Association Brain Food: 3.21.25

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

“Civilizations die by suicide, not from murder.” —Arnold J. Toynbee

Credentialing programs. TopClass reminds associations why they should be the first choice when employers have training needs. They explain how to design credentialing programs with the employer’s perspective in mind and how to promote the value of credentialing programs to employers.

Membership app. Clowder describes nine practices for using push notifications to inform and engage members, deliver valuable content, and keep members connected.

Limited resources. NetForum offers insights and strategies for addressing four challenges associations face when they’re compelled to do more with less: inefficient processes, staff shortages, technology limitations, and budget constraints.

Free design and copy course. Association Brain Food readers can earn up to four CAE credits in the Association Academy’s Association Creative Marketing Masterclass. In four weekly sessions, you’ll learn how to evaluate marketing layout and copy. Each class is taught live by leading association heads of marketing and features a live review of real association marketing collateral with recommendations. This free course runs for four weeks, starting Thursday, April 17 from 1 to 2 p.m. ET.

Event marketing. Olena Lima of MemberBoat describes how to apply the classic “7 P’s” of marketing framework to association events. She says this useful guide is for association professionals who lack formal marketing training or marketers in need of a refresher, but, really, anyone would benefit. Keep it handy!

Taste. Ollie Henderson at Future Work/Life says taste is becoming a career differentiator. He explains why a liberal arts education, lifelong learning, and widespread reading matter more than ever. Singing my tune.

Next-gen workplace challenges. A research report from Halmyre Strategies describes the challenges emerging as a new generation enters the workforce: burnout, retention, 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.

Content marketing. “If you write it, they won’t come,” says Tracey Wallace at Workweek. Content can’t work on its own. Your blog posts, lead magnets, and case studies must be part of a larger marketing ecosystem—this is one of the first things I tell prospective clients.

Email content. Association email open rates are dropping, per Higher Logic’s 2024 Association Email Benchmark Report. Mark Athitakis at Associations Now shares advice for increasing your opens. I especially love this tip: send more quick-to-read, no-click content and fewer promos.

You never grow old at the table

I saw a video from my “teacher” Jacques Pépin on Facebook—I swear, that’s all I need Facebook for these days, so many ads and people ranting or raving about politics, spare me. Anyway, he gave me the idea for simply cooking salmon fillets in a pan and topping them with a mix of basil pesto and melted butter. On the side, roasted broccoli with red onion, garlic powder, and cayenne.

Sunday, I made carnitas in my Instant Pot instead of the slow cooker. I sort of followed this recipe but used 4#of country-style ribs, added four minced chipotle peppers, and went heavy on the spices, adding cinnamon and cayenne to the mix.

I served the carnitas in wheat tortillas with a southwestern style slaw, avocado, and salsa verde. I eyeballed the slaw ingredients: julienned green cabbage, carrot, sweet onion, and red bell pepper with a dressing of lime juice, rice vinegar, light olive oil, hot sauce, s&p, and cilantro. On the side, charro beans (add red bell and poblano to the Bayless recipe) I made earlier in the day in the pressure cooker. These beans are great for breakfast with a fried egg, salsa, and avocado in a wheat tortilla.

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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 3/21 at 1 p.m.* – The 2025 State of B2B Content Consumption: What’s Changing, What’s Working, and What You Need to Do Now

Learn which content formats actually drive the most action; how to work with (not against) the Consumption Gap—your leads are moving slower, so your nurture and follow-up game needs to be sharper; how to spot high-intent buyers faster, so your team spends less time chasing and more time closing; and how marketing and sales can win together, using data to personalize outreach, re-engage leads, and close deals. More info/register.

Host: American Marketing Association

Speaker: Josh Baez, Sr. Manager of Demand Generation, Netline

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

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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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Mon 3/24 at 8 a.m. – Ethics Questions Every Professional Should Ask (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:

• Lynnette Bradley-Baker, Senior Vice President, Chief Engagement Officer, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
• Joy Davis, Deputy Executive Director, American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists

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Mon 3/24 at 12 p.m. – Separating Product Search RFP & Implementation RFP

Explore why separating the RFP process for AMS product selection and implementation can lead to better outcomes for your organization. This approach ensures you get the right product for your needs while securing an implementation partner who delivers customized solutions and ongoing support. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

• Stefanie Keuser, CISSP, Chief Information Officer, American Psychiatric Association
• Neeraj Garg, Global Chief Operation Officer, Aplusify

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Tue 3/25 at 11 a.m. – Your Association and PCI Compliance

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) governs card security for all merchants. Failure to be in compliance can be extremely costly both financially and reputationally. Learn about the new version PCI DSS 4.01, which replaced 4.0 on December 31, 2024 and with which all merchants must comply by March 31, 2025. Hear about changes in the standard and how it applies to those accepting cards as well as tips and techniques for reducing scope of applicability through contracting out card collection and storage. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Michaela Johnson, Director Customer Service, and Rick Ricker, SVP Enterprise Solutions, US Transactions

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Tue 3/25 at 12 p.m. – It’s HOT in Here: How Menopause Affects Associations

Hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, moodiness, brain fog—what’s happening to me? According to the North American Menopause Society, you may be joining the estimated 1.1 billion women worldwide who will be postmenopausal this year. Whether it’s you, your boss, a coworker, or an association leader or member, there’s a good chance that someone in your association community is experiencing menopause right now. Find out how this life change affects working women and associations. More info/register.

Host: Association Xchange

Speaker: Stephanie S. Faubion, MD, MBA, Mayo Clinic and The Menopause Society

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Tue 3/25 at 12 p.m. – Are Enterprise Platforms About to Face a Mass Exodus?

Many leaders have shared they’re considering deplatforming from Salesforce, HubSpot, and other major enterprise platforms. Why? Because they believe they can create their own AI to do all of those tasks—but with more control, better responses, and a far more reasonable price point. Explore this potentially massive shift that most software vendors are completely unprepared for. This could reshape the entire enterprise tech landscape—and your strategy, too. More info/register.

Host: Charlene Li, Founder and CEO, Quantum Networks Group

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Tue 3/25 at 1 p.m. – Passiontivity: Aligning Career Pathing With Career Motivators

Today’s association staff want more than an opportunity to excel at their jobs. They want to do work they love. Yet too often leaders hire and promote based ONLY on a person’s competencies, rather than considering their intrinsic career motivators. Learn about Shira’s proprietary tool, Passiontivity, that can revolutionize the way you recruit, engage, and career path your staff. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Shira Lotzar, Chief Engagement Officer at Purposeful Hire

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Tue 3/25 at 1 p.m. – Building Partnerships & Opportunities with Limited Resources

Can one person really make a big impact in a purpose-driven organization? Absolutely! Hear how individuals leading small teams—or working solo—can successfully create partnerships and opportunities. Whether you’re launching a new initiative or running a small nonprofit or association, we’ll share actionable strategies to maximize impact, engage corporate sponsors, and grow your mission—even with limited resources. More info/register.

Host: Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE, founder Growth Owl

Guest: Christy Harst, Founder of Building Doors for Women in VO

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Tue 3/25 at 1 p.m. – Why Less is More in Association Technology in 2025

Associations rely on technology to serve members, manage data, and drive engagement. But as tech stacks grow, so do complexity, costs, and inefficiencies. Learn why less technology can actually mean more impact for your association. Explore how organizations are moving beyond bulky AMS systems to lighter, smarter, and more effective solutions. More info/register.

Hosts: Wicket and FUSE Next

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Tue 3/25 at 1 p.m. – Cognitive Load & RTO

The return-to-office initiative can cause chaos within the ecosystem. Learn what actually works in change initiatives and what needs to be left behind. Explore cognitive load and how to prevent it rather than manage it, mitigating cognitive load during RTO or “evolving hybrid”, and when to begin communicating, what to communicate, and how to obtain the key drivers that create team buy-in. More info/register.

Host: L-12 Services Corp.

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Tue 3/25 at 3 p.m. – Q1 ASAE Update to the Consultant Community Call

During this meeting, ASAE Staff will meet with the Consultant Community to provide an opportunity for ASAE Staff to update the Consultant Community, create a space for networking, allow members to ask staff questions, and create transparency and open lines of communication. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

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Wed 3/26 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – LMS Demo Days

Hear presentations from industry partners who offer learning management system platforms. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Participants: Maple LMS, Cadmium EthosCE, Crowd Wisdom by Momentive Software, NetExam, Forj, Blue Sky eLearn Powered by Momentive Software, D2L, and Thinkific+

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Wed 3/26 at 12 p.m. – CRVM March 2025 Learning Club

Join the CRVM Learning Club in our series all about boosting your career. Discuss finding a mentor with your peers, based on NPR Life Kit’s The Right Mentor Can Change Your Career: Here’s How to Find One podcast episode. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE  Component Relations and Volunteer Management Council

Facilitators: Vanita Murray, Elizabeth George, and Megan Kuhman

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Wed 3/26 at 1 p.m. – It’s Not Just the Annual Conference: How to Keep Members Engaged Year-Round

With networking consistently reported as the #1 reason that members join an association, it’s critical to offer ongoing value and foster real human connection year-round. Learn how to align member benefits with your unique value proposition, implement member-centric marketing strategies, and leverage innovative technology to create a thriving, connected community. More info/register.

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Wed 3/26 at 1 p.m. – What Keeps You Up at Night: Planner Stressors and Solutions

Learn what’s keeping other planners up at night in today’s hotel environment. Discover practical tips for sourcing, negotiating, and planning. Engage in discussions with industry experts and peers. Gain strategies to make your next event smoother and less stressful. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Prevue Meetings

Speakers:

• Heidi Dillon, CITP, Manager, Event Operations, One10
• Heather Pilcher CSEP, CMP, CEO and Executive Producer, Blue Spark Event Design
• April Pranske, Regional Director of Sales, PRA

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Wed 3/26 at 2 p.m. – The Federal Budget: Timelines, Hurdles, & Potential Impacts for Your Organization

With House and Senate committees drafting competing plans, the president’s budget proposal still on the horizon, and the possibility of a government shutdown looming, uncertainty is the only constant. Gain insights into this year’s federal budget process from CQ and Roll Call reporters who will break down what to expect, highlight key proposed budget changes, and share strategies to help your organization prepare for any outcome. More info/register.

Host: CQ

Speakers:

• David Lerman,senior writer at CQ Roll Call
• Aidan Quigley, CQ Roll Call’s Budget & Appropriations reporter
• Caitlin Reilly, CQ and Roll Call’s tax and economic policy staff writer

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Wed 3/26 at 2 p.m. – Building Your Value Proposition with Your Career Center

Discover the key elements of a strong value proposition and why it matters for associations. Learn how your career center can enhance member engagement, retention, and professional growth. Explore effective strategies for showcasing the value of job boards, sponsorships, and industry partnerships. Gain insights on crafting compelling messaging to communicate career center benefits to members and stakeholders. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Web Scribble

Speakers: Jennifer Baker MSW, CAE, Association Customer Success Director, and Alexander Gutin, President & Co-founder, Web Scribble

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Wed 3/26 at 2 p.m. – Common Meeting Planning Mistakes — and How to Avoid Them

Find out how to steer clear of common pitfalls and make the meeting planning process go smoothly. Learn about common contract red flags, the downside of multitasking and strategies for honing focus, and what not to overlook in a risk-management plan. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

• Amy-Marie-Lemanski, Owner, Senior Meeting and Event Manager, AML Events
• Bonni Scepkowski, President & CSO, Stellar Meetings & Events

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Wed 3/26 at 2 p.m. – FBOs March Meet Up

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

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

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Wed 3/26 at 3 p.m. – Sustainable Success: Exploring Untapped Revenue Streams for Associations

Hear about creative, underused ways to generate income beyond traditional sources. Learn about the role of partnerships in creating new revenue opportunities, innovative event strategies that drive engagement and income, monetizing content and educational resources for long-term growth, leveraging technology to unlock new funding sources, and turning data insights into profitable revenue-generating strategies. More info/register.

Host: NXUnite by Nexus Agency

Speakers:

• David Coyne, CFRE, President at The Sheridan Group
• Cameron Curtis, CMM, CAE, President & Chief Innovator at C2 Association Strategies
• Michael Hoffman, Co-Founder & CEO at Gather Voices

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Wed 3/26 at 4 p.m. – SocialOffset (Association Chat)

SocialOffset, a groundbreaking initiative co-founded by Dr. Elena Gerstmann, empowers conference attendees to offset the economic impact of destination boycotts—without sacrificing meaningful participation. Hear how SocialOffset is changing the conversation around ethical event planning. More info/register.

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

Guest: Elena Gerstmann, Executive Director of INFORMS, and co-founder and President of SocialOffset

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Thu 3/27 from 9:10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – LMS Demo Days

Hear presentations from industry partners who offer learning management system platforms. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Participants: TopClass LMS by ASI, BenchPrep, Thought Industries, Rustici Software, Freestone LMS powered by Momentive Software, LearnUpon, and Cadmium Elevate

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Thu 3/27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – How to Design a Product Portfolio

Learn how to define and describe the indispensability of a product portfolio, analyze and map your current offerings, organize your offerings into a high-level product portfolio, identify interdependencies and find new value for your membership, use your portfolio as a strategy, planning, or budget tool, and keep your portfolio updated and timeless. More info/register.

Host: James Young, Product Community

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Thu 3/27 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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Thu 3/27 at 12 p.m. – The Untapped Power of Member Loyalty: Beyond Satisfaction

Member satisfaction surveys tell you how members felt about past interactions, but they don’t necessarily predict future behavior. Focusing solely on satisfaction can create a false sense of security, and it doesn’t cultivate member loyalty. Explore factors influencing loyalty, the critical difference between satisfied and loyal members, the science of loyalty and how it impacts member behavior, and strategies to cultivate member loyalty through trust, belonging, and shared purpose. More info/register.

Host: Hight Performance Group

Speaker: Cathi Hight is President of Hight Performance Group

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Thu 3/27 at 2 p.m. – Maximizing Non-Dues Revenue: Strategies to Unlock Event Profitability

Explore actionable strategies to increase your event’s profitability by tapping into sponsorships, exhibitor engagement, content monetization, and more. Learn how to harness event technology to create new monetization opportunities and optimize existing revenue channels. Discover data-driven tactics to enhance exhibitor and sponsor value. Hear about automated strategies to maximize attendee spending. Gain insights on implementing long-term strategies to sustain and grow non-dues revenue beyond a single event. More info/register.

Host: Cadmium

Speaker: Traci King, founder of King Consulting Partners

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Thu 3/27 at 2 p.m. – Thriving Through Uncertainty: Financial Strategies for Nonprofits

Hear about key financial strategies to empower your nonprofit organization to navigate financial challenges, prepare for the unexpected, and build long-term financial resilience. Explore strategic cash flow projections, continuous financial health assessments, contingency planning, compliance requirements, and diversified revenue streams. Our panelists will provide insights on how to strengthen financial stability, risk management, and compliance to ensure your organization can continue its mission with confidence. More info/register.

Host: Chazin

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Tue 4/1 at 12 p.m. – Data Analytics Network

Engage in association peer-led discussions on topics related to data and analytics on the first Tuesday of each month. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Data Analytics Network

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Thu 4/3 at 2 p.m. – The Power of Peers

Hear strategies to harness the power of peers, options for capturing social proof and how associations are using these methods to attract members and create value with their constituents. Learn about options for generating non-dues revenue, technology for capturing social proof, managing these initiatives, and how to plan for unforeseen situations. More info/register.

Host: 501CWorks

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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 your event is scheduled.

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Public domain painting, View of the Elbe Valley (1807) by Caspar David Friedrich via Wikimedia Commons

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