Around Associations
Bostrom Celebrates Braband and Dethloff Earning CAEs… Bostrom’s Kellie Braband, CAE, Vice President of Client Services, and Sara Dethloff, CAE, Sr. Program Manager, recently earned the CAE designation, which is awarded by ASAE.
“Kellie and Sara embody the agility, authenticity, collaboration, innovation, and integrity that define Bostrom,” said John Dee, CEO, Bostrom. “Earning the CAE credential demonstrates not only their deep expertise, but their dedication to serving our clients as trusted advisors and strategic partners.”
The firm said the CAE designation strengthens its ability to deliver forward-thinking, value-driven solutions to high-potential associations seeking true partnerships.
Find more information here.
National Restaurant Association Focusing on Immigration Reform, Credit Card Competition Act and USMCA Renewal… The National Restaurant Association’s federal policy priorities include comprehensive immigration reform, bringing down operator costs through passage of the Credit Card Competition Act and producing a favorable renewal of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA).
“These policy priorities are essential to strengthening the foundation of an industry that powers America’s economy and employs 1 in 10 people nationwide,” said Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO, National Restaurant Association. “By advancing commonsense immigration reform, reducing swipe fee costs, and preserving a stable, affordable food supply, we can help operators manage structural costs, stabilize their workforce, and continue serving their communities.”
Find more information here.
UFI Opens Next Generation Leadership (NGL) Program Application Period… UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition Industry, is inviting industry professionals from around the world to apply to the 2026 edition of its Next Generation Leadership (NGL) Program. UFI will select up to five applicants.
Every year, NGLs are asked to focus on a mission that tackles a critical topic facing the exhibition industry. For 2026, this focus challenges applicants to examine how exhibitions can remain relevant for Gen Z and Millennials, whose expectations around purpose, sustainability, trust and digital engagement are reshaping live events.
Chris Skeith OBE, Managing Director and CEO, UFI, said: “Changing audience expectations present both a challenge and an opportunity for exhibitions. Through the NGL Program, I encourage organizations to support strong talent and invite ambitious professionals to contribute ideas that will influence the future of exhibitions. Being part of the NGL Program is widely regarded as the experience of a career, creating lifelong friendships and a powerful network that benefits both the individual and their organization.”
Participants will first be invited to the UFI European Conference in Izmir, Türkiye, on June 3–5, to launch their project. In November, the program will culminate during a special session at the 93rd UFI Global Congress in Bahrain, where the participants will present their findings.
“One of the best parts of the NGL Program is watching emerging leaders dive into real industry challenges and make them their own,” said Panittha Buri, President, UFI. Every year brings fresh ideas and bold thinking, and we can’t wait to see how this group reimagines relevance for the audiences of tomorrow.”
Applications will be accepted until March 25. The selected individuals will be announced in late April.
Find more information here.