Association Brain Food: 4.10.26

The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community

gray bird in a nest on a pine tree branch

I’m not publishing Association Brain Food next week (Friday, April 17) because we’re embarking on a ten-day road trip today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Friday, April 24.

Good reads for the association community

Converting student members. Most student members graduate without converting to professional membership. Clowder explains how associations can use a mobile app to build the kind of ongoing engagement that makes upgrading membership feel like the obvious next step. They cover app promotion, content and resources that keep students opening the app, and making the membership ask.

Scholarship programs. Young professionals, career-changers, and members in under-resourced roles often want what your education catalog offers but can’t afford it. TopClass LMS makes the case for association scholarship programs and walks through five program types to consider: need-based, merit-based, sponsored, micro-scholarships, and bundled awards. They also explain who to design them for and how to handle the admin side without drowining your team.

Association learning strategy. D2L shares research showing that professional development is the top reason people join associations and the first thing they’ll pay for beyond dues. They describe—with data and examples—how associations turn online education into a real revenue driver. Their suggestions include corporate partnerships, international expansion, micro-credentials, and content repurposing.

Association newsletter course. The Association Newsletter Success Certificate Course from Association Academy covers how to publish a newsletter people will read—from design choices that keep them opening it to the technical side of landing in members’ inboxes. Chris Gloede, CAE, teaches the six live classes. Enrollment is $599, but readers can save $50 with the referral code BRAINFOOD.

Associations and change. Dean West at Association Laboratory takes on the ‘unprecedented times’ refrain that’s been hanging on since the pandemic. He says when association leaders call the environment chaotic, they’re usually describing their own static assumptions bumping up against a world that moved on without them—while competitors are already three decisions and moves ahead.

Attendee arrival moment. David Adler at Gathering Point News says the threshold moment shapes the event experience. He makes the case for the Arrival Well: small arrival chambers where a handful of attendees gather before stepping into the main space. Walking in next to someone beats walking in alone.

Online learning programs. Intuto shares a roadmap for associations that want to build or improve their online education programs. The guide covers where you stand now, what to plan for, how to build content and learning paths, how to launch, and how to measure results. It also includes discussion questions for each stage.

True leadership. Most people aren’t held back by capability, writes Mark Wallach of Engagement Mobile Strategies. They’re held back by their environment—specifically, the fear that trying something bold and falling short will be judged more harshly than staying quiet. Drawing on his own experience living with ALS, Mark makes the case that the real management skill is helping people think clearly about what’s in their way and encouraging them to keep moving.

Asking for money. Speaking of fear: when association staff freeze at the thought of asking a sponsor or donor for support, it’s rarely about the money. On the Growth Owl blog, Lori Zoss Kraska and Rob Kalwarowsky describe three layers of fear that show up in these situations—skill fear, identity fear, and exposure fear—and how to work with each one.

Snacks

Referral contagion: Research found that referrals lead to more referrals. | Rohan Kar and Andrea Bublitz, American Marketing Association

From confusion about our polarized politics to uncertainty over AI, it’s now harder to take a firm stance on anything—and that might be the most honest position. | James Marriott, The Times

I’ve been curating Association Brain Food for over ten years as a community service. If it’s been a useful part of your professional life or your company’s webinar marketing, buying me a beer is a super nice thing to do in return.

You never grow old at the table

This one is going on repeat: hot honey-glazed salmon. I bake it at 375 instead of broiling it. Avocado slices are a cool contrast to the sweet spicy glaze. On the side, leftover roasted broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, and red onion with garlic powder and smoked paprika.

Creole smothered pork chops served over brown rice met our comfort food expectations. I made the recipe with boneless chops, so I decreased the cooking time. On the side, steamed green beans tossed with sautéed onion, red bell pepper, bacon, garlic, sundried tomatoes, and parmesan.

For Easter brunch at my sister-in-law’s, I made cheesy egg, sausage, and polenta casserole, which I’ll be bringing everywhere from now on. It’s a New York Times recipe, but I found it ungated on archive.is, and this guy shares it on his blog too.

I made the polenta my usual carefree way in the microwave, adjusting the amounts (3-1/3 cup water for 1 cup of polenta). I used mozzarella and provolone cheese in the polenta (and scattered more on top of the casserole), and subbed evaporated for whole milk. In the casserole, I opted for hot Italian sausage slices, spinach, and sauteed onions.

Later that day, we had a cookout for my stepdaughter’s birthday. Jim was in charge of grilling, and I made German potato salad (for the mayo haters). I pretty much stuck to this recipe but added chopped dill pickles (for the birthday lady) and celery, and subbed beef for chicken broth. At first, I was alarmed by the amount of dressing, but the potatoes soaked it all up. It’s a good recipe.

About CAE credits: Per ASAE, “any continuing professional education offered by any professional entity may be accepted toward the [CAE] professional development requirement as long as it is directly related to either association or nonprofit management as defined by the CAE exam content outline.”

Education providers: If you have a free webinar or event coming up, please send me the link by Wednesday afternoon the week before it’s scheduled. I’m happy to feature it as long as it’s not product-centric.

Mon 4/13 at 8 a.m.* – Data Management and Governance (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

Every week, Rogue Tulips brings the association community intriguing guests who discuss vital topics affecting associations around the world. Episodes are published Monday mornings in both audio and video format, available on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and other channels.

Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, LPEC, Principal & Founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting

Guests: Daniel Elacqua and Gwen Garrison, Strategico Consultants

*All events are online at Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.

Mon 4/13 at 12 p.m. – Score Your MSP: Are You Getting Everything You Should?

Learn why Managed Service Provider (MSP) service levels differ so drastically, the built-in limitations of the MSP model for associations, and how to assess, manage, and maximize your MSP relationship. More info/register.

Host: Brian Scott, President, ClearTone Consulting

Mon 4/13 at 12 p.m. – Membership Mondays: Spin the Wheel! What Member Topic Will Be Selected?

Spin the wheel to determine which most pressing membership topics take center stage. Participants will break into small discussion groups to share challenges, ideas, and practical insights on issues such as AI and membership, acquisition, engagement, retention, evolving membership models, value proposition, inclusion, building community, and more. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Tue 4/14 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Ven-Con 2026 (Arlington, VA)

Now in its third year, Ven-Con returns with its most ambitious program yet.

This year’s theme, Technical Readiness & Building Partnerships, reflects where our industry stands: associations are making bold technology investments, and it’s on all of us—vendors and consultants alike—to show up prepared, aligned, and working together. Join us for a full day of meaningful connection and forward-looking conversation about what it takes to get it right. Location: Arlington VA. More info/register.

Host: League of Association Technologists

Speakers:

Olivia Wilkins, PerByte
James Marquis 501Works

Tue 4/14 at 12 p.m. – How One Association Leader Navigates Risk

As the world becomes more complex, association leaders must become more proficient in guiding their organizations through high-profile challenges. As political, social, and economic factors play out, executive directors need to manage the dynamics at the intersections of national and local, values and mission, and safety and risk. Listen to a conversation on managing mission, safety, and boards. More info/register.

Host: Beth Surmont, Head of Strategy, 360 Live Media

Guest: Meghan Carey, Executive Director, NSGC

Tue 4/14 at 12 p.m. – Tech Tuesday: The Future of Association Technology

The next three to five years will completely redefine association technology. Is your organization ready for the shift? Hear about the decisions leaders need to make now to stay ahead, what’s already changing, what actually matters, and how associations can reduce tech debt while building more flexible, future-ready systems. Learn how data strategies are evolving, where AI fits into governance and responsible use, and the top priorities for 2026 that set the foundation for long-term success. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Technology Council

Facilitators:

Reggie Henry, Chief Information and Performance Excellence Officer, ASAE
Dave Coriale, President, DelCor Technology Solutions

Guests:

Alexandra Mouw, Amazon Web Services, ASAE Technology Council Chair
Carlos Cardenas, DelCor, past ASAE Technology Council Chair
Elizabeth Santana, Inteleos, ASAE ForesightWorks Advisory Group member

Tue 4/14 at 2 p.m. – How Professional Development Drives Staff Retention in Associations and Nonprofits

Explore what staff turnover actually costs your organization and how building real professional development opportunities can drastically improve retention. When employees see a clear path to grow, build new skills, and advance their careers, they’re far more likely to stay engaged and committed to the mission. Get practical strategies for creating meaningful development opportunities, even on a limited budget, that strengthen your team, improve performance, and protect your organization’s most valuable resources—its people. More info/register.

Host: Momentive Software

Tue 4/14 at 4 p.m. – Let’s Chat: Small Staff Associations – Managing Workloads and Stress

The pressure to do more with fewer resources while sustaining high quality service to their communities is identified as the top challenge by small staffers. This hour’s focus is on sharing strategies to address this issue and refocus on balance and individual well-being. Connect, ask questions, exchange experiences and gain insights to help drive your organization forward. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Small Staff Associations Advisory Committee

Wed 4/15 at 11 a.m. – Building an AI-Enabled Education Program: Practical Strategies for Associations

Get a clear, non-technical look at how AI can support content creation, curation, learner engagement, and program operations. Using a real-world association case example, explore lessons learned, governance considerations, and strategies for balancing innovation with risk management. Get actionable ideas, a simple framework for AI adoption, and concrete steps to implement right away. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Toni Kervina, Director of Content and Learning at American Society for Nondestructive Testing

Wed 4/15 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. – Data-Informed Decision Making for Credentialing Leaders

Explore how to move beyond routine reporting to use data strategically to inform policy decisions, program design, and continuous improvement initiatives. Hear how integrating psychometric, operational, workforce, and market data enables certification organizations to strengthen defensibility, enhance program value, and respond more effectively to changes in professional practice. Gain insights into building a culture of evidence-based decision making and identifying the types of data that can most effectively support strategic leadership in certification and assessment-based certificate programs. More info/register.

Host: Certification Network Group

Speakers: Pam Weber, MPA, CAE, Senior Vice President, and Amy Allen, Director, Credentialing & Accreditation, National Apartment Association Education Institute

Wed 4/15 at 12 p.m. – The Art & Science of Association Pricing Strategies

Repeating previous price points simply because “that’s what we did last year” is a trap. In a rapidly changing economy, your pricing is your core signal of value-if it’s outdated, you aren’t just losing revenue; you’re eroding your brand. Learn how to build a pricing methodology that aligns with your business objectives, master the “Value Equation” to ensure members and sponsors feel the value they receive far outweighs the “price” they pay in time or money, and identify “pricing levers” and why you should avoid the “reductive” trap of discounting in favor of “additive” bundling. More info/register.

Host: Halmyre

Speaker: Christine Saunders, President and Founder of Halmyre

Wed 4/15 at 1 p.m. – The State of Associations

Hear what four association executives are seeing with their memberships, where opportunities are developing, and what all of this means for associations moving forward. Learn about the real differentiator that educational offerings provide associations, how associations can provide support for individual members in their career journeys, where associations should be thinking differently about partnerships, and the leadership role associations play in addressing major challenges in their industries. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fonteva

Speakers:

Chris Beaman, CAE, CFRE, Chief of Staff, Sigma Nursing
Paula Eichenbrenner, MBA, CAE, Executive Director, The Myositis Association
Sharon Kneebone, IOM, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director, American Academy of Pain Medicine
Dr. Catherine Lada, CAE, AAiP, Lada Consulting

Wed 4/15 at 1 p.m. – Human Connection in an AI World: Building Trust Through Events

In an AI-driven world where almost any digital interaction can be simulated, trust is quickly becoming a meeting planner’s most valuable asset. Hear how AI is moving from experiments to everyday workflows across the event lifecycle—while keeping attendee data safe, brand promises credible, and experiences unmistakably human. Get practical, high-trust AI use cases you can test right away, smart questions to ask your tech partners about data and privacy, and a clearer sense of where AI should help—and where the human planner still needs to lead. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Wed 4/15 at 1 p.m. – Diversify to Thrive: What’s Next for Healthcare Association Revenue?

Explore how associations are building sustainable, mission-aligned revenue through innovation. Discover how to generate fresh ideas for products, services, and partnerships that deliver real value; create the culture, capacity, and systems to support continuous innovation; and learn from real-world examples — from new education models and accreditation to consulting, data licensing, venture investment, and more. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Healthcare Community Cafe

Discussion leaders:

Meena Dayak, McKinley Advisors
Sherene Thomas, American Academy of Sleep Medicine
LaToya Tapscott, Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association
Claudia Barrett, Endocrine Society

Wed 4/15 at 1:30 p.m. – Change Management

Discover core elements of successful change management and learn actionable strategies to reduce resistance, build alignment, and drive lasting results in your organization. More info/register.

Host: Element AMS

Speakers:

Christopher Maynard, CIO Consultant, Author, Strategico Consultants
Sean Miriashtiani, Sales Executive, Element AMS

Wed 4/15 at 2 p.m. – Video That Works: Best Practices, AI Tools & Integrations for Association Teams

Discover how associations are using video to drive engagement across the entire member lifecycle, and how AI-powered tools and key integrations make it easier than ever to scale. More info/register.

Host: VideoRequest

Wed 4/15 at 2 p.m. – From Hesitation to Action: How Advocacy Teams Are Using AI Today

Look at how teams are actually using AI today—across very different starting points. Hear real examples from research across 21 organizations and learn how teams are moving forward without clear protocols, navigating leadership hesitation and internal rules, and turning AI into something usable, not risky. More info/register.

Host: FiscalNote

Speaker: grassroots strategist Brian Rubenstein

Wed 4/15 at 2 p.m. – Behind the Win: What Sets Top Content Apart

Winners and finalists from CMI’s 2025 Content Marketing Awards go beyond the highlight reel to break down the strategy, execution, and decisions behind their standout projects. Hear how these teams approached challenges, made creative calls, and connected their work to real business impact. More info/register.

Host: Content Marketing Institute

Thu 4/16 at 12 p.m. – From Idea to Outcome: Making AI Actually Work

In this hands-on session, work through a live Outcome-First Project Mapping exercise and apply a practical framework to a real challenge in your own organization. Learn why many AI projects fail (it has nothing to do with technology), how to build a business case that connects AI investment to outcomes your board already cares about, and what no-code and low-code tools make this accessible for organizations without dedicated data staff. A mini case study from a national association shows what this looks like when it works from first question to production model. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers:

Ryan Riley, Partner and Chief Technology Officer, Wipfli
Monica Pemberton, Vice President & CIO, American Council on Education

Thu 4/16 at 1:30 p.m. – Human Connections, Smarter Tools: Video Innovation for Meeting Planners

Get an inside look at how NAGC and other organizations are using video to support transparent and engaging leadership elections, elevate award recognition and celebrate member achievements, strengthen governance communication and board visibility, and launch a one-month fundraising campaign that generated two-thirds of an annual goal. Explore how simple edits and clever repurposing can turn your existing footage into fresh storytelling assets—no production studio required. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Hosts: Insight Guide and BJA Solutions for Associations

Speakers:

Meagan Roloff, CAE, Senior Director of Membership & Operations, National Association for Gifted Children
Terry Nawrot, CEO, VideoRequest
Barbara Armentrout, CAE (moderator), BJA Solutions for Associations
Teri Carden (hostess), COO, Insight Guide

Thu 4/16 at 3 p.m. – The Voice of the Industry: Leveraging Internal Expertise to Build External Membership

Learn how to transform internal expertise into a powerful engine for external growth and member recruitment. In an era when professionals seek authentic value, positioning your team as industry thought leaders sets your organization apart from the competition. Hear how to bridge the gap between back-office insight and public-facing influence to design events that attract new members and scale your reach like never before. More info/register.

Host: NXUnite by Nexus Marketing

Speakers:

Brian Stach, Senior Director of Sales at Tele-Town Hall
Frank Humada, Chief Business Development Officer at Association Briefings
Jason Mathews, Director at Bulletin

Thu 4/16 at 4 p.m. – Level Up Association Revenue: Trends to Build Your Bottom Line

Associations sit on four powerful business pillars—mission, members, market, and margin—but many still report underperforming or nonexistent revenue development strategies. 86% of associations have an underperforming business development strategy or none at all, despite having strong assets to build value. Silos, competing priorities, and a cultural bias toward operations over sales make alignment difficult, even as revenue pressure increases. This session addresses these realities, highlighting business development trends, focusing on alignment as a competitive advantage and forecasting as a non-negotiable discipline for 2026 and beyond. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Reston Loudoun Swap

Speaker: Sean Soth, founder and Chair of the Leadership Advisory Board for Professionals for Association Revenue

Mon 4/20 at 8 a.m. – Technology and The Art of War (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, LPEC, Principal & Founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting

Guest: Vishal Shah, Element AMS

Tue 4/21 at 10:30 a.m. – Meditation Skills for Busy Lives

Take a pause from busyness and learn simple mindfulness practices to ease stress and reduce the feelings of burnout. These monthly sessions, designed to help you create space in your day, include: 5 minutes to arrive and settle in, 10 minutes of guided meditation practice, and 5 minutes for questions and reflection. Every month, we explore a new area of meditation and introduce a practical skill you can carry with you. Open to everyone, no prior meditation experience required. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Meditation leader: Moira Edwards, Owner & President, Ellipsis Partners

Tue 4/21 at 12 p.m. – Partnership Professionals Network (PPN) Idea Exchange

If you manage sponsorships, you’re under pressure to grow non-dues revenue while delivering greater value to sponsors. So what’s actually working? Join this interactive discussion to explore what drives companies to invest in sponsorships, how associations are rethinking their sponsorship packaging and pricing, and practical ways to strengthen and grow your program. More info/register.

Host: Partnership Professionals Network

Speakers:

Bruce Rosenthal, author of the book, Mastering Association Corporate Sponsorships
Dan Kowitz, three decades of association sponsorship strategy and revenue acceleration experience

Tue 4/21 at 12 p.m. – Elevating Participant Engagement

Some members might open newsletters and log into the website, but seem immune to the many opportunities to participate, attend, contribute, or volunteer. Likely, they feel the urge to participate, but participating can feel scary. Learn about demo-tested strategies that get members to participate in events, communities, social media, and the principles that get them to leave their fear behind and jump right in. More info/register.

Host: GrowthZone

Speaker: Amanda Kaiser

Tue 4/21 at 12 p.m. – Micro‑Volunteering as a Strategy for Engagement and Inclusion (CRVM Monthly Crunch and Munch)

Explore how micro volunteering can help associations meet volunteer demand, reduce barriers to participation, and build more inclusive engagement pathways. We will discuss why one association adopted this approach, how it is working in practice, and invite attendees to share challenges and ideas from their own organizations. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Component Relations Volunteer Management Advisory Council

Tue 4/21 at 1 p.m. – Nonprofit M&A 101: Roadmap for Successful Combinations

Learn about the key business and legal considerations involved in nonprofit mergers and acquisitions. Hear about the full lifecycle of a transaction, from initial discussions and negotiation through legal documentation, navigating political challenges, and closing. Explore core principles of corporate law, governance, and tax that shape these transactions. Gain insight into how nonprofits can evaluate potential opportunities, identify the most effective deal structures, design efficient governance models, and address common integration challenges. More info/register.

Host: Raffa Investment Advisers

Speaker: Kevin Serafino, Esq., CAE, Associate, Tenenbaum Law Group

Tue 4/21 at 2 p.m. – “As the Association Turns: The Reckoning”: A SOAP Ethics Finale Event

The drama may have ended but the consequences are just beginning. Join us to discuss secrets unraveled, decisions dissected, and the true ethical cost of SOAP’s scandal coming to light. Revisit the most jaw-dropping moments, explore what should have happened, and uncover how to protect your organization from a similar fate. Bring your lunch—and your opinions—because in this final act, your voice shapes the ending. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Ethics Committee

Tue 4/21 at 3 p.m. – From 200 Hours to Minutes: A New Model for eLearning Production

Learn how modern AI can transform existing content, including PDFs, PowerPoints, and webinar transcripts, into fully interactive, SCORM ready eLearning in minutes. Attendees will leave with a clear framework for collapsing production time without collapsing quality. More info/register.

Host: Cadmium

Speaker: Dan Streeter, CEO, Mission Fuel

Wed 4/22 from 9 a.m. to 6:05 p.m. – AMS Demo Days

This two-day event will feature presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer association management system (AMS) platforms. AMS experts will be showcasing platforms and sharing their knowledge with the association market. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Participants: Wicket, Protech, MC Trade by Momentive Software, NetForum by Momentive Software, GrowthZone, iMIS by ASI, Altai Systems, Aptify by Momentive Software, Personify WildApricot, Naylor Association Solutions, Membes, and re:Members

Wed 4/22 at 12 p.m. – From Transactions to Partnerships: A Smarter Approach to Non-Dues Revenue

Many associations rely heavily on transactional sponsorships — exhibit booths, logo placements, and event-based visibility. While these generate revenue, they often fall short in delivering measurable impact, meaningful integration, and long-term retention. Hear nationally recognized experts in corporate engagement share benchmarking insight and real-world perspective on what’s working across associations today — and where traditional models are stalling. More info/register.

Host: Up10

Speakers:

Julie Minnick and Stacey Goldberg, Co-Founders, Beyond Booth
Michelle Brown, Chief Innovation Officer, MACPA

Wed 4/22 at 12 p.m. – Political Law 101 Bootcamp Part 2: Political Contributions and Supporting Candidates

Learn about the key rules for supporting candidates, including: which individuals and organizations can contribute to federal, state and local candidates, political parties and PACs; the relevant contribution limits; how an organization’s tax status impacts its ability to support candidates; whether public contractors are subject to special contribution limitations; limitations if foreign nationals are involved; whether an organization should set up its own PAC; and the risks of non-compliance with these rules. More info/register.

Host: Whiteford Taylor & Preston LLP

Speakers: attorneys Jim Kahl and Heidi Abegg

Wed 4/22 at 2 p.m. – AI for Event Planners: Interactive Workshop of Time-Saving Use Cases

See first-hand how planners are customizing or applying AI assistants, GPTs and platforms to their specific use cases. Come away with clear examples of tools that solve real-world planner pain points, guidance on how to modify or apply the solutions to your situation, an approach meant to save actual time in your workday, an an interactive discussion of the associated benefits and challenges. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

Noah Cheyer, AI Thought Leader and Founder, Silicon Valley Speakers
Michael J. Shapiro (moderator), Director of Content Strategy, Northstar Meetings Group U.S.

Wed 4/22 at 3 p.m. – Leading Through Geopolitical Disruption and Risk

After years of building international capacity and relationships, associations are now facing geopolitical dynamics that are impacting those efforts. Join this session to hear from association executives about how they are navigating this moment—balancing risks and opportunities, prioritizing staff and member safety, and continuing to advance their missions globally while diversifying revenue and maintaining strong margins. More info/register (free for ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Abe Eshkenazi, CSCP, FACHE, CPA, FASAE, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, Association for Supply Chain Management
Gary A. LaBranche, FASAE, CAE, CEO, Risk and Insurance Management Society
Lori Anderson,President & CEO, International Sign Association

Wed 4/22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – BAE DMV Spring Happy Hour: Rest, Reconnect, and Build Community (Washington DC)

Whether you prefer soda, juice, refreshing mocktails, or classic cocktails, you’ll find something to enjoy as you unwind and connect with fellow members. Come raise a glass, whatever you choose to fill it with, and celebrate the end of the day. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.

Organizers: Danielle McLean and Tamara King, Black Association Executives (BAE)

Thu 4/23 from 9 a.m. to 5:20 p.m. – AMS Demo Days

Host: ASAE

Participants: YourMembership by Momentive Software, Element AMS, ReadyMembership, Aplusify, Fonteva, MemberSuite by GrowthZone, Nimble AMS by Momentive Software, ACGI Software, MC Professional by Momentive Software, Glue Up, and Cobalt by Momentive Software

Thu 4/23 at 11 a.m. – Beyond Certifications: Core Principles of Professional and Corporate Recognition Programs

Recognition programs are a powerful tool that drives revenue, enhances member engagement, and fosters long-term industry impact. Hear about the common best practices used across recognition programs and a framework for understanding program structure and hierarchy. Gain practical knowledge in developing, implementing, and maintaining certificate, certification, and company recognition programs. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jeffrey Greenwald, President at Operative Greenwald, Inc.

Thu 4/23 at 1 p.m. – The Retention Chain: How Supporting Staff Strengthens Donor and Volunteer Loyalty

Drawing on insights from Momentive’s 2026 State of the Mission-Driven Workforce Report, this session will examine the workforce realities shaping nonprofit organizations today. Hear about the connection between staff experience, volunteer engagement, and donor loyalty, and practical strategies to strengthen retention across all three. Learn how organizations can create the conditions where staff thrive, so the communities supporting your mission stay engaged for the long term. More info/register.

Host: Momentive Software

Speakers:

Mark Hopwood, Senior Director, Nonprofit Strategy, Momentive Software
Kate McGinn, Founder & CEO, The Bold Stripe

Thu 4/23 at 2 p.m. – The New Reality of Marketing Careers

New research from Content Marketing Institute reveals patterns that explain what is really happening inside marketing organizations right now and how those shifts are reshaping individual careers. Learn about four forces influencing how marketing roles are changing, why roles are expanding and what is really driving the change, how hiring trends today will impact career growth opportunities tomorrow, why more marketers are hedging their careers and what that signals, and how to prioritize the skills that will keep you relevant and effective. More info/register.

Host: Content Marketing Institute

Speakers: Kim Moutsos, VP of Editorial, and Robert Rose, Chief Strategy Advisor, Content Marketing Institute

Mon 4/27 at 12 p.m. – Association Business Week Open House: Meet PAR & Your Association Business Community

Kick off Association Business Week with an open-access virtual open house designed for association executives and business leaders who want to rethink what “association business” can be. Get an inside look at PAR’s point of view on revenue, partnerships, and mission-driven growth—and see how our community is reshaping sales and business development for the association sector. Meet the PAR team, connect with peers from across the sector, and join guided networking designed to spark real relationships and candid conversation. Come as you are, stay as long as you like, and leave with new connections and a clearer picture of how PAR can support your growth. More info/register.

Host: Professionals for Association Revenue

Tue 4/28 at 12 p.m. – The Impact of AEO On Your Member Acquisition Funnel

Explore how answer engines (like Google AI Overviews and LLMs) are playing a key role in awareness and intent, upending the traditional marketing funnel; why visibility, authority, and consistency matter more than ever; what associations can learn from other industries navigating long, varied decision journeys; how to talk to leadership about AEO when traditional funnels and vanity metrics no longer tell the full story; and how to start evaluating whether your organization is showing up in AI-driven answers today. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers: Alyssa Hulka, Chief Experience Officer, and Merrick Kressley, Digital Marketing Strategist, Accella

Tue 4/28 at 12 p.m. – Elevating YOU: Personal Branding for Association Executives

70% of employers believe a strong personal brand is crucial for career success and may be even more important than a resume. Learn how to elevate your personal brand on LinkedIn. More info/register.

Host: Association Xchange

Speaker: Tal Woliner, Chief Communications Officer, American Association for the Advancement of Science

Tue 4/28 at 2 p.m. – Association Business Week: Mission-Driven Sales for Every Association Professional

Explore how influence powers success across all roles. Discover ways to communicate value clearly, build authentic relationships, and create opportunities that advance your organization’s goals. Learn strategies to strengthen trust, uncover member or partner needs, and turn everyday conversations into impactful, revenue‑driving interactions. Take part in facilitated small‑group breakout discussions—a dynamic opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and experience the engaging, community‑first culture that defines PAR events. More info/register.

Host: Professionals for Association Revenue

Speakers:

Sean Soth, Founder & Leadership Advisory Board Chair, Professionals for Association Revenue
Jen Smith, Executive Director, Professionals for Association Revenue
John Bacon, VP, Sales & Partner Experience, ASAE
Brittany Shoul, SVP, Revenue Strategy & Operations, MCI USA

Tue 4/28 at 3 p.m. – Intro to AI Webinar for Associations and Nonprofits

Learn about Generative AI and LLM (what they are, why they matter, and what they can and can’t do), how associations are using AI to support member engagement and operations, prompt engineering and creating targeted ChatGPT personas for content and interactions, privacy/security settings to adjust, and what information is safe to input into LLMs. Watch live demos showing what’s possible with AI tools today. More info/register.

Host: Sidecar

Speakers:

Erica Salm Rench, CMO, Sidecar
Thomas Altman, Co-Founder, Tasio

Wed 4/29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – CMEpalooza Spring

CMEpalooza is a free, biannual, online conference geared toward individuals involved in the development and implementation of continuing medical education for healthcare professionals. Broadcasts will stream live and be available for viewing shortly after their conclusion. More info/register.

Hosts:

Derek Warnick, continuing healthcare education professional, founder of CMEpalooza
Scott Kober, MBA, Managing Partner, Excalibur Medical Education

Wed 4/29 at 11 a.m. – Brand Strategy That Works: How Organizations Can Evolve Without Losing Their Identity

Explore how organizations can modernize their brand strategy in a thoughtful, strategic way—ensuring relevance while preserving organizational identity. Learn what brand strategy really means beyond logos and visual identity, and how to create a practical framework that supports consistency across touchpoints. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Lidia Varesco Racoma, Brand Strategist & Marketing Designer at Lidia Varesco Design

Thu 4/30 at 11 a.m. – Foundations of Effective Advocacy for Associations

Hear about the essential tools in the advocacy toolbox, including direct lobbying, grassroots member mobilization, grasstops engagement, coalition building, and fly-ins, and strategies for organizations of any size. Learn how to navigate Congress and federal agencies effectively, understand compliance and ethics requirements, and engage boards and members to build lasting organizational support for advocacy. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Kyle Hayes, Senior Director of Public Policy at American Society of Association Executives

Thu 4/30 at 12 p.m. – The Art of the Possible: What Advanced AI Looks Like in Associations

Hear how ASHA built transformational data science and AI capabilities from the ground up: 140+ member engagement touchpoints captured in a centralized framework, five predictive models driving real membership campaigns, and a full NLP toolkit for member survey analysis at scale. Explore the harder questions that AI association practitioners think but rarely say aloud. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers:

Ryan Risley, Partner and Chief Technology Officer, Wipfli
Julia Reilly-Edwards, Director of Data Science, ASHA
Jamie Atchison, MSMIT, Senior Director of Innovation and Strategic Planning, ASPPH

Thu 4/30 at 12 p.m. – AI for Events Demo Day

The biggest online event ever done on the use of AI in Events. Half a day with 39 companies showing you the present and future of AI in Events. 5-minute demos on a practical use for events. 2 thought leadership sessions on how eventtech leaders are tackling AI. More info/register.

Host: BoldPush

Thu 4/30 at 1 p.m. – Rethinking Event Sponsorship: A Conversation on Strategy and Value

Learn what associations and nonprofits must get right to secure event sponsors, such as aligning your event with corporate priorities, avoiding the common missteps that stall deals, positioning your opportunities to resonate at the executive level, and building sustainable partnerships instead of one-off sales. More info/register.

Speakers:

Lori Zoss Kraska, Founder and CEO of Growth Owl LLC
Ed Byers, President of CANRev Collaborative and Owner of Non Dues a Palooza

Thu 4/30 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. – Humanity at the Core: Redesigning Association Governing for the 2030s

The belief that investing in the rapid adoption of generative or agentic AI-enabled platforms and services is the only pathway to establishing association “relevance” reflects a Silicon Valley-inspired perspective that runs counter to the true purpose of our organizations. This session will challenge participants to think differently about what it will mean to govern an association in the next decade, and how we must redesign our community’s current governing approaches by situating humanity at the core of board stewardship. More info/register.

Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First LLC

Fri 5/1 at 12 p.m. – Association Business Week Debrief: Big Takeaways, Fresh Ideas, and What’s Next

Close out Association Business Week with an open-access debrief that brings the best insights from the week into one lively session. PAR facilitators and select speakers from the week will share their top takeaways, emerging themes, and practical ideas you can bring back to your association right away. Ask questions, reflect with fellow association executives, and compare notes on what inspired you most. More info/register.

Host: Professionals for Association Revenue

Fri 5/1 at 1 p.m. – How Executives Choose Their Next AMS Panel

Most executives choose a new AMS maybe once a decade. Some have never done it at all. No wonder the process can feel overwhelming, slow, and—honestly—a little dated. Learn what actually drives a smart AMS decision today. Not feature lists. Not 200line RFPs. Not marathon demos. We’re talking strategy, outcomes, and the realities leaders face when the stakes are high and the change is big. Hear what works. What doesn’t. And the “please don’t do this” moments we’ve seen in hundreds of AMS searches. More info/register.

Host: re:Members

Speakers:

Mark Soticheck, CEO, North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants
Moira H. Edwards, MS, CAE, President, Ellipsis Partners LLC
Kristina Jakstas, VP, Implementation, re:Members
Patrick Dorsey (moderator), VP Marketing & Sales, re:Members

Association Brain Food takes about six hours a week to put together. If it saves you time finding good reads and CAE credits—or just makes for a better Friday—I’d love for you to buy me a beer.

Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If you offer free professional development to the association community, please send me the link by Wednesday afternoon.

Creative Commons licensed photo by Christie Greene via Unsplash

Amazon, AssociationBrainFood.com, Association Academy, and Rogue Tulips links allow me to earn a royalty and/or complimentary registration from any resulting leads or sales. Thank you!

Association Brain Food: 4.3.26

The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community

snowdrops blooming amidst fallen brown leaves

Good reads for the association community

Governance processes. Managing board elections and committee placements with spreadsheets and email threads works—as long as you don’t mind being the last to leave the office. OpenWater describes how associations of all sizes use technology to manage the full governance cycle: nominations, candidate vetting, ballot distribution, results tabulation, and volunteer matching for committees.

Membership value proposition. Avenue M sent a poll with one question: Can your team explain in one sentence why someone should join your association? They expected the usual 50+ responses but got only 16. Sheri Jacobs believes the 34+ people who didn’t respond told the more interesting story: if your team can’t answer that question, you have more than a messaging problem. You have a clarity problem that makes membership recruitment a whole lot more challenging.

Association newsletter course. Association Academy’s Association Newsletter Success Certificate Course covers how to publish a newsletter people will read—from design choices that keep them opening it to the technical side of landing in members’ inboxes. The six live classes are taught by Chris Gloede, CAE. Enrollment is $599, but readers can save $50 with the referral code BRAINFOOD.

Industry survey. GrowthZone surveyed 518 associations at the end of 2025 to find out what’s working and what’s not. The results reveal some avoidable mistakes: only 21% have reinstatement programs for lapsed members and only 25% have written member engagement plans. If you’ve been wondering how your challenges stack up against other associations or need data to back up a budget request, this report covers membership, AI, online communities, learning, and more.

Association data discomfort. After ASAE released its inaugural State of Associations study last week, Brian Kirkland ran it through his Ungovernable Context filter. He senses “quiet tension” running through the report. Associations are treating symptoms, not causes. Drop in conference attendance? Tweak the agenda. Revenue sliding? Launch more products. He’s direct about what the data reveals and what associations should be asking because of it.

AI strategy. Josh Bernoff recommends Winning with AI: The 90-Day Blueprint for Success by Charlene Li and Katia Walsh. The book’s main argument: companies should not have an AI strategy. Instead, they should use AI to advance the goals they already have. Organized around 12 weekly chapters, the book covers why pilots are counterproductive, why clean data is a myth, and why only 22% of organizations have a defined AI roadmap. Those that do, though, are twice as likely to see AI-driven revenue growth.

Leadership training for association professionals. Rogue Tulips Consulting teamed up with Cheryl Ronk, CAE, FASAE, and Michael Butera, MLCT, to build this self-paced course on adaptive leadership for association professionals. The three sections cover organizational values and purpose, data-infused decision making, and vision and scenario planning. During weekly Zooms, work through the material with course leaders. Earn up to 18 CE credits. Take $50 off by registering with promo code RTBRAINFOOD.

Membership marketing for small associations. YourMembership shares ten membership marketing tactics for small-staff associations. They cover recruitment, onboarding, renewals, communications, feedback, and membership models—the whole member journey. Their advice works regardless of your AMS or tech stack.

Skillfishing. Alexander Alonso of SHRM warns readers about “skillfishing”—hiring someone whose credentials look great on paper, only to discover they can’t do the work. He says three forces are causing this problem: credential inflation, candidates who’ve learned to convincingly project expertise, and AI tools that help people simulate competence. He describes what organizations are doing to assess real-world skills before hiring.

Content marketing. AI search engines reward what Ann Gynn calls “content gravity”—content that attracts and retains the right audience by demonstrating expertise and relevance—over sheer volume. On the Content Marketing Institute blog, she walks through three lessons from HubSpot’s experience rebuilding its content strategy after its blog traffic fell 75% from its peak. She covers measurement frameworks, audience targeting, and where and what a credible content presence looks like now.

AI-driven automation in the workplace. Rowland Manthorpe uses the decline of the secretary to explore what AI automation will look like. Among his 12 lessons from that earlier wave: change was slower than predicted, secretarial work didn’t disappear so much as spread to everyone, and the same dynamic may be underway now. Computerization turned everyone into an accidental secretary; AI will turn everyone into an accidental manager.

Snacks

Cheat sheet on financial literacy for nonprofit boards. | National Council of Nonprofits

Embracing Gemini: how association executives can future-proof their Gmail strategies. | Amber Worthen, Email Maven

How to write a coaching or learning prompt for your favorite LLM. | Seth Godin

Checklist: 10 things you don’t realize are draining your energy every day. | No Sidebar

You never grow old at the table

This pomegranate-glazed salmon recipe was excellent and wicked easy—just four ingredients. I added a fifth for a teeny bit of heat: sliced jalapeño pepper. On the side, Brussels sprouts roasted with carrot, ham, red onion, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

We finished last week with this cozy meal inspired by Nigella Lawson: chicken with red grapes and marsala. I made it with boneless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces instead of bone-in chicken breast. I also threw in bacon, mushrooms, onion, and garlic. Spooned over polenta, it’s the kind of thing Nigella would have you eating directly from the pot. On the side, roasted cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, and onion with garlic powder and smoked paprika.

Mon 4/6 at 8 a.m.* – Audience Personas (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, LPEC, Principal & Founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting

Guest: with Lidia Varesco Racoma, Lidia Varesco Design

*All events are online at Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.

Tue 4/7 at 11 a.m. – Navigating Economic Uncertainty: A Conversation for Nonprofit Leaders

Hear what organizations should be thinking about in light of rising geopolitical tensions, inflationary pressures, and potential economic slowdown. Topics will include what’s driving current market uncertainty; potential economic scenarios and key risks to watch; how organizations should think about reserves, liquidity, and portfolio structure; governance and decision-making in volatile environments; and practical considerations for staying disciplined and avoiding common pitfalls. More info/register.

Host: Raffa Investment Advisers

Speakers: Dennis Gogarty, CFP®, AIF®, President & Co-Founder, and Mark Murphy, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, Raffa Investment Advisers

Tue 4/7 at 12 p.m. – Translate Analytical Expertise into Strategic Influence (Data Analytics Network)

Learn why accurate, well-presented data still fails to influence strategy and what to do instead; the critical difference between output and outcome metrics and when each matters; how to identify the 3-5 leading indicators that predict strategic success; and the conversation framework that positions you as strategic partner, not just data provider. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Data Analytics Network

Speakers:

Chantal Almonord, CAE, Chief Information & Engagement Officer, ISPOR
Tim Hopkins, CAE, Managing Director, McKinley Advisors

Tue 4/7 at 1 p.m. – Execution: You Can’t Scale Chaos

Learn how to develop strategies to grow effectively and efficiently with discipline and intention, design processes that scale as the business grows, identify execution gaps that erode effectiveness and profit margins, and apply communication techniques as a tool to enhance execution. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Jane-Scott Cantus, Principal Member at ILEX Leadership Associates LLC
Michele Barry, Business Coach at Assured Strategy

Tue 4/7 at 1:10 p.m. – Learning Champions with Amy Riley

Explore what courageous leadership looks like in practice, how AI and experiential learning are reshaping leader development, and coaching as a core leadership capability. More info/register.

Hosts:

Tracy King, CEO, InspirEd
Carolyn B. Thompson, President, Training Systems

Guest: Amy L. Riley, speaker, author, consultant, and founder, The Courage of a Leader

Tue 4/7 at 4 p.m. – Let’s Chat: Small Staff Associations- Managing Workloads and Stress

Small nonprofit organizations often feel stretched thin, carrying workloads that far exceed the capacity of their small teams. The pressure to do more with fewer resources while sustaining high quality service to their communities is identified as the top challenge by small staffers. This hour will focus on sharing strategies to address this issue and refocus on balance and individual well-being. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Small Staff Association Professionals Community

Wed 4/8 at 11 a.m. – How to Build a Qualified Shortlist: Stack the Deck (Office Hours for LMS Buyers)

Hear how to evaluate qualified solutions, rather than investing your limited time trying to qualify vendors. Before you schedule a field sales call or product demo, use our Learning System Directory and RightFit Grid to identify a handful of options that closely align with your specific needs. More info/register.

Host: Talented Learning

Speaker: John Leh, CEO and Lead Analyst at Talented Learning

Wed 4/8 at 11 a.m. – Building Association Leaders (Association Amplified LIVE)

Building a career in association management rarely follows a straight line. This conversation explores how professionals grow into leadership roles, what the CAE credential signals today, and whether leadership development is keeping pace with what the role now requires. More info/register.

Host: TaleWind Digital

Guest: Elizabeth Twitchell, CAE, Director of Credentialing for the Certified Association Executive (CAE) program at ASAE

Wed 4/8 at 12 p.m. – The State of the Mission-Driven Workforce in 2026

Get a deep dive into the new research that reveals what retains, burns out, and energizes the people behind mission-driven organizations. Explore what the data reveals about the experience of the people powering mission-driven organizations and what leaders can do to better support, engage, and retain their teams. More info/register.

Host: Momentive Software

Speakers:

Nathan Richter, Senior Partner at Wakefield Research
Tirrah Switzer, CAE, VP of Product Marketing at Momentive Software

Wed 4/8 at 1 p.m. – The End of Digital-Only Marketing? How Top B2B Teams Are Responding to Digital Fatigue

Marketing scaled fast. Buyers tuned out even faster. In a world where 80%+ of digital outreach is ignored, more volume isn’t the answer—better experiences are. Join us as we unpack insights from our latest Digital Fatigue Report and explore how leading teams are cutting through the noise with more human, memorable engagement. More info/register.

Host: Sendoso

Speakers:

Kendra Burnett, Sr. Product Marketing Manager, Sendoso
Brendan Hufford, Head of Marketing, Growth Sprints
Austin Olea, Senior Researcher, UserEvidence
Julie Wiethop, VP of Growth Marketing, Ocrolus

Wed 4/8 at 1 p.m. – Ask Me Anything (AMA) with Edward Byers: Creating Sponsorship Programs for Growth

How do you increase revenue through your sponsorship program and attract more sponsors without underpricing your value? Hear about new ideas to strengthen your sponsorship strategy, ways to maximize revenue from existing relationships, and what attracts sponsors (and what turns them away). More info/register.

Host: The Nonprofit Hive

Speaker: Edward Byers

Wed 4/8 at 2 p.m. – Collaborating Effectively With DMO and Hotel Partners

Hear tips on streamlining planning, unlocking local resources and creating high-impact experiences for attendees. Learn how to build productive relationships with DMOs and hotel partners to leverage local expertise, marketing support and destination resources; navigate contracts and stakeholder expectations; and overcome collaboration challenges that can affect an event’s success. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

Emily Scheiderer, Vice President, Professional Development, Destinations International
Mike Zollars, Vice President, Global Accounts, HPN Global
Lisa Grimaldi (moderator), Editor, Incentives and Destination, Northstar Meetings Group

Thu 4/9 at 12 p.m. – Lead on LinkedIn: A Bootcamp for Policy Communicators

For policy communicators, LinkedIn offers an unparalleled opportunity to reach the right audiences whether you’re building coalitions, influencing policy conversations, or amplifying thought leadership. Learn how to optimize your LinkedIn profile to get noticed by reporters, partners, and peers; when to post from your company page vs. your personal profile, and how to balance both; the difference between a LinkedIn Post and a LinkedIn Article, and when to use each; and how hashtags and the LinkedIn algorithm influence visibility. Hear examples of thought leaders and organizations who are leading the way on LinkedIn. More info/register.

Host: Quorum

Speaker: Anthony Shop, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Social Driver and Chairman of the National Digital Roundtable

Thu 4/9 at 2 p.m. – Your LMS Is Not a Library. It’s a Revenue Engine: Association Leaders Share What’s Actually Working

Learn how associations are using their LMS to move beyond static content libraries and create ongoing member value. Hear how personalized learning paths, certifications, cohort-based programs, and data-driven insights can increase engagement between events, strengthen retention, and unlock new revenue streams through premium courses, sponsorship opportunities, and bundled offerings. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Anita Nelson, Sr. Director, Partner Relations, Marketing and Education, AMC Institute
Rebecca Shigley, CIC, TRA, FLMI, AIE, AIRC, ACS, Chief Operating Officer, Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina
Rich Vallaster, CEM, AAiP, QAS, Senior Director of Industry Relations and Community Engagement, Momentive Software (formerly Personify)
Sarah Riggins, CEM
Director Workforce Development & Executive Director , TNLA Foundation, Texas Nursery & Landscape Association

Thu 4/9 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. CT – Toast to Tech Chicago

Combine wine tasting with an engaging exploration of the latest technology trends shaping associations. Enjoy curated wine flights, with each wine representing a major trend or area of impact, and a relaxed atmosphere that fosters open dialogue, collaboration, and creativity around how these trends can impact association operations, member engagement, and events. Location: Chicago IL. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers:

Michelle Wroblewski, Wipfli
Norma Castrejon, American Osteopathic Association
Amanda Heberg, Sandstorm Design

Tue 4/14 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Ven-Con 2026 (Arlington, VA)

Now in its third year, Ven-Con returns with its most ambitious program yet.

Host: League of Association Technologists

Speakers:

Olivia Wilkins, PerByte
James Marquis 501Works

Wed 4/15 at 11 a.m. – Building an Ai-Enabled Education Program: Practical Strategies for Associations

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Toni Kervina, Director of Content and Learning at American Society for Nondestructive Testing

Wed 4/15 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. – Data-Informed Decision Making for Credentialing Leaders

Host: Certification Network Group

Speakers: Pam Weber, MPA, CAE, Senior Vice President, and Amy Allen, Director, Credentialing & Accreditation, National Apartment Association Education Institute

Wed 4/15 at 1:30 p.m. – Change Management

Learn about the core elements of successful change management and strategies to reduce resistance and build alignments. Hear about common pain points in associations, getting senior executives to champion change, and the tools and training that make change last More info/register.

Host: Element AMS

Speakers:

Christopher Maynard, CIO Consultant, Author, Strategico Consultants
Sean Miriashtiani, Sales Executive, Element AMS

Thu 4/16 at 12 p.m. – From Idea to Outcome: Making AI Actually Work

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers:

Ryan Riley, Partner and Chief Technology Officer, Wipfli
Monica Pemberton, Vice President & CIO, American Council on Education

Thu 4/16 at 1:30 p.m. – Human Connections, Smarter Tools: Video Innovation for Meeting Planners

Hosts: Insight Guide and BJA Solutions for Associations

Speakers:

Meagan Roloff, CAE, Senior Director of Membership & Operations, National Association for Gifted Children
Terry Nawrot, CEO, VideoRequest
Barbara Armentrout, CAE (moderator), BJA Solutions for Associations
Teri Carden (hostess), COO, Insight Guide

Association Brain Food takes about six hours a week to put together. If it saves you time finding good reads and CAE credits—or just makes for a better Friday—I’d love for you to buy me a beer. Thank you!

Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If you offer free professional development to the association community, please send me the link by Wednesday afternoon.

Creative Commons licensed photo by Tom Jur via Unsplash

Amazon, AssociationBrainFood.com, Association Academy, and Rogue Tulips links allow me to earn a royalty and/or complimentary registration from any resulting leads or sales. Thank you!

Association Brain Food: 3.27.26

The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community

Good reads for the association community

AI as education competition. When members can learn anything from an AI tutor, what do association education programs offer that they can’t get elsewhere? Here’s what TopClass LMS says: recognized credentials, accredited CE, peer accountability, unwritten knowledge that circulates among experienced professionals, and the institutional trust employers and regulators depend on. TopClass also explains the “metacognitive laziness” problem: why AI-assisted learning can actually undermine the skill-building that structured programs provide.

Young member recruitment. OpenWater makes the case that scholarships, fellowships, competitions, mentoring programs, and similar student and early-career programs are how associations demonstrate value before someone decides to join. They describe eight types of programs with real association examples showing what each one offers to the next generation of prospective members.

Facilitation training for association professionals. Facilitation is a skill every association professional needs for board meetings, committee work, strategic planning, webinars, and more. Yet most never get formal training. In the Effective Facilitation course, you’ll learn how to read a room, handle difficult dynamics, and keep any discussion on track. Brian is offering free enrollment to the first three people who email him. If you’re not one of the three, use promo code bf2026 to get 15% off.

Membership value proposition. Most association value propositions highlight membership features when they should describe outcomes. Marketing General suggests a five-step, AI-assisted process for uncovering what actually drives member decisions and translating it into messaging that resonates. The guide includes a worksheet with AI prompts and fillable fields, along with a field-testing framework for email, web, and social.

Get ready for a career change—or retirement. Sahaj Garg, co-founder and CTO at Wispr, starts with a scary realization: his Stanford-trained identity, built on “cognitive horsepower,” is now obsolete. He then paints an unsettling picture for knowledge workers: Within three to five years, the majority of cognitive jobs will be substantially automated with the upper-middle class hit the hardest, because your skills are the most directly substitutable and your lifestyles depend on “continuous high income rather than accumulated capital.” As if you don’t have enough problems, right? Now, zoom out to your association—what happens when AI replaces most of your members?

Workplace saps. A Cornell researcher created a “corporate bullshit generator” to study whether impressive-but-empty workplace language is actually harmful—and found that it is. Kate Blackwood in the Cornell Chronicle reports that workers more receptive to ‘visionary’ jargon scored lower on analytic thinking, cognitive reflection, and fluid intelligence. and significantly worse on workplace decision-making.

AI tool evaluation. Dennison & Associates offers a framework for evaluating AI tools that covers total cost of ownership, data privacy, vendor stability, measurability, association use cases, and questions to ask. For example, before your association buys any AI tool, Dennison suggests asking department heads what three tasks they wish took half the time. They also include a ten-question evaluation checklist with a scoring guide.

Communication and trust. The institutions scrambling hardest to rebuild trust are often the ones relying most heavily on communications tools that were never designed to build it in the first place. KiKi L’Italien, host of the podcast Things Go Sideways, says you can’t message your way to trust. Polished annual reports and carefully worded statements are outputs of a relationship, not substitutes for one. The relationship, she writes, is the strategy.

AI-induced association dysfunction. Before your association dives into AI integration, Jamie Notter wants you to revisit the Solow Paradox: when organizations in the 1970s and 80s layered computerization onto outdated roles, processes, and cultures without redesigning how work was done, productivity gains didn’t follow. The same risk applies now. He argues that AI will scale your dysfunction too—and offers one concrete first step in the right direction.

AI and Gen Z job prospects. Young workers are rethinking their career trajectories with AI in mind. Some are pivoting to trades, others are starting businesses, and some are leaning into AI itself. At WSJ [gift link], Rachel Wolfe and Te-Ping Chen profile several 20-somethings navigating those choices. Smart kids.

Snacks

Hyper-individualized AI learning is threatening the social warmth students get from online classrooms. | David Joyner, Class Central

Frequent flyers: Lowell Aplebaum has a recommendation for you: “With close to 300 flights a year, I’ve tried just about every app that promises better flight information. Flighty is, by far, the one I come back to.”

Last call! Help every association (including yours) enrich its understanding of board service and strengthen board performance by completing the What Board Members Think survey (or have your board complete it) by Tuesday 3/31 at 2:59 pm EDT. | Jeff De Cagna, Foresight First LLC

You’re asking AI the wrong questions. The best prompts force you into discomfort. Wow. I ran his prompt and have more to think about than I expected. | Mark Manson

Job hunting? Check out this AI resume writer that interviews you instead of making you fill forms. | story.cv

You never grow old at the table

Last week’s standout was this simple jerk salmon, which has now replaced my old jerk recipe. I made one change: instead of broiling, I baked the fillets at 375 for 11 minutes. On the side, butternut squash purée—made with butter, evaporated milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and chipotle powder—and leftover roasted broccoli.

Creamy piccata flounder is easy to love. I pushed my steamed asparagus and brown rice into the piccata sauce—no regrets.

An old standby came to the rescue after a long day: pork Milanese. On the side, steamed green beans tossed with sautéed onion, orange bell pepper, sundried tomatoes, ham, and parmesan—plus leftover butternut squash.

Fri 3/27 at 12 p.m.* – They Left. Now What? A Live Session on Winning Back Lapsed Members

You’ve got a list of lapsed members sitting in your AMS. You’ve reached out. You’ve followed up. And you’re still not getting them back. Learn why most win-back campaigns underperform. Hear about a campaign structure you can apply immediately and real results from associations who’ve done it — with the numbers to back it up. More info/register.

Host: PropFuel

Speaker: Dave Will, CEO, PropFuel

*All events are online at Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.

Fri 3/27 at 12:30 p.m. – Legalese with the Ladies: Ask a lawyer (almost) anything

Get clear, no-fluff answers to your biggest legal questions—from RFPs to commissions to rebates and everything in between. Take away practical tips to protect your business and boost your confidence at every stage of the planning process. More info/register.

Host: Hopskip

Fri 3/27 at 1 p.m. – Foresight Fridays, Part 2

As polarization intensifies and public trust shifts, associations face increasingly complex decisions about when to speak, what to amplify, and how to engage on issues that affect their industries and professions. Explore how association leaders can work effectively with their boards during this moment. Examine how polarization may reshape expectations around association voice and leadership, the distinction between mission-aligned advocacy and ideology-driven positioning, and how organizations can anticipate risk while preserving credibility. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Christine Shaw, CEO & President, Naylor Association Solutions
Shawn Boynes, FASAE, CAE
Tamesha Logan, MBA, Executive Director, American Mensa Ltd.

Mon 3/30 at 8 a.m. – The Ethics of Technology Implementation (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, LPEC, Principal & Founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting

Guest: Carol Weldon, Health Care IT Professional

Mon 3/30 at 11 a.m. – Shipping, Customs & Global Logistics: What You Need to Know Now

Global supply chain disruptions, shifting trade policies, and evolving customs regulations are creating new challenges for associations managing international programs, meetings, and materials. Explore the latest insights on international shipping, event logistics, and distributed production models, including key disruptions affecting event logistics, what associations need to know about customs compliance, how print-on-demand can reduce risk and cost, and practical strategies for managing global distribution. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Hosts: ASAE and International Congress and Convention Association

Speakers:

Jim Piechowski, CAE, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, Holmes Corporation
Lisa Sallstrom, MS, CAE, PMP, CRP, Partner, KaWest Partners, LLC
Remy Perrot, Vice President, Cross Connect Customs & Event Logistics Inc.

Mon 3/30 at 1 p.m. – When Conversations Get Hard & Meetings Get Stuck: A Practical Way Forward

Hear about a simple, adaptable conversation framework that helps groups move from reaction to reflection and from discussion to clarity. Rather than debating opinions or rushing to solutions, learn how to sequence conversations intentionally so people feel heard, insights surface naturally, and groups are better positioned to make thoughtful decisions. Practical and easy to apply, this approach fits seamlessly into meetings, discussions, and learning environments without any special tools. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Event Garde

Mon 3/30 from 5 to 7 p.m. CT – Chicago Launch Event: Elevating Women in Association Leadership (Rosemont IL)

The Alliance for Women in Associations is bringing together women across the association community for our very first Chicagoland networking reception — an evening of conversation and collaboration among those shaping the future of our field. Whether you’re leading an organization, managing programs, or building your career path in the association world, this is your chance to connect with women in your local community and get in on the ground floor of a growing movement. Location: Rosemont IL. More info/register.

Organizer: The Alliance for Women in Associations

Tue 3/31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – AI Innovators Summit: Women and Allies Pioneering the Future (Washington DC)

This transformative day focused on Generative AI collaboration and ideation brings together diverse personas (tech and non-tech) from across industries to learn about the practical Generative AI use cases that are helping our customers add value and be inspired to drive your own Generative AI initiatives within your organizations. Choose from hands-on skill-building workshops or visionary leadership sessions. Gain insights from inspiring women leaders who have built, designed, and are actively using Generative AI solutions in their daily operations. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.

Host: AWS

Tue 3/31 at 11 a.m. – Same Values, New Design: Why Association Events Don’t Need to Look the Way They Always Have

Explore how association events can evolve beyond familiar formats without losing their purpose or credibility. Using a live, audience-driven “design wheel” format, the session will surface practical ideas for rethinking agendas, engagement, technology, sponsorship, and human connection, all while staying true to an association’s mission. Rather than presenting a list of trends, experience a different way of designing events in real time, demonstrating how small, intentional design choices can lead to more engaging, inclusive, and relevant meetings. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Ksenija Polla, Director International Development at Talley Management Group
Shawn Cheng, Regional Director of North America at ICCA

Tue 3/31 at 12 p.m. – The Perception Paradox: Managing Legal Issues and Reputation

In 2025, crises became headlines: the Cracker Barrel’s logo, the Astronomer CEO at the Coldplay concert, and the American Eagle’s Sydney Sweeney ad. In each case, the company had the opportunity to manage perception as the issue was evolving and before viral posts damaged their reputation. Instead, they avoided communication hoping that silence would protect them. Learn about similar association examples, the perception paradox, and tips for avoiding reputational harm while protecting the organization from legal issues. More info/register.

Host: Association Xchange

Speaker: Larry C. Smith, JD, CAE, executive director and principal consultant for IIB Association Group

Tue 3/31 at 12 p.m. – Mission Control: How to Build a Real-Time Stakeholder Intelligence System

Learn how modern public affairs teams are building real-time intelligence systems that let them anticipate moves, not just react to them. Hear about five core stakeholder mapping techniques and how to completely re-engineer them for the AI era. Discover how real-time data and AI intelligence can fundamentally change the way your teams build relationships, track alignment, and move fast when it matters most. More info/register.

Host: Quorum

Speakers: Maggie McKee, Sr. Solutions Engineer, and Patrick Kalie, Sr. Engagement & Event Marketing Manager, Quorum

Tue 3/31 at 12 p.m. – Resilience for the Perpetually On-Call: How Event Marketers Bounce Back Faster

Hear how event marketers can mentally and physically recover after intense event cycles—and stop burnout from becoming the norm. Explore why the post-event crash happens, how to bounce back faster, and the everyday habits that make being “always on” more sustainable over time. More info/register.

Host: Zuddl

Speakers:

Stephanie Christensen, Event Marketing Leader
Melissa Vilders, Director, Events Strategy & Experience

Tue 3/31 at 1 p.m. – People: Working in Perfect Harmony & Being Accountable

Learn how to build a culture rooted in Core Values and demonstrated behaviors, assess whether your organization has the right people in the right roles, plan for intentional talent scaling as the business grows, design people systems that drive high performance, and align workforce and culture with strategic priorities. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Jane-Scott Cantus, Principal Member at ILEX Leadership Associates LLC
Michele Barry, Business Coach at Assured Strategy

Wed 4/1 at 11 a.m. – AI Licensing: Free-For-All or Pay-To-Play?

Join a ‘point-counterpoint’ style session about free and paid AI licensing. Hear views on the positives, negatives, considerations, and impacts of the different options in AI licensing. Learn about guardrails if/when giving staff permission to use free AI licenses, inputs to measure ROI if/when giving staff paid AI licenses, key elements of Terms and Conditions in AI license models, and facilitating a discussion at your organization when considering free and paid AI licenses. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Ron Moen, CAE, Vice President, and Carlos Cardenas, CAE, AAiP, Senior Strategic Consultant, Technology Management at DelCor

Wed 4/1 at 1 p.m. – Instructional Design 2036: What’s Now and What’s Next

Understand how AI is transforming course production and why traditional development timelines are disappearing. Explore how personalized learning systems driven by real performance data will deliver continuous education. See how emerging technologies and new design approaches are shifting instructional designers from course builders to architects of learning systems that improve real performance. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fonteva

Speaker: Dan Streeter, CEO, Mission Fuel

Wed 4/1 at 2 p.m. – Adobe’s Creative Forecast: Visual Trends Defining the Year Ahead

get an exclusive look at the forces shaping design, visual storytelling, and content creation in 2026. Drawing on global research, marketplace insights, and cultural analysis, Adobe’s annual Creative Trends Report highlights the aesthetics, cultural shifts, and AI-driven innovations redefining how brands connect and creators inspire. More info/register.

Host: Content Marketing Institute

Speakers:

Per Levander, Co-owner and Creative Director, Maskot
Brenda Mills, Principal, Consumer and Creative Insights, Adobe
Lindsay Morris, Principal, Content Strategist, Adobe
Cassandra Napoli, Head of Consumer Forecasting, WGSN Insights

Thu 4/2 at 12 p.m. – AI Without the Hype: Getting Your Foundation Right

The associations pulling ahead with AI are the ones who asked the right questions first, built the right foundation, and started before they felt ready. Get a clear-eyed view of where your organization stands, a sharper vocabulary for conversations with your board and team, and three concrete actions you can take before next week. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers:

Ryan Risley, Partner and Chief Technology Officer, WIPFLI
Karine Blaufuss, Director, Business Data and Intelligence, AGU
Cathy Lada, Learning & Development + Marketing, Lada Consulting

Thu 4/2 at 12:30 p.m. – All-in-One Isn’t for Everyone: Why More Associations Are Choosing Best-of-Need

Many associations find that their needs have surpassed what their AMS can deliver. They’re opting out of the traditional AMS model entirely, building best-of-need ecosystems that pair the strongest tools for each job with a shared data foundation that keeps everything connected. Learn how best-of-need ecosystems work in practice, what it takes to implement one, and how to know if this model makes sense for your association. Hear from an association that’s making the shift, a solution engineer who designs these ecosystems, and fusionSpan’s CRO, who works with associations navigating this decision every day. More info/register.

Host: fusionSpan

Thu 4/2 at 12:30 p.m. – Beyond Membership: A Revenue Shift Associations Can’t Afford to Ignore

Reliance on dues as the primary funding model leaves organizations vulnerable to market shifts, membership volatility, and financial uncertainty. Explore practical strategies for moving beyond membership dues, including sponsorships, advertising, certification, educational programs, sponsored content, and strategic partnerships. Get fresh insights into how your association can safeguard financial stability, amplify impact, and position itself for long-term success in a rapidly changing environment. 0.5 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: .orgCommunity

Speaker: Bill Sheehan, Global Head, Association Strategy, D2L

Thu 4/2 at 2 p.m. – Spring Data Showers Bring Insight Flowers

Learn how association teams can use data from membership, events, education, engagement, and revenue to uncover clearer insights and make better day-to-day decisions. Discover practical ways to use dashboards, reporting, and AI-assisted analysis to cut through the clutter and focus on what matters most. More info/register.

Host: 501Works

Speakers:

Denny Lengkong, President, IntelliData
James Marquis, CIO, 501Works

Thu 4/2 at 3 p.m. – AI for Associations in 2026: What to Ignore and What to Implement

Hear about the AI applications that are delivering real results for associations right now—from automating member support and personalizing content delivery to predicting churn before it happens. See how associations of different sizes and verticals are adopting AI at a pace that fits their team and budget. Find out what’s working, what’s not worth your time, and where the biggest opportunities are for the rest of the year. Take away a prioritized list of AI use cases you can bring to your next board meeting, a realistic timeline for implementation, and a clear understanding of what it takes to get started—even if your team has zero technical background. More info/register.

Host: Member Lounge

Speaker: Farhad Khan, CEO of Member Lounge

Tue 4/7 at 12 p.m. – Translate Analytical Expertise into Strategic Influence (Data Analytics Network)

Host: Data Analytics Network

Speakers:

Chantal Almonord, CAE, Chief Information & Engagement Officer, ISPOR
Tim Hopkins, CAE, Managing Director, McKinley Advisors

Tue 4/7 at 1 p.m. – Execution: You Can’t Scale Chaos

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Jane-Scott Cantus, Principal Member at ILEX Leadership Associates LLC
Michele Barry, Business Coach at Assured Strategy

Wed 4/8 at 11 a.m. – How to Build a Qualified Shortlist: Stack the Deck (Office Hours for LMS Buyers)

Host: Talented Learning

Speaker: John Leh, CEO and Lead Analyst at Talented Learning

Wed 4/8 at 12 p.m. – The State of the Mission-Driven Workforce in 2026

Host: Momentive Software

Speakers:

Nathan Richter, Senior Partner at Wakefield Research
Tirrah Switzer, CAE, VP of Product Marketing at Momentive Software

Thu 4/9 from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. CT – Toast to Tech Chicago

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers:

Michelle Wroblewski, Wipfli
Norma Castrejon, American Osteopathic Association
Amanda Heberg, Sandstorm Design

Association Brain Food takes about six hours a week to put together. If it saves you time finding good reads and CAE credits—or just makes for a better Friday—I’d love for you to buy me a beer.

Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If you offer free professional development to the association community, please send me the link by Wednesday afternoon.

Creative Commons licensed photo by Paul Crook via Unsplash

Amazon, AssociationBrainFood.com, Association Academy, and Rogue Tulips links allow me to earn a royalty and/or complimentary registration from any resulting leads or sales. Thank you!

Association Brain Food: 3.20.26

The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community

close-up of a pine tree branch dripping rain water

Good reads for the association community

Updating online education content. Keeping education content current is hard when regulations or practices change frequently and your team is already stretched thin. TopClass LMS walks through three approaches that don’t require more staff or budget: design courses in swappable modules, recruit volunteer subject matter experts as a regulatory early-warning system, and use AI to shorten content update cycles.

Post-conference education. Apti explains how to move attendees from annual conference sessions into online courses before their engagement fades. Their advice includes turning session attendance data into course recommendations, structuring asynchronous courses and cohort programs from conference content, offering courses as a registration add-on, and designing courses for completion.

AMS selection. AMS projects drift, stall, or fail when the selection process is driven by feature comparisons instead of strategy. This guide from re:Members describes a five-step process for keeping the AMS search on track: document priorities before talking to a single vendor, factor in budget and capacity constraints, evaluate capabilities against your priorities, build a shortlist, and create a decision brief the board can actually act on.

Need a redo on the CAE exam? CAE Exam Redux, a six-week intensive starting March 25 from Rogue Tulips, is designed specifically for candidates who’ve already seen the exam and need to go deeper, not just review the same material again. You’ll sharpen your Chief Staff Executive judgment and get a stronger grip on the CAE Body of Knowledge in six 90-minute sessions with a small group. Take $25 off by registering with promo code RTBRAINFOOD.

Association AI agents. Why are so many associations wary of AI agents? Mallory Mejias of Sidecar points to data from Anthropic’s 2026 State of AI Agents Report to name the real culprits: fragmented member data spread across systems that don’t talk to each other, and staff resistance that hits smaller organizations harder than larger ones.

Younger trade show attendees. CEIR interviewed 80 Gen Z and young Millennial professionals attending trade shows to find out what they want from the show floor. Mary Tucker of IAEE shared two highlights: they’re coming for something they can’t get behind a screen, and they want to see people they can relate to in the booth—younger booth staff make initial conversations less intimidating.

Event marketing. ExpoLogic’s research-backed guide covers event marketing from registration through post-event follow-up. Their guide covers social proof, early bird campaigns, personalized outreach, landing pages, abandoned registrations, post-event surveys, and more. It’s worth downloading if registrations have been flat—or you’re worried they’re heading that way.

Membership value in the AI era. While associations are still figuring out what to do about AI, members have already changed how they work: pulling information together on their own, forming opinions faster, and figuring out how to solve problems without the association in the middle. Chris Vaughan, Ph.D. of Sequence Consulting writes in Associations Now that the real work ahead is deciding where the association still needs to be central to what members do and where it doesn’t.

Event setup/marketing with AI. Ellyssa Valenti Kroski of the New York Law Institute built an AI agent that automates her library’s entire event setup process: registration for a Zoom meeting, website posting, and email marketing. She describes using Zapier to build it, precautions she took, and other tasks associations could handle the same way.

Snacks

Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)… Why not Foresight as a Service (FaaS)? Check out what Jeff De Cagna’s been up to.

The first signs of burnout are coming from the people who embrace AI the most. | Connie Loizos, TechCrunch

If you need CAE credits, check out Ed Rigsbee’s 37 workshops—nine qualify for the one-hour CAE ethics requirement. To earn CAE credits, you must pass the workshop’s accompanying test.

Association Brain Food takes about six hours a week to put together. If it saves you time finding good reads and CAE credits—or just makes your Friday better—I’d love for you to buy me a beer.

You never grow old at the table

I don’t recall ever being disappointed by a Nigella Lawson recipe, so no surprise this Spanish chicken, chorizo and potato tray bake is a keeper. I did swap in linguiça for chorizo. On the side, roasted broccoli with red onion and garlic powder.

Long ago, I found a recipe called Accidental Fish, but after making it once, it made its way to the bottom of a Word folder. This time, I made it with flounder, butter, garlic, tomatoes, lemon juice, Louisiana-style hot sauce, and chives. On the side, collards and radish greens sautéed with bacon, onion, carrot, red bell pepper, jalapeño, garlic, and chicken broth.

Fri 3/20 at 1 p.m.* – Foresight Fridays, Part 1

As polarization increases and information becomes harder to trust, associations have a powerful opportunity to serve as credible sources of trust and truth for their communities. Learn how associations can step into this moment and lead, and strengthen their role as trusted conveners, credible voices, and stabilizing forces within their industries and professions. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Artesha Moore, CEO of Association Forum
Tori Miller Liu, CEO of AIIM

*All events are online at Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.

Fri 3/20 at 3 p.m. – Nonprofit Consultants Collaborative Monthly Networking Meeting

This monthly networking meeting is organized by consultants for full-time consultants who work with non-profits and associations. You don’t have to be an ASAE member to attend. This month’s agenda includes a discussion on building partnerships with other consultants and ideas for successful collaboration, plus sharing of good news, a Qiqo tip from Sandra Nam, and questions from the group. More info/register.

Organizer: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting

Mon 3/23 at 8 a.m. – The Ethics of A.I. Tools in Board Governance (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, LPEC, Principal & Founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting

Guest: Larry Smith, JD, Chair, ASAE Ethics Committee

Tue 3/24 at 8 a.m. – Podcasting for Associations: Strategy, Sustainability, and Community Engagement (Nonprofit Mission: Impact)

Hear how associations and nonprofits can use podcasting strategically to strengthen community engagement, support learning and evaluation, and build long-term relationships—without turning it into just another marketing project. More info.

Host: Carol Hamilton, Principal, Grace Social Sector Consulting

Guest: Andrea Kunder, Creative Imposter Studios

Tue 3/24 at 1 p.m. – Governance Under Pressure: What Association Leaders Can Learn from 2025

Drawing on research from McKinley Advisors and its work with association executives, this session will cover: the major pressures that forced boards to adapt how they operate; what worked, and what didn’t, in association boardrooms last year; how association boards stayed aligned and effective amid disruption; and the key lessons boards can carry into 2026. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Jon Hockman, CPF, FASAE, Chief Practice Officer, McKinley Advisors
Jordan Castel, Association Board Consultant, OnBoard

Tue 3/24 at 1 p.m. – Designing Accurate AI-Generated Media for High-Stakes Learning

AI can generate video fast, but accuracy is where most teams struggle. Learn how to build AI-generated learning content that actually holds up. Discover a practical workflow for developing accurate AI-generated interactive video, using tools like Google Veo and Nano Banana—paired with structured SME validation. See real examples in the healthcare space that nearly worked, what went wrong, and how they were corrected. More info/register.

Host: OasisLMS

Speakers:

Erick Prospero Torres, CEO, Ninja Tropic
Sam Hirsch, VP of Marketing and Sales, OasisLMS

Tue 3/24 at 3 p.m. – Intro to AI Webinar for Associations and Nonprofits

Host: Sidecar

Speakers:

Erica Salm Rench, CMO, Sidecar
Thomas Altman, Co-Founder, Tasio

Tue 3/24 at 3 p.m. – HerStory Live: Trailblazers in Tech — Then & Now

This session will connect AWTC’s HERStory series, celebrating members’ journeys and leadership in association technology, with the broader theme of March’s Women’s History Month by elevating stories of women who have shaped technology historically and today. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers:

Amber Worthen, Chief Executive Officer, Email Maven
Nikki Beidler, Director, E-commerce & Marketing Technology, ASHA
Monica Pemberton, Vice President & CIO, ACE
Cecilia Sepp (moderator), Principal & Founder, Rogue Tulips

Tue 3/24 at 4 p.m. – Stop Selling Content, Start Selling Journeys

Discover how professional associations can move beyond simple course delivery to solve real member problems. Explore actionable strategies around providing high-impact solutions that drive growth and long-term loyalty. More info/register.

Host: Intuto

Speaker: James Young, founder, The Product Community

Wed 3/25 from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. – LMS Demo Days

This two-day event features presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer learning management system (LMS) platforms. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Participants: MissionFuel, GrowthZone, MapleLMS, Forj, EthosCE, BenchPrep, TopClass by ASI, OasisLMS by 360 Factor, and Rustici Software

Wed 3/25 at 11 a.m. – Accessibility Isn’t Compliance — It’s a Revenue Engine: How Frictionless Digital Experiences Drive ROI, SEO, and Generational Growth

Most organizations treat digital accessibility as a compliance requirement. The smart ones treat it as a growth strategy. Explore how frictionless digital experiences increase engagement, improve SEO and generative AI visibility, attract younger members, and extend the lifetime value of Baby Boomers—turning accessibility into measurable ROI. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Mark Wallach, MBA, CEO Emeritus at Engagement Mobile Strategies

Wed 3/25 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – Become Unf*ckwithable

This is not a webinar. This is not a panel. This is a gathering that will rearrange something inside you and send you into the rest of the year with a clarity most people spend years chasing. We’re celebrating 14 years of DAHLIA+Agency with six powerhouses who are going to move your body, unlock your mind, and feed your soul. You will leave with real ideas to bring your purpose back to everything you do. More info/register.

Host: DAHLIA+Agency

Speakers:

Dahlia El Gazzar, Chief Ruckusmaker
DJ Graffiti (Martin Smith), The Keynote DJ™
Yush Sztalkoper, CMP, NeuroSpark+
Marina Girgis, Personal Brand Strategist
Precious Williams, Perfect Pitch Group
Antonio Harrison, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Coach Doc
Megan Nolan, Event Wellness Specialist

Wed 3/25 at 12 p.m. – Death To PDFs: From Static Documents to Discoverable Knowledge

In the age of answer engines, AI search, and conversational interfaces, publishing a PDF is no longer a knowledge strategy. It’s a shortcut that may be limiting visibility, engagement, and long-term member value. Learn how associations can increase exposure to existing and past PDFs while building a smarter content management strategy for the future — one that expands reach, improves accessibility, and turns static documents into discoverable, AI-ready knowledge. More info/register.

Hosts: Accella and Betty:AI

Speakers:

Marcus Duhon, Director of Technology Delivery, and Johanna Byrne,
Chief Operating Officer, Betty:AI
Alyssa Hulka, Chief Experience Officer; Kelsey Mills, Senior Website Strategist; and Jason King, President, Accella

Wed 3/25 at 12 p.m. – Give to Get Trust: Leading Across Generations

Hear about actionable strategies to foster understanding and collaboration across generational lines. Discover the core values, motivations, and workstyles unique to each generation. Learn effective communication strategies to engage and align diverse teams. Identify potential generational conflicts and develop approaches to resolve them constructively. Understand how to build trust and collaboration across all levels of your organization. Gain actionable tactics for driving growth and achieving goals with multigenerational teams. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: GrowthZone

Speaker: leadership speaker Phil Putnam

Wed 3/25 at 12 p.m. – Better Than Luck: Building Audit-Ready Financial Statements

Explore the most common issues auditors flag and practical ways to prevent them through stronger documentation, better month-end routines, and cleaner support. Get a simple “audit-ready” checklist to help reduce adjustments and feel confident heading into your next financial statement audit. More info/register.

Host: Your Part-Time Controller

Wed 3/25 at 1 p.m. – Tackle the Most-Critical Meetings Legal Issues

Learn what legal issues are impacting today’s business meetings, as well as what to have on your radar for events that are further out. Hear how to handle point-of-entry issues impacting international attendees; battle rising costs due to tariffs and inflation; use AI, and when not to use it, in the contracts process; and lay the legal groundwork to ensure the safety of all meeting participants. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: Joshua Grimes, Esq., Grimes Law Offices, LLC

Wed 3/25 at 2 p.m. – Finance and Business Operations (FBO) Meet Up

Bring your pressing problems and share experiences and potential solutions in an engaging conversation with your colleagues. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Finance and Business Operations Professionals Advisory Council (including HR)

Wed 3/25 at 2 p.m. – Relevance Wins: What the 2025–2026 Association Email Benchmarks Reveal About High-Performing Emails

Our 2025–2026 Association Email Benchmark Report reveals a clear pattern: associations that use segmentation, personalization, and automated messaging consistently outperform those relying on broad, one-size-fits-all campaigns. Hear about the most important email benchmark shifts and practical strategies you can use to improve engagement, retention, and campaign results. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Higher Logic

Speakers: Sherilyn Stack, Senior Success Advisor; Kelly Whelan, Senior Content Marketing Manager; and David Jovel, Sales Engineering Director, Higher Logic

Thu 3/26 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – LMS Demo Days

This two-day event features presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer learning management system (LMS) platforms. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Participants: Path LMS by Momentive, D2L, Elevate, and LearnUpon

Thu 3/26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – How to Develop a Product Portfolio

Hear how to organize, position, and leverage your offerings to help you identify patterns, tease out new opportunities, and better serve your members. Learn how to root out needless duplication, create efficiencies, and become a lean, value-driven association. More info/register.

Host: James Young, founder, The Product Community

Thu 3/26 at 11 a.m. – Cash: It’s All About the King

Learn how to apply financial statements as strategic tools to support business growth; analyze the true drivers of cash generation; develop plans to ensure cash abundance, not just sufficiency; and implement strategies to improve cash conversion and liquidity. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Jane-Scott Cantus, Principal Member at ILEX Leadership Associates LLC
Michele Barry, Business Coach at Assured Strategy

Thu 3/26 at 11 a.m. – From Uh-Oh to We’ve Got This: Crisis Prep + Onsite Calm

Learn about event crisis management via three lenses: association leadership (duty of care and governance), supplier support (aligning with location partners to ensure fast and effective onsite response), and third-party planner perspective (commanding the onsite response). Hear how to build a crisis team, clarify roles and decision paths, set up notification and messaging systems, and pre-write adaptable templates (including holding statements) so you’re never starting from zero when things unfold fast. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Brooke Weldon, CAE, CEO & Founder, Weldon Global
Emily Stephens, CMP, DES, Director of Meetings & Events, International Coaching Federation
Sara Stehle, CAE, CMP, Owner and Independent Planner, Wow Moments – Event & Experience Design, LLC
Alisha White, IOM, CAE, Global Sales Director, Mid-Atlantic Region MGM Resorts International
Tressa Jumps, M.A., Owner, CEO, HELD Communications

Thu 3/26 at 12 p.m. – Ask the Nonprofit Attorney: Everything You Want to Know

In a Q&A-driven format, ask our speaker about anything, from federal tax exemption to contracts, corporate governance, meeting and conference liabilities, employment law, CEO employment contracts, copyrights and trademarks, antitrust, AI usage policies and contract clauses, mitigating legal risk from DEI initiatives, codes of ethics and conduct, affiliates and subsidiaries, the regulation of lobbying and political activity, insurance, fundraising regulation and gift restrictions, internal and governmental investigations, and more. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: FAR

Speaker: Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum, Esq., Managing Partner, Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC

Thu 3/26 at 1 p.m. – The Belonging Blueprint: What Today’s Members Actually Want—Locally

Explore how HQ/component staff help chapters adopt small‑group formats that create real connection—mentoring circles, micro‑gatherings, challenge sprints, and pop‑ups. Hear about examples to get components innovating and add metrics that matter (belonging, activation, event pull, agility, equity, interaction quality) so they can track depth, not just headcount. Leave with examples, KPI options and quick win plan. More info/register.

Hosts: re:Members and Mariner Management

Speakers: Peter Houstle, CEO, and Peggy Hoffman, President, Mariner Management & Marketing

Thu 3/26 at 1 p.m. – Beyond Representation: Building Sustainable Leadership for Women in Associations

Too often, women’s leadership success depends on personal resilience rather than institutional design. Informal expectations, invisible workload, and unclear succession pathways can limit long-term impact. Explore how organizations are supporting women leaders without expanding invisible labor, building succession pathways that create broader opportunity, creating cultures where different leadership styles are respected and valued, and designing governance structures that enable sustained strategic influence. More info/register.

Host: Glue Up

Thu 3/26 at 1 p.m. – Awareness to Acquisition: Member Journey Blueprint + AI Readiness Series

This 3-part webinar program is designed to help association leaders strengthen awareness, acquisition, retention, and loyalty while building the foundations for AI-ready member growth. Each session focuses on a critical phase of the member lifecycle and explores how structured journeys, connected data, and intelligent insights can elevate member experience and long-term performance. Through practical strategies and real-world examples, you’ll gain clear direction on how to convert awareness into qualified member acquisition. More info/register.

Host: Causeis

Thu 3/26 at 1 p.m. – Operating Reserves as a Key Indicator of Financial Health

Learn how to leverage your operating reserve as a strategic financial asset, ensuring your organization can navigate unforeseen challenges and maintain continuous service delivery. Hear how to determine the appropriate reserve target based on your organization’s unique risk profile and operational needs. Learn about calculating the reserve, best practices for policy documentation, and effective strategies for communicating the purpose and status of the reserve to the board, staff, and external stakeholders. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Paul Preziotti, CPA, Partner, Johnson Lambert LLP
A. Michael Gellman, CPA, CGMA, Co-Founder at Sustainability Education 4 Nonprofits

Thu 3/26 at 1 p.m. – Let’s Talk Event Intelligence

Explore why check-in is the foundation of event intelligence. Learn how modern event teams can capture accurate attendance data, connect it directly to their CRM, and turn every verified check-in into meaningful insights. Hear how the right check-in experience leads to better event intelligence, stronger engagement visibility, and smarter event decisions. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: EVA Event Tech Hub

Thu 3/26 at 2 p.m. – Reducing Member Attrition with Proactive Strategies

Member attrition rarely happens all at once. It usually starts quietly, when members begin wondering whether they’re getting real value, making meaningful connections, or growing in their careers through your association. The associations seeing the strongest retention today create year‑round opportunities for members to connect, learn, and participate. Learn how to strengthen retention and build a more connected member experience. More info/register.

Host: Tradewing

Speakers: Petreysha Macute, Business Development Associate, and Rhona Ruiz, Marketing Specialist, Tradewing

Thu 3/26 at 5:30 p.m. – Momentive Software and RSM’s Washington, DC Social Hour (Washington DC)

Join us in Washington, DC to network with your peers, meet our team, and exchange ideas during our social hour. More info/register.

Hosts: Momentive Software and RSM

Fri 3/27 at 12:30 p.m. – Legalese with the Ladies: Ask a lawyer (almost) anything

Host: Hopskip

Fri 3/27 at 1 p.m. – Foresight Fridays, Part 2

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Christine Shaw, CEO & President, Naylor Association Solutions
Shawn Boynes, FASAE, CAE
Tamesha Logan, MBA, Executive Director, American Mensa Ltd.

Mon 3/30 at 1 p.m. – When Conversations Get Hard & Meetings Get Stuck: A Practical Way Forward

Host: Event Garde

Mon 3/30 from 5 to 7 p.m. CT – Chicago Launch Event: Elevating Women in Association Leadership (Rosemont IL)

Organizer: The Alliance for Women in Associations

Tue 3/31 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – AI Innovators Summit: Women and Allies Pioneering the Future (Washington DC)

Host: AWS

Tue 3/31 at 11 a.m. – Same Values, New Design: Why Association Events Don’t Need to Look the Way They Always Have

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Ksenija Polla, Director International Development at Talley Management Group
Shawn Cheng, Regional Director of North America at ICCA

Tue 3/31 at 12 p.m. – The Perception Paradox: Managing Legal Issues and Reputation

Host: Association Xchange

Speaker: Larry C. Smith, JD, CAE, executive director and principal consultant for IIB Association Group

Tue 3/31 at 1 p.m. – People: Working in Perfect Harmony & Being Accountable

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Jane-Scott Cantus, Principal Member at ILEX Leadership Associates LLC
Michele Barry, Business Coach at Assured Strategy

Wed 4/1 at 11 a.m. – AI Licensing: Free-For-All or Pay-To-Play?

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Ron Moen, CAE, Vice President, and Carlos Cardenas, CAE, AAiP, Senior Strategic Consultant, Technology Management at DelCor

Thu 4/2 at 11 a.m. – The AI Power Hour: 30 Tools in One Webinar

Learn how marketers can harness the latest wave of AI innovation to boost creativity, speed, and impact. Get a rapid tour of 30 cutting-edge tools spanning language, video, image, and audio generation. Hear how AI is streamlining content creation, automating analytics, and transforming everyday workflows. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Erica Salm Rench, MBA, CMO at Sidecar

Thu 4/2 at 12:30 p.m. – Beyond Membership: A Revenue Shift Associations Can’t Afford to Ignore

Host: .orgCommunity

Speaker: Bill Sheehan, Global Head, Association Strategy, D2L

Thu 4/2 at 2 p.m. – Spring Data Showers Bring Insight Flowers

Host: 501Works

Speakers:

Denny Lengkong, President, IntelliData
James Marquis, CIO, 501Works

Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If you offer free professional development to the association community, please send me the link by Wednesday afternoon.

Creative Commons licensed photo by Luba Ertel via Unsplash

Amazon, AssociationBrainFood.com, Association Academy, and Rogue Tulips links allow me to earn a royalty and/or complimentary registration from any resulting leads or sales. Thank you!

Association Brain Food: 3.13.26

The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community

red rock ledge dusted with snow with mountains in the distance

“A civilization is not destroyed by wicked men; it is destroyed by weak men who cannot defend what is good.” —G. K. Chesterton

Good reads for the association community

Learning pathways. Members don’t just want courses; they want the career transformation made possible by learning pathways. In making the case for pathways, Apti describes four pathway structures (career stage, job role, specialty certification, and competency-based), the learning experiences to include in each, design considerations for navigation and progress tracking, and planning questions for associations to work through.

Introvert engagement. Nearly 70% of people aren’t naturally extroverted, yet most association engagement strategies are built for the other 30%. Clowder explains how to use your mobile app to reach introverted members. Their practical suggestions involve member directories, seeded discussion forums, small-group chats, pre-event prep tools, and more—features that improve the experience for every member, not just the introverted ones.

Non-dues revenue. If your association still has separate teams chasing sponsorships, event revenue, and education dollars with separate goals and separate metrics, Intuto’s 2026 Non-Dues Revenue Playbook has some pointed things to say about that. Drawn from two post-RevUP Summit webinars, it covers the shift from ad buys to multi-year sponsor pathways, why your LMS might be your most underused revenue source, and why the term ‘non-dues revenue’ may be part of the problem.

Leadership training for association professionals. Rogue Tulips Consulting teamed up with Cheryl Ronk, CAE, FASAE, and Michael Butera, MLCT, to build this self-paced course on adaptive leadership for association professionals. The three sections cover organizational values and purpose, data-infused decision making, and future vision and scenario planning. During weekly Zoom office hours, go deeper into the content with course leaders. Earn up to 18 CE credits. Take $50 off by registering with promo code RTBRAINFOOD.

Chapter management. To energize chapters in 2026, Mariner Management & Marketing says you have to shift the chapter model. They recommend five approaches: micro-volunteering menus, using chapters as local intelligence hubs, shared national moments chapters can localize, cross-chapter peer networks, and a “do less, better” strategy that gives leaders permission to retire legacy activities.

Board performance. In this Association CEO Conversations interview with Jeff De Cagna, MRAA President Matt Gruhn says some problems, like leadership turnover through term limits, aren’t solvable. They’re inherent to association work, and CEOs have to understand and be okay with that. He describes two tools MRAA developed to keep boards grounded: a comprehensive board handbook and a strategy placemat for board meetings with a quick-reference guide on one side and the mission, vision, values, and three-year plan on the other. Their “dealership of the future” task force is another idea worth stealing.

Association SEO course. Rank higher in Google search results when you apply what you learn from the Association Academy’s Association Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Certificate Course. Through expert-led on-demand lessons, you’ll learn the SEO strategies that bring more organic traffic to your site, while earning five CAE credits. Topics include keyword research, content optimization, site authority, and technical SEO. Enrollment is $299. Save $50 by using the referral code BRAINFOOD.

Education as member engagement. D2L argues that learning programs can both deepen member engagement and generate new revenue. They describe what effective association learning looks like across four dimensions—flexible, relevant, lasting, and amplifying—illustrated with four association examples.

Finding the focus to get it done. Chaos isn’t a phase you manage your way through and emerge from. It’s the permanent operating environment for associations. Mark Wallach of Engagement Mobile Strategies makes the case that what separates organizations that advance from those that just react is focus, not speed. He shares a simple daily framework for finding focus and two concrete habits: defining meeting goals before you schedule them and recognizing incremental wins as real progress.

AI agents and your association. When Carlos Cardenas of DelCor asked a room of association executives why a member would come to them for an answer they can get from ChatGPT in 30 seconds, everyone paused. He says the bigger threat isn’t AI replacing associations, but the agentic economy, where members’ AI agents will authenticate into your portal, pull what they need, and deliver it back without the member ever visiting your site.

If Association Brain Food has made a difference in your professional life or for your webinar registrations, please consider supporting my time working on it—Buy Me A Coffee/Beer, please.

You never grow old at the table

This one’s going into the spring rotation: sheet pan salmon and asparagus. On the side, roasted sweet potatoes.

Roasted chili maple pork tenderloin requires three hours of marination, but after that, all you have to do is pop it in the oven along with some pear wedges. My 1-1/2 pound tenderloin took much longer (22 minutes) to come up to temp than the recipe says, so bear that in mind. On the side, Brussels sprouts sautéed with bacon, mushroom, red bell pepper, onion, and garlic.

The comfort food meal this week: lamb stroganoff with egg noodles. My recipe is from Fine Cooking, but, sadly, they are no more. The dish includes cremini mushrooms, eggplant (my addition), onion, garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, fresh sage, ground lamb, dry sherry, roasted red bell pepper (jarred is fine), sour cream, and Worcestershire sauce. I suppose you could find a lamb stroganoff recipe and adapt it if you like this ingredient list.

On the side, broccoli with pecorino crunch. I used broccoli instead of broccoli rabe, doubled the cherry peppers, and only used about half the pecorino/panko topping.

Mon 3/16 at 8 a.m.* – Establishing an Ethical Culture (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, LPEC, Principal & Founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting

Guest: Shawna Strickland, American Epilepsy Society

*All events are online at Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.

Tue 3/17 at 10:30 a.m. – Meditation Skills for Busy Lives

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Meditation leader: Moira Edwards, Owner & President, Ellipsis Partners

Tue 3/17 at 12 p.m. – Partnership Professionals Network Idea Exchange: Strategies for Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorships

If you manage sponsorships, you know that your association wants more non-dues revenue; companies are demanding more sponsorship value; and you’re supposed to make that work! Join this webinar discussion with sponsorship experts Bruce Rosenthal and Dan Kowitz to find out what drives companies to sponsor associations and what associations are doing differently to expand their sponsorship programs. More info/register.

Host: Partnership Professionals Network

Speakers:

Bruce Rosenthal, author of the book “Mastering Association Corporate Sponsorships
Dan Kowitz, Founder & CEO of JSB Partnership Consultants

Tue 3/17 at 12 p.m. – The Institute for Organization Management (IOM): What to Know

If you work in associations, chambers, or nonprofits and are looking to deepen your leadership, operational, and strategic expertise, this session is for you. The IOM, offered by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, equips professionals with practical knowledge and leadership skills to strengthen their organizations and expand their influence. Explore the IOM, including program structure, curriculum, cost, eligibility, and the real-world value of the IOM curriculum. More info/register.

Host: Association Latinos

Tue 3/17 at 12 p.m. – CRVM Crunch and Munch: Navigating AI

Participate in a big‑picture conversation designed for component relations and volunteer management professionals navigating AI thoughtfully. We’re not talking tech stacks or software demos. We are talking about how AI impacts volunteers, chapters, trust, governance, and engagement. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Component Relations Volunteer Management Advisory Council

Tue 3/17 at 1 p.m. – A Check-In on the Current Political Landscape’s Impact on Associations

Join a discussion about the ongoing impact of executive orders, impact of funding legislation on association operations and the agencies they work with, impact of recent policy shifts on membership and event registrations, broader impact on specific industries and professions, how members are responding as policies take hold, where associations are finding clarity, where they are still navigating gray areas, when they are choosing to engage publicly, when they are opting for a quieter approach, how they are adjusting their advocacy to achieve wins for their sectors, and short-term adjustments vs. long-term shifts. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Joanna M. Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker, Matrix Group International, Inc.
David Jackson, Executive Officer at ASPET
Christopher Glen, Vice President of Public Affairs at The Fertilizer Institute
Mark Franco, Partner at Rimon PC

Tue 3/17 at 2 p.m. – Upskilling Your Team on AI

Learn how to assess your organization’s AI readiness, identify high-impact use cases, optimize content for AI-powered search, and upskill your team with practical training. Take away clear, realistic next steps they can apply right away. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speaker: Adam Campbell, AI Solutions Specialist, mdg

Tue 3/17 at 3 p.m. – The Trust Advantage: How to be the Most Trustworthy Person in Every Room, Every Zoom and on Every Platform

Managing board engagement is a skill. Both a lack of engagement and overstepping boundaries are symptoms of an underlying issue: a lack of trust. Explore the research behind trust, identify the behaviors that build (or erode) it, and provide practical strategies you can apply immediately to strengthen board relationships and governance effectiveness. More info/register.

Host: OnBoard

Speaker: Andrew Sykes, founder and CEO of Habits at Work

Wed 3/18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Workforce Trends That Will Impact Your Candidate Demand in the Next 5 Years (Washington DC)

Hear about workforce trends over the next 5 years and how your program can continue to attract new candidates. Panelists will discuss a variety of factors that impact your future candidates, including education, state and federal legislative initiatives, legal influences, economic factors, and changing demographic and geographic trends. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.

Host: Certification Network Group

Speakers:

Sandy Hogg (moderator), Director or Business Development, ITS
Andre T. Allen, Chief Business Officer, Human Resource Certification Institute
Isabelle Gonthier, Chief Assessment Officer, ETS & PSI
Angela Macauley, President & CEO, National Board for Occupational Therapy
Roy Swift, Recently Retired, Former Executive Director, Workcred

Wed 3/18 at 12 p.m. – Behavioral Scoring That Works – Reimagining Lead Scoring for Modern Member Journeys

Traditional lead scoring models sometimes reward the wrong behaviors or worse, collect dust and never get updated at all. Today’s member and buyer journeys are non-linear, omnichannel, and heavily driven by micro-engagements. Learn how to build dynamic scoring models that reflect real-world behaviors across email, web, content, events, and community interactions. Understand what to score, what to ignore, and how to use scoring to drive timing, segmentation, and campaign prioritization. More info/register.

Host: HighRoad Solutions

Speaker: Maneesha Manges, CXO, HighRoad Solutions

Wed 3/18 at 12 p.m. – Charting Your Course: Career Journeys in the Association Space

Not all career paths are linear, and that’s especially true in the association space. Hear how the panel found their way into associations, whether through a mid-career pivot or a first professional role. Attendees will be challenged to think about what is next in their path, whether that be deepening your current role or moving onto something else. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Next Gen

Wed 3/18 at 1 p.m. – From Transactional Sponsorships to Year-Round Partnerships: A Marketing Agency Approach

Learn how to replace the generic prospectus with a consultative discovery process that uncovers sponsor goals, constraints, and budget, so you can propose what they’ll actually buy. Hear about a simple framework for building value-based, customized partnership proposals that move beyond logo placements and one-off event transactions. Discover ways to turn sponsorship into a “team sport” internally by breaking down silos so education, marketing, membership, and leadership all support sponsor success and member value. Explore a blueprint for expanding beyond conference-only sponsorships into year-round partnership opportunities that improve ROI for sponsors and stabilize non-dues revenue. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fonteva

Speaker: Bruce Rosenthal, Strategist, Consultant, and Author, Bruce Rosenthal Associates, LLC

Wed 3/18 at 1 p.m. – The Hidden Tax: What Outdated Technology Is Really Costing Your Association

This isn’t the time to wait for things to settle around AI. In fact, there’s a real cost to waiting on implementing new tech. So, if you need some hard numbers to get you or your leadership sold on advancing your org’s tech stack into the modern age, this webinar is for you. More info/register.

Host: David Schulman, president, Associations Rewired

Wed 3/18 at 1 p.m. – When Boards Change: Building Sustainable Chapter Operations

Explore how organizations are preserving institutional knowledge when leadership transitions every year, reducing volunteer workload so burnout doesn’t become the norm, creating consistent processes across chapters while respecting local autonomy, maintaining financial oversight and reporting clarity, and onboarding new board members quickly so progress doesn’t reset annually. Hear examples of how chapter networks are building operational structures that outlast individual terms, reduce friction during transitions, and support leaders without overwhelming them. More info/register.

Host: Glue Up

Speakers:

Newlyn Wing, Executive Director of National Association of Asian American Professionals Inc
Kyle Sadewhite, Executive Manager at International Association of Advisors in Philanthropy
Eric Schmidt, CEO of Glue Up
Patrick Shanahan, Enterprise Sales Manager at Glue Up

Wed 3/18 at 2:30 p.m. – Accessibility First: Contracting for Events That Welcome Everyone (Event Contracts Exposed!)

Learn what true inclusion looks like in event contracting. Explore how planners can move beyond good intentions and ensure their venue and supplier agreements actively support attendees with visible and unseen disabilities and differences. From accessibility clauses and accommodation language to risk mitigation and supplier accountability, hear about the critical contract considerations that help create events where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and able to fully participate. Because inclusion isn’t just a design decision—it’s a contractual responsibility. More info/register.

Host: Heather Reid, Planner Protect

Guest: Samantha Evans, International Association of Accessibility Professionals

Wed 3/18 at 3 p.m. – How to Make Your Community Migration a Success Story

A community platform migration isn’t just a technical project—it’s a strategic opportunity to transform how your community platform operates and how your customers experience it. Learn about the community migration process, sharing real-world lessons from hundreds of enterprise migration projects. Hear about the key decisions, dependencies, and milestones that most directly impact your timeline, execution, and long-term success. More info/register.

Hosts: Higher Logic and itD

Speakers:

Nicole Saunders, Sr. Director, CX Strategy, Higher Logic
Alan Aisbitt, Head of Community & Customer Strategy, itD

Thu 3/19 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – AWS Imagine for Nonprofits (Oxon Hill, MD)

Hear from nonprofit leaders who are building robust data strategies, and ethical AI frameworks to transform their organizations, while keeping people and purpose at the center of every solution. Learn how modern technology foundations and human-centered AI capabilities are redefining how organizations evaluate their impact, accelerate time to insight, and broaden their reach. Location: Oxon Hill, MD. More info/register.

Host: Amazon Web Services

Thu 3/19 at 10 a.m. – How AI Is Transforming Association Websites

The next-generation website is here, powered by AI that transforms the member experience, surfaces relevant content from across your organization, and makes member support and website management significantly easier for staff. Hear about opportunities for leveraging AI to deliver next-level personalization, provide intelligent search and quick access to relevant content, empower members to find answers 24/7, and dramatically simplify content tasks & governance. More info/register.

Host: Results Direct | RD Mobile

Speakers: Russ Magnuson, CEO; Steve Russell, Solutions Consultant; and Cecilia Satovich, CRO, Results Direct | RD Mobile

Thu 3/19 at 11 a.m. – How to Make the Most of LMS Demo Day

ASAE’s LMS Demo Days will showcase a range of learning platforms designed for associations. The challenge is knowing how to evaluate what you’re seeing. When every system promises engagement, automation, seamless integrations, and advanced reporting, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially if technology isn’t your primary focus. Without a clear plan, you can leave with more information, but less confidence. This pre-event session is designed to help you create clarity before Demo Days begin. More info/register.

Hosts: Moira Edwards and Rhoni Rakos, Ellipsis Partners

Thu 3/19 at 11 a.m. – Why Cookie Compliance Is No Longer “Just a European Issue”

Learn why cookie compliance matters for US association websites—particularly those serving multi-state or international audiences—and where many current consent implementations fall down. Hear about practical examples of common issues, modern best practices, and tactics to improve consent in a way that builds user trust and reduces unnecessary risk, without adding complexity. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Rob Kaighn, Director, US & Global Partnerships, and Chris Menez, Senior Data Analyst, Cantarus

Thu 3/19 at 12 p.m. – Ready for Management: How to Interview Before You Have the Title

You’ve led projects. You’ve trained new hires. You’ve stepped up when your manager was out. But when you apply for a management role… you hit: “Must have prior management experience.” Learn about the four signals hiring managers actually look for, how to answer “You haven’t managed before — why are you ready?”, and how to frame influence, ownership, and strategic thinking. More info/register.

Host: Careers in Nonprofits

Thu 3/19 at 1 p.m. – B2B Distribution: How Learning Businesses Can Capitalize on Their Catalog

Explore how learning businesses are approaching B2B sales and multitenant learning distribution in practice—offering education to organizations, partners, or employers rather than only to individual learners. Examine how organizations, like the National Restaurant Association, are using existing catalog assets to support B2B distribution and what it takes to make those efforts pay off. More info/register.

Host: Leading Learning

Speakers:

Tommy Fagan, National Restaurant Association
Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders of Tagoras and Leading Learning
Tamer Ali of Authentic Learning Labs

Thu 3/19 at 1 p.m. – What’s Normal for Nonprofit Reserves? | Using Peer Benchmarking to Support Better Financial Decisions

Heara about a practical way to think about reserves and investments without needing expert-level investment knowledge. Explore how to use peer benchmarking to provide additional context, with a focus on insights from Raffa’s Study on Nonprofit Investing (SONI) Dashboard. Take away clearer questions to bring to your boards, practical ideas for strengthening policies, and greater confidence in guiding reserve and investment conversations. More info/register.

Host: Raffa Investment Advisers

Speakers: Ryan Frydenlund, CIMA®, CIPM, Director of Operations, and Dennis Gogarty, CFP®, AIF®, Co-Founder & President, Raffa Investment Advisers

Thu 3/19 at 1 p.m. – Unlocking Program Health: Using Data to Strengthen Credentialing Programs

Explore how metrics like pass rates, reliability, and candidate trends can inform exam updates, recertification policies, and overall program strategy. Learn how to turn program data into better decisions, why strong credentialing programs focus on the right evidence, and how to start using analytics without overwhelming your team. More info/register.

Host: Prolydian

Speakers:

Ian Hembry and David Chen, Quadterion
Michael Mayer, Prolydian

Thu 3/19 at 1:30 p.m. – From Hidden Strengths to Team Success: Neurodiversity in Association Leadership and Events

Hear real-world strategies for identifying and coaching staff toward their strengths, designing events that work for every attendee, hiring and retaining talent with diverse work styles, and creating accommodations that strengthen—not complicate—your team. Neurodiversity isn’t a niche issue. It’s about recognizing that autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, and neurodiverse professionals often bring exceptional focus, creativity, and attention to detail—exactly what great associations and their events require. More info/register.

Hosts: Insight Guide and BJA Solutions for Associations

Speakers:

Lindsay Currie, CAE, Executive Officer, Council on Undergraduate Research
Sharon Heiges Kneebone, IOM, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director American Academy of Pain Medicine
Laurie Kulikosky, CAE, CEO at CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD)
Brian Haney CLTC, CFS, CFBA, CIS, LACP, LUTCF, RFC, CAESVP, Association & Non-Profit Specialist, Relation Insurance Services
Barbara Armentrout, CAE (moderator), BJA Solutions for Associations
Teri Carden (hostess), COO, Insight Guide

Thu 3/19 at 2 p.m. – DISC for Teams: Why Smart Teams Still Miscommunicate (and How to Fix it)

Understanding behavior is one thing – knowing what to do with it at work is another. Get a clear, no-nonsense overview of the DISC behavioral styles and how they show up on real teams. Learn how to recognize different styles, communicate more effectively with each one, and avoid the common friction points that derail collaboration. More info/register.

Host: Whitsell Innovations

Speaker: Stephanie Durbin, Manager of Operations, Whitsell Innovations

Thu 3/19 at 3 p.m. – How to Use AI to Accelerate Your Digital Transformation

Learn how AI can dramatically speed up digital transformation across both websites and applications — from ideation and wireframing to development, testing, SEO, and customer experience. See real-world examples of how AI transforms traditional development cycles into lean, intelligent, and scalable digital systems. More info/register.

Host: Simpalm

Thu 3/19 at 4 p.m. – Reframing Association Strategy for the 2030s

Strategic planning is association management orthodoxy that our organizations can and must discard. Learn why strategic planning undermines associations operating in a BANI world, what “strategy as capacity building” is and what it requires of associations, and how association decision-makers can shift to a “strategy as capacity” building” approach. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Reston Loudoun Swap

Speaker: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First LLC

Fri 3/20 at 1 p.m. – Foresight Fridays, Part 1

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Artesha Moore, CEO of Association Forum
Tori Miller Liu, CEO of AIIM

Tue 3/24 at 3 p.m. – Intro to AI Webinar for Associations and Nonprofits

Host: Sidecar

Speakers:

Erica Salm Rench, CMO, Sidecar
Thomas Altman, Co-Founder, Tasio

Tue 3/24 at 3 p.m. – HerStory Live: Trailblazers in Tech — Then & Now

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers:

Amber Worthen, Chief Executive Officer, Email Maven
Nikki Beidler, Director, E-commerce & Marketing Technology, ASHA
Monica Pemberton, Vice President & CIO, ACE
Cecilia Sepp (moderator), Principal & Founder, Rogue Tulips

Tue 3/24 at 1 p.m. – Cash: It’s All About the King

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Jane-Scott Cantus, Principal Member at ILEX Leadership Associates LLC
Michele Barry, Business Coach at Assured Strategy

Wed 3/25 from 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. – LMS Demo Days

This two-day event features presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer learning management system (LMS) platforms. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Participants: MissionFuel, GrowthZone, MapleLMS, Forj, EthosCE, BenchPrep, TopClass by ASI, OasisLMS by 360 Factor, and Rustici Software

Wed 3/25 at 11 a.m. – Accessibility Isn’t Compliance — It’s a Revenue Engine: How Frictionless Digital Experiences Drive ROI, SEO, and Generational Growth

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Mark Wallach, MBA, CEO Emeritus at Engagement Mobile Strategies

Wed 3/25 at 12 p.m. – Death To PDFs: From Static Documents to Discoverable Knowledge

Hosts: Accella and Betty:AI

Speakers:

Marcus Duhon, Director of Technology Delivery, and Johanna Byrne,
Chief Operating Officer, Betty:AI
Alyssa Hulka, Chief Experience Officer; Kelsey Mills, Senior Website Strategist; and Jason King, President, Accella

Thu 3/26 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – LMS Demo Days

This two-day event features presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer learning management system (LMS) platforms. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Participants: Path LMS by Momentive, D2L, Elevate, and LearnUpon

Thu 3/26 at 1 p.m. – The Belonging Blueprint: What Today’s Members Actually Want—Locally

Hosts: re:Members and Mariner Management

Speakers: Peter Houstle, CEO, and Peggy Hoffman, President, Mariner Management & Marketing

Thu 3/26 at 1 p.m. – Operating Reserves as a Key Indicator of Financial Health

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Paul Preziotti, CPA, Partner, Johnson Lambert LLP
A. Michael Gellman, CPA, CGMA, Co-Founder at Sustainability Education 4 Nonprofits

Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If you offer free professional development to the association community, please send me the link by Wednesday afternoon.

Creative Commons licensed photo by Cristofer Maximilian via Unsplash

Amazon, AssociationBrainFood.com, Association Academy, and Rogue Tulips links allow me to earn a royalty and/or complimentary registration from any resulting leads or sales. Thank you!

Association Brain Food: 3.6.26

The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community

barred owl perched in a tree with bare branches against a gray winter sky

“Experience is the hardest kind of teacher. It gives you the test first and the lesson afterward.” —Oscar Wilde

Good reads for the association community

Professional development competition. LinkedIn Learning has 27 million users, AI-powered recommendations, and courses that show up directly on members’ LinkedIn profiles. Can your association compete with that? TopClass LMS says yes indeed. You have something LinkedIn Learning doesn’t: deep industry expertise, credentials employers recognize, and a real professional community. They describe five strategies for modernizing your learning programs and closing the competitive gap with LinkedIn Learning.

AI agents and your website. First, you had to optimize your website for search, then make it mobile-responsive, and soon you’ll have to make it agent-ready. I first read about Google Chrome’s WebMCP in a LinkedIn post from Gayathri Kher of fusionSpan, who gave the association context I needed before reading this article by Sam Witteveen at VentureBeat. Why the excitement? WebMCP could turn your association’s website from a destination members have to remember to visit into infrastructure woven into their daily work.

Online education. The old model of association education was transactional: the member pays, takes a course, and gets a certificate. GrowthZone argues that model no longer fits how members want to learn. Their report explains how to design programs that bring members back throughout the year with blended learning, social learning, and just-in-time content.

Need a redo on the CAE exam? CAE Exam Redux, a six-week intensive starting March 25 from Rogue Tulips, is designed specifically for candidates who’ve already seen the exam and need to go deeper, not just review the same material again. You’ll build Chief Staff Executive thinking and get a stronger grip on the CAE Body of Knowledge in six 90-minute sessions with a small group. Take $25 off by registering with promo code RTBRAINFOOD.

Membership value. The current benefits-as-a-package membership model assumes value flows from association to member. But James Young at Product Community says real membership value is in member-to-member connections: “from the knowledge they share with each other and the problems they solve together.” Associations leave value on the table and prevent it from being created in the first place when they treat membership as a benefits package rather than a participation system.

New member engagement. After conducting 477 member interviews, Amanda Kaiser learned what first sparks member engagement. The answer was almost never a program or benefit. Nearly always, it was a volunteer leader offering a warm welcome. She shares what she heard in those interviews and why those two-sentence exchanges at registration stick with members for 20 years or more.

Career centers. Most employed members never visit their association’s career center because the messaging essentially says “come back when you lose your job.” On Association Adviser, Naylor’s David Butler makes the case that career centers could be serving members at every stage, not just during transitions. He shows how reframing it around career growth—leadership pathways, mentorship, and reskilling—could turn it into something members use year-round.

Snacks

Three nutritious snacks this week from Wes Trochlil at Effective Database Management. If you have a tech project coming up, don’t forget this: Your staff have day jobs. Just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should: Beware the automated “How did we do?” trap. And the lowest bid or cheapest solution almost always costs more in the long run.

Americans have perfected the art of countertop (bar) cuisine. | Sean Thomas, The Spectator

If Association Brain Food has made a difference in your professional life, please consider supporting my work on it via Buy Me A Coffee/Beer.

You never grow old at the table

Here’s a new recipe we loved: hot honey glazed salmon. I baked it instead of broiling it. This glaze would be great on shrimp too—it was wonderful on roasted sweet potatoes. On the side, leftover veggie pesto.

I was more ambitious than I should’ve been for a Friday night, but it was totally worth it. First I made Nantucket cranberry sauce, which I needed for pork chops with a cranberry herb pan sauce. On the side, steamed green beans tossed with sautéed onion, bacon, sundried tomatoes, and parmesan. I also roasted cubes of butternut squash with cinnamon, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. I’m enjoying the leftover squash with hummus in a wheat tortilla—for breakfast and for lunch.

Another old favorite: polenta with Italian sausages and roasted grapes. The link also includes an easy microwave method for cooking polenta. I know, nonne are rolling in their graves. On the side, a kale and cabbage sauté with bacon, onion, red bell pepper, carrots, garlic, and chicken broth.

Mon 3/9 at 8 a.m.* – The Ethics of Star Wars (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, LPEC, Principal & Founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting

Guest: Craig Polk

*All events are online at Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.

Mon 3/9 at 12 p.m. – Membership Mondays: Breaking Through the Noise

Learn best practices for breaking through the noise with your membership marketing campaigns and see real-life examples that were successful for your peers. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Mon 3/9 at 7 p.m. – Member Insights 2026: Key Findings from Membership Surveys & Benchmarks

Dive into key insights and trends impacting membership growth, retention, engagement, communication strategies, AI, event models, and technology from Associations Forums’ Association Membership & Services Survey 2026, and Higher Logic’s Email, Member Experience, and Community Benchmark Reports. More info/register.

Host: Associations Forum

Speaker: Kelly Whelan, Senior Content Marketing Manager, Higher Logic

Tue 3/10 at 8 a.m. – Stop Planning Events on Autopilot: Make Your Association Convenings Count (Nonprofit Mission: Impact)

Too many nonprofit and association conferences are built around logistics and tradition rather than purpose and participation. In this episode, Lee Gimpel shares practical ways to redesign events so they tap the collective wisdom in the room, strengthen meaningful connections, and deliver value that truly advances your mission. From rethinking keynotes to making networking intentional, this conversation offers simple shifts that can transform your next convening. More info.

Host: Carol Hamilton, Principal, Grace Social Sector Consulting

Guest: Lee Gimpel, Better Meetings

Tue 3/10 at 11 a.m. – Strategy: A Year-Round Process

Learn how a strategic framework can, when properly structured, serve as an organizational nexus and north star; approaches to incorporating strategic practices into regular organizational function; and the volunteer and staff frameworks needed to elevate the strategy potential of an organization. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF, CEO at Vista Cova

Tue 3/10 at 12 p.m. – Tech Tuesday: Protecting Your Tech Stack in an Unstable Vendor Landscape

Is your association ready if a vendor changes direction tomorrow? Join a discussion about building resilience in today’s rapidly changing software landscape. Hear about reducing risk when platforms merge or pivot, maintaining data ownership and portability, and identifying the right questions to ask vendors for true roadmap visibility. Learn practical steps to strengthen resilience across your entire tech stack and leave with a vendor health check framework you can use immediately. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Facilitators:

Reggie Henry, Chief Information and Performance Excellence Officer, ASAE
Dave Coriale, President, DelCor Technology Solutions

Tue 3/10 at 1 p.m. – Execution: You Can’t Scale Chaos

Learn how to develop strategies to grow effectively and efficiently with discipline and intention; design processes that scale as the business grows; identify execution gaps that erode effectiveness and profit margins; and apply communication techniques as a tool to enhance execution. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Jane-Scott Cantus, Principal Member at ILEX Leadership Associates LLC
Michele Barry, Business Coach at Assured Strategy

Tue 3/10 at 2 p.m. – Event Contract Clauses Worth Negotiating in 2026

Hear tips for finding win-win solutions in a VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity)-proof contract. Learn how to approach negotiations and relationship-building with a constructive mindset, what is up for negotiation and what will be a harder lift, and what clauses can protect your program from surprises. More info/register.

Host: Smart Meetings

Speakers:

Tyra Warner, CMP, associate professor and department chair of Hospitality and Tourism Management at College of Coastal Georgia
Ginny Davito, founder and chief experience officer with Hotel Contracting Hub

Wed 3/11 at 11 a.m. – How to Define Requirements: What Do You Really Need…and Why? (Office Hours for LMS Buyers)

Learn how to capture and prioritize your functional, technical, and learning experience needs, and use our Adaptive LMS Requirements Survey to simplify stakeholder input and build a viable set of requirements that support your shortlist and RFP. More info/register.

Host: Talented Learning

Speaker: John Leh, CEO and Lead Analyst at Talented Learning

Wed 3/11 at 12 p.m. – Earning Attention: A Television Producer’s Take on Association Content (Association Amplified LIVE)

Associations create a lot of content—but not all of it earns attention. This conversation brings an outside lens to that problem, exploring what broadcast instincts can teach associations about deciding what actually deserves their members’ attention. More info/register.

Host: TaleWind Digital

Guest: Carolyn Shomali, television producer with 20+ years of experience in live sports, studio programming, and long-form storytelling, and former Director of Content at Professionals for Association Revenue (PAR)

Wed 3/11 at 12 p.m. – Convince Leadership of the Importance of Cybersecurity

Association leaders are under increasing pressure to protect member data, maintain trust, and navigate an escalating cyber threat landscape, yet many organizations still struggle to get cybersecurity prioritized at the executive and board level. Learn why cybercrime has become industrialized — and why associations are prime targets; how ransomware-as-a-service, affiliate networks, and AI-powered attacks are lowering the barrier for criminals; new attack vectors, including AI prompt injection and risky browser extensions; the real financial and reputational consequences of a breach; how to frame cybersecurity as a leadership and governance responsibility; what a right-sized cybersecurity assessment should deliver; and examples of high-value, low-cost controls that dramatically reduce risk. More info/register.

Host: Brian Scott, President / CTO / CISO, ClearTone Consulting LLC

Wed 3/11 at 12:30 p.m. – Credentialing in the 2020s and Beyond | Modernization, Globalization, and Legalization

Learn about recent changes to NCCA / ISO accreditation standards, challenges that credentialing programs are facing today, and how to smartly grow your credentialing brand internationally. More info/register.

Host: Element AMS

Speakers:

Sheetal Tiwari, founder of Global Certification Partners
Mark Franco, nonprofit legal expert at Rimon Law

Wed 3/11 at 1 p.m. – More Than “Meh”: How Web Governance Turns Website Management Into a Strategic Win

Learn how to transform your website into a strategic asset, rather than a catch-all repository, and how the shift from reactive management to a strategic web management delivers measurable value for members and stakeholders. Hear how to implement a web governance framework empowers leadership, aligns competing priorities, advances your mission, and increases member engagement. Take away actionable tools, including a RACI Matrix, practical governance frameworks, and standards and policies that achieve buy-in from your team so everyone is heading in the same direction. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Ray van Hilst, CAE, Vice President of Strategy at Yoko Consulting

Wed 3/11 at 1 p.m. – Project Management for Association Professionals

Learn how to identify the roles and responsibilities of clients and stakeholders to activate engagement throughout the project lifecycle; develop a project plan to manage tasks and meet deadlines, utilizing a no- or low-cost project management tool; activate team commitment through setting expectations and accountability; and create a communication plan to leverage communication among the organization and mitigate barriers to project execution. More info/register.

Hosts: Career Compliance Solutions and Evolve Solutions

Wed 3/11 at 1 p.m. – The Email & Content Engagement Booster Workshop

Hear about the email tactics and content tests that actually move the needle right now. Learn what to update, what to experiment with, and how small subject-line tweaks, segmentation shifts, and content optimizations can turn into big results for your campaigns. More info/register.

Host: Content Marketing Institute

Speaker: Jay Schwedelson, Founder, Subjectline.com

Wed 3/11 at 2 p.m. – Fresh Ideas for Incorporating Wellness Into Meetings

Learn how small shifts can create big impacts, helping participants feel more grounded, engaged and supported. Explore fresh, practical wellness ideas for in‑person events; how to build wellness into the flow of a meeting without disrupting the agenda; and ways to support diverse needs, energy levels and accessibility considerations. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

Ashley Brooke James, wellness strategist and co-founder, Triluna
Johanna Roodt, founder & CEO, Leladijo Consulting BV
Sarah J.F. Braley (moderator), Managing Editor, Northstar Meetings Group

Wed 3/11 at 3 p.m. – We Cannot Flee the Future: Preparing for the 2030s

Learn why association contributors must choose to stand up for their successors’ futures today through intentional learning, short-term sacrifice, and long-term action, and how all stakeholders can work together to navigate sustained turbulence while preparing for the challenges and opportunities of the 2030s. More info/register.

Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First LLC

Thu 3/12 at 1 p.m. – From Content to Intelligence: How Associations Can Turn Member Voices into Actionable Insight

Associations are rich with member stories—from conferences, advocacy efforts, volunteer leadership, and professional practice—but most of that insight never makes it beyond isolated videos or anecdotal feedback. Explore how associations can systematically capture member voices and use AI to transform those stories into usable intelligence. Learn how to scale story collection without adding staff burden, extract themes and insights efficiently, and turn authentic member voices into strategic assets that inform marketing, education, advocacy, and leadership decision-making. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Michael Hoffman, Co-Founder and CEO, Gather Voices

Thu 3/12 at 1 p.m. – From Badge to Business Value: Making Digital Credentials Work for Learners, Issuers, & Employers

Drawing on research from over 500 employers and lessons from renowned credentialing programs in higher education, workforce development, and professional training, hear how to design credentials that are not just earned, but also explained, shared, verified, and valued. Learn how effective programs distribute credentials that are clear and explainable to learners and external audiences; easy to share, discover, and verify; consistent and scalable through strong frameworks and governance; and aligned to outcomes learners and employers care about. More info/register.

Host: Learning Guild

Speaker: Evan Noyes, Account Executive, Accredible

Thu 3/12 at 2:30 p.m. – Reducing Member Attrition with Proactive Strategies

Hear about approaches associations are using to better retain members-what’s working, what hasn’t, and lessons learned along the way. More info/register.

Host: Tradewing

Thu 3/12 at 2:30 p.m. – What Board Members Think Association Community Survey Information Sessions

The What Board Members Think Association Community Survey, presented by Foresight First LLC, is an invitation to association board directors/officers to share their perspectives on board service and help elevate board performance in 2026 and beyond. Please join one of our March 2026 information sessions to learn more about this project, including how your association can benefit from your board’s participation. More info/register.

Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First LLC

Tue 3/16 at 10:30 a.m. – Meditation Skills for Busy Lives

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Meditation leader: Moira Edwards, Owner & President, Ellipsis Partners

Tue 3/17 at 12 p.m. – Partnership Professionals Network Idea Exchange: Strategies for Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorships

Host: Partnership Professionals Network

Speakers:

Bruce Rosenthal, author of the book “Mastering Association Corporate Sponsorships
Dan Kowitz, Founder & CEO of JSB Partnership Consultants

Tue 3/17 at 1 p.m. – A Check-In on the Current Political Landscape’s Impact on Associations

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Joanna M. Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker, Matrix Group International, Inc.
David Jackson, Executive Officer at ASPET
Christopher Glen, Vice President of Public Affairs at The Fertilizer Institute
Mark Franco, Partner at Rimon PC

Wed 3/18 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Workforce Trends That Will Impact Your Candidate Demand in the Next 5 Years (Washington DC)

Host: Certification Network Group

Speakers:

Sandy Hogg (moderator), Director or Business Development, ITS
Andre T. Allen, Chief Business Officer, Human Resource Certification Institute
Isabelle Gonthier, Chief Assessment Officer, ETS & PSI
Angela Macauley, President & CEO, National Board for Occupational Therapy
Roy Swift, Recently Retired, Former Executive Director, Workcred

Wed 3/18 at 1 p.m. – From Transactional Sponsorships to Year-Round Partnerships: A Marketing Agency Approach

Host: Fonteva

Speaker: Bruce Rosenthal, Strategist, Consultant, and Author, Bruce Rosenthal Associates, LLC

Thu 3/19 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – AWS Imagine for Nonprofits (Oxon Hill, MD)

Host: Amazon Web Services

Thu 3/19 at 11 a.m. – Why Cookie Compliance Is No Longer “Just a European Issue”

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Rob Kaighn, Director, US & Global Partnerships, and Chris Menez, Senior Data Analyst, Cantarus

Thu 3/19 at 1 p.m. – B2B Distribution: How Learning Businesses Can Capitalize on Their Catalog

Host: Leading Learning

Speakers:

Tommy Fagan, National Restaurant Association
Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders of Tagoras and Leading Learning Tamer Ali of Authentic Learning Labs

Thu 3/19 at 1:30 p.m. – From Hidden Strengths to Team Success: Neurodiversity in Association Leadership and Events

Hosts: Insight Guide and BJA Solutions for Associations

Speakers:

Lindsay Currie, CAE, Executive Officer, Council on Undergraduate Research
Sharon Heiges Kneebone, IOM, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director American Academy of Pain Medicine
Laurie Kulikosky, CAE, CEO at CHADD (Children and Adults with ADHD)
Brian Haney CLTC, CFS, CFBA, CIS, LACP, LUTCF, RFC, CAESVP, Association & Non-Profit Specialist, Relation Insurance Services
Barbara Armentrout, CAE (moderator), BJA Solutions for Associations
Teri Carden (hostess), COO, Insight Guide

Thu 3/19 at 4 p.m. – Reframing Association Strategy for the 2030s

Host: ASAE Reston Loudoun Swap

Speaker: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First LLC

Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If you offer free professional development to the association community, please send me the link by Wednesday afternoon.

Creative Commons licensed photo by Hunter Masters via Unsplash

Amazon, AssociationBrainFood.com, Association Academy, and Rogue Tulips links allow me to earn a royalty and/or complimentary registration from any resulting leads or sales. Thank you!

Association Brain Food: 2.27.26

The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community

looking out over tall brown grass to the ocean on a gray day

“Anne sat long at her window that night companioned by a glad content.” —from Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

Good reads for the association community

Chapter member engagement. Members often feel more connected to their chapter than to the national association, but remote work and busy schedules make in-person chapter meetings hard to attend consistently. Clowder explains how a mobile app with dedicated spaces—separate news feeds, discussion forums, and event calendars for each chapter or special interest group—keeps members connected between events and gives volunteer leaders better tools to manage communications.

Education programs. The Apti team talked to John Leh of Talented Learning about what associations can learn from solopreneur training firms, using the real-world example of Alicia Katz Pollock’s QuickBooks training empire—she built 70+ courses and multiple revenue streams as a one-person operation. The post shares eight strategies associations can adapt, from targeting employer partnerships and building subscription models to using AI for content scaling and launching affiliate programs to grow your audience.

Member renewal. Stop the churn! Marketing General Inc. shares nine renewal strategies backed by their Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report data. The guide covers data, research, timing, grace periods, payment options, renewal reminders, and channels, plus a month-by-month renewal schedule.

Association SEO course. Rank higher in Google search results with the Association Search Engine Optimization Certificate Course from Association Academy. Expert-led, on-demand lessons walk you through keyword research, content optimization, site authority, and technical SEO—the practical stuff that translates into real search visibility. You’ll earn five CAE credits and come away knowing how to bring more traffic to your site without paying for ads. Enrollment is $299. Use referral code BRAINFOOD to save $50.

Member surveys. Members rarely give honest answers in surveys because the questions don’t make it safe to do so. In one of the most illuminating posts I’ve read lately, Pamela Wilton writes for Boardroom about HBR research on the psychology of disclosure and what it means for associations. For example, asking about someone’s immediate situation gets far more candid responses than asking about their goals. She also explains how to word questions so that acknowledging challenges feels normal, not risky, and why closing the feedback loop matters.

Association education programs. Continuing education has long served associations as both a core mission and a financial anchor, but that model is under real pressure. Chris Urena of the Endocrine Society writes for ASAE about what associations need to reconsider, including how you define your audience (hint: not just members), price programs, gauge what learners need right now, and decide when to retire offerings that have run their course.

Technology selection. Dennison & Associates covers the six essential sections of an effective RFP and the pitfalls that make qualified vendors bail before submitting proposals. They cover evaluating proposals, assessing implementation fit, calculating multi-year costs, and figuring out whether vendors really understand your challenges.

CAE prep course/study group. Preparing for the May CAE Exam? If you want to pass, take it from this CAE: don’t do it alone and definitely don’t rely on cramming the week before. Through March 18, you can join the Rogue Tulips’ CAE Prep Course + Study Group. You’ll get a study group, course materials, individual guidance, and small-group discussions to support whatever you’re doing on your own. Take $25 off by registering with promo code RTBRAINFOOD.

Your association’s future. After talking with nearly two dozen healthcare association CEOs, Dean West of Association Laboratory has some bad news. Fragmentation—across communities, structures, strategies, messages, and cultures—will kill associations, especially if professionals and their employers already see you as an optional line item.

Snacks

ChatGPT sells out: OpenAI tests ads in ChatGPT at premium rates, while Anthropic markets Claude as ad-free, igniting debate over AI trust and sponsored answers. | Jackie Snow, Quartz

Most workers spend more than three hours per week cleaning up AI workslop. | Allisa Boulette, Zapier

Red Robin is a case study in how to kill a restaurant chain (or any business) from the inside out. | Aakash Gupta

If Association Brain Food has made a difference in your professional life, please consider supporting my work on it via Buy Me A Coffee/Beer.

You never grow old at the table

A weeknight win: orange-glazed salmon. I used navel instead of blood oranges, decreased the brown sugar by half, and used a 1/2 teaspoon each for all the spices. On the side, Brussels sprouts roasted with red onion, bacon, garlic powder, and hot smoked paprika.

On Sunday, I made 20 big meatballs—more than half of them went into the freezer. I served them with marinara over linguine. On the side, a vegetable sauté—yellow squash, zucchini, broccoli stem, onion, red bell pepper, and tomato—tossed in homemade basil pesto from the freezer.

Fri 2/27 at 11 a.m.* – From Search to AI Discovery: A One-Person B2B Inbound Story for Associations

Learn what still works, what needs to evolve, and what to ignore. More info/register.

Host: OasisLMS

Speaker: Samuel Hirsch, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, OasisLMS

*All events are online at Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.

Fri 2/27 at 12 p.m. – What We Stopped Doing: The Hard Decisions Behind Building a Modern Association Tech Stack

Resources—time, people, money, attention—are not infinite. True growth in one area often requires reductions in another. Learn how to identify systems for sunset, decide when programs no longer deliver value, and evaluate processes, workflows, and customizations for inefficiency and drag. Find out how to approach the stakeholders (teams, members, board) about a system that needs to go, make space for honest evaluation, and keep generating buy-in for continuous change. More info/register.

Host: fusionSpan

Speakers:

Edima Elinewinga, Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, Association of Corporate Counsel
Thad Lurie, Senior Vice President of Digital & Technology, AGU
George Breeden, Chief Learning and Innovation Officer, American Society for Microbiology

Fri 2/27 at 3:15 p.m. – Sustainable Leadership in Demanding Times: Preventing Burnout & Building Resilience

Learn how to identify early signs of stress and burnout in themselves and within leadership roles; apply practical stress-management and emotional regulation tools that support daily leadership demands; strengthen personal resilience through adaptive coping strategies that enhance energy, focus, and decision-making; and develop a sustainable leadership approach that supports long-term well-being and organizational effectiveness. 1 CAE credit. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Executive Management Professionals Advisory Council

Speaker: Nadia Paredes, Lecturer, Marital and Family Therapy, Loyola Marymount University

Mon 3/2 at 8 a.m. – Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) for Associations (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, LPEC, Principal & Founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting

Guests: Alyssa Hulka, Kelsey Mills, and Merrik Kressley of Acella

Tue 3/3 at 12 p.m. – Association Tech Trends: Insights from Association Leaders

Each year, ASAE’s Chief Information & Performance Excellence Officer, Reggie Henry, asks association leaders to share the technology challenges and trends shaping their organizations. Hear about the latest findings from emerging tools and integration hurdles to data strategy, AI adoption, and member experience priorities. Get a practical look at what your peers are navigating and what it means for your technology roadmap in the year ahead. More info/register.

Host: Data Analytics Network

Tue 3/3 at 12 p.m. – Managing Event Risk in an Unpredictable World

It’s not just that things are unpredictable, it’s that they are also unusually unstable. Political shifts, economic pressure, changing workforce expectations, and accelerating technology are colliding at once and creating new worlds of risk at our events. Join Beth Surmont of 360 Live Media in a fireside chat with Jeannie Weber, the Smithbucklin SME on event risk management. More info/register.

Host: Smithbucklin

Tue 3/3 at 1 p.m. – Strategy: Crafting the Right Strategy Based on Purpose and Core Values

Learn how to anchor strategy in purpose and core values; differentiate between a growth story and true strategic growth; translate strategy into a clear, memorable statement; and align stakeholders around the organization’s strategic direction. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Jane-Scott Cantus, Principal Member at ILEX Leadership Associates LLC
Michele Barry, Business Coach at Assured Strategy

Tue 3/3 at 4 p.m. – Let’s Chat: Small Staff Associations

Join a discussion about developing governance pipelines and onboarding board members. Topics include: Governance Pipeline & Recruitment Strategy; Election Models & Candidate Development; Preparing the Board, Onboarding, & Setting Expectations; and Offboarding, Evaluation & Succession Continuity. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Small Staff Advisory Committee

Wed 3/4 at 12 p.m. – Rethinking Event Sponsorship for Growth

Hear how to rethink sponsorship strategy by using events as year-round revenue platforms rather than one-time transactions. Learn how to better align sponsor objectives with member engagement, design higher-value sponsorship opportunities, and leverage event technology to deliver measurable ROI that sponsors are willing to pay more for. More info/register.

Hosts: CANRev Collaborative and PheedLoop

Speakers:

Ed Byers, CHRP, CMP, CAE, President, CANRev Collaborative
Mitch Malinsky, Vice President, PheedLoop

Wed 3/4 at 12 p.m. – The Personalization Mirage: What Your Members Aren’t Telling You

Associations say they “know their members,” but most rely on outdated profiles, stale behavioral data, or generic content journeys that no longer reflect what today’s professionals want, need, or expect. Explore how AI-powered personalization is transforming the member experience. Hear how associations use dynamic content signals, adaptive tone, automated summaries, and behavioral insights to deliver experiences tailored to learning style, seniority, accessibility needs, and cultural context. Learn what true personalization looks like, what data it requires, how to ethically deploy it, and how to avoid the pitfalls of fractured systems or biased models. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: AIOT

Speakers:

Adam Hostetter and Johnny Clayton of FUSE Next
Joseph DeMicco of Amplify Industrial Marketing.

Wed 3/4 at 1 p.m. – AI & [Canadian] Associations: Legal Readiness in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Learn about the current state of AI law in Canada and what’s coming soon; key legal risks for associations using AI (internally or through vendors); how to handle donor, financial, and member data responsibly; internal policy essentials: red/yellow/green light AI usage scenarios; contracting with AI vendors: what to watch for and what to ask; and first steps toward responsible AI governance in your organization. More info/register.

Hosts: Wicket and Navio Law

Thu 3/5 at 10 a.m. – Digital Marketing Analytics Starter Pack: Measuring What Matters for Membership Growth (Membership & Marketing Symposium)

Learn how to identify key digital marketing metrics across email, social media, web, and paid ads that signal progress toward membership goals; apply UTM codes and GA4 reporting to track campaign effectiveness and user engagement across channels; translate analytics into strategic insights that answer leadership questions and guide membership-focused decision-making; benchmark performance using internal and external data to refine content and outreach strategies; and build a starter analytics toolkit that supports ongoing evaluation, optimization, and storytelling around member impact. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Julie McDowell, Director, Strategic Communications & Digital Content at College of American Pathologists

Thu 3/5 at 11:15 a.m. – Using AI to Power Smarter Membership and Marketing Strategies (Membership & Marketing Symposium)

Learn how AI is changing membership and marketing strategy, not just speeding up the work; which AI tools are worth paying attention to and how associations are using them; and where strategy needs to shift in response to AI. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Joanna Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker at Matrix Group International

Thu 3/5 at 12:45 p.m. – Members Aren’t Responding—Now What? (Membership & Marketing Symposium)

Learn how to diagnose the real reasons behind poor member engagement using segmentation, messaging, and product-fit frameworks; evaluate member data and campaign performance to identify what’s working—and what’s not—in your marketing strategy; differentiate between symptoms of marketing problems (like low open rates) and underlying product or value gaps within the association; redesign core marketing messages to align with meaningful member needs and motivations, avoiding one-size-fits-all communication; collaborate with peers to create actionable solutions and engagement strategies that can be applied immediately within your organization; and implement a feedback and measurement loop to continuously improve marketing, segmentation, and product relevance over time. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Laura Sparks, Director of Marketing and Communications at American Society of Appraisers

Thu 3/5 at 2 p.m. – There’s Gold in That There Content! The AI Tech Stack to Turn Hidden Assets into a Member Education Goldmine

Learn how to transform archived webinars, papers, and conference content into fresh, high‑value learning products. Hear how AI augments staff capacity, enabling faster content turnaround and scalable education programs powered by your association’s own expertise. More info/register.

Host: 501Works

Speakers:

AJ Sallis, Chief Executive, Intuto
Caitlin Tennant-Brooks, Head of Customer Success, Intuto
James Marquis, CIO, 501Works

Thu 3/5 at 2 p.m. – From Reactive to Strategic: Building a High-Impact Marketing Function in Today’s Associations (Membership & Marketing Symposium)

Learn how to identify and assess common failure points in association marketing teams, including misaligned priorities, lack of strategic clarity, and unclear performance expectations; apply a practical quarterly planning framework that helps teams stay focused, measure what matters, and communicate results to leadership more effectively; and implement strategies to shift the internal perception of marketing—from order-taking to strategic partner—through better goals, reporting, and cross-team collaboration. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Brianne Wheeler, CEO/Owner at Levitate Marketing

Thu 3/5 at 2:30 p.m. – What Board Members Think Association Community Survey Information Sessions

Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First LLC

Thu 3/5 at 3 p.m. – Email 2.0 for Associations: Turning Messages Into Meaningful Engagement

Hear how associations can evolve their email strategy beyond announcements and reminders, turning it into a consistent engagement driver. Learn how to align email with member value, reduce noise, and create messages that feel timely, relevant, and worth responding to. More info/register.

Host: Member Lounge

Speaker: Amber Worthen, Founder and CEO of Email Maven

Tue 3/10 at 11 a.m. – Strategy: A Year-Round Process

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF, CEO at Vista Cova

Tue 3/10 at 1 p.m. – Execution: You Can’t Scale Chaos

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Jane-Scott Cantus, Principal Member at ILEX Leadership Associates LLC
Michele Barry, Business Coach at Assured Strategy

Wed 3/11 at 12:30 p.m. – Credentialing in the 2020s and Beyond | Modernization, Globalization, and Legalization

Host: Element AMS

Speakers:

Sheetal Tiwari, founder of Global Certification Partners
Mark Franco, nonprofit legal expert at Rimon Law

Wed 3/11 at 1 p.m. – More Than “Meh”: How Web Governance Turns Website Management Into a Strategic Win

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Ray van Hilst, CAE, Vice President of Strategy at Yoko Consulting

Wed 3/11 at 3 p.m. – We Cannot Flee the Future: Preparing for the 2030s

Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First LLC

Thu 3/12 at 2:30 p.m. – What Board Members Think Association Community Survey Information Sessions

Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First LLC

Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If you offer free professional development to the association community, please send me the link by Wednesday afternoon.

Creative Commons licensed photo by Alex Talmon via Unsplash

Amazon, AssociationBrainFood.com, Association Academy, and Rogue Tulips links allow me to earn a royalty and/or complimentary registration from any resulting leads or sales. Thank you!

Association Brain Food: 2.20.26

The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community

plump russet-bellied bird perched on a feeder hanging from a tree while the snow comes down

“Music is liquid architecture; architecture is frozen music.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Good reads for the association community

Global education programs. Most associations still serve only their domestic members, even as the global e-learning market keeps growing. TopClass LMS lays out six strategies for taking your online education programs international. They explain how to pick the right markets, adapt content for different cultures and languages, structure pricing for international audiences, and use LMS analytics to figure out what’s working.

AI’s impact on your members. If you haven’t read Matt Shumer’s viral essay on X yet, Lowell Aplebaum of Vista Cova thinks you should. Shumer’s argument: AI capability is accelerating at a pace most people haven’t grasped yet, and the window to get ahead of it is narrowing. Lowell frames it as a board-level strategy conversation: how is AI changing your members’ work and what does that mean for your education and credentialing programs?

AMS implementation. AMS implementation projects go sideways when the wrong people are in the room—or the right people aren’t. re:Members walks you through the five roles every association needs on its implementation team, what each person actually does, and how to handle the inevitable “I don’t have time for this” pushback. Their advice is grounded in 400+ implementation projects, so it’s well worth reading if you’re anywhere in the research or selection process.

Need a redo on the CAE exam? CAE Exam Redux, a six-week intensive starting March 25 from Rogue Tulips, is designed specifically for candidates who’ve already seen the exam and need to go deeper, not just review the same material again. Build your Chief Staff Executive thinking and strengthen your command of the CAE Body of Knowledge in six 90-minute small-group sessions. Take $25 off by registering with promo code RTBRAINFOOD.

Member engagement. On the MemberWise blog, Julia Yerikova of Advanced Communities looks at the psychology of members who stop engaging long before they cancel. She says most associations over-rely on benefits alone when what actually keeps people around is feeling seen, connected, and part of something.

AI and content strategy. Even AI doesn’t like its own work. AI search systems are increasingly deprioritizing AI-generated content in favor of original thinking and firsthand insight, which is good news for those of us who actually read (and write) to learn something. Gev Balyan of Jakka AI makes the case in Fast Company that the next era of AI search will reward content marketers who think the most, not those who publish the most.

Vendor contracts. Ellipsis Partners shows you how to better negotiate contracts and avoid surprises that could cost your association thousands or lock you into unfavorable terms. Their contract checklist covers the areas where associations most often run into trouble—scope, fees, data ownership, renewals, and exit terms. They flag the language to push back on and how to protect yourself from scope creep, surprise costs, and vendor lock-in.

Digital culture. Sherry Budziak of .orgSource says your association might have the best AMS, CRM, and LMS on the market but it will still struggle if the culture around those tools hasn’t changed. She explains what a digital culture actually looks like, what gets in the way, and what to do to fix it. And fix it you must if you want to survive the coming years.

Content strategy. “Can you do a quick blog post on this?” I can imagine for-profit marketers fielding this question way too often, and association mar/comm staff probably do too. If your team spends more time fulfilling content requests than sticking to your strategy, Sara Coggin at Animalz shares tactics from four enterprise content leaders on how to stop being the office vending machine for blog posts and start shaping what actually gets made and why.

Snacks

‘What Board Members Think’ Association Community Survey: background information and link to the survey. | Jeff De Cagna, Foresight First LLC

Books, museums and languages can ‘delay dementia by five years’ | by Eleanor Hayward, The Times

If you need CAE credits, check out Ed Rigsbee’s 37 workshops—nine of them are one-hour Ethics workshops. To qualify for the credits, you have to pass a test.

If Association Brain Food has made a difference in your professional life, please consider supporting my work on it via Buy Me A Coffee/Beer.

You never grow old at the table

This recipe has become one of my favorites: bratwurst, cabbage and white bean skillet. I know, it doesn’t sound that exciting, but I love it. I don’t exactly follow the recipe: I use white beans instead of noodles; omit the bacon; add mushrooms, red bell pepper, and jalapeño pepper; and increase the tomato paste and caraway seeds.

My shipment of linguiça from Gaspar’s Sausage in southern MA came in, so I made pizza on Friday night. Here’s how: spread pizza sauce over the dough—I used store-bought sauce and dough this time; cover with sautéed ground linguiça, onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic; and top the pizza with a mix of mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan. Heaven.

I used to try different banana bread recipes but stopped once I discovered this one from Bon Appétit. The only change I make is using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.

On Sunday, I made Italian stuffed pork loin again, but this time I reduced the salt by half and it was so much better. On the side: broccoli roasted with red onion, garlic powder, and smoked paprika; and roasted sweet potatoes.

Fri at 3 p.m.* – Nonprofit Consultants Collaborative Monthly Networking Meeting

This monthly networking meeting is organized by consultants for full-time consultants who work with non-profits and associations. You don’t have to be an ASAE member to attend. This month’s agenda includes a discussion about Ethics Awareness Month (March), Qiqo tips from Sandra Nam, plus sharing good news, topics, and questions from the group. More info/register.

Organizer: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting

*All events are online at Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.

Mon 2/23 at 8 a.m. – Resilience When an Unexpected Layoff Happens (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, LPEC, Principal & Founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting

Guest: Vanita Murray

Mon 2/23 at 2 p.m. – From Certification to Career Signal: How Associations Build Credentials Employers Trust

According to the 2025 State of Credentialing report, 91% of employers say they look for digital credentials when evaluating candidates. But only 46% say they see them—a missed connection with high stakes for both members and associations. Learn how top associations are responding with new research from 500+ employers. Hear how organizations like the International Association of Privacy Professionals, Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers, and American Board of Emergency Medicine are designing credentials that function as trusted, verifiable career signals. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speaker: Ryan Greives, Senior Director, Brand Marketing, Accredible

Tue 2/24 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. – AI in Action Workshop + Networking Luncheon for Association Leaders (Alexandria VA)

Exclusively for C-level association executives, learn how to build an AI advisor for your association and create your AI roadmap. Location: Alexandria VA. More info/register.

Host: Results Direct | Results Mobile

Speakers:

Reggie Henry, CAE, Chief Information & Performance Excellence Officer, ASAE
Keith Soares, CAE, AAiP, Vice President, Web Strategies, ASAE
Dan Scheeler, CAE, AAiP, COO, Results Direct | RD Mobile
Alex Skinner, CEO & Founder, ReadyIntelligence
Russell Magnuson, AAiP, CEO, Results Direct | RD Mobile
Katie Atkinson, President, Results Direct | RD Mobile

Tue 2/24 at 10 a.m. – ASAE World Cafe: When Do We Take a Position?

Explore how global organizations can thoughtfully navigate expectations to “take a stand.” Examine real-world scenarios, share experiences, and reflect on how mission alignment, member diversity, governance, and reputational risk should inform decision-making. The session will emphasize the value of having a clear framework or policy to guide when to communicate—and when silence may be the more strategic choice. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE International Associations Advisory Council

Speakers:

Susan Mosedale, CAE, Chief Global Engagement Officer, ASIS International
Carrie Abner, CAE, Vice President, Credentials & Standards, International Coaching Federation
Michiel Gen (facilitator), Partner, Exempla

Tue 2/24 at 10:30 a.m. – Meditation Skills for Busy Lives

Take a pause from the busyness and learn simple mindfulness practices to ease stress and reduce the feelings of burnout. These monthly sessions, designed to help you create space in your day, include: 5 minutes to arrive and settle in, 10 minutes of guided meditation practice, and 5 minutes for questions and reflection. Every month, we explore a new area of meditation and introduce a practical skill you can carry with you. These sessions are open to everyone, with no prior meditation experience required. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Meditation leader: Moira Edwards, Owner & President, Ellipsis Partners

Tue 2/24 at 11 a.m. – How to Build/Develop a Podcast to Foster Trust and Engagement Within a Professional Community – Part 4: Sustaining Success and Evolving With Your Audience

Success in podcasting isn’t just about launching—it’s about staying relevant and connected. Explore how to sustain momentum, evolve your content, and grow your podcast alongside your audience. Learn practical strategies for staying inspired, adapting your show to meet changing needs, and turning your podcast into a long-term community asset. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Kate Coffey-Bacon, SVP of Marketing and Strategy, US Transactions Corporation/UST Education
Joanna M. Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker, Matrix Group International, Inc.

Tue 2/24 at 12 p.m. – Member Spotlights That Build Community

Learn how to design and run a member spotlight program that boosts visibility, celebrates your community, and strengthens your culture—without adding extra work to your team. Find out how to build a repeatable member spotlight process, choose spotlight formats that drive real engagement, and turn spotlights into culture-building assets. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: GrowthZone

Speaker: membership expert Leona Scott

Tue 2/24 at 1 p.m. – Chapter Benchmark Insights That Matter Now

How can insights from re:Members and Marine Management’s latest chapter benchmarking survey inform decisions in the months ahead? Associations already have the data the question is what to do with it. Hear about the latest benchmark findings and how they can inform smarter decisions in the months ahead, from technology investments to member engagement strategies. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Hosts: re:Members and Mariner Management

Speakers: Peggy Hoffman and Peter Houstle, founders, Mariner Management

Tue 2/24 at 1 p.m. – Survey Says! Vendor Relationships Healthy and Positive

Dive into the results of the 2024 and 2025 Vendor Engagement Survey. Explore the sentiments and predictions of association executives and event planners: what’s driving strong vendor partnerships, how organizations are maintaining engagement and generating new sales, what offerings are making the biggest impact, and where sales are declining. Hear about what’s working across the industry and where there’s room to improve. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Teri Carden, Chief Operating Officer, Insight Guide

Tue 2/24 at 2 p.m. – Healthcare Hot Topic: Using AI at Work

Which areas of your association’s work (member engagement, marketing, education, events, SEO) have you piloted or discussed using AI for improvement? What challenges, risks or ethical considerations have surfaced around adopting AI in your organization? How are you helping staff and leadership stay current with rapidly evolving technologies? More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Healthcare Community Cafe

Wed 2/25 from 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. – Marketing Technology Demo Day

Tasked with finding the right marketing technology systems for your organization? Wondering what platforms are out there and what features you should be looking for? Experience seven in-depth demos from industry partners that are standing by ready to help. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Participants: Blend Interactive, fusionSpan, Showcare, GrowthZone, rasa.io, Higher Logic, Map Your Show, Aplusify, and Click

Wed 2/25 at 11 a.m. – Is the Data in the Room With Us? Channeling Association Data Into One Place

Explore why data silos exist in associations and how bringing data together without replacing existing systems can improve clarity, collaboration, and insight. This practical, non-technical session focuses on aligning people and processes first, helping teams create a shared view of their data and turn disconnected information into actionable analytics. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Gil Gonzalez, Director of Events at EVA – Event Tech Ecosystem

Wed 2/25 at 12 p.m. – Climate Action for Associations Launch in America

Join the Climate Action for Associations (CAFA) in America Launch webinar to explore how professional and trade associations can lead meaningful climate action, reduce emissions, and support decarbonization across America. Learn about CAFA and hear from association and industry leaders and connect with a growing global network driving collective climate impact. More info/register.

Host: Climate Action for Associations

Speakers:

Scott Breen and Roxi Sharif from the Can Manufacturers Institute
Christopher Hancock from Destination Canada
Tanya Popeau from the Professional Convention Management Association
Stephanie Jones from the Water Environment Federation
Jennifer Sproul from the Institute of Internal Communication
Mary Ntamark from the International Marine Contractors Association.

Wed 2/25 at 12 p.m. – Digital Governance: Technology’s Role in Modernizing Nonprofit Board Operations

Discover how technology can revolutionize nonprofit board operations for increased efficiency and impact. Examine the crucial role of digital governance in reshaping how boards operate today. Dive into strategies that enhance decision-making and transparency in an ever-evolving landscape. Join us to explore these insights and discover how to implement effective digital solutions within your organization. More info/register.

Host: Nexus Marketing Agency

Speakers:

Andrew Abrams, Senior Strategy Consultant at Heller Consulting
Katie Alexander, Account Executive at OnBoard
Kyle Ungerman, Director of Partnerships at Crowded

Wed 2/25 at 1 p.m. – The Strategic Alliance: How CEOs and Board Chairs Build Trust, Alignment, and Impact

Learn how to clarify the distinct and shared roles of the CEO, board chair, and board to strengthen trust, alignment, and leadership effectiveness; assess the health of your current CEO–Chair–Board partnership using practical indicators of communication, decision flow, and strategic alignment; apply proven frameworks and conversation tools to elevate collaboration, navigate tension productively, and strengthen board engagement; and design intentional leadership rhythms and touchpoints that support clarity, momentum, and strategic progress throughout the year. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fonteva

Speaker: Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF, CEO, Vista Cova

Wed 2/25 at 1 p.m. – Cost-Savings Strategies: From Cuts to Creativity

Learn how to identify and eliminate hidden costs that can inflate event budgets; apply creative cost-saving techniques without compromising attendee experience or quality; negotiate smarter with hotels and vendors to maximize value; demonstrate ROI, ROE and ROO through strategic budgeting and cost communication; translate savings into stakeholder impact, showcasing fiscal responsibility and results; and gain confidence in building leaner, more effective budgets that drive measurable success. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: Robyn Mietkiewicz, Innovation Partner, INNOV8 Meetings + Events

Wed 2/25 at 2 p.m. – Making Your Event a ‘Must-Attend’

Learn new ways to boost early registration and generate FOMO around your gathering; how small changes to the agenda can have a big impact on the value delivered; and tips for helping attendees justify the time and cost of attending. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

Constance Samuels, Senior Vice President of Events, Opportunity Finance Network
Elise Schoening (moderator), Editor, Meeting News; Senior Editor, Northstar Meetings Group

Wed 2/25 at 2 p.m. – Finance and Business Operations (FBO) Meet Up

Bring your pressing problems and share experiences and potential solutions in an engaging conversation with your colleagues. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Finance and Business Operations Professionals Advisory Council (including HR)

Thu 2/26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – How to Design a Product Portfolio

In this outcome-based workshop, learn how to define and describe the indispensability of a product portfolio; analyze and map your current offerings; organize your offerings into a high-level product portfolio; identify interdependencies and find new value for your membership; use your portfolio as a strategy, planning, or budget tool; and keep your portfolio updated and timeless. More info/register.

Host: James Young, founder, Product Community

Thu 2/26 at 12 p.m. – Transforming Association Marketing Through AI

According to AIIM, 88% of associations use AI for content creation, and 44% use it for data analysis. As AI begins to transform association marketing, leaders must decide how to balance rapid innovation with brand integrity. Hear the perspectives and experiences of association marketing professionals regarding responsible AI adoption. Learn how to create frameworks to protect member trust while scaling high-quality marketing content and confidently use AI to enhance your marketing efforts—without compromising the voice and values your members trust. More info/register.

Host: Association Xchange

Speakers:

Jay S. Daughtry, M.Ed (moderator), Chief Communications Officer/Owner, CQbd
Kellie Bove, IOM, CAE, Vice President, Marketing & Branding, American Dental Education Association
Kelly Henseler, Marketing Director, International Council on Systems Engineering
Curtis Kitchen, CAE, Director of Marketing, Society for Simulation in Healthcare
Dr. Catherine Lada, CAE, AAiP, Chief Marketing & Membership Officer, American Alliance of Orthopaedic Executives

Thu 2/26 at 12 p.m. – Betty:UNFILTERED! How We Failed – 12 Months of Mistakes at Betty

Innovation is rarely a straight line, and at Betty, the last year was full of sharp turns, “aha” moments, and—to be completely honest—some significant missteps. We believe that the best way to move forward is through radical transparency, which is why we’re opening up the hood to show you what didn’t work, what we learned, and how we pivoted. Hear stories and lessons learned from 12 months of building, scaling, and occasionally breaking things, including the product assumptions that missed the mark, the implementation hurdles we didn’t see coming, and the pivots that ultimately shaped the intelligent assistant you use today. More info/register.

Host: Betty AI

Thu 2/26 from 12 to 3:15 p.m. – Event Professionals Now: The Big Event

Get fresh outlooks on the 2026 event landscape, actionable insights from real pros, and a blend of innovation, tech, wellness, and audience experience design, all rooted in what event leaders need now. More info/register.

Host: Event Professionals Network

Thu 2/26 at 1 p.m. – Principled Living: How Ten Nonprofit Director Duties and Rules Make Practical Guidelines for Daily Decision-Making

Nonprofit directors are routinely guided by rules and principles that offer practical value beyond the boardroom. Learn about ten core nonprofit director duties and governance rules—including the duties of care, loyalty, and obedience, and the business judgment rule—and the underlying decision-making frameworks they establish to personal conduct. Through applied examples and brief scenario analysis, find out how these governance standards can improve personal accountability, judgment, and outcomes. 1 CAE ethics credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Mark Franco, Partner at Rimon PC

Thu 2/26 at 2 p.m. – Benchmarking Association Financial Performance: A First Look at ASAE’s New Operating Ratios

With the release of ASAE’s new and improved Association Operating Ratios Report, association executives have a new, more powerful benchmarking tool at their disposal. Get a sneak peek at the latest operating ratios data, including longitudinal trends available for the first time. Hear about what’s new in the report, key insights emerging from the data, and how associations can use operating ratios to assess financial health, efficiency, and sustainability over time. Learn how to interpret key ratios, identify meaningful peer comparisons, and apply benchmarking insights to budgeting, resource allocation, and board-level conversations. More info/register (free for ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Nat Bartholomew, CPA, Principal, CLA
Thomas Nordby, CAE, Principal, Association Industry Segment Leader, CLA
Christin Berry, CAE, Vice President, Business Analytics & Data Services, ASAE

Thu 2/26 from 3 to 6 p.m. – AWTC Awards Ceremony & Reception (Washington DC)

Join us to celebrate and be inspired at the AWTC Awards Ceremony. Network with women and allies from across the association technology community as we recognize leaders making an impact. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.

Organizer: Association Women Technology Champions

Fri 2/27 at 11 a.m. – From Search to AI Discovery: A One-Person B2B Inbound Story for Associations

Learn what still works, what needs to evolve, and what to ignore. More info/register.

Host: OasisLMS

Speaker: Samuel Hirsch, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, OasisLMS

Fri 2/27 at 12 p.m. – What We Stopped Doing: The Hard Decisions Behind Building a Modern Association Tech Stack

Host: fusionSpan

Speakers:

Edima Elinewinga, Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, Association of Corporate Counsel
Thad Lurie, Senior Vice President of Digital & Technology, AGU
George Breeden, Chief Learning and Innovation Officer, American Society for Microbiology

Fri 2/27 at 3:15 p.m. – Sustainable Leadership in Demanding Times: Preventing Burnout & Building Resilience

Host: ASAE Executive Management Professionals Advisory Council

Speaker: Nadia Paredes, Lecturer, Marital and Family Therapy, Loyola Marymount University

Tue 3/3 at 12 p.m. – Association Tech Trends: Insights from Association Leaders

Host: Data Analytics Network

Tue 3/3 at 1 p.m. – Strategy: Crafting the Right Strategy Based on Purpose and Core Values

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Jane-Scott Cantus, Principal Member at ILEX Leadership Associates LLC
Michele Barry, Business Coach at Assured Strategy

Thu 3/5 at 10 a.m. – Digital Marketing Analytics Starter Pack: Measuring What Matters for Membership Growth (Membership & Marketing Symposium)

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Julie McDowell, Director, Strategic Communications & Digital Content at College of American Pathologists

Thu 3/5 at 11:15 a.m. – Using AI to Power Smarter Membership and Marketing Strategies (Membership & Marketing Symposium)

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Joanna Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker at Matrix Group International

Thu 3/5 at 12:45 p.m. – Members Aren’t Responding—Now What? (Membership & Marketing Symposium)

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Laura Sparks, Director of Marketing and Communications at American Society of Appraisers

Thu 3/5 at 2 p.m. – There’s Gold in That There Content! The AI Tech Stack to Turn Hidden Assets into a Member Education Goldmine

Host: 501Works

Speakers:

AJ Sallis, Chief Executive, Intuto
Caitlin Tennant-Brooks, Head of Customer Success, Intuto
James Marquis, CIO, 501Works

Thu 3/5 at 2 p.m. – From Reactive to Strategic: Building a High-Impact Marketing Function in Today’s Associations (Membership & Marketing Symposium)

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Brianne Wheeler, CEO/Owner at Levitate Marketing

Creative Commons licensed photo by Clever Visuals via Unsplash

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The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community

Good reads for the association community

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

Share this:

The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community

Good reads for the association community

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

Share this:

The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community

Good reads for the association community

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

Share this:

The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community

Good reads for the association community

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

Share this:

The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community

Good reads for the association community

You never grow old at the table

Share this:

The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community

Good reads for the association community

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

Share this:

The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community

Good reads for the association community

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

Share this:

The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community

Good reads for the association community

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

Share this: