Association Brain Food: 6.20.25

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

view coming out of the shade on a brown dirt path through a lush meadow with scattered trees and view of hills in the distance – inspiration for my weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association and CAE community

Selling online learning. Convincing busy members to take online courses is hard enough, but imagine having to persuade employees to attend optional training programs. TopClass LMS found out what top corporate trainers do to sell their online training to a tough audience.

Membership. Helen Mosher, CAE says you can no longer look at membership as just a lifecycle because “today’s member behavior is anything but linear.” Instead, she suggests adopting an ecosystem model that sees members as “participants in a dynamic, evolving network.”

AI for associations. Need to sharpen your knowledge about AI? Nimble’s AI success kit includes four useful resources: two 30-minute webinar recordings about AI for associations, plus an introduction to AI for associations and a guide to developing an AI strategy.

Membership course. Earn 10 CAE credits at Association Academy’s popular Association Member Growth Certificate Course. 1,400+ association execs have completed this course and learned how to conduct research, develop relevant benefits, establish member content gates, improve recruitment and retention campaigns, and grow membership. The course meets for ten weeks on Thursdays, 1-2pm ET, except for the first class, which is on Wednesday, July 2. Save $50 with promo code BRAINFOOD. I took this course earlier this year and will vouch that it’s well worth your time and money—even for seasoned membership pros like me.

Learning cohorts. James Young at Product Community says learning cohort programs deliver what members seek from associations: connections, belonging, growth, and career advancement. In a cohort program, a group of learners progresses together through a mix of live and self-study educational content. I can’t imagine a more transformational experience to offer members.

Association shop talk. A2Z Events by Personify took notes while working their booth at the ASAE MMC+Tech conference. They share what was on the minds of the association staff who visited their booth.

AMS selection. If you’re embarking on an AMS project, start your research with 108 ideaspace’s list of issues to consider when selecting an association management system (AMS). They go into detail on items that belong on your list: reporting, security, API, technology partners, access control, cost of ownership, vendor stability, and the ability to expand software capabilities as your needs change.

You never grow old at the table

Chipotle salmon is an old favorite here. The flavors of chipotle and sweet potatoes synchronize, so I roasted a few and served leftover veggies al pesto on the side.

Up in Massachusetts, haddock à la Lorraine is a must: fillets topped with a mix of crushed Ritz crackers, lemon zest, garlic powder, and melted butter. The usual side: roasted broccoli and red onion.

My mum liked my baked chicken and mushroom skillet. But who wouldn’t? On the side, green beans steamed and then sautéed with red bell pepper and green onions.

When we got home from our road trip, I pulled some chicken breast from the freezer and raided the produce drawer to make chicken al pesto pasta: slivers of chicken breast, broccoli florets and stems, carrot, onion, pesto, evaporated milk, parmesan, butter, and pasta water with farfalle (bowtie) pasta.

Now that the temps are in the 90s around here, I’m turning up the heat inside with my southwest skillet: ground chorizo and turkey, spinach, sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, red bell, poblano, jalapeño, onion, garlic, chipotle, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, chicken broth, cheddar, and cilantro.


To subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post.


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 6/20 at 12 p.m.* – YPAC Lunch & Learn: Why Advocacy is Important to Young Professionals

Learn about the key role advocacy efforts play in advancing the interests of associations and their members. Hear how all association employees – both GR professionals and other employees – can help advance the organization’s policy objectives. Get an overview of the related regulatory compliance obligations that all association professionals must understand. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

  • Jonathan Gilad
  • Jim Kahl, Whiteford Taylor & Preston

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


Fri 6/20 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 sharing of good news and topics or questions from the group. More info/register.

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


Mon 6/23 at 8 a.m. – Mastering Corporate Sponsorships (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: Bruce Rosenthal, sponsorship consultant, Bruce Rosenthal Associates


Mon 6/23 at 12 p.m. – Strategic Planning for Crisis-Ready Events

Learn about the essential strategies event professionals need to prepare for the unexpected — from natural disasters and protests to onsite emergencies. Hear real-world lessons in identifying risks early, preparing teams, and responding with speed and clarity when crises hit. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Skift Meetings

Speakers:

  • Mike Carlucci, Chief Operating Officer, Clarion Events
  • Lisa Werner, Founding Partner and Lead Consultant, VWV Consulting

Mon 6/23 at 12 p.m. – Staying Calm in the Face of Chaos

It isn’t a question of if your association will experience a crisis, it’s when. Whether you have a board member who garners unwanted media attention, issues around new policies from the current Administration, or a disgruntled member venting on social media, many association crises start small and grow because the issue wasn’t addressed initially. Learn how to plan for crisis, identify the crisis early, and understand the actions you need to take today to be prepared for the future. More info/register.

Host: Association Xchange

Speaker: Dr. Marc Willis, Director of Communications, U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, and COO, Willis Communications


Mon 6/23 at 3 p.m. – Culture by Design: How Association Leaders Are Shaping Stronger Teams and Boards

Two powerhouse CEOs who are redefining how associations build strong, intentional cultures will share real-world wins, lessons learned, and the secret sauce behind their leadership. Hear what it means to build culture at both the staff and board levels intentionally. From navigating values alignment to designing systems that reinforce belonging and performance, this candid conversation is packed with insights on leading with purpose, clarity, and care. More info/register.

Host: Association Rock Stars – Lowell Aplebaum, founder, Vista Cova

Speakers:

  • Michelle Mills Clement, Chicago Association of REALTORS®
  • Steven Stout, Texas Society of Association Executives

Tue 6/24 at 10:30 a.m.  10 Minute Meditation

Introducing mindfulness into your work day helps you cope with stress and reduce the feelings of burnout. Join us to create 10 minutes of pure space in your busy day. We’ll start with 5 minutes of arriving, a 10-minute meditation, and a 5-minute check-out. Open to all, with no prior meditation experience needed. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions


Tue 6/24 at 11 a.m. – Reinventing Your Revenue Strategy: How to Take the First Step

Learn how to analyze your current revenue streams and identify gaps. Explore brainstorming techniques for revenue diversification ideas. Hear how to prioritize initiatives based on impact and feasibility. The panel will share real-life examples that have helped associations move  from overwhelmed to seeing measurable progress. 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

Tue 6/24 at 11 a.m. – Executive Compensation and Other Employee Benefit Considerations in NFPs

Learn about the different types of executive compensation and employee benefits commonly encountered at not-for-profit organizations, such as 457(b), 457(f) and other deferred compensation agreements. Hear background information on these compensation vehicles and the accounting and reporting for such plans, including a review of Form 990 considerations. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Rebecca Horton, Director at O’Connor Consulting Services


Tue 6/24 at 12 p.m. – Wellness at Work Isn’t Optional, It’s Essential

Explore the future of human performance, wellness innovations, and how to build workplaces that support well-being at every level. No longer a nice-to-have, leaders are realizing that the health and well-being of their workers can directly affect their culture and the bottom line of their business. More info/register.

Host: Sarah Sladek, founder, XYZ University

Guest: Laura Putnam, CEO of Motion Infusion and author of Workplace Wellness That Works


Tue 6/24 at 12 p.m. – The Art of Sponsorship: Planning, Pitching, and Partnership

Discover how to identify and reach the decision-makers in a sponsor prospect, communicate your sponsor value proposition in a way that resonates with them, and build lasting partnerships that maximize value on both ends. More info/register.

Host: Zzeem Consulting


Tue 6/24 at 1 p.m. – Update on Executive Actions Affecting Federally Funded Nonprofits

Hear an overview of critical Executive Orders, their implementation and impact on nonprofits. Explore proactive strategies that nonprofit leaders can adopt in response to these significant changes, empowering organizations to adapt effectively while continuing to fulfill their missions. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

  • Tip Tucker Kendall, Executive Director, National Grants Management Association
  • Scott Sheffler, Partner at Washington DC law firm of Feldesman Leifer LLP

Tue 6/24 at 1 p.m. – Boosted by AI: How NPOs & Associations Can Grow Non Dues Revenue & Sponsors

Learn about using AI tools to work faster, market smarter, and grow non-dues income through sponsorships, events, digital content, and more. Hear what’s working right now, including the AI tools that actually save time and make money. No fluff. No theory. Just revenue-generating strategy you can put to work this quarter. More info/register.

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

Guest: Kelly Hernandez, CEO, Nonprofit Marketing Nerds


Tue 6/24 at 1:30 p.m. – Next-Level Leadership: Tools to Lead, Speak, and Succeed

Leadership in the association space requires more than just managing operations—it calls for vision, influence, and the ability to communicate with clarity and confidence. Explore practical tools and techniques to help association professionals step into their next level of leadership. Learn strategies to elevate your executive presence, strengthen communication skills, and lead with greater impact. More info/register.

Host: Association Latinos


Tue 6/24 at 2 p.m. – Modern Association Marketing: Actionable Playbooks for Growth

Hear about two targeted marketing plays tailored for associations of any size. Whether you’re looking to make the most of limited resources or refine a strategy that’s already in motion, you’ll walk away with actionable steps to support some of your biggest priorities—event success, content-driven engagement, and membership growth. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

  • Taylor Kessel-Salomonsson, Chief Growth Officer, Naylor Association Solutions
  • Tamara Perry-Lunardo, Vice President, Content Services, Naylor Association Solutions
  • Angela Kisskeys, President, Associations North

Tue 6/24 at 3 p.m. – Beyond Metrics: Transforming Event Data into Strategic Success

Understanding how to capture and leverage attendee and member data, measure engagement, and demonstrate ROI is essential for refining event strategies. Hear how to use data to optimize meeting planning, improve attendee experiences, and drive more impactful event outcomes. Get actionable strategies for turning event data into a powerful tool for decision-making, maximizing engagement, and delivering measurable results. More info/register.

Host: Cadmium

Speakers:

  • Julie Holtgrave, CMP, HMCC, Chief Operations and Event Officer, American College of Lifestyle Medicine
  • Jennifer Kerhin, CEM, CMP, CEO, SB Expos & Events
  • Erica Platner, Director of Events, National Home Infusion Association
  • Amanda Law (Moderator), Event Marketing Manager, Cadmium

Wed 6/25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Career and Job Board Platforms Demo Day

Attend presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer career and job board platforms. Experts will be showcasing apps and sharing their knowledge. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Participants: Madgex (a Wiley brand), SmartJobBoard, YM Careers by Momentive Software, Web Scribble, and Naylor Association Solutions


Wed 6/25 at 10 a.m. – The AMS-less Tech Stack Explained

Learn what’s driving associations away from AMS platforms—and toward ecosystems, key indicators that your organization is ready to make the move, how to build a foundational stack with integrated ecommerce, and strategies for breaking down data silos, and future-proofing with AI, SSO, and seamless integrations. More info/register.

Host: Wicket


Wed 6/25 at 11 a.m. – How to Win: Be a Category of One (Leadership for SMBs and Entrepreneurs)

Learn about five essential areas to become a Category of One where you Win by not competing. Some of these principles you may already follow, others may surprise you and may provide new insight. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Wade Tetsuka, CPA, President, UST


Wed 6/25 at 11:30 a.m. – Adventures in Event Registration: Chaos, Hacks, and Hope

Learn what’s really blocking registrations and hear about bold ideas, clever hacks, and strategic plays that have helped event leaders turn the tide. More info/register.

Host: Bizzabo

Speakers:

  • Samantha Arth, Project Manager II, Marketing & Events, Axon
  • Daniel McCartt, Senior Event Manager, Listings, Nasdaq
  • Gabrielle Scott, Director, Product Marketing, Bizzabo

Wed 6/25 at 12 p.m. – Chapter Roundtable: Mini-Mastermind Sessions for Chapter-Based Organizations (Alexandria VA)

Join us for a complimentary, power lunch for component relations professionals who want the knowledge and benefits of group discussions with fellow association professionals from organizations with chapters, components, sections, branches, or state affiliates. These are jam sessions with lunch, not lectures. You’ll leave with actionable ideas, insights, and inspirations you can put to work right away. Location: Alexandria VA. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: re:Members


Wed 6/25 at 12 p.m. – Vetting and Managing Your MSP: What Every Nonprofit Must Know

Many nonprofits rely on MSPs to manage IT, but few know how to evaluate their performance, question their recommendations, or hold them accountable. Learn about the red flags your MSP doesn’t want you to notice, what questions you must be asking (and how to interpret the answers), how to verify your MSP’s security practices without needing tech expertise, and why your board should care-and how to loop them in effectively. More info/register.

Host: Brian Scott, President / CTO / CISO, ClearTone Consulting LLC


Wed 6/25 at 1 p.m. – How to Pick the Right AMS: 5 Secrets to Make Your Search Easy, Fast, and Stress-Free

Learn five proven strategies that will strip away confusion and put you firmly in control of the AMS selection process. Get an easy-to-implement checklist that everyone from front-line staff to the board can understand and discover how to focus only on the requirements that truly matter, shaving weeks off your timeline while protecting your sanity. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

  • David Schulman, Co-Founder at Beacon Tech Research
  • Vanessa Dennison, Owner of Dennison & Associates

Wed 6/25 at 1 p.m. – Our KPI is Joy: How Live Events Catalyze Happiness, Productivity, and Trust

Think beyond logistics and see events as powerful catalysts for joy, trust, and collaboration. Hear bold ideas on why joy must be a core metric—and how associations can design events that don’t just inform, but transform. Learn about the future of events, why joy is serious business, and how we can design gatherings that bring people together in lasting, meaningful ways. More info/register.

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

Guest: Tahira Endean, Head of Program at IMEX and author of Our KPI is Joy: How Live Events Catalyze Happiness, Productivity, and Trust


Wed 6/25 at 1 p.m. – Modern Learning Strategies for the Modern Association

Your members expect more than one-size-fits-all courses—they’re looking for personalized learning from a trusted source, opportunities to connect with peers, and content delivered in a way that fits their real lives. Learn how leading associations are rethinking their approach to learning design—moving beyond generic course catalogs to create engaging, strategic experiences that meet members where they are and drive lasting impact, deeper engagement, and predictable revenue. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Forj

Speakers: Andy Hicken, VP of Technology, and Terri Herrmann, Chief Marketing Officer, Forj


Wed 6/25 at 1 p.m. – Social Sustainability: The Next Wave of Diversity & Inclusion

Learn how to design events that empower communities, amplify marginalized voices and prioritize accessibility while recognizing the human impact of environmental sustainability, along with learning actionable strategies to integrate social sustainability principles into every aspect of your event planning process. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: Zoe Moore, Diversity Practitioner | Consultant | Strategist


Wed 6/25 at 2 p.m. – Creating Content with just a Click: Turn One Idea into Dozens with AI (AI Innovation Labs with Beth Z, Your Nerdy Best Friend)

Transform a single idea into a full-blown content strategy. From marketing campaigns to thought leadership pieces, you’ll discover how AI tools can streamline your workflow, boost engagement, and keep your brand shining… all before your coffee gets cold. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: re:Members

Speaker: Beth Ziesenis: Author. Speaker. Nerd.


Wed 6/25 at 2 p.m. – Transforming Sponsorships Into Strategic Partnerships

Explore how to elevate sponsorships beyond logo placement and one-off events, turning them into dynamic, strategic partnerships that drive mutual growth. Learn how to identify and align with the right partners, create shared goals and co-branded success, and measure ROI and demonstrate long-term value. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

  • Jennifer D. Collins, CMP, President & CEO, JDC Events
  • Jeanne B. Dubosse, CMP, Founder & CEO, Boss Collective; Executive Producer; Brand Experience Architect
  • Lizzie Wilcox (moderator), Associate Editor, Northstar Meetings Group

Wed 6/25 at 2 p.m. – June FBO Meet Up

Bring your pressing problems and look forward to an engaging conversation with your colleagues sharing their experiences and potential solutions. Last month we had an engaging discussion on the use of AI. We are going to continue that discussion plus any other topics of interest. More info/register (ASAE members only).

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


Thu 6/26 at 11 a.m. – Become a Social Media Sales Warrior: Tactics for Outmaneuvering, Outconnecting, and Outclosing

Learn about the core principles of social selling, identifying and leveraging key decision-makers via social media, applying strategic tagging and engagement tactics, extracting intelligence from prospect activity and engagement patterns, creating content that drives conversations and conversions, navigating digital communities and groups for strategic positioning, developing and maintaining a sales-oriented social media routine, and understanding the ethical boundaries of social selling. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education.

Speaker: Justin Goldstein, Director, Corporate Relations at The Bill of Rights Institute


Thu 6/26 at 11 a.m. – Don’t Get Left Behind: How to Use AI Agents to Perform Event Magic

Learn what AI agents are actually doing for event teams and attendees. Find out how AI agents can automate the most tedious parts of event management. Hear about use cases for the attendee experience with AI concierges and what’s next for AI-powered event apps. More info/register.

Host: EventMobi

Speakers:

  • Event Industry News co-founder Adam Parry
  • EventMobi CEO Bob Vaez

Thu 6/26 at 11 a.m. – The Power of Personalization: Because in Events, One-Size-Fits-None

Learn how the smartest event organizers are moving beyond mass communication to create tailored, meaningful journeys, from the moment participants are acquired, to when they return next year. Hear from two industry trailblazers who have helped some of the world’s biggest events connect with their audiences in more human, data-driven ways. More info/register.

Host: Grip

Speakers:

  • Dorota Wallusch, International Affairs, Grupa MTP
  • Rachel Stephan, Founder and CEO, Snöball
  • Gina Kay, Marketing Manager, International Confex
  • Hew Leith (moderator), SVP of Marketing, Grip

Thu 6/26 at 1 p.m. – Master the Repeatable Events Formula

Hear about the blueprint behind consistently successful events—he Repeatable Events Formula—and real-world examples from industry leaders who have mastered the art of replicable excellence, demonstrating how systematic approaches transform one-time successes into predictable wins. Learn how implementing a repeatable formula becomes the difference-maker in sustainable event success. More info/register.

Host: Bizbash

Speakers: Camille Arnold, Senior Manager, Industry Solutions Marketing, and Zach Napolitano, Senior Manager, Product Marketing, Cvent


Thu 6/26 at 3 p.m. – Intro to AI Webinar for Associations and Nonprofits

Learn about Generative AI and Large Language Models and how they work. Get an up-close look at how an actual AI expert utilizes these tools in real-world scenarios. More info/register.

Host: Sidecar

Speakers:

  • Erica Salm Rench, CMO, Sidecar
  • Thomas Altman, Co-founder, Tasio

Thu 6/26 at 3 p.m. – 2025 Wine & Tech DC (Washington DC)

Come network with the AWTC community of women and allies. All are welcome. This IRL opportunity to socialize and network with your industry peers is brought to you by the generous support of our sponsors. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.

Organizer: Association Women Technology Champions


Fri 6/27 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 lack community. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions


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.


 


Creative Commons licensed photo by Gennady Zakharin via Unsplash

Amazon, AssociationBrainFood.com, and Association Academy links allow me to earn a royalty and/or complimentary registration from any resulting leads or sales. Thank you!

Unknown's avatar

Author: deirdrereid

Deirdre is a content marketing partner for companies serving the association market. After more than 20 years managing associations and restaurants, she's enjoying the good life now by helping companies inform, educate, and deepen relationships with the association community. Away from her laptop, you can find her walking in the woods, enjoying live music, reading hundreds of newsletters, watching hockey, cooking, hanging at the local brewery or tap room, or relaxing in a comfy chair with a good Kindle book and a glass of something tasty in hand.