ESSAE is seeking volunteer leaders to serve on its Board of Directors. We want a Board that represents the finest leaders in the profession, and we need your input to make that happen. Help ESSAE advance the association profession through a community of knowledge, sharing, education, and advocacy.

Together We Guide. Empower. Lead.

Why serve?

Board service is both an honor and an opportunity that may be one of the most rewarding experiences of your career. It gives you the chance to:

• Shape ESSAE’s direction and priorities. Let your passion for ESSAE help guide our future.
• Expand your personal and professional network. Work with colleagues you may not otherwise have the opportunity to collaborate with.
• Grow as an association professional. Build your skills and participate in leadership activities beyond your day-to-day work.
• Support the ESSAE brand. Increase awareness of ESSAE, its mission, and the value it brings to the association community.

Please consider what you have to offer to ESSAE—and encourage an eligible colleague to do the same.

Who is eligible?

This call is for six Association Professional openings. Nominees must be current ESSAE Association Professional members in good standing and meet the Association membership qualifications in the Society’s bylaws, including applicable term limits.

Eligible Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) and Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) representatives are included in the Association Professional category for this call. Industry Partner/Supplier seats are not included. Affiliate, Retired, and Student members are not eligible to serve on the Board.

Board service and commitment

The Board is responsible for ESSAE’s corporate management and fiduciary affairs. It includes the Chair, Immediate Past Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer, plus no more than eleven additional Directors. No more than two members of the entire Board may be Industry Partner members.

Directors serve two-year terms and may serve up to three consecutive terms, followed by a required two-year break. The anticipated regular term is March 2027–March 2029; ESSAE will confirm the seat terms and installation date.

The Board holds an annual meeting and additional regular meetings as it determines appropriate. Remote participation is permitted under the bylaws. Board members are expected to:

• Prepare for and participate in Board meetings and keep informed about ESSAE’s issues and Board materials.
• Represent the interests of all members and support ESSAE’s strategic priorities.
• Maintain confidentiality and disclose actual or potential conflicts of interest.
• Help recruit members and volunteers and serve as ESSAE ambassadors.
• Consider committee or officer service, subject to eligibility and the applicable appointment or election process.

Participation in ESSAE functions is expected, and attendance at ESSAE events is encouraged. Under the bylaws, a Director absent from two or more Board meetings in one calendar year without good cause as determined by the Board is deemed to have resigned. Board service is without compensation for Director duties; reasonable expense reimbursement may be permitted under Board-approved policies.

How to apply or nominate a colleague

1. Review the guidelines and application packet.
2. Complete both application pages, including the applicant’s consent. Attach the applicant’s résumé and signed preliminary conflict-of-interest disclosure. No seconding signature is required.
3. Email the completed materials to [email protected] by Monday, November 16, 2026. Use the subject line 2027 Board Nomination.

Self-nominations and nominations of colleagues are welcome. The applicant must agree to be considered and be willing to serve if elected. Submission materials support the Nominating Committee’s review; they are not additional bylaw eligibility criteria. ESSAE will verify membership category, service history, and term eligibility.

Nomination and election process

The Nominating Committee reviews candidates and presents a slate for election by the membership at the Annual Membership Meeting. Written notice of the slate is provided at least 30 days before the annual business meeting. Nomination does not guarantee selection or election.

Under Article VIII of the bylaws, nominations may also be made by written petition signed by at least 5% of the membership. The petition, accompanied by the nominee’s written willingness to serve, must be received by the Chair at least seven calendar days before the annual business meeting, excluding the meeting day. The campaign application deadline and submission checklist do not replace this separate petition process.

Officers, except the Immediate Past Chair, are elected by the Board from among its members; officer progression is not automatic. Vacancies caused by resignation or removal are filled separately by majority vote of the remaining Board for the predecessor’s unexpired term. A partial term served through such an appointment does not count toward maximum service limits.

The 2027 Annual Membership Meeting date and any campaign updates will be posted on this page.

Thank you for your interest in helping lead ESSAE!