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.

Looking Forward 2021

Association industry executives and senior staff are invited to participate in Looking Forward 2021; the nation's longest-running, most comprehensive environmental scanning research of the association business environment and the first association sector scan that takes the pandemic into account. For the first time ever, everyone completing the survey will receive access to a dashboard of the survey results, giving you timely access to valuable data on the state of the association business sector and allowing you to compare your responses to those of your peers. [MORE]

Submit a 2020 Award Nomination

The ESSAE Annual Awards program provides our members with the opportunity to highlight and celebrate our community and the invaluable work and contributions of associations and industry partners around the state. The awards celebration honors the outstanding accomplishments of associations and industry professionals in the areas of leadership and professionalism, enriching lives, creating a competitive workforce, preparing associations for the future, and driving innovation. Now is the time to share YOUR success stories! [MORE...]

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.