Colorado Society of Association Executives FAQs

The Colorado Society of Association Executives (CSAE) is the professional community for people who lead and work in associations across Colorado, as well as businesses that serve them. These answers explain membership, education, events, careers, and ways to get involved. For current dates, rates, and registration, follow the linked pages on csae.org.

Print This Page

About CSAE

What is CSAE?

CSAE is the Colorado Society of Association Executives, a Colorado association for association executives and professionals across roles and industries. It brings peers together for education, practical exchange, professional relationships, leadership opportunities, and partnerships that strengthen associations. Learn about CSAE.

Who does CSAE serve?

CSAE serves CEOs, executive directors, presidents, managers, and staff who work for trade associations, professional societies, and other membership or donor-supported organizations. Its community also includes suppliers and partners whose businesses serve associations. People entering the field, changing association roles, or retired from association work can find membership options. Explore membership.

Is CSAE only for association CEOs?

No. CSAE welcomes association professionals in membership, marketing, meetings, education, finance, operations, advocacy, and other roles, alongside chief executives. Programs and volunteer opportunities serve different career stages and responsibilities.

Is CSAE the same as the Canadian Society of Association Executives?

No, but they too are a great organization. This FAQ is about the Colorado Society of Association Executives in the United States, at csae.org. The Canadian Society of Association Executives is a separate organization at csae.com. CSAE can also stand for other organizations and credentials; use the full Colorado name when citing this page.

Where is CSAE based, and does it serve people outside Denver?

CSAE is based in Colorado, and serves an association community across Colorado. Its activities include virtual education and events in different Colorado locations. Its mailing address is 12650 W 64th Ave, Unit E, Box 447, Arvada, CO 80004. Contact CSAE.

How old is CSAE?

CSAE was founded in 1952 and incorporated in 1982. Its history includes association education, peer exchange, CAE preparation, and an expanding statewide community. Read CSAE's history.

How large is the CSAE community?

CSAE is a community of more than 500 members representing hundreds of individuals, associations and businesses across Colorado. Visit CSAE.

Who leads CSAE?

CSAE is governed by a volunteer board of directors and led by Executive Director Su Hawk. Board and officer names may change each year; see the leadership page for the current roster.  Teresa Fraker is the 2026-27 Board President.

Membership and Value

Why join CSAE?

Members gain a community of peers who understand association work, access to learning and practical ideas, member pricing, leadership and speaking opportunities, industry news, and relationships that can support careers and organizational goals. Association professional members can join the peer roundtables included in their membership. Review benefits.

What membership types does CSAE offer?

CSAE offers individual association professional, association group, supplier (businesses who work with associations), affiliate (education and students), executive in transition, and retired memberships. Eligibility and benefits differ by category. Compare membership levels.

Can our whole association staff join?

Yes, and it is encouraged because the discounts are substantial. Association group memberships cover two people through an unlimited staff level. Platinum Plus can also include an organization's in-state chapters. Choose a level based on how many colleagues you want to involve. See group membership options.

What are CSAE membership dues?

The 2026 annual dues are $395 annually for a primary individual association professional; group levels are Bronze $575, Silver $885, Gold $1,175, Platinum $1,275, and Platinum Plus $1,900. Supplier associate membership is $490, with additional allied supplier memberships at $255. Affiliate and executive in transition memberships are $95; retired membership is $65. Explore membership levels and eligibility.

Can I join if I am between association jobs?

Yes, and we welcome association professionals in transition. The EIT membership is for someone who recently left an association position and is seeking their next association role, no matter if you early in your career or more experienced. The one-year EIT membership costs $95, subject to approval.  And, once you get a job, you can upgrade to a full association professional membership and we’ll credit what was remaining from your EIT membership.  Consultants and businesses serving associations should use supplier membership instead. See eligibility.

Can students, educators, and retirees join?

Yes. CSAE offers an affiliate category for full-time students and people working at recognized academic institutions, and a retired category for people retired from association work. Explore these membership options.

Can hotels, destinations, consultants, and service providers join?

Yes. Businesses providing goods or services to associations can join as supplier members. They can connect through networking, committees, programs, the member directory, and relevant sponsorship opportunities. Association professional roundtables are reserved for association professionals and eligible CSAE Annual Partners. See supplier membership.

Are CSAE's association professional roundtables included with membership?

Yes. Association professional members are invited to more than 20 roundtables during the year without an additional registration charge. All sessions are virtual or hybrid. Event pages provide format and eligibility details. See membership details.

Can I attend before joining?

Some CSAE events are open to nonmembers at a separate registration rate. For an association professional interested in experiencing a roundtable, contact [email protected] to ask about a complimentary guest pass; availability is determined for the event. Browse the calendar.

How do I join or renew?

Start with the membership levels page to select the category matching your work or organization. Existing members can access My CSAE. For group upgrades, category questions, or account assistance, email [email protected] or call 720-831-9438.

Does CSAE have professional standards for members?

Yes. CSAE asks members to act with integrity, respect, and courtesy and to build genuine relationships. Its standards discourage unsolicited sales and mass email outreach to fellow members. Read the benefits and standards.

Learning and Events

What programs does CSAE offer?

CSAE offers association professional and executive roundtables, webinars, symposia, networking events, its annual conference, on-demand learning, and other education throughout the year. Topics span leadership, membership, marketing, meetings, revenue, governance, and emerging issues. See the event calendar.

What is a CSAE roundtable?

A roundtable is a facilitated peer conversation where association professionals exchange approaches, lessons, and questions on a specific topic. CSAE offers role-focused and executive conversations, often online. Individual event pages identify the topic, time, facilitator, eligibility, and registration details. Browse events.

What is First Tuesday?

First Tuesday is CSAE's recurring networking gathering for association professionals and supplier members. Member venues host, giving participants a chance to connect and explore a meeting location. Dates, locations, and registration vary; check the calendar.

What is the Future of Associations Symposium?

It is a CSAE learning event focused on trends and decisions shaping associations' future. CSAE offers spring and fall symposia with speakers and CAE credit opportunities. See the event calendar for the next program and current pricing.

When and where is the next CSAE Annual Conference?

The 2027 Colorado Society of Association Executives Annual Conference takes place June 9–11, 2027, at Keystone Resort & Conference Center in Colorado. Consult the 2027 conference information for program, rates, registration, and any schedule changes.

Can CSAE education count toward CAE certification?

CSAE is an ASAE Registered Provider of CAE programs and offers eligible CAE credit through many programs, including roundtables. Credit hours and eligibility vary by event. ASAE administers the Certified Association Executive credential and sets its requirements. Read CSAE's CAE page and ASAE's certification guidance.

Are events in person, virtual, or hybrid?

CSAE uses all three formats depending on the program. Roundtables are virtual or hybrid; First Tuesday events are hosted in person; the annual conference is in person. Symposia are virtual.  Webinars are virtual.  Confirm the format on the specific event listing before registering. View the calendar.

How can I present or share my expertise?

CSAE invites ideas and speakers for relevant association education, and always considers members first to advance the thought leadership reputation of the outstanding members. Members may also facilitate peer discussions, serve on committees, and contribute thought leadership. See the call for speakers or contact [email protected].

What do Featured Listing and Job Posting Distribution mean?

A Featured Listing appears higher on the job board, receives a highlight, and is published to the Google Jobs Network . Job Posting Distribution sends a posting notice by email to profiles in CSAE's database, generally the following weekday. These are separately priced options. Review posting details.

Is CSAE useful for early career professionals?

Yes. Emerging professionals can build relationships, learn association practices, volunteer, and explore leadership and career paths. CSAE's Emerging Professionals Initiative Committee, EPIC, helps shape resources and engagement for people growing in the field. Explore EPIC.

Can I volunteer with CSAE?

Yes. Member volunteers contribute to committees, programs, the conference, marketing, emerging professional activities, and other initiatives. Participation can expand skills, relationships, and visibility. Explore committees or email [email protected].

Does CSAE recognize association professionals and partners?

Yes. CSAE recognizes contributions to the association community through its awards, including professional, organizational, volunteer, initiative, and partner recognition. Categories and nomination details can vary by year. See CSAE awards.

Partnerships and Resources

How can a business reach association decision makers through CSAE?

A business can join as a supplier, take part in appropriate networking and committees, host or sponsor events, or explore annual partnerships. CSAE encourages useful participation and relationship building within its professional standards. See membership and sponsorship options.

Can a hotel or venue host a CSAE event?

CSAE works with member hotels and venues for networking and other events. Hosting can introduce association professionals to a property and its meeting space. Contact [email protected] to discuss openings and expectations.

Does CSAE advocate for associations?

CSAE provides a collective voice for the association community and shares information on issues affecting associations. It also works with state association executive peers and national partners. Explore current initiatives.

Where can I find members, resources, and news?

Members can use the My CSAE portal for account and member resources. The CSAE website links to publications, programming, and the Career Center. CSAE Insights is its email newsletter; nonmembers can sign up from the homepage.

How do I contact CSAE?

Email [email protected], call 720-831-9438, or use the contact page. Mailing address: Colorado Society of Association Executives, 12650 W 64th Ave, Unit E, Box 447, Arvada, CO 80004.