Elevate Excellence: Celebrate the Pinnacle of Association Leadership

Dive into a world of accolades and recognition, as we honor the outstanding achievements of association professionals and supporting partner members in the Association Forum community. Our Honors Awards program is a beacon of excellence, shining a spotlight on those who have truly advanced the association management profession.

The awardees are celebrated at the Honors Gala—an unforgettable evening where a carefully curated group of high-performing executives take center stage. The energy is palpable, the accomplishments are awe-inspiring, and the celebration is unmatched—the gala is the pinnacle of recognition. The Woman of Influence™ Award finds its home at the annual Women's Executive Forum™. 

Please see the Rules for complete details and eligibility requirements and contact awards@associationforum.org with any questions.

The award categories include:

SAMUEL B. SHAPIRO AWARD FOR CHIEF STAFF EXECUTIVE ACHIEVEMENT

The highest honor the Association Forum bestows on an association professional, the Samuel B. Shapiro Award for Chief Staff Executive Achievement, is presented to the chief staff executive (e.g. CEO, executive director, or equivalent level) for outstanding service and accomplishments in association/nonprofit management. The award is named after Samuel B. Shapiro, CAE, as past chairman of the Association Forum and the American Society of Association Executives. Recipients of this award have made outstanding accomplishments in their professional and personal lives.

Criteria:

• Recognition as an exceptional association/nonprofit professional who has advanced his or her organization's mission.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to serve as a formal and/or informal mentor.
• Overcomes challenges faced in a leadership position as a CEO.
• Demonstrated leadership contributions that significantly and consistently impact the advancement and/or recognition of the profession through service to the Association Forum, other professional societies charitable organizations, and related organizations.
• Models leadership behavior by holding a CAE, or other professional certification in his or her specialty.
• Strong investment in association management and at least five years as an association/nonprofit CEO.

Eligibility Requirements:

• The nominee must be currently employed in a full time capacity as an association/nonprofit chief staff executive at the time of nomination.
• Nominees must have been employed in his or her present position for at least on year prior to nomination.
• Nominees must have been a member of the Association Forum for five consecutive years.
• This category includes heads of subsidiaries or foundations who report to the chief elected officer of the parent organization.
• Current Association Forum officers, directors, Awards & Scholarship Committee members, and staff are not eligible for this award.
• Previous recipients of the Samuel B. Shapiro Award for Chief Staff Executive Achievement Award are not eligible to apply

Self nominations will not be accepted. Once a nomination is received, the nominee will receive notice that they have been nominated and be asked to complete an application.

JOHN C. THIEL DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

The John C. Thiel Distinguished Service Award is presented for outstanding service to Association Forum by an individual association or supporting member. This award has been presented for exceptional, long-term, volunteer service to Association Forum, primarily through committee service or similar contributions. “Unsung hero” or “above and beyond the call of duty” are two ways to describe past recipients. This award is named in memory of the late John C. Thiel, CAE, Association Forum’s chairman-elect in 1990-1991. In 2010, the Thiel Award was expanded to include both association professionals and supporting members. 

Criteria:

• Contributions that significantly and consistently impact the advancement and/or recognition of the profession through service to Association Forum.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to serve as a formal or informal mentor.
• Demonstrated leadership commitment and involvement in Association Forum.

Eligibility Requirements:

• All members, including supporting members, of Association Forum are eligible for this award.
• Nominees must have been a member of Association Forum for five consecutive years.
• Current Association Forum officers, directors, Awards & Scholarship Committee members and staff are not eligible for this award.
• Previous recipients of the John C. Thiel Distinguished Service Award are not eligible to apply.
• Self-nominations will not be accepted.

INSPIRING LEADER AWARD

The Inspiring Leader Award is presented to an individual who has established a culture leading to employee satisfaction, motivation, engagement, and achievement.

Criteria:

• Demonstrated support given to employees to participate in Association Forum and/or other professional organizations.
• Develops employees and encourages colleagues through coaching or mentorship.
• Sustains employee morale during challenging times.
• Serves as a role model throughout his or her organization.
• Models leadership behavior by holding a CAE or other professional certification in his or her specialty.
• Active member of Association Forum and involved in activities of the association.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Nominee must be currently employed full-time as an association/nonprofit professional.
• Nominee must have worked in association management for a minimum of three years prior to nomination.
• Nominee must be a member of Association Forum.
• Current Association Forum officers, directors, Awards & Scholarship Committee members, and staff are not eligible for this award.
• Previous recipients of the Inspiring Leader Award are not eligible to apply.
• Self-nominations will not be accepted.

ASSOCIATION PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Association Professional Achievement Award is presented to an association professional member (not a chief executive officer) for exemplary service and outstanding accomplishments in association management. This award reflects a high level of commitment to professional growth and personal pride in the association management industry.

Criteria:

• Recognition as an exceptional association/nonprofit professional who has advanced his or her employer’s mission.
• Strong investment in the field of association management and has served at least three years as an association/nonprofit professional.
• Demonstrated volunteer service and involvement in Association Forum. .
• Active role in civic and community affairs.
• Models leadership behavior by holding a CAE or other professional certification in his or her specialty.

Eligibility Requirements:

• The nominee must be currently employed full-time as an association/nonprofit professional (other than as chief executive officer) for a minimum of three years at the time of nomination.
• Nominees must have been employed in their present position for at least one year prior to nomination.
• Nominees must have been a member of Association Forum for three consecutive years.
• Current Association Forum officers, directors, Awards & Scholarship Committee members, award sponsor, and staff are not eligible for this award.
• Previous recipients of the Association Professional Achievement Award are not eligible to apply.
• Self-nominations will not be accepted.

WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT ORGANIZATIONAL AWARD

The Welcoming Environment Organizational Award is awarded to an association that has demonstrated exemplary outcomes in providing an inclusive and welcoming environment and culture.

CRITERIA:  

• The award will be presented to Association Forum members that are 501(c)3, 501(c)4, or 501(c)6 organizations. There is no requirement for an association’s minimum number of years in business or a minimum number of employees.  
• The association can be headquartered anywhere throughout the United States of America.  
• Any current employee(s) of the association can nominate their organization. Proof of support is required by the Executive Director/CEO.  
• Current associations represented on the Association Forum Board and Association Forum Foundation cannot be considered in the same year the award is presented.  
• An association can apply and receive the award multiple times but not within five (5) years of receiving the award.
• There is no limit to the number of times an organization can apply for the award. The current Executive Director/CEO will need to sign off on re-application.  

WOMAN OF INFLUENCE AWARD

The Woman of Influence™ Award recognizes an exceptional woman association executive who has made outstanding contributions to the advancement of the association management industry. Recipients are recognized for their tireless leadership, track record of impact, innovation, and paying it forward through coaching, mentoring, and service to others.

CRITERIA:

• Recognition as an exceptional association/nonprofit professional who has advanced her organization's mission
• Demonstrated commitment to leadership
• Made contributions that significantly and consistently impact the advancement and/or recognition of the profession through support and involvement in Association Forum
• History of infusing innovation in problem-solving approaches
• Committed to encouraging the growth of others through coaching, mentoring, and service to others
• Commitment to value differences and create an environment that is comfortable, inclusive, and empowering

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Nominees must be current members of Association Forum
• All members, including supporting members, of Association Forum are eligible for this award
• Current Association Forum officers, directors, staff, and Women’s Executive Forum Program Advisory Group Committee members are not eligible for this award
• Previous recipients of the Woman of Influence Award are not eligible to be nominated
• Self-nominations will not be accepted
• The nominee must have worked in association management for a minimum of three years prior to nomination
• Employees of the partner/sponsor of the award are ineligible to be nominated

Once a nomination is received, the nominee will receive notice that they have been nominated and be asked to complete an application.