The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community
This week’s reads
Abstract management. OpenWater shares tips from experienced users on taking full advantage of the key features of your abstract management software. These pointers will help you improve your abstract program’s practices and processes.
365-learning. Tracy King at InspirEd suggests “retiring the one-off event model and positioning events as peak experiences within your 365-learning portfolio.” Her strategy helps attendees apply what they’ve learned to their jobs and map out their next professional development steps. A conference “designed as the crescendo of year-long value” differentiates your association from the competition for your audience’s attention and wallet.
Member growth for small staff associations. YourMembership describes ten strategies used by small staff associations to attract and retain members without breaking the bank. Their guide covers personalization, online career centers, mobile-friendly onboarding, online communities, member ambassadors, and membership model adjustments. They explain how to turn manual processes into automated workflows that free up staff time for more high-impact responsibilities.
Shared member experiences. Belinda Moore of Strategic Membership Solutions says member benefits, like webinars and newsletters, are commodities consumed alone and easily delivered by any organization. However, shared experiences in which people feel something together are “the invisible glue” that makes members renew, volunteer or advocate. She suggests ways to build more of these touchpoints into the member experience.
Association media. At Professionals for Association Revenue (PAR), Carla Kalogeridis of Kalo Media describes a strategic, no-nonsense approach to association media programs. She poses three questions that will help you streamline media offerings and boost non-dues revenue.
Building member communities. Nimble AMS describes the steps for planning an online community and turning it into a tool for member recruitment, engagement and retention. They explain how to define goals and success metrics, assemble your team, create a content strategy, establish guidelines, identify launch groups, create a rollout plan and use ambassadors to get conversations started.
Gen Z education. Peter Finn at Smithbucklin shares research findings on Gen Z’s professional expectations and preferences. He suggests key points to keep in mind when developing an educational strategy for a Gen Z audience. What he recommends for Gen Z will also appeal to members and customers in other generations.
AI and search. The AI Search Manual from iPullRank is quite a read, but if you want to stay on top of search rankings, you should give it a go. It explains how relevance engineering helps your organization stay visible: “structuring information so machines can retrieve, synthesize and cite it as part of AI-generated answers.” If you’re daunted by the manual’s length, try the TL;DR version.
Association AI adoption. Per ASAE’s latest pulse poll, while many associations (88%) use AI for something (mostly content creation), most (86%) feel either somewhat or not very prepared to navigate AI’s impacts. A lack of internal expertise is the top barrier to AI adoption, followed by data privacy and security concerns. The top AI priorities for the next 12 months: identifying relevant use cases, building staff capacity and developing organization-wide AI strategies.
You never grow old at the table
I pulled Italian meatballs out of the freezer, but didn’t feel like pasta (gasp!), so I asked ChatGPT for dinner ideas. A brilliant response: meatballs with ratatouille, a fusion of Italian and French cookery. My ratatouille included roasted eggplant, zucchini, and red and yellow bell pepper, plus onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, oregano, thyme, herbes de Provence and red pepper flakes. Serve with the meatballs over polenta with a sprinkling of Parmesan and fresh basil. Wowsa, we loved it.
Did I ever tell you about my cheater microwave polenta method? I learned it from Bon Appétit.
By the way, I used the same dinner idea prompt for ChatGPT and Claude. ChatGPT generated more specific and enticing ideas than Claude. I usually go to EatYourBooks for recipe ideas since it indexes the recipes from the cookbooks I own, but I didn’t want to wade through that many. However, if you own a lot of cookbooks, EYB is worth $40/year.
I made an old Portuguese-inspired favorite earlier in the week: baked cod with sausage (chouriço) and baby potatoes. I’ve always made this dish with white beans, but I had a bunch of potatoes lying around. On the side, roasted broccoli with red onion and garlic powder.
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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.
Tue 9/2 at 12 p.m.* – Collect, Analyze and Actually Use Member Feedback (Data Analytics Network)
Hear practical tips and real-world stories from data and survey experts on how to collect, analyze, and actually use member feedback. Learn how to design surveys people want to answer, pick the right tools, boost response rates (without bribery!), and turn results into action. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Data Analytics Network
Speakers:
- Evan Reid (moderator), ASHA
- Shari Jurik, ASHA
- Martha McRoy, NORC
- Julius Najab, AAAS
*All events are online at Eastern Daylight Time unless otherwise noted.
Tue 9/2 at 12 p.m. – How to Be an Employer of Choice
Learn why growth and purpose, not perks, are workplace currency; how to build development opportunities even without new titles or promotions; and the role of purpose and growth as retention tools. More info/register.
Host: EMK Learning Solutions
Speaker: Dr. Maurine Kwende
Tue 9/2 at 1 p.m. – Engaging With a Multi-Generational Membership
Learn about the defining traits, communication preferences, and engagement styles of each generation represented in your membership; and the different needs and expectations of members at various career stages, from students to seasoned professionals. Hear how to apply generational insights to design onboarding, networking, and career support strategies that foster stronger, more inclusive member engagement. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Dave Will, Co-Founder and CEO, PropFuel
Wed 9/3 at 11 a.m. – Evolving Event Design, Inside and Outside the Box
As participant expectations shift, event design is evolving in bold new ways. Learn about two standout examples of event design: Learning Journeys—immersive, off-site experiences with thought-provoking content and lasting impact; and Spontaneous Think Tanks—a dynamic crowdsourced event format where participants build the agenda and shape conversations in real time. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Skift Meetings
Speakers:
- Liz Lathan, Co-Founder and Chief Community Officer of Club Ichi
- Sven Boelhouwer, Event Experience Designer at Experience Experts.
Wed 9/3 at 12 p.m. – The Future of Connection: Is It Time to Close the Book on Chapters?
Connection today does not need to burden our members with requirements. If associations focus on what brings us together in the first place—creating relationships—we will be here for the long run. But what does that look like? And how do we break the bonds of “that’s the way we’ve always done it?” Discuss how the Relationship Industry can forge ahead in a world of instant gratification, online connection, and social isolation. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: AIOT
Facilitator: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, author of Association Chapter Systems: From Frustrating to Fruitful, and founder of Rogue Tulips Consulting
Wed 9/3 at 3 p.m. – Unlocking Association Growth: Driving Recruitment Through Marketing and Community
Learn how SEO and GEO strategies can elevate your association’s visibility and attract the right prospects. Hear how to leverage your community to create deeper connections, increase engagement, and support ongoing recruitment. More info/register.
Host: Nexus Marketing
Speakers:
- Petreysha Macute, Business Development Executive, Tradewing
- Aliah Reyes, Client Solutions Executive, Nexus Marketing
Thu 9/4 at 9 a.m. – 2025 Event Marketing Trends straight from INBOUND
Learn what’s hot, what’s not, and what’s next in marketing; the big surprises from INBOUND 2025; and trends that will shape the year ahead. More info/register.
Hosts:
- Julius Solaris, founder, Boldpush
- Hilary Laney, VP customer success, Swoogo
Thu 9/4 at 11 a.m. – Creating Your Custom ChatGPT PR Guru
Imagine having an AI-powered PR assistant that understands your organization’s unique needs, streamlines your media outreach, and crafts compelling narratives—all customized to your voice. Discover how to harness ChatGPT to transform your PR strategy. Learn how to create a tailored model that organizes press lists, drafts personalized pitches, and automates follow-ups. Hear how associations and nonprofits are already leveraging this technology to secure top-tier coverage and elevate their reputations. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Colleen Gallagher, President & CEO at OnWrd & UpWrd
Thu 9/4 at 1 p.m. – Strategic Planning That Works: Tools You Can Use Tomorrow
Discover three practical tools that make planning more approachable, more engaging, and more effective for associations navigating the copious amounts of change in today’s world. Go beyond SWOT and learn how to anticipate challenges, spot opportunities, and shape your organization’s future with confidence. Get immediately usable frameworks to engage your team and strengthen your organization’s resilience, practical experience applying these tools during the session, and leave ready to confidently use them with your board, staff, or stakeholders. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Lee Gimpel, President at Better Meetings
Thu 9/4 at 2 p.m. – Evaluating a Vendor’s Integration Capability
Too often, integration challenges only surface after the contract is signed, leading to unexpected costs, delays, or disappointing outcomes. Learn how to uncover limitations or hidden costs tied to custom development, middleware, or licensing; prepare your database to support vendor integration; evaluate real-world compatibility between your CRM/AMS and proposed platforms; and avoid disruptions in member data, reporting, or automations. More info/register.
Host: 501Works
Speakers:
- Holly Rice, CAE, leads CRM and data strategy at IDSA
- Moira Edwards, President, Ellipsis Partners
- James Marquis, CIO, 501Works
Thu 9/4 at 3 p.m. – Crush Member Churn! Your 5-Stage Journey to Unwavering Loyalty
Learn about the five critical phases every member progresses through; what members want at each stage and how to guide them; and how to use engagement moves, such as drip emails and recognition, to create habits and boost renewals. More info/register.
Host: Member Lounge
Speaker: Michael Grahi, Member Lounge
Tue 9/9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Panel Discussion: Evolution of the Industry Moving from Discussion to Implementation of AI (Washington DC)
Hear about the operational and program management aspects of AI adoption. Learn about strategies for addressing real-world challenges, such as mitigating AI-related risks and enhancing the candidate experience through improved access to information. Hear about AI’s role in assessment design and development, including decision-making and implementation in assessment design and development as well as key steps in the assessment development life cycle, including Job Task Analysis (JTA), test specifications, item writing, item review, form development, form review, and innovative ways to enhance programs using AI at each stage. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.
Host: Certification Network Group
Speakers:
- Ann Evers, GED Testing Service, The Council for Professional Recognition
- Charles Glover, SHRM
- Amada Jewell, Prometric
- Alex Lord, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards
Tue 9/9 at 11 a.m. – Smart Practices in Association Fundraising
Philanthropy can serve as an important source of revenue to accomplish key association priorities, especially in the areas of research, professional education and workforce/talent development. Learn about best and smart practices in all areas of a comprehensive association (or association foundation) philanthropic fundraising program, including: Volunteer Leadership, Major/Planned Gifts, Annual Giving, Special Events, Marketing/Communications, Donor Stewardship/Recognition. Learn how to make a compelling case for support to inspire the generosity of members, industry partners, and other stakeholders. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: David Coyne, President at The Sheridan Group
Tue 9/9 at 1 p.m. – Technology Management: When to Insource, Outsource, or Do Both
Managing technology in associations isn’t one-size-fits-all. Explore the most common IT management configurations—insourcing, outsourcing, and hybrid approaches—and how to evaluate which is best for your organization. Learn how to spot signs it may be time to shift your strategy, and examine real-world examples of what different models look like in action, including the investments involved and the return on those investments. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers: Heinan Landa, Founder & CEO, and Chris Abel, Manager of Consulting Services, Optimal Networks
Wed 9/10 at 11 a.m. – Retrospectives: How to Continuously Improve Your Team
Hear how retrospectives are a powerful tool for both celebration and improvement. Learn how to highlight and maximize what your team already does well, while also tackling issues, avoiding common mistakes, and fostering real change. Explore a range of engaging retrospective techniques, how to choose the right one for your team’s needs, and practical tips to keep your retros fresh, valuable, and energizing. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Richard Cheng, VP of Training, Chief Product Owner, NextUp Solutions
Wed 9/10 at 12 p.m. – Your Association Needs an Online Community: Why and How To Do It Successfully
Your members already have several things in common, why not offer them an easy way to safely connect with their peers while advancing their careers and advancing the goals of your organization? Learn what an online community is, why your organization should put more resources into building the community, and how to leverage it as an impactful member benefit that will increase retention and overall revenue. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Speakers:
- Catherine Hackney, founder, Confident Communities Consulting
- David Johnson, CAE, IOM, Director of Membership and Operations, NAFA Fleet Management Association
Wed 9/10 at 1 p.m. – From Engagement to Non-Dues Revenue: Monetizing Your Online Community
Discover how forward-thinking associations are transforming their online communities into engines for non-dues revenue. Hear from association professionals on how they’ve implemented creative monetization strategies that not only increased member value, but actually paid for their communities, and then some. 0.75 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Higher Logic
Speakers:
- Melissa Rysak, VP, Communications, IPMI
- JJ Vitale, Director, Communications, ACF
- Tiffany Moule, Sr. Strategic Advisor, Higher Logic
- Brendan Leehe, Customer Marketing Mgr., Higher Logic
Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If you offer free professional development to the association community, please send me the link via email by Wednesday afternoon.
Creative Commons licensed photo by Chris Bair via Unsplash
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