One Month Away: Holiday Showcase® – NEXT LEVEL at McCormick Place!

The countdown is on! In just one month, Association Forum’s 37th Annual Holiday Showcase^® – NEXT LEVEL will take place December 3–4, 2025, at McCormick Place in Chicago. This is your opportunity to invest in your career, expand your network, and elevate your impact at the association community’s most anticipated event of the year.

For nearly four decades, Holiday Showcase has been a cornerstone for association professionals—a tradition and an educational gold mine. This year’s NEXT LEVEL theme is all about pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and equipping attendees with strategies to thrive in a rapidly changing environment.

“NEXT LEVEL is about investing in yourself and your organization,” says Artesha Moore, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO of Association Forum, “Holiday Showcase isn’t just another event—it’s your launchpad to the NEXT LEVEL. This is where we break old patterns, own our voice, and forge the connections that will redefine leadership in our industry. And the timing couldn’t be more critical—we need this energy, this action, and this community now.”

Leading Through Change with Bold, Next-Level Insights

Start Holiday Showcase with a powerhouse opening session: “Truth Amid Disruption: Leading Change in the Next-Level Era.” This dynamic panel brings together senior leaders shaping the future of associations, including Sherrif Karamat, CAE (PCMA), Greg Moore (United Airlines), and Rob Wenger (Higher Logic), moderated by Erin Fuller, FASAE, CAE (MCI Group). This is not theory—it’s a candid, story-driven conversation about navigating disruption in real time. From governance challenges and shifting member expectations to financial pressures and workforce reinvention, these leaders will share unfiltered insights, bold strategies, and practical ideas you can apply immediately. This opening session is powered by Higher Logic.

Brunch Keynote Speaker: Sheri Jacobs, FASAE, CAE

Sheri Jacobs is a nationally recognized expert in membership engagement, strategic planning, and revenue growth. As founder and CEO of Avenue M Group, Sheri has helped hundreds of associations rethink their business models and adapt to changing member needs. She is the author of “Pivot Point: Reshaping Your Business When It Matters Most, The Art of Membership, Venturing Into Uncharted Waters” and a sought-after speaker known for delivering practical, data-driven strategies that organizations can implement immediately. Her keynote will challenge conventional thinking by showing how clearly defined boundaries can fuel innovation, offering a practical framework that transforms constraints into catalysts for creativity, clarity, and empowered risk-taking. Click here to learn more about Sheri. The 2025 Holiday Showcase Brunch Keynote on December 4, is powered by Choose Chicago and Visit KC.

What to Expect at Holiday Showcase 2025

• Two full days of education tailored to every career stage, focusing on all functional areas of association management.
• Dynamic networking opportunities with industry leaders and peers.
• An interactive exhibit hall featuring cutting-edge solutions.
• Amazing keynote and general panelists sessions
• The Career Center, including coaching and professional headshots.
• The One Idea Can Change the World® Stage, spotlighting fresh insights and career success stories.

Act Fast—Early Rates End November 12! Register now. Don’t wait—secure your spot today and take advantage of early registration savings. This is your chance to elevate your career and make meaningful connections that last.

Need Support? Apply for a Holiday Showcase Scholarship!

The Association Forum Foundation’s Member Support Fund is here to help you stay connected and keep your career moving forward—no matter what changes you’re facing. If you’ve experienced reduced hours, job loss, or are re-entering the profession, you can apply for up to $1,500 in assistance, including coverage for Holiday Showcase registration. Don’t let financial challenges hold you back from investing in yourself. Apply today and join us at Holiday Showcase® – NEXT LEVEL on December 3–4 at McCormick Place. The application deadline is November 16 with award notifications going out on November 26. Learn more here.