Association Brain Food: 3.7.25

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

Association outsourcing. Because many associations struggle with outsourcing decisions, KiKi L’Italien of Association Chat has partnered with Dana Freker Doody of Inktide Solutions and Shameka Jennings of EventsNoir on a research project to uncover the current state of association outsourcing and create a roadmap for the future. Please contribute seven minutes of your time to complete this survey and make this research truly valuable. In return, you’ll receive early access to the full report, benchmarking data to inform your 2026 planning, and insights to optimize your current outsourcing relationships.

Awards program sponsorships. Give your sponsors the chance to support and associate with the best in your industry. OpenWater describes 11 ways to get sponsors involved with your awards program. They explain why these partnerships are a good idea (besides the obvious revenue) and how to make them a win-win for everyone.

Unexpected AMS implementation duties. Ellipsis Partners tells you what no one else will when you’re implementing a new AMS—the nine unexpected responsibilities you need to prepare for. It’s better to get this news before the project begins so you can figure out how to juggle these tasks with your regular workload.

Membership value proposition. Tony Rossell of MGI says many associations are trying to sell a weak value proposition. How will they survive? He shares lessons from Seth Godin’s book Tribes about crafting compelling membership value.

Website content. Always listen to the website whisperer, Ray van Hilst of Yoko Consulting. He explains how to evaluate and improve your website content so it’s high-quality, well-structured, and ready for AI tools and website visitors.

AMS request for proposals (RFP). re:Members (formerly Impexium) describes how to craft a request for proposals that will bring your association the best options for new association management software (AMS). Their guide covers the RFP planning process, necessary components of an RFP, factors to keep in mind when selecting an AMS partner, and advice from some of the most experienced AMS selection consultants in the association community.

Losing your way. Thousands of mental health professionals signed a complaint accusing the American Psychological Association of virulent antisemitism. Wow, the examples described by Sally Satel at The Free Press reveal despicable behavior, although they’re not all in the control of the association. Nevertheless, it appears the APA needs an attitude adjustment, pronto.

Exhibitor marketing. Exhibiting puts a hurting on a marketing budget. It’s criminal to spend all that money and then send out lame pre-show promotions. Julius Solaris offers exhibitors advice for coming up with better pre-show messages than “Find us at booth #954.”

Snacks

Whatever happened to history? The impulse to judge rather than to understand has consumed the curriculum. A generation raised without a coherent sense of history will lack the tools necessary to understand the present, let alone prepare for the future. | Michael S. Rose, Classical Compass Rose

Gen Z and “conscious unbossing”: this will be an interesting phenomenon to watch. | Francesca Di Meglio, HR Exchange

The real reasons people attend events—it’s not just for the content—and the best event environments for 12 different personas. | David Adler

You never grow old at the table

In honor of Mardi Gras, I made one of my favorite dishes: gumbo with andouille, shrimp, and chicken. Damn good. On the side, a produce drawer medley with sautéed broccoli stems, carrots, red bell pepper, green onions, and cilantro.

Last Friday, I got into the Carnival mood with pan-fried pork chops rubbed with Emeril’s Essence. On the side, maque choux, a tasty Louisianan corn dish.

When there’s a surfeit of sausage, I love making this sausage and cabbage skillet. This time, I omitted the bacon, used bratwurst instead of kielbasa, white beans instead of pasta, added mushrooms, red bell, poblano, and jalapeño peppers, and included the optional caraway seed.

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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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Fri 3/7 at 1 p.m.* – Association Chat Book Club (Reset: How to Change What’s Not Working)

Reset: How to Change What’s Not Working, a New York Times bestseller by Dan Heath, explores how to identify leverage points in organizations and daily life to create meaningful change with minimal effort. Join a discussion about Heath’s framework for getting unstuck, avoiding common pitfalls in change efforts, and finding those critical “leverage points” where small changes yield significant results. More info/register.

Host: KiKi L’Italien, Editor-in-Chief, Association Chat, and VP of Marketing and Community Engagement, Big Red M

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

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Fri 3/7 at 2 p.m. – Applying Automation to Save Time & Effort

Explore how automation can revolutionize your association’s operations. Hear about practical applications of email automation to deliver more personalized member value, streamline tasks, reduce manual effort, and free up your team to focus on high-impact activities. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Higher Logic

Speakers:

• Amber Worthen, Chief Executive Officer, Email Maven
• Taryn Morrissey, Customer Care Strategist, Higher Logic

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Mon 3/10 at 8 a.m. – The Power of Pushback: Why Resistance Drives Transformation (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: Michael Randel, Randel Consulting

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Tue 3/11 at 12 p.m. – Tech Tuesday: Small Staff, Big AI Ideas

Feeling overwhelmed by the demands of running a small-staff association? Artificial intelligence can be your secret weapon. Learn how to empower your small team to achieve big results, boosting operations and deepening member engagement. Hear directly from association leaders who are already using AI successfully in concise, actionable segments. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Facilitators: Reggie Henry, ASAE and David Coriale, DelCor

Speakers:

• Alan DeYoung, Wisconsin EMS Association
• Moria Edwards, Ellipsis Partners LLC
• Drew Frazier, Vermont Captive Insurance Association
• Catherine Lada, American Alliance of Orthopaedic Executives

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Tue 3/11 at 12 p.m. – LGBTQIA2+ 2025 Community Call

A unique and inclusive opportunity for association professionals across all career stages to connect and engage over lunch, and a space where you can openly share and discuss topics that are current and significant to the LGBTQIA2+ association community. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE LGBTQ Association Executives and Supporters

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Tue 3/11 at 1 p.m. – Transforming Member Engagement: How MSTA Used AI to Inspire Action

See how MSTA is using AI-powered automation and conversational engagement to personalize member outreach like never before. Find out how MSTA uses Betty to create real-time, tailored messaging and how PropFuel’s conversational approach drives deeper engagement. Get a step-by-step look at MSTA’s strategy and results. More info/register.

Host: PropFuel

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Wed 3/12 at 11 a.m. – The Power of Persuasion: Crafting Impactful Ads for Grassroots Advocacy

The right ad can grow your advocate base, increase engagement, and elevate your cause. Hear from three experts who have built and run advocacy campaigns from inside organizations and agencies—now, they’re sharing what works. Learn how to create ads that mobilize supporters, capture lawmakers’ attention, and make an impact. More info/register.

Host: Quorum

Speakers:

• Riley Bechdel, Vice President, Digital, Rational360
• Rose Elam, Partner, Swann Street Media
• Julienne Uhlich, Director of Customer Success, Satara Solutions

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Wed 3/12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – AI and the Future of Events

Dive into the future of events and explore AI’s transformative impact on the sector. From enhancing and extending the attendee experiences to leveraging data-driven insights, discover how AI is reshaping every aspect of event planning and execution. 2 CMP credits. More info/register.

Host: Skift Meetings

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Wed 3/12 at 11 a.m. – Microsoft Copilot implementation journey webinar – Part II

Join us for a series of webinars as we follow Galina Kozachenko and her team at AFP on their Microsoft Copilot implementation journey. In this second webinar, Hear about adoption within AFP, successes and failures, next steps, and specific use cases in PowerPoint, Excel, and Word. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Technology Professionals Advisory Council

Speakers:

• Misha Getter, Vice President, Systems and Technology, Global Cold Chain Alliance
• Galina Kozachenko, Managing Director, Strategy, Analytics and Technology, Association for Financial Professionals
• Bryan Lapidus, Financial Planning and Analysis Practice Director, Association for Financial Professionals

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Wed 3/12 at 12 p.m. – AI, Authenticity, and the Future of Member Engagement

Learn how to enhance engagement without losing authenticity. Discover how AI can help associations personalize content while maintaining ethical standards. Get expert insights on staying ahead in an AI-powered digital landscape. More info/register.

Host: WorkerBee.TV

Speakers:

• KiKi L’Italien, EVP of Marketing & Community Engagement, Big Red M and Editor-in-Chief, Association Chat
• Marcus Leite, Director of Sales & Marketing, WorkerBee.TV

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Wed 3/12 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. – Nonprofit Tech Talk: Unraveling AI, Security and Data (Toronto, ON)

Forward-thinking leaders can transform technological ignorance into competitive advantages that drive sustainable growth and innovation by seamlessly integrating data strategy and governance, AI, and security frameworks. Participate in a focus group discussion designed to empower nonprofits by exploring four critical areas that drive digital and AI success: security, data governance, AI, and customer engagement. Gain valuable insights into effectively leveraging technology to achieve your organizational goals and maximize impact in the community. Location: Toronto, ON. More info/register.

Hosts: RSM and Microsoft

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Wed 3/12 at 1 p.m. – Increase Sponsorship Revenue with Video

Discover how video can add non-dues revenue around events, from pre-event promotions to in-event showcases and post-event recaps. Learn actionable strategies to drive additional revenue from existing digital, print, and year-round sponsorships by integrating video into their mix of available digital sponsorship space. Hear practical insights on how to offer dynamic, high-value opportunities to sponsors while enhancing member engagement. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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

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Wed 3/12 at 1 p.m. – You & AI: Creating Personalized Event Experiences

Discover why personalization matters and how AI can help you deliver it effectively. Hear common challenges with personalization and effective solutions, why data hygiene is crucial for creating customization at scale, and practical ways AI can enhance your marketing campaigns and event experiences. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: Brittany Fisher, Team Lead, Product Marketing, Cvent

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Wed 3/12 at 2 p.m. – Best Practices for Accessible Meetings

Hosting an accessible gathering requires more than just meeting ADA compliance. Planners must ensure the entire event experience, from registration to closing keynote, is inclusive for all. Learn what to consider during the site-selection process, how to incorporate accessibility into the event design, and the importance of catering to neurodivergent needs. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

• Josh Klipp, Principal, Founder and Certified Access Specialist, Made Welcome
• Amy Wood, Manager, Accessible Events & Real Estate/Travel, Salesforce

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Wed 3/12 at 2 p.m. – Unlocking Digital Success: The Power of Content and Data

Learn how organizations can use the latest digital experience strategies to boost engagement, increase conversions, and achieve real business results. Find out how to harness the power of content and data to create personalized, high-impact customer journeys, and optimize digital marketing strategies that boost engagement and conversions. Hear about real-world examples of organizations achieving success with digital experience platforms. More info/register.

Host: Content Marketing Institute

Speakers:

• Jacqueline Baxter, Director of Content Strategy, Sitecore
• Jill Grozalsky Roberson, SVP, Marketing, Velir
• Stephanie Stahl, Managing Director, Content Marketing Institute

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Thu 3/13 at 10 a.m. – Getting to Yes: Navigating Boards, Building Trust, and Driving Change

Board approval isn’t just about great ideas—it’s about strategic influence. Hear about the behind-the-scenes journey of securing buy-in for a multi-million-dollar initiative, along with the trust-building and leadership techniques that made it happen. Learn how to identify and address leadership concerns before they become roadblocks, get agreement on the problem before pitching the solution, and use strategic communication to reaffirm and energize your board. More info/register.

Host: Vista Cova

Speaker: Kate Fryer, CAE, CEO, Endocrine Society

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Thu 3/13 at 11 a.m. – Mission-Driven Marketing: Unlocking the Power of Paid Advertising

Learn how to amplify your association’s reach and engagement through paid advertising. Effectively leveraging platforms like Google Ads, social media advertising, and programmatic campaigns can make a significant difference in achieving your mission-driven goals. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Gene Kimball, Founder of Grow Together Marketing

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Thu 3/13 at 11 a.m. – Love Your Content Again: Repurposing Webinars for Ongoing Engagement

Learn how to turn your existing webinars into fresh, exciting content that keeps your audience engaged and your brand shining. Hear how to repurpose your webinars into blog posts, social media gems, podcasts, and more—without the extra work. Find out about the tools, tips, and strategies to keep your content alive and thriving, making sure it continues to deliver value long after its first date. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Reilly Moriarty, Marketing and Events Manager at UST Education

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Thu 3/13 at 12:30 p.m. – Federal Grants and Nonprofits: Today, Tomorrow, and into the Trump Administration

We’re not even two months into the Trump administration, and we have seen significant changes to federal financial assistance for nonprofit organizations. While many of these actions are currently tied up in the courts, as they work through the procedural and legal issues, the landscape for federal financial assistance has changed and will continue to change under the new administration. Learn from practitioners working with clients on the front lines of this evolving and uncertain landscape, including tips and advice for preparing for the changes that are most certainly to come. More info/register.

Host: Venable LLP

Speaker: Diz Locaria, Partner, Venable LLP

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Thu 3/13 at 1 p.m. – Best Practices for Association / Nonprofit Board Governance in the Digital Age

Learn how to equip board members with tools to address cybersecurity risks, leverage digital opportunities, and maintain accountability in a data-driven world. Hear actionable insight from case studies and best practices from top-performing organizations. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Don Dea, Co-Founder at Fusion Productions

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Thu 3/13 at 1 p.m. – Your Content Has Evolved, Your Distribution Hasn’t: Here’s How to Fix That

Learn why even the best content fails when distribution doesn’t match its quality, the key distribution strategies that high performing brands use to amplify their reach, and how to measure distribution impact and optimize for long-term content success. More info/register.

Host: Content Marketing Institute

Speaker: Noah Greenberg, CEO, Stacker

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Thu 3/13 at 2 p.m. – Monthly Association Jam Session

In March, we’ll discuss KPIs for community building, and how it is part of the community journey. We know that without community you can’t have sponsorships or events. How do we come up with goals? Please come if you have any lessons learned and your own expertise, so we can figure this out together. More info/register.

Host: Association Marketplace

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Thu 3/13 at 2 p.m. – Contract Negotiation Strategies for 2025

How can you cover the possible and emerging risks that could derail your future event? We will go clause-by-clause, to leave you with a list of items you might want to bring up at the negotiating table. Learn what fees to look out for and what you might be able to get waived, how to defines roles and responsibilities for data protection, and how to leverage your economic power in the negotiation process. More info/register.

Host: Smart Meetings

Speaker: Tyra Warner, CMP, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts, College of Coastal Georgia

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Thu 3/13 at 2:30 p.m. – From Connection to Action: Creating Meaningful Communities That Thrive

As associations navigate an evolving landscape, fostering a deep sense of belonging and purpose is more important than ever. Hear about nurturing a sense of belonging to strengthen communities, building meaningful relationships that drive long-term impact, learning from shared traditions, foodways and hands-on experiences, and leveraging business events as platforms for connection and engagement. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

• Lori McCarthy, cultural ambassador, TED speaker and founder of Food Culture Place
• Jennifer Attersall, Senior Director, Client Engagement at Destination Canada

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Thu 3/13 at 6 p.m. – Association Young Professionals Reception

Join us for a fun and engaging networking event for young professionals to connect and mingle. More info/register.

Organizer: ASAE Young Professionals Advisory Committee

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Mon 3/17 at 2 p.m. – 6 Essential Conversations with Chapter Leaders in 2025

The world is changing rapidly, and so are the needs of our members. To stay ahead, chapter and component leaders must engage in conversations that drive innovation, connection, and action. Hear about six essential topics shaping associations in 2025—from tackling disengagement and fostering a collective mindset to leveraging AI for smarter decision-making. Learn how these critical discussions can empower your chapter leaders to navigate challenges, seize new opportunities, and create lasting impact. More info/register.

Hosts: re:Members (formerly Billhighway) and Mariner Management

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Tue 3/18 at 11 a.m. – Conflicts of Interest in Associations and Nonprofits

Hear about potential and actual conflicts of interest in nonprofit organizations, with specific focus on the three IRS classifications most common to the association marketspace. Learn how to recognize, manage, and avoid damage from conflicts of interest while still operating an effective organization. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Michael Wyland, Owner/Partner at Sumption & Wyland

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Wed 3/19 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Using Public Awareness Campaigns to Highlight the Value of Certification (Washington DC)

Learn how strategic public awareness campaigns can effectively highlight the value of professional certification. Hear two case studies from associations elevating the visibility and impact of their credentials. Gain insight into the most effective ways to raise awareness of the value of your certification, how to get a return on the investments and ways to provide incremental value to certificants. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.

Host: Certification Network Group

Speakers:

• Mary Ellen Dingley, Manager of Communications, CFP Board
• Joseph Feese, Director of Public Relations, CFP Board
• Usma Mohamed, Ed.D , Vice President of Brand Experience and Marketing, The Council for Professional Recognition

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Wed 3/19 at 11 a.m. – Bite-Sized Big Impact: How Microlearning Is Reshaping Education

In a world where people check their smartphones nine times an hour, and competition for attention is exceptionally fierce, it is no wonder that shorter digital learning content is becoming more necessary and popular. Learn why and how associations can create and curate microlearning content that is mobile, media-rich, on-demand, and suited to the modern learner. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

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

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Wed 3/19 at 12 p.m. – 5 Ways to Win-Back Lapsed Members

Lapsed members aren’t lost forever—if you have the right strategy to bring them back. Hear about five proven, ROI-driven campaigns that have successfully re-engaged former members. Walk away with real-world examples and actionable tips to win back members and boost retention. More info/register.

Host: PropFuel

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Wed 3/19 at 12 p.m. – AI and the Resilient Association

In an era where associations constantly need to do more with less, AI provides associations with the tools to transform their operations and focus on becoming resilient and future proofed. Learn the importance of adopting a forward-thinking approach to association operations and value delivery; how associations can use AI to enhance member engagement and satisfaction, ensuring long-term success; how AI-powered platforms help associations understand their members’ needs and preferences, personalize services; and how to deliver targeted content faster and more effectively, and how associations can act as catalysts for embracing AI-driven changes. More info/register.

Hosts: Halmyre and Betty

Speakers:

• Johanna Gundlach, Chief Operating Officer, Betty
• Christine Saunders, Founder and President, Halmyre

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Thu 3/20 at 11 a.m. – The Future of Association Tech: Why Women-Led Innovation Matters

Explore how the historical lack of women in tech leadership affects everything from AI-driven membership platforms to digital engagement strategies. Hear why women’s perspectives in tech lead to more innovative, human-centered solutions, how gender imbalance influences the tools associations depend on, and what leaders can do to ensure technology better serves their members, staff, and mission. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

• Barbara Armentrout, Founder & Key Principal at BJA Solutions for Associations
• Sandra Nam, CEO and Co-Founder, QiqoChat

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Thu 3/20 at 1 p.m. – Beyond LMS: AI, Data, Distribution

Explore how learning businesses can move beyond legacy LMS thinking to leverage AI, harness actionable data, and distribute content more effectively. Hear about practical ways AI can enhance learning experiences and efficiency; getting data that delivers useful, actionable insights; and managing and sharing learning content while retaining control, improving operational efficiency, and gaining richer learner insights. More info/register.

Host: Leading Learning/Tagoras

Speakers:

• Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders of Tagoras and Leading Learning
• Tamer Ali, founder, Authentic Learning Labs

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Thu 3/20 at 1 p.m. – From Ordinary to Extraordinary: Transforming Online Professional Learning With Unreasonable Hospitality

Drawing from the best-selling book, Unreasonable Hospitality, this webinar highlights how a culture of care, personalized service, and human connection can enhance engagement and drive success in online and blended professional learning environments, benefiting association members of all fields. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Ben Bongers, Manager, Professional Learning, and Ryan MacTaggart, Associate Director, Professional Learning, EDUCAUSE

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Thu 3/20 at 4 p.m. – Membership: Key Concepts Every Association Professional Should Know

Learn basic concepts in member recruitment and retention, key steps to creating an effective membership campaign, how to efficiently welcome new members, and how to efficiently renew members. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Reston Loudoun Swap

Speaker: Elizabeth Weaver Engel, M.A., CAE, founder, Spark Consulting

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Fri 3/21 at 2 p.m. – Practical AI Uses to Advance Your Association

Hear how and why to get started with AI and share examples of how other organizations are safely using AI to improve member engagement, personalize interactions, and drive meaningful impact for their associations. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Higher Logic

Speakers:

• Greg Verdino, Founder and Chief Operating Officer, CognitivePath Research, Inc.
• Conor Sibley, Chief Technology Officer, Higher Logic

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Fri 3/21 at 3 p.m. – Nonprofit Consultants Collaborative Monthly Networking Meeting

This monthly networking meeting is for full-time consultants who work with non-profits and associations. You don’t have to be an ASAE member to attend this consultant-organized event. This month’s agenda includes the usual agenda of sharing of good news and topics or questions from the group. More info/register.

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

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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 Early Spring by Isaac Levitan (1899) via Wiki Art

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