SyncUp 2026
SyncUp is Associations North's NEW peer-learning group the second-in-command association leaders who play a key role in shaping their associations' success. Regardless of whether your title is director, VP or COO, we know you have a critical role to play in supporting both your CEO and your associations' staff.
What's Waiting for You:
- Confidential, experience-driven discussions that expand your confidence, perspective, and capacity to lead change.
- Practical tools and strategic frameworks to turn organizational goals into focused, measurable action.
- Collaborative alignment strategies that strengthen communication and unite teams around shared priorities.
- Guided practice in leading up, across, and within — amplifying your ability to influence outcomes and inspire progress at every level of your organization.
Actionable Outcomes + Growth
Your attendance will elevate your leadership skills - thereby strengthening your association - and grow your network in the Associations North community of leaders, ensuring you always have a sounding board when facing difficult challenges.
Schedule
Friday, February 6
Virtual Orientation
Friday, February 13
Session #1
Friday, March 20
Optional Power Breakfast, Twin Cities
Friday, April 17
Session #2
Friday, May 29
Session #3
Thursday, June 25
Optional Power Breakfast, Twin Cities
Tuesday, July 14
CEOSync Special Event, 3M Innovation Center
We're stepping inside 3M’s Innovation Center for a behind-the-scenes look at how curiosity, collaboration, and science fuel breakthrough ideas and real-world solutions. This exclusive event will not only showcase 3M’s culture of innovation, but also spark fresh ways for association leaders to think differently, embrace new approaches, and apply an innovation mindset to their own organizations. Tour, lunch and community.
September 27-29, Executive Edge, Treasure Island Resort + Casino
Friday, October 23
Session #4
Facilitator: Rhea M. Steele
Rhea M. Steele, FASAE, CAE, ODCP, is an accomplished association leader recognized for shaping strategy, culture, governance, and operations through purposeful leadership. Drawing on years of experience in the "second-in-command" role, she is dedicating to helping leaders grow with authenticity and vision through reflection, connection and shared learning.
We know you have more on your plate than ever before and that’s why this program is so important – you will uncover solutions to complex challenges, rethink assumptions, gain new insights and see first-hand how other leaders approach difficult situations. Senior leaders find the time commitment, typically less than 1% of working hours, well worth the investment and some of the most protected time.
If you are not certain you will be able to fully engage, please do not sign up. The value of this program depends on consistent participation and we don’t want to waste anyone’s time. If you will miss more than one meeting, it is not recommended to sign up.
We want SyncUp to be your most valuable time spent. Please review SyncUp Eligibility + Criteria:
- Must be an active Associations North member
- Currently serving in a senior staff, director, COOs, CMOs, VP or second-in-command position
- Minimum three years experience as above position
- Must be involved in high level strategic conversations and have authority over decision making processes for budget, personnel and/or strategy.
- Must currently be in a business growth and/or business improvement mindset
- Able and fully committed to attend meetings on a regular basis
- Willing to share knowledge and expertise with group
- Willing to maintain confidentiality about group discussions + sign confidentiality agreement
- Respect others + participate with an open mind
CE credits will be earned and awarded through attendance. Each session is 4 CEU hours. You must be present to earn CE credits to be applied toward your continuing education application or renewal. All SyncUp sessions will have a sign in process. Additional credits will apply for Executive Edge participation.
What if I leave my company or my job?
As a member of SyncUp, relationship building with other leaders you respect and trust is a key component. If you leave your company for whatever reason, SyncUp members are not automatically asked to leave. If you still value your participation in SyncUp (and vice versa), we are happy to welcome you to stay.
What Should I Expect?
Meetings include a lot of sharing, vulnerability and accountability. All of this is necessary for professional development, growth and learning. You will get more than you give in SyncUp, but it requires all participants to be an active contributor at all meetings.
Program Structure + Schedule: Each SyncUp session is from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, hosted in the Twin Cities Area. SyncUp does not offer a hybrid or recorded option. The magic and experience happens while in person and engaged as a community. Lunch will be provided.
Power Breakfasts: Optional breakfast from 7:30 am - 8:30 am on session days. These are informal relationship building opportunities over a cup of coffee and breakfast before your day of learning and engagement begins.
For More Information:
