The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community…
Non-dues revenue. ICMA envisioned transforming its event sponsorships into year-round partnerships, but they couldn’t do it without the cooperation of staff across the association. Bruce Rosenthal and Dan Kowitz share the story behind this successful collaboration and the lucrative revenue stream generated by ICMA’s new corporate partnership program.
Awards program. OpenWater shares tactics for increasing member participation in awards programs. They explain how to boost awareness and interest, increase the perception of fairness, remove barriers to entry, and showcase the program’s value to members.
Member recruitment. YourMembership describes 13 tactics used by small-staff associations to attract and recruit new members. The entire list seems pretty essential to me. Has your association tried them all?
Cognitive risk. In “an environment built for speed, distraction, and artificial fluency,” we’re losing more than our ability to read deeply—we’re losing cognitive abilities, such as the capacity for sustained attention, nuanced comprehension, and tolerance for ambiguity. Carl Hendrick at The Learning Dispatch says when our minds have become “conditioned to expect ease, immediacy, and constant stimulation… Reading becomes not only a cognitive act, but a civic one: a rehearsal for the intellectual stamina that democracy requires.”
AI hack. By now, you’ve probably heard about the Chicago Sun-Times’ summer reading list of books that don’t exist—here’s Ted Gioia’s take. A “writer” hired by King Features, a content syndication company, relied on AI to do their work and never checked the copy. Unreal. Imagine how many honest writers would love to work on a piece like that, but instead King Features paid bottom-of-the-barrel prices for a hack job. You get what you pay for.
Learning revenue. D2L shares research describing the challenges faced by associations offering virtual learning and by those relying solely on in-person learning. They also explain how associations have adjusted their business models to monetize learning programs. The good news for members and their employers: 74% of associations plan to increase their learning budget, the only way to outperform the competition.
Humanities and AI. D. Graham Burnett writes at The New Yorker (archived link) about an assignment he gave his Princeton students: talk with an AI chatbot about the history of attention and turn in four pages of edited results. I was impressed by the directions taken by his students. The “matching of wits” caused Burnett and his class to wonder if the humanities will survive AI. Based on their experiences, I’m feeling slightly hopeful about what he describes as “a new consciousness of ourselves.”
Association competition. Mark Athitakis at Associations Now explains why competitive analysis matters more than ever. Your rivals aren’t just other associations. For-profit and online resources (including those created by your own members) are reeling in your members’ dollars.
AI overuse syndrome. Nic Rowan at The Lamp believes the frequent use of AI and exposure to text composed by LLMs (like ChatGPT) changes the way people think, speak, and act. He calls it the AI mind meld. When you read his examples, you’ll see what he means. Yuck.
Snacks
Is classical liberalism for losers? Sigh. It’s not easy being a classical liberal. | Tyler Cowen, The Free Press
How to make the most of a trip to the art museum. | Sally Smith, Verily
America is in a late-republic stage, like Rome: History suggests republics don’t last more than 250 years. | interview with Niall Ferguson, Noema
You never grow old at the table
Temps have cooled as rain has settled into our area, so the time feels right for a one-pan chicken and mushrooms comfort dish. On the side, Brussels sprouts roasted with red onion, pepperoni, salami, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
During Memorial Day weekend, we hosted a cookout on a beautiful 70-something day. I made a four-bean salad inspired long ago by a version my Aunt Carol made when we visited her in RI. My recipe includes green beans, kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas, poblano pepper, red bell pepper, celery stalks, corn, sweet onion, sweet pickles, Italian parsley, and a dressing of apple cider vinegar, sugar, neutral oil, and salt.
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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.
Mon 6/2 at 8 a.m.* – Diversifying Fundraising in a Chaotic 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! 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: Roger Devine, schoolAuction.net
*All events are online at Eastern Daylight Time unless otherwise noted.
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 isn’t 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 state of data literacy within the panelists’ associations; strategies to overcome challenges; and solutions for enhancing data literacy, including programs, tools, and techniques for building a data-literate workforce. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Data Analytics Network
Speakers:
- Justin Scott, PhD, CAE (Moderator), Vice President, Innovation & Analytics, Metals Service Center Institute
- Reeda Kindred, Data Governance & Analytics Director, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies
- Tori Miller Liu, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CIP, President & CEO, AIIM International
- Wes Trochlil, Owner, Effective Database Management
Tue 6/3 at 12 p.m. – Revitalizing & Expanding Credentialing Programs: Strategies for Growth & Engagement
Learn about the three key phases of certification program management: first, how to examine and evaluate the overall “health” of a program using meaningful performance indicators; second, how to diagnose and analyze factors contributing to the need for potential changes and implement targeted improvements; and third, how to continuously assess, maintain, and evolve a certification program to meet changing industry needs. Explore strategies to align credentials with professional development goals, foster stakeholder engagement, and ensure long-term competitiveness. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Speakers:
- Cynthia Allen, President, SeaCrest Consulting Company
- Amanda Dainis, CEO and Lead Psychometrician, Dainis and Company
- Michael Mayer, President, Prolydian
Tue 6/3 at 2 p.m. – Associations Under Fire: Everything You Need to Know to Mitigate Risk from the Current Legislative, Regulatory, and Legal Threats
From federal tax reform to DEI to private litigation to federal agency enforcement actions to new state legislation and executive orders, gain invaluable insights into how these threats and potential future changes may affect your association, as well as practical strategies for navigating the evolving landscape and mitigating risk. Learn about the most pressing threats, potential implications for your member associations, what to expect in the months ahead, and, most importantly, what practical steps associations should take now to mitigate their risk. More info/register.
Host: Association Societies Alliance
Speaker: Jeffery S. Tenenbaum, Esq., Managing Partner, Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC
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. – Surviving and Thriving in a Challenging Environment: Strategies for Certification Organizations
Explore how organizations can not only survive but thrive amid funding cuts and broader systemic challenges. Hear how the panel approaches strategic planning, risk mitigation, and long-term sustainability during uncertain times. Gain valuable tools for building resilience, adaptability and flexibility in a volatile environment. More info/register.
Host: Certification Network Group
Speakers:
- Dale Cyr, MBA, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, Inteleos
- Jasmine T. Agnew, DHPE, MHIIM, RHIA, CPHIMS, CSBI, eFACHDM, FHIMSS, Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs and Professional Credentials, American Health Information Management Association
- Tamesha Logan, MBA, CAE, Interim Executive Director, National Athletic Trainers Association
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: The Association Marketplace by Qiqo
Keynote speaker: Moira Edwards, President of Ellipsis Partners
Participants: Membee, Charityproud, MatrixxMaxx, and YourMembership by Momentive Software
Wed 6/4 at 1 p.m. – Translating Marketing Metrics for Non-Marketers: How to Communicate Impact & ROI Effectively
When your internal audience isn’t fluent in marketing and communications metrics, even the most impressive results can get lost in translation. Learn how to translate marketing metrics into language that resonates across departments. Hear how to tailor your reporting, tell a compelling data-driven story, and build trust with cross-functional teams by connecting marketing and communications performance to business outcomes. More info/register.
Host: American Marketing Association
Speakers:
- Antonio Ortolani, Vice President of Global Insights, Meltwater
- Aaron Strout, Current Host of Reaching Higher Podcast/ Former CMO of Real Chemistry
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: The Association Marketplace by Qiqo
Keynote speaker: Moira Edwards, President of Ellipsis Partners
Participants: Membee, Charityproud, MatrixxMaxx, and YourMembership by Momentive Software
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
Fri 6/6 at 11 a.m. – ASAE Capitol Hill Update: The Latest on Tax Reform
Tax reform is heating up in Congress, with a House vote scheduled which will be followed by Senate review. Key proposals include expanding Unrelated Business Taxable Income (UBI) to include fringe benefits related to parking and transportation, as well as royalites from the sale or licensing of organizational names or logos. ASAE and its Community Impact Coalition (CIC), launched in January, have been working proactively to educate the 119th Congress on the essential social and economic role of associations and other tax-exempt organizations. Gain real-time updates from Capitol Hill and learn about the specific threats. More info/register (ASAE members only).
Host: ASAE
Speakers:
- Mary Kate Cunningham, CAE, Chief Public Policy and Governance Officer, ASAE
- Kyle Hayes, Senior Director of Public Policy, ASAE
- Ali Bedford, Vice President, Integer, LLC
Tue 6/10 at 12 p.m. – Digital vs Transformation: A Leadership Discussion
Your industry has changed with aggressive new entrants, increased costs, and new tech (e.g., AI) opening fascinating new opportunities. Digital transformation to the rescue! Your organization may have outgrown its current tech stack and vendors are knocking at the door with fascinating (and “transformative”) new solutions. But will the effects be “transformative” and is any of it aligned with your overall strategy? Let’s talk about strategic digital transformation, digital transformation mistakes to avoid, change management best practices that work, and more. More info/register.
Host: Braintrust Professional Institute
Speakers: Randall Craig and Ronja Francoeur, Braintrust Professional Institute
Tue 6/10 at 1 p.m. – AI in Hiring: Why Human Resources Is Still Human
AI is rapidly transforming the hiring landscape—from resume screening and candidate sourcing to interview scheduling and skills assessments. But while AI can streamline processes and enhance efficiency, it’s no replacement for the human touch. Learn how organizations can use AI tools to enhance, not replace, the relationships and insights that drive effective hiring. Hear real-world examples and best practices for balancing technology with the empathy, intuition, and judgment that only humans bring to hiring. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education.
Speaker: Jaime Hirschfeld, Director of Client Sales and Services at FlexProfessionals LLC
Wed 6/11 at 11 a.m. – 3 Easy Ways Data Can Transform Sponsor Programs
Learn how to use available data to craft tailored sponsorship opportunities that align with sponsor goals. Discover how easy-to-create data reports can demonstrate ROI and build trust with sponsors. Gain tips for using data insights to enhance sponsor engagement and improve long-term retention. 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
Wed 6/11 at 11 a.m. – What’s Working Now: 5 Proven Campaigns to Drive Member Engagement
Hear about five real-world membership campaigns—from renewals and re-engagement to acquisition—that delivered impressive results. Learn how organizations are using timely, conversational outreach to connect with members in meaningful ways (and get measurable ROI). 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education.
Speaker: Ryan Graham, Chief Revenue Officer, PropFuel
Wed 6/11 at 12 p.m. – Small Steps, BIG Results: Improving Your Website Without a Major Redesign
Learn about impactful, quick-to-execute website initiatives that yield BIG results. Hear success stories and initiatives you can implement right away – without a big investment to refresh your website design; test your site’s usability; create an analytics/SEO reporting dashboard; review, refine and retire your content; and consolidate your digital presence. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Speakers: Dan Scheeler, CAE, Chief Operating Officer; Laura Graham, Sr. Solutions Consultant; and Steven Russell, Solutions Consultant, Results Direct
Wed 6/11 at 1 p.m. – How Are Executive Orders Impacting Associations? A Real-Time Check-in With Association Leaders
Listen in on a real-time check-in with association executives from across different industries on how the latest executive orders are impacting their work, their members, and their missions and what they’re doing about it. We’ll kick this session off with remarks from the panel and then open up the discussion to the audience. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education.
Speakers:
- Joanna M. Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker, Matrix Group International
- Matthew Hughes, President and CEO at World Affairs Councils of America
- Linda Akutagawa, President & CEO at Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics
- Tip Tucker Kendall, Executive Director, National Grants Management Association
Wed 6/11 at 2 p.m. – From Emails to Innovation: Maximizing AI’s Potential in Associations (AI Innovation Labs with Beth Z, Your Nerdy Best Friend)
AI isn’t just for emails. Discover how to use it to create innovative strategies that transform member experiences. Learn tools and tips to start using AI right away and rethink your approach to building stronger, more personalized member relationships. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: re:Members
Speaker: Beth Ziesenis: Author. Speaker. Nerd.
Thu 6/12 at 11 a.m. – Event Marketing Mastery: Turning Conferences Into Revenue Generators
Discover how to optimize your event marketing strategy for maximum ROI. From setting clear goals and leveraging interactive booth experiences to making meaningful connections on the ground, learn how to transform event participation into measurable pipeline impact. Get practical tips on planning ahead, tracking success metrics, and balancing relationship-building with lead generation. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Sam Bush, Partner Marketing Manager at Netstock
Thu 6/12 at 11 a.m. – 2025 Learning Insights to Power Your Growth
Are your learning programs keeping pace with what members expect today? Hear about the top takeaways from the latest Association Trends Study. Discover the biggest gaps between what members want and what associations deliver through learning; how early technology adoption and AI are becoming critical to loyalty and growth; and steps to modernize learning experiences and drive stronger outcomes. More info/register.
Host: Momentive
Speaker: Jesse Shorts, Learning Programs Expert at Momentive Software
Thu 6/12 at 1 p.m. – Broadcast to Breakthrough: Turning Webinars Into Engagement Powerhouses
In today’s crowded digital landscape, hosting a webinar is just the beginning. How do you ensure your efforts translate into meaningful engagement and lasting impact? Hear proven strategies for making your webinar the springboard for deeper connections, building brand loyalty, and driving measurable results. Discover actionable tactics to nurture leads, foster meaningful post-event interactions, and stand out in a competitive market. Get the tools to turn one-time attendees into long-term relationships. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education.
Speakers:
- Kate Coffey-Bacon, VP of Marketing and Events, US Transactions Corporation/UST Education
- Amiee Keenan, Founder at The ISV Society
- Amanda Sherry, VP Marketing at Western Computer
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