AMC Leaders Scholarship

Background:

Past ASAE Board Chair and Founder of AMPED Association Management and Association CEO, Lynda Bouchard Patterson, FASAE, CAE approached the ASAE Research Foundation with the idea of developing a scholarship program that would directly impact the AMC community and strengthen the connection between AMCs and associations while elevating AMCs as a career path for association professionals. As a progressive AMC leader and supporter of both ASAE and the ASAE Research Foundation, this collaboration was a natural fit. The AMC Leaders Scholarship will focus on meeting the needs of AMCs while providing meaningful connections and opportunities through ASAE. 

Description:

Annually, three AMC professionals will have the opportunity to attend ASAE in-person events with a focus on association community connections, educational experiences, 1:1 coaching sessions, along with the funding of $3,000 designated for registration, travel, lodging, or additional expenses. For recipients who are not ASAE members, complimentary ASAE membership (value of $325) will be provided. 

Specific scholarship benefits include:

1. Attendance/participation in ASAE Programming as selected
2. One-on-one coaching sessions with specific industry leaders, coordinated through ABSI at the ASAE Annual Meeting and Exposition. 
3. One week shadowing opportunity with an AMC or association CEO/leadership team to gain insights on how other groups operate. 
4. Participation in a dedicated session, as applicable, at Foundation Lounge at Annual Meeting. 

Eligibility:

• Must have a formal AMC affiliation at the time of application and award. 
• Identify unique elements and areas for growth as an AMC employee in written application response.
• Clearly articulate their value proposition of working for an AMC and for associations to partner with AMCs.
• Participate in structured outreach and promotional activities of the scholarship. 

Qualifying Applicants include:

• Emerging AMC in year 1-5 of operations or new ownership
• AMC with a new or transitioning leader
• Early career professionals working at an AMC 
• First time CEOs working at an AMC
• Hybrid management – CEOs partnering with an AMC (industry CEOs new to association management or C-suite leader engaged with AMC services) 

Applications are open from March 10th through May 12th, 2025