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.

Annual Conference & Trade Show - Exhibitor Registration Open!

After more than 15 months of waiting to come back together in person, we are excited to announce that ESSAE’s Annual Conference and Trade Show will be held on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at the Albany Capital Center in Albany, New York – and in person!  The ESSAE Annual Conference & Trade Show is the premier association management and meeting professionals conference and trade show in upstate New York. The annual one-day conference is about professional development, networking, and showcasing products and services, and is the place to interact with key decision-makers within the association community. This event celebrates the true partnership of our association colleagues, meeting professionals, and exhibiting partners across New York State. To learn more or to register to exhibit, click here! 

Call for Presenters and Session Facilitators

The ESSAE Program Committee is currently looking for experienced thought leaders, industry innovators, and dynamic presenters who can engage their audience and initiate thought-provoking discussions focused on learnings that can help us grow and advance the association community. Click here for more information!

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.