The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community
Good reads for the association community
AI training for members. Associations have an opportunity to offer AI training programs that help members adapt to workplace changes, but they need to take action before competitors own that niche. TopClass LMS describes the employer and employee demand for these programs, benefits for associations offering them, types of programs to consider (with association examples), and steps to get started.
AI as exocortex. Carlo Iacono shares a story about a writer who gradually let AI take over more and more of his work. “The worst part is that he did not notice it happening. The descent was gradual, frictionless, helpful.” Iacono implores us not to become a passenger while AI puts your mind on autopilot. Instead, stay in the captain’s chair. Let AI augment, not replace, your thinking. Use AI as an “exocortex, an external cognitive layer you learn to wear and wield.”
Association SEO course. In the SEO for Associations Certificate Course at Association Academy, learn about Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for association websites, including immediate steps and long-term strategies to attract more website traffic by improving your ranking with Google and other search engines. Earn up to 5 CAE credits while learning at your own pace in five one-hour on-demand lessons. Save $50 with the promo code BRAINFOOD
Learning as an engagement strategy. D2L explains how associations can use education programs to deepen member connections and create new revenue streams. Their guide describes four essential qualities of effective learning—flexible, relevant, lasting, and amplifying—with real examples from associations. Learn how to tailor learning experiences to diverse member needs, create opportunities that facilitate genuine connections, and scale your impact without overwhelming staff.
Association inflection point. Jeff Hanlan describes how quickly member expectations have changed and new organizations have captured their attention, loyalty, and wallets. Competitors are solving your members’ problems by delivering the information, community, and education they need. To counter this gloominess, he points out opportunities for associations, shares stories about associations using AI effectively, and offers a roadmap for the future.
Attendee research. I’ve been impressed by Freeman’s research, although I haven’t read their most recent Trends Report described by Michael Hoffman of Gather Voices. He shares highlights from an IMEX session where the new report was discussed, along with his recommendations. When attendees make even a single meaningful new contact, their intent to return spikes dramatically—yet nobody’s in charge of networking. The celebrity keynote lift is negligible in the data (just what I thought). Stop asking registration questions that help you, not them. Instead, ask about their outcomes.
Association benchmarks. If you’re wondering whether your association’s struggles are unique, this benchmarking data will offer reassuring or unsettling clarity. GrowthZone AMS’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.
AI shortcomings. Noor Al-Sibai at Futurism says companies that tried to save money with AI are now spending a fortune hiring people to fix its mistakes. Given AI’s typical output, this does not surprise me at all. I’ve seen similar stories shared on LinkedIn by writers. Fixing AI-generated content is not a simple editing job, as I originally thought. These drafts need a complete overhaul because the original prompts didn’t provide enough context or direction.
Association workflows. Sherry Budziak at .orgSource makes a bold diagnosis: “You’re not understaffed—you’re operationally inefficient.” Ouch, but you know it’s true. She explains how the muck you’re in came about, shows you how to spot inefficiencies, and then how to get processes in order and working as they should.
Snacks
AI adoption has been declining among companies with more than 250 employees, per Census data. | Torsten Sløk, Apollo Academy
The AI backlash begins. Per the Upwork monthly hiring report, high-value work grew 31% among large businesses as AI amplifies demand for human skills. | Upwork
You never grow old at the table
Italian vinegar chicken—the name doesn’t sound that appetizing, but OMG, is it ever so good. I omitted the sugar—the onions and wine give it enough sweetness. Serve it over cheater microwave polenta with broccoli roasted with red onion, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
This week, I stripped my basil plants of all their leaves for the last harvest of the year and made a big batch of pesto for the freezer. But I reserved some for this easy recipe: pesto parmesan crusted amberjack. On the side, kale sautéed with bacon, onion, red bell pepper, and garlic with a drizzle of sherry vinegar at the end, and nuked ‘roasted’ sweet potatoes.
Another simple and excellent fish recipe: lemon garlic herb salmon. Don’t get too caught up in the folding instructions, just make a packet. I put chives and a bunch of lemon thyme in the packet with the fish while it was cooking, then sprinkled the fillets with Italian parsley before serving. On the side, steamed green beans tossed with sautéed onion, bacon, garlic, sundried tomatoes, and parmesan, with sweet potatoes.
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 10/17 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 AI and its impact on consulting. More info/register.
Organizer: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting
*All events are online at Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.
Mon 10/20 at 8 a.m. – Partnering with CVBs and Convention Centers for Groups and Conventions (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)
Every week, Rogue Tulips brings the association community intriguing guests discussing vital topics affecting associations around the world. Episodes are published Monday mornings in both audio and video format, available on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and others.
Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, CNP, principal and founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting
Guest: Dave Esslinger, Vice President Sales & Marketing with Gatlinburg CVB
Mon 10/20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Association Consultants Open House
Similar to a virtual exhibit hall, you can connect with consultants in real time via Zoom, ask questions, and make connections. It’s a great way to meet consultants in a time-friendly way. Find the Consultants Open House in the Association Marketplace. If you have not visited the Association Marketplace before, you will be asked to set up a no-fee account for access. While you are there, explore what else the Marketplace has to offer.
Host: Nonprofit Consultants Collective
Mon 10/20 at 12 p.m. – Membership Monday: Cybersecurity + AI = Member Confidence
Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a member trust issue. With AI becoming part of everyday association work, your members need to know their data and community are safe. Learn how cybersecurity safeguards member confidence, the opportunities and risks AI introduces for associations, and strategies to balance innovation with protection. More info/register (ASAE members only).
Host: ASAE
Mon 10/20 at 2 p.m. – Not Just a Win Count: Proving ROI for Public Affairs Teams
Learn how to communicate the value of public affairs work in ways that resonate with executives and stakeholders. Hear about real examples that helped secure organizational support and protect critical resources. More info/register.
Host: Quorum
Speaker: Steven Fenaroli, Director of Political Affairs at the California Farm Bureau Federation
Mon 10/20 at 8 p.m. – Using Peer-to-Peer Engagement To Drive Retention & Revenue
Learn how community engagement isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ — it’s a game-changer for retention, non-dues revenue, and member experience. Hear how an Australian association is using member-generated data and conversations to fuel a targeted marketing and event strategy. More info/register.
Host: Higher Logic
Speakers:
- Sophie McGregor, Online Communities Coordinator, Australian Dental Association
- Brendan Leehe, Customer Marketing Manager, Higher Logic
- Shristi Khanal, Strategic Advisor, Higher Logic
Tue 10/21 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 10/21 at 12 p.m. – From Questions to Clarity: Quick Research That Drives Smarter Association Decisions
Hear about everything you need to design, conduct, and analyze meaningful member research independently—no consultants, no advanced degrees, no massive budgets required. Kearn how to choose the best research method for your questions, create engaging pulse surveys and social media polls, conduct fast and effective phone interviews with key stakeholders, and analyze your findings and turn them into action. More info/register.
Host: Marketing General Inc. (MGI)
Tue 10/21 at 12 p.m. – Working with International Volunteers (ASAE CRVM Crunch and Munch)
Explore the nuances, lessons learned, and leading practices when recruiting and working with international volunteers. Everyone is welcome—you do not need to be an ASAE member to attend. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Component Relations Volunteer Management Advisory Council
Facilitators: Sylvia Gonner, CAE and Michiel Gen
Tue 10/21 at 1 p.m. – Practical Ways to Get Started with AI Today
Walk through a no-jargon-needed roadmap to begin leveraging AI today. Drawing on real-world examples from associations, nonprofits, and small teams, learn how leaders can adopt AI tools to save time, enhance member experiences, and unlock new levels of creativity and productivity. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Erica Salm Rench, MBA, CMO at Sidecar
Tue 10/21 at 1 p.m. – Prepared, Not Panicked: A Guide for Nonprofits Facing Market Volatility
Gain perspective on today’s market environment in the context of historical trends to support informed, balanced decision-making. See how structured investment policies create clarity and consistency in times of uncertainty. Explore guidelines for incorporating downside protection into your investment strategy. Learn how a disciplined rebalancing approach can help you stay on course through market ups and downs. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Raffa Investment Advisors
Tue 10/21 at 2 p.m. – Show Me the (Non-Dues) Money: Financial Wins for Association Expos
Learn how to elevate sponsorship programs with new opportunities that resonate; streamline event and expo budgets to stretch limited resources; drive non-dues revenue while keeping members and sponsors engaged; and build a long-term roadmap for sustainable, profitable conferences and expos. More info/register.
Host: Personify A2Z Events
Speakers:
- Michelle Mobley, Exhibits and Sponsorship Manager, American Society of Landscape Architects
- Rich Vallaster, DES, CEM, Senior Director of Industry Relations and Community Engagement, Personify
Wed 10/22 from 8:45 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. – AMS Demo Days
Hear presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer AMS platforms. AMS experts will be showcasing platforms and sharing their knowledge with the association market. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Participants: Fonteva, Nimble Powered by Momentive, Element AMS, Aplusify, GlueUp, Cobalt Powered by Momentive, Protech, iMIS by ASI, NetForum Powered by Momentive, re:Members AMS Formerly Impexium, Personify MC Professional
Wed 10/22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – CMEpalooza Fall
Participate in a series of sessions relevant across the CME/CE spectrum. Broadcasts will stream live and be available for viewing shortly after their conclusion. More info/register.
Hosts:
- Derek Warnick, continuing healthcare education professional, founder of CMEpalooza
- Scott Kober, MBA, Managing Partner, Excalibur Medical Education
Wed 10/22 at 11 a.m. – Building Your Leadership Brand
Learn how to identify your unique strengths, understand what differentiates you from other leaders, align your personal capabilities with organizational needs. Hear how to ensure your actions match your stated values, build trust through predictable, genuine behavior, and let your true leadership style shine through. Find out how to connect your leadership approach to tangible results, show how your brand drives organizational success, and continuously evolve based on feedback and performance. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Jennifer Dalton, Founder, Brand Mirror
Wed 10/22 at 11 a.m. – Cost-Cutting Idea Exchange
Prices were rising from inflation even before the tariffs were introduced. Budgets have not kept pace. Everyone is searching for solutions. Share and discuss the best money-saving event solutions in these areas: Sourcing, Contracting, Food and Beverage, Transportation, and Labor. More info/register.
Host: Skift Meetings
Wed 10/22 at 12 p.m. – re:Evaluate Your Current Chapter Structure
Are you feeling pain points in your chapter network? Have your volunteers been complaining? Then it’s time for an evaluation of your chapters and whether or not the structure you have in place works in today’s fast-moving environment. Learn how to analyze your organization’s chapter structure to find ways to improve the member experience, develop a rating system for your volunteer leader relationships, create a two-way communications system with your chapters, and identify steps to adjust your current system to enhance outcomes. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: re:Members
Speaker: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, The Rogue Tulips Story — Rogue Tulips Consulting
Wed 10/22 at 12 p.m. – Budgeting with Confidence: Practical Tips for Boards
Learn how to help boards approach their budgets with clarity, discipline, and foresight. Explore common pitfalls that lead to reactive or unrealistic budgets and instead highlight methods to create budgets that support both financial health and organizational impact. More info/register.
Host: Ewald Consulting
Speaker: Jacquie Strebe, Accounting Manager, Ewald Consulting
Wed 10/22 at 1 p.m. – AI in Practice: Strategy, Pitfalls, and the Tools to De-Risk Adoption
Artificial intelligence is no longer optional but adopting it without a plan can introduce costly risks. Explore how associations can develop a practical AI strategy that balances innovation with safeguards. Hear about common missteps, highlight milestones for a thoughtful rollout, and share proven tactics and tools to de-risk adoption. Hear about a clearer path to implementing AI responsibly and effectively in your own organization. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers: Heinan Landa, Founder & CEO, and Chris Abel, Manager of Consulting Services, Optimal Networks
Wed 10/22 at 1 p.m. – Empowering Women in the Meetings Industry: An Open Conversation
Hear female meeting and incentive planners share their personal stories, insights, and experiences with gender-specific challenges in the meetings and events industry. This is not just another webinar; it’s a candid conversation aimed at bringing real issues to light and fostering a supportive community. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Prevue Meetings
Speakers:
- Samantha T. Marie, Founder & Chief Experience Officer of OmniEra Events & Travel
- Megan Warzeniak, Sales & Strategy Director at streamlinevents, inc.
- Tracy Wallach, Event Planner at JM Family Enterprises
Wed 10/22 at 2 p.m. – Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue
Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First LLC
Wed 10/22 at 2 p.m. – Membership Momentum: Engaging Today, Growing Tomorrow
Hear the latest findings from the 2025 Association Benchmarking Report, highlighting the state of engagement, shifting member expectations, and strategies for reaching the next generation. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Naylor Association Solutions
Speakers:
- Tamara Perry-Lunardo, Vice President of Content Services, Naylor Association Solutions
- Cody Czmyr, Director of Member Services, International Interior Design Association
Wed 10/22 at 3 p.m. – Intro to AI Webinar for Associations and Nonprofits
Learn about the basics and importance of generative AI and Large Language Models. Witness the power of AI tools through live demonstrations that showcase their impact on real-world scenarios. Learn to create targeted personas in ChatGPT for personalized content and interactions, which settings to adjust for privacy and security, and what information is safe to input into AI tools. More info/register.
Host: Sidecar
Speakers:
- Erica Salm Rench, CMO, Sidecar
- Thomas Altman, Co-founder, Tasio
Wed 10/22 at 4 p.m. – Healthcare Hot Topic: Workforce Issues
Explore workforce issues in healthcare and what associations are doing to solve workplace challenges. Key discussion points include: working with HR to optimize recruitment and retention, advancing workforce stability through healthy work environments, developing a culture of inquiry, developing academic-practice partnerships, and developing workforce tools for members. This interactive opportunity encourages peer dialogue, knowledge exchange and shared solutions. Bring your challenges, questions and best practices. More info/register (ASAE members only).
Host: ASAE’s Healthcare Community Advisory Committee
Thu 10/23 from 9 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. – AMS Demo Days
Hear presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer AMS platforms. AMS experts will be showcasing platforms and sharing their knowledge with the association market. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Participants: MemberSuite by GrowthZone, re:Members AMS Platform, Personify MC Trade, YourMembership Powered by Momentive, Naylor Association Solutions, Altai Systems, Mem360, Personify WildApricot, GrowthZone, Wicket, Aptify Powered by Momentive
Thu 10/23 at 11 a.m. – Beyond the Hype: How AI Assistants Are Transforming Event ROI
Learn how to leverage hyper-personalized AI to resolve up to 80% of participant queries instantly, increase satisfaction, and prove undeniable value to your participants. More info/register.
Host: Grip
Speakers:
- Igor Palka, Senior Vice President, Messe Berlin
- Lizzy Evans, CPO, Grip
- Fadi El Khoury, Founder, ZETA
Thu 10/23 at 12 p.m. – Advocacy for Non-Advocates: Ensuring ALL Voices Are Heard
The IRS recognizes 58,600 associations and 13,000 federally registered lobbyists. But here’s the truth: whether you’re officially registered or not, every association executive and member is an advocate—often without even realizing it. Learn how to prepare members to engage with elected officials, ensure your voice is heard, and avoid common advocacy pitfalls. More info/register.
Host: Association Xchange
Speaker: Dr. David Rehr, professor at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government
Thu 10/23 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 Slack community. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Thu 10/23 at 1 p.m. – Strategic Design for Engaged Online Learning
Learn how intentional course design—paired with community-driven technology—can transform participation, deepen connections, and reduce faculty workload. Hear real-world stories of how faculty have reimagined discussion, fostered genuine peer-to-peer learning, and built sustainable engagement strategies that support students and instructors. More info/register.
Host: Online Learning Consortium
Speakers:
- John Bellotti, Instructional Designer, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
- Scott Standifer, Ph.D., Instructional Designer, Southern California University of Health Sciences
- Jill Anderson, Senior Instructional Technologist, NC State University
- Debra Olberding, Success Manager, Yellowdig
Wed 10/29 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – AI+IM Regional Forums: Local Solutions for Industry Challenges (Washington DC)
This one-day program brings together information management professionals to tackle today’s biggest challenges from AI adoption and data governance to digital transformation and compliance. Learn from local experts and peers. Participate in interactive roundtables and discussions. Explore innovative tools and technologies. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.
Host: Association for Intelligent Information Management (AIIM)
Wed 10/29 at 12 p.m. – re:Make Your Chapters
The world we live in today is not the world that gave birth to chapters. Your structure may be from another century, which is why you see challenges in working with local leaders. Learn when to pay attention to the need for change, where to put your time and money for the most impact, and how groups can create a new way of doing things. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: re:Members
Speaker: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, founder, The Rogue Tulips Story — Rogue Tulips Consulting
Wed 10/29 at 12:30 p.m. – No Tricks, Just Tactics: Using Data to Drive Learning Program Success
Associations are sitting on a wealth of learning data but too often, it’s fragmented, underutilized, or simply overwhelming. Learn how to capture the right data from across your learning programs; analyze and segment insights to surface what’s working and what’s not; transform findings into testable, strategic improvements; and share results through data storytelling that builds buy-in and momentum. 0.5 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: .orgCommunity
Wed 10/29 at 1 p.m. – Unlock Hidden Profits: 3 Game-Changing Secrets for Association Success
Learn how to gain essential CEO buy-in that sparks organizational momentum, use data to instantly elevate your sponsor and partner programs, and revamp and re-energize your revenue approach. Walk away with fresh insights and immediately usable tools to revolutionize your non-dues revenue—and discover the hidden profit opportunities your association may be overlooking. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Barbara Armentrout, Founder & Key Principal at BJA Solutions for Associations
- Bruce Rosenthal, Principal at Bruce Rosenthal Associates, LLC
- Vinnu Deshetty, Speaker/Instructor at Event ROI Coach
Thu 10/30 at 1 p.m. – Rethinking Conference Sponsorship & Exhibitor Engagement
Listen in on a candid conversation about what’s working—and what’s not—when it comes to conference sponsorship and exhibitor engagement. As sponsor expectations shift and traditional exhibitor models lose traction, associations are under pressure to deliver more meaningful, measurable value. Hear real-world insights into reimagining how sponsors and exhibitors connect with attendees. More info/register.
Host: Lori Zoss Kraska, Founder/CEO, Growth Owl LLC
Guest: Alan DeYoung, Executive Director and President of the Wisconsin EMS Association
Thu 10/30 at 2 p.m. – The Association of the Future? What Established Associations Can Learn form a Brand-New Association
What if you could create a brand-new association today? What would it look like? What would its governance model be? How would it embrace AI and other emerging technologies? What would it do? Perhaps more importantly, what wouldn’t it do? Hear the staff and volunteer leadership of the Outsourced Professionals Association share the story of this brand-new association and highlight what established associations can learn from their future-forward vision of delivering value for the freelancers, fractional executives, and consultants who are redefining the future of work. 1 CAE credit. More info/register (ASAE members only).
Host: ASAE
Speakers:
- Matthew Ott, MS, FASAE, CAE, CMP, AAiP, Executive Director, Outsourced Professionals Association
- Grant Covalt, Founding Board Chair, Outsourced Professionals Association
- Necoya Tyson, Founding Board Member, Outsourced Professionals Association
- Tommy Goodwin (moderator), Executive Vice President, Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance
Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If you offer free professional development to the association community, please send me the link by Wednesday afternoon.
Creative Commons licensed photo by Janusz Walczak 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!
Association Brain Food 