About Us
Building a Stronger,
More Vibrant Association Community
The Engaging Associations Forum is a peer-driven community built for association and not-for-profit leaders who believe in learning through shared experience, leading with courage, and growing together to build stronger organizations.
Our Story
The Engaging Associations Forum was born from a simple but powerful idea: association executives deserve a space built for them — one where they can share openly, ask questions freely, and learn from one another in a truly engaging way.
In 2013, after attending yet another industry conference filled with “same-old” topics and one-way presentations, Meagan Rockett and Doreen Ashton Wagner decided it was time for something different.
Meagan’s vision was clear: create a space for authentic conversation and collaboration, where association leaders could speak candidly about challenges and opportunities without pressure or pretense. Together, they made that vision real — and the Engaging Associations Forum came to life.
From its very first year, the Forum set a new standard for what professional gatherings could be: creative, human, and unapologetically interactive.
Today, we continue to build on that foundation — celebrating more than five years of creativity, innovation, and change while keeping Meagan’s original mission at the heart of every experience.
Association executives deserve to have a place where they can air their concerns in a safe, collaborative space among peers.
Our Mission
To create meaningful spaces where association and not-for-profit leaders can learn, collaborate, and grow together in pursuit of stronger organizations and a stronger association community.
Our Vision
A future where association leaders are connected, courageous, and equipped to lead with confidence and creativity.
meet the team
Powered by our people
Our Approach
Learning Through Shared Experience
At the Engaging Associations Forum, learning is a two-way conversation.
We believe that the most powerful insights come from peers who have lived the experience and are willing to share what works, what does not, and what is next.
Each program is intentionally designed to:
- Spark meaningful dialogue among association professionals
- Share new perspectives and innovative strategies
- Strengthen both leadership and community through collaboration
The Foundation of Every Conversation
OUR 8 PILLARS OF ENGAGEMENT
Every conversation and session within the Forum is guided by eight core pillars. These pillars reflect the priorities that matter most to association and not-for-profit leaders who want to drive meaningful, lasting change.
Strategic Foresight
Preparing associations to lead in a rapidly changing world through proactive strategy and future-focused thinking.
The Modern Member Experience
Exploring engagement, value, and retention in today’s evolving membership landscape.
Reimagining Revenue
Building sustainable growth through diverse revenue models beyond membership dues.
Governance and Leadership
Evolving the board-staff partnership to drive clarity, accountability, and agility.
Advocacy and Influence
Positioning associations as credible voices and trusted leaders in their industries and communities.
Culture and Capacity
Fostering high-performing teams that are healthy, motivated, and aligned with mission and values.
the experiences
How We Bring the Community Together
The Engaging Associations Forum is more than an annual event. It is a year-round community that connects leaders through shared experiences and meaningful conversations.
The Forum
(Flagship Event)
The annual gathering where courageous ideas meet real action.
Pillar Events
Deep-dive programs aligned with the eight leadership pillars.
Peer Forums
Curated meetings where leaders connect regularly to share challenges, insights, and support.
Signature Experiences
Birds of a Feather dinners, workshops, and connection-driven gatherings that turn insights into long-term relationships.
When Leaders Grow Together, Associations Thrive
The Engaging Associations Forum exists because one leader believed association executives deserved something better and that belief continues to guide everything we do.
Today, we carry that spirit forward, helping association and not-for-profit leaders learn boldly, share openly, and lead change together.
Because when leaders grow together, the entire association community thrives.
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