Welcome to ESSAE!

GUIDE. EMPOWER. LEAD.
The Empire State Society of Association Executives (ESSAE) is a nonprofit professional organization for persons engaged in the management of voluntary trade and professional organizations. ESSAE provides quality educational, leadership, and professional development opportunities to association executives and supplier members, to encourage high professional standards in the management of associations. ESSAE membership comprises over 475 members statewide and is an approved provider of continuing education for those holding the CAE designation.

In-Person Event Guidance

Governor Cuomo announced that beginning April 2, event, arts and entertainment venues can reopen at 33% capacity, up to 100 people indoors and up to 200 people outdoors. On Thursday, March 18, ESSAE hosted a webinar featuring Discover Albany and the NYS Hospitality & Tourism Association which reviewed the new In-Person Guidance for Events (as of March 15). The announcement on the new guidance created several layers of questions and we hope to provide you with some answers as we begin to host larger events!  You can listen the replay here!

Key Support 2021

As leaders and partners in the association and meetings professions, you have an opportunity to show your philanthropic support of ESSAE and help grow the organization by being a Key Supporter. We are resolute in our efforts to improve the resources made available to our members. This is where Key Supporters come into play. Your organization's contribution will help ESSAE to better serve its members through expanded services, new programs, and professional development opportunities. 

Seeking Financial Support for Your Professional Development?

The Rita Lashway Scholarship Program was created to support the cultivation of the next generation of association industry leaders and as a source of financial support for ESSAE members pursuing industry designations. Visit our scholarship page for more information on donating and/or applying for financial assistance.