My last post was about my experience in Dallas during ASAE12. This time, I wanted to give you the highs and lows of the conference from the perspective of my colleagues in the Diversity Executive Leadership Program aka DELP. Outside of our annual reunion, ASAE annual is the only other large gathering of DELP scholars.
During the conference, DELP held its annual breakfast Sunday morning prior to the opening general session. The breakfast, attended by ASAE volunteer leadership, staff and colleagues from the Detroit CVB, celebrated the achievements of DELP scholars in the association community over the past year. In case you missed it, it was announced that we are now 123 strong since the program began in 2000. Of the 123 scholars, 56 are CAEs. 36 of our CAEs earned their credential through DELP. This is proof of the caliber of talent we have in this program. We also had a reception that evening hosted by ASAE’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
For the third year in a row, we had a DELP Lounge where perspective applicants met with DELPers and learned more about the program. The lounge also gave us DELPers an opportunity to reconnect, relax, and share ideas from sessions. If you missed us in Dallas, feel free to stop by when we’re in Atlanta next year. But enough of me babbling. Let’s hear what some of my fellow DELPers had to say about ASAE12.
My favorite part about attending ASAE’s annual meeting was being able to sit down face to face with other association executives and discuss best practices. My best experience was presenting my Ignite session and having people come up to met afterwards and tell me how my message impacted them. – Valerie Fries Wade CAE, class of 2010-2012
What I loved about ASAE12 was the atmosphere, it was electric. People willing to show you around and talk about the previous session or what was upcoming. I especially enjoyed the unique sessions in the form of Ignite presentations and learning labs. I wished the opening keynote session had incorporated more aspects of how the political climate and economy will impact the non-profit/association world. – Sikha Singh, class of 2012-2014
Loved the fact DELP/Diversity was getting massive props through multiple mentions from sessions speakers, John Graham, Peter O’Neil and my mentor Joe McGuire! Rather than getting the “what’s DELP?” question, I got a few more, “how do I get into that program?!” question. – Renato Sogueco, class of 2011-2013
This was my 5th annual meeting, but first as a DELP Scholar. What a difference! What a boost of energy and support! – Pierre Desy CAE, class of 2012-2014
This was my first ASAE conference as a DELP Scholar. I have to admit, I was bracing myself for the discussion on “relevance”. What was intriguing to me this year was that I heard more stories about organizations that have already begun to transform. – Teshia Briscoe Birts, class of 2012-2014
I’m FURIOUS! James Carville should never have been paired with Karl Rove! Rove presented with one fact after another. Carville was unable to focus, could not be still or state in significant facts and in my jaded opinion did more harm than good. – Greta Stewart, class of 2002-2003
The opening night party in Cowboys Stadium took me back to my 11-year old self when all I wanted to be was a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader. Memories of sitting on the floor at my daddy’s knee watching the Cowboys play inundated me all evening. Ending the night with a great concert truly made this event one to remember for a lifetime. I can check this one off my Bucket List! – Marsha Kiner, class of 2011-2013
This was my 4th annual meeting, but I felt much more connected to the ASAE community than before as a result of DELP, which made the whole convention experience richer. The broad variety of programming that occurred throughout, was terrific. Because there is so much – and because the Twitter back channel is amazing – I sometimes struggle with almost a “buyer’s remorse” about the sessions I pick. – John Segota CAE, class of 2012-2014
ASAE and the Dallas CVB pulled out all of the stops this year! In speaking with other conference attendees, they echo my sentiments…. The educational programming was superb and sessions were well attended. And, open access to the Cowboys Stadium—that was PRICELESS! – Agatha Johnson CAE, class of 2006-2007
After a slow start with the political opening general session, the conference picked up steam. I made some valuable connections in the exhibit hall, had some great conversations around innovation, and got to spend valuable time with colleagues from around the country. – Stephanie Doute CAE, class of 2009-2011
Association Advocacy Chick 