Learn how association leaders are using mergers, acquisitions, and partnership models to strengthen relevance, expand capacity, and secure long-term sustainability.

Association M&A isn’t niche anymore; it’s how boards and CEOs are thinking about growth, resilience, and mission delivery. This session breaks down three real-world case studies (a merger between a trade association and professional society, a trade association’s media acquisition, and a restructuring through a new partnership model) to unpack the strategic decisions behind each move.

Built for CEOs and senior executives, we’ll dig into the questions that matter most: why leaders pursued these deals, how they evaluated fit, how they managed board and member dynamics, and what they learned about culture and integration after the ink dried.

Walk away ready to lead high-stakes M&A conversations in your own organization.

Who Should Attend

• Association and nonprofit CEOs
• Senior executives and COOs
• Board chairs and senior board members
• Strategy, finance, and operations leaders supporting M&A or restructuring

By the end of this session, you’ll know how to spot the right M&A fit, frame the boardroom conversation on risk and alignment, and navigate stakeholder pushback with confidence. You’ll also leave with frameworks for structuring deals, leading post-deal integration, and pressure-testing your own organization’s readiness for what’s next.

CEO Update is a CAE Approved Provider. The program above meets the requirements for fulfilling the professional development requirements to earn or maintain the Certified Association Executive credential. Every program that we offer that qualifies for CAE credit will clearly identify the number of CAE credits granted for full participation, and we will maintain records of your participation in accordance with CAE policies. For more information about the CAE credential or Approved Provider program, please visit www.asaecenter.org/cae. As a CAE Approved Provider educational program related to the CAE exam content outline, this program may be applied for 4 credits toward your CAE application or renewal professional development requirements.