The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community
This week’s reads
Membership requirements for credentialing. TopClass LMS explains why it’s illegal to require membership for people who are applying for or renewing credentials. They describe the potential costs, program red flags to beware, and alternatives to membership requirements.
Using AI. Mitch Joel has shifted his thinking about generative AI tools like ChatGPT. I agree with his belief that AI will make you dumber if you let it think and write for you, but it can make you smarter if you use it to expand your capabilities. Keep thinking, writing and questioning alongside it. Don’t let it do the challenging work for you.
Online learning revenue. D2L surveyed associations to find out how they’re future-proofing with learning-based revenue models. Associations offering certifications and continuing education credits outperform standalone programs. The report describes monetization strategies, implementation challenges, membership model changes and other factors for successful revenue-generating learning programs.
AI tools course. Join me in earning up to five CAE credits from Association Academy’s live Association Artificial Intelligence Certificate Course. Learn how to use AI tools to create high-quality text, image, video, and other content with hands-on time in class. Students earn one CAE credit for each live class they attend. The course meets Thursdays, 1-2pm ET starting October 23. Save $50 with promo code BRAINFOOD.
Networking for introverts. If you’re a gamer, you’ll appreciate association professional Ben Rome’s networking advice for introverts. “Introverts often feel like networking is a game designed by and for extroverts. But as we’ve seen, the gaming world offers multiple paths to victory.” Even if the video game references go over your head, like they do mine, skip to the bullet points where he shares networking insights.
Gen Z content. Do associations have to rethink content for the next generation of members and prospects? Trevor Whyte at Multiview suggests focusing your content strategy on edutainment and describes what that might look like in practice. His advice likely applies to other generations too—only your metrics can tell you for sure.
Association strategy gaps. GrowthZone’s survey exposes inconvenient truths about how associations operate. Member engagement tops the list of challenges, yet most associations lack written plans to tackle it. The disconnect gets worse: while nearly all associations say they want to innovate and grow membership, the majority admit they have no strategy for attracting younger members. The report covers membership trends, revenue, operational realities, and more. If you’re wondering whether your struggles are unique, this benchmarking data will offer reassuring or unsettling clarity.
Association industry partner corner
Community relations. Mark Wallach of Engagement Mobile Strategies writes about industry connectors in the association technology space—and he’s one of the best I know. Association industry partners would be wise to heed his advice on differentiation in the ‘vendor question’ section of his post. If you’re in sales, pay attention to how he interacts everywhere and what he shares on LinkedIn. You’ll get a lot further by emulating his consultative approach than by pushing people along the funnel too quickly.
Content strategy. At Content Marketing Institute, Ann Gynn’s observations on the purchasing journey definitely apply to associations: buyers don’t follow a straight line from pain point to purchase, the number of stakeholders in B2B purchases continues to increase, and most young buyers rely on ten or more external sources, including their network and social media, to make purchasing decisions. She suggests adjusting your content strategy so engaging, relevant content pops up for buyers at any stage of their non-linear discovery and decision journey.
You never grow old at the table
My sister-in-law gave me a bunch of figs from their backyard tree, so I made a fig and prosciutto pizza. I spread the goat cheese over the dough and sprinkled the pizza with Aleppo pepper flakes. When it came out of the oven, I topped it with chopped arugula and a balsamic glaze (honey and balsamic vinegar).
We have leftovers galore of my southwest skillet: ground chorizo and turkey, spinach, sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, red bell, poblano, jalapeño, onion, garlic, chipotle en adobo, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, chicken broth, Monterey Jack, and cilantro. I see breakfast burritos in our future.
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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 9/8 at 8 a.m.* – Association Mergers (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: Andy Duncan
*All events are online at Eastern Daylight Time unless otherwise noted.
Mon 9/8 at 2 p.m. – Working Backwards: How to Build a Volunteer Process that Delivers Results
Is your volunteer process still operating on spreadsheets and gut feelings? You’re not alone, but it is time to make a change. Learn how redesigning your volunteer processes through an outcome-first lens can transform your organization’s capacity for proactive volunteer management and data-driven decision making—while creating better engagement opportunities along the way. More info/register.
Host: fusionSPAN
Speakers:
- Justin Burniske, Principal Consultant, Meta-Dao
- Cari Ross, Senior Business Systems Analyst, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
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 12 p.m. – Strategic Challenges and Opportunities for CTOs and CIO
Hear tech leaders (and those who work with them) discuss current pressing issues faced by technology leadership: from focus on tech to focus on strategy and growth; building credibility through functional leadership in non-tech areas of the business (Operations, Marketing, HR, etc.); managing the expectation that AI will shortcut all systems; expectations from marketing; and outsourcing, using consultants, or building your team. More info/register.
Hosts: Randall Craig and Ronja Francoeur from the Braintrust Professional Institute
Tue 9/9 at 12 p.m. – Building an Agile Culture That Retains Talent
Learn why “busyness” and rigidity are driving burnout and break trust; how to replace toxic or stagnant norms with an agile, autonomy, people-first culture; and leadership strategies that promote trust, flexibility, and innovation which are powerful forms of non-monetary compensation. More info/register.
Host: EMK Learning Solutions
Speaker: Dr. Maurine Kwende
Tue 9/9 at 12 p.m. – Tech Tuesday
The truth is, you don’t need the title of “Business Analyst” to think like one. A BA mindset can help any association or nonprofit professional uncover opportunities and make smarter decisions, no matter your role. Explore how you can apply a BA lens to your work, hear about practical techniques and bring your own challenges and success stories to the discussion. More info/register (ASAE members only).
Host: ASAE Technology Professionals Advisory Council
Facilitators:
- Reggie Henry, Chief Information and Performance Excellence Officer, ASAE
- Dave Coriale, President, DelCor Technology Solutions
Guests:
- Lynnette Procopio, Director of Business Solutions at ISPOR
- members of the ASAE Technology Professionals Advisory Council
Tue 9/9 at 12 p.m. – LGBTQIA2+ 2025 Community Call
A unique and inclusive opportunity for association professionals across all career stages to connect and engage over lunch, and a space where you can openly share and discuss topics that are current and significant to the LGBTQIA2+ association community. More info/register (ASAE members only).
Host: ASAE LGBTQ Association Executives and Supporters
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
Tue 9/9 at 1 p.m. – Driving Success: Legislative Updates and Cutting-Edge Practices in Technology & Data Integration
Hear about the latest legislative changes and their impact on fiscal and operational strategies. Discover advanced best practices in CRM and Data Analytics to ensure you are maximizing impact from your technology investments. Get actionable takeaways and strategic guidance for organizational leaders navigating today’s fast-evolving technology landscape. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Raffa Investment Advisors
Tue 9/9 at 1 p.m. – From Engagement to Conversion: Keys to Driving Webinar Pipeline
Discover practical tips and best practices for transforming your webinars into powerful channels that engage audiences, identify top leads, and convert them into pipeline and revenue. Learn how to optimize webinars to uncover interest and intent signals, personalize webinars to increase engagement, set triggers to identify high-value leads, and empower sales teams with actionable first-party data. More info/register.
Host: ON24
Speaker: Mark Bornstein, Vice President, Marketing and Chief Evangelist
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 12 p.m. – The New Association Playbook: Data, Decisions, and Member Value
Disruption isn’t slowing down—and tradition alone won’t keep your programs relevant. Explore how associations can rethink “untouchable” programs, use data to guide decisions, pivot quickly when member needs change, and define engagement in ways that truly drive retention. More info/register.
Host: Marcus Leite, Director, Sales & Marketing, TaleWind Digital
Guest: Amanda Darnley, Chief Strategy Officer, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Wed 9/10 at 12 p.m. – The True Cost of a Cyber Incident and the ROI of Cybersecurity Protection
Learn the full cost model of a ransomware event (downtime, data recovery, forensics, legal/regulatory, PR, ransom, and long-tail impacts); how to translate risk into dollars your leadership and board will understand; and a simple framework to compare “pay now vs. pay later” and show ROI on controls that actually reduce risk. Leave with a downloadable Ransomware Cost & Cyber-Investment ROI calculator (Excel) and a one-page checklist to brief your board and finance team. More info/register.
Host: Brian Scott, 501CISO
Wed 9/10 at 12 p.m. – Closing the Loop: The Path to Sustainable Events
Sustainability is reshaping the trade show and events industry, moving from a trend to a business imperative. Explore how to shift from a linear model of consumption and waste to a circular approach that maximizes resources, reduces environmental impact, and boosts efficiency. Hear about the current state of sustainability, areas of progress, and persistent challenges. Learn strategies for waste reduction, zero-waste goal setting, and designing sustainable event spaces—plus how these efforts can enhance client decisions and brand reputation. More info/register.
Host: ESCA’s Rising Leaders Committee
Speakers:
- Elizabeth Fretheim, Vice President Sustainability, Freeman Company
- Will Estes, Sustainability Manager, Emerald Carpets
Wed 9/10 at 1 p.m. – Cyber Deception for Associations: Stop Breaches Before They Start
Learn about key deception tactics (e.g., canaries, honeypots, honeytokens) and scenarios where they add value in an association’s security program; a minimal, high-impact deception plan that aligns with existing security tools and workflows; implementation steps and examples tailored to common association technology stacks; measurable benefits of deception, including earlier detection, reduced dwell time, and clearer incident signals; and governance considerations, common pitfalls, and strategies to strengthen a proactive security posture. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Ben Muscolino, Founder & CEO, AMS Geek
- Ryan O’Donnell, CTO at Vortacity
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
Thu 9/11 at 12 p.m. – Unlock Your Data’s Power: Strategic Insights for Associations
Learn how to transform your raw data into actionable intelligence. Explore the common pitfalls preventing associations from truly leveraging their data to inform strategy, pricing, member engagement, and more. Get practical guidance on identifying tactical “red flags” and implementing immediate fixes for common data quality and usage issues. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Hosts: Halmyre and IntelliData
Speakers:
- Christine Saunders, Founder and President, Halmyre
- Denny Lengkong, President, IntelliData
Thu 9/11 at 1 p.m. – The Future of Association Learning: How to Boost Efficiency and Engagement with Your LMS
Learn how optimizing your continuing education and event management processes can create measurable improvements in efficiency, member engagement, and non-dues revenue. See real-world examples of how organizations like the North Carolina Bar Association have transformed their learning programs to better serve their members. More info/register.
Host: Momentive Software
Speaker: Liam O’Malley, CAE, PMP, Momentive Software
Thu 9/11 at 3 p.m. – Top 10 Things to Know About ERP Selection & Implementation for Associations and Nonprofits
Explore the top considerations to keep in mind when selecting a new ERP system. Learn how to properly assess ERP vendors, focusing on their track record with nonprofits, flexibility, and ability to meet sector-specific demands. Hear about the true cost of ERP ownership, including often overlooked expenses like training and support. Learn how to distinguish between “must-have” and “nice-to-have” capabilities to guide a more strategic requirements gathering process, and how early planning and cleanup can avoid costly setbacks and ensure a smooth transition to your new ERP platform. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Bryan Hack, Principal at BHC Group
Fri 9/12 at 12:30 p.m. – Clause and Effect: Ask a Lawyer Anything
Get clear, no-fluff answers to your biggest legal questions—from RFPs to contracts and everything in between. This is your chance to ask anything about event sourcing from legal experts who get the events industry. Walk away with practical tips to protect your business and boost your confidence at every stage of the planning process. More info/register.
Host: Hopskip
Tue 9/16 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 for 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
Meditation leader: Moira Edwards, Owner & President, Ellipsis Partners
Tue 9/16 at 11 a.m. – Navigating What’s Next: Preparing Associations for the Future of Change Management
Shifts in member expectations, advances in technology, workforce dynamics, and external pressures are redefining how associations must approach transformation. Change management is no longer a reactive process—it is a proactive, organization-wide discipline that will determine the future success of mission-driven organizations. Hear about emerging trends influencing change management, insights into building resilient, adaptable organizations, and how leadership, culture, and governance must evolve to support sustainable change. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers: Daniel Elacqua, CEO, and Christopher Maynard, Senior Executive, Strategico Consultants
Tue 9/16 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. – Metro NYSAE TechConnect: Solutions Showcase
Join a fast-paced virtual showcase of cutting-edge solutions. Whether you’re looking for a new AMS, event platform, member engagement tools, or AI-powered insights, this is your chance to explore what’s possible. More info/register.
Host: New York Society of Association Executives
Participants: CauseIS, re:Members, Yoko, Higher Logic
Tue 9/16 at 1 p.m. – Anchored in Wellness: Thriving Amidst the Complexity
Learn how to assess your current wellness foundation by identifying the habits, mindsets, and supports that help or hinder your ability to stay grounded during stress and complexity; recognize early signs of misalignment or burnout by learning to interpret physical, emotional, and behavioral indicators—before they escalate; develop a personal wellness strategy by selecting specific, realistic actions that align with your values and can be integrated into daily life to create long-term sustainability; and strengthen your relational and environmental support systems by mapping key connections and intentionally investing in people and spaces that help you stay anchored. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Steven Langer, Founder & CEO at Well By Design
Wed 9/17 at 11 a.m. – Building a Contingency Plan for an Unexpected CEO Departure
Learn how to develop a set of contingency plans and document related action steps for an unexpected CEO departure through assembling basic risk mitigation procedures and tactical applications and documenting them in a formal written contingency plan. Hear about the important complimentary differences between organizational succession planning and CEO transition planning. Learn about appointing an interim CEO allowing for time to work through a thoughtful 10-step CEO succession and transition plan. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Paul Preziotti, CPA, Partner, Johnson Lambert LLP
- Michael Gellman, CPA, CGMA, Sustainability Education 4 Nonprofits
Wed 9/17 at 12 p.m. – Smart Ways to Bring AI into Your Community Strategy
Hear about current examples of how communities are already using AI effectively, ideas for future applications to improve engagement and operations, key considerations and challenges to address before implementing AI, and how to start experimenting safely and strategically with AI in your own community. More info/register.
Host: Led by Community
Speaker: Nicole Saunders, Founder of CXN Consulting, Co-host of the CX Nexus podcast, and Senior Director of CX Strategy at Higher Logic
Thu 9/18 at 11 a.m. – How Engagement & Technology Drove 4,000% Growth
Learn about the keys behind the A.L.I.V.E. framework that has propelled MTI’s 4,000% growth since 2007. Discover how a bold blend of engagement strategies, smart technology and willingness to take risk propelled MTI’s value to engage over 80% of their members into their key member touch points. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Tom Morrison, CEO at Metal Treating Institute
- Dave Will, Co-Founder and CEO, PropFuel
Thu 9/18 at 1 p.m. – Reacting vs. Responding: Why It Matters to Sponsorship Success
When unexpected feedback, challenging questions, or sudden requests arise from sponsors, your first instinct might be to react — fast and emotionally. But learning to respond instead — with intention, confidence, and clarity — can transform those tough moments into opportunities to build trust and strengthen your partnerships. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE, Founder & CEO at Growth Owl, LLC
Thu 9/18 at 3 p.m. – The AI Wake-Up Call for Associations: Inside the CSAE 2025 Report
Hear about key insights from a national survey of Canadian associations and their current use of AI, the top roadblocks preventing meaningful AI adoption and how to overcome them, what association professionals are really worried about when it comes to AI, and steps to bridge the gap between interest and implementation. More info/register.
Host: Farhad Khan, CEO of Member Lounge
Guest: Gerald Bramm, founder and principal of Bramm Research
Thu 9/18 at 4 p.m. – The Pulse of Association Membership: The 2025 Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report Update (Alexandria VA)
Learn what associations who report membership growth are doing differently and how 89% of associations are facing a value proposition challenge. Hear about recruitment trends, innovations and marketing tactics. Get an exclusive look at the mid-year check-up survey and updated data which provides dashboard results on how current economics and politics are impacting association membership. Location: Alexandria VA. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Reston Loudoun Swap
Speaker: Tony Rossell, Senior VP, MGI
Fri 9/19 at 3 p.m. – Nonprofit Consultants Collaborative Monthly Networking Meeting
This monthly networking meeting is organized by consultants for full-time consultants who work with non-profits and associations. You don’t have to be an ASAE member to attend. This month’s agenda includes the sharing of good news, topics or questions from the group, and verifying AI material and protecting copyright. More info/register.
Organizer: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting
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.
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