Association 101

Association 101

Set Your Team—and Your Career—Up for Success in the Association World

The association sector has a distinct culture, language, and way of doing business. For professionals new to the field—whether they’re recent graduates or career-changers—it can feel like stepping into a whole new world.

Association 101 is the perfect launchpad. This engaging, high-impact program equips newcomers with the foundational knowledge, insights, and confidence they need to thrive in their roles from day one.

For employers, it’s a smart investment in your talent—help your new hires hit the ground running, boost engagement and retention, and foster a sense of belonging early on.
For professionals, it’s your chance to quickly get up to speed, gain clarity on how associations operate, and connect with a cohort of peers who are navigating the same journey.

Set the stage for long-term success—join us at Association 101.

✏️ Why This Course? 

  • Accelerate onboarding and boost confidence – Gain a clear understanding of how associations function, so you can contribute with clarity and purpose from the start.

  • Build your professional network early – Connect with fellow newcomers and begin forming relationships that can support your growth throughout your association career.

  • Enhance engagement and retention – For employers, it’s a proactive step to increase job satisfaction and loyalty by helping new hires feel prepared, included, and valued.

📚 Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Describe the nature, scope, and unique characteristics of associations.

  • Identify strategies and resources to support your career development within the association sector.

  • Explain the roles and working dynamics between association staff, volunteers, and members.

  • Build meaningful connections with peers new to the industry to expand your professional network.

  • Apply your learning toward professional certification by earning 5.67 CAE credits.

📆Upcoming Dates:

 June 24, 2025
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. CT
Association Forum - Conference Center*
10 South Riverside Plaza Suite 840
Chicago, IL 60606 

Register now!

 Oct. 28, 2025
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. CT
Association Forum Office

Register now!

Feb 4-5, 2026
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. each day CT
Association Forum Office

Register now!

Location

In-person programs take place the Association Forum office: 10 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago. Virtual programs will take place on Zoom.
*Please note location change.

To receive an invoice and pay via check/ACH, please contact education@associationforum.org.

 

Pricing

Member: $389
Nonmember: $509

Note: Receive a 10% discount when five (5) or more individuals register together!

CAE credits

This program is approved for (5.67) CAE hours toward the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE's) Certified Association Executive (CAE) certification.

Who Should Attend?

  • Early-career professionals entering the association sector

  • Career changers transitioning from other industries into association roles

  • New hires in membership, marketing, education, meetings, operations, or any department

  • Interns or fellows working in association environments

  • Managers looking to onboard team members with a strong foundation in association fundamentals

💡 This is a can’t-miss opportunity to fast-track your success in the association world with insider insights, practical tools, and connections that will serve you for years to come.

🎤 Speakers

June 24, 2025

Tera Lavick

Tera Lavick is the founder of Tera Lavick Consulting, LLC, a firm that provides strategic and governance support to associations with a personal touch. She brings over 20 years of association experience, including 17 years with the American Dental Association and the American College of Healthcare Executives. Tera holds degrees in Public Relations and Integrated Marketing Communications and is active in the Association Forum of Chicagoland.

Oct. 28, 2025

Amy Lotz, CAE

Amy B. Lotz is Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff at MCI USA, leading over 150 professionals across three U.S. offices and overseeing strategic goals and client performance. With more than 25 years of nonprofit experience, she has worked with national and global clients including the Copper Development Association and the Healthcare Convention & Exhibitors Association. Previously, she led key initiatives such as the Gracie Awards and student programs at the Alliance for Women in Media. Amy is known for building strong internal relationships and driving organizational success.

Emily Burch

Emily Burch serves as the Executive Director for the Audio Engineering Society, one of MCI USA’s full-service management association clients. In addition, Emily serves as Senior Vice President of Client Partnerships at MCI USA. As an experienced executive with over 18 years in association management, Emily possesses extensive expertise in fostering and sustaining relationships and driving client growth. She is deeply passionate about formulating effective strategies that cater to the unique needs of each association.

Feb. 4-5, 2025

JoAnna Leon

JoAnna Leon has over 20 years of experience in association management and is currently the Director of WERC Membership & MHI-CICMHE at MHI. She leads strategic membership initiatives, enhances industry-academia collaborations, and develops workforce development programs. She also manages VIP engagement for the WERC Annual Conference, fostering connections between industry professionals, educators, and emerging leaders.
 
Previously, she served as Administrator for Chapter & Member Services at PCMA, where she oversaw 17 regional chapters, optimized leadership development programs, and successfully increased membership engagement. JoAnna is the Membership SIG Chair for Association Forum and received the Greater Midwest Chapter PCMA President’s Award.

Merrill Green, CAE

Merrill Green is the Manager of Member Engagement & Retention at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), with 13 years of experience in the association sector. She specializes in member engagement, marketing, and data analysis to support strategic growth. A Certified Association Executive since 2018, Merrill previously led successful initiatives at the Emergency Nurses Association, including the ENA Member Advantage Program. She holds a B.S. in Communication from Bradley University.