Strategic Association Management

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Strategic Association Management

A team of professionals provides scalable, sustainable solutions that transform organizations. Our model is simple. For more information, visit SAM-FIRM.COM.

A team of experienced professionals takes care of day-to-day operations—increasing efficiency and enabling scalability—so volunteers are free to pursue their organization’s mission. Through long-term partnerships, our clients experience organizational sustainability, growth and, ultimately, transformation. WHAT IS AN AMC? An Association Management Company (AMC) handles day-to-day operations and pr

ovides professional management and services for associations and non-profit companies. The services provided by an AMC might include executive leadership, board administration, financial services, membership development, event management, communications, and government relations. Hiring an AMC rather than separate, individual staff creates efficiencies in systems and personnel, reduces costs, and increases flexibility. As an AMC, we have staff specialists with combined talents to address all of an association’s needs: operations, project management, accounting, data management, graphic design, lobbying, public relations, writing and editing, web design, organizational planning, and research. Hiring an AMC to run your association is an increasingly popular choice, and in the United States AMCs now manage budgets totaling more than $2 billion. The range of budgets for AMC-managed associations is anywhere from $50,000 to more than $16 million annually. WHY USE AN AMC? An AMC typically assigns executives and administrators to conduct the association’s day-to-day operations. They may also provide centralized office space if needed. Professionals working for an AMC are assigned or subcontracted on an as-needed basis. So you get a manager to oversee your association’s operations. You get an accountant and auditor to handle financial operations. You get a writer, graphic designer, and editor to produce your newsletter or annual report. You get an event planner to coordinate your annual meeting or trade show. You get a research team to help craft your goals and message. The AMC pays this team of staff specialists based only on the specific assignments at hand, so the cost is a fraction of what it would take to hire full-time staff and much more efficient than separately contracting with each professional. This team-oriented approach organized through a single AMC point-of-contact allows client services to be customized to meet your specific goals.

09/13/2024

Give a warm welcome to Alejandra Tijerina, who has joined the SAM team as a Communications Manager! Alejandra comes to SAM with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a focus in marketing and international business from Baylor University. She brings internship experiences in marketing for organizations across a variety of industries—from aerospace to boutique fitness: https://buff.ly/3zfz61U

09/09/2024

Katy McDowall, Senior Communications Manager and Head of Communications at SAM, has been named a Texas Society of Association Executives Rising Lone Star! The Rising Lone Stars Program recognizes emerging association leaders in Texas. Katy and fellow 2024 TSAE award recipients will be recognized next week during TSAE’s annual conference . Congratulations, Katy! https://buff.ly/3XFlZAA

09/06/2024

We’re excited to welcome Emily Kelly as a Program Coordinator at SAM! Emily joins the SAM team with 10 years of experience working in higher education and a strong background in programming and logistics related to professional development, workshops, mentor programs, and events. Welcome, Emily! https://buff.ly/3Tj08fq

09/05/2024

The Engineering and Construction Contracting (ECC) Association recently held its 56th Annual PerspECCtives Conference in Colorado Springs. Close to 1,000 engineering and construction leaders and experts gathered to foster innovation and fuel visionary leadership. SAM is proud to provide association management services and support to ECC in promoting thought leadership among owners, contractors, and suppliers in global capital projects.

09/03/2024

Happy 13th birthday to SAM!

From humble beginnings in 2011 in our founder Megan Woodburn’s home office with just one dedicated employee, SAM has grown into a thriving team of 34 supporting 25 incredible partners—and counting!

We’re proud of how far we’ve come and are excited about all the amazing things to come. Here’s to many more years of success and collaboration!

08/30/2024

Check out the latest episode of Texas Society of Association Executives' Better By Association! Our Chief Operating Officer and TSAE Board Chair Paulina van Eden Hill, CAE, shares her insights and strategies on leadership, growth, and the human side of association management.

⚡New Podcast Alert!⚡This month on Better By Association, we chat with "the change-maker" herself, Paulina van Eeden Hill, CAE, COO for Strategic Association Management AND our current TSAE Board of Directors Chair. Paulina had so many helpful tips, tools, and strategies to share, we couldn't put our pens down from taking notes! Thank you for joining us, Paulina, we are ALL better for it!
Listen now here: https://tsae.info/podcast

This episode makes for the perfect Labor Day Listening!

08/09/2024

SAM is thrilled to have been selected as the staffing solution for SocialOffset, a nonprofit organization offering a socially conscious alternative to event and destination boycotts. SocialOffset’s guiding principles and causes align deeply with SAM’s core values and commitment to empowering people to positively change lives: https://buff.ly/3AiCGbI

08/06/2024

The Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas (ATAT) recently held its Annual Professional Development Conference in Dallas. More than 3,500 Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Teachers from across the state of Texas came together to be inspired, learn new classroom strategies and best practices, and be reinvigorated for the school year. SAM is proud to provide meeting support to ATAT.

07/31/2024

Texas Public Power Association (TPPA) recently held its Annual Conference in Austin which gathered more than 300 industry leaders and experts to discover the latest trends and technologies in the field of public power in Texas. SAM is proud to provide association management services and support to TPPA in delivering on its mission to provide a voice for municipally owned electric utilities.

07/30/2024

Texas Council of Administrators of Special Education recently hosted Interactive 2024, an annual conference that provides educational sessions, learning labs and networking opportunities to help prepare and inspire special education professionals for the upcoming school year. SAM is proud to provide association management services to TCASE!

07/19/2024

The SAM communications team recently joined the Visit Austin, Texas communications team for an insightful lunch and learn where Visit Austin shared its dynamic approach to marketing to both internal and external stakeholders. The teams discussed storytelling tactics, strategic communications planning, and graphic design. A huge thank you to our friends at Visit Austin for sharing your insights and expertise with us!

07/17/2024

Texas Hearing Aid Association (THAA) hosted its 2024 Annual Conference in Plano last month, bringing together over 250 attendees for educational sessions and networking at the largest industry event for licensed hearing instrument specialists in Texas. SAM is thrilled to serve as the THAA staffing solution and provide operational and strategic support.

07/12/2024

Texas Osteopathic Medical Association - TOMA recently hosted its 17th Annual Convention in Fort Worth to provide continuing education and networking, as well as recognize outstanding contributions to osteopathic medicine through the association’s annual awards. SAM is proud to provide association management services and partner with TOMA in supporting over 1,400 physicians and trainees across Texas.

07/01/2024

SAM is excited to share that our Chief Operating Officer Paulina van Eeden Hill, CAE, has begun her term as Chair of the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE) Board. Her dedication and leadership will positively impact TSAE and its members. Congrats, Paulina! https://buff.ly/45MuvzT

06/28/2024

The Texas Association for the Gifted & Talented (TAGT) recently hosted its Gifted + Equity Conference in Waco, Texas. The crucial event brought together educators to equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary to serve the diverse needs of gifted students who often face barriers to identification and support. SAM is proud to provide association management services and partner with TAGT in making a difference in the gifted community across the state!

06/21/2024

The Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association (TWGGA) wrapped up its 41st annual Lone Star International Wine Competition last week. The competition plays a crucial role in elevating the Texas wine industry, promoting its growth, and ensuring its wines are recognized for their quality and uniqueness. SAM is proud to provide association management services to and partner with TWGGA in supporting Texas wines, wineries, and grape growers.

06/10/2024

The U.S. National Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM US) exhibited at the American Alliance of Museums Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo in Baltimore last month. The SAM staff team supporting ICOM-US helped facilitate onsite assistance, networking, and learning opportunities for members. SAM is proud to partner with ICOM-US in supporting U.S. museum professionals’ participation in the global museum community.

06/05/2024

Engineering and Construction Contracting (ECC) Association held its Future Leader Family Day last month. The event brought together about 30 members of ECC’s Future Leaders program for networking, fun games, and great conversations. SAM is proud to partner with ECC in sparking innovation, leadership development, and strategic initiatives in the engineering and construction industry.

06/03/2024

SIM - Society for Information Management recently hosted its Women Leadership Summit in Dallas. The event brought together over 100 female C-suite leaders looking to gain greater technical knowledge on mentoring, philanthropy, and STEM Outreach. SAM was proud to provide comprehensive event support for the event.

05/30/2024

SAM co-CEO Megan Woodburn, CAE, recently attended ASAE The Center for Association Leadership's "Leading a Resilient Association: Embedding Foresight Into Strategy" program in Washington, DC. The session dove into applying foresight to strategy, risk, innovation, and learning. The insights and action plans gained empower SAM to provide services to partner organizations, ensuring ongoing support and success.

While in DC, Megan also had the opportunity to attend the ASAE Research Foundation Donor Reception the night before the program alongside fellow foundation supporters and industry leaders. SAM is proud to support ASAE Research Foundation and its mission throughout the year as an organizational donor.

05/29/2024

Texas Retired Teachers Association TRTA (Texas Retired Teachers Association) hosted its 2024 Annual Convention in Corpus Christi in April. SAM is honored to have provided meeting planning services for the event, which allowed over 800 TRTA members to converge, attend educational sessions, elect a new slate of officers, and enjoy the company of fellow retired teachers.

05/20/2024

A group of SAM staff attended a recent Texas Society of Association Executives social in Austin. It was a great opportunity for staff members to create connections, build community, and have some fun mini-golfing with fellow industry professionals. Thanks to TSAE for hosting!

04/25/2024

SAM was recently selected as the staffing solution for four new partners—ICOM US, Texas Osteopathic Medical Association - TOMA, and Texas Chapter of the American College of Cardiology. These partnerships demonstrate the breadth of SAM's experience in serving a variety of industries and further position SAM as a leader in association management. https://buff.ly/3QiUZTn

04/19/2024

Engineering and Construction Contracting (ECC) Association recently held its Sponsor Only Mid Year Session in Houston. This event brought together senior energy leaders to discuss ongoing technological, geopolitical, and logistical changes and challenges affecting the energy industry and capital projects. SAM is proud to partner with ECC in sparking innovation, leadership development, and strategic initiatives in the energy and construction industry.

04/15/2024

SAM is proud to announce the appointment of Paulina van Eeden Hill, CAE, as Chief Operating Officer. As COO, Paulina will oversee day-to-day operations, drive strategic initiatives and ensure companywide alignment with SAM's goals and objectives. Congratulations, Paulina! https://buff.ly/3TZAlIL

04/08/2024

Southwest Car Wash Association hosted its 2024 Convention & EXPO in Fort Worth in February. SAM is proud to provide meetings and event logistics support for SWCA, empowering Texas car wash industry professionals.The event brought together more than 2,500 attendees for a high-energy expo hall, keynote presented by NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith, and more.

04/04/2024

Exciting news—SAM has once again achieved accreditation through AMC Institute! We are thrilled to share this accomplishment which demonstrates our unwavering commitment to professionalism, ethical best practices, and the operational excellence required for accreditation. https://buff.ly/4aL182t

03/15/2024

Give a warm welcome to Lauren Turner, CAE, CMP, who has joined the SAM team as an Account Director. Lauren joins SAM with more than 12 years of association experience and a proven passion for innovation, relationship-building, and supporting partner association members’ growth. Welcome, Lauren! https://buff.ly/3IYzxit

03/14/2024

SAM was recently represented by co-CEO JJ Colburn, CAE, and Vice President of Partner Services Paulina van Eeden Hill, CAE, as they presented at the AMC Institute (AMCI) Annual Conference in Las Vegas. The event brought together association management companies, like SAM, from all over the U.S. and Canada to learn about industry trends and share best practices for supporting our association clients.

03/08/2024

The Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association (TWGGA) hosted its 2024 Annual Conference & Trade Show last month in Denton. The event brought together hundreds of Texas winemakers, grape growers, suppliers, and service providers. SAM is proud to serve as the TWGGA staffing solution and provide operational and strategic support, empowering Texas wine industry professionals to explore new ideas, grow meaningful connections, and gain the tools to thrive in the evolving industry.

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Videos

SAM's Birthday.mp4

Happy 13th birthday to SAM! From humble beginnings in 2011 in our founder Megan Woodburn’s home office with just one dedicated employee, SAM has grown into a thriving team of 34 supporting 25 incredible partners—and counting! We’re proud of how far we’ve come and are excited about all the amazing things to come. Here’s to many more years of success and collaboration! #championgrowth

SAM 2024 Social Video-Paulina TSAE Announcement.mp4

New SAM Partner - 2024 Design.mp4

SAM was recently selected as the staffing solution for four new partners—ICOM US, Texas Osteopathic Medical Association - TOMA, #ECCAssociation and Texas Chapter of the American College of Cardiology. These partnerships demonstrate the breadth of SAM's experience in serving a variety of industries and further position SAM as a leader in association management. https://buff.ly/3QiUZTn

New year, new goals! In this month’s staff pick, SAM Communications Manager Katy McDowall recommends the Harvard Business Review’s article, “Be Intentional About How You Spend Your Time Off.” As Katy notes, “This article dives into what time off should look like ‘if we want to maximize rejuvenation and protect our well-being.’ The big takeaway? Set some personal goals to accomplish!” Read more at https://hbr.org/2021/12/be-intentional-about-how-you-spend-your-time-off