Association Brain Food: 11.7.25

The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community

Colorado River flowing through the Grand Canyon in Arizona – inspiration for my weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community

Good reads for the association community

Necessity for online learning. Apti explains why online learning is essential for association growth and viability. Young people and industry employers have made it clear they want these programs. The post shows how online learning and credentialing programs help you amplify your association’s unique advantages and address membership and market challenges.

Special interest groups. Clowder describes how to use your membership app to help members find their tribe within your association. Your mobile app is the bridge between isolation and connection. Find out how an app can encourage members to participate in special interest groups.

Grow non-dues revenue. YM Careers shares strategies for generating non-dues revenue with services that members actually value. Their guide has advice for optimizing events for sponsorship opportunities, building career centers, and creating publication sponsorship packages. You’ll also find ideas for conferences, job boards, member communications, website advertising, branded merchandise, and vendor partnerships. Each section includes tips for implementation and bundling opportunities to maximize revenue.

Association SEO course. Learn about Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for association websites in the SEO for Associations Certificate Course at Association Academy. Get 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

Trade show staffing for exhibitors. Rich Vallaster at Personify A2Z Events explains why exhibitors should invite more staff to work the booth at trade shows. He argues that exhibiting is ‘the new offsite’ and ‘a crash course in professional development’ that showcases your company culture. Budget for a bigger team presence in the future.

Q4 membership strategy. In Q4, it’s tempting to put off new initiatives. Mark Wallach of Engagement Mobile Strategies warns that doing nothing is a decision—and usually the most expensive one. If your organization stands still, engagement drops, renewals fall, and growth stalls. He explains how to future-proof member growth with the ‘mosaic of the member’ approach.

AMS selection. Before diving into vendor demos, read Dennison & Associates’ preparation guide for AMS selection projects. This resource walks you through organizing your team, conducting internal assessments, building realistic budgets (including hidden costs most associations miss), and creating a vendor shortlist. Learn why 60% of buyers regret their purchases and how to avoid becoming part of that statistic by doing the groundwork before your first RFP goes out.

Post-conference marketing. It’s good to see Scott Oser, a long-time membership and marketing consultant, back in print. He shares four post-event marketing tactics on the Member Lounge blog. Is your association doing all four?

Snacks

Any Wolf Hall trilogy fans out there? Watch Hans Holbein’s portrait of Thomas Cromwell come to life. | Wolf Hall Weekend

I think the whole point of 67 is to make anyone over 25 feel hopelessly clueless. Dictionary.com’s 2025 Word of the Year | Dictionary.com

You never grow old at the table

Life doesn’t get much sweeter than a big cookout on the deck on a sunny Saturday in November. Jim made pulled pork and BBQ chicken, and I made German potato salad. Lots of other dishes came with our guests. I made these recipe adjustments: omitted the carrot, used beef broth instead of water, reduced the sugar a bit, added diced pickles, and went heavy on the herbs.

Since there was a bit of a nip in the air, I filled up a crockpot with glühwein (mulled wine). Wow. I forgot how good it is. Thankfully, before it ran out, I stashed a glass away to enjoy after everyone left. I’ll need to make an additional pot on the stove next time since it was clearly a hit.

I made a casserole out of the leftover German potato salad with cooked boneless chicken thighs, onion, mushrooms, red bell pepper, poblano, jalapeños, and garlic.  I topped it with cheddar, Gruyère, and Swiss cheese, plus Dijon mustard, sour cream, and parsley.


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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 11/7 from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.* – GURU Conference 2025

An email marketing conference designed to help exceed your current strategies with actionable advice you can deploy same-day, informed by a deep pool of real-time user data. Hear about the very latest digital trends, email best practices and emerging tools you’ll need to step up your email marketing performance today. Join us for two days of virtual sessions from industry experts that will take your email marketing programs to the next level. More info/register.

Host: GURU Media Hub

*All events are online at Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.


Mon 11/10 at 8 a.m. – Art Therapy (Thankful for the Arts Month on 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 other channels.

Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, LPEC, principal and founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting

Guest: Cynthia Young, Executive Director, American Art Therapy Association


Mon 11/10 from 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. – Fall Symposium 2025 (Washington, DC)

A unique opportunity to engage with thought leaders and subject-matter experts who will guide us through the intricate and fascinating world of personal and professional development. Sessions—see descriptions in the online versions below: Bridging the Gap: How Associations Can Win the Next Generation; Security by Design: Protecting Your Payments and Reputation; Putting AI to Work for Your Members: Practical Applications You Can Start Using Today; Overcoming Technology Trauma: Learning from Successes and Failures in Technology Projects; and Navigating the Future: Innovation, Security, and Member-Centric Strategies for Associations. 5 CAE credits. Location: Washington, DC. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

  • Trevor Whyte, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, Multiview
  • Wade Tetsuka, CPA, President, U.S. Transactions Corporation
  • Arden Winner, Senior Salesforce Consultant, Fíonta
  • Olivia Wilkins Business Analyst/ Project Manager, PerByte & Josh Carlson Founder & Chief Innovator, PerByte

Mon 11/10 at 10 a.m. – Bridging the Gap: How Associations Can Win the Next Generation (Fall Symposium 2025)

Grounded in Multiview’s latest research, Voice of the Member, explore how associations can close the awareness-value gap, embrace digital fluency, and revive in-person connection to attract and retain Gen Z and Millennial members. Hear about real data and actionable strategies that unpack what young professionals truly want from associations: tangible career outcomes, authentic digital engagement, and meaningful community. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Trevor Whyte, Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, Multiview


Mon 11/10 at 11:15 a.m. – Security by Design: Protecting Your Payments and Reputation (Fall Symposium 2025)

From PCI compliance and tokenization to secure vaulting and gateway redundancy, learn how to create a payment ecosystem that is resilient, trustworthy, and built to handle evolving cyber threats. Using real-world scenarios from associations and nonprofits, hear how proactive security not only protects your data but also strengthens member and donor confidence. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Wade Tetsuka, CPA, President, U.S. Transactions Corporation


Mon 11/10 at 12 p.m. – Membership Mondays: DIY Member Engagement Index

Learn about the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Member Engagement Index (MEI) Dashboard, which allocates points based on a set of member activities to identify and prioritize outreach to members with poor engagement who might be at-risk for not renewing. The MEI also enables them to identify gaps in engagement for member segments, longitudinal trends in engagement by segment or member, highly engaged members that could be a source of candidates for leadership roles, and engagement values by type of engagement. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Speakers: Ciara Durkan, Associate Vice President, Membership, and Peter Grace, SVP, Membership, Education, Technology and Strategy, Mortgage Bankers Association.


Mon 11/10 at 12:45 p.m. – Putting AI to Work for Your Members: Practical Applications You Can Start Using Today (Fall Symposium 2025)

Explore three realistic ways associations are already using AI to streamline operations and improve the member experience: guided onboarding, predictive renewals, and smarter self-service. This session is designed for a non-technical audience. We’ll walk through each example with real-world context, simple visuals, and a focus on what is possible today. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Arden Winner,  Senior Salesforce Consultant, Fíonta


Mon 11/10 at 2 p.m. – Overcoming Technology Trauma: Learning from Successes and Failures in Technology Projects (Fall Symposium 2025)

Learn about the psychological and financial impacts of failed technology projects on teams and organizations; the value of openly sharing project outcomes—including failures—with peers to foster collective learning; strategies to rebuild team resilience and confidence following project setbacks; retrospective tools such as post-mortems to improve outcomes in future technology initiatives; and the role of organizational leaders in mitigating burnout, managing stress, and motivating teams during and after challenging tech projects. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Olivia Wilkins Business Analyst/ Project Manager, PerByte & Josh Carlson Founder & Chief Innovator, PerByte


Tue 11/11 at 11 a.m. – AI Isn’t Built for AMS Selection Decisions. Here’s Why (and What Works Instead)

In this session, we’ll separate where AI helps from where human judgment is non-negotiable. Learn a modern, practical approach to AMS selection that leads with strategy (not feature lists), compares vendors apples-to-apples, and earns real buy-in across teams and leadership. We’ll also show how to blend research and expertise so you make a confident decision that works for staff, members, and the next 3–5 years. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Vanessa Dennison and David Schulman, Co-Founders at Beacon Tech Research


Tue 11/11 at 11:30 a.m. – The Event Pro’s AI Masterclass: Live, Guided Practice in Prompting & AI Agent Creation

Learn how to craft prompts that deliver consistent, on-brand outputs, build lightweight AI agents to streamline repetitive tasks, and bring ideas to life faster with tools that support everything from campaign briefs to post-event analysis. Walk through real use cases across the full event lifecycle, helping you apply AI in ways that make your work more efficient, creative, and scalable. More info/register.

Host: Bizzabo

Speaker: Chris Duke, Head of Brand Experiences, Glean


Tue 11/11 at 12 p.m. – Reimagining the Future of Healthcare Associations: Building Trust and Competency in a Digital Era

Healthcare associations are being called upon to lead the AI transformation, equipping members to use AI responsibly while ensuring equity and human-centered care remain at the forefront. Explore how associations can serve as both ethical stewards and innovation enablers in the AI revolution. Learn about the barriers to AI adoption, including digital illiteracy, fragmented data systems, and misinformation, and identify solutions that promote trust, education, and interoperability. Hear how associations can help bridge the gap between innovation and implementation. More info/register.

Host: Association Laboratory

Speakers:

  • Elizabeth Schumacher, CEO/Founder, Affinity Strategies
  • Nikki Golden, CAE, Managing Director, Association Laboratory

Wed 11/12 at 11 a.m. – Passiontivity: Aligning Career Pathing With Career Motivators

Today’s association staff want more than an opportunity to excel at their jobs. They want to do work they love. Yet too often leaders hire and promote based only on a person’s competencies, rather than considering their intrinsic career motivators. Learn about a tool, Passiontivity, that can revolutionize the way you recruit, engage, and career path your staff. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Shira Lotzar, Chief Engagement Officer at Purposeful Hire


Wed 11/12 at 12 p.m. – Building Non-Dues Revenue Through Stronger Partnerships (Buzzworthy LIVE)

Tired of transactional sponsorships? Explore how associations can turn sponsorship sales into mission-driven partnerships that deliver lasting member value and sustainable non-dues revenue. Hear about real-world strategies to shift from sponsorships to partnerships, strengthen member impact while growing revenue, and keep partners engaged beyond one-time campaigns. More info/register.

Host: TaleWind Digital

Speakers:

  • Bruce Rosenthal, corporate partnership expert and author of Mastering Association Corporate Sponsorships
  • Marcus Leite, Director of Sales & Marketing at TaleWind Digital

Wed 11/12 at 12 p.m. – Board Governance, Board Development

Is your board operating at the highest level? Are you using your board meetings most effectively? Are all board members aware of their fiduciary responsibilities and conflicts of interest? Are they working effectively with the CEO? Are they up to date on timely issues, such as cybersecurity, IP protection, and risk? Learn how to build more effective boards with practical thinking on board governance, and best practices. More info/register.

Host: Randall Craig and Ronja Francoeur, Braintrust Professional Institute


Wed 11/12 at 1 p.m. – Changing Perceptions About Audit Committees: How to Better Position to be Value-Added

Learn about the core purpose, structure, and operating cycle for an audit committee. Explore what has shaped general perceptions related to audit committees and the underlying causes leading to wide-ranging misconceptions related to audit committees. Hear about actions and tactics to make audit committees more value-added by expanding their scope of duties and filling additional fiduciary roles. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

  • Michael Gellman, CPA, CGMA, Co-Founder, Fiscal Strategies 4 Nonprofits
  • Paul Preziotti, CPA, Partner, Johnson Lambert LLP

Wed 11/12 at 1 p.m. – How Smart Associations Are Driving Non-Dues Revenue with Personalization

Engaging, interactive content experiences can drive new subscriptions, enrollments, event registrations, sales, and more—making your organization’s revenue mix stronger and more diverse. Learn how to transform your subscription list into a data-generating revenue stream, drive more sales within your association, increase member engagement, and grow registrations, attendee engagement, and sponsorship sales at your conferences and events. More info/register.

Host: CredSpark

Speakers: Casey Cornelius, Head of Content and Client Services, and Gabi Murphy, Customer Success Manager, CredSpark


Wed 11/12 at 2 p.m. – What Were They Thinking?

Hear from two AMS co-founders about their start-up journey, how they create customer advocates, and how customers determine their roadmap. More info/register.

Host: Element AMS

Speakers: Vishal Shah, co-founder/CEO, and Chris Gorgoroso, co-founder/CPO, Element AMS


Wed 11/12 at 2 p.m. – Beyond Membership: A Revenue Shift Associations Can’t Afford to Ignore

Reliance on dues as the primary funding model leaves organizations vulnerable to market shifts, membership volatility, and financial uncertainty. Explore practical strategies for moving beyond membership dues, including sponsorships, advertising, certification, educational programs, sponsored content, and strategic partnerships. Gain insights into how your association can safeguard financial stability, amplify impact, and position itself for long-term success in a rapidly changing environment. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speaker: Bill Sheehan, Global Head, Association Strategy, D2L


Wed 11/12 at 5 p.m. – DC Launch Event: Elevating Women in Association Leadership (Arlington VA)

The Alliance for Women in Associations is bringing together women across the association community for our very first networking reception—an evening of conversation and collaboration among those shaping the future of our field. Whether you’re leading an organization, managing programs, or building your career path in the association world, this is your chance to connect with women in your local community and get in on the ground floor of a growing movement. Location: Arlington VA. More info/register.

Organizer: The Alliance for Women in Associations


Thu 11/13 at 11 a.m. – Turning Chaos Into Opportunity: Staffing Strategies for Associations in a Shifting Labor Market

The labor market is changing rapidly—layoffs, government shutdowns, and AI-driven hiring are creating both challenges and opportunities for associations. Learn how to turn staffing chaos into a strategic advantage. Discover how to streamline resume review, leverage technology effectively, and bring in flexible talent exactly when and where you need it. Take away practical strategies to keep your organization nimble, make smarter hiring decisions, and thrive in today’s evolving workforce. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jaime Hirschfeld, Director of Client Sales and Services at FlexProfessionals LLC


Thu 11/13 at 11 a.m. – Backstage Briefing – Designing Events that Matter: Sustainability Insights from TED

Explore how TED has transformed sustainability into a core operational value, rethinking food systems, materials, travel, and community partnerships, while setting new industry benchmarks. Take away actionable strategies to design events that make a meaningful and positive difference. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Skift Meetings

Speakers:

  • Shawna McKinley, Principal at Clear Current Consulting
  • Kyle Shearer, Director of Event Operations at TED

Thu 11/13 at 12 p.m. – Reimagining the Future of Healthcare Associations: Strengthening the Workforce for the Future

The healthcare workforce stands at a crossroads, facing critical challenges of burnout, retirements, and evolving skill demands. Healthcare associations are uniquely positioned to respond with strategies that promote well-being, build resilience, and ensure that professionals are prepared for the future of care delivery. Examine the human and organizational dimensions of workforce reform. Explore initiatives that support mental health, career development, and workforce reentry, as well as the association’s role in policy advocacy, leadership development, and cultural transformation. More info/register.

Host: Association Laboratory

Speakers:

  • Stephanie Mercado, CAE, CPHQ, CEO of the National Association for Healthcare Quality
  • Nikki Golden, CAE, Managing Director, Association Laboratory

Thu 11/13 at 12 p.m. – How Event Professionals Are Using AI: Case Studies, Tools and Tactics

Hear about the most exciting case studies of how eventprofs use AI on the field. No BS fluff, no trends, just practical applications. More info/register.

Host: BoldPush

Speakers:

  • Julius Solaris, founder, BoldPush
  • Palash Soni, co-founder/CEO, Goldcast

Thu 11/13 at 12 p.m. – Board Governance That Works: From Floundering to Focused

Does your board sometimes struggle to stay in their lane? Are they inclined to dive into operations when you need them to focus on strategy? Or do they sometimes have their heads in the sand when a critical decision is needed? Hear what your directors must have to perform their role and how to take your board from “OK” to excellent. More info/register.

Host: Zzeem Consulting


Thu 11/13 at 12 p.m. – Tech Tuesday (on a Thursday!) – The Great Innovation Debate

What does innovation really mean in today’s associations? Is it disruption, steady improvement, a mindset shift, or something else entirely? Hear unique perspectives on how innovation takes shape—how it begins, what sustains it, and what often holds it back. This session is designed to challenge assumptions, uncover practical examples, and build a shared understanding of how innovation can thrive within associations. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Facilitators: Reggie Henry (ASAE) and David Coriale (DelCor)

Guests: Rebecca O’Brien (Institute of Real Estate Management), Carlos Cardenas (DelCor Technology Solutions) and Evan Reid (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association)


Thu 11/13 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 11/13 at 1 p.m. – Smart, Safe, and Strategic: The New Rules of AI for Associations

AI is no longer an emerging concept, it’s reshaping how associations operate, engage members, and make decisions. Yet success with AI isn’t just about adoption; it’s about leading responsibly. Drawing on insights from the latest Association Trends Study by Momentive Software, explore how associations are using AI today, the hurdles that arise with association operations, and why establishing and maintaining a strong AI policy is essential. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

  • David Park, Director of Data & Business Analytics at National League of Cities
  • Tirrah Switzer, VP of Product Marketing at Momentive Software
  • Brian Chignoli, VP of AI and Product Experience at Momentive Software

Thu 11/13 at 1 p.m. – What Leading Associations Did Differently with Learning in 2025 (and Why It Worked)

Find out what worked in 2025—from rethinking how learning fits into the overall member value proposition to leveraging emerging technologies and experimenting with new business models. Learn how forward-looking associations are transforming their learning programs into growth engines; the role of technology, data, and innovation in creating more impactful and engaging experiences; and new approaches to credentialing, partnerships, and business models that expand reach and revenue. More info/register.

Host: BenchPrep

Speaker: Ashish Rangnekar, CEO/Co-founder, BenchPrep


Thu 11/13 at 1 p.m. – Associations Driving Digital Transformation with LMS

Learn how associations are stepping up to meet workforce reskilling demands by embracing scalable digital education strategies. Hear how AI, instructional innovation, and modern LMS platforms are changing the landscape—and how your organization can lead the way. More info/register.

Host: Momentive Software

Speakers:

  • Dan Streeter, Chief Executive Officer, Mission Fuel
  • Jesse Shorts, Learning Programs Expert, Momentive Software

Thu 11/13 at 2 p.m. – The Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue Report @ 90 Days

It’s been about 90 days from the release of the FAB Report. What have we learned? What new questions has the report raised? What more can we do to help association boards strengthen their performance. This webinar will consider these and other questions, including your most important inquiries. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Hosts: re:Members and Jeff De Cagna, Foresight First


Thu 11/13 at 2 p.m. – IT Essentials: Free and Low-Cost Tools Used by the Pros

Learn about free and budget-friendly tools that IT professionals rely on daily to diagnose issues, optimize systems, and streamline their workflow—practical utilities that deliver enterprise-level capabilities without the enterprise price tag. More info/register.

Host: 501Works

Speaker: James Marquis, CIO, 501Works


Thu 11/13 at 2 p.m. – How to Market Association Events People Look Forward to Attending in 2026

Schedules and resources for meeting professionals are tighter than ever. Efficiently managing marketing for associations is crucial. Hear about best practices for motivating attendance, including how AI is impacting association event marketing and how to measure success. More info/register.

Host: Smart Meetings

Speaker: Sue Marchese, CAE, ASAE’s Vice President of Marketing


Thu 11/13 at 3 p.m. – Trust the Process: How Growth Leaders Get Clarity and Scale with Confidence

Most businesses are stuck in chaos—reacting to problems, stuck in the weeds, and struggling to grow despite everyone working overtime. Why? Because what they call a “process” is really just reacting on repeat. Learn how to create reliable, repeatable systems that allow your business to run without your constant involvement. This isn’t red tape. It’s not bureaucracy. It’s clarity—on who’s doing what, when, and why—so you can scale with confidence. More info/register.

Host: Jon Bassford, JD, MBA, CAE, Lateral Solutions


Thu 11/13 at 5 p.m. – Richmond Launch Event: Elevating Women in Association Leadership (Richmond VA)

The Alliance for Women in Associations is bringing together women across the association community for our very first Richmond-area networking reception—an evening of conversation and collaboration among those shaping the future of our field. Whether you’re leading an organization, managing programs, or building your career path in the association world, this is your chance to connect with women in your local community and get in on the ground floor of a growing movement. Location: Richmond VA. More info/register.

Organizer: The Alliance for Women in Associations


Thu 11/13 at 5:30 p.m. – DMV Association Connect: Inaugural Event (Alexandria VA)

Are you an association professional looking to expand your network, build meaningful connections, and have fun while doing it? DMV Association Connect is a social networking group for professionals in the Washington DC, Virginia and Maryland areas— who work for, or collaborate with associations. Location: Alexandria VA. More info/register.

Organizer: DMV Association Connect


Mon 11/17 at 10:30 a.m. – Meditation Skills for Busy Lives

Take a pause from the busyness and learn simple mindfulness practices to ease stress and reduce the feelings of burnout. These monthly sessions, designed to help you create space in your day, include: 5 minutes to arrive and settle in, 10 minutes of guided meditation practice, and 5 minutes for questions and reflection. Every month, we explore a new area of meditation and introduce a practical skill you can carry with you. These sessions are open to everyone, with no prior meditation experience required. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Meditation leader: Moira Edwards, Owner & President, Ellipsis Partners


Mon 11/17 at 12 p.m. – Soulless AI: Protecting Your Association’s Voice in the Age of Algorithms

There’s no question that AI use in associations is increasing. According to a 2025 report, 58% of associations are using AI occasionally or frequently—up from 36% last year. But with increased AI use, associations may risk losing their most important asset—the authentic voice of their members and mission. Hear about the hidden challenges of AI adoption: diluted reputation, brand erosion, and member disconnect. Take away practical strategies to keep your association’s identity at the heart of every innovation. More info/register.

Host: Association Xchange

Speaker: Khánh Vũ, former CEO and Executive Director of the Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers


Tue 11/18 at 1 p.m. – Using AI to Improve Productivity and Member Connections

Discover how the South Carolina Association of CPAs is successfully integrating AI to optimize workflows, enhance communication, and deepen member engagement. Learn how they have implemented AI-driven strategies to streamline processes, automate routine tasks, and provide members with more meaningful interactions. Hear about the challenges, successes, and lessons learned, providing valuable takeaways for associations looking to embark on their own AI journey. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: re:Members

Speakers:

  • Liz Peuster, CAE, South Carolina Association of CPAs
  • Sherry Whitaker Budziak, .orgSource

Tue 11/18 at 4 p.m. – Fit-for-Purpose Association Board Director Course 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 11/19 at 2:30 p.m. – Event Agendas: Avoiding Contracting Pitfalls

Event contracts are packed with details, but the event agenda often hides the small mistakes that can create big problems onsite. From incorrect dates to unrealistic setup times, overlooking this section can cost both time and money. Learn about the key contract details to always double-check before signing. More info/register.

Host: Heather Reid, CEO/founder, Planner Protect


Thu 11/20 at 11 a.m. – Neurodiverse-Strong Leaders: Empowering Great Minds in Leaders, Volunteers, and Staff

Explore how association professionals can excel as neurodiverse executives while fostering an inclusive environment for neurodiverse staff and volunteer leaders. Gain practical strategies to leverage cognitive differences as strengths, improve communication, and create support systems that enhance collaboration and well-being. Through real-world examples and actionable takeaways, learn to navigate challenges, cultivate psychological safety, and promote a culture of belonging. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

  • Sharon Kneebone, Executive Director at American Academy of Pain Medicine
  • Laurie Kulikosky, CEO at Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Rhonda M. Payne, CEO at Flock Theory
  • Sara L. Wood, MBA, CAE, Account Executive at MSP
  • Cynthia Young, CAE, Executive Director, American Art Therapy Association

Thu 11/20 at 1 p.m. – Marketing on a Shoestring: Smart Planning for Small Teams

Learn to stop running on the hamster wheel of “more, more, more” and instead focus on smart strategies that grow membership. Explore how to better understand your members, nurture them with relevant messages, and create campaigns that attract new members while keeping current ones engaged. Learn how to work smarter by truly understanding your audiences, strengthening current membership communities, optimizing every touchpoint, and building sustainable pathways for growth. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Olena Lima, CAE, Founder at Membership Marketing School


Fri 11/21 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


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 Nick Fewings via Unsplash

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Author: deirdrereid

Deirdre is a content marketing partner for companies serving the association market. After more than 20 years managing associations and restaurants, she's enjoying the good life now by helping companies inform, educate, and deepen relationships with the association community. Away from her laptop, you can find her walking in the woods, enjoying live music, reading hundreds of newsletters, watching hockey, cooking, hanging at the local brewery or tap room, or relaxing in a comfy chair with a good Kindle book and a glass of something tasty in hand.