The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community…
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” —Dr. Seuss
Association survey. MGI’s 2025 Membership Marketing Benchmarking Survey is closing next Friday. I strongly encourage your association’s participation. I use data from MGI’s survey report more than any other research in our space. For the 17th edition of the survey, they’ve added questions on AI, workforce development, and generational changes. Want to make a case for resources or for celebrating your success? Then please add your association’s data to this research.
Writers and AI. Ok, this one is self-serving, but factual. Craig Guillot, a fellow freelance writer, explains why human writers are superior to ChatGPT and other AI tools. I’ll add one more reason: many writers have been in your client’s (or member’s) shoes. They truly understand your target audience’s experiences and emotions. An AI tool can’t replicate that.
Online learning strategy. D2L describes how to design and implement an effective online learning strategy, including its vision and purpose, necessary resources and expertise, success criteria, communication plan, and assessment.
Social media for associations. Amanda Brahlek at Parthenon Management Group shares a useful review of social media platforms, metrics, and trends, with a focus on Bluesky. Social media is ever-changing. She offers advice for using social to achieve marketing and sales goals and describes the problems associations might encounter.
Career centers. Elizabeth Engel of Spark Consulting describes career center challenges associations are facing—and improvements to consider. She shares the calculations every association must make about programs, products, and services.
Young professionals. YM Careers provides advice for attracting young people to your association and keeping them close by 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.
The looming membership cliff. Demographic shifts and private equity are putting pressure on traditional membership models. Joanna Pineda of Matrix Group International describes strategies for mitigating the membership cliff.
Membership strategy. With competition from for-profits, online networks, and tech-driven platforms, Kim Davies at Naylor offers a more innovative and data-driven membership blueprint to help associations thrive.
Snacks
A little nerdy, but need-to-know info for marketers… what’s the difference between Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and Search Engine Optimization (SEO)? | David Myers, Nexus Marketing Agency
Something fundamental has changed that makes it more difficult to get event marketing messages in front of members, customers, and prospects. | Mike Stelzner
You never grow old at the table
I never tire of pork with cranberry-herb sauce, maybe because of my native Bristol County MA love for cranberries—and it’s a snap to put together. On the side, “baked” sweet potatoes and roasted broccoli with red onion and garlic powder. Confession: I nuked the sweet potatoes for about eight minutes after piercing them all over with the tip of a knife—saves a lot of time.
Boy, this was good: Peruvian roasted chicken with spicy cilantro sauce—put the link into this archive site to get behind the NYT paywall. Don’t let the hard-to-find chile paste ingredients put you off. I used sriracha for the aji amarillo paste and ancho for the pasilla chile powder. I only used four bone-in thighs but made the full amount of sauce since it’s good on everything.
My husband, his family, and some framily are from southern New Jersey, so I live amidst Eagles “phanatics.” We had the whole crew over on Sunday to watch the game and eat cheesesteaks at half time. We found two-pound packages of thinly sliced beef at BJ’s, which saved us lots of slicing time.
Before everyone arrived, I spread the beef on two sheet pans and convection cooked them about five minutes, until just done. I sauteed onions, sweet bell peppers, and mushrooms in separate batches. Just before halftime, I nuked each bowl toppings and heated the meat on the stove with a bit of beef broth and Worcester (4:1 ratio). Then, I put two sheet pans of BJ’s grinder rolls topped with cheese into a low oven to toast and melt. Everyone made their own sandwiches with whatever toppings they wanted. The cheesesteaks were a big hit—and much more satisfying than cold deli meat sandwiches.
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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.
Mon 2/3 at 8 a.m.* – How are Associations Like Planet of the Apes? (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: Carl Weaver, Broken Column Press
*All events are online at Eastern Standard Time unless otherwise noted.
Mon 2/3 at 1 p.m. – Building Association Large Language Models
Learn how ASAE implemented Stellar, the LLM trained on association management content. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the entire process, from concept to execution, including: initial exploration; identifying organizational needs and aligning them with AI capabilities; clarifying strategy, goals and KPIs; garnering buy-in, both on an individual and organization level; legal considerations; technology behind the tool; day-to-day management; and how Stellar is driving innovation and delivering value to members. 1 CAE credit. More info/register (free for ASAE members only).
Host: ASAE
Speakers:
- Johanna Gundlach, Chief Operating Officer, Betty Bot
- Reggie Henry, CAE, Chief Information & Performance Excellence, ASAE
- Truman Towle, Data Analyst, ASAE
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
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
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
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
Wed 2/5 at 12 p.m. – The Seven Deadly Sins of Membership Marketing
Membership marketing has witnessed continual innovations over the years. However, many associations still experience challenges in sustaining thriving membership. Research data and experience highlight the barriers that hold back growth. We call these the Seven Deadly Sins of Membership Marketing. Learn how to identify and overcome them as Tony Rossell discusses his new book of the same name. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: AIOT
Speaker: Tony Rossell, Senior Vice President, Marketing General Inc. (MGI)
Wed 2/5 from 12 to 2 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
Wed 2/5 at 12 p.m. – Mastering Media Momentum: How to Consistently Earn Coverage and Build Industry Presence
Discover how to identify compelling stories within your association that align with industry trends and member values. Learn how to develop narratives that not only capture attention but also drive media engagement, and use breaking news and current events to position your association as a thought leader in your field. From strategic pitching to cultivating strong media relationships, get actionable tips to amplify your visibility. More info/register.
Host: OnWrd & UpWrd
Speakers: Colleen Gallagher, President & CEO, and Meghan Henning, Senior PR Strategist, OnWrd & UpWrd
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
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
Wed 2/5 at 2 p.m. – 7 Unique Webinar Formats You Should Try in 2025
Hear about innovative webinar formats and strategies for engaging diverse audiences and achieving marketing goals. Learn how to refresh your webinar approach with gamification, tailored experiences, and short-form formats. More info/register.
Host: Content Marketing Institute
Speakers:
- Mark Bornstein, VP, Content Marketing and Chief Evangelist, ON24
- Stephanie Stahl, Managing Director, Content Marketing Institute
Thu 2/6 at 8 a.m. – Reining in America’s $3.3 Trillion Tax-Exempt Economy (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! This special episode will be released Thursday morning 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: Scott Hodge, author of the white paper Reining in America’s $3.3 Trillion Tax-Exempt Economy, and Tax and Fiscal Policy Fellow, Arnold Ventures
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
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
Thu 2/6 at 12 p.m. – Navigating AMS Selection and Implementation with Confidence
Learn how to get the most out of AMS product demos, build the best request for proposal (RFP) to articulate specific needs and assess vendors on clear criteria, understand how to estimate total costs (including licensing, implementation, training, and ongoing maintenance), plan a successful implementation and set clear organizational goals with all stakeholders. More info/register.
Host: Momentive Software
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
Thu 2/6 at 2 p.m. – Up Your Website Game in 2025
Learn about the tools, strategies, and best practices to optimize website content, stay compliant, promote accessibility, and ensure your audience remains engaged and returns to your sitea gain and again. Hear about the latest web design trends that captivate visitors, 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
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: re:Members and Jeff De Cagna AIMP FRSA FASAE, executive advisor, Foresight First
Thu 2/6 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
Wed 2/12 at 11 a.m. – The Keys to Marketing Across Generations in 2025
Discover how tech adoption timing influences everything from trust to buying cycles, and learn about the different ways generations approach content consumption and purchasing decisions. Explore self-education styles and the psychology behind it all. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Sam Bush, Partner Marketing Manager, Netstock
- Kate Coffey-Bacon, VP of Marketing and Events, US Transactions Corporation/UST Education
- Mary Miller, Director of Marketing, PayTrace
Wed 2/12 at 12 p.m. – How Cross-Team Collaboration Can Unlock Untapped Revenue
Breaking down silos between departments can unlock hidden revenue potential, drive engagement, and future-proof your association’s financial health. Learn how to foster cross-departmental collaboration to create new revenue opportunities. Hear lessons from for-profit businesses that associations can leverage to diversify revenue. Learn how to measure success and ensure alignment between revenue goals and member engagement. More info/register.
Host: WorkerBee.TV
Speakers:
- Sue Marchese, VP of Marketing Strategy at ASAE
- Marcus Leite, Director, Sales and Marketing, WorkerBee.TV
Thu 2/13 at 1 p.m. – Unleash Your Personal Brand: Transform Your Personality Into a Competitive Edge
Learn how to identify, shape, and promote your unique personal brand. By leveraging your authentic personality traits and core values, find out how to differentiate yourself and create a powerful narrative that resonates with your audience—whether you’re looking to enhance your career, build a business, or expand your professional network. Discover how to turn your personality into a competitive advantage that drives both personal and professional success. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Kate Coffey-Bacon, VP of Marketing and Events, US Transactions Corporation/UST Education
Fri 2/14 at 11 a.m. – Give Your LinkedIn Profile Some Love
Learn how to craft a profile that helps you achieve your goals—whether it’s landing a new role, building your network, or showcasing your expertise. Hear what works and what doesn’t, and take advantage of live critiques. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Speakers:
- Danielle Duran Baron, Vice President, Marketing, Communications & Industry Relations, School Nutrition Association
- Jen Lewi, Founder & CEO, Design Your Next Step
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.
Creative Commons licensed photo by Chris Chow via Unsplash
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