Featured Speakers

Annual Conference 2023

MSAE is pleased to bring together some of our industry's finest thought leaders, subject matter experts, and practitioners to stimulate your thinking and explore the latest issues and trends in association management.  

Keynote Panel: Future-Focused Associations
Tuesday @ 4:15PM
Mary E Corrado Phil Knight Angela Madden

Mary E. Corrado, MBA
President & CEO
American Society of Employers 

Phil Knight, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Food Bank Council of Michigan

Angela Madden, MPA
Executive Director
Michigan Association of Ambulance Services 
Donna Oser, CAE
President & CEO
Michigan Society of Association  Executives

Ben Whiting
Create a
Limitless Future!

Ben Whiting

Tuesday @ 9AM
PEOPLE HAVE LIMITLESS POTENTIALBut without a connected culture and the ability to see all its possibilities, they will be limited. THEY'LL
  • Struggle to communicate clearly and efficiently 
  • Experience unnecessary drama and conflict 
  • Spend way too much time in unproductive, overly-long meetings 
  • Be paralyzed by imposter syndrome 
  • Feel unsupported and unfulfilled at work 
AND AS A RESULT, YOU'LL SEE LOW PRODUCTIVITY, HIGH TURNOVER, AND RESISTANCE TO CHANGE
When people know how to communicate effectively... When they can create and sustain quality relationships at work And when they have the mindset that anything is possible... ...THERE ARE NO LIMITS TO WHAT THEY CAN ACHIEVE

Ben Whiting achieved international success as an award-winning magician and mind-reader by creating an atmosphere on stage where the impossible was possible and where human connection had no limits. As an entertainer,  he’s performed in over 30 countries, had multiple television appearances,  and his clients include the likes of Crystal Cruises, Oprah’s HARPO Studios,  and Facebook. 

Recognizing his passion for helping others in their careers and day-to-day lives, Ben began focusing on keynote speaking and leadership development in 2014. Shortly after delivering his first TEDx talk, he was hired by an international leadership development firm to create and deliver content around the globe. His consulting clients have included international companies like UNiDAYS, as well as Fortune 50 corporations such as  Schlumberger. 

Today, Ben combines his backgrounds in leadership development and corporate entertainment to help organizations create cultures that can achieve the impossible (while having A LOT of fun). He’s been featured in  Entrepreneur Magazine, the New York Times, and his clients include Apple,  Google, American Express, and Amazon.

Click here to book Ben!

Bucky Dodd, Ph.D.
ChatGPT and AI Tools for Association Execs

Bucky Dodd, Ph.D., ClearKinetic

Tuesday @ 12:55PM

THE ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE’S GUIDE TO CHATGPT AND AI TOOLS

It seems like talk of artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, but what’s hype and what’s real? This keynote session explores the current landscape of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, and highlights effective practices for using these technologies with your association. You will discover capabilities, current limitations, and techniques for using AI tools to save time and transform your association’s operations.

Bucky is a leader, trailblazer, and innovator committed to sharing his expertise and passion for education and training with others.

As a prolific writer, master facilitator, and creative strategist, his expertise focuses on the design of education and training programs, services, and experiences that unify sound learning and business practices.

Dr. Dodd is the creator of numerous visual collaboration systems, including Learning Environment Modeling®, an award-winning system for the design and evaluation of learning experiences, and has been recognized internationally for his research and design expertise.

He has a proven record of leading innovation initiatives in associations, corporate, government, and education organizations and is consistently sought out as a thought leader on the future of education across industries.

Before founding ClearKinetic, Bucky served as the Assistant Vice President for Education Strategy and Innovation and Chief Learning Innovation Officer for LX Studio at the University of Central Oklahoma. He holds a Ph.D. in Education and graduate and undergraduate degrees in Adult Education and Corporate Communication. 

Contact ClearKinetic

Tony Rubleski
Disrupt Your Mindset & Your Business

Tony Rubleski, Mind Capture Group

Wednesday @ 1:15PM

The past few years have seemed like an episode of the movie Twilight Zone crossed with the Hunger Games. Confusion, doubt, and distraction seem to be winning the day for many. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. In Tony's latest book, Positive Disruption –Vol. II: A Quote and A Question to Upshift Your Life, he lays out the case that when we turn inward and redirect our daily thoughts with positive questions and gratitude, we can significantly improve our lives for the better.

In this session, bestselling author Tony Rubleski will share:

  • The many benefits of a positive mindset to improve both your life and business
  • How to stand out and get attention in a 9-second attention span world
  • Daily gratitude and the power of humor to attract and retain key employees 
  • Why attitude is essential to gaining more referrals and repeat business

Tony Rubleski is the bestselling creator of the Mind Capture book series. He is also an in-demand keynote speaker, strategic business coach, and global event promoter. His work has been featured in various media outlets ranging from Bottom Line Magazine, The Detroit Free Press, the FOX TV network, ABC, to CNN Radio, NPR and Entrepreneur Magazine Radio.

He’s a 1994 graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in marketing and has also been a faculty member and instructor with the U.S Chamber of Commerce (IOM) and CEO Space International. His core expertise and message are designed to help people ‘Capture’ more minds and profits.

Click here to book Tony!

Keynote Panel: Opportunities & Challenges in Conference Contracts & Experiences
Wednesday @ 10:50AM
Bonnifer Ballard, CAE Darren Ing Katie Leonard

Bonnifer Ballard, CAE
Executive Director
Michigan Section - American Water Works Association

Darren Ing
Director
Michigan Association of Recreation
Vehicles and Campgrounds

Katie Leonard
Director of Sales
Grand Traverse Resort
and Spa
Kate Pojeta, CAE, CMP Derrick Ricca, CHSP
Kate Pojeta, CAE, CMP
Director, Meetings & Tech
EventGarde
Derrick Ricca, CHSP
 Senior Sales Manager
Greenleaf Hospitality
Kim Corcoran, CMP, CTA
Executive Director
Destination Michigan

Breakfast Worksession: 
Board Chair & CEO's Role in the Contemporary Landscape of Association Leadership
Wednesday 8-9:30AM

Mark Engle

Mark Engle, DM, FASAE, CAE

Principal
Association Management Center (AMC) 

Debbie TruebloodDebbie Trueblood, MSW, FASAE, CAE

Senior Consultant
Association Management Center (AMC)  

The greatest asset of any association is its volunteer board of directors and the partnership with staff.  As with any asset of such importance, its care and feeding are paramount to the returns it produces.  We will take you through an in-depth exploration of governance leading practices that have been validated in high-performing boards.  We will also focus specifically on the roles, responsibilities, and the important relationship between the board, the board chair, the executive director, and the staff.

From the beginning, AMC's dedication to its association partners has always been their top priority. They're passionate about their unique missions and are dedicated to furthering their causes through collaboration, strategic leadership, and vision.

They believe that developing long-term, trusting relationships creates mutual success and growth and that providing superior service and strategic association leadership with the utmost integrity helps those relationships flourish.

They respect employees for their expertise and skills, and believe that celebrating and encouraging their desires to grow both professionally and personally provides our association partners with engaged leaders who bring expertise and passion.

They believe in making positive contributions to the community through volunteerism, and focus their support on organizations that enhance the quality of life of those in need.

Most of all, they believe in helping your organization Achieve What You Believe. Contact AMC.

                                 Tuesday Breakout Sessions     Wednesday Breakout Sessions