This is my final President’s article for ISAE, and I write it with a feeling that is difficult to put neatly into words. There is a part of me that does not want to leave this role. Serving in it has been meaningful, energizing, and deeply rewarding. Regardless, my term must end. The bylaws require it. More importantly, healthy associations require it.

Good organizations are not built around any one person, any one year, or any one moment in time. They are built through continuity, renewal, and the willingness of leaders to serve, give what they can, and then make room for others to carry the work forward. Leadership transitions are not interruptions in an association’s story. They are the continuation of the story.

ISAE has a strong Board, staff, committed members, and a highly capable incoming Chair in Brad Hartkopt. Brad will bring his own experience, judgment, and commitment to the role. Associations must respond to the moment they are in, not simply preserve the moment they came from, and Brad is ready to lead in this moment.

Like every association, ISAE will face challenges. Member expectations continue to evolve. Attention and time are harder to get in the competition with full calendars, full inboxes, and full lives. The value proposition for associations must remain clear, current, and practical.

Over the past year, I have written about leadership, consistency, intentionality, professional community, and the importance of showing up for one another. Those themes reflect what I believe associations do at their best. They create the conditions for people to learn, lead, build trust, exchange ideas, and become better at work that can be demanding and sometimes lonely.

Thank you to the members of ISAE for attending, volunteering, asking questions, welcoming new people, and treating this organization as something more than a line item in a budget. Thank you to the Board members who have served with seriousness and good humor. Thank you to the past leaders whose work made this year possible. Thank you to the staff and volunteers who handle the details that members may never notice.

Thank you for the privilege of serving as President. Thank you for the trust, friendship, this community, and this opportunity. Please keep showing up for ISAE and for one another. That is how associations endure. That is how they evolve. And that is why the matter.

This report outlines the nominees for each office:

President Elect- Brad Hartkopf with Iowa Association of Business and Industry
Vice President- Brad Holtan with Iowa State Association of Counties
Secretary/ Treasurer- Susan Seehase with Iowa Association of Community Providers

January has a unique place on the calendar. It is not simply the first page in a calendar book, a physical turning of the page, but the beginning of a new year and a new twelve-month operating cycle. For many associations, new budgets begin and strategic plans move from the theoretical to the action stage.

Personally, it is hard to believe it is 2026. At the beginning of each year, December feels distant. Then time accelerates, the warm weather comes and goes, and suddenly we are back in year-end budget reviews and setting goals for the next cycle. If your association engages with the legislature, months of preparation have now given way to action as another Legislative Session is underway.

January is an ideal time to focus on intentionality and to ask essential questions. What worked, and what did not? Where are we providing real value to our members and where are we simply maintaining and doing things out of habit? As Jim Collins framed it, do we have the right people in the right roles? Just as importantly, what skills, perspectives, or support do we and our staff need to be successful this year?

A fresh start is not about doing everything differently just for the sake of change. It is about doing the right things more deliberately and intentionally. It is about asking deeper questions, learning from peers who have been there before or who are navigating similar challenges right now, and building professional relationships that make our work more effective, more sustainable, and more manageable.

A new year brings new beginnings, but it is also a continuation of the important work already underway. Meaningful progress is rarely accidental. It is often built over a long time horizon through reflection, connections, and intentionality. 

As we move into the year ahead, I hope you will engage with ISAE through its events and through the professional network it provides. The relationships you invest in now are the ones that can help provide solutions when a project stalls, a crisis emerges, or an unexpected opportunity presents itself.

On behalf of the ISAE Board, I look forward to working alongside you in the year ahead as we learn from one another, elevate our profession, and continue strengthening associations across Iowa.

Happy New Year.

Robert

Recently, a close family member faced serious medical challenges. If you’ve ever been through something similar, you know that it is filled with stress and a lot of “what do we do next?” In the middle of that uncertainty, friends, family, and colleagues showed up—meals were offered, schedules flexed, deadlines moved, and empathy flowed. When I was in the thick of it, my network was there for me.

I won’t catalog the shortcomings of the healthcare system here. Instead, I want to underline a simple truth: when life becomes complicated and confusing, a strong network is indispensable. You need people who can support you, advocate for you, and help you advocate for yourself.

That is what ISAE aims to be for association professionals in Iowa. Our own individual work within our associations can be rewarding—and it can be isolating. Some of us are on large teams; others are on a small‑staff or even a team of one. Even within the same organization, we wear different hats and face distinct challenges. It can feel isolating.

ISAE stands to be your professional network. It’s a place to compare notes, pressure‑test ideas, and find the colleague who has already navigated the issue on your desk today. No one should have to solve the same problem in a vacuum. Don’t recreate the wheel. Or, my favorite, steal from the best. 

Engaging your network can be uncomfortable and for some of us, scary. Particularly when you are going through a stressful situation, it can be difficult to know what to do next. 

How to Tap the Network

Ask out loud: I remember being told that no one is going to give you what you don’t ask for. Email or bring your toughest questions to our roundtables and meetings. If we don’t know the answer, we’ll crowdsource it.

Share what works: Templates, checklists, outreach scripts, vendor experiences—your practical tools can save someone else hours. Recreating the wheel wastes time and you may make it square instead of round on your first try. Steal from the best when you can, and share the great things you learn with others. 

Offer (and accept) help: If you have capacity, raise your hand. If you need support, say so. Both are acts of leadership. Don’t wait until the crisis explodes to ask for help, in your professional or personal life. 

Invest before you need it: Relationships built now are the ones that sustain you in a crunch—professionally and personally. Be there for others now so they are here for you when you need it. 

In a field defined by service, let’s remember that service begins with showing up: for our members and for one another. ISAE is more than a membership directory: it’s an active support network net and a springboard. If you’re facing a challenge, ask. If you’ve solved one, share. It’s unlikely you’re the first to confront a thorny issue—but together, we can make sure you don’t have to go through it alone.

-Robert Palmer

As the newly elected President of the Iowa Society of Association Executives, I am thrilled to pen my first article to our community. It's an honor to step into this role and work alongside such a dedicated group of professionals who are shaping the future of association management in Iowa. The Association's mission — to promote professionalism in association management — has never been more vital, especially as we navigate a rapidly evolving landscape.

In today's world, artificial intelligence and virtual technologies dominate the headlines. Much of the content we consume daily is already generated by AI (not this!), and this trend is only accelerating. Imagine a future where conferences unfold entirely in virtual reality—attendees donning goggles to "transport" themselves to sessions, networking rooms, and exhibit halls without leaving their desks. While these innovations offer convenience and accessibility, they also underscore a profound truth: in an increasingly digital era, human connections matter more than ever.

Associations like ours serve as the essential bridge, bringing people together to collaborate, share ideas, and build meaningful relationships. ISAE stands at the heart of this, providing a dedicated space for association professionals to refine their skills, exchange best practices, and stay ahead of industry shifts - all benefitting the members of the associations that we serve.

How can you engage with ISAE and each other? We’ve got a robust lineup of events remaining this year, designed to fit your schedule and professional needs. Whether you're looking for in-person gatherings to foster face-to-face interactions or virtual options for flexibility, there's something for everyone. Join us to engage with fellow association professionals, gain fresh perspectives, and elevate your career.

In-Person

9/23: September Roundtable: Communicating and Engaging with Members 

9/29: September Membership Meeting

11/24: November Quarterly Meeting

Live Webinars

9/9: Partnering for Impact

9/30: A Practical Approach to Integrating Ethics in Your Daily Work

10/7: Overcoming Gen AI Frustrations and Challenges for Associations

10/28: Say No to Boring: Create Messages that Connect

ISAE is more than an association; it's a community committed to your growth and success and to helping you gain the tools you need to better serve your members. I look forward to meeting many of you at our upcoming events and hearing your ideas on how we can continue to thrive in this tech-driven world. Let's connect, collaborate, and lead together.

Warm regards,

Robert Palmer

President, Iowa Society of Association Executives

This report outlines the nominees for each office:

President Elect- Robert Palmer with Nyemaster Law Firm
Vice President- Brad Hartkopf with Iowa Associaiton of Business and Industry
Secretary/ Treasurer- Brad Holtan with Iowa State Association of Counties

ISAE is a community that empowers association professionals to grow, connect, and
lead. However, the true value of ISAE lies in active participation. By engaging fully with
ISAE, you can unlock opportunities that will elevate both your career and the broader
association management profession.

Participation in ISAE fosters meaningful connections and professional development.
Attending ISAE events such as quarterly meetings, roundtables, and networking events
give you direct access to peers and leaders in the field. The Topic Boxes allow you to
pose questions and share best practices with peers. Networking within this dedicated
group of professionals can lead to collaborations, mentorships, and career
advancement. It can help you sharpen your skills and stay ahead of industry trends.

Serving on ISAE committees or contributing to initiatives gives you a platform to
influence the profession in Iowa and beyond. These roles allow you to showcase your
vision, strengthen your leadership capabilities, and leave a lasting impact on the
community. If you have an interest in serving, please let someone on the Board or the
ISAE staff know.

Lastly, active participation creates a sense of belonging and purpose. You become an
integral part of a collective effort to advance the field and foster success for all
members.

The ISAE website, as well as the ISAE Facebook and LinkedIn pages, are great
resources to know what’s coming up. Register for events and sign up for the Topic
Boxes through the ISAE website. Have questions on exactly how to do that, contact
ISAE staff.

With ISAE, the more you participate, the more you benefit. Engage fully, and you’ll
discover a network, a resource, and a partner in shaping the future of association management.

ISAE’s Board has been critically evaluating what we deliver. In my last message, I shared that ISAE conducted a focus group meeting over the summer.  What we learned is we are not off target with what is offered, but it might need some changes to improve value and increase engagement.

One of the recommendations was to provide more opportunities for networking and professional development for members who are relatively new to the association world.  With that in mind, the Board tapped a couple of our younger but involved members from the association world to revitalize our Emerging Leaders group.  They were swift in getting the first event on the calendar.  Be sure to attend the Emerging Leaders Networking Event on October 23.  Sign up here.  Other events and activities will be planned throughout the year.  Watch your emails for more information.

As with other recommendations, the focus group recommended staying the course for some of our offerings. The ISAE Leadership Program, which is being offered this year, is one of the best ways for association professionals to get a broad overview of the association world while building upon their leadership skills.  And the friendships you make during the program will last a lifetime.  If you are new to the association world, or have an employee you want to grow to better serve your organization, be sure to register here.  The first class kicks off November 12.

I will continue to share the other changes and recommendations as we work to incorporate the feedback and make ISAE the best it can be for your dollars and time.  In the meantime, be sure to fully leverage your membership, taking advantage of the many ISAE opportunities and programs.

Have you heard of the WIFM?  It’s a common term in marketing and business that can be applied in many situations.  WIFM stands for “What’s in It for Me?”

ISAE’s Board has been critically evaluating what we deliver, and to the best of our ability putting ourselves in member shoes to ask “What’s in It for Me?” 

This summer, ISAE conducted a focus group meeting to hear from a representative sampling of members and identify ways to change and improve your WIFM in ISAE.  What we learned is we are not off target with what is offered, but it might need some changes to improve value and increase engagement.  We have ambitious goals and want to take ISAE from good to great.

As a first step in making improvements, ISAE is shortening the time it takes for quarterly meetings while still providing the same value.  Future quarterly meetings will be 12-2 pm.  We will pack them with networking opportunities, short announcements, sponsor recognition, and excellent speaker content.  Because of the new format, the meetings will be one fee.  We expect to kick this off fully in November but will have pieces of the new approach in the September meeting.

In some cases, the focus group recommended staying the course.  Participants had excellent feedback about Roundtables.  They are very valued by all those that attend.  If you haven’t gone to one, I encourage you to do so.  They are a great way to learn about new approaches, best practices and, even more importantly, what didn’t work with respect to the subject matter.  And they are free!

There is much more that came out of the focus group than what I’ve outlined here.  And all will be shared in the coming months as we work to incorporate the feedback and make ISAE the best it can be for your dollars and time.  In the meantime, be sure to fully leverage your membership, taking advantage of the many ISAE opportunities and programs.

Looking back, I'm proud of what we've achieved. We set ambitious goals at the beginning of my term, and I'm thrilled to say that we've made significant strides towards reaching them. Whether it was expanding our communications strategies, hosting successful events with respectable speakers, or offering unique opportunities to all members of ISAE, each accomplishment represents the dedication and hard work of our entire team.

I’d like to thank the ISAE staff for truly listening to the Board and to members and for putting forth the effort to try new things. Times are changing, we’re all aware of it, and it’s hard to appease a wide variety of members, but they have put in the work and continue to do great things. And I’d be remiss to not thank Brenda Neville and my fellow staffers at the Iowa Motor Truck Association for allowing me the time to dedicate to this role. Brenda instilled in me her own pride for ISAE, and I’ll be paying my own pride forward to others in our association as well.

As I pass the torch to Reo, I'm filled with optimism for the future of ISAE. I have every confidence that our organization will continue to thrive under her leadership. My hope is that we will build upon the foundation we've laid, embracing innovation and collaboration to drive even greater success.

I'm excited to remain involved with ISAE and to support its continued growth and evolution in any way I can. While my time as president may be ending, my commitment to this association and its members remains as strong as ever. Thank you for the privilege of serving as your president.

Here's to a bright future for ISAE!

As we welcome a new year, many of us reflect on the past and set goals for the future.  Goals that are filled with promises of change and self-improvement.  Goals that seem easily attainable, yet never quite seem to come to full fruition. 

But what if this year, instead of approaching resolutions with the familiar lens of self-improvement, we consider embracing a fresh perspective.  A perspective focused on being an active, engaged member of ISAE.  The benefits of this are not only personal but extend to the “community” as well --- a community of fellow association executives. 

Active participation becomes the cornerstone of engagement, turning roundtables, meetings, and events into opportunities for meaningful connections and conversation. (ISAE provides endless opportunities for this!) Contributing skills and expertise further recognizes engaged members by providing a platform to be heard and seen.  (Have you participated in the new ISAE Topic Boxes?) Constructive feedback fuels improvement, and engaged members actively share insights with association leadership. (How else is ISAE supposed to grow?)

Making a resolution to be an active, engaged member of a professional association like ISAE is a commitment to your personal and professional development. It's a journey that goes beyond attending events or paying dues; it's about actively shaping and contributing to a “community” that shares common goals.

As we step into the New Year, let this resolution be a means for growth, collaboration, and significant contributions within the association and the broader professional landscape.  CHEERS to 2024 and to embracing a fresh perspective!