Annual Awards / Nominating Process

2025 Annual Business and Awards Luncheon / CAE Celebration

Each year, CSAE celebrates outstanding individuals and organizations across our community at our Annual Conference.  We invite nominations (including self-nominations) in multiple categories which are listed below.

Nominations were opened February 25, 2025 and are due by 5pm Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

We recognize individuals and organizations for their leadership, dedication, and professionalism both for the industry as well as within the community of CSAE.  Categories include:

Association of the Year
The Association of the Year Award celebrates exceptional achievements and leadership within the state's vibrant association community. Recognizing organizations that excel in driving industry innovation, member engagement, and community impact, this prestigious accolade highlights the exemplary contributions of associations across diverse sectors. From fostering collaboration to advocating for important causes, recipients demonstrate outstanding commitment to their members and broader society. The award not only honors excellence but also inspires a culture of continuous improvement and sets a standard for organizational success. The Association of the Year Award represents the pinnacle of achievement and distinction in association management.

Emerging Leader Award
The Emerging Leader Award recognizes rising stars within associations who exhibit exceptional promise, dedication, and innovation in their respective fields. This prestigious accolade celebrates individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, actively contributing fresh perspectives and initiatives to their organizations. Recipients of this award exhibit a strong commitment to professional growth, fostering collaboration, and driving positive change within their association and beyond. They inspire peers with their visionary thinking, strategic approach, and ability to navigate complex challenges with resilience and creativity. The Emerging Leader Award honors those who exemplify the future of association leadership, poised to make a lasting impact in their industries.

Outstanding New Initiative
The Outstanding New Initiative Award celebrates pioneering endeavors within associations, recognizing innovative projects that redefine standards and propel the organization forward. This prestigious honor acknowledges initiatives that demonstrate creativity, effectiveness, and adaptability in addressing emerging needs or opportunities within the association's community or industry. Whether it's a groundbreaking program, a transformative campaign, or a game-changing technology implementation, recipients of this award embody the spirit of forward-thinking leadership and proactive problem-solving.

Association Professional of the Year Award
The Association Professional of the Year Award recognizes an exemplary individual who has made outstanding contributions to the advancement and success of their association. This prestigious accolade honors a leader who demonstrates unwavering dedication, exceptional expertise, and visionary leadership in guiding their organization to new heights of excellence. The recipient embodies the highest standards of professionalism, inspiring colleagues and stakeholders alike with their integrity, innovation, and commitment to excellence. Through their strategic vision, collaborative approach, and tireless advocacy, they have made a lasting impact on their association and the broader industry, setting a benchmark for excellence and inspiring others to strive for greatness.

Association Partner of the Year Award
The Association Partner of the Year Award celebrates an exceptional business whose unwavering support and commitment have significantly contributed to the success and growth of the association industry. This esteemed recognition honors a business (hotel, bank, HR company, event company, etc.) that has demonstrated outstanding dedication, innovation, and collaboration in advancing the mission and objectives of the association industry and/or to CSAE, as it supports associations across the state.

CSAE Volunteer of the Year Award
The CSAE Volunteer of the Year Award celebrates an outstanding individual whose selfless dedication and tireless efforts have significantly enriched the CSAE community. This prestigious accolade honors a volunteer who exemplifies the highest standards of service, commitment, and leadership in advancing the mission and goals of CSAE. Through their invaluable contributions, proactive engagement, and passion for the association's mission, they have made a profound impact on the organization and its members. Their exemplary volunteerism serves as an inspiration, encouraging others to actively participate in fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth within the association profession.

Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award is the pinnacle of recognition, honoring an individual whose enduring contributions have shaped the association profession and left an indelible mark on the CSAE community. This prestigious accolade celebrates a lifetime of exemplary leadership, unwavering dedication, and transformative impact. Through decades of service, the recipient has demonstrated unparalleled commitment to advancing the mission and values of CSAE, inspiring countless professionals and fostering innovation and collaboration within the association industry. Their remarkable legacy serves as a guiding light, inspiring future generations to aspire to greatness and continue their legacy of excellence.  This award can be presented to anyone that has ever been involved with CSAE.

Congratulations to the 2024 Winners:

Nearly 200 people joined us June 5-7, 2024 for the CSAE Annual Conference, presented by Refactored (now BizStream) to meet these outstanding individuals and organizations, and hear who was selected by our judges for the highest honors at our 2024 Annual Business and Awards Luncheon on Thursday, June 6.

Outstanding New Initiative Of The Year
Culinary Medicine Workshop - Obesity Medicine Association

Emerging Leader Of The Year
Heidi Melocco, Director of Operations, Horse Trails of America

CSAE Volunteer Of The Year
Betty Knecht, Executive Director, Colorado Mortgage Lenders Association and Member, Annual Conference and Programs Committees

Outstanding Partner Of The Year
AMG National Trust (Earl Wright, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board)

Association Of The Year
Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (Dave Kanagy, Executive Director and CEO)

2024 Lifetime Achievement Award
Dave Kanagy, CAE, Executive Director and CEO, Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration