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Testimonials

Nathan Monell, CAE
Executive Director
National PTA

Now more than ever, association executives are called to live out their work with authenticity and clarity of purpose. I don’t know about you, but my big questions are rarely addressed in the typical workshop. Prometheus has given me the space to grow through stating my challenges and opportunities in a safe space and to learn from my fellow executives. It also allows me to contribute to the field by sharing what I have learned. No drama, no big investments. Just show up as you are and learn together in community.

Norman L. Fortenberry, Sc.D.

The Prometheus Retreat is one of the two professional development activities that I attend each year. It is unique in being a confidential venue to receive candid and well-informed feedback from trusted peers on the most pressing challenges facing association executives. The advice, guidance, and collegiality are incredibly valuable and not provided in any other forum.

Susan Avery, CAE
Chief Executive Officer
International Association of Plastics Distribution (IAPD)

When I first received an invitation to attend Prometheus, it was current and past attendees of the retreat that I found most appealing. The list included really incredible thought leaders in the association community. When I arrived and realized that we would develop our own agenda and topics, I was thrilled. I had big questions on my mind and was looking for the right space and people to discuss them with. Prometheus delivered. Exactly the right people were there and the right questions were asked and I couldn’t wait for more! So, I went back again and again. It is by far one of my favorite learning spaces and I look forward to it each year. 

Mark Levin, CAE
CSP Executive Vice President
Chain Link Fence Manufacturers Institute

The Prometheus Retreat is usually the highlight of my year, as far as interacting with my peers and having practical, honest discussions about what we do for a living. It's actually more than just relationship building and idea-sharing. Prometheus has built a culture around these retreats that encourages openness, vulnerability, creativity, and appreciation for how many thoughtful and talented people there are in our field. There's no other event for association executives like this one. 

Vani Ungapen, CAE
Executive Director
American Association of Law Libraries

As a first time Executive Director, I needed a network of Association professionals to share and brainstorm ideas with. I started attending the First Tuesdays in person in Chicago and then virtually during the pandemic. This year I made the decision to attend the Prometheus Retreat for the first time and I am so happy that I did. As an attendee, having the ability to set the agenda/topics for the two days of discussion was invaluable. The retreat made me see that as Association Executives we are all juggling the same issues no matter what industry our Associations are in. I enjoyed the discussions throughout the retreat. I also enjoyed meeting Association Executives with different experiences, and I plan to attend the Prometheus Retreat again.

Donna Dunn, CAE
Senior Consultant
Tecker International, LCC

My one can't-miss event is the Prometheus Retreat. Every year I participate I find my passion for my profession renewed, my stress level lowered, and my engagement in the human side of association leadership supported. Designed for senior association executives, the Prometheus Retreat allows each person to learn about what is important to him or her at that moment in time. The participants create the program and provide the learning opportunities through Open Space Technology. We pose weighty, big questions - the questions with the challenging answers, the answers we don't want to hear, and the questions with no answers at all - in an environment where everything is open yet confidential. Each year I am amazed with the breadth of experience that other participants are willing to share and the critical conversations they engage in.

Jane LaBarbera, CAE
Principal
JML Associates

From my first Prometheus Retreat, I was impressed with the sharp intellect and critical thinking of the association executives who attended. The program is for sharing challenges and hearing your peers’ perspectives. It is a relaxed time for reflection in this hectic world. You leave refreshed with a clearer vision of your best path forward. This retreat has been an integral resource to me as a long-time association executive.  A bonus is the establishment of relationships with individuals who are my sounding board for ideas and guidance.

Lori A. Ropa, CAE
Executive Director
The Arc: Jefferson, Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties, CO

Each year, Prometheus gives me the opportunity to voice challenges that I might be reluctant to share in other settings. Though I may not know everyone there, each Promethean brings an innate respect for one another, and a commitment to openness, support and confidentiality. It is an irreplaceable experience.

Pat Troy, CAE,
President
Next Wave Group, LLC
This is an incredibly valuable event. For years before I finally made the decision to attend, I considered it, but always had excuses -- too busy, too far, etc. But now, I wouldn't miss it! We all need perspective to do our jobs properly, and Prometheus is great for getting input from colleagues for the real challenges that keep us up at night.

Eileen M. Murray, MM, CAE
Executive Director
American Epilepsy Society

Prometheus has been a “must” on my professional development calendar for years – the engaged community of peer leaders who gather at the Retreat consistently proves a source of inspiration, support, and insight that I don’t get from any other event.

Robert Nelson, CAE
Chief Executive Officer
National Association of College & University Food Services

Out of all the association executive professional development programs I have attended, Prometheus is unquestionably the most valuable. I consider it a powerful program because I always leave the retreat with an array of approaches to address my biggest challenges. It holds my interest because the program design ensures that I am learning what I want or need to learn at an advanced level; no more sitting through sessions where the content is either too basic or isn’t relevant to my particular situation.  Year in and year out, the retreat is an incredible opportunity to learn and develop friendships.

Francesca M. Dea, CAE
Chief Executive Officer
SCAI - The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions  

I have found the Prometheus Retreat to be a very special meeting for two reasons. Most significantly, the people who attend are some of the best in the association field making this learning opportunity second to none. And the unique retreat format allows every attendee a chance to discuss and get input on the complex issues we all face.

The Prometheus Retreat has become my favorite event. It’s small enough to feel like a close-knit group of good friends relaxing and having fun, while also big enough for rich conversations and deep explorations. As an association consultant, I work on myriad challenging issues facing association executives. Prometheus fuels me with both a better understanding of those issues as well as what’s working to overcome them in real time. I’m also able to share insights in an environment where confidentiality is respected, and we all listen closely to each other.

David S. Martin,
CEO & Managing Partner
Sterling Martin Associates

I can’t overstate the value I’ve found over the years from my association with Prometheus, attending First Tuesday events, and especially from attending the annual Prometheus Retreats. The executives I’ve had the privilege of meeting here are creative thought leaders who live their missions and elevate their professions. As associations experience new business challenges, these leaders provide insights and industry knowledge that throw a light on the path forward for all associations. The open, inclusive environment of the Retreat has allowed me to make deep connections I haven’t found anywhere else.