Time

Session

10:45 AM Meet at the Trail Head: Hikes Begins Promptly at 11:00 AM

Pre-Conference Experience: Hanging Lake Hike – $15 per person for up to 20 people (Will be offered in April/May for Those Already Registered for the Conference)

12:45 - 3 pm  Yoga at Hotel Colorado followed by Hike From/Back to Hotel

Pre-Conference Experience: Thanks to Innovative Yogis, we will offer a 1-hour Yoga Class followed by a 1-hour Mindful Walk (Will be offered in April/May for Those Already Registered for the Conference)

10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Hotel Colorado

Attendee Arrivals and Exhibitor Set-Up

4:00–5:00 PM
 Devereux  Ballroom, Hotel Colorado

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

5:00–7:00 PM
Hotel Colorado Courtyard

Grand Opening Reception hosted by Hotel Colorado

Time

Session

7:00–7:35 AM
Garden Room

Meditation Session

7:30–8:30 AM
Buffet in Lobby

Breakfast Buffet

8:00–8:15 AM
Devereux Ballroom

Welcome and Sponsor Acknowledgements

8:15–9:15 AM
Devereux Ballroom

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 with Executives from AMG National Trust
Economic & Market Insights for Your Association’s Success
Economic growth proved resilient in 2025, even as labor markets softened, monetary policy shifted, and trade policy and tariffs created significant uncertainty. In addition, stock market gains became increasingly concentrated around artificial intelligence (AI).  The value of this session is to provide up to date relevant economic, market and policy information for associations and association leaders, so we will include pertinent information on current events of the first half of 2026.

9:30–10:15 AM

Breakout Session 2 with Tracy Graf, CEO, Fuse-Igniting Communication
Communicate with Influence: The Executive Edge for Association Leaders
Be clear, concise, and compelling - without slides, scripts, or AI to speak for you.     Association growth depends on meaningful human connection. Whether engaging members, motivating volunteers, retaining long-time stakeholders, or appealing to a new generation, leaders must communicate in ways that create trust, clarity, and commitment. 

9:30–10:15 AM

Breakout Session 3 with Drew Veach, CMS and AI Strategy Lead, BizStream
AI Strategy for Associations - How to Identify High-Value Opportunities Before Choosing a Tool

Most associations know they need to do something with AI. The problem is that most start with tools instead of strategy. This session walks through a practical five-phase framework to help association leaders identify high-value opportunities, set measurable goals, and build a rollout plan before choosing a single tool.

10:15–10:25 AM

Break

10:30–11:15 AM

Breakout Session 4 with Tom Downey, Partner; and Katherine R. Struthers, Attorney, Ireland Stapleton

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