The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community
Reads for the association community
Transformation. Most of the reads I share here are about association management and content marketing, but this one is a personal take on loss and change. Sherry Budziak of .orgSource shares what she’s learned about herself and her life after her husband died. She describes the practices she developed during her journey to Sherry 2.0. And wouldn’t you know it? Her lessons on transformation also apply to associations.
Learning communities. Make time for this Sidecar Sync episode hosted by Mallory Mejias with guest Jackson Boyar of RallyBoard. They talk about the increasing competition for associations from influencer-led membership and learning communities and the power of cohorts in online learning. This is the future, my friends.
Content distribution. Sidecar’s on a roll this week. On their blog, Mallory encourages associations to take a content cue from influencers. Distribute content where your people spend their time—not only on your site, but on LinkedIn and YouTube too. Highlight “the creator who explains complex topics simply over the expert who explains them thoroughly.” She describes how to attract and hold your audience’s attention amidst the noisy competition.
AMS selection. Ellipsis Partners shares questions to help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your next AMS selection delivers on its promises. These “awkward questions” expose the gaps that sales demos won’t show you by uncovering hidden customization costs, data migration surprises, authentication headaches and reporting limitations. The guide covers ten areas, including member experience, duplicate management, e-commerce functionality, and upgrade processes, along with tips from consultants who’ve guided countless associations through successful AMS transitions.
Sponsorship. The real value of revenue partnerships goes far beyond dollars, says Professionals for Association Revenue. They describe how EDUCAUSE changed its sponsorship model by tapping into sponsor expertise for education, mission-driven projects and other collaborations.
AI slop. Search engines are relying on “contaminated inputs,” say the folks at iPullRank. “As AI-generated content floods the web, it becomes training data for future AI models, creating what researchers call ‘model collapse’—a phenomenon where each generation of AI content becomes progressively more generic, less accurate, and less useful.” Luckily, I can spot AI slop and replace it with substance pretty easily. But this does make me wonder if companies that rely on ChatGPT for content will return to human writers. The iPullRank team also shares “defensive publishing strategies” for the AI era: an authority-first approach to content creation.
Career center enhancement. YM Careers describes how to transform your job board into a career development destination by connecting job seekers with hiring managers, providing career advice and coaching resources, offering career pathing tools and delivering valuable career data. The guide explains how these enhancements help you generate non-dues revenue, acquire new members, and boost engagement while positioning your association as the go-to career resource in your industry.
LLM search optimization. Louise Linehan at Ahrefs explains how to display your authority and make your brand visible in AI answers. She admits her team is still figuring out LLM search optimization, but wants to share what they know so far, based on their ongoing research and experimentation.
AI hallucinations. Mike Caulfield says errors (hallucinations) in search-assisted LLMs are the result of an investigation aborted too soon. The same thing happens with generative AI responses. Always follow up AI’s first response with a fact-check—his post offers an approach suited to fact-checking digital content. I always ask AI to verify its response against resources I’ve provided or sites it’s checked. I wish more journalists would practice fact-checking these days. It’s amazing what many of them accept as true.
Snacks
What ASIS International did when it discovered a live form of their certification exam was being sold online as a test preparation resource. | Erica Brown, MBA, Michael Clifton and Rachel R. Watkins Schoenig, J.D., Institute for Credentialing Excellence
Career advice goes viral: how TikTok is reshaping the way young professionals plan their futures. | Kayla McCain, Association Forum
How to moderate a meaningful panel discussion. | Amanda Kaiser
You never grow old at the table
On the eve of the autumn equinox, I made a delicious variation of this chicken and butternut squash orzo recipe. I subbed onion for shallot, dried thyme for fresh, evaporated milk for cream, and white beans for orzo, added gold potatoes, and used an entire bunch of kale.
I’m on a mission to put a dent in my stash of basil pesto in the freezer, so I experimented with some ingredients for a pesto and sausage gnocchi skillet: hot Italian sausage, onion, potato gnocchi, tomatoes, pesto, Parmesan, fresh mozzarella, arugula and spinach. A mighty successful experiment, I must say. I added leftover evaporated milk to reheat it for dinner another night.
On the side, steamed green beans tossed with sautéed red onion, garlic, sundried tomatoes and smoked paprika.
With the last of my sister-in-law’s figs, I made this fig quick bread recipe. I used nearly double the figs he calls for, which could explain why the middle was a bit mushy, or I might have pulled it out of the oven too early. But that’s okay because we scarfed it all up over the weekend.
I’m stocked up for my wheat tortilla breakfasts this week, alternating fried eggs with charro beans and salsa, and hummus with roasted eggplant, broccoli and red onion. I used my pressure cooker to make chickpeas for the hummus and pinto beans for the charro beans.
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About CAE credits: Per ASAE, “any continuing professional education offered by any professional entity may be accepted toward the [CAE] professional development requirement as long as it is directly related to either association or nonprofit management as defined by the CAE exam content outline.”
Education providers: If you have a free webinar or event coming up, please send me the link by Wednesday afternoon the week before it’s scheduled. I’m happy to feature it as long as it’s not product-centric.
Fri 9/26 at 11 a.m.* – Thriving in Transition: Advanced Strategies for Securing Your Next Opportunity
Learn how to tap into unadvertised opportunities through strategic networking and informational interviews, develop a critical eye for suspicious job postings and communications, verify the legitimacy of potential employers to avoid fraudulent schemes, articulate your unique value proposition, build a strong online and offline presence that attracts opportunities, cultivate meaningful relationships with key influencers and decision-makers, maintain motivation, manage stress, leverage setbacks as learning opportunities, assess your worth, negotiate compensation and benefits packages confidently in a fluctuating market, identify emerging in-demand skills, and develop a plan for continuous learning and professional development. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Speakers:
- Lori Bruhns, Leadership & Performance Development Coach, Lori Bruhns, LLC
- Sally Starrfield, MSA, SPHR HR & Educational Consultant, Sally Starrfield, LLC
*All events are online at Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.
Fri 9/26 at 1 p.m. – Foresight Fridays: Preventing AI Harms and Risks
Learn how strategic foresight can help association professionals stay proactive, not reactive, in the face of AI’s rapid evolution. Join a dynamic conversation anchored in the Preventing AI Risks and Harms driver of change from ASAE ForesightWorks. Gain insights into the ethical, operational, and strategic risks posed by AI—and learn how to navigate them responsibly. 1 CAE. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Speakers:
- Jeff De Cagna, AIMP, DAIG, FRSA, FASAE, Executive Advisor, Foresight First LLC
- Heather Harris, PhD, Principal Data Scientist, Herkimer Consulting
- Matthew Guggemos, MS, Founder, iTherapy LLC and iTherapy
- Tamesha Logan, MBA, CAE (moderator), Executive Director, American Mensa & Mensa Foundation
Mon 9/29 at 1 p.m. – Live Broadcast of Radio Free 501c: Episode 300
Every week, Rogue Tulips brings the nonprofit community intriguing guests to discuss vital topics affecting nonprofit organizations around the world. Topics have covered everything from membership trends to strategic planning to cybersecurity to how associations are like classic movies. Today, Cecilia is doing a live broadcast of the 300th episode. A few past guests will be joining her. More info/register.
Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, CNP, principal and founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting
Tue 9/30 at 11 a.m. – Leading with Intention: From Self-Awareness to Team Impact
Leadership starts with knowing yourself — and expands into how you support, communicate with, and energize others. Learn how to apply behavioral insights and emotional intelligence to your leadership, and turn self-awareness into smarter communication, stronger delegation, and conflict resolution aligned with your strengths. Lead people, not just projects. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Speaker: Alyson Mckinster, National Chair, Wipfli Embrace
Tue 9/30 at 11:30 a.m. – Winning With Micro Events in an AI-First World
In an AI-first world, the most impactful in-person events aren’t always the largest conferences. Micro-events and field marketing activations — from executive roundtables to regional dinners — are becoming the cornerstone of modern event strategy. Learn about the role of AI in driving efficiency and personalization, helping event teams plan smarter and scale impact without adding headcount, and real-world examples of how leading organizations are using micro-events to boost engagement and accelerate demand generation. More info/register.
Host: Bizzabo
Speakers:
- Amanda-Lynn Porta, Director of Events Management, Applied Research Institute
- Dan Bolton, Head of Marketing, Wealth.com
Tue 9/30 at 12 p.m. – Fundraising When the Ground Shifts: Surviving & Thriving Despite Disruption
Today’s effective fundraising is about leading with vision–connecting people to purpose, seeing the big picture, and mobilizing resources to build resilience. Learn how the speaker led his organization through challenging times, leveraging both strategy and passion to deliver measurable fundraising results. Take away practical tools, real-world insights, and a renewed perspective on what it takes to lead with clarity and purpose. More info/register.
Host: Association Xchange
Speaker: Cedric Calhoun, Executive Director, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
Tue 9/30 at 12 p.m. – Making Change Stick: Post-Retreat Momentum and Accountability
What happens after your leadership team meets for your annual offsite? Is there new energy, momentum, and a lasting impact on your organization or nothing? The goal of a corporate retreat is not the retreat, it’s to move the needle and build alignment, a stronger team dynamic, and lasting change. Learn how to activate this change when your team returns to the office: what seeds have to be planted before the retreat, the role of the CEO at the retreat, different takes on the retreat agenda, techniques for building accountability, and reinforcing the learning and change. More info/register.
Host: Braintrust Professional Institute
Speakers: Randall Craig and Ronja Francoeur, Braintrust Professional Institute
Tue 9/30 at 1 p.m. – A Critical Point: Mental Health for Association CEOs
Leading an association can be deeply rewarding—yet as a chief staff executive, the physical and emotional demands often come at great personal cost. Drawing on insights from a recent survey of nearly 150 CSEs, this webinar uncovers stark realities: 85% report negative impacts on their health, 60% struggle with sleep, and nearly one in five have experienced workplace-related mental health challenges. Hear about real-world strategies for building healthier work habits, establishing boundaries, nurturing board awareness, and reshaping governance culture—empowering association CEOs and CSEs to lead sustainably while modeling well-being for their entire organization. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Tara Puckey, MBA, CAE, CMP, Executive Director at The Radio Television Digital News Association
- Lindsay Currie, CAE, Executive Officer at Council on Undergraduate Research
- Adam Levy, CAE, Executive Director at American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association
- Silvia Quevedo, Interim Executive Director at National Association of Healthcare Access Management
Tue 9/30 at 1 p.m. – Sponsorship Resilience in a Changing World
How do you keep funding and sponsorships strong when everything around you is changing? Learn how PMJA has rolled with the punches and built resilience in uncertain times—while still finding success. Hear what resilience looks like in sponsorship and funding strategy, real-world lessons on flexibility and innovation in partnership development, and encouragement for associations and nonprofits navigating today’s climate. More info/register.
Host: Lori Zoss Kraska, Founder/CEO, Growth Owl LLC
Guest: Christine Paige Diers, Executive Director of Public Media Journalists Association (PMJA)
Tue 9/30 at 1 p.m. – Are You Ready to Act? Advocacy & Crisis Communications Planning Starts Now
Organizations are navigating rapidly changing federal and state landscapes and the pace will only accelerate as we approach the 2026 midterms. To stay ahead, leaders need strategies that anticipate shifts, build strong relationships, and strengthen advocacy and crisis communication efforts. Learn why federal advocacy strategies must adapt to ripple effects from policy shifts and how state-level trends are shaping national conversations. More info/register.
Host: Kellen
Tue 9/30 at 3 p.m. – Video Relationship Management: The New Era of Connection and Engagement
In a world where inboxes are full and audiences are tuning out, break through with Video Relationship Management (VRM) and restore trust and attention through authentic, scalable video. Hear about the principles of VRM, which include video at the core, co-creation over control, lifecycle integration, and systemized scalability—and why they matter now more than ever. Using ASAE’s adoption of VRM as a case study, see how associations can elevate member voices, extend event impact, and create lasting connections. Walk away with practical strategies and inspiration to reimagine how your organization builds relationships in the age of distraction. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Michael Hoffman, Co-Founder and CEO, Gather Voices
Wed 10/1 at 11 a.m. – The Power of PsyCap
Discover how Psychological Capital (PsyCap)—hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism—can transform the volunteer experience and strengthen organizational impact. Explore how cultivating PsyCap among volunteers leads to higher satisfaction, deeper engagement, and stronger retention. Gain actionable insights and practical strategies to foster a thriving volunteer culture, backed by data and real-world application. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Nicole Rudner, CAE, DBA, Director of Engagement at TerraLex
Wed 10/1 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. – Navigating the Lifelong Learning Journey in Certification
Explore how credentialing organizations can embrace lifelong learning and implement innovative pathways for certification and support. Learn actionable strategies for driving change, especially for candidates who don’t pass traditional exams. Hear about successes and lessons learned from programs that broke the mold, with a special focus on alternative learning pathways, flexible credentialing approaches, and immediate audience engagement. More info/register.
Host: Certification Network Group
Speakers:
- Ashish Rangnekar, CEO and Co-Founder of BenchPrep
- Tracy Petrillo EdD, CAE, Chief Learning Officer for CASBO
- Jasmine Rockett, Director of the Inteleos POCUS Certification Academy
Wed 10/1 at 12 p.m. – Pandemic Stories: How Associations Helped America Overcome the Pandemic and Lead During Today’s Turbulent Times
From securing critical policy changes to rapidly training members for virtual operations, associations played a pivotal role in keeping industries and communities afloat during the pandemic. Explore inspiring real-world examples, the leadership lessons they reveal, and how association leaders can apply them to navigate uncertainty and drive impact today. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: AIOT
Speaker: Joanna Pineda, CEO, Matrix Group International
Wed 10/1 at 1 p.m. – U-Turn: From Outstanding to Standing Out in a Competitive Marketplace
Winning organizations market the problem, not just the solution. And members and prospects will believe that the organization BEST able to articulate their problem is the one best positioned to provide the best solution. Learn why quality and service excellence are no longer differentiators but are core expectations; why a difference of KIND always beats a difference of DEGREE; how to analyze your association’s core value proposition to determine what it is truly offering members; and how to speak relationally to your members rather than transactionally. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Michael DiFrisco, CAE, Executive Director at American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Wed 10/1 at 1 p.m. – Finance and Business Operations (FBO) Meet Up
Bring your pressing problems and share experiences and potential solutions in an engaging conversation with your colleagues. More info/register (ASAE members only).
Host: ASAE Finance and Business Operations Professionals Advisory Council (including HR)
Thu 10/2 at 11 a.m. – The Psychology of AI Adoption
Explore the future of AI implementation through both a strategic and psychological lens. Learn about emerging expectations for AI use across industries, foundational psychological principles that shape how humans adopt technology like AI, and how understanding value exchange and experience design fosters stronger collaboration, accelerates adoption, and unlocks sustainable value from AI technologies. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: JC Quintana, Author at jcquintana.com
Thu 10/2 at 12 p.m. – Make Membership Magic: Modern Tools and Tactics Every Chamber of Commerce Needs
Hear directly from chamber leaders and technology experts who are transforming how they recruit, retain, and engage members. Discover how modern systems—designed with built-in automation, real-time dashboards, and integrations with tools like Outlook—are improving operations, boosting revenue, and deepening member value. Explore how AI is unlocking a new era of chamber success—from natural language queries that turn questions into answers, to intelligent recommendations that drive member engagement and staff efficiency. More info/register.
Host: re:Members
Speakers:
- Sue Garrity, Sr. Dir. Membership Information Services, Michigan Chamber of Commerce
- Patrick Dorsey, SVP, Marketing, re:Members
- Jason Vance, Director of Technical Solutions, re:Members
Thu 10/2 at 1 p.m. – Beyond the Coffee Break: 7 Ways to Spark Real Engagement at Events
Learn seven practical, replicable tactics to increase engagement and make networking more meaningful at association conferences, chapter meetings, expos, and more. Hear how to go beyond the usual coffee breaks and receptions to build stronger connections, build community, and ensure people leave feeling it was worth their time. Try out these techniques during the workshop and walk away ready to apply them at your next event. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Lee Gimpel, President at Better Meetings
Thu 10/2 at 2 p.m. – The Association Leader’s Guide to AI Policy: Risks, Opportunities, and Best Practices
Associations are already experimenting with AI, but most lack clear policies to guide safe and effective use, much less the other tools you need for great AI governance. Learn what policies and governance you need—internal, external, and risk-related—to protect your organizations and manage change responsibly. Hear about the essential components of AI governance, get real-world templates, and see how associations can get ahead of the risks while preparing for future opportunities. More info/register.
Host: 501Works
Speakers:
- Susannah Mechem, Chief Operating Officer, Dennison & Associates
- Vanessa Dennison, CAE, CBAP, Principal, Dennison & Associates
- James Marquis, CIO, 501Works
Tue 10/7 at 11 a.m. – Leading with Intention: From Self-Awareness to Team Impact
Leadership starts with knowing yourself — and expands into how you support, communicate with, and energize others. Learn how to leverage diverse styles to build more cohesive, high-performing teams. Unpack how behavioral differences shape team dynamics — and how to build trust, navigate generational and style differences, and contribute to a thriving team culture. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Speaker: Alyson Mckinster, National Chair, Wipfli Embrace
Tue 10/7 at 11 a.m. – Chapters and Component Relations: Challenges Are Opportunities
Associations have a great asset in their chapter and component networks but there is always a challenge in balancing the tensions that exist between chapter and association. Discuss finding the opportunities to help your organization’s chapter and component networks thrive, including relationship management, “soft skills” that help build strong networks, and how to create an opportunity mindset. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, LPEC, Principal, Rogue Tulips Consulting and Author of the book Association Chapter Systems: From Frustrating to Fruitful
Guests:
- Carl Weaver, Publisher, Broken Column Press
- Mark Lowry, Chief Revenue Officer, Higher Logic
Tue 10/7 at 11 a.m. – From Tourists to Townspeople: Turning Newcomers Into Belongers
Explore how members evolve from curious “tourists” to committed “townspeople” and how associations can guide that journey with intentional community-building and digital engagement. Inspired by the game Catan, learn how to use your marketing strategy as a roadmap to foster identity, connection, and long-term belonging. Because membership isn’t just about transactions, it’s about transformation. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Jessica Richardson, Membership Manager, American Association of Immunologists
- Rhoni Rakos, Lead Consultant, Digital Strategy, Ellipsis Partners
Tue 10/7 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – From Insights to Impact: Data-Driven Strategies to Elevate Member Learning and Engagement (New York, NY)
Explore how associations can leverage analytics, learning behaviors, and engagement trends to personalize education offerings at scale and deliver meaningful value to every member. Gain practical insights into how forward-thinking associations are becoming future-ready—transforming data into actionable intelligence to fuel growth, boost retention, and advance their missions. Location: New York, NY. More info/register.
Hosts: re:Members and D2L
Speakers: Bill Sheehan (D2L) and Holly Condon (re:Members)
Tue 10/7 at 1 p.m. – The Association Playbook for the AI Powered Web: Making Your Website Work Smarter
AI is transforming how people find and interact with information, but it won’t magically fix your website. Hear about the essential steps associations need to thrive on the AI-powered web. From building a strategy and structuring content to implementing schema, benchmarking performance, and answering your audience’s biggest questions, you’ll leave with a clear playbook for a smarter website. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers: Chris Yoko, Founder and CEO, and Ray van Hilst, CAE, Vice President of Strategy, Yoko Consulting
Tue 10/7 from 3 to 5 p.m. – 3rd Annual Data Science Fair (Arlington VA)
THE must-attend event of the fall for data-minded professionals who know their way around a dataset… and some arts and crafts supplies, featuring inspiring, practical, and impressively nerdy examples of how real organizations are leveraging their data to drive operational impact and member benefit. Connect with fellow data enthusiasts, learn from their innovative projects, and, most importantly, sign up to share your most impactful project. Location: Arlington VA. More info/register.
Host: Data Analytics Network
Wed 10/8 at 11 a.m. – The 4 Secrets of Increased Employee Retention & Engagement: Attraction, Attention, Appreciation & Application
Learn about the power of the Attraction, Attention, Appreciation as the basis for creating a positive workplace culture that creates sustainable success, while increasing engagement and retention through practical Application of the 3 A’s. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Paul Glover, President at Glover & Associates
Wed 10/8 at 1 p.m. – Call 9-1-1 My Organization Is in Crisis
Learn how to prepare for a crisis, understand the elements in a crisis plan, know how to assemble a Rapid Response© Team, identify the three crisis phases, and conduct scenario crisis planning. Walk away feeling more confident about how their organization can ensure a crisis successfully. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Sheri Singer, President at Singer Communications
Wed 10/8 at 1 p.m. – Turning Technical Debt into Smart Investments
Learn how technical debt can be reframed from a burden to a strategic tool for tech planning. Recognize red flags in your current systems. Hear how an association using an outdated, overly customized Salesforce instance transformed their technical debt into a roadmap for a phased reimplementation. Learn how to use technical debt insights to drive budget conversations and prioritize technology investments. Walk away with a practical framework to align system modernization with your mission and operational goals. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Fonteva
Speakers:
- Neeraj Garg, Global COO, Aplusify
- Blair Clemente, Senior Director of Business Intelligence and Analytics, The American Hotel and Lodging Association
Thu 10/9 at 11 a.m. – For Leaders to Scale (Part 1 of 4): Strategy: Crafting the Right Strategy Based on Purpose, Core Competencies, and Core Customers
Learn how to define core purpose, core competencies, and core customer in relation to strategic growth; analyze how brand promise integrates into an organization’s strategic positioning; evaluate the alignment of stakeholders around strategy and market positioning; and formulate a strategy statement that drives sustainable growth in revenue and margin. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers: Michele Barry, Strategy Coach, and Jane-Scott Cantus, Strategy and Leadership Coach, ASSURED STRATEGY
Thu 10/9 at 1 p.m. – Simplify Your Tech Stack: How Zapier + Your AMS Can Supercharge Productivity, Create Hands-Free Workflows, and Save Your Staff a Ton of Time
Most associations didn’t build their tech stack overnight. It grew over time with one platform here, one workaround there until you found yourself juggling disconnected systems, clunky processes, and missed opportunities. See how Zapier’s automation and AI capabilities paired with your existing AMS can unlock a more intelligent, integrated, and efficient way of working. No custom development. No massive overhaul. Just smart connections and real-world results. Whether you’re tackling member engagement, data hygiene, or operational workflows, this session is designed to help you take the friction out of your technology. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers: Joe Salerno, Client Success Consultant; Keith Hunter, CEO; and Nicholas Wimsatt, Senior Applications Developer, Armstrong
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