< PreviousCAREERPLANNING M uch is written about the CMP certification for planners. But what about the Certified Association Executive credential (CAE) for association executives? It, too, requires a combination of education, work experi- ence and rigorous testing. Those association executives who hold the certification are recognized as having attained a high level of professional achievement that puts them in an excellent position to get the executive jobs they want, to pursue advancement in their field and to potentially make more money doing it. Association industry leaders are unanimous on that. “Earning the Certified Association Executive credential shows that association professionals are committed to their profession and lifelong association management learning,” says Jamar Wright, CAE, director, credentialing, the American Society of Association Execu- tives (ASAE), headquartered in Washington, DC. “Association profes- sionals pursue the CAE credential for career advancement, potential pay increase, professional development and to show their dedication to the industry.” That said, while some organizations vet executive directors to ascertain whether they have or are pursuing CAE certification, hav- ing the certification is not required in many organizations. Moreover, there are multiple paths to achieving the certification. Wright says the process will vary from candidate to candidate. That said, he continues, all those seeking CAE certification must complete 100 hours of broad-based, association management-related profes- sional development within five years of the month in which they submit their application. “There are a variety of ways in which a candidate may obtain the necessary professional development,” he says. “It may come from conferences, workshops, college courses, preplanned study groups, self-paced education and/or mentoring/coaching. We do not require candidates to take specific courses to qualify to sit for the exam; how- ever, a candidate’s professional development must fall within the CAE exam content outline and professional development guidelines.” There’s also required work experience before one can even apply to take the CAE exam. “Candidates,’ Wright says, “must have five years of experience as an employee at the staff level or one year employed as a chief staff executive or C-suite-level executive at a qualifying organization.” A qualifying organization is a nonprofit — A Certified Association Executive Credential Will Take You to the Next Level themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMARCH 2023 Opening Doors By Christine Loomis 30trade association, professional society, individual membership organization, philanthropic organization, tribal organization — or an association management company (AMC). Wright says he doesn’t know of any colleges or universities that have created courses specifically tied to the CAE exam content outline, but he notes that many of the general man- agement courses can meet the CAE professional development requirements. Wright himself is a good example of how CAE certifica- tion can help association executives. “Since earning the CAE credential, I have received a promotion and a pay increase,” he says. He sees the reasons for an association staffer or executive to pursue CAE certification as very straightforward. “If you are looking for career advancement, a potential income increase and a better knowledge base of the association management field, you should pursue the CAE certification.” Chicago-based Meredith Taylor, CAE, MNM, vice presi- dent at Kellen, an association management company, was inspired to pursue CAE certification by her father. “My dad earned his CAE years ago and was so proud of his accomplish- ment that it inspired me when I followed in his footsteps in association management. He was one of those executive direc- tors who came from the industry. He worked in demolition and then managed the National Demolition Association, so he really valued the CAE programming as he learned how to run an association as his second career,” Taylor says. Taylor says obtaining CAE certification has made a sig- nificant difference in her career. “Learning the material and studying for the test forced me to learn about types of associa- tions and activities that I don’t work with in my day job. There were several topics that just hadn’t come up in my career yet, like budgeting for capital expenditures and how to develop a knowledge management system. Those new ideas pushed me out of my comfort zone. They also gave me confidence as I moved around to different types of associations.” Taylor earned a masters in nonprofit management from DePaul University and was able to apply many of the hours from her degree coursework to the CAE professional develop- ment requirements. “I also enjoyed online programming from ASAE, AM&P and NYSAE,” she adds. There are many types of places across the country that offer the exam. Taylor took the route of participating in a study group with Association Forum in Chicago and took the exam there. Like Wright, Taylor believes pursuing CAE certification is one way to show commitment to the industry. “It’s also a way to expand your knowledge. My advice would be to get the edu- cation hours and the test done before you have kids because it’s not easy. I can’t imagine trying to study for it now that I have two toddlers. I’m glad I tackled that goal before they arrived,” she says. “But, it’s never too late.” Elizabeth Twitchell, manager, credentialing, ASAE, was inspired by her colleagues to pursue the CAE. “The very first job I had in Washington, DC was at a small association, where every director-level employee either had a CAE or was in the process of earning the designation. I was able to watch several people study and pass the exam. I wanted to do that.” She says the certification has opened many doors over the years and continues to serve as a differentiator between her and other individuals in the field. Throughout the process of meeting the education and professional development requirements, Twitchell says she learned two important things. “First, there’s a great beauty in a structured program designed for people in association management. This is a career field that I wound up in by accident; being able to learn more about how associations worked was vital. Second, volunteer leaders are among the greatest strengths of an organization, and how you interact with them professionally, legally and personally makes 31 MARCH 2023 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES COURTESY OF MEREDITH TAYLOR While some organizations vet executive directors to ascertain whether they have or are pursuing CAE certification, having the certification is not required in many organizations.a huge difference in the ability to meet the mission of the organization.” Twitchell encourages those in the association management field to apply for certification. “You have nothing to lose but your time. If you’re making your career in association management, it’s good to explore all of the relevant domains,” she says. “Membership, edu- cation, event planning, finance, volunteer management and advocacy are all hugely important but can be siloed. The CAE is a way to take education and study across organizational silos and put together the full picture of how a membership orga- nization is run. If you decide that the CAE is not for you, or you’re not ready to take an exam at this time, you will have still learned a lot from the process.” The CAE program was founded by ASAE in 1960. It’s gov- erned by the CAE Commission, an independent certifying body. The commission awards the Certified Association Exec- utive credential and is also responsible for setting the rules and policies related to the CAE program. Virginia-based Diana Tucker, CAE, vice president for membership and chapter rela- tions with NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, is the current chair of the CAE Commission. She earned her CAE 16 years ago. Tucker says she pursued the CAE certification in part because she’s perpetually motivated to learn. Additionally, she says, “I wanted to increase my knowledge and improve my performance and the certification is a key component of this lifelong journey. I felt it demonstrated my commitment not only to my professional development, but also to the asso- ciation management profession.” Tucker sees the credential as a component in kickstarting a deeper level of engagement with the association community. “It added another dimension to my service to the field through my long involvement in both the CAE Program and among compo- nent relations practitioners. The knowledge I gained through the process of earning and retaining my credential also elevates my confidence in my competencies in association management and leadership to handle so many scenarios.” The CAE credential, Tucker says to anyone considering pursuing certification, is not just a designation. “Enjoy the journey of learning and the community of like-minded professionals seeking to expand your scopes of knowledge and perspectives to help you perform at your best. It is a terrific investment in yourself.” Juan Amador, FASAE, CAE, is executive director of the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS), headquartered in Santa Cruz, CA. He’s also chair elect of the CAE Commission. He has had his CAE credential for nine years, pursuing it as a “personal commitment to leadership and professional development as an association executive. The CAE credential,” he says, “helped me enhance my individual performance and professional goals.” He adds that he makes sure to keep up with the required educational credits for renewal as required by the CAE Commission. Amador is already deeply involved in strategic goals at the CAE Commission as well as at the association of which he’s executive director. “As the current CAE Commission chair elect, I’m guiding the strategic direction to set the profes- sional standards required for the credential. And as an asso- ciation executive, I amplify the achievements of association management professionals to benefit the current and future workforce that helps create a more diverse, equitable and inclusive association industry.” To association executives who may be deciding whether or not to pursue the CAE credential, Amador is unequivocal. “Pursue! Obtaining your CAE is a continuous learning jour- ney — from studying to passing the exam to renewal. At every milestone, be ready to learn and apply the gained knowledge to advance your yourself, your career and your organization.” Although there are many paths forward, the steps that must be taken to ultimately receive the CAE credential are very spe- cific. Fortunately, ASAE has extensive guidance on its website (asaecenter.org/programs/cae-certification). It lists a six-step process from start to finish. | AC&F | themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMARCH 2023 Juan Amador, FASAE, CAE, pursued his credential as a personal commitment to leadership and professional development as an association executive. COURTESY OF JUAN AMADOR Diana Tucker, CAE Vice President for Membership and Chapter Relations, NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association The knowledge I gained through the process of earning and retaining my credential also elevates my confidence in my competencies. 3233 MARCH 2023 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES Step 1: Determine your eligibility Before you can apply to take the exam, you must first meet the eligibility requirements for higher education, qualifying nonprofit professional experience and association manage- ment continuing education. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree or higher; however, in lieu of a degree, candidates can show eight additional years of experience beyond the basic five years. Candidates must be employed in a qualifying organization or have been employed in one within the last five years. If you don’t meet those requirements, an alternative is to show 10 years of paid service as an employee, independent contractor or a consultant with “demonstrated profes- sional involvement” in the association space, providing accepted services that mesh with the CAE exam content. Step 2: Apply for the exam The CAE exam is offered twice each year, in May and December. Check the ASAE website for specific exam and deadline dates. It is administered at various approved sites in the United States and abroad. There is also an option of taking the test at home or other approved location with a live remote proc- toring option. If a candidate has a disability preventing him or her from meeting stated requirements, the CAE Commission will make every effort to accommodate candidates with a proven dis- ability of special needs. The commission must receive a written request for this at least 30 days in advance of the exam. Additionally, an application fee must be submitted with each application. The current CAE application fee is $500 for ASAE members and $750 for nonmembers. Step 3: Prepare for the exam There are multiple resources to help candidates build their knowledge so they are prepared to tackle the exam. In general, any course related directly to the CAE exam content outline qualifies. You can download a PDF of the exam content outline at asaecenter.org for exams given between 2020 and May 2025. After that, the content outline will likely reflect new analyses of what should be included and how it should be organized. Candidates do not have to take courses/credits from one of ASAE’s CAE-approved providers, but the website does have a handy list of dozens of approved providers, including many state and city societies of association executives. For a full understanding of what you need to do to prepare, and which courses or types of courses qualify, study the CAE Exam FAQs on the ASAE website. Step 4: Take the exam When you take the exam matters. Once a CAE exam application is accepted, candidates must sit for the exam within the following 12 months (or within two test administrations). The application fee is not refundable unless a candidate fails to meet the eligibility requirements. In that case, the fee will be refunded, less a $150 processing charge. The exam is a computer-based test consisting of 200 mul- tiple-choice questions. Candidates have four hours to complete it once they begin. If a candidate must retake the exam, an additional $250 fee will be assessed. If a can- didate fails to sit for the exam within one year, the application is no longer valid, and a new application and application fee must be submitted. Step 5: Get recognized Those who earn the CAE credential will be recognized at the next ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition. You can also request a letter of support from ASAE and purchase merchandise with the CAE logo. You should also plan to add your credential where appropriate on your social media outlets, email signature and other sites on the internet where your professional profile appears, such as LinkedIn. Step 6: Keep your CAE credential current The CAE credential is not forever. You must renew it every three years. To be eligible to renew, those holding CAE cer- tification must meet professional development criteria or a combination of professional development with leadership, instruction or writing activities. You must also commit to upholding the ASAE Standards of Conduct (as you must do for certification in the first place). Much like the original test, only after fulfilling all requirements are candidates able to submit the renewal application. The current renewal fee is $350 for ASAE members/ $500 for non-members. Having CAE-certified staff and leadership can elevate the association itself. Henry Chamberlain, President and COO of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International, states on the ASAE website that a “CAE cul- ture” at his organization contributes to an efficient business model. “Our administrative costs are significantly below average. Most significantly, we don’t make many mistakes. It also helps that staff are well qualified and empowered. They have the knowledge and credentials to perform their jobs effectively, and fewer issues need to be elevated to the executive office,” he says. The bottom line is that CAE certification is good for individuals, associations and for association management companies. That’s a win-win-win, and more than enough reason for everyone within the association industry to pursue certification. | AC&F | How to Earn Your CAE D E P O S I T P H O T O S . C O MDESTINATIONREPORT T here’s more to Nevada than Las Vegas, where thousands of attendees gather each year. In spite of ads promoting a mystique of racy innuendo, Las Vegas is acutely focused on convention and business travel; groups know it deliv- ers ROI. Maybe less well known, Reno also delivers on business ROI, especially for groups on a tight budget or that simply want a smaller, more low- key destination. LAS VEGAS HAS YOU COVERED “The Las Vegas meetings and conventions outlook is strong going into 2023 and beyond. Our association customers continue to show growth in their attendance numbers due to the enduring appeal of Las Vegas and the destination’s ability to draw attendees. We here at the LVCVA (Las Vegas Convention Center Visitors Authority), along with our association leaders, are keeping a close eye on the global economy and potential impact but are forging forward with cautious optimism. Additionally, we’re focusing on the continued return of our international customer and look forward to stron- ger visitation in the year ahead,” says Chief Sales Officer LVCVA Lisa Messina. Ellen Tucker, CAE, vice president of revenue and expositions with Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), most recently brought the group’s expo to Mandalay Bay, where it has been held since 2002. The expo drew a total of 15,322 attendees. Although the pandemic may be largely behind us, Tucker says PPAI continues to keep up with current health and safety information and standard best prac- tices for tradeshows. “Working with a city, convention center and hotels that have the same high standard regarding health and safety is important to PPAI,” she A Winning Combination For Planners And Attendees themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMARCH 2023 Las Vegas & Reno By Christine Loomis Resorts World Las Vegas 3435 MARCH 2023 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES says. “Mandalay Bay Convention Center being a certified GBAC Star facility is important to us. PPAI also has a GBAC trained technician on staff, and our 2022 expo was the first GBAC Star certified event.” Tucker says the expo is fully back in person, as are PPAI’s conference events. While they don’t do any hybrid events, they do offer a virtual follow-up to the expo. Tucker says they’re taking “an intentional approach to focusing on quality as we grow the show back to pre-pandemic levels.” Among other things, this includes introducing a reg- istration fee for non-members at the onset of registration, which is new for PPAI. “With this introduction,” she notes, “we were excited to be at 80% of our pre-pandemic attendance levels, and even more excited to hear from our attendees and exhibitors that this has been one of the best, if not the best PPAI show ever.” Tucker calls Las Vegas and Mandalay Bay “perfect for our audience.” There are multiple reasons for that. “The ability to hop on a direct flight from across the country makes an ideal start and end to our attendees’ experience,” she says. “Addi- tionally, there’s a great ‘on-campus’ and family feel that our attendees enjoy experiencing by us hosting at Mandalay Bay Convention Center and having our room blocks at the closest MGM Resorts properties” — Mandalay Bay Resort, Delano Las Vegas, Luxor Resort & Casino and Excalibur Hotel & Casino. “The ‘campus’ layout also allows us and all of our members to use multiple night clubs, meeting rooms, restaurants and unique areas to hold events, which enhances the enjoyment and energy of the entire event without extensive shuttle use.” Another positive, Tucker notes, is that the combination of MGM properties allows attendees to choose from a range of accommodation options within walking distance. She also points to the number of special-event spaces and food outlets across the campus. Moreover, she says, “Our size of show is a perfect fit for this group of MGM Resorts properties.” Although PPAI doesn’t use LVCVA extensively, Tucker says they do make use of LVCVA’s website, as well as connections at the bureau to monitor other shows, news from the city and the bureau’s current list of members in order to review unique and PHOTOS COURTESY OF LISA MESSINA Whether you choose to go on the Strip or off, there are plenty of venues in Las Vegas perfect for your meetings and events. World of Concrete (top left) and MINExpo International (top right) are just two events that take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center.new venues citywide. Beyond the MGM campus, PPAI has, for the past two years, also hosted a party at Allegiant Stadium. “This party has turned into the can’t-miss event of the PPAI Expo, with over 2,100 tickets sold. The stadium’s proximity to the Mandalay Bay campus also reinforces our ability to fully maximize the campus feel that our attendees love about the overall show,” Tucker adds. The stadium aside, Tucker notes that PPAI uses Mandalay Bay Convention Center for 99% of the expo’s events. She says, “In addition, our large attendee groups and exhibitors also uti- lize the space for many of their functions.” A good physical fit is important, but also critical are the right partners and service. Tucker gives the Mandalay Bay team an A+. “The care the entire team takes to ensure that PPAI and our attendees and exhibitors have the best event is exceptional,” Tucker says. Additionally, she points to MGM Resorts’ commitment to customer service and to the health and safety of guests, as well as their commitment to upgrades. “Mandalay Bay’s commit- ment to completely refurbishing the convention center space has changed the look and feel of the event, which enhances our group’s satisfaction. We utilize the entire convention center exhibition space and almost 70% of the meeting space,” she says, adding that the new and enhanced décor, specifically the new lobby, re-done exhibition space and the WOW walls, are standouts. “The WOW walls allow us to utilize custom video not only to direct attendees but to brand our association. We use them for a secondary broadcast space for interviews, for our general sessions and to highlight specific events.” Tucker’s advice to planners considering any destination is to “choose one where you feel comfortable, one that’s an extension of yourself and that allows your attendees to have multiple choices in room pricing and easy access to all events, as well customer service that provides a unique relationship between customer and vendor,” adding that they have been lucky and that PPAI, specifically the PPAI Expo and MGM Resorts, works as a team. As a Las Vegas native, Vice President of Hosts Global Jill Schneider loves to share her city and state with planners and attendees. She points to incredible variety available and the fact that the city is “perpetually changing” as two reasons it’s an amazing destination for meetings. While restaurants, chefs, shows, nightlife and gaming may come first to mind for most people, she’s quick to say that there’s much more. Of all that’s new in town, her current personal favorite is the 18B Arts district in Downtown Las Vegas. “It has a rich history, culture, architecture, amazing restaurants, nightlife, galleries, antiques stores and everything from wonderful dive bars to craft cocktail masters. There’s always something cre- ative and fun happening,” she says. In addition to the entertainment on the Strip and super sports teams and events, Schneider says visitors should check out The Smith Center “for the finest in culture, theater and musical adventures.” The Smith Center has a full roster of performances. Las Vegas, Schneider says, is built for groups, whether large or small, with conservative budgets or large budgets, and regardless of what they’re looking for. “There’s something for everyone, from whiskey tasting and Cronuts to Yoga lessons at the Grand Canyon, from helicopter tours of the Strip and dine-arounds on and off the Strip, to interactive team-building activities and cooking classes with celebrity chefs. We have it or we will create it,” she says. One of the most anticipated openings this year is the MSG Sphere at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. At 336 feet tall and 516 feet wide, it is the world’s largest sphere. This entertain- ment venue will hold up to 20,000 attendees, making it perfect for meetings. It also features a 160,000 sf, 170 million-pixel LED screen. The Venetian offers meeting planners 2.25 mil- lion sf of meeting and convention space. In addition, they have 3,016 suites in The Venetian Tower, 1,013 suites in Venezia Tower and 3,064 palatial suites in The Palazzo Tower. Caesars Forum, a LEED Silver-certified state-of-the-art conference center, can accommodate more than 10,000 attend- ees. Within its more than 300,000 sf of flexible meeting space are the two largest pillarless ballrooms in the world. Meetings and events outdoors are also easy with its 100,000 sf outdoor plaza beneath the iconic High Roller. More than 20,000 guest rooms are within walking distance. It is only steps away from the 8,500 rooms at Harrah’s Las Vegas, Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino and LINQ Hotel+ Experience. Attendees can actually walk over the sky bridge to Harrah’s and LINQ. Resorts World Las Vegas offers more than 250,000 sf of state-of-the-art meeting space, which includes five banquet halls and an expansive rooftop terrace. Last year, they unveiled their Las Vegas Convention Center Loop passenger station offering direct access to the Las Vegas Convention Center’s North and South halls within minutes. The $4.3 billion themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIESMARCH 2023 The Havana Room at the Tropicana Las Vegas — a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel delivers an elevated experience. It features four bars and can accommodate 250 people seated and up to 800 people for a reception. COURTESY OF JILL SCHNEIDER / HOSTS GLOBAL 36complex is nearby the west hall of the convention center, which has 600,000 sf of meeting space, including 328,000 sf of column-free space, the largest of its kind in North America. Looking for a spectacular non-traditional venue for your next meeting or event? Look no further than the Havana Room at Tropicana Las Vegas – a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel. Located adjacent to the Sky Beach Club, their Havana Room is a lavishly designed space adorned with a magnificent crystal chandelier as the focal design element. Other high- lights include custom banquette seating areas, an impressive dark wood dance floor and premium audio-visual technology, as well as numerous branding opportunities inside and outside of the space. It also features four bars and can accommodate 250 people seated and up to 800 people for a reception. This venue delivers an elevated experience, and with its location near the north entrance of the property, transportation drop- off and pick-up is effortless. There is a plethora of options available when it comes to hotels on the Strip. But there are also other options. “I’m also very much looking forward to the opening of the breathtaking Fontainebleau at the end of 2023,” Schneider says. The Fon- tainebleau Las Vegas will have 550,000 sf of meeting space with its 57 distinct spaces, including a 105,000 sf pillarless ballroom, as well as a 2,800-3,300 capacity state-of-the-art theater and 3,644 guest rooms and suites. The take-away is that groups and planners should look beyond the hype and well-known. If they do, they’ll likely dis- cover a wealth of choices and options they didn’t know existed. How best to discover Las Vegas’s lesser-known gems? That’s easy, Schneider says. “Ask local professionals for opinions and resources.” AFFORDABLE RENO “We’re excited about what we have in store for 2023. We have new hotels and meeting space coming online in renovated areas of town, like the Reno Experience District and South Reno near the Summit Mall. There’s a lot of opportunity here, and hoteliers are actively trying to meet that demand. Book- ings are steady and we’re grateful to be in a position to con- tinue attracting a wide range of groups. Although we’re not quite back to what we experienced pre-2020, lead volume is pacing 2019-levels and we’re hopeful that trend will continue. Most challenges we foresee are related to change and adapt- ability. More groups are booking on shorter windows, which can create challenges to quickly finding the space they need. There are many renovation projects underway or planned for the next two years, creating opportunity for the future but potentially reducing availability in the near-term. Like others, Donna Jarvis-Miller, CMP, CEM, Director, Membership and Events, American Public Human Services Association (APHSA), says health and safety remain a prior- ity though protocols are evolving. “In 2021 and 2022, we had a ‘proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test required’ policy for any in-person event. In 2023, we’re moving to a statement on the importance of being vaccinated, taking care of oneself in advance of arriving at the meeting, and masks are optional based on local jurisdiction guidelines and CDC. This is all subject to change as the safety and wellbeing of our attendees will always be our top priority when bringing large numbers of individuals together in a public setting.” Attendance is booming. “In 2022, all our in-person events were at or way above 2019 attendance levels. We found our- selves shutting down registration for some events to ensure we weren’t exceeding capacity. APHSA is fortunate in that we do not have much attrition on registration. In 2022, we had a 92- 96% show rate of all registrants for our events,” she adds. For APHSA, as well as its various affinity groups, Reno works well. “Reno provides so much for attendees, from local din- ing, sports and outdoor activities to entertainment. It allows our members to come in early or stay post-event to enjoy the city and area.” Most important, perhaps, she describes the affordability of Reno for associations as “off the charts.” Just one example, she says, is coffee. “Coffee is one of the biggest expenses in almost any meeting, and in Reno, we have had all-day coffee service for our events without breaking our budget. With each of our Reno events, we’ve seen an increase in attendance. Some of our member groups are not keen on being at a casino hotel, how- ever, with the addition of non-casino hotels, it’s easier to sell the members on Reno as an option.” Most lodging options in Reno do not carry a major brand flag. Nevertheless, Jarvis-Miller says, “They’re amazing. The owners of the properties understand the importance of invest- ing in their properties to keep them fresh, current and relevant for travelers. Additionally, the new smaller boutique hotels add the opportunity for attendees to extend their stay.” Another plus is Reno’s CVB. “I simply wouldn’t do a meet- ing in Reno or elsewhere without working with the DMO,” Jarvis-Miller says. “Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors MARCH 2023 themeetingmagazines.comASSOCIATION CONVENTIONS & FACILITIES New hotels and meeting spaces are coming to Reno in renovated areas of town like Reno Experience District and South Reno. Donna Jarvis- Miller, director of membership and events at American Public Human Services Association, describes the affordability of Reno as being “off the charts.” Ellen Tucker, CAE Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) The ability to hop on a direct flight from across the country makes an ideal start and end to our attendees’ experience. 37ANYTHING BUT BUSINESS AS USUAL caesarsmeansbusiness.com | 855-633-8238Next >