Mark your calendars and save the date! DFWAE's Association Day 2025 will take place on April 14 at the Sheraton Downtown Fort Worth. Registration is now open!

Leveraging Neuroscience and Emotional Intelligence to Hack Adversity

When we understand how our brains and emotions impact our leadership and success, we can truly take the reins. Practice a short list of self-coaching questions using proven strategies to master our triggers, reduce negative emotions, induce calm, promote clear thinking, and focus your brain on a productive path out of stress. And finally, learn how to put thought distortions in check, build awareness of complex work.

We look forward to seeing you at DFWAE's premier event for association professionals in North Texas! #DFWAE #AssociationDay2025

Looking for A Day Sponsorship Opportunities? Click here

Monday, April 14, 2025 

Sheraton Downtown Fort Worth, 1701 Commerce Street, Fort Worth 76102                                          

                                                       Schedule of Events

8:00am - 8:45am                       Networking Breakfast

8:45am - 9:45am                       Welcome / Keynote 

9:45am - 10:15am                     Exhibit Hall/Silent Auction

9:45am - 10:15am                     DFWAEngage LIVE

10:15am - 11:15am                    Education Breakouts 

11:15am - 11:45am                    Exhibit Hall/Silent Auction

11:15am - 11:45am                    DFWAEngage LIVE

11:45am - 12:45pm                   Awards Luncheon

1:00pm - 2:00pm                       Education Breakouts

2:00pm - 2:30pm                       Exhibit Hall/Silent Auction

2:30pm - 3:15pm                       Table Topics

3:15pm - 4:00pm                       Happy Hour Education Panel Session

Education Sessions:

10:15 am - 11:15 am
Lights, Camera, Financial Action: Navigating Financial Reporting
Speakers: Amanda Feil, CAE, Director of Operations, enSYNC
Josh Kozinski, CiSE, enSYNC
Take a cinematic journey that blends financial reporting tips with the timeless charm of classic movies. This session uses iconic films as thematic backdrops to explore key financial concepts, from integrity in reporting to decoding complex statements. Participants will gain practical insights and strategies in an engaging and entertaining way.
Track: Association Operations/Innovation

10:15 am - 11:15 am
Why Nonprofit Boards are Failing Us and How to Fix Them
Speaker: TD Smyers, Captain, US Navy (ret), CEO, BoardBuild
The method by which we populate our nonprofit boards makes it difficult or impossible to grow diverse, strong governance leadership. A holistic way to reach a candidate base beyond the spheres of influence of current staff and board members is required to break the cycle.
Track: CEO/Executive/Senior Management

10:15 am - 11:15 am
Unleashing the Power of E-Learning for Member Engagement Corporate Development
Speaker: Kellie Tinnin, MA, Owner and President, Kellie Tinnin & Associates, LLC
Seeking strategies to improve member benefits and boost your association's non-dues revenue? Discover the potential of self-paced eLearning courses to generate passive income for associations, while simultaneously boosting member engagement and fostering corporate development. Leave this session armed with powerful strategies to elevate member engagement through your e-learning offerings igniting praise while diversifying income streams.
Track: Education/Events

10:15 am - 11:15 am
Beyond the Business Card: Modern Networking Tips for Introverts and Extroverts
Speakers: Cathey Wise, CAE
Asha Desai, CAE
Networking is crucial for our careers yet mastering it can be challenging. We've got you covered! Join us as we share invaluable tips for both introverts and extroverts and engage in real-life networking. Whether you're looking to connect with members, sponsors, leaders or other association professionals, you'll walk away with practical strategies that you can implement immediately.
Track: Marketing/Communications


1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Life After Launch
Speaker: Rebecca Achurch, PgMP, PMP, CSM, CAE, Founder and CEO, Achurch Consulting
Go-live of your new AMS is just the beginning. To keep the momentum going and ensure your AMS is working for you, you need continuous engagement. Often, organizations rush past go-live, moving quickly to the "next thing" without exploring all the capabilities of their new AMS. We'll show you how to plan for success in the "life after launch" phase. We'll share strategies to drive long-term adoption, boost ROI, and ensure that your AMS continues to support your mission for years to come.
Track: Association Operations/Innovation

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Bridging the Gap: Mastering the Role of a Senior Leader
Speaker:Greta Zeimetz, CAE, SHRM-SCP, American Mensa
Stepping into the role of a senior leader is both a challenge and an opportunity to make a lasting impact. This session offers a practical roadmap for individuals aspiring to excel in unique leadership positions. Drawing on firsthand experience, Dr. Greta Zeimetz will explore three key phases of the senior leader journey: preparation, execution, and career development.
Track: CEO/Executive/Senior Management

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
The Ultimate Assist: Working with CVBs/DMOs from Site Selection to Closing Survey
Speakers: Lisa Bethea, CTA, CTIS, Director of Destination Services, Visit Frisco
Lacy Lange, CMP, Visit Fort Worth
Paola Bowman, CMP, CMM, Arlington Convention & Visitors Bureau
Heather Walker, CMP, Vice President of Client Services, Visit Dallas
Discover the untapped potential of collaborating with your local Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) or Destination Marketing Organization (DMO). This panel discussion will delve into the invaluable resources and support these organizations offer, empowering you to:-Streamline site selection and logistics-Enhance attendee experience through destination expertise and services-Access cost-saving benefits and exclusive deals.
Track: Education/Events

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
You're Invited to Play the Feud!
Speaker: Scott Robertson, IOM, Director of Strategic Accounts, GrowthZone
Get ready to strategize and shout out your answers because GrowthZone's session is inspired by the iconic TV show Family Feud. Put your thinking caps on as we dive into industry trends, member insights, non-dues revenue, and association dynamics. In addition, Scott Robertson, IOM, will ask some of the most popular survey questions from the hit game show "Family Feud" as contestants face off to give the top answers.
Track: Marketing/Communications