Time

Session

11:00 AM

Hanging Lake Hike – for 20 People (First Offering in Early April for Those Already Registered for the Conference)

Afternoon

Pre-Conference Experience: Hike with Yoga (First Offering in mid-April for Those Already Registered for the Conference)

10:00 AM–4:00 PM

Attendee Arrivals and Exhibitor Set-Up

4:00–5:00 PM

Welcome and Opening Session / Ice-Breaker with Keith Bailey, Founder, Facilitator, Story Connector with Articulated Intelligence

5:00–7:00 PM

Grand Opening Reception hosted by Hotel Colorado

Time

Session

7:00–7:35 AM

Meditation Session

7:30–8:30 AM

Breakfast Buffet

8:00–8:15 AM

Welcome and Sponsor Acknowledgements

8:15–9:15 AM

Keynote Session with Garth Jordan, CEO of the SCCE & HCCA.  The Association Model: Built for a World That No Longer Exists:The Courage To Choose!

In this compelling keynote, Garth will explore eleven percent. That's the share of associations that describe their own value proposition as very compelling. Not to outsiders. To themselves.  That number is the starting point for this session because it raises a question the association sector has been structurally trained not to ask: is the model the problem?  This session argues that it is. Not because the people running associations are failing, but because  … (you have to attend to find out!I)

Garth Jordan draws on fifteen years of leading associations across five industries to present a methodology that starts with what our profession truly needs and builds backward to the model, instead of the other way around. Come ready to think about your organization differently.

9:15–9:25 AM

Break

9:30–10:15 AM

Breakout Session 1
Topic: 2026–2027 Economic, market, policy, inflation, labor, and AI trends shaping associations.

9:30–10:15 AM

Breakout Session 2

Topic: Lead with impact by strengthening collaboration across boards, volunteers, and teams.

9:30–10:15 AM

Breakout Session 3

Topic: Your association in the age of AI Search: How to Get Cited, Stay Visible, and Protect Your Revenue

10:15–10:25 AM

Break

10:30–11:15 AM

Breakout Session 4

Topic: New requirements and best practices for bylaws, governance documents, and policies.

10:30–11:15 AM

Breakout Session 5

Topic: How destinations and communities beyond the “main” cities can compete and stand out, and how associations of all sizes can take advantage of cost reductions.

10:30–11:15 AM

Breakout Session 6

Topic: Project management approaches for smaller associations and volunteer-driven work.

11:15–11:30 AM

Break

11:30 AM–1:20 PM

CSAE Business Meeting:

Bylaws, Board and Officer Elections, Board President’s Year in Review, Future View from Incoming President,

CSAE Annual Awards and Recognition, and Celebration of CAEs Across Colorado, presented by Visit Pueblo

1:20–1:30 PM

Break

1:30–2:15 PM

Breakout Session 7

Topic:  New Approaches to Successful Membership Campaigns and How to Increase Value, Retention and New Acquisitions.

1:30–2:15 PM

Breakout Session 8

Topic: To be announced.

1:30–2:15 PM

Breakout Session 9

Topic: AI applications and efficiencies for associations.

2:15–2:30 PM

Break

2:30–3:15 PM

Breakout Session 10

Topic: Thriving as a lean association with small budgets and limited staff resources.

2:30–3:15 PM

Breakout Session 11

Topic: Board governance trends and the evolving roles of the CEO and the board.

2:30–3:15 PM

Breakout Session 12

Topic: All the details you need to leverage the new 529 regulations for certifications, credentials, and professional development programming.

3:15–3:30 PM

Break

3:30–4:15 PM

Breakout Session 13

Topic: Managing stress, reducing noise, and flourishing in a world of uncertainty.

3:30–4:15 PM

Breakout Session 14

Topic: Rethinking the learning production model so teams can build learning faster and more effectively.

3:30–4:30 PM

Breakout Session 15

Topic: Ethics & AI: Leadership and Responsible Use in Associations

4:15–4:30 PM

Break

4:30–5:30 PM

Meetups with Colleagues Across CSAE

5:45–8:00 PM

DineAbout in Glenwood Springs Featuring 10+ Restaurants

8:00–10:00 PM

Hospitality Suite sponsored by Visit Fort Collins

Time

Session

7:00–7:35 AM

Meditation

7:30–8:30 AM

Breakfast Buffet

8:00–9:30 AM

Welcome and Sponsor Acknowledgement, followed by 5 Rapid-Fire Talks

9:30–9:45 AM

Break

9:45–10:45 AM

Final Keynote and Wrap-Up

10:45 AM

Official End of Conference