As the new members of the 116th Congress settle into their first months in office, ASAE’s annual legislative fly-in will create a unique opportunity for association professionals to form connections with key policymakers and spread the word about the critical role associations play in our democracy.

On March 28–29, leaders of state, local, and regional associations from across the country will come together in Washington, DC, with the common goal of advocating for the community.

Justin Reyes of the National Association of Home Builders attended for the first time last year. “American Associations Day empowered me to make a positive impact for associations as we met with our federal legislators to share information on issues pertinent to our community, while also connecting with other association professionals from across the country,” he says.

The event includes education sessions that coach participants in how to be successful in congressional meetings regardless of whether they have experience in government relations. Attendees will have a chance to meet and network with fellow association professionals at an ASAE Board reception, where a member of Congress will be honored with the Sentinel Award for support of associations on Capitol Hill. The following day, attendees will meet with congressional staff to create connections and lay the groundwork for future legislative work on behalf of the association community.

“The strength of an industry is profoundly impacted by the value it places on advocacy,” says Nate Smith, vice president of government relations at the American Traffic Safety Services Association and chair of ASAE’s Public Policy Committee. “It is critical that we share with Congress the Power of A message: Associations make the world smarter, safer, and better every day.”

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