13 Events From Competitor to Leader: Building Authentic Connection King’s journey from powerlifting firefighter to CPAF president exemplifies the organization’s approach to leadership development. “I literally started out sweeping floors and changing light bulbs,” he recalls of his early volunteer days. This ground-up understanding of both the athletic and professional aspects of their community has proven invaluable in building authentic connections with their members. Event Management at Scale: The Logistics of Legacy Managing events spanning from Los Angeles to the Mexican border requires exceptional coordination. CPAF’s success lies in their experience-tested model and strong volunteer network. “Volunteers are a life blood,” King emphasizes, echoing a truth familiar to association professionals. “Your association folks would know that with any of their events.” Sponsorship Strategy: Beyond the Brand CPAF’s approach to corporate partnerships offers an interesting case study in value-based sponsorship. Rather than focusing solely on traditional sponsorship metrics, they invite partners to experience their events firsthand. “We’ve actually tried to build a relationship with our sponsors,” King explains. “We invite them to our events so they can see everything...because really, that’s what you have to do. You’ve got to come out and see the competitive spirit, but witness the camaraderie.” Navigating Industry Challenges Like many associations, CPAF faces evolving industry challenges. Public safety agencies struggle with recruitment and retention, directly impacting member participation. “Departments are shorter staffed. They can’t allow their people time off,” King notes. This reality has pushed CPAF to adapt while maintaining their core mission of supporting first responder wellness.
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