Our Speakers

John Bacon, MBA

Vice President, Enterprise Sales | ASAE

John Bacon is a dynamic and business-focused management professional, offering more than 15 years of extensive experience and expertise in leading profit-generating operations for professional and trade associations. John has worked with hundreds of associations, helping them maximize the overall profitability of their member communications, while ensuring a high degree of customer satisfaction. He is currently the VP, Enterprise Sales at ASAE where he works with a team to expand, energize and optimize the performance of ASAE’s enterprise-wide sales portfolio, which includes the Alliance Partner Program, advertising and sponsored content, exhibits, digital products and sponsorships. John has an MBA as well as a BA in business administration and management.

Ed Byers, CMP, CAE

Owner of Non Dues-a-Palooza
President | CANRev Collaborative

Ed Byers is the President of CANRev Collaborative. With over 15 years of experience in associations and nonprofit organizations, he has generated more than $20 million in new revenue through sponsorships and partnerships, the development of educational programs, membership initiatives, events, fundraising efforts, advertising, and enhancements to products and services. Ed is passionate about helping organizations identify and execute new growth opportunities to achieve their strategic objectives.  

Teri Carden

Creator of Non Dues-a-Palooza
VP of Marketing & Client Success | Insight Guide

Teri Carden is an association junkie and self-proclaimed girl geek in normal girl’s clothing. Teri serves the most curious association folks as Creator of Non Dues-a-Palooza. You may have seen her wearing other hats as the Founder of AMS Fest (sold in 2017) and Founder & CEO of ReviewMyAMS.com (sold to 501Works in 2023). Teri is an early adopter, disrupter, and explorer. She’s the kind of girl boss who does stuff others are too afraid to try. Teri is currently the VP of Marketing & Client Success at Insight Guide. 

Tracy Folkes Hanson, CAE

President & CEO | CSAE

A visionary, thought leader, Tracy is known for her success in developing and driving corporate culture, collaboration, and strategy. She is well versed in the art of leadership, communication, and change management.
Tracy joined the Canadian Society of Association Executives (CSAE) as President & CEO, in July 2017. Prior to joining CSAE, she held senior positions for numerous leading brands both in the private and non-profit sectors including the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, MasterCard International, Kinark Child & Family Services, and The Arthritis Society. A small stint in politics, Tracy was elected to Whitby Town Council in 2010 as North Ward Councillor. She continues to be be an active volunteer and community leader.

Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE

Founder/CEO | Growth Owl, LLC

Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE, is the Founder and CEO of Growth Owl, LLC, and author of The Boardroom Playbook: A Not So Ordinary Guide to Corporate Funding for Your Purpose-Driven Organization. A leading expert in corporate sponsorship, she helps associations, nonprofits, and purpose-driven organizations secure funding from Fortune 1000 companies. Known for rapidly establishing pathways to exceed revenue goals, Lori also provides high-impact sponsorship training and one-on-one coaching for engaging C-suite decision-makers. She holds an MBA from Baldwin Wallace University and a CFRE certification. A sought-after speaker and podcast guest, she shares insights on corporate sponsorship strategy nationwide.

Ben Rome

Christine Saunders

Halmyre President & Founder

Christine Saunders is the Founder and President of Halmyre, a marketing consultancy dedicated to helping associations grow and thrive by understanding and addressing the needs of their future members. With a focus on bridging the gap between associations and their members, Christine delivers tailored solutions that drive sustainable growth and engagement. With over a decade in operation, Christine and her team at Halmyre have successfully partnered with 106 trade and professional associations across North America. As a certified Women Business Enterprise (WBE), Halmyre is a trusted partner for organizations with supplier diversity programs.

Beth Surmont, FASAE, CMP-Fellow, CAE

360 Live Media | Vice President of Event Strategy & Design 

Beth Surmont is an event strategist who works with associations and non-profits to help them redesign, reinvent, and reinvigorate their events.  With on-the-ground event planning experience spanning more than 24 years in events, trade shows, corporate, and non-profit; and as the current Vice President of Event Strategy & Design at 360 Live Media, Beth is a leading designer in what the next era of events will be. Her approach of audience-centered design combined with purposeful intention is the secret to creating meaningful and impactful events. Beth was awarded the 2024 Groundbreaker award from PCMA. In 2023, Beth was a finalist for the Event Designer of the Year award from PCMA. She is a founding board member of SocialOffset, a nonprofit that encourages local donations instead of destination boycotts. She currently lives in New Jersey with her wife, dog, and cat.

Jon Smith

Multiview EVP, Strategic Partnerships

As Executive Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for Multiview, Jon helps professional and trade associations attract, engage, and retain members with advanced digital marketing and communication tools. Jon has served as a strategist and advisor to associations for almost two decades and has a keen understanding of the digital marketing ecosystem. Jon lives in Dallas with his wife and daughter and openly confesses to nurturing a genuine passion for sneakers, earning him the title of a true “sneakerhead.”