Association Forum Announces New Leadership Experience for Men  

CHICAGO, IL — July 30, 2025 — Association Forum, known for its innovative initiatives like the Women’s Executive Forum™ and Welcoming Environment^®, is launching a new leadership experience for men in summer 2026. This initiative will focus on ​​purpose, connection, and growth. 

“As a lifelong feminist, this is not about giving men more power,” said Artesha Moore, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO of Association Forum. “It’s about giving men permission to lead with authenticity, vulnerability, and a renewed sense of belonging. This is what it means to live our Welcoming Environment^® values.” 

Part of a National Conversation 

Recent public dialogue has highlighted the need for spaces where men can connect and be supported. This initiative was inspired by Adam “Smiley” Poswolsky, the 2024 Holiday Showcase keynote speaker, and a workplace belonging expert whose research emphasizes the importance of human connection for effective leadership. 

National data underscores the urgency: 

• 25% of U.S. men aged 15–35 report feeling lonely for much of the previous day. (“State of Global Wellbeing and Loneliness Report,” Gallup 2025) 

• 15% of men report having no close friends — a fivefold increase since 1990. (“An uphill battle: why are midlife men struggling to make – and keep – friends,” The Guardian, July 10, 2025) 
• Workplace loneliness costs U.S. companies $406 billion annually. (“Loneliness and the workplace,” Cigna, 2020) 

A Different Kind of Experience 

This new gathering will be a meaningful experience that prioritizes connection and is distinctly different from typical conferences. Designed by men for men, the event will focus on comfort and encourage genuine conversation. It will welcome men from all backgrounds, promoting connection, camaraderie, mentorship, and meaningful dialogue. Shawn Boynes, FASAE, CAE, advocate for inclusive and authentic leadership, shared: “Creating a space where men can be real, be supported, and build authentic relationships is a powerful step forward to improving mental wellness. This leads to stronger leadership because in the current sociopolitical environment, we need less exhaustion and more nourishment.” 

Continuing to Lead Boldly 

Association Forum is stepping forward with boldness to host crucial conversations that shape the future of association management. Association Forum Board Chair and CEO of the Chicago Association of REALTORSealtors®, Michelle Mills Clement, FASAE, CAE, RCE, said, “This initiative is a reflection of the bold, forward-thinking leadership of our Board of Directors. As we expand our Welcoming Environment®, we are intentionally creating room for all leaders to grow through connection, courage, and authenticity.” 

Bruce Hammond, CAE, Executive Director, The Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) and American Pediatric Society (APS), another member of Association Forum’s Board of Directors, shared: “This new experience shows that we are ready to create new spaces where men can grow in ways that benefit the entire profession.” 

Join the Conversation at ASAE  

Association Forum will be exhibiting at the ASAE Annual Conference and Exposition. We invite you to stop by our booth (#1602) to discuss this new experience and help shape what’s next. 

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About Association Forum 

Association Forum is a trusted convener and trailblazer on issues that matter to association professionals. Founded in 1916, Association Forum is the home of more than 3,000 members driving change to advance the practice of association management. Through transformative events, groundbreaking research, and initiatives like Welcoming Environment®, Association Forum creates spaces where leaders grow together and redefine what leadership can be. Visit www.associationforum.org for more information.