Association Forum Joins Forces with the Center for Creative Leadership to Ignite the Emerging Leaders Program

CHICAGO (August 23, 2023) — In a landscape where associations play a crucial role shaping industries and fostering professional networks among a diverse, inclusive workforce, the need for effective leadership has never been more critical. As part of its commitment to building a bolder, brighter future for its members, Association Forum is partnering with the world-renowned Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) to leverage their innovative, engaging leadership training. Together, through the Emerging Leaders Program Association Forum and CCL will empower association professionals with the skills and insights needed to drive change within their organizations and form a power circle of peers to spark next-level learning. CCL works with individuals, organizations, and communities looking to turn today’s challenges into opportunities to spearhead solutions. As one of the top providers of experiential leadership programs, it teaches professionals to lead with confidence, with clarity, and with a sense of optimism.

“For today’s learners, it is critical that learning is meaningful, agile, accessible in real time, technology-enabled and focused on individual needs,” said Chad Merritt, Global Director, Channels, CCL. “We are excited to be a partner in supporting the second century of Association Forum’s mission to support the growth and development of the association community and the professionals who work in the industry.”

Divided into five modules over five months, this program offers in-person and virtual courses with a total of 15 hours of CAE-worthy education. Participants will gain access to a cohort of association peers, industry leaders, and premier training. All are tailored for those both experienced and just stepping up in the association community – and there’s an exclusive rate for Association Forum members! Destination Vancouver for a synopsis of each module.

“The Center for Creative Leadership is a trailblazer in leadership development because it addresses the unique challenges faced by association professionals in today’s environment, while preparing them to chart a course for the future,” says Greg Heidrich, CEO for the Society of Actuaries, and Chair of Association Forum’s Board of Directors.

“As a seasoned association executive, this is the program I wish existed when I was starting my leadership journey,” says Artesha Moore, FASAE, CAE, President and CEO of Association Forum. “Participants will delve into the art of strategic decision-making and learn how to align their association’s goals with evolving industry trends,” Moore adds.Association Forum’s Emerging Leaders Program cohorts are made possible by longtime supporters of the association industry, and we thank them for their investment in the leaders of tomorrow. The first cohort begins October 2023 and is powered by Meet Minneapolis and Excelerate Partner Visit Omaha. The second cohort begins next year and is powered by Association Management Center (AMC) and Excelerate Partner Destination Vancouver

Don’t miss the leadership opportunity of your career. To learn more or register visit www.associationforum.org/events/emerging-leaders.

About Association Forum

The mission of Association Forum is to advance the professional practice of association management. Founded in 1916, Association Forum serves 4,000 association professionals whose efforts serve more than 37 million members and generate $22 billion in global annual expenditures. Visit www.associationforum.org for more information.

About the Center for Creative Leadership

The Center for Creative Leadership works with individuals, organizations, and communities looking to turn today’s challenges into opportunities to lead—with confidence, with clarity, and with a sense of optimism. As one of the world’s top providers of experiential leadership programs, we are driven to life leaders who lift the world. This mission is part of the fabric of who we are as a nonprofit.