Component Relations SIG

Component Relations SIG

About This SIG

This SIG deals with information and idea sharing around the management of any affiliated or independent unit of a bigger organization. The names for these units vary from association to association. Some common ones are chapters, branches, special-interest groups, divisions, practice specialties or even the division of international, national, regional, state and local subsidiaries of the same association.

Chair

Carla Rea DeFlorio, MBA, CAE
Director, Region and Chapter Relations, Institute of Real Estate Management

Vice Chair

Victoria Tompkins
Program Manager, Support Groups & Chapter Services, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance


SIG Events

Turning Naysayers into Champions - Influencing Boards to Move Forward

March 16, 2026

8:30-10:15 AM CT
Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM): 430 N Michigan Avenue, Suite 750
Chicago, IL 60611

REGISTER NOW
(Please note: Registration will close on 3/12 for this session to allow for coordination with Realtor Building security.)

Component relations professionals are often asked to lead change without formal authority - navigating volunteer leaders, diverse stakeholder priorities, and boards that may be cautious, divided, or resistant.

 
In this practical session, you’ll learn how to move important initiatives forward by building trust, managing emotions, and engaging stakeholders in ways that turn resistance into momentum.
 
Through a real-world case study from the Society of Actuaries, expert insights, and hands-on tools you can use immediately, we’ll explore:

  • Why some change efforts succeed while others stall
  • How to surface the emotions behind the resistance to change
  • How to map stakeholders, surface barriers, and find the right champions
  • How different board personalities and “innovation archetypes” influence outcomes—and how even skeptics can become allies

You’ll leave with a practical framework and greater confidence to advance change with your boards and stakeholders, without needing formal authority.


🎤Speakers

Ladelia Berger, Manager, Community Engagement, Society of Actuaries

Nikki Golden, CAE, Managing Director, Association Laboratory, Inc.

Rebecca O'Brien, MBA, CAE, CFRE, Executive Director, IREM Foundation

📆Coming Events

Turning Naysayers into Champions - Influencing Boards to Move Forward
March 16, 2026
8:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM)
430 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 750
Chicago, IL 60611

REGISTER NOW

SIGs are always free for members! Association Forum values a Welcoming Environment® and offers one free SIG event to nonmembers. So go ahead and click that "register" button! We hope you'll try one of our events and join this community to receive more free learning, resources, and connection. 

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