Heather Wilson
AIA Oregon EVP/CEO

Empowering Our Components: A Recap of Our CACE Annual Meeting

What is CACE?

CACE, the American Institute of Architects’ Council of Architectural Component Executives, is a group of AIA executives dedicated to supporting the success of our components. Components – sections, chapters, councils, or societies - work collaboratively to share best practices, address common challenges, and advocate for the needs of AIA members at all component levels. We have an executive committee that meets monthly to plan and execute the annual meeting, while also providing critical insight and collaboration for the AIA HQ staff to share information and messaging across our network efficiently year round. Many of the executives in CACE participate in AIA committees, bringing a component executive voice to conversations regarding resilience and sustainability, CE requirements, diversity, advocacy, and public-facing programs. We stay tracked on the best ways to provide services for the Institute while also bringing forward innovations and updates from the “front lines” of member service.

The Importance of Our Annual Meeting

Our annual meeting is a critical gathering where we come together to exchange ideas, tools, and resources. It’s a platform to share successes, learn from challenges, and stay informed about the latest initiatives from AIA Headquarters. This year’s meeting was particularly impactful as we focused on enhancing member engagement, leveraging technology, and strengthening our components’ role in the evolving architectural landscape. We learned from Lakisha that although the expansion of member categories measure failed, the $13.5M annual budget shortfall still has to be accommodated, which does mean there will be budget cuts across all levels of service. This impacts us locally as it will reduce our Component Revenue Allocation Fund by 5%. AIA Oregon’s Board of directors will couple that information with our own 2025 forecasting to create the 2025 draft budget soon, and welcome the feedback of members throughout the process.

Highlights from the 2024 Annual Meeting Along with the AIAHQ updates, we also enjoyed programming from diverse association professionals and our own executives sharing their best practices and learned experiences. This made the 2024 CACE annual meeting a resounding success, marked by productive discussions and valuable knowledge sharing. Key highlights include:

Governance tools and tips: How are the best boards run? How do we foster radical access for our membership while also providing clear leadership that is direct and forward thinking? We shared our best experiences through formal presentation, peer group conversations and impromptu side conversations to come back with a refreshed sense of purpose in this arena.
Member Tool Sharing: CACE members shared innovative tools and resources that have been successful in their respective chapters and components. These shared best practices will be invaluable in helping other organizations enhance their operations and member engagement.
Collaborative Partnerships: We explored opportunities for collaboration with other AIA groups and external organizations to address shared challenges and leverage collective strengths. We know that we will be revisiting the member expansion conversation and want to work closely with HQ staff to develop a set of recommendations that can be accepted.

This year, as President-Elect of CACE, my role was really to support Mary-Margaret Zindren, AIA Minnesota EVP, as she laid out this years’ purpose and product. Next year, when I serve as President, it will be by job to provide my colleagues with the same type of exemplary offering and I’m already getting started with AIA Component staff to make that happen. I am excited about what is in store for our new batch of executives in the CACE network (over 1/3 of the attendees to this years’ event were first timers!) and how we grow as an Institute. I’m happy to have a chapter that supports me as a professional and a volunteer and I want to say thank you in advance for allowing me the opportunity to represent Oregon in this way.

As we conclude 2024, CACE remains dedicated to empowering our components and driving the success of the AIA. How do you think we can best look to the future of the Institute, grow membership, and provide access to those who are curious about the built environment and their place in it? I welcome your thoughts and feedback – and I am committed to representing your good work to the rest of the AIA Community.

With renewed optimism,
Heather Wilson