The Value of AENC Membership

Invest in your future by joining the foremost North Carolina association offering knowledge, information, best practices and innovation in association management.

 

AENC connects you to: education to improve your organization (earn CAE & CMP Credits); service providers & resources; networking, peers & friendships; coaches, mentors, & industry leaders; personal career growth; elected & government officials.

 

Professional Development and Networking

Annual Meeting:  Packed with educational sessions, chances to meet with exhibitors, networking opportunities, a community service initiative and unique social events. Held over two days with a third day offering optional activities.
Conferences:  Partnered with Roundtable Sessions, the 24 hour event includes seminars, table top exhibits and a luncheon with a keynote presentation.  This event offers time to connect with peers, and ongoing professional development and CAE and CMP continuing education credit.
Roundtable Discussions:  Informal, themed round table discussions facilitate connections and peer learning and support.
Webinars:  Live webinars offered bi-monthly. A huge library of recorded webinars available 24/7.
Trade Show:  Nearly 200 exhibitors participate in this annual event. Attendees include over 250 association executives and meeting planners from associations, corporations and government agencies. Event includes seminar offering CAE and CMP continuing education credit.
Golf Outing:  Fun annual golf outing for new to experienced players.
Executive Cup:  Association management members of AENC and VSAE compete in a Ryder Cup-style event alternately hosted by Pinehurst Resort and Omni Homestead Resort.
CAE Study Group
Career Center

Legislative Awareness and Support

Legislative Reception:  AENC sponsors the Opening Night reception at the beginning of the long legislative session in January (odd-numbered years) and the short legislative session in April-May (even-numbered years).
ASAE Legislative Fly In:  AENC delegates represent state interests in this annual two-day event in Washington, D.C.  

Communication

Success by Association LIVE!: Twice monthly digital publication offering expert educational articles. Also available podcast link.  Articles are available and word searchable on the AENC Mobile App.
AENC Resource Guide:   A key member resource including a membership directory and comprehensive listing of services. Also distributed to the media, members of the General Assembly and other elected officials as a reference source for issues addressed by AENC association members. Print and online versions available.
AENC Weekly Update:   Weekly e-newsletter offering the latest information and event updates.
AENC Web Site   www.aencnet.org
Social Connections:   Keep up with AENC members through Facebook
Business North Carolina Magazine:   AENC members receive a free magazine subscription to Business North Carolina, North Carolina’s premier business monthly magazine (normal subscription rate - $30 per year).

AENC Membership: Membership in AENC benefits all of our staff at the NC Dental Society. We consider AENC our go-to resource for everything from membership retention strategies to professional development to insights on the latest technology for associations—all of which helps us serve our members better. To us, full membership in AENC makes good business sense. It’s that simple. -Lisa Ward, CAE with North Carolina Dental Society, November 2015Annual Meeting: Thank you for yet another great Annual Conference! I think it was a smashing success and none of it would be possible without all of you. It was my pleasure and honor to serve as Silent Auction Committee Chair and I am so pleased we raised over $12,500! -Alex Collins with Visit Winston-Salem, July 2015Annual Meeting: Whether you are new or experienced join hundreds of people at the AENC annual meeting. You will learn more, grow professionally, personally and leave excited, inspired, and ready to take your association to the next level. -J.J. Meidl with NC Pediatric Society, June 2015Benefit Program with APA: Not only has APA substantially reduced the ongoing expenses associated with credit card processing for NCPGA itself, they also created a members benefit program for our own membership that has significantly added value to being a member of the North Carolina Propane Gas Association. -John Jessup with NC Propane Gas Association, July 2015Benefit Program with APA: Three years ago, the NC Association of ABC Boards contracted with EPI/APA to provide a state-wide card processing program designed to increase profitability and improve efficiency. Many of our members are enjoying a significant reduction in card processing costs annually. In addition, our participating members have experienced an excellent level of support and service. -Jon Carr, Attorney with Jordan Price Law Offices, November 2016Distinguished Service Award: I was thrilled to have been chosen to receive the Distinguished Service Award. AENC continues to provide me myriad opportunities for professional development and networking, so it has been my pleasure to help AENC by volunteering and helping out wherever I can. The Distinguished Service Award was a very special recognition of my work and I am proud of it. I encourage any AENC member to look around the association and help recognize the work and efforts of the individuals helping to sustain and enhance our profession. -Lisa Ward, CAE with North Carolina Dental Society, January 2014Legislative Reception: Our AENC Legislative Reception is a perfect opportunity for North Carolina association executives to connect with members of our General Assembly, and to increase our legislators’ awareness of the extremely important role associations play in our state’s economy. -Sharon Bryson, MEd with North Carolina Association of CPAs, January 2015Marketing & Communications Conference: I would highly recommend the AENC Marketing and Communications Conference. I always come away re-invigorated by the panel discussions and speakers with lots of new ideas to try. It's also great to reconnect with others in my field. AENC offers a friendly, relaxed setting to learn and grow. -Elaine Ellis with NC Medical Society, November 2015Marketing & Communications Conference: The needs of associations are unique and groups like AENC provide invaluable resources to help associations thrive. -Jeremy Williams with NC Bar Association, November 2015Marketing & Communications Conference: It was an excellent day for me - good education and shared ideas, friendly and useful networking and a spirit of open professionalism running throughout the conference. And I left with ideas and "how-tos" that I'm using already, which for me is the real test of a good conference! I had heard from colleagues that y'all know how to put on a conference. They were right! -Marsha Van Hecke with The Carolinas Center, February 2016Patsy B. Smith Award: I was shocked when I found out and so happy. To be nominated and then awarded with such a significant award by my peers/clients/friends meant so much. I remember when I received Jim’s email saying I won, I started crying. I will always cherish it! -Sara Green previously with Pinehurst Resort, January 2014Scholarship Program: The Raleigh-Dingham Scholarship assisted in getting me to the most amazing and influential training I’ve ever engaged in. The day after I left my first year at Institute I wanted more … more training, more networking, and more excitement to expand my knowledge pool! This experience lit a fire within me that I hope continues to glow. I can’t wait for the coming years. -Amanda Davis, CMP with North Carolina Association of CPAs, August 2015Technology Conference: I really enjoyed the recent AENC Technology event. I was able to catch up with old friends and also make a few new acquaintances with some very nice folks. I thoroughly enjoyed the sessions on the mobile app and social media. As our association's planner, I lead the charge in developing our event apps - so to get new ideas and to hear of new things coming out - that is very exciting stuff to me. I actually left that afternoon with so many new ideas for future meetings that I had to make a list! I came to work the next day excited about a few mobile app and social media possibilities for my future events. -Kathryn Atkinson with NC Academy of Family Physicians, March 2016Scholarship Program: I was very excited to receive a scholarship from AENC! It has been a goal of mine for several years now to apply for the CMM (Certified Meeting Manager). Because of this scholarship, I was able to apply without causing undue financial hardship on my association or me. Applying for the scholarship was an easy process and definitely worth the time. Once I have completed the CMM four-day program, I will then be responsible for submitting a business project for approval and will hopefully earn the certification. This certification will confirm to others that I have the expertise and experience needed to help guide our association competently and strategically into the future. Thank you, AENC, for this wonderful opportunity! -Ginny Fountain, CMP with North Carolina Association of Electric Cooperatives, July 2015 Annual Meeting: The meeting was fantastic! The speakers were really good and the topics were all very relevant. There was plenty of variety...the venue, the social events and meals were excellent. -Aubie Knight with Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina Annual Meeting: The AENC Annual Meeting is a great opportunity to get better acquainted with your fellow association members in a fun, casual setting. The learning opportunities and discussion are great fuel to move your organization forward. -Amy McConkey with NC Beverage Association Association 101: Association 101 helped me think differently about how my organization was approaching our strategic plan, and gave me new insights about structuring our board orientation. I left the training with several concrete action items, which have been well received by the board. -Emily Adams with NC Academy of Physician Assistants

Questions?

Contact Madi at [email protected] or 919-848-8255.