History

Associations North represents a history of people, places, projects, members, and memories. At the core, Associations North essential element is the advancement of individuals, organizations and the industry we serve as a whole. As promised, Associations North remains committed to Moving Professionals Forward in all we do.

Although the formation of associations took place in American History early in the 1700s, the Minnesota Association of Trade Executives (now Associations North) formed in 1956 as a group of executives loosely banded together working for the common good.

New government entities were forming, new regulatory rules and laws were being developed, the economy was growing, businesses were expanding, and professionals were searching for innovation, leadership skills and community. There was a need to learn how to navigate all the new systems and the landscape was changing.

As the need for best practices, for sharing information, and for working together became more apparent, associations including Associations North, rose to the many challenges and adapted, grew, and became an industry itself.

For Associations North these changes have been exemplified through:

Name changes, mission updates and branding that more accurately reflect membership base.

• Association of Trade Executives (1956)
• Minnesota Society of Association Executives (1960)
• Midwest Society of Association Executives (2000)
• Associations North (2016)

Membership category changes to encompass the growing demographic changes:

• Executives only
• Inclusion of association staff members
• Vendor and supplier members
• Affiliated business and organizations      
• Individual to organizational membership

Overtime, Associations North has grown from a small loosely formed group to a full-service professional organization of diverse professionals who are willing to connect, share and help shape the future.

It is true. No matter who you are or what you do, there is someone working in an association on your behalf.

2026

Welcome SyncUp, a companion program to CEOSync for second in command leaders. FutureFest, a conference dedicated to preparing associations for what is next came to fruition in November.

2025

After successfully piloting a CEO Retreat, Associations North created Executive Edge: Premier Leadership Conference for C-Suite professionals. AI education rang supreme. 

2024

After successfully piloting a CEO Retreat, Associations North created Executive Edge: Premier Leadership Conference for C-Suite professionals. After a member pulse showed 74% of respondants identified as female, SheMoves: Where Business Meets Brilliance was born. 

2023

Piloted CEO Retreat. Created Mission Partners program, focused on those united in advancing associations.

2022

Angela Kisskeys named President of Associations North. Launched online member community, SPARK. Annual Meeting + Expo, now Nfusion was reimagined for creating connections, building community, and empowering members to take action, thrive in an ever-changing environment, and develop as a leader. Expanded cohort model to include CEOSync, MeetingsSync and LeadershipSync.

2021

CEOSync, the ultimate collaboration of elite leaders launches in January 2021 with 20 association executives. Pay it Forward campaign helps advance membership for 88 organizations hardest hit by COVID-19. Over 50 individuals and organizations contribute to Pay it Forward efforts.

2020

COVID-19 pandemic hits globally and the association and hospitality community feel the impact. Associations North remains committed to meeting member needs through outreach, virtual education, CEO Strategy Groups and providing timely and relevant resources. Associations North staff serves members remotely during this time.

2019

Associations North transitions to a January-December fiscal year, keeping the membership renewals cycle the same July - June. Associations North individual membership structure changes to organizational membership model. This was developed to open doors for more professionals to get involved, advance their careers and, ultimately, make your organization and industry stronger.

2017

Angela Kisskeys and Sarah Ruzek appointed Co-Directors, replacing long time President, Kathy Johnson, CAE, who retired after 28 years of serving the organization.

2016

Celebrates 60 years! Launches rebrand for continued relevance, including new name Associations North, logo and tagline Moving Professionals Forward.

2014

Adds fourth full-time staff person. Transitions to a website and database to bring community features and increased customization for members. Education, advertising and membership strong.

2012

Introduces Leadership Academy and on-demand education. Continues to grow sponsorship program and develops the first app for the Annual Meeting & Expo.

2011

Develops Year Long Sponsor Program to provide additional opportunities and benefits to partners.

2009

Expands member benefits to include social media sites. Creates official MSAE blog for members to follow MSAE. The economy is down, but MSAE remains strong.

2007

Moves headquarters to Roseville Office Plaza at1970 Oakcrest Avenue, Roseville, MN.

2006

Marks 50 years with more than 900 members and a full schedule of monthly educational events, including symposiums, peer-to-peer networking luncheons and webcasts.

2005

Introduces job shadowing and internship programs to raise awareness of association management as a career.

2004

The ASAE annual meeting is held in Minneapolis. Holds two golf tournaments and launches an electronic newsletter.

2000

Becomes the Midwest Society of Association Executives to better reflect its geographic reach.

1993

The ASAE annual meeting is held in Minneapolis. Conducts industry salary survey. Starts MSAE pension plan.

1992

Moves into first headquarters at Iris Park Place Building, 1885 University Avenue, Saint Paul, MN. Added a charitable event to Holiday Party. 

1990

Member benefits proliferate with the launch of several award programs, a monthly newsletter and an annual trade show.

1988

Expands membership to businesses that supply associations with products, services and meeting facilities. Kathy Johnson hired as the first full-time staff member. She leads the organization for 28 years.

1976

Ruth Lunde of the Minnesota Nurses Association becomes the first woman to serve as Chair of the board.

1963

Roger Toussaint, Executive Director of the St. Paul Convention & Visitors Bureau, volunteers to serve as MSAE's executive secretary. He remains on the job for 25 years.

1960

Renames to the Minnesota Society of Association Executives. Organization is run completely by volunteers.

1956

A small group of executives form the Association of Trade Executives. 25 members, who are predominantly male, each pay $5 in annual dues.