Association Brain Food: 2.13.26

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

ice-covered trees and bushes in a forest with a trail going off into the distance under a gray sky – inspiration for my weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community

Good reads for the association community

Online education. Association Forum’s December FIRE Report shows what associations lose by underinvesting in online education. Apti expands on the report’s strategies for fixing this gap, such as building year-round learning ecosystems, creating career pathways with stackable credentials, owning the AI training space in your industry, and proving ROI beyond satisfaction surveys.

Award press releases. OpenWater explains how to write award press releases that journalists actually open. They break down the seven elements journalists need, plus provide sample structures, headline formulas, email pitch strategies, and distribution tips for getting winners to help spread the news without creating more work for your team.

Association AI course. The Association AI Accelerator Certificate Course from Association Academy is a 10-week intensive for association professionals. This program covers advanced prompting for text and imagery, building custom GPTs, navigating AI ethics, and more. In live weekly classes led by Chris Gloede, CAE, you’ll learn how to use AI tools and strategies to make your work more efficient and your content more engaging—all while earning up to ten CAE credits (including one ethics credit). Save $50 by using the referral code BRAINFOOD.

Online learning revenue. D2L explains which types of online learning programs generate the most revenue, how to monetize them, and why three-quarters of associations are increasing their learning budgets this year. They also examine how associations are rebuilding their membership models around these programs and what implementation challenges they’re facing. If you treat education purely as a member benefit, this data might change your strategy.

Membership value. Jamie Green from ContentOvation writes for ASAE about the engagement gap driving membership declines. The problem is associations are no longer the default hub for connection and learning in their industries. He says associations must earn engagement repeatedly in ways that matter to each member and make membership part of their professional identity or daily work.

AI adoption. Inspired by his time speaking in Florence, Brian Solis writes about what he calls an Enterprise RenAIssance—companies actually become intelligent rather than just sprinkling AI on old processes. He suggests choosing one thing that would truly set you apart, then, using AI, redesign your work around it. Instead of replacing people with AI, promote them into “above-the-loop” roles where they oversee the work, make the calls, and innovate.

Event marketing. ExpoLogic shares advice, backed up by their research, for event marketing from registration through post-event follow-up. Their guide covers social proof, early bird campaigns, personalized marketing, landing pages, abandoned registrations, post-event surveys, and more. It’s worth downloading if your event registrations have been disappointing or if, like many, you worry they might be.

Content marketing. Superpath’s Jimmy Daly wrestles with a frustrating reality: SaaS blogs stopped being worth reading when companies made SEO the top priority. But he still thinks content matters—and so do I. Creating long-form content keeps your storytelling muscle strong, signals legitimacy to prospects (especially enterprise buyers), and influences what people find in search and LLMs.

2026 action items. Joanna Pineda from Matrix Group shares what her team saw in 2025, what they think is coming in 2026, and what your association can do about it. They cover AI moving from optional to essential, associations making small, data-informed changes instead of waiting for full redesigns, and why community will be the thing that sets you apart when AI can answer most questions faster than your website.

Snacks

Today’s the last day to participate in the 2026 Membership Marketing Benchmarking Survey. Check out last year’s report so you can see how valuable the data is, then take this year’s survey. | Marketing General Inc.

Apply for a $500 CAE scholarship from the ASAE Foundation: details here.

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

I made this a few years ago and forgot about it, but boy is it ever good: slow-roasted gochujang chicken and potatoes. I used bone-in thighs instead of a whole chicken so it cooked in less than half the time. At the end, I broiled it until the skin got crispy, took the chicken out of the pan and the garlic cloves out of their skins, and then broiled the potatoes and garlic for a few minutes more.

On the side, collard greens sautéed with bacon, onion, red bell pepper, dried figs, and Better Than Bouillon ham broth. I added the figs for a hit of sweetness and something different.

I brought smoked gouda and ground chorizo-stuffed jalapeños to a Super Bowl party and they were a hit, as usual. You can’t go wrong with this recipe as long as you remove all the seeds and as much of the ribs from the peppers as you can.

For an easy weeknight meal, I pulled Christmas Eve calamari sauce out of the freezer to serve over rigatoni. On the side, broccoli roasted with red onion, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

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.

Tue 2/17 at 11 a.m.* – How to Build a Podcast to Foster Trust and Engagement Within a Professional Community – Part 3: Growing Your Audience and Engagement

You’ve launched your podcast—now what? This session dives into the marketing and engagement strategies that help podcasts grow and thrive. Learn how to promote your episodes, build a loyal audience, and encourage interaction across platforms. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Kate Coffey-Bacon, SVP of Marketing and Strategy, US Transactions Corporation/UST Education
Brad Prendergast, MVP, Vice President of Product Development at Tigunia
Kristoffer Ruyeras, Vice President at Tigunia

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

Tue 2/17 at 12 p.m. – Aligning Association and Component Strategy (CRVM Crunch and Munch)

Join a discussion about practical approaches to ensuring components are meaningfully connected to the association’s strategic goals and objectives. Explore key considerations for aligning component activities with association-wide priorities, effective ways to engage components in strategy development and implementation, and structures and practices that foster shared accountability and cohesion. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Component Relations Volunteer Management Advisory Council

Facilitator: Catherine Wasner, Founder and Lead Consultant, The Next Page Consulting, and Executive Director, T200

Tue 2/17 at 1 p.m. – Developing Member & Volunteer Roadmaps for Your Association

Explore how associations can build effective member and volunteer roadmaps to strengthen engagement, retention, and leadership development. Using research-backed onboarding strategies and real case studies, learn how to create personalized touchpoints, guide members into meaningful involvement, and measure engagement through actionable metrics. Take away practical steps to improve new member onboarding and support volunteer growth. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Jordan Burghardt, Director of Member Engagement, and Gina Florzak, Director of Marketing Communications, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Tue 2/17 at 3 p.m. – Q1 ASAE Consultant Community Call

Take a deep dive into ASAE Solutions HQ, an enhanced platform designed to deliver greater visibility, deeper engagement, and smarter connections between industry partners and association professionals—you receive a complimentary listing with your Consultant Membership. More info/register (ASAE consultant members only).

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Teri Carden, Chief Operating Officer, Insight Guide
Dean West, Chair, ASAE Key Consultant Committee, and founder/CEO, Association Laboratory

Wed 2/18 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. – Marketing for the Next Generation: Engaging Tomorrow’s Professionals Today (Chicago IL)

Hear how to attract, engage, and retain the Next Generation of professionals through innovative marketing and learning strategies. This interactive session will feature a panel of experts discussing how organizations can evolve their approach to certifications, micro-credentials, and professional development to align with the expectations and behaviors of emerging professionals. Learn how leading companies and credentialing bodies are creating ecosystems of learning, assessment, and growth that resonate with digital-native audiences. Location: Chicago IL. More info/register.

Host: Certification Network Group

Speakers:

Missy Pydo (moderator), VP and Managing Director, Global Strategy, Prometric
Pam Rosenberg, CAE, Sr. Director, Learning Shared Services, American College of Rheumatology
Liz Wannemacher, Sr. Director of Product and Growth Marketing, National Restaurant Association
Jeffery Moss, Founder and CEO, Parker Dewey
Jessica Heraty, Director of Marketing, Association for Supply Chain Management
Aleese Eckenrode, Sr. Director, Professional Development, National Association for Healthcare Quality

Wed 2/18 at 11 a.m. – Deep Dive: 2026 Membership Performance Benchmark Report

What’s the #1 reason members don’t renew? How does your member engagement compare to your peers? How are other industry leaders increasing their revenue? Hear about all this and more in a deep dive into the 11th annual Membership Performance Benchmark Report, which includes insights from more than 400 association and membership professionals worldwide. Learn the most effective new-member recruiting strategies; why members don’t renew and the method 70% of respondents use to win them back; the biggest obstacles your peers are facing in 2026; and this year’s top revenue sources, aside from membership fees. More info/register.

Host: iMIS by ASI

Wed 2/18 at 12 p.m. – Now What? Reinventing an Association

When the landscape shifted and a major source of revenue disappeared, many would have seen it as a crisis too big to overcome. But this association chose to redefine its value, deepen its mission, and transform how it serves its members. This is the story of how a pivot became a platform for long-term relevance and resilience. Hear how Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science is reinventing itself. More info/register.

Host: Zzeem Consulting

Speakers:

Christine Nielsen, CEO, Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science
Erin Roberts, Zzeem partner and association executive

Wed 2/18 at 12 p.m. – Managing Risk in the 2026 Election Year: Considerations for Nonprofits

An election year offers nonprofit organizations tremendous opportunities to shape debate and engage an activated electorate. But especially as the nonprofit sector navigates a heightened political environment, many organizations pause over how to pursue these opportunities while complying with the limits and restrictions of their tax status and campaign finance laws. Learn how to navigate common election-year activities—including voter education, engaging with candidates and officeholders, and the personal political activities of employees—with advice on the rules and best practices to keep your organization compliant. More info/register.

Host: Venable LLP

Speakers: Meredith McCoy, Partner, and David Owens, Counsel, Venable LLP

Wed 2/18 at 2 p.m. – Make Your Fly-In Matter: A Strategic Reset

Explore what’s changed inside legislative offices, where fly-ins quietly lose impact, and what signals credibility, follow-up, and success in 2026. Get renewed clarity on what still matters, what needs adjusting, and which small shifts can strengthen fly-in effectiveness without rebuilding your approach from scratch. More info/register.

Host: VoterVoice

Wed 2/18 at 2 p.m. – Marketing After AI: How Content Health Determines Who Wins in 2026

As AI becomes the primary interpreter of brand content, traditional marketing metrics and workflows are breaking down. Explore why content health is becoming the non-negotiable KPI for modern marketing teams, how the marketer’s role is shifting from content creator to high-impact curator, and what it takes to reduce crippling content debt before it undermines visibility and trust. Get a 90-day action plan to restructure content as an enterprise asset, built to perform in an AI-driven discovery landscape. More info/register.

Host: Content Marketing Institute

Speakers: Alex Stark, Product Marketing Manager, and Brandon Watts, Director of PR & Communications, Storyblok

Wed 2/18 at 3 p.m. – Impossible to Ignore: Advocacy Powered by Human Stories

Lawmakers respond to real stories, real people, and real experiences. The organizations that win in 2026 will be the ones that know how to capture those stories and deliver them in compelling, modern ways. Learn how to collect authentic advocate stories that resonate with lawmakers, turn those stories into interactive digital campaigns, and use video messaging and advertising to capture attention and grab lawmakers’ attention. More info/register.

Host: Quorum

Wed 2/18 at 3 p.m. – Open Forum for Association CEOs: Skills for the Future of Work

Skills training and development are essential components of many associations. In a time of rapidly changing work landscapes, and especially as AI continues to reshape roles and expectations, how can we ensure we’re providing the skills our staff and members need to thrive? Engage in a peer-to-peer conversation about the skills that matter most for us as leaders, the professional association staff teams we lead, and the industries and professions we serve. More info/register (ASAE member association CEOs only).

Host: ASAE

Facilitator: Leslie Hortum, Partner, Association Practice Leader, Spencer Stuart Executive Search

Thu 2/19 at 11 a.m. – Embracing AI with Confidence: Practical Steps for Nonprofit Leaders

Learn how to start using MS Copilot in your organization right away. Hear about the differences between Free and Licensed Copilot, simple guidance on costs and security, how to get started, how to pick your trial team, and what kinds of real productivity gains you can expect. Get sample prompts and concrete use cases drawn directly from day‑to‑day nonprofit work. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Michael Getter, CSM, CSPO, ITIL v4, Head of Technology, American Alliance of Museums
Galina Kozachenko, Managing Director, Organizational Strategy and Performance at Association for Financial Professionals

Thu 2/19 at 11 a.m. – The new meeting revolution: Why meetings are becoming the #1 growth lever for events

Content is no longer the primary reason people attend events, connection is. Event organizers are moving away from “hope-based networking” toward data-driven, “intentional networking”. These organizer-arranged meetings have emerged as the single most powerful tool for driving new revenue streams, retention and exhibitor ROI. Learn how the world’s most successful event organizers are transitioning to become expert matchmakers, and why scheduled meetings are the key to unlocking new sources of growth. More info/register.

Host: Grip

Speakers:

Sophie Wawro, CEO & Founder, For Real Events
Nadira Ramatally, Marketing Director, Clarion Events

Thu 2/19 at 12 p.m. – Looking Forward 2026 Impact: First Look at Trends and Analysis

Hear about data from Looking Forward 2026 Impact, the most current and comprehensive examination of 75 critical factors affecting association members and the potential impacts on association strategy. The research includes coverage of economic, information and technology, workforce, government, global, and stakeholder perceptions. Learn about the factors impacting association strategy, what associations are doing to strategically adapt, and how to use custom reporting to facilitate conversations that are unique to your board or staff with access to the complimentary Looking Forward Dashboard, which houses three key studies of the association sector—Impact, Challenges and Solutions. More info/register.

Host: Association Laboratory

Speakers:

Dean West, founder and President, Association Laboratory
Nikki Golden, CAE, Managing Director, Association Laboratory
Tiffany Swanigan, CAE, Vice President of Operations, Society of Women Engineers
Heidi Weber, MBA, CAE, Executive Director, Ohio Osteopathic Association

Thu 2/19 at 12 p.m. – The Expert Advantage: Using High-Authority Content to Drive Member Acquisition

Establishing your organization as the definitive source of truth is the fastest way to turn casual readers into committed members. Hear about the strategy behind using deep, authoritative content to showcase your association’s unique value proposition. For associations competing for attention, providing actionable expert knowledge is often the deciding factor in professionals’ choice of where to belong. Explore practical ways to source, package, and distribute the kind of high-level intelligence that drives recruitment numbers up. More info/register.

Host: Nexus Marketing

Thu 2/19 at 12 p.m. – The Rise of the Roundtable: Why Smaller Events are In

Big conferences aren’t disappearing—but smaller, more intentional events are taking the lead. Join this session to learn why roundtables and intimate gatherings are driving better conversations, stronger relationships, and real business impact—and how to run them without adding more work. More info/register.

Host: Zuddl

Speakers: Stephanie Christensen, Event Marketing Leader, and Ashley Keating, Head of Global Events & Field Marketing, Zuddl

Thu 2/19 at 12 p.m. – Navigate Saying No

In high-pressure work environments, the inability to say no often leads to burnout, diluted focus, and missed deadlines. Learn how to transform boundary-setting from a source of anxiety into a professional superpower. Explore the psychology of people-pleasing and get a toolkit of diplomatic, high-integrity scripts. Learn how to protect your time, manage upward expectations, and say no to the “good” so you can say yes to the “great.” 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Lori Bruhns, Career Coach, Lori Bruhns, LLC
Mariama S. Boney, LMSW,CAE, CPEC, CTS, CEO, Achieve More LLC

Thu 2/19 at 12:30 p.m. – Designing for Durable Learning: Applying Learning Science to Drive Sustained Member Engagement

Today’s members are overwhelmed, distracted, and short on time, making it harder than ever for professional development programs to hold their attention. Learn how to design engaging learning experiences informed by proven concepts such as the Forgetting Curve, Spaced Repetition, Confidence-Based Learning, Learning Pathways, and more. Explore how these concepts can be applied across the full learner journey, from certification prep to continuing education and professional development. More info/register.

Host: .orgCommunity

Speakers: Evan Burton,Head of Growth, and Claudine Townley, Director, Customer Success, BenchPrep

Thu 2/19 at 1 p.m. – When Partnerships Create Real Value: Lessons from Two Associations

Hear from two association learning businesses using partnerships and collaboration to extend reach, diversify revenue, and increase impact.

Learn why they pursued partnerships, what those collaborations look like in practice, and what they’ve learned along the way. From there, we’ll dig into common questions, trade-offs, and decision points learning businesses face when considering collaborative approaches. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Leading Learning

Speakers:

Veronica Diaz, Senior Director of Professional Learning and Development, EDUCAUSE
David Upbin, Vice President of Education and Strategy, Mortgage Bankers Association
Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, Managing Directors, Tagoras and Leading Learning

Thu 2/19 at 1 p.m. – Finding Sponsors for Transformation, Not Activities

Too many purpose-driven organizations struggle with sponsorship not because their work isn’t meaningful, but because it’s framed as a list of programs instead of a catalyst for transformation. Learn why sponsors invest in outcomes, not offerings; how movements create deeper emotional buy-in than programs; what associations can learn from translating mission clarity into strategy; how to articulate transformation in a way sponsors understand and value; and why strong positioning attracts the right partners not just more partners. More info/register.

Host: Lori Zoss Kraska, Founder/CEO of Growth Owl LLC

Guest: Rex Enriquez, Founder of Mission Focused Coaching

Thu 2/19 at 1 p.m. – The Future of Employee Benefits: Practical Strategies for Associations

Explore current health benefit strategies shaping association workplaces. Learn how effective programs can enhance organizational culture, support employee engagement, and align with ethical standards in association management. Hear about innovative and inclusive benefit approaches, practical implementation insights, and how to measure outcomes. 1 CAE credit. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Finance and Business Operations Council

Speakers:

Samantha Rosenberg (moderator), Chief People & Governance Officer, Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine
Spencer Whalen, Vice President, Workforce Solutions, OneDigital
Zack Pace, Senior Vice President, Benefits Consulting, CBIZ

Thu 2/19 at 1:30 p.m. – Elevate Your Events with AI-Powered Tools for Association Meetings Professionals

Explore innovative ways to cut through the complexity of data and tasks to plan and execute unforgettable meetings. Dive into unified cross-channel and cross-departmental communications, the real-world value of engagement scoring, and the transformative AI tools that can supercharge your team’s capabilities. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Hosts: Insight Guide and BJA Solutions for Associations

Speakers:

Donna Page, Sr. Director, Exposition Marketing, AVIXA
Heather Rubenaker, DES, Sr. Manager of Member Programs and Events, OHI
Barbara Armentrout, CAE (moderator), BJA Solutions for Associations
Teri Carden (hostess), COO, Insight Guide

Thu 2/19 at 3 p.m. – Why Association Marketing Feels Harder Than Ever (And How to Fix It)

Learn why association marketing feels increasingly complex and how leaders can simplify their approach without losing impact. Hear practical insights on engagement strategy, digital transformation, and what to prioritize when everything feels urgent. More info/register.

Host: Farhad Khan, CEO at Member Lounge

Guest: Olena Lima, Founder and Principal Consultant at MemberBoat

Thu 2/19 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. – DMV Association Connect Event (Washington DC)

Are you an association professional looking to expand your network, build meaningful connections, and have fun while doing it? DMV Association Connect is a social networking group for professionals in the Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland areas who work for or collaborate with associations.

Location: Washington DC. More info/register.

Organizer: DMV Association Connect

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 10:30 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 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.

Host: re:Members

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

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

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 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

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 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

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 Simon Berger via Unsplash

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Association Brain Food: 2.6.26

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

snow-topped red rock mountains of Zion National Park

A big thanks to the Association Brain Food readers who bought me beers last week—I appreciate your support! If Association Brain Food has made a difference in your professional life, please consider supporting my work via Buy Me A Beer.

Good reads for the association community

Corporate training partnerships. Employers spend money on external training when they don’t have a training team or their team can’t keep up with demand. Revenue’s waiting if your association can step in. TopClass LMS explains how to start small and build trust with companies, and price and pitch three tiers of training partnerships.

Associations as platforms. Johanna Kasper Snider at Blue Cypress reflects on conversations from the CESSE conference about how associations need to rethink their identity. She spotted two themes: associations moving faster (acting like product companies, not publishers) and becoming platforms rather than hubs. This shift means your services and resources become part of members’ daily work. They interact with you continuously instead of stopping by periodically.

Association AI course. The Association AI Accelerator Certificate Course is a 10-week deep dive designed specifically for association professionals. This program covers everything from advanced prompting for text and imagery to building custom GPTs and navigating AI ethics. In live weekly classes led by Chris Gloede, CAE, you’ll learn how to use AI tools and strategies to make your work more efficient and your content more engaging —all while earning up to 10 CAE credits (including one ethics credit). Save $50 by using 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 show some avoidable gaps—like only 25% have written engagement plans and 21% have reinstatement programs for lapsed members. 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.

CAE prep course/study group. Preparing for the May CAE Exam? If you want to pass, listen to this CAE: don’t do it alone and definitely don’t rely on cramming the week before. Rogue Tulips’ 12-week CAE Prep Course + Study Group starts February 11 or 12. You’ll get a study group, course materials, individual guidance, and small-group discussions to complement your self-directed learning. Take $25 off by registering with promo code RTBRAINFOOD.

Strategic planning. I’m a huge fan of zero-based budgeting (and wish our government practiced it), so it’s no surprise I love the concept of zero-based strategic thinking proposed by Mallory Mejias at Sidecar. Instead of starting with what you did last year, ask “what should we be doing?” and require every existing and proposed program to justify its existence. She suggests using data to back up your case for change and build sunset provisions into new programs.

Association trends. Kelly Whelan at Higher Logic looked at webinar insights and three research reports to find eight trends shaping associations in 2026. If prospects aren’t aware of and can’t find your association, don’t count on membership growth. What else? Focus on the first-year member experience, communicating your membership value proposition, micro-communities, replacing old technology, and expanding capacity with AI.

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.

Event design. Kara Nacarato at Event Garde says attendee engagement is “a financial strategy. It directly influences registration growth, sponsor retention, and whether people feel your conference is worth their time and money.” She explains how to design event schedules, sessions, networking, and sponsorships that keep attendees engaged.

Content discovery by AI. Kelsey Mills at Accella says if your content isn’t strong, AI won’t save you—instead it will expose you. Large language models can only work with what exists, so thin or unclear content means AI-driven discovery won’t work in your favor. Associations that get serious about content fundamentals will have stronger AI discoverability than those chasing trends.

Snacks

A majority of CEOs are alarmed as AI delivers no financial returns. | Victor Tangermann, Futurism

Research reveals that AI agents are mathematically incapable of doing functional, reliable work. | Joe Wilkins, Futurism

The CEO of Palantir says AI means you’ll have to work with your hands. | Joe Wilkins, Futurism

Read more books! Join one of these book groups on Substack. I’m reading Paradise Lost, Les Miserables, and Antigone alongside other readers right now. New groups start every month. Christina Bieber Lake | Art & Soul

You never grow old at the table

Try this chipotle tomato soup—it’s so good. I made a few changes to the recipe: subbed onion for shallots, dry sherry for sherry cooking wine, andevaporated milk for heavy cream; increased the chipotle powder; and reduced the brown sugar. Next time, I’ll increase the broth or add water because it was too thick for my taste, but the flavor, wow. The accompanying smoked cheddar pull-apart sourdough wheat bread was fantastic too.

On the side, kale sautéed with bacon, onion, red bell pepper, garlic, ham broth, and dried cranberries.

We splurged on salmon with a crab topping that’s made with spinach, cream cheese, green onion, Parmesan, basil, garlic powder, bread crumbs, and Old Bay. On the side, butternut squash purée made with chipotle en adobo, orange juice, maple syrup, and cinnamon, and steamed green beans tossed with sautéed onion, bacon, garlic, sundried tomatoes, and parmesan.

Mon 2/9 at 8 a.m.* – Eradicate Hate (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

Guest: Neil Saul and Brette Steele

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

Mon 2/9 at 12 p.m. – Membership Mondays – Beyond Dues: Strengthening Membership & Community in a Challenging Economy

Discuss how associations are adapting membership strategies in today’s economy, creating meaningful communities, and demonstrating value when budgets are tight and expectations are high. Attendees are encouraged to share challenges, successes, and questions in a collaborative environment.

More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Tue 2/10 at 12 p.m. – Owning Your Power: Career Strategies for Women in Tech to Achieve Your Dreams and Define Your Destiny

Learn how to take ownership of their career paths, build influence, and fulfill their professional dreams on their own terms. Through a blend of leadership insights, real-world examples, and interactive reflection, participants will explore how to overcome internal and external barriers, cultivate strategic relationships, and advocate for their growth. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Shereen Mahoney, Technology Consulting Partner in Wipfli’s financial and operational systems practice

Tue 2/10 at 12 p.m. – Tech Tuesday: Protecting Your Tech Stack in an Unstable Vendor Landscape

The association tech environment is shifting faster than ever. Roadmaps change. Platforms consolidate. Products sunset with little warning. Explore how to reduce risk when platforms merge, pivot, or sunset products; data ownership, access, and portability essentials every association must understand; the right questions to ask vendors for real visibility into roadmaps and long-term viability; and practical steps to strengthen resilience across your tech stack. Take away 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 2/10 at 1 p.m. – Ethical AI in Action: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence Responsibly

Explore how AI isn’t just a futuristic “take-over” scenario, but rather a tool whose impact is shaped by the humans who build, deploy, and govern it. Examine three core ethical fault-lines—bias encoded in data, decisions made by “black-box” models without explainability, and the dark side of large-scale data analytics infringing on personal privacy. Hear how organizations can harness AI for good by embedding human judgement, designing for transparency, testing carefully, and aligning AI systems with values and mission. Get concrete take-aways to assess their own AI initiatives and steer them towards responsible, human-centered use. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Arden Winner, Accent Practice Lead at Fionta

Tue 2/10 at 2 p.m. – Planner, Heal Yourself! Tips for Staying Healthy on the Road

The long hours, irregular schedules and variable meals required for travel and producing events can take a toll on the body at any age. We are asking experts in women’s, men’s and mental health for best practices to maintain peak physical #travellife performance. Learn how hormones and biorhythms impact immunity and alertness, practices for maintaining calm and mental health on the road, and the role of sleep and nutrition for short- and long-term health. More info/register.

Host: Smart Meetings

Speakers:

Dr. Romie Mushtaq, wellness speaker and bestselling author of The Busy Brain Cure
Light Watkins, author and TEDx Talk speaker
Greg Scheinman, author, speaker, coach and founder of Midlife Male Ventures

Wed 2/11 at 11 a.m. – How to Build a Strong Business Case for LMS Replacement: Stay or Go? (Office Hours for LMS Buyers)

Is your LMS contract renewing? Has your vendor been acquired? Are you paying too much? Learn how to ask the right questions and use our LMS Readiness Assessment and Business Case Template to evaluate costs and gaps, measure results, and justify your decision to move on or remain with your current vendor. More info/register.

Host: John Leh, CEO and Lead Analyst, Talented Learning

Wed 2/11 at 11 a.m. – How to Build a Podcast to Foster Trust and Engagement Within a Professional Community – Part 2: Crafting Content that Builds Trust

What separates a good podcast from a great one? Trust. Discover how to craft content that connects with your audience and builds credibility within your professional community. From storytelling techniques to interview strategies, explore how to deliver value while staying authentic and engaging. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Kate Coffey-Bacon, SVP of Marketing and Strategy, US Transactions Corporation/UST Education
Sam Bush, President, AMBUSH

Wed 2/11 at 12 p.m. – Rethinking the All-in-One AMS Model (Association Amplified LIVE)

You don’t have to have an AMS—but most association leaders have never been given permission to question that assumption. In this live, 30-minute session, learn why so many associations cycle through AMS replacements, what that pattern reveals about the limits of the all-in-one model, and how leaders can rethink technology decisions before committing to another system. More info/register.

Host: TaleWind Digital

Speakers:

Jeff Horne, Co-Founder & CEO, Wicket
Marcus Leite, Director of Sales and Marketing, TaleWind Digital

Wed 2/11 at 1 p.m. – From Training to Certification: Designing Seamless Pathways for Lifelong Learning

In a crowded marketplace where professional development options are expanding rapidly, how do you ensure your training and certification programs stand out—and stay relevant? Learn about the latest trends, technologies, and shifting workforce expectations that are reshaping the lifelong learning landscape. Hear insights from the front lines, bust persistent myths, and offer actionable strategies for designing training-to-certification pathways that not only attract new learners across generations—but also drive lasting industry impact and financial sustainability. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Tracy King, CAE, CEO at InspirEd
Adrienne Sutton, IOM, COO at Limitless Association Solution Resource
Alina Cooper, CAE, Director of Business Development & Marketing at Prolydian

Wed 2/11 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. – Invest Wisely: Getting the Best from a New AMS

Technology alone doesn’t guarantee success—the real value comes from how you approach, plan, and execute your AMS project from day one. A panel of industry-leading consultants and vendors who bring decades of practical, hands-on experience guiding associations through successful AMS transformations will share the critical strategies, common pitfalls to avoid, and proven best practices that separate successful implementations from costly mistakes. More info/register.

Host: League of Association Technologists

Wed 2/11 at 2 p.m. – Intro to AI Webinar for Associations and Nonprofits

Learn about the basics and importance of generative AI and Large Language Models. Witness the power of AI tools through live demonstrations that showcase their impact on real-world scenarios. Learn to create targeted personas in ChatGPT for personalized content and interactions, which settings to adjust for privacy and security, and what information is safe to input into AI tools. More info/register.

Host: Sidecar

Speakers:

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

Wed 2/11 at 3 p.m. – Critical Thinking in a BANI World

Finding solutions to these critical challenges is more difficult in today’s brittle, anxious, non-linear, and incomprehensible (BANI) world, unforgiving conditions that will intensify and accelerate for the rest of this decade and into the 2030s. Learn how to navigate the cognitive burdens of a BANI world and why critical thinking skills are essential, what critical thinking requires, and how being a critical thinker can help build capacity for intentional learning, independent judgment, and wise decision-making. More info/register.

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

Wed 2/11 at 3 p.m. – From Application to Renewal: Smoothing Friction Points in the Member Journey

Explore how to identify and smooth out the hidden friction points in your member journey, from the first application click to the final renewal notice. Learn practical ways to audit your current systems and implement smoother, member-centric pathways that encourage long-term commitment. More info/register.

Host: NXUnite by Nexus Marketing

Speakers:

Alyssa Carlson, Account Executive at Big Red M
Amber Worthen, Founder and CEO at Email Maven
Brittany Lancor, Senior Marketing Manager at PropFuel

Thu 2/12 at 11 a.m. – From Batch-And-Blast to 1:1 Messaging: How AI Is Redefining Email Marketing

Email marketing is evolving—and your strategy should too. Hear how AI is reshaping the way marketers build, send, and optimize campaigns. No more generic blasts. Learn how to deliver personalized, 1:1 messaging that drives higher opens, clicks, and conversions—without adding manual work. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Ali Tillery, Customer Success Manager at rasa.io

Thu 2/12 at 11 a.m. – The Cost of Doing Nothing: Why Inaction Is Your Biggest Competitor

Deferred decisions, legacy systems, and incremental change quietly undermine financial performance, strain staff capacity, and limit your organization’s strategic impact. Explore the true cost of doing nothing including financially, operationally, and strategically. Drawing on insights from hundreds of digital transformation initiatives across the association sector, learn why inaction is often the most expensive option and how leaders can break the cycle of delay with clarity, confidence, and measurable ROI. More info/register.

Host: Causeis

Speakers: Michelle Lelempsis, CEO and Founder, and Brandi Barber, VP of Strategic Client Success, Causeis

Thu 2/12 at 12 p.m. – The Hidden Cost of Keeping Learning and Community Separate

Find out why learning and community belong together. Learn how to pinpoint the gaps between member expectations and your experience and identify the metrics that you should be tracking. Get practical strategies to implement right away along with a learning and community strategy framework. More info/register.

Host: Forj

Speakers:

Brian Oblinger, strategy consultant and founder of Community Strategy Academy
Jena Cummiskey, Vice President of Product Management, Forj

Thu 2/12 at 1 p.m. – Navigating the Multi-Generational Workforce

Explore how today’s multigenerational workforce—shaped by rapid innovation, expanding information, and shifting expectations—creates both challenges and opportunities. Learn practical strategies to leverage the strengths of each generation through bi-directional mentorship, improved knowledge transfer, and simple cultural and operational shifts. Get actionable tools to enhance collaboration, reduce friction, and unlock unrealized value within any team. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Xavier Gassier, Director of Operations at the National Electrical Contractors Association
Ray Hefner, Owner at The Hefner Group LLC

Thu 2/12 at 1 p.m. – From Clicks to Citations: Win AI Search Without Losing Humans

Learn how to move beyond legacy SEO thinking, optimize for AI discovery and design content experiences that convert the traffic that remains. Because AI is already telling your brand’s story for you. The question is: how well? More info/register.

Host: Content Marketing Institute

Speakers: Tim Burke, Senior Revenue Operations Manager, and Lauren Yanez, Marketing Manager, Brightspot

Tue 2/17 at 11 a.m. – How to Build a Podcast to Foster Trust and Engagement Within a Professional Community – Part 3: Growing Your Audience and Engagement

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Kate Coffey-Bacon, SVP of Marketing and Strategy, US Transactions Corporation/UST Education
Brad Prendergast, MVP, Vice President of Product Development at Tigunia
Kristoffer Ruyeras, Vice President at Tigunia

Tue 2/17 at 1 p.m. – Developing Member & Volunteer Roadmaps for Your Association

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Jordan Burghardt, Director of Member Engagement, and Gina Florzak, Director of Marketing Communications, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Wed 2/18 at 11 a.m. – Deep Dive: 2026 Membership Performance Benchmark Report

Host: iMIS by ASI

Thu 2/19 at 12 p.m. – Looking Forward 2026 Impact: First Look at Trends and Analysis

Host: Association Laboratory

Speakers:

Dean West, founder and President, Association Laboratory
Nikki Golden, CAE, Managing Director, Association Laboratory
Tiffany Swanigan, CAE, Vice President of Operations, Society of Women Engineers
Heidi Weber, MBA, CAE, Executive Director, Ohio Osteopathic Association

Thu 2/19 at 12:30 p.m. – Designing for Durable Learning: Applying Learning Science to Drive Sustained Member Engagement

Host: .orgCommunity

Speakers: Evan Burton,Head of Growth, and Claudine Townley, Director, Customer Success, BenchPrep

Thu 2/19 at 1 p.m. – When Partnerships Create Real Value: Lessons from Two Associations

Hear from two association learning businesses using partnerships and collaboration to extend reach, diversify revenue, and increase impact.

Host: Leading Learning

Speakers:

David Upbin, Mortgage Bankers Association
Veronica Diaz, EDUCAUSE
Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders, Tagoras and Leading Learning

Thu 2/19 at 1 p.m. – Finding Sponsors for Transformation, Not Activities

Host: Lori Zoss Kraska, Founder/CEO of Growth Owl LLC

Guest: Rex Enriquez, Founder of Mission Focused Coaching

Thu 2/19 at 1:30 p.m. – Elevate Your Events with AI-Powered Tools for Association Meetings Professionals

Hosts: Insight Guide and BJA Solutions for Associations

Speakers:

Donna Page, Sr. Director, Exposition Marketing, AVIXA
Heather Rubenaker, DES, Sr. Manager of Member Programs and Events, OHI
Barbara Armentrout, CAE (moderator), BJA Solutions for Associations
Teri Carden (hostess), COO, Insight Guide

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 C the Creator 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: 1.30.26

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

GUESS WHAT? Today is the 10^th anniversary of Association Brain Food. I published the first edition on February 1, 2016. The idea for Brain Food came after talking to a few young professionals who didn’t have the budget to attend conferences but needed credits to apply for their CAE. When I mentioned all the free webinars that qualify for CAE credit, they asked how they could find them. And so it began.

After ten years of finding good reads and free learning events for you, I’m asking the association community for support if you can swing it. I started a Buy Me a Craft Beer page where you can make a one-time donation or become a monthly supporter.

And now, here’s what I found for you this week.

Good reads for the association community

AMS implementation. re:Members identifies who needs to be on your AMS implementation team and explains what each role does. This warning resonated with me: subject matter experts who skip discovery meetings create problems down the road when information gaps surface. The post also covers managing the mental load of implementation alongside your regular work.

Designing the future. On ASAE, Lowell Aplebaum of Vista Cova profiles two industry summits where associations brought members, competitors, partners, regulators, and innovators into the same room to shape what comes next for their industry. He breaks down what made both work: deliberate design choices, good preparation materials, diverse participants, skilled facilitation, and clear next steps. Who would you invite to your table?

Taking the CAE exam this year? The revised CAE Practice Exam from Rogue Tulips Consulting is here! Created by CAE expert Cheryl Ronk, CAE, FASAE, this practice exam has tough questions that’ll test your knowledge and sharpen your thinking. Seriously, don’t take the exam without it. Get $25 off with discount code RTBRAINFOOD.

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 touches, and channels, plus a month-by-month renewal schedule.

Member cliques. Amanda Kaiser suggests you see your events as a new attendee would. Longtime members catching up with friends look like an impenetrable group to first timers. She shares ideas for making newbies feel more welcome.

Gen Z at work. On the World Economic Forum site, EY’s Janet Truncale looks at why Gen Z gets so much attention at work. Nearly a third of EY’s workforce is Gen Z now, and they’re changing expectations for everyone. They’re also more likely to leave. She explains what leaders can do to keep younger workers engaged while taking advantage of older generations’ experience.

Event marketing. GrowthZone’s event marketing guide walks through the before, during, and after phases of promoting association events. It breaks down promotional tactics across websites, email, social media platforms, and traditional media, plus using your speakers and sponsors to spread the word. The checklist format makes it easy to spot gaps in your promotional plan.

Credentialing platforms. On Credentialing Insights, Prolydian’s Michael Mayer explains the importance of defining what you need before choosing a credentialing platform. He writes about the difference between business requirements (what must happen) and functional requirements (how it happens), timeline delays, and strained vendor relationships.

Real self-care. No Sidebar describes seven signs that you’re adding unnecessary complexity to your life. For each sign, they provide a practical fix to help you stay grounded when life becomes too much.

Snacks

Wow. Holiday shoppers arriving on e-commerce sites from AI converted to buyers 9x more than those arriving from social media. | Salesforce

The soft-sell surge on the trade show floor: how relaxed spaces are replacing the hard pitch in the exhibit hall. | Garo Hasholian of ASV Experiential, Trade Show News Network

New phishing campaign spreads via LinkedIn comments about account restrictions that are supposedly sent by LinkedIn. | KnowBe4

You never grow old at the table

I prepped for the expected ice storm last weekend by defrosting leftovers that would be easy to heat up on the Coleman stove and by making this cozy dish: cranberry chicken parmesan. Turns out, we didn’t get the amount of ice originally expected, so our power stayed on. I also made a few sheet pans of roasted broccoli with red onion and garlic powder.

When we go to our local brewery for happy hour, I like to get dinner done before we leave. Last Friday in the late afternoon, I roasted Brussels sprouts with red onion, bacon, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, and made the marinade/sauce for chipotle salmon ahead of time too. It’s an easy dish to put together after a few craft beers.

My other ice storm meal was leftover turkey meatballs with gravy from the freezer. When I originally made the meatballs, I added celery, garlic, rosemary, sage, and thyme for flavor. On the side, mashed potatoes (of course) and cranberry sauce.

Mon 2/2 at 8 a.m.* – Leading Through Crisis: Building Accountability and Resilience in Nonprofit Management (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Yuriy Borechko, Hope for Ukraine

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

Tue 2/3 at 11 a.m. – How to Build a Podcast to Foster Trust and Engagement Within a Professional Community – Part 1: The Foundation of a Great Podcast

Learn how to lay a strong foundation for starting a podcast—from identifying your audience and defining your niche to choosing the right tools and setting up your content structure. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Kate Coffey-Bacon, SVP of Marketing and Strategy, US Transactions Corporation/UST Education
Ben Muscolino, CEO of Breezio and AssociationWire including AMS Geek & Data Sangria, Co-Founder/Executive Chairman of Vortacity Cyber
Jake Toohey, Director, Association Practice at Adage Technologies

Tue 2/3 at 12 p.m. – Analytics Planning (Data Analytics Network)

Join a discussion on analytics planning and data governance as part of broader technology planning and how those decisions impact your ability to actually use data—that could mean AI, BI, or just getting clean, reliable answers from queries and reports. Hear about what we’re seeing across associations right now (trends, challenges, patterns), how strategy and tactics meet when it comes to analytics planning, and practical lessons from hands-on data and governance work. More info/register.

Host: Data Analytics Network

Speakers:

Dave Coriale, CAE, President, Delcor
Tobin Conley, CAE, CIP, Vice President, Client Education, Delcor
Evan Reid, MPP (moderator), Senior Director of Analytics, ASHA

Tue 2/3 at 12:30 p.m. – Listen, Learn, Lead: The 2026 State of Events Benchmarks Unpacked

A live executive discussion unpacking the 2026 event industry benchmarks: hear how expectations from attendees and leadership are evolving, how leading teams are adapting their event strategies, and where event leaders should focus to drive measurable impact in 2026. Speakers will share candid reactions, practical guidance, and lessons learned from their own organizations and communities. More info/register.

Host: Bizzabo

Tue 2/3 at 1 p.m. – Turning Chaos Into Opportunity: Staffing Strategies for Associations in a Shifting Labor Market

Discover how to streamline resume review, leverage technology effectively, and bring in flexible talent exactly when and where you need it. Walk away with practical strategies to keep your organization nimble, make smarter hiring decisions, and thrive in today’s evolving workforce. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jaime Hirschfeld, Director of Client Sales and Services at FlexProfessionals LLC

Wed 2/4 at 11 a.m. – Association Lessons from… 50 Seasons of Survivor!

Explore what lessons this quarter-century television phenomenon can hold for your association and its leadership, member engagement, and a connected community. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jay S. Daughtry, M.Ed., Chief Communications Officer/Owner, CQbd

Wed 2/4 at 12 p.m. – Stop asking members what they want. Start understanding what they need.

Discover a better way to uncover what members actually need. Learn how to uncover important member insights that surveys can’t reveal—seeing your members’ pain points with fresh eyes; get staff and the board aligned on prioritizing innovation and growth efforts that truly matter to members; segment members based on what drives them to join, renew, and buy; transform your understanding of member behavior with the “Jobs to Be Done” framework and create new opportunities for growth. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: AIOT

Speakers:

Mike Feinson, President of Engaged Strategies and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown University
David Schulman, Associations Rewired and Beacon Tech Research

Wed 2/4 at 1 p.m. – Content Marketing in the Age of AI Search: How to Earn Visibility in LLMs

AI-powered search is driving a significant shift in how audiences discover brands, placing content marketing at the center of this transformation. Hear how large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot surface and recommend content, and what this shift means for modern content strategy. Learn actionable, content-led tactics to enhance AI visibility, including earning off-site mentions, creating citation-friendly formats, addressing entity gaps, and aligning content with AI retrieval methods—all while staying grounded in SEO fundamentals. More info/register.

Host: Content Marketing Institute

Speakers:

Ryan Law, Director of Content Marketing, Ahrefs
Amanda Subler, Host, CMI Live, Content Marketing Institute

Wed 2/4 at 2 p.m. – Riding the Digital Wave: Why Associations Must Put Digital at the Center of Their Sponsor Strategy

Hear how modern, digitally led communication ecosystems operate in practice. Explore how print can support a digital-first strategy, how multi-channel programs extend sponsor engagement year-round and improve sponsor ROI, and how digital marketplaces, content marketing, lead generation, and data create measurable value for sponsors and corporate partners. Learn how even a small shift toward digital offerings can unlock new revenue, strengthen ongoing sponsor engagement, and why making digital the forefront of your strategy is no longer optional. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers: Ben Hopper, Association Success Manager, and Tamara Perry-Lunardo, Vice President of Content Services, Naylor Association Solutions

Wed 2/4 at 2 p.m. – Protecting Gated Content, SEO Strategy, and Responsible AI Use for Associations

As AI tools expand access to information and reshape how content is discovered, associations are navigating new challenges around content protection, SEO performance, and responsible use of chatbots and automated tools. Get a practical overview of how associations can safeguard their gated content, maintain search visibility, and set clear expectations for users when deploying AI tools. Learn current best practices, common pitfalls, and real examples from the association community. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Thu 2/5 at 11 a.m. – Be AI-Gile: Reimagining Association Education for the Future of Work

Learn how to use the Be AI-gile framework—Observe the Chaos, Start Light / Move Fast, Act with Intention, Reflect & Reframe—to re-think what association education can (and should) be in the next decade. Hear how to use emerging tools and partnerships to create learning that sticks, supports the future of work, and positions your association as a true talent-development engine. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Josh Yavelberg, founder/chief solutions architect, Flying Cloud Solutions

Thu 2/5 at 11 a.m. – Suit Yourself – Build a Work Wardrobe that Works for You

Learn how to curate a visual identity that honors who you are and is an asset to your career. Learn tips to bring more ease and joy to dressing each day. Rooted in research from the field of psychology about how our clothes impact both our performance and how others perceive us, we will also deconstruct dressing toward “executive presence.” More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Ali Miller, ECO, Founder and CEO of The Ethical Aesthete

Thu 2/5 at 11:30 a.m. – Membership, Retention, and “Raving Fans”

Community doesn’t fail because of a lack of platforms. It fails when people don’t feel seen, valued, or connected. Learn why tools don’t create loyalty—relationships do; what organizations overlook when they focus on metrics instead of meaning; how mission, culture, and connection reinforce each other; and what leaders should pay attention to as AI and automation reshape engagement. More info/register.

Host: Tasha Van Vlack, Founder & Community Strategist, Community Hives

Guest: Carlos Restrepo, MS, CAE, Vice President of Sales North America, Aevus

Thu 2/5 at 2 p.m. – How Agentic AI Can Impact Your Event Success

If you’ve been wondering whether AI is all hype or actually delivering results, this session will give you the real story. Find out what’s actually working in the field right now, from targeting prospect lists with smart data enrichment to building AI-powered personas that actually drive results. See how agentic systems are automating complex workflows, get a first look at new capabilities, and leave with actionable ideas you can use right away. More info/register.

Host: 501Works

Speakers:

Chris Bonifati CEM, trade show organizer for APPA/Global Pet Expo
Joe Colangelo, CEO and Co-Founder of Bear Analytics
James Marquis, CIO of 501Works

Thu 2/5 at 3 p.m. – Return on Emotion (ROE): The Secret to Building Communities That Stick

When members feel connected, included, and energized, they don’t just show up—they stay, they contribute, and they bring others with them. Learn why “Return on Emotion” drives more loyalty than ROI ever could; the 3 types of engagement every association must balance; the 5 S’s of community building (and how to apply them today); Liz’s 5 favorite ways to transform events into true connection hubs; and how to turn “fun” into a serious strategy for growth and retention. More info/register.

Host: Farhad Khan, CEO, Member Lounge

Speaker: Liz Lathan, CMP, Co-Founder and Head of Content & Community, Club Ichi

Tue 2/10 at 12 p.m. – Owning Your Power: Career Strategies for Women in Tech to Achieve Your Dreams and Define Your Destiny

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Shereen Mahoney, Technology Consulting Partner in Wipfli’s financial and operational systems practice

Tue 2/10 at 1 p.m. – Ethical AI in Action: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence Responsibly

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Arden Winner, Accent Practice Lead at Fionta

Wed 2/11 at 11 a.m. – How to Build a Strong Business Case for LMS Replacement: Stay or Go? (Office Hours for LMS Buyers)

Host: John Leh, CEO and Lead Analyst, Talented Learning

Wed 2/11 at 1 p.m. – How to Build a Podcast to Foster Trust and Engagement Within a Professional Community – Part 2: Crafting Content that Builds Trust

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Kate Coffey-Bacon, SVP of Marketing and Strategy, US Transactions Corporation/UST Education
Sam Bush, President, AMBUSH

Wed 2/11 at 1 p.m. – From Training to Certification: Designing Seamless Pathways for Lifelong Learning

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Tracy King, CAE, CEO at InspirEd
Adrienne Sutton, IOM, COO at Limitless Association Solution Resource
Alina Cooper, CAE, Director of Business Development & Marketing at Prolydian

Wed 2/11 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. – Invest Wisely: Getting the Best from a New AMS

Host: League of Association Technologists

Wed 2/11 at 3 p.m. – Critical Thinking in a BANI World

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

Thu 2/12 at 1 p.m. – Navigating the Multi-Generational Workforce

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Xavier Gassier, Director of Operations at the National Electrical Contractors Association
Ray Hefner, Owner at The Hefner Group 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.

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: 1.23.26

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

“The soul becomes dyed with the color of its thoughts.” —Marcus Aurelius

Thinking ahead… Forecasters say our region will get hit with a long-lasting ice storm this weekend. Since we live amidst trees, our power and internet could go out for several days. If the worst-case scenario happens, I probably won’t have Association Brain Food ready for Friday publication. Let’s hope the forecast changes!

Good reads for the association community

Association awards. Are your association’s award categories keeping up with what’s actually happening in your industry? OpenWater explains how to use submission data, demographics, and feedback you’re already collecting to determine which categories need a refresh, which ones to combine, and when it’s time to retire one that’s outlived its usefulness.

Association consultants. Five experienced association consultants—Barbara Armentrout, Michael Butera, Lee Duffy, Scott Oser, and Rick Whelan—share their advice for working with association clients. If you work with associations—whether you’re a consultant or industry partner—you’ll find something useful here. In the next episode, they’re going to talk about money.

CAE prep course/study group. Preparing for the May CAE Exam? If you want to pass, listen to this CAE: don’t do it alone and definitely don’t rely on cramming the week before. Rogue Tulips’ 12-week CAE Prep Course + Study Group starts February 11 or 12. You’ll get a study group, course materials, individual guidance, and small-group discussions that complement your self-directed learning. Take $25 off by registering with promo code RTBRAINFOOD.

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

AI’s impact on dues revenue. Sidecar’s Mallory Mejias shares the story of two UK lawyers who opened a firm with no billable hours. Everything runs on AI and value-based pricing. If your members are professional service firms and dues are based on headcount, you’ve got a problem. AI lets firms do more work with fewer people, which means your membership revenue drops while the value you deliver stays the same. Consider value-based membership models and AI training for your members.

Attendee churn. Freeman’s new research shows event retention hovering around 30-35%—no surprise when attendees say their core objectives aren’t being met. They’ve stopped showing up based on faith that networking will be worthwhile, learning will stick, and their time will be respected. David Adler at GatheringPoint.News digs into the research and the reasons behind this change.

Non-dues revenue. Members value career resources more than their associations do and that gap leaves revenue on the table. YM Careers explains how to make money from career services such as job boards, career fairs, digital vendor guides, and recruitment guides. Each section includes tips for implementing these services and bundling them for better returns.

AI in associations. Betty’s Thomas Altman says AI in associations is standing at the edge of a chasm. If you’ve felt skeptical while watching the AI hype cycle, you’ll appreciate his argument. He explains why the “show me it works” crowd is now in charge, what that means for associations that can’t afford to gamble with member trust, and what it actually takes to make AI useful instead of just impressive.

AI slop. Charlie Guo explains how to spot AI-generated content. He walks through the telltale patterns: excessive em dashes (mind you, he said “excessive,” many of us writers have always used em dashes and always will), lists loaded with emojis, and empty metaphors and parallelisms (“it’s not about x, it’s about y”). AI detectors are useless, so pattern recognition is your best defense against AI slop. If you use AI or hire a cheap writer, you get what you pay for: industry-ignorant slop. Yeah, I’m judgy.

Sponsorships. Colleen McKenna at Intero Advisory says associations have sponsorship sales backward: they pitch what they want to sell instead of researching what companies actually need. Echoing Bruce Rosenthal’s approach, she shows how to use LinkedIn as a research tool before crafting proposals. They both suggest moving past logo placements toward partnerships where sponsors solve member problems, members get real expertise, and your association profits from making these connections.

AI and the future of work. Krish Subramanian at AI Sutra says AI won’t kill jobs, it will kill the job as a bundled arrangement. Companies won’t need full-time marketing managers when AI can handle most tasks. Instead, they’ll need someone ten hours a week for judgment calls. He predicts this unbundling creates underemployment and fractured roles, not unemployment lines. He’s optimistic about where we land, but worried about how fast we’re getting there.

Snacks

A method for AI search competitive audits that will show you how your brand measures up in AI responses | Andy Crestodina, Orbit Media Studios

Why Václav Havel matters. I had only a passing familiarity with Havel, the Czech playwright, dissident, and later president, so I’m glad I read this. | Shelly Foreshaw Brookes, The Critic

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.

You never grow old at the table

These baked cod cakes are so darn good. We enjoyed the leftovers over the weekend so I’m sharing the recipe link again in case you missed it last week. Don’t have an NYT subscription? Use archive.is to pull up the recipe.

A gift from the freezer: spicy Korean-style pulled pork. I served it with pickled cucumbers and shredded cabbage in wheat tortillas. On the side, a sauté of produce drawer odds and ends: broccoli stems, carrots, jalapeño, and onion with southeast Asian pesto. I pulled the pesto from the freezer too. It’s a mix of Thai basil, mint, cilantro (now that’s a great trio), garlic, ginger, roasted peanuts, sesame oil, brown (or palm) sugar, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, red pepper flakes, and soy sauce.

On Sunday, we had a leg of lamb roasted over potatoes, carrots, and onion. I slathered it with an herb paste (rosemary, oregano, garlic, orange/lemon zest/juice, olive oil) before roasting—a recipe from Nigella Lawson’s At My Table. On the side, kale sautéed with bacon, onion, red bell pepper, garlic, chicken broth, and dried cranberries.

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Mon 1/26 at 8 a.m.* – FOCUS Your Strategic Thinking (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Michael Butera

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

Tue 1/27 at 8 a.m. – Practicing Presence in Polarized Times (Nonprofit Mission: Impact)

Nonprofit Mission: Impact is the podcast for association and nonprofit leaders who want to build a better world without becoming a martyr to the cause. In this episode: Polarization is showing up everywhere these days—this conversation unpacks how association leaders can pause, listen, and practice accountability to build understanding rather than deepen divides. More info.

Host: Carol Hamilton, Principal, Grace Social Sector Consulting

Guest: Danielle Marshall, Founder, Culture Principles

Tue 1/27 at 10:30 a.m. – Meditation Skills for Busy Lives

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

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

Tue 1/27 at 11 a.m. – Changing Perceptions About Audit Committees – How to Better Position to be Value-Added

Most nonprofit audit committees center their attention on the back end of the annual financial statement audit process when they receive draft auditor reports. While this is an important function, audit committees can be more impactful if they shift more of their focus to the front-end of the annual audit process and expand their internal control and business practices oversight roles. Learn about the core purpose, structure, and operating cycle for an audit committee; what has shaped general perceptions related to audit committees; underlying causes leading to wide-ranging misconceptions related to audit committees; and tactics to make audit committees more value-added by expanding their scope of duties and filling additional fiduciary roles. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

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

Tue 1/27 at 1 p.m. – The Best of the Best: Brand Strategies in Action

Even the best associations sometimes struggle to communicate their true value. Using real-world examples from association “Join” pages, explore how StoryBrand, Jobs to Be Done, and other strategy models can transform messaging from informative to irresistible. See how small, intentional shifts—clarifying your narrative, tapping into behavioral insights, and leveraging AI tools—can dramatically change how members connect, engage, and decide to act. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jemilah Senter, Founder, Chief Strategist + Fractional CMO at Senterpoint Strategies

Tue 1/27 at 1 p.m. – Rethinking Retention: Generation-Specific Strategies to Address Lapser Risk and Boost Engagement

Hear the findings from Momentive’s latest associations trends study, revealing critical insights about lapser risk across generations. Learn about the major differences in what drives renewal across Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers; why Gen Z members are the riskiest members— your “shoppers” with the highest renewal intent but the lowest loyalty scores; how to identify red flags for lapser risk among your most vulnerable member segments; and generation-specific value offerings that transform satisfied members into loyal, long-term advocates. More info/register.

Host: Momentive Software

Speakers: Pam Loeb, Principal, and Liana Gainsboro, Senior Research Analyst, Edge Research

Tue 1/27 at 1 p.m. – Leadership Continuity in Associations

Explore practical strategies for leadership continuity that go beyond naming a successor. Learn how to map vulnerabilities, transfer institutional knowledge, and develop team-based approaches that sustain long-term success. Drawing on best practices in governance and succession planning, this webinar equips association leaders with the tools to ensure continuity, stability, and resilience through leadership change. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Raffa Investment Advisers

Speaker: Alison Teitelbaum, MS, MPH, CAE, Founder and Principal Consultant, AST Strategies

Tue 1/27 at 4 p.m. – Future Forward: Growing Non-dues Revenue in 2026

Hear a panel of association experts discuss ideas and strategies to grow your non-dues revenue in 2026. More info/register.

Host: Intuto

Speakers:

Sean Soth, Founder, Professionals for Association Revenue
Maria Jaba, Hospital Relations Manager, Society of Critical Care Medicine
Brittany Shoul, Senior Vice President, Revenue Strategy & Operations, MCI USA
Ryan MacTaggart, Ph.D. Associate Director, Professional Learning, EDUCAUSE
Jay S. Daughtry, M.Ed. (moderator), Director of Client Partnerships, North America, Intuto

Wed 1/28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – EventTech Platforms Demo Day

See presentations from industry partners that offer event tech platforms. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Participants: Personify A2Z Events, Swapcard, Momentive Event Management, EVA Event Tech Hub, Cadmium, eShow, Personify Registration Tech, eventPower, Event.Quest by Insight Guide, Popshap

Wed 1/28 at 11 a.m. – Strategic Foresight Without the Fatigue: Leading the Future While Surviving the Present (In Partnership with the Association Transformation Podcast)

Learn how to develop a realistic foresight practice that fits real-world capacity and the work you’re already doing; apply language to defend operational excellence while advancing strategic priorities and managing board expectations; distinguish between foresight that genuinely serves your organization and performative future-gazing that drains time, energy, and resources; and weave foresight into board agendas, team conversations, and decision-making processes without creating parallel workstreams or exhausting your leadership team. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Elisa Pratt, Chief Executive and Founder, Brewer Pratt Solutions LLC
Andrew Chamberlain, Executive Director, UK’s Institute of Association Leadership

Wed 1/28 at 11:30 a.m. – 10 Things to Automate in 2026

Hear about ten everyday tasks you can automate in 2026 to save time and reduce friction, all designed to fit naturally into your existing workflows, not add more work. Learn about actionable automation ideas you can apply immediately, ways to eliminate repetitive tasks and common bottlenecks, working with your technology partner to spot high-impact automation opportunities, and practical tips for making changes that actually stick. More info/register.

Host: iMIS by ASI

Wed 1/28 at 12 p.m. – Pinpoint and Conquer the Barriers to Association Growth

Are you ready to stop focusing on external chaos and finally diagnose the internal barriers holding your association back? Explore the four deep, structural barriers that consistently block associations from achieving sustainable growth and momentum, even amidst external disruption. Get a clear action plan to overcome these barriers and put a halt to the high cost of inaction. Learn about Halmyre’s new, free diagnostic tool, which helps you quickly identify the biggest growth threat to your association. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Halmyre

Speaker: Christine Saunders, President & Founder, Halmyre

Wed 1/28 at 12 p.m. – The Top 2 Conflict Tools You Need in Today’s Environment

Learn about the Ladder of Inference and the Behavior/Impact Feedback method—critical tools in situations where you need to slow the conversation down. More info/register.

Host: Jamie Notter

Wed 1/28 at 12 p.m. – From Dues Decline to Demand: Rebuilding Member Value in a Noisy World

Learn why members aren’t renewing or joining, how their expectations have shifted, and—most importantly—how to rebuild and communicate value so membership feels essential, not optional. More info/register.

Host: Joe John, CEO, John Consulting

Wed 1/28 at 1 p.m. – What to Do When Things Go Sideways (and Everyone’s Still Looking at You)

Hear about a simple way to recognize the difference between problem-solving and identity disruption. Learn language to name uncertainty without losing credibility or confidence. Get practical tools for rebuilding self-trust when clarity is incomplete. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fonteva

Speaker: KiKi L’Italien, Founder and CEO, Amplified Growth

Wed 1/28 at 1 p.m. – Redefining Member Value Through Personalized Experiences

Explore how AI-powered personalization is redefining what members consider valuable in their membership—and how your association can deliver it without straining limited resources. Learn why personalization has become the new baseline for member expectations, see real-world examples of associations achieving success through AI-driven initiatives, and discover a practical roadmap for implementing personalized experiences that drive measurable improvements in engagement, retention, and non-dues revenue. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Molly Quast, Director of Growth and Strategy at rasa.io

Wed 1/28 at 1 p.m. – Leveraging LinkedIn: Essential Digital-First Strategies for Meeting Planners

Learn how to use LinkedIn as a strategic lever to elevate your events, your speakers, and your own professional brand. Hear about shifts in audience behavior, why engagement now matters more than announcements, and how planners can turn everyday content into a magnet for attendees, partners and decision-makers. Take away a simple, repeatable framework for amplifying your events and strengthening your influence across your industry. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: Richard Bliss, CEO, BlissPoint Consulting

Wed 1/28 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. – The TL;DR Content Marketing Strategy Workshop

Learn how to define what modern content marketing looks like—and set goals that align with business growth; design an operational model that balances creativity with accountability; treat your content as a product with purpose and repeatable storytelling value; and build a measurement framework that proves progress and drives smarter decisions. More info/register.

Host: Content Marketing Institute

Speaker: Robert Rose, Chief Strategy Advisor, Content Marketing Institute

Wed 1/28 at 2 p.m. – Stretching the Dollar – Doing More With What You’ve Got

Explore creative strategies and practical solutions for getting the most from your meetings dollars without compromising on the experience. Learn how to prioritize spending for maximum impact. Discover innovative ways to save without sacrificing quality. Gain practical tips on negotiating favorable terms and securing discounts with vendors and venues. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

Amy Black, CMP, Director of Experience Design & Strategic Sourcing, Creative Group
Bre Maxim, CMP, Account Director, Bishop-McCann
Lisa Grimaldi (moderator), Editor, Incentives and Destinations, Northstar Meetings Group

Thu 1/29 from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. – LMS Demo Day (Learning Business Summit)

See 45-minute demonstrations of learning management systems for associations. More info/register.

Host: Leading Learning

Participants: D2L Brightspace, MapleLMS, TopClass LMS by ASI, Elevate by Cadmium, Journey by Forj, BenchPrep, Oasis LMS, EthosCE by Cadmium

Thu 1/29 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – AI Game Show for Event Marketers

Hear industry experts share real-world AI strategies you can actually use—while keeping the fun, competition, and surprises turned all the way up. From personalizing attendee journeys and automating ticketing to designing creative assets and unlocking powerful insights from data, this session is packed with practical, no-fluff tactics to help you plan smarter, market faster, and deliver more impactful events. More info/register.

Host: Zuddl

Thu 1/29 at 11 a.m. – The Chief Event Officer’s Playbook: How to Create Transformational Events

Learn how to design purpose-led events that align with customer, business or association goals. Get practical frameworks for eventplanning, stakeholder engagement and measurement of success. Hear real-world examples and case studies. Hear how to ensure your event delivers value not just to attendees — but to sponsors, exhibitors and your broader business/community. More info/register.

Host: Grip

Speakers:

Sasha Frieze, Author of The Chief Event Officer and Event Strategist
Zach Butler, EMEA General Manager, HumanX
Abi Cannons, Senior Strategic Account Manager, Grip

Thu 1/29 at 12 p.m. – Future-Proofing Your Mission: How Nonprofits Can Lead with AI

Gain a foundational understanding of essential AI concepts, explore a simple framework to evaluate their organization’s readiness for AI adoption, and learn how to build a realistic, mission-aligned roadmap for integrating AI tools. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: FAR, the Nonprofit Business Leaders’ Network

Speaker: Zeev Wexler, AI Thought Leader, Business Strategist, and CEO of Wexler Marketing and Viacry

Thu 1/29 at 1 p.m. – Jeopardy!™-Style Association Ethics Showdown: Test Your Knowledge and Win!

Using fun and engaging Jeopardy!™-style quiz format, you will dive into real-world and created scenarios and assess your ethical reasoning in categories like “(Bored) of Ethics,” “The Ethical CEO,” “Ethical IP,” and “Is (IT) Ethical?” Compete against your peers to determine whether certain behaviors are ethical or not—and, more importantly, why. Explore the rationale behind ethical decision-making, while having a chance to win some (fake) cash. 1 CAE Ethics credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Adrienne Bryant, Program Director at Customer Experience Professionals Association

Thu 1/29 at 1 p.m. – Pathways to Success: Turn Your LMS into a Guided Learning Experience

Gain a greater understanding of the value of learning paths in driving learner engagement and retention. Learn about the key components of an effective learning path within an LMS, a design for a basic learning path aligned with organizational objectives, strategies for reporting and measuring the success of learning paths, and best practices to enhance member experience through structured learning journeys. More info/register.

Host: Momentive Software

Thu 1/29 at 1 p.m. – The Future of Finance for Associations | Solving the Commerce-to-Accounting Gap

Explore what it takes to streamline financial data from multiple sources, why traditional AMS tools often fall short, and how new solutions can bridge the accounting gap. Get practical insights into creating a modern, integrated ecosystem that keeps your finance and membership data in sync, without the headaches. More info/register.

Hosts:

Jeff Horne, Co-Founder & CEO at Wicket
Andrew Schwartz Crane CMA, CEO of SoundPost

Thu 1/29 at 2 p.m. – Just in Time: A Look Ahead at 2026 Macro Trends with McKinsey

In a moment of uncertainty, taking a pause to consider the macro and structural forces shaping the environment in which associations operate is vital. The McKinsey Global Institute’s Kevin Russell will walk through the key trends McKinsey is watching for 2026. From tariffs and AI’s impact on the economy to geopolitical shifts and demographic change, this session will explore the forces reshaping the world so association leaders can more confidently chart their path forward. 1 CAE credit. More info/register (free for ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Tue 2/3 at 11 a.m. – How to Build a Podcast to Foster Trust and Engagement Within a Professional Community – Part 1: The Foundation of a Great Podcast

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Kate Coffey-Bacon, SVP of Marketing and Strategy, US Transactions Corporation/UST Education
Ben Muscolino, CEO of Breezio and AssociationWire including AMS Geek & Data Sangria, Co-Founder/Executive Chairman of Vortacity Cyber
Jake Toohey, Director, Association Practice at Adage Technologies

Tue 2/3 at 1 p.m. – Turning Chaos Into Opportunity: Staffing Strategies for Associations in a Shifting Labor Market

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jaime Hirschfeld, Director of Client Sales and Services at FlexProfessionals LLC

Wed 2/4 at 11 a.m. – Association Lessons from… 50 Seasons of Survivor!

Explore what lessons this quarter-century television phenomenon can hold for your association and its leadership, member engagement, and a connected community. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jay S. Daughtry, M.Ed., Chief Communications Officer/Owner at CQbd

Thu 2/5 at 11 a.m. – Be AI-Gile: Reimagining Association Education for the Future of Work

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Josh Yavelberg, founder/chief solutions architect, Flying Cloud Solutions

Thu 2/5 at 11 a.m. – Suit Yourself – Build a Work Wardrobe that Works for You

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Ali Miller, ECO, Founder and CEO of The Ethical Aesthete

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 Osman Rana via Unsplash

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Association Brain Food: 1.16.26

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

“The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there.” —L.P. Hartley

Good reads for the association community

Attendee engagement. Most associations send one survey after their conference ends. This Clowder post recommends using your mobile app to survey before, during, and after your event. Learn about attendee interests beforehand, collect session feedback while it’s fresh, fix problems in real time, and keep attendees engaged year-round. Watch what happens: your app surveys will get double or triple the response rates of email surveys.

Membership value. Chris Vaughan from Sequence Consulting tackles a problem that half of associations face—flat or declining membership. He shares six strategies for building lasting membership value and growth: showing real results to members, keeping them engaged between events, using AI in daily operations, finding new revenue sources, connecting fragmented data, and making renewal painless. You’ll find lots of great ideas in his association examples.

Scaling online education programs. If you already run education programs, this D2L guide skips the “how to create courses” advice and gets straight to what matters: growing your audience and revenue without diluting quality or exhausting staff. They share five revenue models, plus the impact on relationships, cost considerations, and the LMS support you need.

Free marketing design/copy course. Learn how to evaluate marketing layout and copy in the Association Academy’s free Association Creative Marketing Masterclass. Each class is taught live by top association marketers and features a live review of real association marketing collateral with recommendations. Earn up to four CAE credits in this free course, which runs for four weeks on Thursdays, 1-2pm ET starting January 22.

Membership edge. Mallory Mejias at Sidecar interviewed a lawyer who said his bar association is no longer the best resource for building a modern practice. Instead, he and his peers rely on ChatGPT and Reddit. Members are judging professional tools and communities by how useful they are every day. Associations should double down on what they have that ChatGPT and Reddit don’t.

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 crucial stuff, such as project management, deliverables, IP, data security, fees, renewals, disputes, and your exit strategy. They flag what to watch for, which language to negotiate, and how to protect yourself from scope creep, surprise costs, and vendor lock-in.

Survey for association boards. Please encourage your board directors and officers to share what they think about serving on association boards in the ‘What Board Members Think’ Association Community Survey run by Jeff De Cagna of Foresight First LLC. Their input will help Jeff and the Future of Association Boards community elevate board performance in 2026 and beyond.

Event trends. Anick Beaulieu of C2 says, “People no longer want to simply ‘attend’ an experience—they want to shape it, influence it, and feel responsible for what unfolds.” At Trade Show News Network, she describes three big shifts for events this year, including events as year-round cultural engines.

Snacks

Six parts of your culture that make change easier—a must-read if you have tech projects coming up. | Jamie Notter

An essential primer on association membership marketing. | Jana Darling of Marketing General via Fox Associates

Are AEO and GEO more important than SEO? You might not like her answer but this is our new reality, so plan for it. | Joanne Pineda, Matrix Group

Excellent read… Iranians just want a normal country: a complex and radical ideology undergirds the current uprising. Hoping and praying the people of Iran get the help and relief they need from us and the rest of the civilized world. | Roohola Ramezani, Persuasion

You never grow old at the table

If you like crab cakes and you like fish, then you’ll like cod cakes—or whichever-fish-you-prefer cakes. I’ve made them with flounder and black drum. I had a bag of frozen cod, so cod cakes it was. I bake mine at 400 instead of frying them. On the side, Brussels sprouts roasted with bacon, red onion, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, plus a roasted sweet potato.

An old standby, chipotle salmon, made for a quick dinner another night. On the side, leftover butternut squash purée and steamed green beans tossed with sautéed onion, bacon, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan.

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Fri 1/16 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 main topic is: how to create and keep a positive mindset. Also on the agenda: sharing of good news and topics or 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 1/19 at 8 a.m. – Branding (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Lidia Varesco Racoma

Tue 1/20 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Association/Nonprofit Briefing on AI, Finance and Technology Q1-2026 (Arlington VA and virtual)

This one-day, in-person and virtual event is a collaboration designed to provide targeted, credit-eligible (CAE and CPE) professional education for association and nonprofit industry professionals. It features five thought leadership sessions focused on these critical topics:

9 to 10 a.m. – The Strategic Two-Step: Leveraging Outsourcing and Your Technology Stack to Maximize Mission Success and AI Strategies
10:10 to 11:10 a.m. – AI Readiness: De-Risking Technology Migration as the Foundation for Agentic AI
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – The Relevance Engine: How Associations are Using AI platforms and AI Agents to Modernize — Perspectives from Association Executives in the Trenches
1:45 to 2:45 p.m. – Hyper-Automation for Mission: Low-Code Portals and AI for Program & Member Workflows
3 to 4 p.m. – No-Code AI Agents: Easily Connecting Automation to Your Business Applications

5 CAE credits. Location: Arlington VA and virtual. More info/register.

Hosts: UST Education and Community Summit Roadshow

Speakers:

Andrew Potasek, Partner, Wipfli Advisory LLC and Michelle Wroblewski, Director Association Growth and Strategy, Wipfli Advisory LLC
Tobin Conley, CAE, CIP, Director of Research & Learning, DelCor Technology Solutions; Chris Ecker, CTO, DelCor Technology Solutions; and Jennifer Brearey, Chief Financial and Operating Officer, Advamed – Advanced Medical Technology Association
Wade Tetsuka, President, U.S. Transactions Corp, Karim Guirguis, COO, American Bankruptcy Institute, and Katherine Bayless CAE, Senior Director, Data & Analytics, Consumer Technology Association
Dustin Sitton, Principal, Incite Automation
John Buccola, CTO and Chief Growth Officer, TMC – The AI First Microsoft Partner

Tue 1/20 at 12 p.m. – The Volunteer Lifecycle: Engagement at Every Stage (CRVM Crunch and Munch)

Join an open discussion on building engagement throughout the volunteer lifecycle. Explore strategies, successes, and challenges in implementing engagement-focused volunteer programs. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Component Relations Volunteer Management Advisory Council

Facilitator: Rachel Grimes, Member Engagement Specialist, Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration

Key contributors:

Anik Clemens, Regional Director, International Coaching Federation
William Webber, Sr. Manager, Component Services, Council for Exceptional Children

Tue 1/20 at 3 p.m. – Winning in a Skills-First Workforce: Rethinking Events, Content, and Learning for Today’s Professionals

Learn about the shift to a skills-first professional development model and why information-based learning no longer meets learner expectations—especially for Millennial and Gen Z audiences. Learn frameworks for integrating events into a unified learning portfolio, enabling stronger outcomes, greater engagement, and clearer pathways for learner growth. Hear how accessibility and inclusion practices in learning + events shape learner trust, perceived value, and organizational credibility. Leave with practical steps to leverage existing resources and programs to deliver higher-impact, skills-driven professional development. More info/register.

Host: Cadmium

Speakers:

Tracy King, MA, CAE, Chief Learning Strategist & CEO, InspirEd
Rachel Buczynski, M.S.Ed, CAE, Events Director, InspirEd

Wed 1/21 at 11 a.m. – Creating a Coaching Culture: The Strategic Advantage for Association Growth

Learn how coaching enhances key organizational outcomes, including improved performance, higher retention rates, increased productivity, and better communication. Discover how personalized coaching unlocks individual potential, strengthens employee engagement, and fosters a more collaborative work environment. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Lori Bruhns, CEO at Lori Bruhns, LLC

Wed 1/21 at 11:30 a.m. – New Year, Stellar Board: Key Financial Information for Nonprofit Boards

Learn how to support the onboarding and ongoing engagement of successful board members—even those new to financial statements. Hear about best practices for board education and onboarding, clarify financial reporting, and empower your board to make informed decisions. Through real-world case studies, learn ways to effectively convey a financial message to engage your board. More info/register.

Host: Your Part-Time Controller

Wed 1/21 at 12 p.m. – Building a Burnout Resistant Team: 3 Strategic Shifts for You & Your Staff

Learn three immediate, low-lift behavioral and communication shifts to recapture focus time and stabilize high-value talent. Understand how to use self-awareness to track and eliminate chaotic interruption patterns; apply communication preference data to reduce friction; and align shared notes and task management to gain a clear, bird’s-eye view of workflow. Take away a 90-day action plan to reduce institutional chaos, boost staff efficiency, and improve continuity. More info/register.

Host: Association Xchange

Speaker: Jane Singleton, executive coach and founder, Launchpad for Life, LLC

Wed 1/21 at 12 p.m. – Bridging the Gap or Breaking It? Rethinking Generational Marketing in Associations

As associations struggle with attracting new members and retaining existing ones across wildly different age groups, it’s time to question whether traditional generational marketing still works or if it’s holding us back. Challenge your assumptions about Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, and explore a more dynamic, data-driven approach to member engagement. Learn how to look beyond demographics and tap into real behavioral insights to craft campaigns that truly connect. More info/register.

Host: HighRoad Solutions

Wed 1/21 at 12 p.m. – PCI Compliance for Nonprofits & Associations

Many nonprofits and associations don’t realize that how they accept credit cards can quietly expose them to massive risk, cost, and compliance obligations. In this non-technical, practical webinar, we’ll break down: what PCI compliance really is (and why it exists); why “true” PCI compliance is often unrealistic for small and mid-sized nonprofits; what the Cardholder Data Environment (CDE) means in plain English; the differences between PCI SAQs (A, B, C, D) and why SAQ A should be your goal; why taking credit cards over the phone or email is so dangerous; how to safely assist members/donors while never touching card data; and how to use secure payment links via email or text instead. More info/register.

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

Wed 1/21 at 12 p.m. – 2025 Year in Review for Federal Government Grants

Learn about changes and challenges from 2025, including the impact of executive orders and related litigation, as well as government guidance, such as the July 2025 Bondi memo pertaining to nondiscrimination requirements and DEI. Hear about the impact of these developments on related activities, such as contracting with disadvantaged business enterprises. Get an update on expected changes to the Uniform Guidance, 2 C.F.R. Part 200, as such changes were directed by executive order in summer 2025. More info/register.

Host: Venable LLP

Speakers: grant law practitioners Dismas (Diz) Locaria and Scott S. Sheffler, partners, Venable LLP

Wed 1/21 at 12 p.m. – Stop Building eLearning like it’s 2010: Why eLearning Still Takes Months to Build and How to Fix It

Associations are being asked to do the impossible. More courses. Higher quality. Shorter timelines. All with a production model that still takes months to deliver one hour of eLearning. That is not a talent problem. It is not an effort problem. It is a system problem. Learn why eLearning production is still broken and you can fix it. More info/register.

Hosts: Sam Hirsch of Oasis LMS and Dan Streeter of MissionFuel

Wed 1/21 at 1 p.m. – Why You’re Worth It: Breaking Old Beliefs to Unlock Sponsorship Revenue

Step into a more confident sponsorship mindset and attract the partners your work deserves. Learn about the mindset blocks that hold nonprofit and association leaders back and the shifts that unlock stronger, more confident corporate partnerships. Hear about the 5 mindset shifts every leader needs; why worthiness directly impacts sponsorship success; how to speak to companies from a place of value, not scarcity; and a fresh way to think about your mission, impact, and partnership potential. More info/register.

Host: Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE, founder/CEO, Growth Owl LLC

Guest: Pat Schultz, MBA, founder, Ready4Takeoff

Wed 1/21 at 2 p.m. – GOAT Awards: Advancing Association Business

Join us to hear directly from these remarkable GOAT Honorees as they share must-have strategies, bold ideas, and practical wisdom that you can use to elevate your association’s impact and growth. This inspiring dialogue is your chance to gain fresh perspectives, actionable takeaways, and connect with the very best minds advancing the practice of association business. More info/register.

Host: Professionals for Association Revenue

Speakers:

Dan Cole, Sr. Director, Exposition Sales, Audio Video Integrated Experience Association
Krystle Kopacz, CEO, Revmade
Carrie McIntyre, Principal, Navigate
Brittany Shoul, SVP, Revenue Strategy & Operations, MCI USA
Sean Soth, Founder & Leadership Advisory Board Chair, Professionals for Association Revenue
Jen Smith, Executive Director, Professionals for Association Revenue

Wed 1/21 at 2 p.m. – 2026 Association Trends Revealed: What Leaders Are Prioritizing (and Why)

Learn about the findings from GrowthZone’s 2026 Association Survey, including key trends and takeaways that can inform your strategy for the year ahead. Hear expert analysis and practical recommendations based on what your peers reported regarding: top challenges and areas of concern, effective reinstatement and retention strategies, innovative non-dues revenue opportunities, and additional insights shaping the future of associations. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers: Shari Pash and Scott Robertson

Thu 1/22 at 10 a.m. – Cybersecurity & Communications Risk in 2026: Strengthening Data Security, VoIP Systems, and Operational Resilience

Learn about the most significant cybersecurity and communications risks nonprofit organizations should be planning for in 2026, including emerging threat patterns, regulatory considerations, and real-world scenarios affecting organizations with limited resources and increasing digital complexity. Find out why donor and member privacy, email, and communications security remain critical leadership concerns; how modern IT and VoIP environments introduce new exposure—and where risks often go unnoticed; and how to strengthen security and resilience in the year ahead. More info/register.

Host: OptfinITy

Speakers:

Michael Drobnis, CEO, OptfinITy
Charlotte Conroy, Managing Partner, Director of Marketing and Business Development, Recent Communications, Inc.

Thu 1/22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – How to Design a Product Portfolio

Host: James Young, founder, Product Community

Thu 1/22 at 12 p.m. – What’s in Store for Associations in 2026?

Tune in for a clear assessment of the opportunities and risks facing Canadian associations in 2026, with a focus on how sponsor and member retention will shape your ability to navigate the year ahead. More info/register.

Host: Zzeem Consulting

Thu 1/22 at 2 p.m. – Scaling Non-Dues Revenue: How TIA Built a Centralized Media Hub

Hear how the TIA team brought advertising and sponsorship operations in-house and scaled non-dues revenue using a centralized media hub. Learn why TIA decided to bring advertising and sponsorship management in-house; how managing multiple media offerings in one place enabled them to create high-value multimedia packages; how they streamline sales, tracking, and reporting; and how they turn actionable data into increased sponsor value and revenue. More info/register.

Host: iMIS by ASI

Speakers:

Paul Leahy, VP of Member Services & Operations, Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA)
Raphael Badagliacca, ASI
Joe John, John Consulting

Thu 1/22 at 2 p.m. – What Board Members Think Association Community Survey Information Sessions

The What Board Members Think Association Community Survey 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 two January 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

Thu 1/22 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 1/27 at 8 a.m. – Practicing Presence in Polarized Times (Nonprofit Mission: Impact)

Host: Carol Hamilton, Principal, Grace Social Sector Consulting

Guest: Danielle Marshall, Founder, Culture Principles

Tue 1/27 at 10:30 a.m. – Meditation Skills for Busy Lives

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

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

Tue 1/27 at 11 a.m. – Changing Perceptions About Audit Committees – How to Better Position to be Value-Added

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

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

Tue 1/27 at 11 a.m. – The Best of the Best: Brand Strategies in Action

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jemilah Senter, Founder, Chief Strategist + Fractional CMO at Senterpoint Strategies

Tue 1/27 at 4 p.m. – Future Forward: Growing Non-dues Revenue in 2026

Hear a panel of association experts discuss ideas and strategies to grow your non-dues revenue in 2026. More info/register.

Host: Intuto

Speakers:

Sean Soth, Founder, Professionals for Association Revenue
Maria Jaba, Hospital Relations Manager, Society of Critical Care Medicine
Brittany Shoul, Senior Vice President, Revenue Strategy & Operations, MCI USA
Ryan MacTaggart, Ph.D. Associate Director, Professional Learning, EDUCAUSE
Jay S. Daughtry, M.Ed. (moderator), Director of Client Partnerships, North America, Intuto

Wed 1/28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – EventTech Platforms Demo Day

See presentations from industry partners that offer event tech platforms. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Participants: Personify A2Z Events, Swapcard, Momentive Event Management, EVA Event Tech Hub, Cadmium, eShow, Personify Registration Tech, eventPower, Event.Quest by Insight Guide, Popshap

Wed 1/28 at 11:30 a.m. – 10 Things to Automate in 2026

Host: iMIS by ASI

Wed 1/28 at 12 p.m. – Pinpoint and Conquer the Barriers to Association Growth

Host: Halmyre

Speaker: Christine Saunders, President & Founder, Halmyre

Wed 1/28 at 12 p.m. – The Top 2 Conflict Tools You Need in Today’s Environment

More info/register.

Host: Jamie Notter

Thu 1/29 at 1 p.m. – Jeopardy!™-Style Association Ethics Showdown: Test Your Knowledge and Win!

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Adrienne Bryant, Program Director at Customer Experience Professionals Association

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 Zoshua Colah via Unsplash

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

Association Brain Food: 1.9.26

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

“You cannot have a happy ending to an unhappy journey” ~~Abraham-Hicks

Good reads for the association community

Sponsorship revenue. The old sponsorship packages no longer work for many companies. TopClass LMS makes the case for transforming sponsors into year-round educational partners. Your corporate partners are already educating your members; they’re just doing it without you. Restructure these relationships so they generate consistent revenue and deliver valuable professional development to members.

Members with no time for you. Members don’t have enough time to get involved with your association, but the experiences that will hook them into your community require time. What to do? James Young of Product Community says members already spend time on professional development, problem-solving, and networking, but they do it inefficiently across multiple platforms and sources. By consolidating and improving these activities for them, you’re not asking for more of their time, you’re asking for a reallocation of their existing time toward something that actually benefits their careers.

Taking the CAE exam this year? Check out the revised CAE Practice Exam from Rogue Tulips Consulting. Authored by CAE expert Cheryl Ronk, CAE, FASAE, this practice exam provides difficult questions to sharpen your thinking skills and test your knowledge. If you’re sitting for the exam, this is your prep companion. Get $25 off with discount code RTBRAINFOOD.

AMS implementation. Most of us have an AMS horror story, but after 400+ implementations, re:Members knows how to turn those forebodings into success. They describe their approach to the two biggest implementation fears—time consumption and change-resistant staff—and offer practical first-30-days advice for associations preparing to switch systems. A must-read if you’re evaluating systems or getting ready for project kick-off.

The state of chapters. The new chapter benchmarking report from re:Members and Mariner Management confirms what many of us suspected: volunteer shortages morphed from a nuisance to a nightmare. But that’s not the only problem: only 18% of associations believe their chapter structure is up to date. Beyond benchmarking data, the report explores how community itself is being redefined and includes examples of associations experimenting with lighter-weight models and centralized operations.

Outsider perspective. Carolyn Shomali was an association ‘outsider’ when she was hired by Professionals for Association Revenue (PAR). Six years later, as she leaves PAR, she encourages you to ask, “If an outsider stepped into my association, what would they question?” She advises you not to underestimate the cost of the status quo or the value of your industry partner members in helping you upset it.

Member renewal. 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 touches, and channels, plus a month-by-month renewal schedule.

Help improve AMS/CRM selection. Association staff, vendors/solution providers, and consultants: 501Works invites you to complete the 2025 AMS/CRM Software Selection Survey. By spending just 5-10 minutes on the survey, you’ll help identify common selection pitfalls, communication gaps, and challenges faced across our industry. Your insights will shape best practices for years to come.

Board expectations. Do your board members understand their stewardship responsibilities or do they see board service as a reward for their loyalty or popularity? Jeff De Cagna calls for associations to reset director and officer expectations around board service with his three stewardship imperatives. Use this post as a discussion prompt at your next board meeting.

New member onboarding. In a guest post for Higher Logic, Darryl Gecelter of Crowded points out five onboarding mistakes that lead to new member disengagement or remorse—and what you should do instead.

Snacks

The ROAR Method™ offers a practical framework for sustainable membership growth built around four stages: Recruit, Onboard, Activate, and Renew. | Jeff Hanlan

Is this the real face of Elizabeth I? Artist Mat Collishaw is on a quest to reveal the woman behind the mask of this famously image-conscious monarch. I was hoping they’d stick a wig and gown on it and have it talk. | BBC

I’ve never seen this amazing metalwork before: Shrine of the Three Kings at Cologne Cathedral by Nicholas of Verdun. More proof you can find light in the so-called dark ages. | Smarthistory

Heartbreaking. “I saw our dead son suddenly alive again.” Newly public footage shows Hersh Goldberg-Polin and his fellow hostages lighting a menorah in captivity. It is a reminder that, even in the bleakest of circumstances, there is hope. | Rachel Goldberg-Polin, The Free Press

You never grow old at the table

Let’s start with my excessive Christmas Eve table. I had a crockpot full of glühwein (mulled wine) ready for everyone as they arrived. I left the apps to others since I made tortellini alfredo, Christmas Eve calamari (I added bacon and doubled the tomato paste) with short rigatoni, plus plain marinara for the kids, and turkey meatballs with gravy (I added celery, garlic, rosemary, sage, and thyme, and bumped up the other flavor enhancers). Yeah, maybe four mains is a bit too much.

On the side, mashed potatoes (courtesy of my sis-in-law), cranberry sauce, roasted broccoli with red onion and garlic powder, and cheesy garlic bread (softened butter, sauteed garlic, Parmesan, parsley, s&p, and mozzarella). Along with desserts from guests, I contributed my high-octane eggnog, Russian teacakes, ginger cookies, and salted chocolate chip cookies. Yes, we had leftovers. I haven’t weighed myself since.

For Jim’s birthday (New Year’s Day), I made his favorite low-and-slow roasted corned beef. Before putting it in a 300° oven, I rub a mix of ground spices over the top: allspice, mustard, coriander, cloves, black pepper, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and Aleppo pepper flakes.

On the side, a cabbage sauté (bacon, onion, red bell, jalapeño, carrot, and garlic with ham broth) and butternut squash purée. After boiling the cubed squash, drain it and put it back in the pot with orange juice/zest, heated milk (optional), maple syrup, butter, and salt. Purée it with an immersion blender right in the pot.

This dish might be on the menu for Christmas Eve next year: Italian stuffed pork loin. Too much salt even for me, but I’ll dial that back next time. On the side, roasted baby gold potatoes with fresh rosemary and garlic powder, and roasted broccoli with red onions and garlic powder.

Here’s an easy fish dinner: pesto parmesan crusted amberjack. Oil a baking dish, spread halved grape tomatoes over the bottom, and bake at 450° until they soften. Put the fillets on top, season them, spread with pesto, then top with panko, Parmesan, and lemon zest. Bake until done. On the side, mashed potatoes, plus collards sautéed with bacon, onion, carrot, red bell, jalapeño, garlic, ham broth, and sherry vinegar.

We love this comfort food meal: one-pot beef stroganoff. It’s truly one pot! After all the other ingredients are sautéed, you add the egg noodles and cook everything together. I added red bell and jalapeño pepper, and used regular instead of sweet onion, sherry instead of white wine, and smoked instead of regular paprika. On the side, Brussels sprouts roasted with red onion, ancho chile powder, and garlic powder, then tossed with a balsamic vinegar and maple syrup glaze.

This Portuguese dish packs the flavor: Alentejo-style pork chops. With a mortar and pestle, smoosh garlic and salt, add black pepper, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and olive oil to make a paste. Spread over the chops, put them in a dish, add a cup of white wine, and leave them alone to marinate a few hours just like that. Then brown them on both sides, stir in the marinade and wine, cover and cook on low another ten minutes. On the side, a purée of butternut squash and sweet potato.

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Fri 1/9 at 12 p.m.* – Fireside Chat: AI, Insight, and the Future of Membership

Explore how AI can help membership teams better understand members and prospects—not in a futuristic, buzzwordy way, but in practical, usable ways you can apply right now. The session includes a 20-minute idea-sparking presentation on how AI can turn scattered data into real insight; a guided peer discussion with fellow membership professionals; and honest conversation about what’s working, what’s not, and where AI actually fits (and where it doesn’t). Limited to 50 participants. More info/register.

Host: Propfuel

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

Mon 1/12 at 8 a.m. – Why A.I. Can’t Replace People Skills (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Cynthia Lockrey

Mon 1/12 at 12 p.m. – Membership Mondays January 2026: Engagement that Grows – Turning Experiences into Measurable Results

Learn how APS designed award-winning engagement strategies that strengthened member satisfaction, community engagement, and leadership retention. Hear how to design strategies that build community, personalize experiences, and measure success in ways that support retention today and sustainable growth over time. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Speaker: Candice Graham, Assistant Director, Member Engagement and Recognition at the American Physical Society (APS)

Tue 1/13 at 8 a.m. – A Strategy Tool for Associations for the Moment We Are In (Nonprofit Mission: Impact)

Nonprofit Mission: Impact is the podcast for association and nonprofit leaders who want to build a better world without becoming a martyr to the cause. In this episode: When everything feels unpredictable, scenario planning helps association teams move from reactive decision-making to intentional leadership. Hear what scenario planning is, how it works, and why it’s one of the most effective tools for navigating uncertainty right now. More info.

Host: Carol Hamilton, Principal, Grace Social Sector Consulting

Tue 1/13 at 11 a.m. – Leadership Continuity in Associations: Preparing for the Next Generation of Leaders

Learn how to map vulnerabilities, transfer institutional knowledge, and develop team-based approaches that sustain long-term success. Drawing on best practices in governance and succession planning, this webinar equips association leaders with tools to ensure continuity, stability, and resilience through leadership change. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Alison Teitelbaum, Founder & Principal Consultant at AST Strategies

Tue 1/13 at 12 p.m. – Rethinking Retention: Generation-Specific Strategies to Address Lapser Risk and Boost Engagement

Host: Momentive Software

Tue 1/13 at 12 p.m. – Tech Tuesday: 2026 Goals – From Reflection to Real Execution

Explore what worked in 2025—and what needs to be left behind; how to separate strategic priorities from trend-driven distractions; where associations should double down, pause, or reset in 2026; how to align technology goals with staff capacity, governance, and business outcomes; and what success should realistically look like by this time next year. 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 1/13 at 2 p.m. – Association Revenue Growth Strategies: Building Predictable, Scalable Growth in 2026

Learn about a structured, practical approach to building predictable, scalable association revenue. Hear how to strengthen your revenue pipeline, improve lead conversion, stabilize renewals, and activate upsell strategies without increasing headcount. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Wed 1/14 at 11 a.m. – How to Buy a Learning System: 6 Steps for LMS Selection Success

Get a complete, proven roadmap for navigating the LMS buying journey, from business case to vendor negotiation. Learn all the fundamentals, so you can find the best solution for your needs. More info/register.

Host: John Leh, CEO and Lead Analyst, Talented Learning

Wed 1/14 at 11 a.m. – How Much Should Nonprofits Hold In Reserve?

Learn how to conduct a risk assessment that will assist your association in quantifying financial risks and opportunities. Once completed, this risk assessment aims to assist in finding the appropriate reserve level for your organization. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Ryan Frydenlund, Director of Operations; Dennis Gogarty, President and Co-founder; and Lauren Kidwell, Senior Marketing Manager, Raffa Investment Advisers

Wed 1/14 at 12 p.m. – Engaging the Next Generation: Creating Value for a New Wave of Members

Learn how to redefine your core value proposition to specifically meet the expectations of Millennial and Gen Z professionals; integrate advanced technology and seamless digital platforms to enhance the modern member experience; develop appealing and accessible leadership training and personalized mentorship frameworks to attract young talent; and provide impactful opportunities for civic engagement and demonstrable social responsibility that resonate deeply with the next generation. More info/register.

Host: NXUnite by Nexus Marketing

Speakers:

Jamie Graves, Director of Business Development at Membership Marketing Services
Molly Lee, Director of Strategy at Adage Technologies
Tim Hopkins, Managing Director at McKinley Advisors

Wed 1/14 at 12 p.m. – 2026 AI Executive Briefing

Hear about trends and strategies in artificial intelligence, and ideas on how to better leverage it in your organization. Explore wiring AI and leadership together, moving from Incremental vs Strategic AI, and staying up to date. More info/register.

Hosts: Randall Craig and Ronja Francoeur, Braintrust Professional Institute

Wed 1/14 at 1 p.m. – Unmuted: How Emerging Leaders Activate Confidence, Voice, and Impact to Shape What’s Next

This interactive session is for next-gen leaders who want to own their voice and play a more intentional role in shaping what’s next, not just in their careers, but in how they show up in the world. Learn how to uncover what’s holding you back and how to shift it; speak up with clarity, confidence, and ownership; stop shrinking your ideas and start owning your impact; and lead from where you are, with or without the title. More info/register.

Host: ASAE NextGen Advisory Committee

Thu 1/15 at 11 a.m. – AMS Selection in 2026: What’s Changed, What Still Matters, and What to Do Now

Learn what has genuinely changed in the AMS landscape and why it matters for 2026; which hard-earned lessons from past AMS searches still apply; how modern tools and increased peer transparency can reduce risk and shorten the process; and how to start preparing now and without the overwhelm. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: David Schulman and Vanessa Dennison, Co-Founders, Beacon Tech Research

Thu 1/15 at 11 a.m. – Stable, Cautious—and Stuck: How to Build Revenue Without Breaking What Works

Many associations know they need to diversify revenue, but hesitation is real. In this live episode of Association Amplified LIVE (formerly Buzzworthy LIVE), Marcus and Dan explore why event dependency still feels safer than digital, what adaptive business models look like in practice, and how content-led revenue helps associations reduce risk and scale value—without blowing up what’s already working. More info/register.

Host: TaleWind Digital

Speakers: Marcus Leite, Director Sales and Marketing, TaleWind Digital and Dan Stevens, President, TaleWind Digital

Thu 1/15 at 1 p.m. – Don’t Let Your Fly-in Fly Away: Capturing the Power of Member Advocacy on Video

Once Fly-Ins and Lobby Days end, the passion, stories, and authentic voices that make these events powerful often vanish. Learn how to transform that fleeting energy into an ongoing campaign that amplifies your message all year long. With real-world examples from the Home Care Association of America, Start Early, and the Alzheimer’s Association, see how short, authentic videos captured during Fly-Ins can humanize complex policy issues, energize members, and strengthen relationships with lawmakers. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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

Thu 1/15 at 1:30 p.m. – Future-Ready Meetings: AI, Talent & Trust

Pull back the curtain on the biggest “a-ha!” moments shaping association meetings. Learn what planners can expect in 2026 as AI reshapes everything from workforce reskilling and next-gen career paths to empowering staff with the same intelligent tools your members now depend on. If time allows, we’ll tackle the real talk too—how to navigate job-loss fears and ethical questions while still embracing the massive upside of smarter workflows, real-time event intelligence, and elevated meeting performance. More info/register.

Host: Teri Carden, COO, Insight Guide

Moderator: Barbara Armentrout, CAE, BJA Solutions for Associations

Speakers:

Vinnu Deshetty, Event ROI Coach
Dahlia El Gazzar, Dahlia+Agency

Thu 1/15 at 2 p.m. – Sneak Peek into Associations’ Digital Initiatives in 2026

Have you ever wished you could be a fly on the wall in another organization’s office as they’re developing their digital strategy or making big decisions about which web technologies and platforms to use in 2026? Take a whirlwind, behind-the-scenes tour of some really cool and innovative projects we worked on in 2025. We’ll walk through the decisions, goals, and creative problem-solving behind each project so you can understand not only what was built but the thinking behind it. More info/register.

Host: Matrix Group

Speakers: Joanna Pineda, CEO and Chief Troublemaker; Dave Hoernig, VP of Software Engineering; Alex Pineda, Creative Director; and Jessica Parsley, PMP, Director of Project Management, Matrix Group

Thu 1/15 at 2 p.m. – What Board Members Think Association Community Survey Information Sessions

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

Thu 1/15 at 4 p.m. – Trends in Employee Benefits for 2026 and Beyond

Hear strategies for designing competitive and meaningful benefits packages that help attract, engage, and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive labor market. Learn about practical and sustainable cost-containment approaches for health and wellness programs, providing insights into how organizations can balance rising costs with the need to offer comprehensive coverage. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Reston Loudoun Swap

Speakers: Jason Jones, SVP, Washington DC and Richmond Market Leader, and Ben Bohonowicz, SVP, Division Director, Employee Benefits, RCM&D

Tue 1/20 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Association/Nonprofit Briefing on AI, Finance and Technology Q1-2026 (Arlington VA and virtual)

9 to 10 a.m. – The Strategic Two-Step: Leveraging Outsourcing and Your Technology Stack to Maximize Mission Success and AI Strategies
10:10 to 11:10 a.m. – AI Readiness: De-Risking Technology Migration as the Foundation for Agentic AI
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – The Relevance Engine: How Associations are Using AI platforms and AI Agents to Modernize — Perspectives from Association Executives in the Trenches
1:45 to 2:45 p.m. – Hyper-Automation for Mission: Low-Code Portals and AI for Program & Member Workflows
3 to 4 p.m. – No-Code AI Agents: Easily Connecting Automation to Your Business Applications

5 CAE credits. Location: Arlington VA and virtual. More info/register.

Hosts: UST Education and Community Summit Roadshow

Speakers:

Andrew Potasek, Partner, Wipfli Advisory LLC and Michelle Wroblewski, Director Association Growth and Strategy, Wipfli Advisory LLC
Tobin Conley, CAE, CIP, Director of Research & Learning, DelCor Technology Solutions; Chris Ecker, CTO, DelCor Technology Solutions; and Jennifer Brearey, Chief Financial and Operating Officer, Advamed – Advanced Medical Technology Association
Wade Tetsuka, President, U.S. Transactions Corp, Karim Guirguis, COO, American Bankruptcy Institute, and Katherine Bayless CAE, Senior Director, Data & Analytics, Consumer Technology Association
Dustin Sitton, Principal, Incite Automation
John Buccola, CTO and Chief Growth Officer, TMC – The AI First Microsoft Partner

Wed 1/21 at 11 a.m. – Creating a Coaching Culture: The Strategic Advantage for Association Growth

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Lori Bruhns, CEO at Lori Bruhns, LLC

Wed 1/21 at 12 p.m. – Building a Burnout Resistant Team: 3 Strategic Shifts for You & Your Staff

Host: Association Xchange

Speaker: Jane Singleton, executive coach and founder, Launchpad for Life, LLC

Wed 1/21 at 1 p.m. – Why You’re Worth It: Breaking Old Beliefs to Unlock Sponsorship Revenue

Host: Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE, founder/CEO, Growth Owl LLC

Guest: Pat Schultz, MBA, founder, Ready4Takeoff

Thu 1/22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – How to Design a Product Portfolio

Host: James Young, founder, Product Community

Thu 1/22 at 2 p.m. – Scaling Non-Dues Revenue: How TIA Built a Centralized Media Hub

Host: iMIS by ASI

Speakers:

Paul Leahy, VP of Member Services & Operations, Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA)
Raphael Badagliacca, ASI
Joe John, John Consulting

Thu 1/22 at 2 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 Ray Hennessy via Unsplash

Amazon, AssociationBrainFood.com, 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: 12.19.25

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

Association Brain Food takes a holiday break after today. I’ll be back in your inbox on Friday, January 9. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours!

Good reads for the association community

Competitive analysis. Members are already comparing your online learning programs to competitors—you might be surprised by what they’re finding. TopClass LMS walks you through an afternoon-long process for using AI to analyze competitor courses, pricing, and positioning. You also get a comparison of the best AI tools for the job and ready-to-use prompts.

Learning cohorts. The ‘learn at your own pace’ promise is exactly why most people never finish online courses. Apti makes a solid case for cohort-based learning programs that combine scheduled online sessions, collaborative and self-study work, and accountability. They describe how to design cohorts that deliver the networking and education members joined for in the first place. Please, if you do one thing this coming year, investigate cohorts.

Make the case for a new AMS. If you’re stuck with an AMS that requires workarounds for workarounds, re:Members put together a straightforward template for making the case to leadership—complete with the reasons why now matters and what’s actually possible with modern software. Be the change agent your association needs and start the conversation about researching a new system.

Credentials in 2026. Mandatory reading from Ryan Greives at Accredible: he gathers predictions from educators, HR leaders, and tech executives about where credentialing is headed. Credentials are finally going mainstream. Employers need proof of actual skills (they don’t always trust resumes) and Gen Z wants the bite-sized, stackable learning that microcredentialing programs deliver. If you do two things this coming year, please investigate microcredentials.

Community essentials. Dean West of Association Laboratory draws parallels between his annual deer camp and association community-building. Deer camp works year after year despite discomfort and no guarantee of success because of the same things that make communities work: common purpose, shared work, and consistent rituals. I can vouch for Dean’s findings: my husband’s annual deer hunt relies on the same essentials. It’s his favorite week of the year.

Event marketing. ExpoLogic’s guide covers event marketing from registration through post-event follow-up, backed by their 2024 research. The guide covers social proof, early bird campaigns, personalized marketing, landing pages, abandoned registrations, post-event surveys, and more. It’s worth downloading if your event registrations have been disappointing—or if you worry they will be.

New credentialing market. A new federal law expanded 529 savings plans to cover credentialing programs, not just college. Sam Caffentzis at Holmes Corporation describes five ways associations can capitalize on this change, from removing financial barriers for members to attracting new audiences who already have 529 savings earmarked for learning.

Planning with the help of AI. Chris Vaughn of Sequence Consulting recalls a meeting where AI unofficially joined the room and changed the conversation. He describes how associations are using AI to build board literacy, analyze member feedback at scale, and run scenarios before committing resources. With AI’s help, strategic planning goes from an annual event to a continuous practice.

Change blockers. Jamie Notter says traditional change management is too slow for the current pace of disruption. He recommends having hard conversations about whether your strategic plan is relevant, why you aren’t experimenting more, or why you tolerate ineffective behavior at the top. Avoiding these conversations blocks change. He provides a list of hard topics—pick one and schedule the conversation.

Lifelong reading. Petya Grady explains why reading slumps happen—exhaustion, wrong books, not knowing what to read next. She describes her own dry spells and how she found her way back to books by following her curiosity, not some external canon—though I’d argue for alternating the classics with whatever calls to you. She says the real problem isn’t discipline; it’s that nobody taught us how to build a reading life after school.

You never grow old at the table

I’d rather have these turkey meatballs with gravy than a Thanksgiving turkey. They’re flavorful and tender—not dry. I added celery, garlic, rosemary, sage, and thyme to the recipe and bumped up the other seasonings. On the side, mashed potatoes (of course) with chives, and broccoli roasted with red onion, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

This calamari recipe is so fantastic I’m thinking about adding it to our family’s Christmas Eve menu. I use only one pound of calamari instead of two because I want plenty of sauce for pasta. I also add bacon, double the tomato paste, and use pureed canned whole tomatoes. This time, I chose mezze maniche rigate for the pasta—stubby tubes that catch every bit of sauce.

I made a whole pound of pasta for the calamari and had leftovers. The rest became pasta with white clam sauce. I swapped basil pesto for the usual herbs and tossed in julienned kale.

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Fri 12/19 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 discussion about making better referrals, updates on the Association Marketplace, future Open House activities, and ASAE 2026 Annual Meeting booth sharing, plus the sharing of good news, and topics or 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.

Tue 1/6 at 11 a.m. – Association Ethics 101

Learn what association professionals should know about ethics, including the difference between ethical, legal, and moral issues and their impact on decision-making. Hear about three ethical challenges that association professionals may deal with in their regular work. Explore at least three different strategies for managing ethical issues and review ASAE resources as well as an ABCD model for dealing with ethical issues. 1 CAE Ethics credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Nabil El-Ghoroury, PhD, CAE

Tue 1/6 at 1 p.m. – 30 AI Tools in 60 Minutes

Explore how marketers can leverage the newest generation of AI tools to work smarter, faster, and more creatively. From large language models to video, image, and audio generators, get a guided tour through 30 of today’s most powerful platforms shaping the marketing landscape. See how AI is automating everything from content creation to analytics, and share strategies for integrating these tools into your daily workflow. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Erica Salm Rench, MBA, CMO at Sidecar

Wed 1/7 at 11 a.m. – Conquer the Close: Tactics to Overcome the Word ‘No’

Learn about a proven, relationship-driven approach to turning rejection into opportunity. Hear about the psychology behind objections, how to reframe resistance into trust, and actionable strategies to move prospects from hesitation. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Justin Goldstein, CAE, Director, Corporate Relations at The Bill of Rights Institute
Dianne Vance, CAE, Director, Sales And Business Development at American Occupational Therapy Association

Wed 1/7 at 12 p.m. – Association Boards as Confidence-Building Systems

Explore the critical role of association boards as confidence-building systems, guided by humility, solidarity, and vigilance. By situating the irreplaceability of human contribution at the core of their stewardship, association boards can bring greater stability, deeper wisdom, and genuine care to their purposeful work on behalf of the associations, fields, stakeholders, and successors they serve. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: AIOT

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

Thu 1/8 at 11 a.m. – Copilot vs. ChatGPT: The AI Rumble You Didn’t Know You Needed

Learn what makes Copilot and ChatGPT actually different, where each tool shines and where they miss the mark, and real-world use cases that will change how you work. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jon Rivers, COO, Marketeery

Thu 1/8 at 2 p.m. – Ring in 2026… Predictions, Pitfalls & Possibilities

What better way to start the new year than geeking out with some of our favorite IT experts? Hear the real scoop on how the economy, cyber security threats, AI, and global events will shake up your tech world in 2026; practical tips to keep your technology running like a well-oiled machine (without the actual oil); and your game plan for tackling those big tech projects you’ve been dreaming about. More info/register.

Host: 501Works

Thu 1/8 at 2 p.m. – 2026 Hospitality Predictions from Michael Dominguez

Explore the evolving trends, shifts in consumer behavior, and innovative strategies that could reshape the way we think about meetings and events. Hear real-world examples to help you differentiate fact from fiction in the ever-changing hospitality environment. Learn methods to optimize your relationships with hotels and skills you need to thrive in the coming market. More info/register.

Host: Smart Meetings

Speaker: Michael Dominguez, CMP, President and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International

Tue 1/13 at 8 a.m. – A Strategy Tool for Associations for the Moment We Are In (Nonprofit Mission: Impact)

Host: Carol Hamilton, Principal, Grace Social Sector Consulting

Tue 1/13 at 11 a.m. – Leadership Continuity in Associations: Preparing for the Next Generation of Leaders

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Alison Teitelbaum, Founder & Principal Consultant at AST Strategies

Wed 1/14 at 11 a.m. – How to Buy a Learning System: 6 Steps for LMS Selection Success

Host: John Leh, CEO and Lead Analyst, Talented Learning

Wed 1/14 at 11 a.m. – How Much Should Nonprofits Hold In Reserve?

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Ryan Frydenlund, Director of Operations; Dennis Gogarty, President and Co-founder; and Lauren Kidwell, Senior Marketing Manager, Raffa Investment Advisers

Thu 1/15 at 1 p.m. – Don’t Let Your Fly-in Fly Away: Capturing the Power of Member Advocacy on Video

Host: UST Education

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

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 Daniel Dalea via Unsplash

Amazon and AssociationBrainFood.com links allow me to earn a royalty from any resulting leads or sales. Thank you!

Association Brain Food: 12.12.25

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

The last Association Brain Food of the year on December 19 will include educational events for the rest of the year and the first two weeks of January since I’m not publishing December 26 or January 2. Please send me information by Wednesday afternoon, December 17, about any educational events you plan to host before January 9.

Good reads for the association community

Awards judging experience. If you still manage awards judging with spreadsheets and email attachments, maybe that’s why judges don’t come back. OpenWater explains what drives volunteers away and how to make judging feel less like a second job. Fix the judging experience instead of begging harder.

Associations’ product development advantage. Mallory Mejias at Sidecar argues associations are better positioned than startups to build AI products for their industries. She shares the example of the Institute of Food Technologists and their AI-enabled platform that helps food scientists accelerate product development. She calls this the ‘right to win’ advantage—the assets, relationships, capabilities, and positioning that give you an edge over startups.

Budgeting. GrowthZone outlines seven practices for building an association budget, from establishing your financial foundation to regular reviews and adjustments. The guide describes ways to protect your budget when things go sideways. The scenario planning section on membership drops and reduced event attendance feels pretty relevant right now.

Agile multi-armed associations. Carolyn Shomali at Professionals for Association Revenue says associations are naturally suited for the model described in The Octopus Organization. Octopus organizations don’t operate like rigid machines. They navigate complexity by empowering each arm to sense and adapt. She points to two Pierre Award finalists as examples: AGU’s cross-departmental innovation sprints and ASNT’s membership model simplification that generated $100,000 in new revenue.

Association consultants to the rescue. You don’t always need to hire a full-time employee for open positions. Mariama Boney, CAE, and Barbara J. Armentrout, CAE, make the case for association consultants to identify and fill talent gaps. Consultants started their careers in associations and now bring experience from dozens of clients to yours.

AMS RFPs and proposals. Dennison & Associates walks you through the RFP and proposal evaluation phase of AMS selection. They describe the six key sections of an effective RFP, common pitfalls that send vendors running, and a three-step proposal evaluation process. The cost comparison section is especially useful—vendors price things differently, so apples-to-apples comparisons get tricky fast.

SHRM’s in the news again. The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) pisses off its members (and HR professionals who used to be members) every year or so. This time, a Business Insider article by Jack Newsham and Sarah E. Needleman about an $11.5 million verdict in a racial discrimination lawsuit is causing a ruckus on LinkedIn. Then Karen Ehrenberg dug into SHRM’s tax filings to see what they reveal about their internal HR practices—part one and part two. My word, what a cluster. So, what would she see if she looked at your org’s 990?

Disability accommodations. Rose Horowitch at The Atlantic reports that elite universities have seen a dramatic spike in disability accommodations, especially extra time on exams, with some campuses registering up to 34% of students as disabled. You might start seeing more members and industry professionals asking for accommodations for certification exams and educational programs.

Parenting alongside AI. Nate B. Jones offers guidance on helping kids use AI without becoming dependent on it. He describes how AI actually works (prediction, not thinking), why teenage brains are particularly vulnerable to its design, and what skills to teach kids. This practical guide for parents works for everyone else too.

Snacks

Here’s what I’d like for Christmas: a luxurious 12-day holiday train journey that takes you to Europe’s best Christmas markets. | Lydia Price, Travel + Leisure

From Southampton to Sarajevo, urban guerrilla mosaicists are transforming city spaces and bringing communities together one tile at a time. | Sumaiya Motara, The Guardian

If you need CAE credits, check out Ed Rigsbee’s 35 workshops—nine of them are one-hour Ethics workshops. To qualify for the credits, you have to pass a test.

You never grow old at the table

We (okay, maybe just me) have been enjoying winter temperatures here in NC, even though it’s still fall. Knowing this state’s climate, I’m sure the 70s are just around the corner. For a chilly night, I made this baked chicken and mushroom skillet. On the side, Brussels sprouts roasted with bacon, red onion, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, then tossed with a balsamic maple glaze.

Another one-pan meal, Portuguese-style cod skillet with ground chorizo, onion, red bell, jalapeño, broccoli stems, garlic, smoked paprika, white wine, canned diced tomatoes with juice, white beans, kale, lemon juice, and chunks of cod.

Chipotle salmon is easy to put together. You could skip the marinade and pour it over the fillets before baking. On the side, broccoli roasted with red onion and garlic powder, and a nuked sweet potato.

To subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post.

Mon 12/15 at 8 a.m.* – Crisis Communications (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Cyndee Woolley

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

Tue 12/16 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 sessions are designed to help you create space in your day and 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 to 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 12/16 at 12 p.m. – Breaking the Third Rail: How to Modernize Association Traditions Without Destroying Your Legacy

Every association has a third rail: traditions that everyone knows are outdated, but no one dares question. These untouchables are quietly driving away the next generation of your members, but honoring your past doesn’t mean being constrained by it. Explore how association leaders can move beyond tradition-bound thinking while preserving their core mission. Get the framework and courage to lead meaningful change that doesn’t erase history but honors it enough to ensure a future. More info/register.

Host: Forj

Speakers:

Barry Schieferstein, Chief Operating Officer, The American Society for Nondestructive Testing
Kurt Heikkinen, Chief Executive Officer, Forj

Tue 12/16 at 12 p.m. – Mission-Driven Leadership: Uniting Governance and Volunteer Engagement (ASAE CRVM Crunch and Munch)

Good governance and strong volunteer leadership go hand-in-hand as they are the foundation on which associations build to achieve their missions and strategic goals. Explore effective practices in fostering mission-driven leadership at every level, from boards to committees to components, and strengthening governance and volunteer structures. Come with your questions, anecdotes, and ideas and learn from your peers from across the association industry. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Component Relations Volunteer Management Advisory Council

Moderators: Michelle Runge, MA, CAE, and Kelly Ann Gull, CAE

Tue 12/16 at 1 p.m. – The Top 10 AI Tools Every Association Should Be Using Today

AI is more accessible than ever, offering powerful solutions to enhance member engagement, streamline operations, and improve decision-making. Explore the top 10 AI tools that associations can implement immediately to boost productivity, enhance marketing efforts, automate administrative tasks, and personalize member experiences. Take away practical insights and actionable recommendations to start leveraging AI effectively within your organization. More info/register.

Host: re:Members

Speakers: Kevin Ordonez, AAiP, President and Managing Director, Digital Strategy, and Kevin Marlage, Senior Consultant, .orgSource

Tue 12/16 at 1 p.m. – Step into the New Year with Intention

As the new year approaches, this is a meaningful moment to pause, reflect, and begin shaping your intentions. Join your association community to reconnect with what matters most, consider the direction you want to take, and start exploring your word of the year. Leave feeling centered and ready to enter January with clarity and purpose. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Speaker: Jen Lewi, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Design Your Next Step

Tue 12/16 at 1:10 p.m. – Learning Champions with Bradley Davis

Hear about three big themes shaping learning right now: how AI is freeing learning teams from tactical overload, skills-based learning as a workforce necessity, and a renewed push toward collaborative, cross-disciplinary learning experiences. Explore the tension every learning leader knows too well: Who are learning objectives really for — and what happens when our frameworks box us in? More info/register.

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

Guest: Bradley Davis, Vice President of Learning Strategy, IACET

Wed 12/17 at 12 p.m. – Future-Proof Your Community: Trends Shaping the Next Era of Member Engagement

Learn how member expectations have evolved — and what they’ll demand next, strategies to modernize your engagement approach, and how to future-proof your community structure, content, and connection points. More info/register.

Host: GrowthZone AMS

Speaker: community strategist Jessica Rickel

Wed 12/17 at 12 p.m. – Locking in Loyalty: 7 Proven Tactics to Boost Member Renewals

Are you heading into member renewal season? Join association executive Erin Roberts as she unpacks seven proven techniques to increase your retention rate, speed up your cash flow, and sell your member value proposition. More info/register.

Host: Zzeem Consulting

Wed 12/17 at 1 p.m. – Content & Marketing Trends for 2026

Learn how AI-powered search is transforming discovery, visibility, and referral traffic. Explore how technology, behavior, and creativity are reshaping marketing in the year ahead. More info/register.

Host: Content Marketing Institute

Speakers:

Bo Bandy, CMO, Alchemer
Bennie Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, American Marketing Association
Patrick Reinhart, VP of Services & Thought Leadership, Conductor
Justin Turner, Head of Thought Leadership, Reddit
Shannon Vize, Sr. Content Marketing Manager, Conductor
Robert Rose, Chief Strategy Advisor, Content Marketing Institute

Wed 12/17 at 1 p.m. – Mastering Negotiation in a Constantly Evolving Market

Gain tactical, real-world strategies to elevate your negotiation skills, protect your bottom line and maximize the value of your meetings and events in a very challenging environment. Through real-life case studies and practical exercises, explore key contract clauses, explore win-win negotiation approaches and gain insider insights into how hotels evaluate and prioritize business opportunities. Take away with actionable techniques to improve leverage, mitigate risk and create strong, mutually beneficial partnerships. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: Robyn Mietkiewicz, Innovation Partner, INNOV8 Meetings + Events

Wed 12/17 at 1:30 p.m. – The Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue Grand Finale Zoom Meeting

Join this 90-minute session during which we will wrap up our collaborative project. More info/register.

Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First

Wed 12/17 at 2 p.m. – Intro to AI Webinar for Associations and Nonprofits

Host: Sidecar

Speakers:

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

Wed 12/17 at 2 p.m. – Ask the Attorney: Ancillary Contracts

Get answers to your questions concerning A/V, catering and other meeting contracts that must mesh with the main venue agreement. Possible topics to be addressed: hidden pitfalls in speaker agreements, convention center agreements: contract or license; and destination management agreements. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speaker: Jonathan T. Howe, Esq., president and founding partner of Howe & Hutton Ltd.

Wed 12/17 at 2:30 p.m. – Event Contracts Exposed

It’s the season for connection and curiousity! Join me for this fun year-end episode where anything goes. Submit your questions about event contracts, negotiations, or the industry in general – or just tune in as I explore quick tips, cautionary tales and practical reminders. This episode will be lighthearted, informative and a little festive – it’s the perfect way to wrap up the year together. More info/register.

Host: Heather Reid, founder, Planner Protect

Thu 12/18 at 12 p.m. – AWTC Meet & Greet

Connect with new faces in the association tech community. Join us for a 30-minute welcome event to forge fresh connections and discover our vibrant Slack community. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Thu 12/18 at 1 p.m. – What Your CMO Wishes You Knew

Four B2B CMOs will speak openly about the state of marketing in 2025, the shifts that will define 2026, and the common gaps they see between leadership priorities and marketing execution. This isn’t another “trends” panel — it’s an unfiltered conversation straight from the C-suite. More info/register.

Host: Content Marketing Institute

Speakers:

Michael Barber, CMO, StarTech.com
Amanda Cole, CMO, Bloomreach
Cathy McPhillips, CMO, SmarterX
Ilaria Pasquinelli, CMO, LIONS
Robert Rose, Chief Strategy Advisor, Content Marketing Institute

Thu 12/18 at 4 p.m. – The Ethics Edge: Frameworks, Dilemmas, and Decisions

Using the ASAE Ethics Toolkit, updated in 2025, this session will review up to three ethical scenarios for discussion via breakout groups. 1 CAE Ethics credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Reston Loudoun Swap

Speakers:

Clarissa Russell, MBA, CAE, IEC, CMP, M.ASCE, Director of Convention & Event Services, ASCE
Ann Link, CAE, Chief Operations Officer, National Association of Regional Councils

Fri 12/19 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 the sharing of good news, topics or questions from the group, and AI and its impact on consulting. More info/register.

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

Creative Commons licensed photo by Ann via Unsplash

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

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

To subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post.

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

To subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post.

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

To subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post.

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

To subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post.

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

To subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post.

Share this: