Essential Leadership Tools: Strategic Planning for Association Executives

With constant shifts in member needs, technology, and funding models, today’s association leaders must move beyond reactive decision-making and into purposeful, strategic planning. This executive roundtable invites association CEOs and senior leaders to explore how to build strategy frameworks that are not only actionable—but truly impactful.

Led by Kim Bayley, CEO of the Entertainment Retailers Association, we’ll unpack the full cycle of strategic planning—from initial framework design to implementation and measurement. Expect real-world examples, candid lessons learned, and space for peer insights.

Discussion Themes:

Strategic Frameworks That Work
What does a strong planning model look like, and how can you tailor it to your association’s mission?

Who’s at the Table?
Explore who should be involved in shaping your strategy—and how to foster alignment across stakeholders.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Learn from past challenges and discover practical ways to keep your plan on track.

From Plan to Practice
How do you measure progress, adjust when needed, and bring your strategy to life?

What You’ll Take Away:

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to approach strategy planning with intention, how to engage your leadership team effectively, and how to ensure your plan doesn’t sit on a shelf—it drives results.

Featured Guest:

Kim Bayley, Chief Executive of the Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA), representing major digital services and retailers such as Spotify, Amazon, YouTube, HMV, and indie record shops. A lawyer-turned-investment banker, Kim has led ERA since 2004, transforming it into a powerhouse voice for digital and physical entertainment retail.