The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community…
“I’m not young enough to know everything.” ―J.M. Barrie
Learning challenge week. TopClass LMS encourages associations to host a learning challenge week. The purpose of this short-term campaign, requiring a minimal daily time commitment from participants, is to raise awareness and knowledge about an industry issue or in-demand skill. The post describes the benefits for associations, essential campaign elements, and examples for inspiration.
Member recruitment. Tony Rossell at MGI explains why some member-get-a-member recruitment programs don’t produce the expected results. He says the magic ingredient for driving membership growth is social proof, not sales spiels and recruitment talking points.
Event strategy. ExpoLogic walks you through the essential elements of an event strategy, including the event’s purpose, goals, planning process, marketing, metrics, and ROI.
Learner segmentation. Members and customers have a consumer’s expectation for personalized experiences, yet many associations aren’t even segmenting their audience. Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele at Leading Learning (Tagoras) describe why and how to segment based on behavior, preferences, and patterns, what that looks like in practice, and how it leads to more engagement, better learning outcomes, and increased revenue.
Content strategy. Lead Marvels explains why embracing a media mindset and positioning your association as the trusted center of your industry’s information ecosystem is essential for your association’s growth and sustainability.
Repurposing event content. Snapsight explains how to use AI tools to turn session content into resources that generate revenue and engagement. It’s an intriguing list: premium on-demand library, microcredentials, sponsored content collections, exhibitor intelligence reports, data-enriched industry reports, speaker spotlight packages, session remix products, and interactive learning communities, along with a 30-day action plan.
Association magazines. You might think print magazines are a relic of the past, but Jamie Green of ContentOvation intends to change your mind with his post about the benefits of print magazines for associations. Before you decide to go all in on digital, give his argument some consideration.
Snacks
Why your association still needs a consultant partner, even when your AMS provider handles implementation. | Achurch Consulting
Twelve books to prepare association professionals for the future. | James Young, Product Community
Innovative association revenue streams to help you diversify income and generate the revenue your association needs for mission-critical initiatives. | Bethany Murphy, Big Red M
How I realized AI was making me stupid—and what I do now | Sam Schechner, Wall Street Journal (gift link)
You never grow old at the table
Sssh, don’t tell my husband, but I have way too many packages of cranberries in our freezers. So even though this dish tastes like the holidays, it’s going to be on regular rotation throughout the summer. But that’s okay, because boneless chicken thighs with cranberry herb pan sauce is sooo good. I make it with my favorite Nantucket cranberry sauce, but add onion, garlic, chipotle pepper in adobo, and cinnamon to the pot.
A combo plate for dinner last night: swordfish and flounder with a creamy piccata sauce. On the side? Who knows! I’m writing this Thursday morning in the past tense about a meal we’ll eat tonight that you’ll read about tomorrow morning. I feel like I’m playing with the date line.
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About CAE credits: 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.
Fri 5/23 at 12 p.m.* – Network Notoriety: How Volunteer Leadership Can Boost Your Career
Learn how volunteerism can boost your career and network notoriety. Hear about the value of being a volunteer leader and the importance of young professional representation. Gain critical insight into the role volunteerism plays in career growth as well as how to join boards and committees as a young professional. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Speakers:
- Mariel Solomon, MS, CC-SLP (facilitator)
- Juan Amador, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director, SACNAS
- Stuart Kushner, CAE, Executive Director, Mission Control HQ
- Jessica Struve, CAE, Co-Executive Director, Radiology Business Management Association
*All events are online at Eastern Daylight Time unless otherwise noted.
Tue 5/27 at 11 a.m. – Event Stability in Economic Uncertainty: Building Connection, Confidence, and ROI Through Smart Event Strategy
In times of uncertainty, events have the power to ground and inspire. Explore how technology, community, and strategic collaboration can help you create experiences that matter now more than ever. Learn how to maximize ROI through agile event design and technology, boost registration and retention through smarter engagement, adapt agendas and logistics with confidence, and reduce costs without sacrificing quality. More info/register.
Host: Momentive Software
Speaker: Michelle Schweitz
Tue 5/27 at 12 p.m. – Trends Talk with Sarah Sladek
AI is all the buzz, but we’re on the brink of things that go way beyond ChatGPT, Siri, and Alexa. AI is in the classroom and drastically changing the way today’s students are informed and communicate, which will trickle-up to the workforce in no time. What rising tech trends are employers not even thinking about yet? Learn about the many ways STEM is changing the behavior and expectations of the future workforce and what employers need to be doing now to prepare. More info/register.
Host: Sarah Sladek, XYZ University
Guest: Christopher Williams, founder of STEM U Education Solutions and LYNK-ED Software, and co-founder of AINautics Technologies
Tue 5/27 at 12 p.m. – Strategic Planning in the Midst of Uncertainty
Once again, we’re using words like “unprecedented” for the world around us. Does your strategic plan give you the tools to keep your association relevant and sustainable in an uncertain and evolving environment? Find out how to create an aspirational yet realistic strategic plan and ensure that it is successfully implemented. More info/register.
Host: Zzeem Consulting
Wed 5/28 at 11 a.m. – Unmasking AMS Success: Developing Post-Launch
AMS adoption isn’t a solo act—it’s a team effort. The real work starts after launch, and success only comes when the system is fully adopted. Too often, organizations fall into post-launch traps like shadow systems, disengaged users, or missed upgrades. But it doesn’t have to be that way.Learn how to maintain momentum, empower staff, and build a team of internal champions. Hear collaborative strategies to keep your AMS evolving with your organization—not working against it. No matter how long it’s been since launch, this session will help you get more value from your system and your team. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Rebecca Achurch, CEO at Achurch Consulting
- Simone Bielsker, Program Director, Information Systems, CAE, PMP at American Staffing Association
- Monica Pemberton, Vice President & Chief Information Officer at American Council on Education
Wed 5/28 at 12 p.m. – Uncovering UBI: What Every Nonprofit Leader Needs to Know
Revenue diversification is essential for sustaining a nonprofit’s operations. However, engaging in new income-generating activities or special events can trigger unexpected tax consequences. Get a clear understanding of Unrelated Business Income (UBI). Learn how to identify UBI activities, where they might be reported, and implement strategies to reduce tax liabilities. More info/register.
Host: Your Part-Time Controller
Wed 5/28 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
Wed 5/28 at 1 p.m. – Preparing For, and Landing, Your First C-Suite or CEO Job
Hear how to prepare for and land your dream job in the association and nonprofit industry. Learn how to assess your capabilities objectively; what association and nonprofit boards seek when searching for C-Suite candidates, especially CEO candidates; how to create a personal development plan to help you land your next C-Suite role; where and how to search for C-Suite opportunities; the role of the recruiter in executive searches; ways to prepare for your interviews with recruiters and boards; how working for an AMC could prepare you for your next C-Suite role; common misconceptions about landing your first CEO job; and rreparing for your first Board meeting after landing that CEO job. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Joanna M. Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker, Matrix Group International
- Julian Ha, Global Head – Legal, Risk, Compliance & Government Affairs Practice at Heidrick & Struggles
- Tina Sung,President and CEO at Synergy Works
Wed 5/28 at 1 p.m. – Wellness in Every Way
Meetings and events industry professionals often struggle to prioritize wellness, as their demanding schedules and stressful responsibilities tend to come before their personal well-being. Learn about the areas of wellness, from physical and nutritional to social and financial, and the roles they play in your overall well-being. Understand the importance of prioritizing your well-being. Discover tips and tricks to implement in your day-to-day life that can help you put yourself first despite your busy schedule. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Meetings Today
Speaker: Mark Mohammadpour, founder and CEO of Chasing the Sun
Wed 5/28 at 2 p.m. – May Women in Association Leadership (WIAL) Call
Hear about Sandy’s inspiring career journey, the power of women-led communities like WIAL, and how she’s been lifted up by incredible women throughout her path. More info/register.
Host: Women in Association Leadership
Moderator: Sherry Budziak of .orgSource
Guest: Sandy Marsico, Founder & CEO of Sandstorm
Wed 5/28 at 2 p.m. – FBO May Meet Up: The Age of Intelligence: How AI Is Redefining Everything
This month’s topic is all about artificial intelligence. Questions to get your thoughts brewing: How can we ensure that AI supports our mission rather than distracts from it? Where can AI reduce staff burden—member services, content curation, data analysis? What ethical guidelines should we adopt for using AI in our organization? How do we protect member data when using AI-driven platforms? Should we have an internal policy or position statement on responsible AI use? More info/register (ASAE members only).
Host: ASAE Finance and Business Operations Professionals Advisory Council (including HR)
Thu 5/29 at 11 a.m. – How to Make Attendees Fall in Love with Your Event
Explore what it takes to turn your event into something attendees don’t want to miss, again and again. It’s not about bigger venues, celebrity speakers or fancier swag. It’s about delivering a 10x experience for your attendees at every stage of their journey. More info/register.
Host: Grip
Speakers:
- Mark Jones, Founder and CEO, Giant iTab
- Abi Cannons, Senior Strategic Account Manager, Grip
Thu 5/29 at 11 a.m. – Investing in Well-being: The Strategic Advantage of Mental Health Support in the Workplace
Learn about the often-hidden costs associated with neglecting mental health in the workplace. Discover how a mentally healthy workforce can fuel innovation, enhance collaboration, improve customer satisfaction, and ultimately contribute to a stronger bottom line. Learn how to cultivate a workplace where mental health is not just supported but actively fostered. Hear about real-world examples of successful mental health initiatives and a framework for understanding how to implement effective programs relevant to your organization. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Speaker: Larry Long Jr., Founder and CEO (Chief Energy Officer) of LLJR Enterprises
Thu 5/29 at 2 p.m. – Before You Go: An Insider’s Guide to AMSFest
Shopping for a new AMS solution can be a difficult process. AMSFest is a great event to incorporate into your search since it features a wide array of solution vendors and association consultants packed into two full days. Get the inside scoop on getting the most out of the AMSFest experience, including: what to expect; knowing why you’re attending and what information you should have at the ready; your pillars for success; what makes you weird (in a good way!); whom to bring; getting the most out of the demos; staying organized – the “demo tracker”; meeting some consultants; making association friends – we are stronger together; gaining insights from the AMS/CRM System Selection Surveys; importance of change management; managing your project for success; and preparing for data migration. More info/register (open to all).
Host: 501 Works
Speakers:
- James Marquis from 501Works & TheCIOHour
- Melissa Mack from Intuitive Business Concepts
- Joe Plasterer from Cirrus Change Readiness
- Sean Miriashtiani from ACGI Software
- Thomas McClintock from Empowered Margins
- Olivia Wilkins from PerByte
Tue 6/3 at 10:30 a.m. – LD-2 Lobbying Expenses
Understand the full scope of what must be reported. More info/register.
Host: Gary Gallant, Managing Partner, Gallant Law Group
Tue 6/3 at 12 p.m. – Bridging the Data Literacy Gap (Data Analytics Network)
Data literacy is not just about having access to data; it’s about empowering individuals at all levels of an organization to work with data confidently and competently. Learn about the “last mile” in data literacy, where subject matter experts need to transform raw data into actionable insights that drive decision-making and organizational success. Hear about the current state of data literacy within the panelists’ associations; strategies they employ to overcome the challenges they face; and solutions for enhancing data literacy, including programs, tools, and techniques that can be implemented to build a data-literate workforce. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Data Analytics Network
Speakers:
- Justin Scott, PhD, CAE, Vice President, Innovation & Analytics, Metals Service Center Institute (Moderator)
- Reeda Kindred, Data Governance & Analytics Director, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies (Panelist)
- Tori Miller Liu, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CIP, President & CEO, AIIM International (Panelist)
- Wes Trochlil, Owner, Effective Database Management (Panelist)
Wed 6/4 at 12 p.m. – Power Dynamics: Mastering Negotiation Skills
Hear about a practical approach and process to negotiate for what you want in work and life. Explore the power dynamics women encounter when advocating for resources, budget allocations, technology initiatives, and career advancement. Learn practical strategies for building confidence and overcoming common barriers to effective negotiation, leveraging technical and situational expertise as a foundation for stronger positioning, developing authentic and ethical negotiation tactics that align with personal values and incorporate cultural context, advocating for technology initiatives with key stakeholders, and creating allies and sponsors who champion your vision. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Speaker: PSYCHĒ6 founder and leadership coach Donna Gandt
Wed 6/4 at 12 p.m. – Strategic Planning is NOT Strategic Thinking
Explore the critical distinction between planning and thinking strategically, offering insights and tools to help your organization adapt, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly changing world shaped by uncertainty and opportunity. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: AIOT
Speaker: Michael Butera
Wed 6/4 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. – DEMO DAYS: AMS Vendor Showcase and Tech Strategy for Small Staff Associations
This two-session virtual event is designed for association executives and teams working in small staff associations. Whether you’re developing a new tech strategy to achieve your goals, exploring a new AMS or refining your technology roadmap, this event is your starting point. Learn how to build a tech strategy that supports growth. See curated AMS demos from trusted vendors. Gain insights from real-world success stories. Discover how to use the free RFI tool to simplify your search. More info/register.
Host: Association Marketplace/QiqoChat
Keynote: Moira Edwards, President of Ellipsis Partners
Wed 6/4 at 3 p.m. – Future Trends in Marketing
In today’s volatile landscape, association marketers can no longer afford to play it safe. Hear about the trends that will redefine how associations connect with members, drive revenue, and build trust in a polarized world. Whether you’re rethinking your value proposition or planning your next campaign, this session will leave you better equipped to lead with clarity and creativity. More info/register.
Host: KiKi L’Italien, Editor-in-Chief, Association Chat, and VP of Marketing and Community Engagement, Big Red M
Guest: Cam Sanders, Founder and Principal at LeadHERShip Strategies
Thu 6/5 from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. – In-Person Summer Symposium: Innovation and Disruption (Chicago IL)
Sessions: Maximizing Member Value with AI: Strategic Approaches for Associations; Innovation Without the Chaos: Redefining Disruption for Your Association; Culture Eats Innovation for Breakfast; Combating Disengagement and Creating High-Performing Teams; and in-person only panel discussion. See online Summer Symposium blurbs below for session descriptions. 5 CAE credits. Location: Chicago IL. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Greg Pollack, VP, Sales Enablement & Engineering Onboarding at Higher Logic
- Jake Toohey, Director, Association Practice at Adage Technologies
- Jamie Notter, Co-Founder at Propel
- Steve Hopkins, Director, Organizational Performance at Wipfli
- Michelle Wroblewski (panel discussion moderator) with Amanda Heberg and Hilary Marsh
Thu 6/5 at 11 a.m. – The CEO Buy-In: Selling the Non-Dues Revenue Vision
Learn how to present non-dues revenue initiatives as strategic priorities. Discover techniques for addressing leadership concerns and “what if” scenarios. Explore strategies for aligning revenue ideas with your association’s mission and goals. Gain tools to effectively frame your pitch and secure leadership buy-in. More info/register.
Host: The Event ROI Coach
Speakers:
- Bruce Rosenthal, Bruce Rosenthal Associates, LLC
- Barbara J. Armentrout, CAE, BJA Solutions for Associations
- Vinnu Deshetty, Event ROI Coach
Thu 6/5 at 11 a.m. – Maximizing Member Value with AI: Strategic Approaches for Associations (Summer Symposium: Innovation and Disruption)
Learn how to use AI strategically and deliver standout value to your members, compete with AI searches to remain your members’ go-to resource for valuable industry information, increase the likelihood of your association and resources being found in AI search results, understand the critical role your online community will play in our new AI-influenced landscape, and evaluate essential data privacy considerations and ways to stay agile as new challenges and opportunities arise with AI. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Greg Pollack, VP, Sales Enablement & Engineering Onboarding at Higher Logic
Thu 6/5 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. – DEMO DAYS: AMS Vendor Showcase and Tech Strategy for Small Staff Associations
Whether you’re developing a new tech strategy to achieve your goals, exploring a new AMS or refining your technology roadmap, this event is your starting point. Learn how to build a tech strategy that supports growth. See curated AMS demos from trusted vendors. Gain insights from real-world success stories. Discover how to use the free RFI tool to simplify your search. More info/register.
Host: Association Marketplace/QiqoChat
Thu 6/5 at 12:15 p.m. – Innovation Without the Chaos: Redefining Disruption for Your Association (Summer Symposium: Innovation and Disruption)
Explore how associations of all sizes can define their own version of innovation and disruption—and implement it in a way that’s sustainable and strategic. Hear about a framework that helps IT, marketing, and education teams collaborate around shared goals, make data-informed decisions, and stay future-ready, and examples of successful digital transformation projects from other associations. Learn how to avoid burnout and scope creep during redesigns or re-platforming, responsibly leverage AI to enhance—not replace—member experiences, and assess whether your current systems are holding you back. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Jake Toohey, Director, Association Practice at Adage Technologies
Thu 6/5 at 2 p.m. – Spring Cleaning Your Data
Explore practical strategies for data hygiene that go beyond storage savings — including how to improve data quality, streamline systems, and reduce risk. Join CIOs and data experts as we discuss how to build a culture of clean data, choose the right tools, and turn digital clutter into real business value. More info/register.
Host: 501 Works
Thu 6/5 at 2:15 p.m. – Culture Eats Innovation for Breakfast (Summer Symposium: Innovation and Disruption)
Learn what culture is, how it operates inside your organization, the key culture patterns that prevent us from unlocking new value through innovation, and tips for changing your culture in ways that support more effective experimentation and learning. Hear about strategies to transform culture in ways that foster the behaviors necessary for successful innovation. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Jamie Notter, Co-Founder at Propel
Thu 6/5 at 3:30 p.m. – Combating Disengagement and Creating High-Performing Teams (Summer Symposium: Innovation and Disruption)
Disengagement increases attrition while contributing to poor performance and poor morale, and is often the result of misalignment, or misunderstanding, among leaders, direct reports and teams. Addressing disengagement can radically decrease the chance of losing talented employees and improve overall workplace culture. Learn how to create high-performing individuals and teams by addressing the causes of disengagement and focusing on specific skills for improved performance. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Steve Hopkins, Director, Organizational Performance at Wipfli
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