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August 4, 2025
N E W S Association Forum Launching Men’s Leadership Conference By Todd McElwee
Building off initiatives such as the Women’s Executive Forum and Welcoming Environment, Association Forum announced on July 30 it is launching a new leadership experience for men in summer 2026. The initiative will focus on purpose, connection, and growth. “As a lifelong feminist, this is not about giving men more power,” said Artesha Moore, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO of Association Forum. “It’s about giving men permission to lead with authenticity, vulnerability, and a renewed sense of belonging. This is what it means to live our Welcoming Environment® values.” Association Forum said this new gathering will be designed by men for men. The event will focus on connec-
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dation’s NRFT program has helped to provide more than two million specialized anti-trafficking trainings to hospitality industry employees, according to its website. “For years, the No Room for Trafficking initiative has leveraged our resources to unite the hotel industry against human trafficking,” said Kevin Carey, President and CEO of AHLA.
tion, comfort and encourage genuine conversation. It will welcome men from all backgrounds, promoting connection, camaraderie, mentorship, and meaningful dialogue. Shawn Boynes, FASAE, CAE, a tenured association leader and advocate for inclusive and authentic leadership, said: “Creating a space where men can be real, be supported, and build authentic relationships is a powerful step forward to improving mental wellness. This leads to stronger leadership because in the current sociopolitical environment, we need less exhaustion and more nourishment.” Association Forum said the initiative was inspired by Adam “Smiley” Poswolsky, the 2024 Holiday Showcase keynote speaker and a workplace belonging expert whose
research emphasizes the importance of human connection for effective leadership. Michelle Mills Clement, FASAE, CAE, RCE, Association Forum Board Chair and CEO of the Chicago Association of REALTORS, said: “This initiative is a reflection of the bold, forward-thinking leadership of our Board of Directors. As we expand our Welcoming Environment, we are intentionally creating room for all leaders to grow through connection, courage, and authenticity.” The association said the data underscore the urgency: 25% of U.S. men age 15–35 report feeling lonely for much of the previous day. (“State of Global Wellbeing and Loneliness Report,” Gallup 2025) 15% of men report having no close friends—a fivefold increase since
1990. (“An uphill battle: why are midlife men struggling to make—and keep— friends,” The Guardian, July 10, 2025) Workplace loneliness costs U.S. companies $406 billion annually. (“Loneliness and the workplace,” Cigna, 2020) Bruce Hammond, CAE, Executive Director, The Society for Pediatric Research (SPR) and American Pediatric Society (APS), Association Forum board member, said: “This new experience shows that we are ready to create new spaces where men can grow in ways that benefit the entire profession.” Association Forum is asking interested parties to stop by its booth at the ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition in Los Angeles, August 9–12, and to provide feedback via communication channels on associationforum. org.
“The NRFT Summit serves as a powerful call-to-action, bringing together the industry and our partners to strengthen our commitment and drive meaningful change.” The foundation also announced the recipients of the 2025–2026 NRFT Survivor Fund grants awarded to community organizations helping survivors to reintegrate into their lives and find paths forward. The NRFT Survivor Fund this year was awarded to 3Strands Global,
Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking, Empowered Network, Hoola Na Pua, New Friends New Life, Rebecca Bender Initiative, Restore NYC, Safety Compass, Salt & Light Coalition, UMD Safe Center, Wellspring Living, and WillowBend Farms. “The organizations supported through the No Room for Trafficking Survivor Fund are doing critical work to prevent human trafficking and support survivors on their path forward,” said Joan Bottarini, CFO of Hyatt and Chair of the NRFT Advisory Council.
“Their expertise, especially the voices of those with lived experience, continue to shape how our industry shows up as part of the solution to this global crisis.” The AHLA Foundation’s NRFT’s Survivor Fund was launched in 2023 to support community-based, anti-human trafficking organizations and initiatives. Since its inception, the fund has provided more than $2.35 million in grants to 27 organizations nationwide, the AHLA Foundation said.
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In North Carolina, the Greensboro Area CVB (GACVB) hosted a welcome breakfast on July 29 to introduce its new President & CEO, Anthony Cordo (right). He is joined by Kelly Harrill, Chairman of the Greensboro/Guilford County Tourism Development Authority Board and Executive Vice President of Koury Hospitality Hotels.
transportation during World Cup or Olympic games. Grants would support permanent transportation projects— building new roads, expanding light rail, purchasing new buses, creating bike lanes, improving existing roads or highways, or making airport terminal improvements. “Travel Tech thanks Senators Moran and Cantwell for their leadership and encourages the Senate Commerce Committee to advance S.1218,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of the Travel Technology Association. “Preparing U.S. cities to host high-profile international events is both a logistical necessity and a strategic opportunity to enhance America’s competitiveness in the global travel and tourism economy.” Signed by Chadwick, the letter was addressed to Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chairman Senate Committee Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Cantwell, the committee’s ranking member. The letter said: “The benefits of hosting major sporting events are
well-documented; however, they also come with significant transportation challenges for both visitors and residents,” Travel Tech’s letter said. “These events place substantial pressure on local transportation systems, not only in the cities themselves but also in surrounding areas. For visitors, the tournament brings increased demand for flights, trains, buses, and local transit as fans travel between stadiums, accommodations, and fan zones. For residents, the influx can lead to major congestion, road closures, and frustrating disruptions to daily commutes and at airports. However, with expanded resources, host cities and surrounding areas will be better able to mitigate these issues to the benefit of all. Notably, these enhancements often leave a legacy of upgraded systems that serve residents long after the events conclude.” Chadwick added that preparing U.S. cities to host high-profile international events is both a logistical necessity and a strategic opportunity to enhance the nation’s competitiveness in the worldwide travel and tourism economy. Find more information at traveltech.org.