Live @ Wisconsin Dells
June 18-19, 2025
Chula Vista Resort | Wisconsin Dells

Register Now!

Opening Session
Beyond the Buzz: Real AI for Real Association Impact
Jennie Socha, CAE, Association Executive & Drew Whalen, Association Professional, Executive Director, Inc 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the way organizations make decisions, and associations are no exception. This session will explore practical, real-world examples of how AI tools can support and enhance your work. From environmental scanning and member insights to strategic planning, AI offers powerful opportunities to help associations become more data-driven, efficient, and responsive. Whether you're just starting to explore AI or looking to expand your organization’s use of these tools, this session will provide actionable insights and fresh inspiration.  

General Session
Member Engagement Workshop
Denise Husenica, MBA, CAE, Membership Manager, National Fluid Power Association

Join Denise Husenica for an interactive and insightful Member Engagement Workshop. This session offers diverse perspectives and real-world strategies from a variety of industries, all focused on building stronger connections with your organization’s members.

Designed to be collaborative and discussion-based, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore what engagement means across different sectors. We’ll tackle key challenges, explore creative solutions, and exchange ideas that participants can take back to their organizations.

To make the most of our time together, we encourage attendees to come prepared with questions, challenges, and success stories. Please email Denise so that she can tailor the session to your most pressing needs.

Whether you're looking to boost participation, improve communication, or build a more vibrant member community, this session is for you.

Breakout #1
Learning as We Go: Navigating AI Risks in Nonprofits Through Experience
Rosanne Stelpflug, MS, CAE, Director of Administration, Executive Director, Inc

As artificial intelligence (AI) tools become more common in the nonprofit world, many nonprofit associations are unsure how to respond—or where to begin with policy. This session shares real-world experiences from supporting AI policy development in two different nonprofit association settings. We’ll explore practical challenges such as staff use, data concerns, and internal communication, and reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what’s still evolving. Attendees will leave with key questions and ideas to bring back to their teams as they begin shaping their own thoughtful approaches to AI policy.

Breakout #2
Understanding and Supporting Neurodivergence in the Workplace
Cynthia Prest, HR Executive, MSA Professional Services

Join us for this session presented by HR executive, Cynthia Prest, for practical insights on creating inclusive workplaces for neurodivergent employees. Learn what neurodivergence is, the strengths it brings, common challenges faced, and strategies to provide meaningful support and accommodations. Walk away with tools to foster belonging and empower every employee to thrive.

General Session
No Money, No Mission: How Non-Dues Revenue Delivers Member Value
Tim Waddill, Director of Partnerships, Association Revenue Partners

Associations have long been structured around predictable annual cycles, but innovation requires us to break away from “the way we’ve always done it.” This presentation explores how to expand the “thin-slice” of alternative revenue and supplement the traditional revenue structures that rely heavily on member dues and conferences to insure you are delivering on your mission and delivering value to your members.

General Session
The Politics of Participation: Visas, Trade, and the Association Industry (Panel)

• Ellie Westman Chin, President & CEO, Destination Madison
• Kristine Hillmer, MBA, CAE, President & CEO, Wisconsin Restaurant Association
• Jeff Kaminiski, President, Chula Vista Resort
• Elizabeth Schlicht, CAE, Executive Director, Association Acumen
• Kay Whalen, CAE, President, Executive Director, Inc. (EDI)

From visa challenges to international sourcing complications, global events face increasing hurdles shaped by politics and policy. In this timely session we'll have a conversation with industry leaders on how shifting visa rules, trade policies, supply chain issues, and international perception are impacting staffing, planning, and participation in association events.

Panelists from hospitality, destination marketing, and association management will share firsthand experiences and strategies for overcoming these complex challenges. Learn how your peers are adapting, advocating, and planning for inclusive, cross-border engagement—despite the obstacles.

Closing Keynote
Workforce Energy Management
Kelly Bubolz, NSA - WI, KB Training Connections, LLC

In today's evolving workplace, organizations face the challenge of adapting to change without losing their team’s engagement and momentum. The old ways no longer fit the new world. This program introduces the Workforce Energy Management framework, offering practical tools to align strategy, talent, and action. Designed for those committed to fostering adaptability, resilience, and high-performance teams, this session equips you with insights to drive progress while keeping the workforce energized and engaged. We're no longer talking about mastering the exhausting juggle of work-life balance. The future of work is here and so is the sustainable practice of work-life integration. 

 *Credits