Association Brain Food: 11.29.24

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

Rest in peace, Ben Martin, CAE, our brilliant, playful, big-hearted friend. I first met Ben through his blog, caeexam.blogspot.com. Some of you longtime CAEs remember that one. How many people do you imagine Ben helped in his too-short life? That URL redirects to his next blog, which is weirdly nostalgic to visit now. Ben and I finally met in person, after becoming acquainted via blogs and Twitter, at the 2009 ASAE Annual meeting in Toronto. Ben made everyone feel like a friend. Many good times with him followed all over the country and here in NC. Oh, Ben.

39 minutes of me. Wind me up and away I go on my podcast debut, talking about content marketing, professional development, membership, AI, workforce development and more on a packed-full episode 437 of the Leading Learning podcast with Celisa Steele of Tagoras.

Data management. Wes Trochlil at Effective Database Management says if you want a 360-degree view of your members and customers, you need to capture the data showing all the different ways they interact with you. This is no longer a nice-to-have capability for associations. You must know and use this information.

Young professionals. YM Careers shares advice for attracting young people to your association and delivering the value they need. They explain how to help Gen Z connect with employers, find jobs, jump-start their careers, and make career decisions.

Content marketing. Neil Patel came up with a clever take on content: Maslow’s Pyramid of Content, a nod to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. To solve different audience needs, share four types of content: essential, engaging, converting, and shareable.

Volunteer management. Decoding the Volunteer-Staff Relationship, a whitepaper by Peggy Hoffman, FASAE, CAE and Kristine Metter, MS, CAE, is a must-read for anyone who works with volunteers or oversees governance. It focuses on the crucial role of staff liaisons to volunteer groups, including the training and support needed by volunteers and staff for a mutually beneficial relationship.

Workplace challenges. The latest research report from Halmyre Strategies describes the challenges caused by a new generation entering the workforce: burnout, retention challenges, customer demands, declining value of credentials, and changing roles. Halmyre explains how associations can address these issues and meet the changing needs of industry professionals.

Young members. Highland released the survey results of its inaugural Young Professional Membership Index (YPMI). Their YPMI Maturity Framework shows which enabling factors—leading indicators such as leadership focus, culture of value, strategic alignment and experience infrastructure—help associations deliver the experiences valued by young professionals.

Snacks

Grand Theft Hamlet filmmakers talk about staging a Shakespeare play inside the Grand Theft Auto world. | Christian Zilko, IndieWire

Escape into cozy reading nooks on Pinterest. | Haley Larsen

You never grow old at the table

A new favorite returns: sausage cabbage noodles. I omitted the bacon, used bratwurst instead of kielbasa, added mushrooms, red bell, poblano, and red jalapeño peppers, and included the optional caraway seed. Satisfying comfort food.

Another cozy dinner option: baked gnocchi with Italian sausage. After my adaptations, the original recipe was completely unrecognizable. I used onion instead of shallot; added hot Italian sausage, red bell pepper, mushrooms, spinach, and cans of diced and crushed tomatoes; used only one pound of gnocchi; and subbed mozzarella for burrata.

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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.

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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

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

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Mon 12/2 at 8 a.m. – Adaptive Leadership for Nonprofits (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

Guests: Michael Butera and Cheryl Ronk

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Tue 12/3 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – AWTC Advance Conference 2024 (Arlington VA)

Check out this year’s program, 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 and make a difference at work. Location: Arlington VA. More info/register (making an exception for AWTC: the cost is $99).

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

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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

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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

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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

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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 the area of Crystal City. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

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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
• Tracey Moorhead, President and CEO, American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing
• Joanna M. Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker, Matrix Group International

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Wed 12/4 at 11 a.m. – Best Business Events of 2024

Join the planners of 2024’s standout events, who will share their unique experiences and top insights. From large shows to intimate gatherings, we’ll explore the decisions, designs, and insights that led to their success—and the actionable lessons you can take away for your own events. CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Skift

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Wed 12/4 at 12 p.m. – Mind the Gap

Preparing for change? Map your readiness gap. The biggest hurdle to change is how employees feel about it, no matter if it’s a new AMS system or something else. Learn about the connection to change management skills and change success, factors that can make your team ready or not for change, and factors that improve motivation to change. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: AIOT

Speakers: Mel Starkweather and Joe Plasterer of Starkweather Association Services

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Wed 12/4 at 12:30 p.m. – 2024 Privacy Updates: What Nonprofits Need to Know About Privacy Laws Now

As the year comes to a close, it’s a good time to check in on the state of the ever-evolving privacy and data security legal landscape and to take stock of your organization’s current compliance posture and ability to navigate changes to come. Hear updates on state data privacy and security laws and learn compliance tips and best practices. More info/register.

Host: Venable LLP

Speakers:

• Kelly DeMarchis Bastide, Partner, Venable LLP
• Peter Jaffe, VP & Senior Associate General Counsel for Privacy, Technology, Facilities & Operations, National Geographic Society
• Heather Fugitt, Senior Counsel – Privacy and Data Security, The Nature Conservancy

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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

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Wed 12/4 at 1 p.m. – Networking Events Done Right

Explore how to design networking experiences that engage and resonate with your audience, whether you’re hosting a single event or creating a series of gatherings. Hear strategies for designing impactful networking experiences tailored to various audiences and event types; insights on what drives audience engagement, how to fulfill their needs, and ways to measure success beyond attendance; and best practices for representing your brand and making impactful connections that last. More info/register.

Host: American Marketing Association

Speakers: Jennifer Bialek, Senior Manager, Sales, Sponsorships, and Kirstin Sargent, Lead, Meetings and Events Cvent

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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

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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

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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

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Wed 12/4 at 5:30 p.m. CST – 2024 Holiday Showcase Meetup (Chicago IL)

Are you attending Holiday Showcase this year? The Association Women Technology Champions would love to connect with you during the opening reception. It’s a perfect opportunity to meet fellow technology champions, share ideas, and celebrate the amazing work happening in our community. Location: Chicago IL. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

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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

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Thu 12/5 at 12 p.m. – Member ROI Group

The live discussions will predominately be about CAE education domains related to member ROI on the first and third Thursdays of the month with some exceptions. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Ed Rigsbee

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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

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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

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Thu 12/5 at 1 p.m. – The Benefits of Doing Business with an Independent Hotel 

We challenge you to think outside of the big brand box. When it comes to developing truly creative meetings experiences independent hotels provide appealing options for event planners – complete with a level of flexibility and ease of planning that may surprise you. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Prevue Meetings

Speakers:

• Amaury Piedra, Vice President of Operations, Caribe Royale Orlando
• Mike Schugt, President, Teneo Hospitality Group

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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

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Thu 12/5 at 2 p.m. – What Do Members Want? Tips & Trends from the 2024 Association Member Experience Report

Hear the highlights of the recently released 2024 Association Member Experience report, a survey of nearly 400 current association members. Learn what they value most and strategies to help you improve your association’s member experience and deepen member engagement. More info/register.

Host: Higher Logic

Speakers: Sarah Spinosa, Director of Product Marketing; Bekah Weidner, Sr. Consultant Platform Advisor; and Kelly Whelan, Content Marketing Manager, Higher Logic

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Thu 12/5 at 3 p.m. – Association Chat Insider Weekly Recap

Come together with the association community to chat about the hot topics that matter most. Our meetings are a safe space: no recordings, no live streams—just real, raw conversations. Want to explore what’s buzzing in the association world? This is your weekly chance to connect, share, and learn from one another. More info/register.

Host: KiKi L’Italien, host, Association Chat

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Fri 12/6 at 4 p.m. – Cybersecurity for Associations & Nonprofits

Hear about security measures you can take to best protect against theft of any kind, focusing on identity theft and financial safety. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speaker: Cynthia Echendu, CyberTek MSSP (VENZA Group)

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Mon 12/9 at 11 a.m. – Enhancing the Treasurer Relationship and Collaboration

Treasurers often step into their roles with few expectations and no established goals to guide them. This often leads to a start slow and missed opportunities for engagement, which can result in negative impressions that are difficult to reverse. However, with a little planning and preparation the appearance of just being “along for the ride” can be avoided. Learn how to set basic goals and develop realistic expectations for success and impact during their time as Treasurer. Hear about actions and tactics to get Treasurer service off to a fast start, strategies for how to be a more impactful Treasurer and work with the finance committee, and how to end Treasurer service on a high note enhancing continuity and sustainability. 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

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Mon 12/9 at 3 p.m. – Q4 ASAE Update to the Consultant Community

More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

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Tue 12/10 at 11 a.m. – Why Most Organizations Fail at Community

What if we are looking at community building all wrong? Explore why many organizations struggle to create meaningful community engagement. Learn about the difference between “collectives” and true communities, the power of individual agency and participatory co-creation. Discover practical strategies to foster mutual support, consistency, and stability, empowering individuals to connect authentically and actively shape a thriving community. More info/register.

Host: Carlos Restrepo, MS, CAE, VP of Sales North America, Aevus

Speakers:

• Tasha Van Vlack, CEO & Community Builder, The Nonprofit Hive
• James B. Young, PhD, Founder & Chief Learning Officer, The Product Community

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Tue 12/10 at 11 a.m. – Beyond the Buzz: Integrating AI Solutions into Human-Centric Strategic Planning

Learn about strategies for using AI to sharpen member insights, enrich planning processes, and drive actionable, member-centered strategies and operational plans. Hear real-world case studies showing how associations harness AI to create plans that resonate with members while retaining critical human connections and interactions that foster deeper engagement. More info/register.

Hosts: Halmyre and Event Garde

Speakers:

• Christine Saunders, Founder and President, Halmyre
• Aaron Wolowiec, Founder and President, Event Garde

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Tue 12/10 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

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Tue 12/10 at 1 p.m. – The 2025 Learning Business Landscape

Based on survey data from practitioners working in the professional development business, hear how organizations are investing in learning, including in specific areas like personalization, AI, data analytics, and more. Learn about developments your learning business peers consider important so you can start thinking about how these trends will and should impact your own organization’s portfolio of educational offerings. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Leading Learning

Speakers:

• Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders of Tagoras and Leading Learning
• Ashish Rangnekar, CEO, BenchPrep

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Wed 12/11 at 11 a.m. – Understanding the Numbers

Learn about key items to review to gain insight into the finances of a nonprofit organization, including the IRS Form 990, the cash flow statement, and key ratios that provide insight into the overall financial health of the organization. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Colleen Smith, Principal, O’Connor Consulting Services

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Wed 12/11 at 12:30 p.m. – Embracing Automation for Transformational Change

Hear how embracing automation can empower teams to focus on strategic and impactful work, leaving mundane tasks behind. Discover insights from each organization’s automation adoption journey. Learn how this initiative liberated teams to channel their energies toward higher-value projects. We’ll share practical strategies and real-world examples to help you create a forward-thinking culture and fully leverage automation to drive significant organizational transformation. 0.5 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: .orgCommunity

Speakers:

• Gary Deinken, Director, Business Process Management, National Automobile Dealers Association
• Patrick Dorsey, SVP, Marketing, Impexium
• Danielle Thomas Pollard, Director of IT, Auto Care Association

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Wed 12/11 at 1 p.m. – Nonprofits & Associations: 7 New Year’s Resolutions to Grow Corporate Sponsorship

Start 2025 with actionable, results-oriented strategies designed to strengthen your corporate partnerships and boost your sponsorship revenue. From innovative outreach techniques to cultivating long-term relationships, hear practical tips you can implement right away. More info/register.

Hosts:

• Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE, founder/CEO, Growth Owl
• Bruce Rosenthal, sponsorship consultant, Bruce Rosenthal Associates

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Wed 12/11 at 1 p.m. – Crystal Ball Predictions for the Future of Associations

Hear what organizations are seeing in their professions, with their memberships, and what this means for associations moving forward, including the inherent advantage associations have as connectors and the ways this needs to be accentuated; how associations can cut through the noise and better position themselves to be trusted resources; the necessity of no longer doing business as usual but emphasizing responsiveness and agility; and why associations must communicate and collaborate more effectively with younger generations. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Hosts: Fonteva and Protech

Speakers:

• Tina Bates, CAE, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Innovation, Virginia Society of CPAs
• Ronald M Moen, CAE, Vice President, DelCor Technology Solutions
• Zack Wahlquist, FASAE, CAE, RCE, Chief Operating Officer, Chicago REALTORS®
• Thomas M. Wojno, Chief Operating Officer SVP, Innovation & Member Advancement, International Dairy Foods Association

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Wed 12/11 at 3 p.m. – How to Build an Exceptional Member Experience

Learn about the key pillars of an exceptional member experience, and how to harness member insights to inform business decisions, build a member-driven education program that’s scalable, and implement tools and technology to drive engagement and revenue. More info/register.

Host: Arlo Software

Speakers:

• Jessica Bonney, Manager of Training and Education, VICA
• Jeff Horne, Co-Founder & CEO, Wicket
• Jason Vincent, Head of Customer Experience, Arlo Software

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Thu 12/12 at 12 p.m. – Key Learning: AMS Adoption Deep Dive

With every step you take from AMS selection, through implementation, and beyond, your organization’s strategy must prioritize the adoption phase. Long-term AMS success is all about adoption, which means it has to be front of mind from the get-go. Learn how to build your internal team, nail down plans and offer proven strategies to ensure you get the highest value from your system for years to come. More info/register.

Host: Achurch Consulting

Speakers: George Rears and Erin Trost, Achurch Consulting

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Thu 12/12 at 1 p.m. – Understanding Standard Monthly Financial Statements

Financial statements can contain a lot of information, and unless you have experience in reading, understanding, and analyzing them, the information presented can appear as if it’s presented in another language. Join us to break down a standard set of monthly financial statements you should be receiving from your Finance team and what you should be looking for. We’ll break down the financial statements into “human speak” and equip you with more knowledge so that you can properly interact with your financial statements – and hopefully your Finance team – going forward. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Yevgeniy Sukhenko, Partner, Outsourced Accounting & Advisory Services, GRF CPA & Advisors

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Fri 12/13 at 11 a.m. – Step into the New Year with Intention

There’s no better milestone than the start of a new year to take the time to reflect and set intentions for the coming year. Intentions are not New Year’s resolutions, as resolutions typically don’t work because they’re often vague and come with too many unrealistic expectations. A simple trick to keep your intentions front and center throughout the year is choosing a word that represents your vision for 2025. Join this AWTC webinar to pause, reset and assess whether your path is still aligned with your goals and values. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Jen Lewi, Design your Next Step, Founder & CEO

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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.

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Creative Commons licensed painting/photo of Row of Eleven Poplars in Red, Yellow, Blue, and Green by Piet Mondrian (1908)

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