Association Brain Food: 1.24.25

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

“Gradually and silently the charm comes over us; the beauty has entered our souls; we know not exactly when and how.” —Frederick Law Olmsted

Awards content. TopClass LMS suggests repurposing the stories of your association’s award winners into all kinds of valuable educational content. Everyone wins with this approach: award recipients enjoy additional recognition and publicity, members benefit from timely and relatable educational content, and staff save time by repurposing content instead of creating it from scratch.

Mobile app engagement. Clowder shares nine best practices for push notifications that will help your associations inform and engage members, deliver valuable content, and keep members connected. Don’t worry, members won’t complain if the content you push out is worth their time.

Online community. GrowthZone explains how to drive members to your community platform. They suggest putting an emphasis on year-round content, networking and experiences that level out the peaks and valleys of engagement—and they provide a sample engagement plan to get you started.

Membership course. Earn up to 10 CAE credits by attending Association Academy’s popular Association Member Growth Certificate Course. The 1,000+ association execs who completed the course learned how to conduct research, develop relevant benefits, establish member content gates, improve recruitment and retention campaigns, and grow membership. The course meets for ten weeks on Thursdays, 1-2pm ET starting January 30. Save $50 with promo code BRAINFOOD. I’ve heard great things about this program so I registered—please join me there!

Association activism. Lately, several of my newsletters have mentioned an upcoming vote for members of the American Historical Association on Israel’s actions in Palestine. The bottom line, per James Hankin at Compact, is: “The AHA membership needs to resist the temptation to moral exhibitionism and confine its activism to matters within its competence and consistent with its purposes.” Something to consider if your members or board are dragging your association into current events.

Trade show floor decisions. I won’t let AI think or write for me, but I’d let it have a go at improving my trade show floor. AI sensors by Zenus track aisle traffic, booth visits and attendee energy levels to understand and optimize traffic flow, show floor layout, and booth performance.

Conference website. Tamar Beck of Gleanin believes conference websites should not become digital ghost towns after registration closes. Instead, she suggests turning them into content magnets providing resources and community for industry professionals.

Snacks

Tell me about the book you seek but cannot name. It works! | En

Why small developers are getting squeezed out of the housing market. | Coby Lefkowitz, Noahpinion

The man who saved Piero della Francesca’s early Renaissance fresco masterpiece, The Resurrection, during World War II—what a story. | Tim Butcher, BBC News

The science-backed benefits of reading. | Daria Diaz, Wellgevity Warrior

Bonjour, Napoleon! A V.R. experience lets people chat with the French emperor. How cool. | Richard Whiddington, Artnet News

Recent findings in both archaeology and DNA reveal that many of the stories we once regarded as myths appear to be true (or true-ish). | Ed West, The Spectator

You never grow old at the table

Here’s an easy dinner to throw together on a sheet pan: chunks of hot Italian sausages, red onion, red seedless grapes, and broccoli florets and stems tossed with garlic powder, salt and olive oil. Serve it over polenta.

I forgot about a goodie in the freezer: the fillets of a big catfish I caught in the fall. Some of them made an appearance in catfish with choo chee Thai curry sauce, a recipe from Nancie McDermott’s Quick & Easy Thai: 70 Everyday Recipes. This week’s version included onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño pepper, garlic, coconut milk, kale, red curry paste, fish sauce, soy sauce, palm sugar, garlic chives, cilantro and southeast Asian pesto.

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Note: 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.

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Mon 1/27 at 8 a.m.* – Supporting Those with Disabilities (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: Jake Steinman, Travel Ability

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

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Tue 1/28 at 12 p.m. – Trends Talk: January 2025

Now more than ever, leaders and companies are being held accountable for their actions. At the end of 2024, the number of Gen Zs in the workforce surpassed the Baby Boomers. As a result, we can expect this trend to accelerate. As the first generation raised using social media, Gen Z is accustomed to using their voices for change and sharing their opinions via platforms as well as protests. Learn how to plan for and manage an unexpected challenge, crisis or public scrutiny of your organization. More info/register.

Host: Sarah Sladek, CEO and Founder, XYZ University

Guest: Adele Gambardella, CEO, Convincing Company

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Tue 1/28 at 12 p.m. – Adapt or Fade: The CEO’s Guide to Thriving in the Learning Economy of 2025

Learn about the top trends reshaping the professional learning industry in 2025, critical risks and opportunities learning leaders must tackle head-on, real-world insights from top learning leaders on their 2025 goals and investment, and actionable strategies to align your programs with evolving learner expectations. More info/register.

Host: BenchPrep

Speaker: Ashish Rangnekar, CEO of BenchPrep

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Wed 1/29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – EventTech Demo Day

Join us for this just-in-time EventTech Platforms demo day featuring presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer EventTech Platforms. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Participants: Momentive Software, Fourwaves, eShow, Personify A2Z Events, Conexiant DXP, eventPower, Cadmium, Swapcard, Matchbox, Snapsight

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Wed 1/29 at 11 a.m. – Content Governance: Ensuring Sustainable Content Success

Content governance is defining the “rules of the road” for creating better content sustainably. This session will cover what should be included in content governance, as well as some governance models. Through conversation and breakouts, we will help participants identify their current state and opportunities to adopt governance in their organizations. More info/register.

Host: Hilary Marsh, President & Chief Strategist, Content Company, Inc.

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Wed 1/29 at 11 a.m. – Understanding Standard Monthly Financial Statements

Learn about the 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 at Outsourced Accounting & Advisory Services

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Wed 1/29 at 12 p.m. – New Year, New Data: Let’s Make Every Goal Count!

Whether you’re looking to refine your data strategy, tackle new initiatives, or just level up your data game, this is the perfect place to start. In this interactive, round table-style event, you’ll have the chance to share your goals and plans, tap into the collective wisdom of fellow data enthusiasts, hold each other accountable, and learn from each other’s experiences by diving into the wins, the lessons, and the “oops” moments. Plus, we’re all about motivating each other, so we’ll do a mid-year and end-of-year check-in to see how everyone’s doing. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

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Wed 1/29 at 12 p.m. – Maximizing the ROI for Your Association’s Online Community

Learn what ROI is and why it matters for your online community, how to build an online community that achieves your KPIs, ways to keep your members engaged and happy, strategies to monetize your online community and how to sustain long-term growth. More info/register.

Host: GrowthZone

Speaker: community expert, Jessica Rickel

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Wed 1/29 at 12 p.m. – Building Connections That Count: Association Partnerships and Sponsorships

Learn how partnerships expand an association’s reach and amplify its impact. Hear about effective strategies for identifying and attracting ideal partners and sponsors, best practices for fostering lasting relationships with current and potential sponsors, leveraging technology to optimize sponsorship activation and effectiveness, and overcoming common challenges in association sponsorships. More info/register.

Host: NXUnite by Nexus Marketing

Speakers:

• David Coyne, CFRE, President at The Sheridan Group
• Peter Deitz, Co-founder at Unwrapit
• Shelbey Lang, Program Manager at AMR Management Services
• Lomesh Shah, Chief Executive Officer at Tradewing

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Wed 1/29 at 1 p.m. – Top 5 Credentialing Trends for Associations to Consider in 2025

The professional credentialing landscape is undergoing a radical transformation. Learn about the five most critical trends that will define professional certification in the coming year giving association leaders the strategic insights they need to stay ahead of the curve. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

• Chris Capistran, President, Cobalt
• Pam Weber, M.P.A., CAE, Vice President of the National Apartment Association Education Institute

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Wed 1/29 at 1 p.m. – What Planners Need to Know About AV

AV is a costly, often confusing aspect of planning meetings and events, from the basic terminology involved to accurately assessing what is a “need” instead of an expensive “nice to have.” Planners can also feel their options are limited due to venue requirements to work with in-house AV providers, which is not always set in stone. Learn how to determine if an AV provider can meet the needs of an event, basic AV terminology and terms to better understand what your actual event AV needs are in relation to your budget, and the top 10 questions you should ask your AV company. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: Eric Newkirk, past president of the Event Production Network (EPN) and VP of Design & Creative for AVFX

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Wed 1/29 at 2 p.m. – Elevate Your Email Campaigns: Data-Driven Insights for 2025

Hear insights from Higher Logic’s annual Association Email Benchmark Report, tailored specifically for marketers in associations and nonprofits. Discover key trends and actionable strategies to elevate your email marketing and boost member engagement. More info/register.

Host: Higher Logic

Speakers: Alison Donato, Senior Advisor, and Kelly Whelan, Content Marketing Manager,  Higher Logic

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Wed 1/29 at 2 p.m. – What’s Next in Sustainable Meetings and Events

As global awareness of environmental impacts grows, the events industry is adapting to the demand for sustainable practices. Explore the latest trends and strategies for accelerating green initiatives at events in 2025, including topics such as reducing carbon footprints, conserving resources, effective waste management, and responsible purchasing. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

• Shawna McKinley, teacher, writer, researcher and consultant
• Brianna Treat, Director of Sustainability, Climate Pledge Arena and the Seattle Kraken
• Sarah J.F. Braley (moderator), Managing Editor, Northstar Meetings Group

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Wed 1/29 at 2 p.m. – Finance, Business Operations, and HR January Monthly MeetUp

Bring your pressing problems and look forward to an engaging conversation with your colleagues sharing their experiences and potential solutions. This is open to all ASAE members. More info/register (ASAE members only).

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

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Wed 1/29 at 3 p.m. – The Data-Informed Association, Part 1: Leading With Analytics

Every day, associations are inundated with valuable data, and often don’t realize the full potential of what they collect. Learn how to tap into the data you collect to make great decisions. Find out how volunteer leaders and boards of directors should have access to the data, and what key points to deliver. 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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Thu 1/30 at 10 a.m. – Navigating the Political Shift: Strategic Insights for Trade Associations Post-Elections in the EU and US

Big changes are happening on both sides of the Atlantic. How will the recent EU and US election results impact global industries, trade associations, and the policies shaping our future? Learn how political shifts in the EU and US will redefine key policy priorities. Hear about opportunities for transatlantic collaboration in critical industries like agri-food, energy, and transport, and proven strategies for trade associations to influence policy and adapt to evolving challenges. More info/register.

Host: Kellen

Speakers:

• Brando Benifei, Member of European Parliament
• Christopher Krueger, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, Kellen
• Kate McNulty, Senior Associate, Covington
• Maria Teresa Scardigli, Managing Director, Kellen Brussels

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Thu 1/30 at 2 p.m. – 3 Ways to Increase Website Leads

Learn how to transform your website into a powerful lead-generating tool. Discover actionable insights to attract more visitors, convert them into leads, and drive revenue. Hear about practical strategies to improve user experience, SEO, and lead capture mechanisms. More info/register.

Host: Hatrick Marketing

Speakers:

• Holly Beyhl, Founder & Queen Bee of Design, BoltoBee
• Julie Davis, Founder & Fractional CMO, Hatrick Marketing

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Thu 1/30 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, Editor-in-Chief, Association Chat, and VP of Marketing and Community Engagement, Big Red M

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Tue 2/4 at 11 a.m. – Authentic, Trusted Content in an Era of Uncertainty

In an era of AI and unreliable news, there’s an opportunity for associations and other organizations to step into the gap as trusted sources for content. Learn about the principles of this approach and see examples of content that can be trusted. By tapping into a network of staff, members, clients, and partners, organizations can craft content in a variety of formats that is authentic and will serve to attract others. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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

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Tue 2/4 at 12 p.m. – AI Adoption, Training and Tools (Data Analytics Network)

What AI tools are you using? How are organizations managing adoption and training? Let’s assume you haven’t looked at the AI policy you created last year! Come hear AI strategies from your fellow association executives. More info/register.

Host: Data Analytics Network

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Tue 2/4 at 12 p.m. – Business Growth Hacking Lab

To grow your membership and non-dues revenue to the next level, what changes must be made in marketing, tech, people, and business development? How are you assessing the ROI of your current investments: events, email database, website, social media, and CRM? Learn about journey-mapping, connecting the funnel, and the use of content and tech to drive inbound marketing—from digital/real-world interactions through marketing automation, CRM, and operational delivery. Hear about past client recapture, “land and expand,” referral strategies, and best practice proposal and pitch tactics. More info/register.

Host: Braintrust Professional Institute

Speakers: Randall Craig and Ronja Francoeur, Braintrust Professional Institute

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Tue 2/4 at 1 p.m. – How to Win: Be a Category of One (Leadership for SMBs and Entrepreneurs)

Learn how to become a Category of One where you win by not competing and following principles, such as: Work on Yourself, Build Organizational Culture, Use Atomic Habits, Focus on a Niche, and Create a Compelling Saga. Discover strategies to position your organization as a “category of one” and unlock new leadership potential. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Wade Tetsuka, CPA, President, UST

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Wed 2/5 at 12 p.m. – Building the Executive AI Playbook: How AI Will Power Your Association into the Future (Arlington VA)

AI presents many opportunities to enhance member engagement, employee engagement, revenue, risk mitigation, and more. In this workshop exclusively for association executives, learn how associations are using AI today, key risks and opportunities to explore, and how to incorporate AI into your strategic vision. Location: Arlington VA. More info/register.

Host: Matrix Group

Speakers:

• Heinan Landa, CEO of Optimal Networks
• Joanna Pineda, CEO and Chief Troublemaker of Matrix Group International

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Wed 2/5 at 1 p.m. – Crafting Personalized Journeys for First-Year Members

Today’s members expect a personalized experience from day one. We’re here to introduce an approach that will help you provide just that. Learn how to create custom paths that guide members through their first year and encourage them to explore resources, connect with peers, and engage with your association in ways that resonate most with them. More info/register.

Host: PropFuel

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Wed 2/5 at 1 p.m. – Practical Innovation: Small Thinking for Actionable Impact

Learn how to use product “tear downs” to spot innovation opportunities, challenge your assumptions and observe current behaviors to develop new ideas, and mitigate risk and build an innovation culture. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fonteva

Speaker: Rebecca Andree O’Brien, MBA, CAE, Association Executive Director, Institute of Real Estate Management Foundation

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Thu 2/6 at 10 a.m. – 5 Strategies For Driving Member Engagement in 2025

Many associations are challenged with engaging members on a consistent and ongoing basis. Mobile apps have become an integral part of member engagement and with the blend of the four Cs – Content, Community, Conferences, and Communication – are transforming member experience. Find out how to understand your members’ engagement needs, drive greater member participation, engage your members before, during and after your events, and leverage the latest mobile technologies to drive engagement. More info/register.

Host: Results Direct

Speaker: Michael Jones, Vice President of Mobile Technologies, Results Direct | RD Mobile

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Thu 2/6 at 12 p.m. – Looking Forward 2025 Impact: First Look at Trends and Analysis

Hear about data from Looking Forward 2025 Impact, an examination of 75 critical factors affecting association members and the potential impacts on association strategy, including economic, information and technology, workforce, government, global as well as stakeholder perceptions. Learn 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: Nikki Golden, CAE, Strategist; Felicia Kenan, JM, MPA, CAE, CMP, Strategist; and Dean A West, FASAE, President, Association Laboratory

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Thu 2/6 at 1 p.m. – Microsoft VS Google Workspace: Choosing the Right Platform

Learn how to identify factors to consider when selecting a nonprofit IT platform such as Microsoft or Google Workspace, compare the features and philosophy of each platform, evaluate the advantages and drawbacks of each platform, and determine whether and when it may be appropriate to switch between platforms. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Johan Hammerstrom, CEO, and Steve Longenecker, Director of IT Consulting, Community IT Innovators

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Thu 2/6 at 2 p.m. – Is Your Website Meeting Your Association’s Needs?

Hear about the tools, strategies, and best practices for optimizing content types and website layouts, ensuring your audience remains engaged and returns to your site. Discover the latest web design trends that captivate visitors. Learn about the key factors for providing a productive digital experience and practical tools and resources to elevate your site without breaking the bank. More info/register.

Host: 501Works

Speakers: Jim Faris, Creative Director, and James Marquis, CIO, 501Works

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Thu 2/6 at 2 p.m. – FAB Community Dialogue Webinar

Join a discussion of critical themes and takeaways from the first six months of the Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue, including the purpose of association boards, practices associations should adopt to compose high-performing boards, and how associations should think about the relationship between board size and high performance. More info/register.

Hosts:

• Jeff De Cagna AIMP FRSA FASAE, executive advisor, Foresight First
• Impexium

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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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Public domain painting, Verschneite Waldlandschaft by Walter Moras (1919) via Wikimedia Commons

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