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Frequently Asked Questions


What is MSAE?
Why Belong to MSAE?
How Many Members Does MSAE Have?
How Many Educational Events Does MSAE Host in a Year?
Does MSAE Host a Monthly Membership Meeting?
If Someone From My Organization is a Member Can I Attend an Event?
Can I post a Job Listing as a Non-Member?
What is MSAE Renewal Period?
How Do I Become Involved in a Committee or Networking Group?
If I am a Vendor and Want to Host a Meeting Who Do I Talk To?
Does MSAE Recommend Speakers?
What is a CAE?
Does MSAE Provide Information on AMCs?
Does MSAE Sell Their Membership List?
What is MSAE's Cancellation Policy?
What is MSAE's Weather Policy?
If I Join MSAE am I a Member of ASAE?
What is MSAE - Michigan?
How Can I Make a Presentation to MSAE Members?
How Do I Log In to the Members Only Section?
How Do I Serve on the MSAE Board of Directors?
Who Can I Talk to About General Association Questions?


 

Q. What is MSAE?
MSAE, or the Midwest Society of Association Executives is the "association for associations".  MSAE is a full-service organization devoted exclusively to the promotion, advancement, and development of the association profession and the organizations they serve.  MSAE offers cost-effective programs and resources specificallyd targeted to association professionals.

Q. Why belong to MSAE?
Learn by association.  Knowledge by association. Bringing people together. These three things are the core of MSAE.  MSAE meets the educational needs of its members by providing numerous professional development and targeted association sessions and conferences.  MSAE's monthly newsletter publications keeps members informed of important meetings, publications, and intra-industry news.  Association executives must maintain a wide range of contacts in order to perform successfully.  MSAE provides these contacts through a membership & resource directory and well as holding social events. 

Q. How many members does MSAE have and who are they?
MSAE has more than 1,000 professional associations, trade associations, convention & visitors bureaus, vendor members and association management companies representing nearly 500 organizations. Its members manage leading trade associations, individual membership societies, and voluntary organizations in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota.  MSAE also represents suppliers of products and services to the association community. Of our total membership, approximately

20 percent are association CEO members.
56 percent are association staff professional members.
14 percent are association industry partner members.

Q. How many educational events does MSAE host in a year?
MSAE hosts a Breakfast with the Experts series each month.  These programs are a short 1-1.5 hour presentation on key topics in the interest of association professionals.  Each month MSAE also hosts a Women's Leadership Connection presentation, geared toward the female association professional.    Along with montlhy presentations, MSAE also hosts an Annual Meeting & EXPO in Spring, Leadership Conference in Fall, Annual Golf Tournament in Summer and Holiday Celebration & Silent Auction in Winter.  Throughout the year MSAE also hosts symposiums including: Association 101, Association 201, CEO workshops, and a Speakers Showcase. MSAE's symposiums are full-day extended programs.  You can check out MSAE
Calendar of Events to see an updated schedule.

Q. Does MSAE host a monthly membership meeting?
No, unlike many professional organizations, MSAE does not host a monthly meeting.  MSAE doesn't plan membership meetings on a certain day each month.  For instance, MSAE does not have a meeting every third Tuesday of the month.

Q. If someone from my organization is a member can I attend an event?
Certainly!  Yes, you can attend MSAE events if you are not a member of MSAE.  For each event we have member and non-member rates. If you are unsure if you are a member please contact MSAE and we can check your status.

Q. Can I post a job listing with you if I am a non-member?
Yes.  Job postings are open to all members and non-members. Job postings are listed for a 30 day period unless noted otherwise.  Pricing and details can be found on MSAE's
job posting page. 

Q. What is MSAE renewal period?
MSAE's fiscal year runs July 1 - June 30.  Renewals are sent in the beginning of June for the following year. 

Q. How do I become involved on a committee or networking group?
Joining an MSAE committee or networking group is a great way to increase your participation, maximize your memberhship, stay informed, learn new skills and have a good time!  MSAE utilizes
committees to plan and organize established programs and services; networking groups provide additional input to these plans.

Q. If I vendor member and want to host a meeting who is the contact at MSAE I should talk to?
Yes, if you are interested in hosting one of MSAE's meetings or events please contact MSAE's
Education Director for further details.  MSAE give priority to member vendors.

Q. Can MSAE recommend a speaker?
Yes, MSAE can recommend speakers or other organizations who have speaker references.  When contacting MSAE please know the type of speaker you are looking for or the topic you are interested in.

Q. What are the initials CAE?
CAE stands for Certified Association Executive.  CAE's are individuals who have made a commitment to excellence in association management, career advancement and an ongoing persuit of knowledge. This is a voluntary certification program with rigorous guidelines set by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).  You must qualify to take the exam which is given twice a year and study groups are often formed by those wishing to sit for the exam.  The CAE exam is offered twice a year, once in Spring and once in Winter.  If you are interested in sitting for the CAE exam, MSAE can help connect you with other interested professionals to organize a study group.   

Q. Does MSAE offer information on Association Management Companies?
Yes, if you are interested in information on (AMC) Association Mangement Companies, MSAE can offer you a list of member AMC's. 

Q. Does MSAE sell their membership list?
Yes, you can purchase MSAE's membership list for a one time use.  Please see MSAE's
Mail List Policy for complete details.

Q. What is MSAE's meeting and event cancellation policy? 
All cancellations must be in writing 3 days prior to the event.  A $10 administration fee will not be returned.

Q. What is MSAE's weather policy?
All MSAE events will be held rain or shine. In case of an emergency, MSAE will notify attendees via email. Please check MSAE's main line at 651-647-6388 the day of your event. A message will be posted by 6AM the day of the event if it is cancelled.

Q. If I join MSAE am I am member of ASAE?
No, MSAE and ASAE are not affiliated organizations. MSAE is an indivudal organization to ASAE.  If you would like to be members of both organizations you would need to join both.  MSAE offers resources to the Midwest area and ASAE is National.

Q.  Is this the Michigan Society?
No, MSAE is the Midwest Society located in Minnesota.  MSAE in Minnesota's website is www.msae.com where MSAE in MIchigan is www.msae.org.  

Q. How can I make a presentation to MSAE members?
If you are an interested party who would like to speak to MSAE members, please fill out MSAE's
Call for Presentations form and a staff member will be in touch with you once it is received. 

Q. How do I login to the members only section?
If you are a member of MSAE you have been given a username and password.  By default your username is your preferred email address and your password is MSAE.  The first time you login in by clicking the login box located on MSAE's homepage you will be asked to create a unique password.  If you forget your password, MSAE cannot provide this to you.  You will need to select, forgot my password and it will be emailed to you. MSAE can however reset your password if needed.

Q. How do I serve on the MSAE Board of Directors?
If you are interested in serving on MSAE's Board of Directors, please fill out an application and MSAE will be in contact with you.  For more details on MSAE's Board of Directors please
click here

Q. Who can I talk to about a general association question?
MSAE offers an
Idea Exchange, where MSAE members can post questions to other members and get new ideas, discuss current topics, get all your questions anwered - from your peers!  No need to re-invest the wheel!

If you would like more information please contact MSAE at 651-647-6388 or by email.

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