CEO/President/Executive Directors

Hello,
I am in the transition period from deputy director to ED in July; and will play a much bigger role at our conference at the end of January.

Aside from the expected Host role at plenaries and networking meetings, I’m going to be observing my boss/mentor and his style at this event.

What do others feel is your main role as Executive Directors at annual conferences- things that may not be on your calendar but are strategically important?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Hi Linda, 

Congrats on your promotion--a wonderful decision by the board and well-deserved! Let's grab lunch and talk more if you want.

In general, and for the benefit of others, there are two main responsibilities that I think stand above the rest:
1. Welcome everyone to the event (I do this in tandem with the board chair), possibly also offering a short state of the industry presentation at the opening keynote/general session, sharing the current data that the organization has. You're the new face of the US compost industry! Let everyone see who's leading the organization.

2. Make sure your staff are fully capable running the entire event so you can focus on being present for members. Build the relationships with your members, thank them for being present and for their support throughout the year, ask what more the org can do for them... And for non-members, make that solid face to face impression and follow-up with them after the event so they know that even days later, your interaction was important enough for you to take the time later to reach out to them. 

Hope that helps! I'm curious to see what others might say,

Patrick

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Patrick Serfass
CEO, Stone Harbor Group
Washington DC
patrick@stoneharbor.group
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Original Message:
Sent: Jan 01, 2025 02:46 PM
From: Linda Norris-Waldt
Subject: Executive Director at Annual Conferences

Hello,
I am in the transition period from deputy director to ED in July; and will play a much bigger role at our conference at the end of January.

Aside from the expected Host role at plenaries and networking meetings, I'm going to be observing my boss/mentor and his style at this event.

What do others feel is your main role as Executive Directors at annual conferences- things that may not be on your calendar but are strategically important?

Thanks for your thoughts.

Hi Linda,

Congratulations on the promotion! I can share with you a story that might help...

A couple of years ago, I took a contract CEO position for one of our association clients who runs a national conference. Since I was somewhat unknown to the membership, I was able to attend the conference sessions and have candid conversations about what attendees were experiencing at the event. To be above board, I always disclosed my title at some point, but the unfiltered dialogue I could participate in during those early days was some of the best market research possible. Those who shared the most critical feedback became allies in making major changes that moved the association forward.

Other opportunities for leaders at conferences:

• Greet every sponsor and, if possible, arrange some time to meet with them for coffee or lunch. Make sure they can put your face to the new title. 
• If industry partners attend, set meetings with them as well. In-person meetings are more memorable than Zoom or phone and often lead to stronger relationships.
• Let attendees see you doing the formal things, of course, but also attend excursions or networking events where they can see you laugh and relate to you as a person. This builds trust and softens inroads for trust. 

I'm sure it will be a fantastic experience!

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Katie Appold MPA
Owner/Consultant
Nonprofit Nav, LLC
Grand Haven MI
(616) 528-9775
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Original Message:
Sent: Jan 01, 2025 02:46 PM
From: Linda Norris-Waldt, CAE
Subject: Executive Director at Annual Conferences

Hello,
I am in the transition period from deputy director to ED in July; and will play a much bigger role at our conference at the end of January.

Aside from the expected Host role at plenaries and networking meetings, I'm going to be observing my boss/mentor and his style at this event.

What do others feel is your main role as Executive Directors at annual conferences- things that may not be on your calendar but are strategically important?

Thanks for your thoughts.