The Empire State Society of Association Executives (ESSAE) is a 501c(6) not-for-profit professional organization for persons engaged in the management of voluntary trade and professional organizations. Founded in 1979 as the Association Executives of Upstate New York, ESSAE boasts more than 475 members from throughout the state. ESSAE provides quality educational, leadership, and professional development opportunities to association professionals and industry partners and encourages high professional standards in the management of associations. As an approved provider of continuing education for those holding or seeking certification as a Certified Association Executive (CAE), ESSAE offers multiple opportunities a year to learn, from association basics 101 to starting/managing an association and everything in between. Build your association and advance your career with the only organization tailored for association leaders in Upstate New York. Guide. Empower. Lead.