Executives share tips for successful CEO-only councils and events

No one size fits all when it comes to CEO councils or roundtables. But executives who work with such groups offer suggestions to increase the return on investment for both member CEOs and associations:

Keep it exclusive: If a council or event is meant to be CEO-only, don't allow substitutions. "Don't dilute it. Half of the experience is for the CEOs to be together," said Marlene Colucci-Renna, executive director of The Business Council, a CEO-only group. Allow substitutes "and you no longer have a CEO council."

Be transparent: For advisory councils especially, it's important to follow a process and be inclusive when creating a CEO group, said CEO Susan Dreyfus of the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities.

Enlist industry leaders: They will have more success at pulling in other CEOs.

Keep it small: Smaller groups facilitate conversation and interaction. The American Public Power Association limits participation in its annual CEO Roundtable meeting to about 80 people.

Plan way ahead: CEOs may have planned their own schedules, including board and shareholder meetings, two years or more out.

Limit asks: "Ask of them only those things that create a value for their company, and a good return on investment of their time," said CompTel CEO Chip Pickering.

Provide top-level programming: Strong speakers, who get people thinking about where the country and world are going, are a top draw for APPA's annual event, said Ursula Schryver, vice president of education and customer programs.

Keep it open: Engage council members in building the agenda. The National Hydropower Association gets the highest attendance at CEO Council meetings when the executives are asked what they want to talk about, said Executive Director Linda Church Ciocci. Build in nonscripted time as well for the execs to network and learn from each other.

Keep it private: APPA doesn't allow vendors at its CEO Roundtable event. Keeping CEOs secure—both physically and in their conversations—is a concern for The Business Council.