APA hosted 46 staff from its district branches and state associations
(DBs/SAs) at the first DB/SA Leadership Conference, which was held in November
in Washington, D.C. Moderator Robert Harris, C.A.E., offered insight on
different areas of association management. The sessions were followed by
breakout groups so that participants could share ideas and brainstorm. At the
group's first lunch, APA President-elect Steven Sharfstein, M.D., discussed
the importance of DBs/SAs to APA and how they can work together to achieve
both local and national goals. At another lunch, the DB/SA leaders met with
staff of APA's Office of Membership. There was little time to play, but the
DB/SA leaders got a warm welcome at two receptions, one hosted by Professional
Risk Management Services and the other by APA at its headquarters in
Arlington, Va., which was also attended by 50 staff members. The two-day
conference gave the DB/SA leaders an opportunity to strengthen their
association-management skills, network with colleagues, and learn more about
APA. ▪