Registration Open

Pre-Con Tours

Visit Fort Wayne will offer pre-conference tours of its state-of-the-art venues. From new builds like The Bradley Hotel, designed in partnership with Barbara Bradley Baekgaard of Vera Bradley Designs, to the historic Embassy Theatre, to the stunning renovation of a bread factory turned music venue with the best AV in the world at Pearl Street Arts Center (thanks to its parent company Sweetwater Sound), plus 1 million square feet of space at the Memorial Coliseum, and more. 

Pre-Con: CEO/Executive Director Roundtable

Current Topics of Interest to CEO's: A Facilitated Discussion

Join us for a special pre-convention program exclusively for CEOs and Executive Directors! This roundtable will include educational content on association strategy, as well as offer opportunities for association executives to engage in high-level discussions, share insights, and network with peers. This pre-con is free to attend, however registration is required.

ISAE kindly requests that only CEOs and Executive Directors participate.

 Jerry Toomer, PhD (Founder & Partner, The Catalyst Effect)

 Patrick Donahue, PhD (Senior Consultant, The Catalyst Effect; Author, The Power of Genuine Leadership)

Sponsored by Raybourn Group International

Exhibit Hall Open

Breakout Sessions

Making the Most of your ICON Experience: Networking, Growth & Careers in Association Management

Kick off your ICON experience with this interactive pre-conference session designed by and for young professionals. Gain tools to maximize your time at ICON, build meaningful connections, explore career paths in association management, and walk away with strategies for conference success.

 Stu Kushner, CAE (Executive Director & Chief of Staff, Mission Control)

 Chris Beaman, CAE, CFRE (Director of Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing)

The Challenge of Ethics in 2025: Ethics-Forward Association Leadership 

Explore key ethics concepts and learn how to navigate complex issues facing associations today. This interactive session offers practical tools—including an ethics framework, policy tips, and real-world resources—to help you lead with integrity, reduce risk, and build a strong culture rooted in ethical behavior.

 Katie Feltman, CAE (CEO, American College of Sports Medicine)

General Session

Leading From Wherever You Are

Leadership isn’t about a title—it’s about influence. This session explores how to lead from any role by increasing your impact, fostering collaboration, and elevating team performance. Gain practical strategies to inspire others, strengthen communication, and drive results—no matter where you sit on the org chart.

 Patrick Donahue, PhD (Senior Consultant, The Catalyst Effect; Author, The Power of Genuine Leadership)

 Jerry Toomer, PhD (Founder & Partner, The Catalyst Effect)

Sponsored by Visit Hamilton County

 1 CAE Hour

Happy Hour in Exhibit Hall

Sponsored by Destination: Muncie

Welcome Reception

Located at Parkview Field

Sponsored by Visit Fort Wayne, Grand Wayne Convention Center, Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Center, Courtyard Fort Wayne Downtown at the Grand Wayne Convention Center, and Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Wayne Downtown

  TUESDAY, JULY 29 - Eastern Time

Registration Open

Exhibit Hall Open

CEO/CAE Breakfast (Invitation Only)

Located in the Foster Room at the Courtyard Fort Wayne Downtown at the Grand Wayne Convention Center

Sponsored by Explore Evansville

Breakfast

General Session

Calm the Chaos – Tools for Reducing Stress and Enjoying All Your Hard Work

Anxiety and stress feel more common—and overwhelming—than ever. In this engaging talk, CJ shares his personal journey and practical strategies to manage anxiety without losing your edge. Discover why we struggle, what holds us back, and how to regain calm and control.

 CJ McClanahan (Founder, CJ McClanahan)

Breakout Sessions

Insights Discovery: Unlocking Self-Awareness and Team Potential

Discover how Insights Discovery—a tool based on Carl Jung's psychology—helps individuals understand themselves and others through a four-color model of behavior. Learn to recognize your unique style, improve communication, and build stronger, more effective teams by leveraging diverse strengths and fostering mutual understanding.

 Lisa Perius, CAE (Vice President of Association Management, The Corydon Group)

Sponsored by The Corydon Group

Crisis Communication 101: Preparing Your Association for the Unexpected

Crises are inevitable—but preparation makes all the difference. This session introduces practical tools to build a crisis communication plan, navigate tough scenarios, and maintain trust. Learn strategies to protect your association’s reputation, respond with confidence, and stay mission-focused during challenging times.

 Laura Merritt (Senior Account Manager, Advancing Organizational Excellence (AOE))

Sponsored by Dean Dorton

AI and the Modernization of Work

Explore AI beyond the hype in this practical session on how intelligent technologies are transforming workplaces. Learn AI fundamentals, real-world applications across departments, and how to balance innovation with ethics. Walk away with actionable steps to integrate AI and thrive in a tech-driven future.

 Jeremy York, SHRM-SCP, SPHR (Lead Consultant and President, InvigorateHR)

Sponsored by Horizon Convention Center

Lunch and Annual Business Meeting

Sponsored by Visit Bloomington and Visit Indy

General Session

3 Scoops and a Mission Statement

Discover how Ben & Jerry’s three-part mission can inspire associations to boost impact and member value. Led by former franchisee turned association pro Pete Zimek, CAE, this interactive session explores practical strategies to align purpose, performance, and community in your organization’s mission.

 Pete Zimek (Founder & CEO, Novi AMS)

Sponsored by Explore Evansville

Breakout Sessions

Taming the To-Do List: Task Management Hacks for the Chronically Overcommitted

Overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list? Learn practical strategies to prioritize tasks, eliminate “task clutter,” and reclaim your time. This fast-paced, interactive session offers real-world tools for staying organized, setting boundaries, and working with intention—so you can finally conquer your to-do list.

 Tonya Suits, CAE, IOM (President, Centric Association Management, LLC)

Maximizing Non-Dues Revenue: Why Events Are Your Growth Engine

Events are vital for association revenue and community-building, but post-pandemic growth has been uneven. This session combines data, industry insights, and AI tools to provide actionable strategies for enhancing events, from attracting attendees to engaging sponsors, ensuring successful planning, execution, and analysis.

 Rich Vallaster, CEM, DES (Senior Director of Industry Relations and Community Engagement, Personify)

Sponsored by Visit Bloomington

Best Practices and Better Understanding Your Audit and Tax Services

This session covers attestation and tax services, including audit/review services, fiduciary responsibilities, and choosing the right service for your organization. Learn how to prepare for audits, understand tax returns, and efficiently handle filings while focusing on the benefits and requirements of these essential services.

 Holly Fields (Audit Senior Manager, Blue & Co., LLC)

 Emilie Knieriem, CPA (Tax Senior Manager, Blue & Co., LLC)

Refreshment Break

Sponsored by Horizon Convention Center and Terre Haute Convention Center

Quick Talks

This 60-minute session features fast-paced, informative, engaging presentations on specific topics, featuring three key speakers.

Level Up Your Volunteer Plan: Strategies for Impactful Volunteer Management

Effective volunteer management starts with strategy. This session offers practical tips to refresh or build volunteer programs that boost engagement, improve retention, and support your mission. Learn how intentional planning can strengthen volunteer experiences and drive lasting impact for your association and the people you serve.

 Brian Lewis, CAE, CVA (Executive Director, Raybourn Group International)

Pitch Perfect: Crafting a Winning (and Realistic) Annual Conference RFP

In a crowded meetings market, a strategic RFP can set your event apart. This fast-paced session offers tips to craft realistic, compelling RFPs that highlight your event’s strengths, appeal to venues, and boost your chances of securing ideal host sites and long-term partnerships.

 Emilie Perkins, CAE, CMP Fellow, CMM, PMP, CED, HMCC (Vice President of Client & Conference Services, Raybourn Group International)

Revolutionizing Association Marketing: Three Game-Changing Best Practices

Discover three transformative strategies to boost your association’s engagement, retention, and growth. This session offers real-world insights, practical steps, and powerful tools to help you rethink how you connect with members and stand out in today’s competitive and ever-evolving association landscape.

 Allison Gustin (Chief Strategist, Pebble & Brook Marketing)

ICON Bash

Sponsored by Visit Fort Wayne, Grand Wayne Convention Center, Hilton Fort Wayne at the Grand Wayne Convention Center, Courtyard Fort Wayne Downtown at the Grand Wayne Convention Center, and Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Wayne Downtown

  WEDNESDAY, JULY 30 - Eastern Time

Exhibit Hall Open

Breakfast

General Session

Leveraging AI and Human Connection

What if AI could strengthen—not replace—human connection? Marketing strategist Salena Scardina shares how associations can blend innovation with authenticity to deepen member engagement. Learn practical ways to use AI to drive growth while keeping personal connection at the heart of your association’s future.

 Salena Scardina (Founder & President, Align Indiana)

Breakout Sessions

Prospective Members Aren't a Monolith: Creating a More Personal Process for Prospects

Association professionals often treat prospective members as a single entity, but they have unique needs. In this session, learn how to personalize your prospective member process to better address diverse wants. Reflect on your current strategies and gain actionable insights to create a more inclusive approach.

 Jenna Whalen, CAE (Membership Manager, Indiana CPA Society)

Stronger Together: Problem-Solving in a Shifting Political Landscape

Facing political changes, funding cuts, or DEI challenges? Join fellow ISAE members for solutions-focused discussions on navigating these issues. Submit your specific scenario anonymously for targeted advice. Together, we’ll generate practical, actionable ideas to tackle real problems and support each other’s success.

ISAE Government Affairs Task Force

Facilitated Session & Lunch

"You've Gotta Read This!" Great Books and Lessons for Your Association

Association leaders love a good business book—but what if we applied those insights with purpose? In this interactive closing session, explore impactful reads, share takeaways, and discover how to turn ideas into action. Leave inspired, with new titles and tools for lasting professional growth.

 Robert Riggs, CAE (Integrator, Synergos AMC)

 Karyn Nishimura Sneath, FASAE (Director of Talent Development, Synergos AMC)

 Lane Velayo, CAE (Visionary, Synergos AMC)

Sponsored by Visit South Bend Mishawaka and Destination: Muncie