ExecConnect 2026 — Leading & Navigating Through Change
A High-Impact Leadership Retreat where C-Suite and Senior Association Leaders Connect, Learn & Lead
Thursday, June 11 – Friday, June 12, 2026
Windrose on Hudson | Ossining, NY
(Coming by train? The closest station is Croton Harmon Train Station- Metro North Hudson Line & Amtrak – 2 miles – 5 minutes)
Overview | Speakers | Agenda | Cost | Registration | Cancellation Policy
ExecConnect is made possible by the NYSAE Education & Research Foundation. The NYSAE Education & Research Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 organization that supports and advances research and education related to the fields of trade and professional associations or societies and the professional management of those organizations.
Join Metro NYSAE for ExecConnect, a High-Impact Leadership Retreat, presented by Metro NYSAE in collaboration with the NYSAE Education & Research Foundation. An exclusive retreat offering a forward-focused look at how executive leadership is evolving in response to seismic shifts in workforce expectations, technology, AI, non-dues revenue and organizational design. Curated for c-suite leaders, the program blends strategic insight with candid peer dialogue to reimagine how leadership works—and what high-performance looks like—in today’s dynamic landscape.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exclusive retreat. This is your opportunity to step away from the day-to-day and immerse yourself in two days of focused learning, fresh perspectives, and powerful peer-to-peer networking—all designed specifically for association executives navigating today’s complex leadership landscape.
With limited spots available, this is a unique opportunity for senior leaders to engage and learn with fellow association leaders in a relaxed, inspiring environment. Over the course of the retreat, you’ll have the chance to connect with like-minded peers, exchange ideas, and deepen your professional network in a beautiful setting. From insightful workshop sessions with top speakers to casual networking, every moment is designed to foster collaboration and growth.
This intimate, all-inclusive retreat includes your room, meals, and conference sessions at an affordable price — so you can focus on what matters most: building meaningful relationships with other senior association leaders. Whether you’re sharing insights or learning new strategies, this is an unforgettable opportunity to recharge, reflect, and return to your organization with fresh ideas and renewed energy.
REGISTRATION FEES (All inclusive rates)
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! (REGISTER HERE)
Members $250
Non-Members $325
*Registration fees are all inclusive of lodging, meals, beverages and all conference activities. Please do not contact Windrose on Hudson directly for room reservations—Metro NYSAE will manage all room arrangements as part of your inclusive conference registration.
Please Note: Due to the highly affordable group rate, the registration fee is per person and remains the same whether you attend for one day or stay overnight.
AGENDA
DAY ONE (June 11)
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Arrivals, Welcome Coffee & Registration (shuttle provided from train station)
11:00 AM | Tour of Windrose on Hudson
12:00 PM – 1:30 PM | Group Lunch/Welcome Remarks from Colleen Harper, MPA, CAE, CEO & Executive Director, Illuminating Engineering Society & Executive Director, Audio Engineering Society & Metro NYSAE Chair
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Educational Session – Architecting the Future: 3 Strategies for Leading Through Association Disruption with Eric Curtis, CEO & Managing Partner, Curtis Strategy
In a landscape defined by rapid digital shifts and global expansion, traditional strategies are no longer sufficient. This session equips Association Leaders with the strategic foresight and practical toolkit necessary to thrive in an evolving global landscape.
We will move beyond theory to explore how to modernize business models by transitioning from traditional membership tiers to value-driven ecosystems that prioritize professional evolution. Participants will learn to drive strategic growth by unlocking high-impact partnerships that extend their reach. The session further equips leaders to optimize performance by establishing role clarity, implementing result-driven accountability, and auditing the internal capabilities essential to building a resilient, future-ready association in a borderless market.
Don’t just adapt to the future—design it. Join us to transform your organizational challenges into a competitive advantage and walk away with a clear blueprint for sustainable growth in 2026.
3:30 PM – 4:00 PM | Coffee Break
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM | Panel Discussion – From Strategy to Reality: CEO Panel on Leading Through Association Disruption with Colleen Harper, MPA, CAE, Michael Weamer, President & CEO, The Marfan Foundation and Vijay Dandapani, President & CEO, Hotel Association of New York City
Join this cohort of forward-thinking association leaders as they pull back the curtain on how they are navigating disruption, evolving legacy business models, and architecting resilient organizations in a rapidly changing environment.
Attendees will explore:
– How CEOs are reimagining membership value and engagement models in today’s professional landscape
– Approaches to building strategic partnerships that expand influence and revenue
– Lessons learned in creating role clarity, accountability, and high-performing teams
– Candid reflections on what’s working, what’s not, and what’s next for association leadership
Facilitated by Eric Curtis, this interactive forum encourages direct peer-to-peer exchange, ensuring you leave with actionable ideas you can implement the moment you return to your organization.
6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | Reception & Networking (Heavy Hors d’oeuvres)
DAY TWO (June 12)
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Group Breakfast
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM | Educational Session – Aligning Leadership for Enterprise Execution: The ALIGN Framework with Arel Moodie, Adult Development Theory Expert, Keynote Speaker & Tech Co-Founder, Talkadot
At the executive level, misalignment isn’t a communication issue—it’s an enterprise risk. When strategic priorities collide or lack clarity, the result is slowed decision-making, diluted focus, and costly rework that impacts organizational performance.
High-performing leadership teams don’t struggle due to lack of capability, but because they’re often solving different problems from different vantage points—strategic, operational, cultural, or stakeholder-driven. Left unchecked, this creates friction at the top, cascading confusion throughout the organization and stalling execution at scale.
In this executive-level session, leadership expert and organizational alignment specialist Arel Moodie introduces the ALIGN Framework as a discipline for leadership teams—not just a tool, but a shared operating model. Designed for real-world complexity, ALIGN enables executives to quickly diagnose misalignment, sharpen decision clarity, and ensure the organization is moving forward with focus and cohesion.
Outcomes:
-Enterprise Alignment Discipline: A repeatable executive framework (Assess, Locate, Identify, Gauge, Navigate) to ensure leadership teams are solving the right problems at the right level.
-Accelerated Decision Velocity: Proven strategies to compress decision timelines, reduce organizational drag, and eliminate costly rework across teams.
-Clarity-Driven Accountability: Tools to reinforce ownership, decision rights, and strategic priorities—ensuring alignment holds even in high-pressure environments.
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM | Coffee Break
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Educational Session – The Executive *Oxygen Mask: Prioritizing Wellness with Tara Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP, President & CEO, Radio Television Digital News Association
As a Chief Staff Executive (CSE), you’re the linchpin of your organization and yet the demands of leadership can come at a steep personal cost. A survey of nearly 150 association executives revealed that 85% reported negative impacts on their health due to their roles, with many experiencing burnout, sleep disturbances and chronic stress.
Let’s talk about the critical importance of prioritizing your own well-being. We’ll explore strategies for setting boundaries, fostering supportive cultures and implementing sustainable self-care practices. By putting on your “executive oxygen mask” first, you’ll not only enhance your personal health but also strengthen your capacity to lead effectively and inspire your team.
*The oxygen masks we talk about in this session fit all association professional roles, not just CSEs.
12:00 PM | Closing & Departures (Boxed Lunch provided)
MEET THE SPEAKERS:
Adult Development Theory Expert, Keynote Speaker & Tech Co-Founder, Talkadot
Arel Moodie helps organizations Build People Power™, transforming how teams work and win together through a breakthrough approach to human development. A tech founder, bestselling author, and keynote speaker, he’s shown leaders from the White House to Fortune 500 companies how to turn workplace dynamics from constant friction into predictable excellence. He’s spoken to nearly one million people across 48 states and 5 countries.
CEO & Executive Director, Illuminating Engineering Society & Executive Director, Audio Engineering Society & Metro NYSAE Chair
With over 15 years of nonprofit professional association experience, Colleen Harper has a profound appreciation for the diverse perspectives of association members and industry partners. Prior to her tenure at IES & AES, Colleen served as the Chief Operating Officer and Interim Chief Executive Officer for the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) from its Washington D.C. base. Her extensive experience also includes serving the National Investor Relations Institute as Director, Professional Development; as Association Manager for the global meeting and association management firm Meeting Expectations; as Assistant Manager of Membership for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers; and as the Director of Membership and Organizational Relations for the Geoprofessional Business Association.
CEO & Managing Partner, Curtis Strategy
Eric is a visionary consultant who guides nonprofit organizations toward achieving exponential growth and measurable mission impact. Eric unlocks organizational potential, crafting breakthrough strategies and innovative business models that tackle complex challenges and drive lasting success. Leveraging his expertise, he equips leaders across diverse nonprofit sectors, including health and human services, associations, credit unions, foundations, and higher education, with the knowledge and strategies to navigate disruption and achieve transformative change.
President & CEO, The Marfan Foundation
Michael Weamer’s career reflects a steadfast dedication to improving lives through strategic leadership, community building, and unwavering commitment to mission-driven work. Since March 2015, Michael has served as the President and CEO of The Marfan Foundation, a global nonprofit organization dedicated to funding research, providing patient support, and conducting public and medical education for Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, Vascular Ehlers-Danlos, Stickler syndrome and related genetic aortic and vascular conditions. Prior to his tenure at The Marfan Foundation, Weamer spent over two decades with the American Heart Association, culminating in his role as CEO of the Founders Affiliate, a $70 million organization serving the Northeast. And, previously as President of Prevent Blindness.
Tara Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP
President & CEO, Radio Television Digital News Association
Tara Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP is the President and CEO of the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) and the RTDNA Foundation, where she leads strategic initiatives that advance the future of journalism and strengthen the impact of news organizations across the country. A champion of mission-driven leadership, Tara brings more than a decade of senior association management experience with a focus on leadership development, press freedom advocacy and organizational sustainability. In 2018, she was named to Association Forum’s Forty Under 40 for her work with a variety of associations and involvement in state and national organizations. Tara has been active in ASAE, serving as Chair of the Small Staff Advisory Committee and the Executive Management Advisory Council. Recognized as an Obama Leader for 2025–2026, she is also a Certified Association Executive, Certified Meeting Professional and Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives.
President & CEO, Hotel Association of New York City
Mr. Dandapani is a hotel industry veteran who cofounded Apple Core Hotels, an owner-operator of boutique hotels in Manhattan in 1993 and was president of the company till December 2016. He was appointed President and Chief Executive officer of the Hotel Association in January 2017. He is an active participant in the hospitality industry and has spoken on hospitality issues at many forums sponsored by organizations such as the Lodging Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, the ALIS conference, University of California at Los Angeles, Columbia University, New York University, and numerous industry associations. He has also written in a number of industry publications and the mainstream media on topics affecting the hotel industry.
Space is exclusively limited to Executive-Level Attendees (Association CEOs, C-Suite leaders, and executive- level association professionals). This intimate gathering ensures every participant has the opportunity to engage deeply and forge authentic connections with fellow decision-makers and innovators in the field. We are grateful for the support of companies that serve the association community. This particular event, however, is intended for executives currently employed by an association. Space is limited, so we kindly ask that only those who meet this criteria register. Thank you for your understanding!
CANCELLATION POLICY
Due to the exclusive nature of this high-impact leadership retreat, limited room availability, and our contractual obligations with the resort, our cancellation policy is as follows:
- Cancellations received in writing on or before May 6, 2026 – Eligible for a 100% refund.
- Cancellations received between May 7 and May 20, 2026 – Eligible for a 50% refund.
- Cancellations received after May 20, 2026 – No refunds will be issued.
All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing to hello@metronysae.org. Substitutions are permitted.