Association 201

Master the Skills You Need to Succeed in Today's Workforce

Learning Outcomes

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

• Modern Leadership Styles – Apply New Power Leadership strategies to inspire and influence 
• Intrapreneurship & Innovation – Learn how to champion change and drive new initiatives 
• Data-Driven & Strategic Thinking – Enhance decision-making through critical thinking and analytics 
• The Art of Relationship-Building – Strengthen internal and external collaborations 
• Technology & Emerging Trends – Leverage digital tools to future-proof your career 

Who Should Attend

Mid-level association professionals looking to: 

• Improve leadership competencies and job performance 
• Build more effective teams and drive better organizational outcomes 
• Stay ahead of workforce trends and lead change with confidence 

Not in a supervisory role? No problem! This course is designed for all professionals ready to maximize their impact, regardless of title. 

💡 This is your opportunity to stay ahead, sharpen your expertise, and future-proof your career. 

Program Outline

Module 1: Embracing New Power Leadership

• • Understanding New Power Leadership principles: open, participatory, and peer-driven.
  • Exploring different contemporary leadership styles and approaches.
  • Expanding the sphere of influence for effective leadership.

Module 2: Unlocking Intrapreneurship

• • Defining intrapreneurship and its importance in association development.
  • Identifying opportunities for innovative approaches within associations.
  • Empowering individuals to drive stronger organizations and create greater member value.

Module 3: Tomorrow Is Now: Navigating Emerging Trends

• • Exploring emerging thinking and new technologies shaping the future of associations.
  • Charting a path today to ensure a brighter future for all associations.
  • Analyzing the impact of emerging trends on organizational strategies.

Module 4: Power Up Your Personal Leadership

• • Leveraging expertise, innovation, and connections to break through to the next leadership level.
  • Compelling tailored experiences for effective leadership.
  • Curating and leveraging your personal brand.

Module 5: Empowering Middle Management

• • Specialized training to strengthen leadership skills and advance team development.
  • Harnessing the power of the Association Forum community for support and growth.
  • Effective strategies to navigate complex organizational dynamics and foster cohesive interdepartmental collaboration.

Module 6: Mastering Career Development Skills and Opportunities

• • Accessing premier resources to master the skills necessary for career advancement.
  • Understanding association professional career paths and opportunities.
  • Building a network of peers, mentors, and experts for personal and professional growth.

🎤 Speakers

MARCH 23, 2027
	Shawna Strickland, PhD, CAE Shawna Strickland, PhD, CAE, is the Chief Learning & Engagement Officer at the American Epilepsy Society, where she provides strategic oversight for a diverse portfolio of education, programs, and member engagement initiatives. In this role, she provides strategic leadership and oversight for AES’s education, research, clinical, marketing and communications, and member engagement programs, ensuring these efforts are fully integrated to advance the organization’s mission and deliver meaningful value to its diverse constituencies. With more than 13 years of association leadership and 25 years in higher education, Shawna brings deep expertise in strategic planning, governance, and program development./span> Shawna is an experienced presenter and facilitator on topics such as ethics, strategic implementation, and leadership in associations. She has delivered sessions for organizations including ASAE, Association Forum, and other national audiences, and has contributed to advancing ethical decision-making and effective governance practices across the nonprofit sector. Shawna is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and holds a PhD in Education with an emphasis in Educational Leadership and Policy. She is a Fellow of the American Association for Respiratory Care and the National Academies of Practice, reflecting her commitment to excellence in both association management and professional education.
	Christine Melendes, CAE Christine Melendes is CEO of the Turnaround Management Association (TMA), the premier global organization for professionals in corporate restructuring and turnaround. She leads the organization’s strategy, global engagement, and member experience across a worldwide network of practitioners. Melendes is known as a growth architect for associations, with extensive experience designing strategies, programs, and partnerships that drive measurable business impact and member value. Over her career, she has led enterprise-wide initiatives across events, sponsorship, marketing, membership, and education while managing multi-million-dollar portfolios and aligning diverse stakeholders including boards, chapters, and industry leaders. Previously, she served as Chief Commercial Officer at Association for Corporate Growth, where she oversaw major revenue platforms and industry events.