Connect Association is a national, B2B magazine that provides resources and ideas to professionals and planners in the meetings and events industry. Kristen is well-deserving of this special recognition. She not only fulfills her role with strategy and grace, but she does it with a smile.

The Des Moines native began her career in association management in 1990. She joined AML, a division of the Iowa Soybean Association’s (ISA) for-profit subsidiary ISA Management Solutions, Inc. (ISAMS) in 2017 as an event management professional. Throughout her many years, she has excelled at conference planning, continuing education, legislative activities, fundraising, strategic planning, and project management. Currently she is an event management professional for three state associations. Kristen plans to earn her Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) designation in 2020.

Peers in the events world nominated Kristen. Nominations were received from across the country, then reviewed and evaluated by the Connect staff based on references, industry involvement, and other resources.  

For the full description of Kristen’s accomplishments, click here or read more below.

Kristen Dearden describes herself as focused, passionate, and an optimist. Learn more about her.

How I got here: My career path started with a single state association. Working within this association, I wore many hats, which I am thankful for, as it gave me the experiences I would need to take an event from start to finish. Currently, I am with AML, an association management company, where I am an event management professional for three different associations. 

Greatest career accomplishment: Helping plan the year-long 150-year anniversary celebration for a professional organization. 

Specific improvements I’ve made: I introduced a health and wellness and a community initiative by including a local blood drive within the conference agenda; initiated a new method to enhance networking between exhibitors and participants by conducting reverse exhibits (speed-dating with vendors); improved sponsorship levels and expanded event opportunities by offering exclusive vendor receptions/dinners; and combined the structure of two committees into one to make the association client’s overall planning efforts more efficient.

What I do outside of work: I was recently appointed to serve on the Iowa Society of Association Executives Board of Directors as Program Committee Vice Chair. I also love to golf and am involved in a women’s league. 

Public figure/leader I admire most: I am going to take the liberty here of making “public figure/leader” plural or a group. Prior to working for the Association Management, Ltd., my career was within a standalone organization. Now working within an association management company, such as AML, I value the multi-client teams and how we work together. I admire my coworkers, all leaders within their respective areas of expertise in association management.