The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community
Good reads for the association community
Online course completion. I had no idea online course completion rates were so low, yikes. But not to worry, Apti shares five research-backed strategies for increasing completion rates by improving course design and the learner’s experience.
Member engagement. Clowder explains how to use your association’s membership app as a retention and renewal tool. They share mobile engagement tactics rooted in behavioral science that motivate members to regularly interact with your app.
Making the case for a new AMS. This guide from re:Members gives you the information and arguments you need to make a compelling case for a new AMS. Get a customizable letter template, pain points to communicate, and the benefits of modern AMS solutions. Be the change agent your association needs and start the conversation about researching a new system.
Association marketing. Brianne Wheeler of Levitate Marketing encourages you to adopt SaaS-inspired strategies that will transform your association’s marketing department from a cost center into a growth engine. She suggests using data-driven marketing strategies focused on recurring revenue growth rather than emotional decision-making and outdated approaches.
AI-assisted cohorts. Mallory Mejias at Sidecar points out a problem experienced by most associations: you might have 300,000 members, but “individual members feel completely alone in their professional journey.” With cohort programs, members don’t have to feel isolated. AI helps you analyze member and learner profiles to create cohorts. She describes what that looks like and how to get started.
Membership marketing benchmarks. Marketing General’s 17th annual Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report reveals what’s driving membership growth and what’s holding it back. Learn how associations are navigating value proposition challenges, generational shifts, and the rise of AI in marketing. See which recruitment, engagement, and renewal tactics are working and benchmark your results against more than 450 associations.
GoFundMe’s low-ball strategy. I’ve recently seen mentions of GoFundMe on LinkedIn but didn’t stop to investigate until a post from Dennis Fois of Bloomerang caught my attention. GoFundMe created more than 1.4 million donation pages for nonprofits without their consent, pages that are “outranking nonprofit websites, diverting donors and damaging the SEO that organizations have worked years to build.” Wow, what selfish, low-integrity jerks. I’m sure they used AI to create them without worrying about the implications. Someone should get fired.
Data strategy. Matthew Ott of Momentum Association Management identifies five categories of data with the highest potential to influence growth, retention and strategic clarity. He describes how to turn data insights into action and the habits and technology stack to speed you along.
Sponsorships. Lead Marvels explains what sponsors really want and what some associations are doing to build stronger, more valuable revenue partnerships. The main point: offer sponsors a platform for thought leadership. They dispel some misperceptions about sponsored content and explain how to distinguish valuable thought leadership from thinly veiled marketing.
Snacks
How to host virtual networking people actually love. | Amanda Kaiser
The three biggest event marketing mistakes associations make. | Bill Zimmer, 360 Live Media
ChatGPT is already stalling out on new subscribers. | Victor Tangermann, Futurism
95% of generative AI implementations in enterprise “have no measurable impact on P&L,” says MIT. Flawed integration cited as why AI projects underperform. | Jowi Morales, Tom’s Hardware
You never grow old at the table
You will never order shrimp and grits at a restaurant again once you’ve made my version. I’ve adapted the recipe over the years, so I suppose I can claim it. I made these in our motel room’s kitchenette earlier this week—we snuck away for a few days at the coast in Salter Path. On the side, roasted broccoli with red onion, garlic powder and smoked paprika.
This recipe for gochujang-glazed salmon came together quickly. I had plenty of time for the chopping required for cauliflower faux fried rice. The base was frozen cauliflower rice from BJ’s added to a sauté of red onion, red bell pepper, poblano, jalapeño, broccoli stems, carrots, garlic chives, ginger, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, eggs and cilantro.
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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 10/27 at 8 a.m.* – Future of Associations Board Report (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)
Every week, Rogue Tulips brings the association community intriguing guests who discuss 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: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First LLC
*All events are online at Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.
Mon 10/27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – The Executive Learning Lab: Monsters, Myths, and Machine Learning (Vienna VA)
This one-day, in-person conference built for and by association leaders, is focused on demystifying AI, aligning it with your mission, and giving your team the tools to confidently explore what’s next. Walk away with actionable training and change management ideas, candid insights from peers already using AI (and those still figuring it out!), and fun, practical breakouts tailored to your stage of AI adoption. Location: Vienna VA. 5 CAE credits. More info/register.
Host: designDATA
Tue 10/28 at 10 a.m. – The Dark Funnel: A Haunted Look at Association Buyer Journeys
Learn the eerie truth about today’s B2B buying behavior, including the ‘dark funnel’ and its implications on member acquisition and engagement in the association space; the hidden signals of intent that traditional analytics and CRM systems fail to surface; shadow buyer behavior among prospective members, sponsors, and partners; and intent-driven strategies to illuminate the hidden journey of decision-makers in member and sponsor acquisition funnels. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Tue 10/28 at 11 a.m. – Combating the Increase of Cyber and Fraud Threats
Fraud is on the rise and impacts organizations worldwide, regardless of size, mission, or revenue. Changes in the control environment, implementation of new technologies, and hybrid workforces have contributed to an increase in the opportunity to commit fraud at all levels and statistics show perpetrators are seizing these opportunities. Learn about fraud and cyber risks and actionable strategies for risk mitigation. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers: GRF CPAs & Advisors
Tue 10/28 at 12 p.m. – Reimagining the Future of Healthcare Associations: The Evolving Value of Membership
Healthcare associations are experiencing rapid change as member expectations evolve across generations and organizational models. Traditional benefits are being reevaluated in an environment where information and community are available beyond association walls. Explore how associations can re-imagine membership to deliver compelling value, engagement, and relevance in a shifting landscape. Examine the factors driving membership transformation—from changing practice models and privatization trends to technology-enabled personalization. More info/register.
Host: Association Laboratory
Speakers:
- Krista Barnes, CAE, Vice President of Member Engagement, American Society of Clinical Oncology
- Nikki Golden, CAE, Managing Director, Association Laboratory
Tue 10/28 at 1 p.m. – Using Affiliates to Expand Your Nonprofit Reach
Nonprofit organizations are increasingly looking for ways to maximize their reach and generate new sources of funding. Whether you are forming affiliate nonprofits to expand your advocacy efforts or establishing a for-profit enterprise to increase revenue, managing and working with affiliated entities, each with its own tax status and mission, creates complex compliance challenges and operational needs. Explore different affiliate structures, and their unique challenges, to help your organization pursue its goals with confidence. More info/register.
Host: Venable LLP
Tue 10/28 at 3 p.m. – Fit for Purpose Information Session
Learn about the Fit-for-Purpose Association Board Director Course in January 2026. The Director Course is the association community’s first-ever dedicated learning and development experience specifically for board directors. More info/register.
Host: Association Forum
Speaker: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First LLC
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 10 a.m. – Speaking Up Strategically: When Association Leaders Should Step Forward
While most associations are apolitical and work across the aisle, they also have obligations to their mission and members to determine when to make statements and what those statements should communicate. Hear how to know when we’re using our leadership voices to make a difference rather than just making a statement, and how we can build on the principles of civil discourse to ensure we’re building bridges and not inflaming an already challenging environment. More info/register (ASAE member association CEOs only).
Host: ASAE
Moderator: Philip Bell, CAE, President of the Steel Manufacturers Association
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
Wed 10/29 at 1 p.m. – How to Productize Your Annual Meeting
Learn how to turn a once-a-year event into a longitudinal experience while increasing belonging, learning, and revenue; apply a high-level product framework to your annual meeting so it becomes a key milestone in a membership journey; and identify, leverage, componentize, and translate your meeting’s value so it can be reused in ways that grow revenue, deepen connection with existing members, and attract new members. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Fonteva
Speaker: James Young, Founder and Chief Learning Officer of Product Community
Wed 10/29 at 1 p.m. – Tapping the Latest F&B Trends: Reflecting on 2025 and Forecasting 2026
Hear expert insights on the evolution of event dining in 2025 and what’s next for 2026. From sustainable sourcing and dietary innovations to the creative culinary concepts expected to dominate 2026 menus, learn how to elevate your F&B planning for the future and ensure you are on top of your cuisine game. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Meetings Today
Speaker: Tracy Stuckrath, CMM, CSEP, founder of thrive! meetings & events and host of the Eating at a Meeting podcast
Wed 10/29 at 2 p.m. – The 365-Day Conference: Strengthening Contact Before and After Events
A conference doesn’t need to end with the final keynote: Participants should want to keep networking and learning long after they’ve headed home. Hear strategies for building a robust community around your meeting that engages attendees all year long. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Northstar Meetings Group
Moderator: Elise Schoening, Editor, Meeting News; Senior Editor, Northstar Meetings Group
Wed 10/29 at 2 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 10/30 at 1 p.m. – What Works (And Why) in New Member Acquisition Campaigns
Hear what makes an effective member acquisition strategy and how to put it into practice. Learn how to combine website engagement, email outreach, and timely follow-ups to capture interest, personalize the experience, and guide prospective members toward joining. Walk through best practices for designing cross-channel campaigns that meet prospective members where they are and deliver value at every step. To bring these strategies to life, hear how two associations have successfully implemented them in real-world campaigns. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Brittany Lancor, Senior Marketing Manager at PropFuel
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 from 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
Thu 10/30 at 2 p.m. – Make Associations Fun Again: Build for Fun & Value
Your content isn’t the problem. Your connection is. Learn how to build trust, spark energy, and make your members and team feel something again. No fluff. Just real, human strategies that drive action and make the work more meaningful for everyone involved. More info/register.
Host: Member Lounge
Speaker: Ginger Johnson, Chief Connecting Officer
Thu 10/30 at 3 p.m. – Leading for What’s Next
Hear about the hidden patterns keeping even high-capacity leaders stuck—and how to break through. Learn how to challenge assumptions, foster growth-focused environments, and stop being the bottleneck to your own team’s potential. Whether you’re leading a company, a department, or an initiative, this is your invitation to lead forward—on purpose. More info/register.
Host: Jon Bassford, JD, MBA, CAE, Lateral Solutions
Mon 11/3 at 11 a.m. – Planting Seeds, Building Movements: The Future of Associations (Association Rockstars)
What started as a small group of association professionals who recognized a huge cultural gap in the association profession has grown into Association Latinos—a nonprofit powered by 40+ volunteer leaders, stapled community and professional development events, and a vision for the future of associations. Hear how they stayed rooted in culture, scaled with purpose, and are now shaping what the association of tomorrow looks like. More info/register.
Host: Lowell Aplebaum, Vista Cova
Tue 11/4 at 11 a.m. – Mastering Memory for Professional Success & Peak Performance
Hear how to develop life changing memory skills that you can immediately apply to better retaining and recalling valuable information from conference sessions, training classes, and other professional development activities. Learn how to become a master at remembering names to get more out of the wonderful experience of networking at business events. Find out how to leverage how human memory works to make your company’s messaging and event programming more memorable. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Chester Santos, U.S. Memory Champion
Tue 11/4 at 12 p.m. – Leadership Retreat Role Modeling: The Role of the CEO
What should the CEO (and other key senior leaders) be doing at a leadership retreat? What should their intentions be? Are they showing up differently from their day-to-day? And how do you get the best from your team at the offsite? Your leadership retreat is a huge investment, and the opportunities are endless. Learn about the impact of the habits and mindsets of senior leaders to maximize the impact of your executive offsite. More info/register.
Hosts: Randall Craig and Ronja Francoeur from the Braintrust Professional Institute
Wed 11/5 at 11 a.m. – The 3 Shifts of AI for Associations
Learn how to recognize and lead the three major AI shifts affecting associations. Hear about ways to apply AI to strengthen engagement, sponsorship, and member value. Get a roadmap for evaluating, experimenting with, and communicating AI initiatives within your organization. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Sandra Nam, CEO and Co-Founder at Qiqo Inc. (Creator of The Association Marketplace)
Wed 11/5 at 12 p.m. – A Decade of Lean Startup: Lessons Learned
After ten years of working with lean startup methodology one of the main things we’ve learned is that it’s not the concepts, tools, and techniques that are the hard part – it’s the culture change. Association execs are always on the lookout for good ideas for new programs, products, and services, and once we think we have one, we want to build it as quickly and efficiently as possible. What are the challenges associations face in developing their ideas? How can lean startup methodology help? What is the role of organizational culture in successful innovation? 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: AIOT
Speakers: Elizabeth Weaver Engel, Jamie Notter, Tiffany Dyar and Chrissy Bagby
Wed 11/5 at 1 p.m. – Data-Driven Insights to Strengthen New Member Engagement
Nearly 70% of association staff are worried about the number of members who join but never use their benefits. Members don’t ghost because they’re lazy. They ghost because the welcome didn’t click. Fresh data from the 2025 New Member Engagement Study shows how small shifts in onboarding can spark lasting engagement (and keep those renewals rolling in). Dig into the data and uncover what’s working for associations. Hear about best practices and common mistakes, and how your peers are adapting the research insights. More info/register.
Host: re:Members
Speaker: Amanda Lea Kaiser, keynote speaker and author of Elevating Engagement: Uncommon Strategies for Creating a Thriving Member Community
Wed 11/5 at 1 p.m. – Creating Emails Members Actually Want
Email marketing continues to be the workhorse of marketing, but member conversions are declining. Learn four strategies to improve your email marketing: how to manage “we send too many emails!”; connecting with members as if they are the hero of the story; favorite AI prompts to make your emails great with little effort; and email design and content that are working well right now. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Amber Worthen, CEO at Email Maven
Thu 11/6 at 11 a.m. – Adventure Leadership: Key Leadership Principles from Expeditions
Learn key leadership principle learned from expeditions in the Himalayas and Andes; how to bring these lessons to the world of business, with examples from their experiences in coaching entrepreneurs and business management teams; and the science behind these winning strategies, exploring these principles at their fundamental level. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Don Schmincke, Author and Speaker at Saga Leadership
Thu 11/6 at 12 p.m. – Reimagining the Future of Healthcare Associations: Building Agile and Responsive Governance Systems
As healthcare associations face disruption and shifting stakeholder expectations, traditional governance structures are being tested. Learn about transforming governance to support strategic agility, rapid decision-making, and adaptability in an uncertain environment. Gain insight into how associations can create governance systems that align with mission-driven priorities, empower leadership to act quickly, and support continuous learning and innovation. More info/register.
Host: Association Laboratory
Speakers:
- Paul Pomerantz, FASAE, FACHE, CEO, Pomerantz Consulting
- Nikki Golden, CAE, Managing Director, Association Laboratory
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.
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