Step Away From the Day-to-Day.
Focus on What’s Ahead.
Wednesday, October 28, 2026
11:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. | The Sagamore Resort | Bolton Landing, New York
An Afternoon Designed for Association Executives
Association executives rarely get uninterrupted time to step outside the immediate demands of running an organization and focus on what comes next. Executive Exchange Forum is designed to create that space.
EEF brings association chief staff executives together for a focused afternoon of strategic thinking, facilitated discussion and candid peer exchange. Rather than a traditional conference filled with presentations, this experience is built around the questions and decisions association leaders are navigating every day — from organizational strategy and governance to changing member expectations, workforce challenges and long-term sustainability.
The smaller, executive-level setting allows participants to move beyond surface-level conversation. You'll have an opportunity to challenge assumptions, hear how peers are approaching similar issues and consider new perspectives that can inform decisions within your own organization.
Most importantly, EEF gives you dedicated time to look beyond the next meeting, deadline or operational challenge and think intentionally about where your association is headed.
What Will You Take Away?
EEF is designed to send you back to your organization with more than notes. You'll leave with new perspectives, practical ideas and stronger connections to peers who understand the realities of association leadership.
- Step back from urgent operational demands and focus on longer-term organizational priorities.
- Examine external forces influencing association relevance and sustainability.
- Consider how changing member, stakeholder and workforce expectations affect strategy.
- Explore the connection between strategy, organizational structure, governance and execution.
- Hear how other chief staff executives are approaching challenges within their organizations.
- Test assumptions and explore new approaches in a confidential executive setting.
- Identify practical ideas and next steps to bring back to your organization and leadership team.
Facilitated By
Eric Curtis
CEO & Managing Partner, Curtis Strategy
The afternoon will be led by Eric Curtis, CEO and Managing Partner of Curtis Strategy. Eric and his firm work closely with association executives and boards on the issues that matter most to long-term relevance and sustainability, including strategic planning, organizational design, governance, succession, scenario planning, and merger and affiliation strategy.
Curtis Strategy's work is grounded in the realities facing associations today: changing member expectations, growing competition, pressure to demonstrate value, governance complexity, workforce changes and the need to align strategy with organizational capacity.
Throughout EEF, Eric will help participants create space for the forward-looking thinking that can be difficult to accomplish amid the pace of everyday leadership.
Is EEF for You?
Executive Exchange Forum is designed exclusively for an association's chief staff executive — the senior professional ultimately accountable for the organization's staff, operations and execution of its strategic direction.
Depending on the organization, that title may be CEO, Executive Director, President & CEO or another equivalent senior staff leadership title. The term "chief staff executive" distinguishes this role from an association's volunteer board president or chair.
EEF registration is available to ESSAE members and nonmembers.
Your Afternoon at EEF
A focused afternoon combining facilitated learning with opportunities for meaningful peer conversation.
Wednesday, October 28
11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Coffee & Peer Exchange
12:00–12:30 p.m.
Working Lunch
12:30–1:45 p.m.
Executive Learning Block I
1:45–2:00 p.m.
Break & Peer Exchange
2:00–3:15 p.m.
Executive Learning Block II
3:15–3:50 p.m.
Executive Exchange & Key Takeaways
3:50–4:00 p.m.
Closing
The Conversation Doesn't End at 4:00
Continue the Experience with MPI Upstate New York
One of the most valuable parts of EEF is the opportunity to connect with peers outside of the formal program. Following Wednesday's executive session, EEF registrants are invited to continue those conversations through MPI Upstate New York's evening activities at The Sagamore.
MPI Upstate New York's Wednesday evening activities are included with EEF registration.
Make It a Day and a Half
Start with EEF. Stay for Harvest Highlight.
Executive Exchange Forum is designed to be the beginning of a distinctive day and a half of learning, strategic perspective and association community at The Sagamore.
Wednesday's EEF program creates dedicated space for chief staff executives to focus on the responsibilities, challenges and decisions unique to their roles. On Thursday, October 29, Harvest Highlight broadens the experience by bringing together CEOs, C-suite executives, senior association professionals and volunteer leaders for a full day of education, strategic conversations, networking and practical ideas.
Attending both allows you to begin with a focused executive conversation, continue building relationships Wednesday evening and then bring that momentum into a broader day of learning with the ESSAE community.
Wednesday afternoon: Step back, think strategically and exchange perspectives with fellow chief staff executives during EEF.
Wednesday evening: Continue building relationships through MPI Upstate New York activities at The Sagamore.
Thursday: Join association executives, senior staff and volunteer leaders for Harvest Highlight.
Participants may attend EEF, Harvest Highlight or both. Each program requires a separate registration.
Executive Exchange Forum Registration
Your EEF registration includes Wednesday's executive program, working lunch and MPI Upstate New York evening activities.
Early Bird
Through Wednesday, September 30
Member: $239 | Nonmember: $349
Standard Registration
Thursday, October 1–Wednesday, October 28
Member: $289 | Nonmember: $399
Not an ESSAE Member?
Turn Over a New Leaf This Fall
EEF is open to both members and nonmembers, but joining ESSAE connects you to the association community long after the event ends. Explore ESSAE's prorated fall membership opportunity and discover year-round access to professional development, peer connections, resources and member pricing.
Explore ESSAE Membership
Stay for the Experience
Make The Sagamore Part of Your EEF Experience
The Sagamore's setting on Lake George provides a retreat-like environment where association leaders can leave their usual surroundings, reduce distractions and devote meaningful attention to strategy, professional growth and relationships with peers.
Rather than rushing back to the office after Wednesday's program, stay at The Sagamore, take part in the evening activities and begin Harvest Highlight the following morning ready for another day of learning and engagement.
Special ESSAE Room Rate
$209 per night
Standard accommodations at The Sagamore Resort
The Sagamore has also waived its customary $60 nightly resort fee and provides complimentary self-parking and valet parking for overnight guests and event attendees.
A $50 deposit is required when making a guestroom reservation and is credited toward the guest's final room balance. It is not an additional charge.
Connect Your Organization to the Experience
Harvest Highlight Partnership Opportunities
Organizations looking to increase their visibility with association executives and decision-makers can extend their presence at The Sagamore through a Harvest Highlight Partner Package. Explore available opportunities and find the option that best aligns with your organization's goals.
Explore Partner Packages
Plan Your Experience
Everything you need to register, explore the event and make the most of your time with ESSAE at The Sagamore.
Give Yourself the Space to Think Ahead.
Join fellow association chief staff executives at The Sagamore for an afternoon of strategic thinking, candid conversation and meaningful peer exchange — then continue the experience with MPI Upstate New York and Harvest Highlight.
Register for EEF
