The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community…
“Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.” ~Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White
Member engagement. Getting a member to pay attention to your email among the hundreds (or thousands) of others in their inbox is a formidable task. Clowder explains how a membership app helps you break through the noise to become an effective member communication channel and hub for all the resources and experiences members value.
Association learning survey. If you’re in an educational leadership role at your association, please participate in (or forward to a colleague) the Leading Learning Annual Trends Survey—a different survey than they’ve run the past few years. This survey covers learning business goals, strategy and operations, trends and issues, challenges to growth, barriers to innovation, AI adoption and implementation, success metrics and pricing, yet should take less than ten minutes to complete.
Community building. People seek communities—places to belong where they can make a difference. But associations have a hard time delivering the personal and emotional experiences people want from communities. GrowthZone explains how to engage members with the five pillars of communities: direction and desired outcome, shared responsibility, personal value, progress awareness, and an ongoing ecosystem. You’ll find a lot of sound advice here.
Attendee connections. I love every one of these five strategies for helping attendees connect at events shared by Beth Surmont of 360 Live Media at PCMA Convene. If your association builds these ideas into your next event, you will win the hearts of your introvert and extrovert attendees.
Membership models. I’m only halfway through this whitepaper by Belinda Moore of Strategic Membership Solutions but already enjoying its illuminating take on membership models. The paper “explores how modern membership models are adapting to meet new member expectations, incorporate digital transformation, and deliver more personalized value.”
Online learning strategy. D2L explains what you need to know to build and implement an effective strategy for online learning initiatives, including resources and expertise, vision and purpose, success criteria, and communication plan, and assessment.
Tax status threat to associations. Two influential think tanks have proposed increased taxes on nonprofits, including membership dues, sponsorships, and program revenue, which could mean a significant financial hit to associations. ASAE is asking associations to join its Tax Reform Coalition to fight for the continued tax benefits of associations.
Snacks
Miles to go before we sleep: David Begler reflects on how an annual wilderness expedition with close college buddies has evolved over 36 years—along with its participants. | Oldster
67 screen-free activities for kids: what to do with kids when it’s dark and cold this winter. | Jacqueline Nesi, PhD, After Babel
On self-respect, essay by Joan Didion. | via Allison Moorer
You never grow old at the table
After I published this one-pot chicken and mushrooms recipe on my food blog ten years ago (wow), a friend later told me he was making it at least once a month. It’s a comfort food keeper, that’s for sure. Try it and you’ll see.
While Jim was away hunting, I took advantage of his absence to make my yearly gorgonzola, spinach and mushroom pasta dish—he can’t stand blue cheese. Poor guy doesn’t know what he’s missing.
I’ve rediscovered my love for salmon-topped salads after having one at book club a few months ago. My salad included bacon, Monterey Jack, almonds, grape tomatoes, radishes, carrots, cucumber, celery, red bell pepper, sweet onion, and broccoli florets on a mix of salad greens, arugula, and spinach. Before searing the salmon, I topped it with a mix of pecans, jerk spices, and chipotle powder.
If you’d like to subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.
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 too product-centric.
Fri 11/22 at 11:30 a.m.* – World Café: Taking Partnerships Beyond the Photo Op
Partnerships between associations are an important element in your international development toolbox. Yet all too often they amount to little more than an empty statement. Learn how to move beyond the symbolic photo opportunities and create relationships that deliver real value to members. Explore how to make international partnerships more tangible and impactful, focusing on best practices, challenges, and strategies to ensure lasting collaboration. More info/register.
Host: ASAE International Associations Advisory Council
Speakers:
- Ginger Ausloos, Vice President, Information Technology, AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Kerry Cosby, Associate Director, Global Affairs and Analytics Initiatives, AACC – The American Association of Clinical Chemistry
- Brandon Hackworth, CAE, Vice President, Governance and Membership at American Association of Orthodontists
- Amy Hissrich, Vice President, International Affairs, ASAE
- Michiel Gen (moderator), Partner, Exempla Management & Consulting
*All events are online at Eastern Standard Time unless otherwise noted.
Fri 11/22 at 12 p.m. – FriYAY Marketing Meetup: Collaborate on Holiday and Member Appreciation Day Marketing Tactics
Join your association marketing colleagues for open discussion and idea sharing about special promotions for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday, and Special Member Appreciation Days to boost revenue, attract new prospects, promote member or industry appreciation days. More info/register (ASAE members only).
Host: ASAE
Fri 11/22 at 1 p.m. – The Art of Asking: Mastering the Feedback Loop
Explore methods to gather insights across all learning environments, from webinars with hundreds of participants to self-driven learning journeys. Learn how to create a feedback culture that has learners eagerly sharing their thoughts; become a data detective, skilled in the art of turning mere comments into actionable gold; and implement a toolkit of strategies to not just gather feedback, but to weave it seamlessly into the fabric of your educational offerings. 0.75 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Blue Sky eLearn
Speaker: Dr. Kristen Wall, MA EdD, Director of Learning & Development, Blue Sky eLearn
Fri 11/22 at 2 p.m. – Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue
We will discuss association board composition issues with a focus on the problems created by electoral composition practices. More info/register.
Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First
Fri 11/22 at 4 p.m. – Credentialing: Certificates, Certification, and Accreditation – How to Tell the Difference and What It Means for Your Association
The world of credentialing can be confusing. There are certification boards, associations offering certifications, certificates of completion, and accreditation. Get a high-level overview of credentialing covering topics in the CAE exam outline with enough detail to learn if credentialing could serve your members. More info/register.
Host: Fridays@4
Speaker: Cindy Lemek, CAE ICE-CCP, executive director of the Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nursing Certification Board
Mon 11/25 at 8 a.m. – The Bamboo Ceiling (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)
Every week, Rogue Tulips brings the nonprofit community intriguing guests discussing vital topics affecting nonprofit organizations around the world—and we have fun doing it! Episodes are published Monday mornings in both audio and video format, available on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcast, and Google Podcast (to name a few!).
Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, CNP, principal and founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting
Guest: Khan Vu , CEO, SASE
Mon 11/25 at 1:30 p.m. – Associations Host Thriving Gatherings: Best Practices and Success Stories from Two Small Staff Leaders
Learn how to host successful, high-impact gatherings by fostering community, engaging members, and creating lasting value. Hear real-world success stories and hands-on insights that demonstrate how to navigate challenges, maximize resources, and elevate organizations through meaningful events. Walk away with actionable ideas on collaboration, team synergy, and impactful member engagement that will help you take your gatherings to the next level. More info/register.
Host: Vista Cova
Speakers:
- Lindsay Currie, Executive Officer of the Council on Undergraduate Research
- Christina Lewellen, MBA, CAE, Executive Director of ATLIS
Mon 11/25 at 2:30 p.m. – Transforming Generosity with Lessons from a Record-Breaking Giving Tuesday
Hear about the strategies and stories behind Giving Tuesday. Learn what really makes Giving Tuesday such a powerful global movement, how the ASAE Development Committee achieved record-breaking results in 2023, the art of personalized donor outreach (and why it matters), and lessons you can apply to your own fundraising campaigns. More info/register.
Host: KiKi L’Italien, Association Chat
Guest: Sheri Singer, Chair of ASAE’s Development Committee and founder of Singer Communications
Tue 11/26 at 1 p.m. – Empower Your Leadership: Navigating IT Strategies for Non-Technical Leaders
Equip yourself with the strategic acumen to leverage technology as a formidable ally in realizing your vision for business excellence and sustainable competitive advantage. Hear about the nuances of aligning technology with overarching business strategies, ensuring your organization not only survives but thrives in the digital age. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers: Daniel Elacqua, Chief Executive Officer, and Chris Maynard, Senior Executive, Strategico Consultants
Wed 11/27 at 11 a.m. – The Ultimate Guide to Running Events with Facilitated Meetings
More organizers are adding pre-scheduled meetings to their shows or creating standalone meeting-led events, like Hosted Buyer, because they provide a guaranteed return on investment for suppliers, give buyers an efficient way to review products/services quickly, and provide a much-needed additional revenue source and event growth for organizers. However, they are difficult to do well. Learn the secrets to running a successful pre-scheduled meeting program, whether you should or shouldn’t offer facilitated meetings, and the common pitfalls of pre-scheduled meetings and how to avoid them. More info/register.
Host: Grip
Speakers:
- Abi Cannons, Senior Strategic Account Manager, Grip
- Jack Newey, Group Portfolio Director, Mash Media
- Gregory Reeves, Managing Director International, Jacobs Media
- Hew Leith (moderator), SVP of Marketing at Grip
Fri 11/29 at 1 p.m. – Talk with CAEs
An online space for CAE candidates to ask questions about the CAE (e.g., exam preparations, eligibility, exam content outline, study strategies, practice questions, tips and advice, etc.) and current CAEs to share their knowledge and experience with the exam. More info/register.
Lead facilitator: DeeJay Hastings, CAE, Executive Consultant, Lewis Association Consultants
Tue 12/3 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – AWTC Advance Conference 2024 (Arlington VA)
This year’s program is designed to help attendees advance their skills, create experiences and develop their network. In interactive workshops, collaborative small groups, and strategic situation rooms, explore options to get unstuck and make progress as you develop your career path. More info/register (making an exception for AWTC: the cost is $99).
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Tue 12/3 at 12 p.m. – Year in Review
Engage in association peer-led discussions on topics related to data and analytics on the first Tuesday of each month. 1 CAE credit. Location: Arlington VA. More info/register.
Host: Data Analytics Network
Tue 12/3 at 1 p.m. – How to Craft Your Responsible AI Policy
As associations grapple with how to incorporate AI into their working practices, often the very first step is to craft a good Responsible AI policy which will provide parameters for staff usage of new tools as well as identify the organization’s position on the often thorny ethical questions involved in using AI. Walk through step by step how to write your own AI policy and guidelines. Hear from peers how they are thinking through the big questions around the dangers and benefits of AI in their own organizations. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Maddie Grant, CAE, Culture Designer and Digital Strategist, Propel
- Tori Miller Liu, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO
Tue 12/3 at 2 p.m. – Revenue Generation Through Innovation: A Conversation with Rick Harris
Hear how associations can discover new revenue opportunities through creative strategies and innovation. Learn how to identify and capitalize on untapped revenue opportunities, align staff performance with organizational vision to achieve big goals, and how listening and collaboration lead to better business outcomes. More info/register.
Host: KiKi L’Italien, Association Chat
Guest: Rick Harris, CEO of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals
Tue 12/3 at 5 p.m. – 2024 End of Year Happy Hour (Arlington VA)
Come connect with the AWTC community of women and allies. Join us for the End of Year Happy Hour, where we’ll celebrate the season with festive cheer in area of Crystal City. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Wed 12/4 at 11 a.m. – Navigating the Looming Membership Cliff: Insights From Association CEOs
With factors like retirements, industry shifts, and private equity buyouts causing members to leave or exit their fields, associations are at risk of losing significant portions of their member base in the coming years. Hear a thought-provoking conversation with several association CEOs who are confronting this challenge head-on. Discover how they identified the warning signs, what’s causing this membership cliff in their industries, and—most importantly—what they are doing to retain members, engage younger generations, and evolve their value propositions for the future. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Michael DiFrisco, CAE, Executive Director, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
- Joanna M. Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker, Matrix Group International
Wed 12/4 at 1 p.m. – Transforming Member Experiences With AI Marketing
Learn about a carefully curated selection of intuitive, powerful AI tools specifically developed for the unique challenges of modern marketing. These cutting-edge solutions are crafted to enhance your effectiveness in marketing, advertising, and communications across diverse audiences and platforms. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Erica Salm Rench, MBA, COO, Rasa.io
Wed 12/4 at 1:30 p.m. – Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue December Kickoff Event
We will preview Poll No. 9, which will focus on the problems created by the geographic composition of association boards. More info/register.
Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First
Wed 12/4 at 3 p.m. – 10 Tips to Make 2025 Data-Informed and Dynamic
Explore 10 methods and tips that can help any association discover the value of data analytics and how these techniques can re-shape the future of your association. This webinar is perfect for any association leader or professional who wants to leverage their vast data stores and sees the new year as a prime opportunity to make the leap. More info/register.
Host: Association Analytics
Speakers: Bill Conforti, SVP of Strategy & Solutions, and Merritt Rohlfing, Sr. Marketing Manager, Association Analytics
Wed 12/4 at 4 p.m. – Mapping a Digital Member Journey: Steps to Elevate Member Experience
Hear about the essentials of curating a digital member journey—from recruitment to lifelong engagement. Learn how digitization has transformed member expectations, why you should have a strategy for your member journey, and methods you can use to personalize the experience for each member. More info/register.
Host: WorkerBee.TV
Speakers:
- Olena Lima, founder and principal consultant, MemberBoat
- Marcus Leite, director, sales and marketing, WorkerBee.TV
Thu 12/5 at 11 a.m. – Fueling Growth: Strategies for New Member Acquisition
Hear about the importance of building strong relationships with prospects to create a foundation for long-term membership; the secret to identifying hidden potential members within your existing database; how to gather key insights from prospects to craft messages that resonate and inspire action; and real-life case studies of acquisition campaigns that have delivered measurable success. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Dave Will, Co-Founder and CEO, PropFuel
Thu 12/5 at 12:30 p.m. – Getting Involved with AWTC: Know Before You Go
The AWTC call for volunteers is now open, and this is a chance to ask any questions you have of current board members and committee volunteers. Join us for a frank discussion of the joy and the tears. We will also talk about the work for the coming year and how you could contribute. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Thu 12/5 at 1 p.m. – Harnessing Data & Analytics for Effective Leadership
Learn how to use data and analytics to enhance your leadership capabilities, drive your organization towards greater success, and prepare to lead in the digital age. From defining important terms to lessons in aligning strategy, data, and execution, to the wrinkles and bumps along the road to a modern association as well as a look to the future of what could be, this session is sure to enlighten any interested industry executive. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers: Merritt Rohlfing, Sr. Marketing Manager, and Julie Sciullo, CEO, Association Analytics
Thu 12/5 at 2 p.m. – Looking Towards 2025… Predictions, Pitfalls and Possibilities
As we close out 2024, we are sitting down with some special IT peeps to talk about some of the challenges we have faced and how you can take charge of your technology in 2025. How will the economy, cyber security issues, AI and even world events impact technology in 2025? What can you do as an organization to keep your tech performing well? If you are looking at big technology projects in 2025 and beyond, find out wat you can do now to start getting your house in order. More info/register.
Host: 501Works
Speakers:
- Chris Love, Vice President, Information Technology, Advanced Medical Technology Association
- James Marquis, CIO, 501Works
Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If you’re offering free professional development to the association community, please send me the link via email by Wednesday afternoon the week before it’s scheduled.
Public domain painting “Herfstlandschap” (Autumn Landscape with Four Trees) by Vincent van Gogh
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