The President’s Club Problem: Why SEs Need Their Own Recognition

Ah, President’s Club. It’s supposed to be the glittering prize at the end of the fiscal year promising sandy beaches and bottomless Mai Tais. But what sounds like a dream vacation for Sales can be a nightmare for Solutions Engineers (SEs). 

I’m not just talking about the event itself. It’s the vague criteria for who even gets to go.

As an SE leader, I’ve seen it all: the frantic Q4 scrambles, the awkward “It depends” conversations, and the soul-crushing task of picking winners from a team of all-stars. The good news? There’s a better way.

Who Gets the Golden Ticket?

Like clockwork, as the year winds down, everyone starts whispering about President’s Club. For Sales, it’s simple. But for SEs, it’s like trying to crack a secret code.

“How do I even qualify?” 

“Is it based on demos given? Deals closed? Technical Wins?” It’s generally opaque.

Leaders aren’t faring much better. We’re the ones fielding those anxious questions.

Half the time, we’re piecing together vague directives. I’ve been there — staring at a spreadsheet of stellar performers, knowing I can only send a handful. It’s like being the judge on a talent show where everyone deserves to win.

I’ve had to deliver the gut-punch news myself: Telling top performers last-minute that SEs weren’t invited. Or worse, denying spots to folks who absolutely deserved it because of “budget constraints” or “AE priority.” It’s heartbreaking. And let’s be real — that uncertainty and unfairness breed resentment.

Why President’s Club Isn’t Always a Fit (Even When You Go)

But here’s the hot take: Even if you snag that invite, President’s Club might not be the dream you think it is.

Sure, the stage applause feels epic, but then reality hits. You’re on a resort with hundreds of AEs who are wired for networking, golf outings, and pipeline strategy. We crave recognition for our behind-the-scenes wizardry, but is the prize really… more schmoozing?

For many SEs, it can feel like crashing a party where everyone’s speaking a different language.

Flip the Script: The Case for an SE-Specific Program

So, what’s the fix? It’s time to build our own recognition program — one that runs alongside the sales one, tailored for us, by us.

Ditch the extravagant budgets and focus on what we actually enjoy. Think hackathons by day, escape rooms by night, or deep dives into emerging tech over craft brews. No forced small talk. Just pure, collaborative energy.

This isn’t a theory; I’ve lived it. At one company, instead of fighting for a few spots on the big trip, we built our own SE retreat. We booked a nearby resort (a budget-friendly win for finance), invited family members (because our support systems deserve recognition, too), and packed the agenda with fun: outdoor adventures, team-building puzzles, and yes, even downtime to recharge those introvert batteries.

It was fair (everyone who crushed it got in), fun, and way more economical. The team morale boost? Incredible. We came back tighter-knit and more motivated than ever.

Your President’s Club Playbook

This year, as the President’s Club hype builds, ask yourself: What am I really after? The trip? The recognition? Or just avoiding FOMO?

If the answer’s murky, channel that energy. Rally your leaders. Pitch an SE-specific event that’s inclusive, engaging, and doesn’t break the bank. Can’t swing a full team trip? Get inventive with local outings, virtual celebrations, or custom swag.

Bottom line: President’s Club drama isn’t inevitable. By owning our recognition, we turn a sore spot into a strength. The goal isn’t division. It’s to have both sales and solutions teams return from their respective events energized. When each team feels genuinely valued for their unique contributions, the entire partnership gets stronger.

That’s the real win.