Driven by Purpose: ASAE Heads to Indianapolis for Defining Annual Meeting
By Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, AAiP, President & CEO, ASAE
The association community is heading to Indianapolis, and ASAE, Visit Indy, and local partners are ready to welcome attendees for an unforgettable 2026 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition.
This year’s theme, “Driven by Purpose”, sets the stage for meaningful conversations about how associations can lead with clarity, stay anchored in mission, and accelerate their impact.
We’re ready, we’re excited, and we can’t wait to bring the association community together for a purpose-driven experience that will exceed expectations.
The ASAE Annual Meeting is always a special opportunity for association professionals from across the country and around the world to learn, challenge one another, exchange ideas, and imagine what’s possible. This year feels especially meaningful because we’re gathering in Indianapolis at an exciting moment for our profession and at the beginning of a new chapter for ASAE.
That new chapter will take center stage in Indianapolis as ASAE unveils its new strategic framework—the result of the most inclusive strategic planning process in the organization’s history. Developed with extensive member input over the past year, the framework will guide ASAE’s priorities over the next three to five years while providing the flexibility to respond to an increasingly dynamic environment.
This framework gives us strategic clarity while allowing the agility to adapt as our profession evolves. It is designed to help ASAE deliver even greater value, impact, and relevance for the association community. We’re excited to share it with our members in Indianapolis and immediately begin putting it into action.
Enthusiasm for the meeting is already evident. Registration is pacing ahead of last year, with a notable increase in first-time attendees. To help new participants make the most of their experience, ASAE has expanded opportunities for networking, orientation, and engagement throughout the meeting.
Attendees can also look forward to a dynamic lineup of learning, inspiration, and celebration, including:
A world-class keynote lineup featuring Emmy Award-winning mentalist and bestselling author Oz Pearlman; Amy Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School and one of the world’s leading management thinkers; and CNN host and Emmy Award-winning producer Van Jones.
Insightful Catalyst presentations from Justin Patton, founder of The Trust Architect Group and an expert on operationalizing trust; Sheri Jacobs, FASAE, CAE, CEO of Avenue M Group and bestselling author on association strategy and growth; and Anthony McClean, acclaimed speaker and screenwriter focused on mental well-being and helping professionals thrive.
A sold-out Expo showcasing the latest products, services, and innovations from industry partners dedicated to helping associations succeed.
Signature networking and celebration events, including the Opening Celebration featuring 13-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist Babyface at White River State Park; the ASAE Research Foundation’s The Classic at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway; and the Closing Celebration at Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts.
From visionary education and practical solutions to meaningful connections and memorable experiences, the 2026 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition will embody what it means to be Driven by Purpose, bringing the association community together to strengthen leaders, advance organizations, and accelerate the impact associations make every day.
Find more information here.