Seminar Series

VSAE's Annual Seminar series includes six (6) two-and-a-half (2.5) hour educational seminars. Topics cover nearly all aspects of association management including communications, leadership, membership, strategic planning, and so much more. VSAE is an approved provider of CAE credit hours and each seminar in the series is worth up to 2.5 CAE credits. See the CAE Information page for more, including a printable chart to track your CAE credits.

Each seminar is accompanied by a networking reception and breakfast or lunch. You can attend the seminar, the networking event, or both. VSAE members can attend the networking portion (including breakfast or lunch) for free, and the seminar for $50, provided they are registered by the deadline. Please see the FAQ's below and VSAE's registration policy for more details.

2019 Seminars

Courage & Conflict - Critical Conversations! 
Melissa and Tom Laughon, Catch Your Limit 

Friday, February 1 

Constructive conflict is essential to building relationships, high-performing teams, and strategies for success. In this interactive session, explore strategies to foster improved interpersonal relationships, idea generation, and increased productivity. Become a catalyst for courageous communication with your staff, board, legislators, and other stakeholders and encourage others to follow your lead. Presented by Tom & Melissa Laughon, owners of Catch Your Limit, a leadership development firm in Richmond, and VSAE's partners in designing and facilitating the Association Leadership Virginia (ALV) program. 

Key Takeaways
After attending this session, participants will be able to: 

• Explore strategies to foster improved interpersonal relationships, idea generation and increased productivity.
• Become a catalyst for courageous communication with your staff, board, legislators and other stakeholders.
• Encourage others to follow your lead.

Unconscious Bias-Making the Unconscious Conscious

Charm Bullard, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities

Friday, April 5

Many organizations have provided training on unconscious bias for their employees with great success.  Once employees are aware of their unconscious biases, however, they are not always clear on what they can do to reduce the impact of those biases in the workplace.  This session will provide practical tips and approaches that organizations can implement to help employees make better, bias-free decisions.

Key Takeaways
By completion of the engagement, participants will:

• Express an increased awareness of why organizations should be committed to diversity and inclusion.
• Reflect on ways that all employees benefit from an inclusive workplace.
• Consider individual actions that can be taken to foster inclusion.
• Build comfort in discussing issues of diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Lobbyist or Barber: It's About Relationships
Robert Keaton, Keaton Associates, LLC

Friday, June 7

According to Bob, government is nоt ѕоmе high-and-mightу ѕерerаtе entity out оf our reach. Instead, with the help of elections and lobbyists, the everyday citizen саn rеасh out and put in their two cents at any time.

In his book, Lobbyist or Barber: How the Right Relationships Can Build A Strong Government Affairs Program, he looks at how lobbyists can guide one toward the best рrосеѕѕ and whom to connect with to get a ѕеаt at the table and ultimately build strong and principled relationships with our elected officials.

Key Takeaways
After attending this session, participants will be able to:

• Understand the term "lobbyist".
• Describe the elements of government affairs.
• Apply ways to effectively use relationships.

Registration Fees

* Deadline is typically the Tuesday before the event.
** Executive non-Resident & Semi-Retired members pay $15 to attend the reception and luncheon/breakfast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a limit to how many times a non-member may attend?

Yes, non-members are limited to three events per calendar year.

How do I use my Seminar Pass to register?

Register for the event and use the Seminar Pass discount code on the Summary page. The code is in the confirmation email sent to you when you purchased your Seminar Pass(es). If you need your code again, please call the office at (804) 747-4971.

I am a member. How do I register a staff member who is not a member?

You will need a code to register them on the website. Call the office at (804) 747-4971 to verify your membership and receive the code.

Can I register multiple people from the same organization at the same time?

The main contact for an organization can register multiple members during registration using the "register linked profile" button. See the registration form for details.

How do I register a guest?

If you would like to register a guest, the guest will need to login/create a profile online or you may call VSAE at (804) 747-4971.