fellow members in this new, exclusive series. Each session centers on a timely topic, sparking peer exchange and takeaways you can use right now. Fresh insights. Real talk. Collective wisdom.

Emerging Leaders Summit (NEW!)
Sept 2026
This high-energy one-day experience is designed for professionals in the first 5 years of their career who are ready to grow as confident, purpose-driven leaders. From speed networking and peer-to-peer problem solving to thought-provoking presentations this summit moves beyond foundational content to provide practical strategies that empower the next generation of association leaders to thrive personally and professionally.

CAE Study Group – virtual
Fall 2026
Get ready for the CAE exam with 10 virtual sessions featuring recent CAEs and expert mentors. Designed for flexibility, this peer-supported group offers structure, insights, and motivation to keep you on track and confident as exam day approaches.

CEO Lunches
multiple throughout the year
Connect with your CEO peers on the latest ideas and industry trends. Registration is complimentary and lunch is provided. Members only.

ELEVATE Annual Conference
May 2027
Join us for four energizing days of education, inspiration, and connection. ELEVATE is your go-to annual experience for exploring what’s next in associations—packed with bold ideas, actionable insights, and meaningful peer exchange.

Emerging Professionals Meet-Ups
fall and spring
Connect with your fellow emerging professional peers to chat openly and crowd source solutions and fresh ideas. 

Insights Executive Summit
February 2027
This immersive 1.5-day retreat for CEOs delivers cutting-edge education, reflective space, and deep peer connection. Designed to future-proof leadership and inspire transformative action in a changing world. 

Meeting Planner Luncheons
multiple throughout the year
Connect with your meeting planner peers on the latest ideas and industry trends. Registration is complimentary and lunch is provided. Members only.

Membership & Marketing Summit (MMS) - (NEW SoCal Location)
June 2027
Spend a day diving into cutting-edge trends in membership and marketing. Gain strategies, peer insights, and partner solutions to grow your membership, engage your audience, and strengthen your association.

Next Wave Conference (NEW!)
October 2026
A new wave of learning and connection is coming to the Pacific Northwest. We look forward to building community and creating inspiration together! 

Online Webinars
multiple throughout the year
Access additional live and on-demand virtual learning available from our SAE counterparts.
click here for more details

Operations/Finance Lunches
multiple throughout the year
Connect with your ops/finance peers on the latest ideas and industry trends. Registration is complimentary and lunch is provided. Members only.

Peer-Powered Lunches
multiple throughout the year
Informal, connection-focused gatherings where members come together to share experiences, exchange ideas, and build relationships. Designed to be accessible and conversational, these sessions may include optional facilitation and CAE credit opportunities.

Regional Education + Luncheon
multiple throughout the year
A premium, partner-hosted luncheon experience that blends festive energy, meaningful connection, and CAE-eligible learning. Hosted at unique venues, these events combine a high-quality education session with an elevated dining experience, creating a memorable and engaging environment.

Seasonal Spectacular
December 2026
One of the West Coast’s premier association gatherings! This high-energy event blends learning, networking, and a vibrant marketplace—perfect for earning CAE credit, discovering new ideas, and connecting with industry peers and partners.

Webinars- Virtual
Quarterly
Stay current all year with 10 engaging webinars designed for busy association professionals. Each session offers expert insights on timely topics—from trends to operations—plus interactive Q&A and peer exchange. Learn, connect, and grow without leaving your desk.