The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community
Good reads for the association community
Your unique learning proposition. If your association is competing with MOOCs by offering cheaper courses or more CE credits, that’s the wrong approach. Instead, flaunt your competitive advantages: industry-specific content, portable credentials employers recognize, and built-in professional communities. TopClass LMS walks you through five differentiation strategies: cohort-based learning, stackable microcredentials, community integration, hybrid models, and AI personalization. They’re worth stealing.
Peer communities. James Young of Product Community previews the future membership value proposition for associations: leveraging peer engagement to create deep belonging. You might think you’re already there, but his vision goes further. He says your sustainable competitive advantage lies in “curating communities where knowledge is actively generated through peer interaction.” Your role “shifts from content creator to ecosystem architect, designing the conditions where peer engagement flourishes naturally.” That certainly beats the typical membership pitch.
Taking the CAE exam? The revised CAE Practice Exam from Rogue Tulips Consulting is here! Authored by CAE expert Cheryl Ronk, CAE, FASAE, this practice exam provides difficult questions to sharpen your thinking skills and test your knowledge. Seriously, don’t take the exam without it. Get $25 off with discount code RTBRAINFOOD.
AMS implementation. re:Members reveals the three requirements AMS vendors don’t stress (or even mention) during the sales process. Their guide shares lessons from thousands of implementations, including why executive buy-in isn’t enough, what needs to go on hold during implementation, and why go-live is just the beginning.
Embracing Boomers. Sidecar’s been on a roll lately with more good posts and podcast episodes than I can share, so I recommend subscribing to both. This post by Mallory Mejias is based on an episode with UX strategist and content designer Bryan Kelly about the longevity economy and unretirement movement. He says associations can lead the way in reskilling lifelong learners in their 60s and beyond. “They’re not intimidated by digital tools—they’re just more deliberate about which ones they choose to use.” Another post featuring Kelly describes the user experience mistakes driving the 50+ group away. Prepare to have your assumptions about this demographic corrected.
Member journey to belonging. “Belonging isn’t built on guesswork. It’s designed through thoughtful, data-informed choices that make members feel seen, valued, and part of something bigger,” says Rhoni Rakos of Ellipsis Partners. She rethinks member engagement using a Settlers of Catan analogy: members as Tourists, Settlers, or Townspeople at different stages in their quest to belong and build a community.
AMS trends. If you’re evaluating AMS options—or just plain curious—Growthzone’s infographic is worth a look. They outline ten AMS trends for 2026, including AI automation, deep integrations, predictive analytics, modular pricing, and enhanced security and privacy protections. Each trend includes practical guidance on what it means for your day-to-day work.
Membership value sweet spot. In Association Forum, Christine Saunders of Halmyre describes four steps to identifying and implementing a unique and differentiated membership value proposition. She suggests aiming for the Red Zone: “the sweet spot where your association’s unique capabilities intersect with your members’ unmet needs, in an area where your competition is not a factor.”
Snacks
Beyond SEO: what you need to know about GEO and AEO. | 360 Live Media
What is antisemitism? The first warning sign of a culture in a state of cognitive collapse. | Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
The innovation that’s killing restaurant culture: delivery has turned America into a nation of order-inners. | Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic (this was a gift link, hopefully, it still is)
You never grow old at the table
I love rediscovering a dish after not making it for a long time, like maple barbecue glazed salmon. So simple, so darn good. Glaze two fillets with a mix of three tablespoons each of barbecue sauce and maple syrup, and one tablespoon each of Worcestershire and hot sauce. It’s great with any bold fish, like bluefish and mackerel.
On the side, kale sautéed with bacon, onion, red bell pepper, garlic, smoked paprika, and a drizzle of sherry vinegar.
Another excellent dish for a cold night—not quite as simple as the salmon but simple enough: Provençal braised chicken thighs. I used four large thighs and a medium onion, went heavy on the olives, and served it over polenta. On the side, collards sautéed with bacon, onion, carrot, poblano, jalapeño, garlic, sundried tomatoes, ham broth, and sherry vinegar.
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.
Mon 11/17 at 8 a.m.* – The Arts are not just those SOBs (Symphonies, Operas and Ballets) (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 & Founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting
Guest: Jay Dick, Senior Director-Advocacy and Partnerships, Americans for the Arts
*All events are online at Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.
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 8 a.m. – Innovation Starts with Nonprofit and Association Culture (Nonprofit Mission: Impact)
Nonprofit Mission: Impact is the podcast for association and nonprofit leaders who want to build a better world without becoming a martyr to the cause. In this episode: Innovation tools like Lean Startup and design thinking can only go so far. Learn why association organizational culture ultimately determines whether new ideas take root or stall. More info.
Host: Carol Hamilton, Principal, Grace Social Sector Consulting
Guests: Elizabeth Engel (Spark Consulting) and Jamie Notter
Tue 11/18 at 10:30 a.m. – Meetings That Matter: The Secret to Real Engagement and Connection
With the right facilitation, meetings can be the spark that drives ideas, inclusion, and real change. Learn how to design meetings that generate real ideas (not just more talk); ensure participants feel respected, heard, and included; cut down on meetings that waste time and money; turn “status updates” into momentum; and improve collaboration in your association. More info/register.
Host: Farhad Khan, CEO of Member Lounge,
Speaker: Lee Gimpel, founder of Better Meetings
Tue 11/18 at 12 p.m. – AI Simplified: Practical Tips for Organizations to Get Started
Learn how to explore AI, even without a tech background or large team; use AI-powered tools for email automation, personalized content, and campaign optimization; use AI for content creation, member learning, and improving staff productivity; and how AI can streamline your workflows, eliminate repetitive tasks, and enhance decision-making across your organization. More info/register.
Host: GrowthZone
Speakers:
- Erica Salm Rench, Chief Marketing Officer, Sidecar
- Erin Hall, Senior Product Marketing Manager, GrowthZone
Tue 11/18 at 12 p.m. – Story Power that Moves Policy
Learn about the power of using supporter content to impact real policy change. Hear how to build a messaging framework to create effective stories, navigate today’s changing algorithm and stand out in noisy online environments, identify what metrics to measure based on your organization’s goals, and go beyond emotion to create measurable impact. More info/register.
Host: AdvocacyAI
Tue 11/18 at 12 p.m. – Your AI Journey: A Nonprofit’s Guide to Getting Started
Get a clear, practical, and people-first AI roadmap to help you move from uncertainty to confident action. Learn how to cut through AI hype and define a clear, people-first path forward by reframing adoption as a structured change-management process; identify early opportunities through staff engagement and empower an internal team to lead innovation; and select secure, enterprise-grade tools while building staff confidence for responsible, mission-driven AI use. More info/register.
Host: PTKO
Speakers:
- Mimi Yeh, Engagement Director, PTKO
- George Danilovics, Chief Information Officer
Tue 11/18 at 12 p.m. – Managing Volunteer Dynamics: Addressing Disruptive Influences (ASAE CRVM Crunch and Munch)
Discuss tactful, professional approaches for handling volunteers who derail teamwork, share practical solutions for tricky volunteer-management scenarios and explore ways to expand meaningful volunteer engagement. More info/register (ASAE members only).
Host: ASAE Component Relations Volunteer Management Advisory Council
Facilitator: CRVM Council member Elizabeth George
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 from 1 to 6 p.m. – “AI in Action: Transforming Associations for the Future” Summit/Reception (Washington DC)
For C-level association execs: hear from association executives who are already putting AI to work, the tech experts building the tools behind the scenes, and the association strategists helping leaders successfully navigate AI. Sessions will cover: building the case for AI to empower members/staff and demonstrate the value of your association; approaches to piloting/implementing AI; association success stories and use cases; integrating into existing programs/systems; and budgeting, revenue opportunities and measuring ROI. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.
Host: Results Direct | RD Mobile
Speakers: Thad Lurie, CAE, AAiP, Juan Sanchez, Alex Skinner, Russell Magnuson, AAiP, Brittany Carter, Dan Scheeler, CAE, and Benjamin Muscolino
Tue 11/18 at 1 p.m. – Contagious Member Engagement: How Value Loops Create Forever Connection
Learn about value loops and their power for creating sustained engagement that results in deeper connection and new revenue; the conditions that make value loops work; how to develop a value loop that is effective and usable; and how to apply value loops to your association. More info/register.
Host: Forj
Speakers:
- James Young, Founder and Chief Learning Officer, Product Community
- Terri Herrmann, Chief Marketing Officer, Forj
Tue 11/18 at 1 p.m. – Build It Yourself: AI Agents, No-Code Tools, and Workflow Automations for Associations
Learn how an AI agent produces a complete member newsletter every week—content curation, writing, formatting, and publishing; how to create a custom member feedback tool by simply describing what you need to an AI; how one association built a legislative feedback system that collects member perspectives on specific bills, organizes responses, and delivers actionable insights—simply by describing what they needed; how to create a legislation monitoring system using a no-code platform that tracks only the bills relevant to your members, automatically summarizes key provisions, and alerts you to important developments. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Raffa Investment Advisors
Speaker: Evan Hawkins, CAE, Association Executive, W Strategies LLC
Tue 11/18 at 2 p.m. – Building a Culture of Connection: Onboarding and Integrating New Members
Want to keep your members coming back year after year? It all starts with building a strong culture of connection from day one. Learn the proven strategies that will transform your onboarding process into a game-changer for member engagement and retention. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Speaker: Peter Hodgen, Director of Business Development, GrowthZone
Tue 11/18 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
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 12 p.m. – When Members Lead – How Empowerment Builds Stronger Connections
Learn how empowering members to take the lead not only boosts engagement and sparks innovation but also strengthens your organization’s long-term impact. Hear practical strategies for identifying and nurturing the right member leaders, equipping them with the tools and support to succeed, and balancing structure and autonomy to keep your community energized and effective. More info/register.
Host: GrowthZone AMS
Wed 11/19 at 1 p.m. – This Is Your Content. This Is Your Content on Algorithms. Any Questions?
Learn how to stop the scroll with hooks that demand attention in a sea of distractions; why credibility matters and how to prove you’re worth listening to; package it right; ask for the action; test, learn, and adapt to better over time. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Fonteva
Speaker: Andrew Hanelly, Chief Strategy Officer, Revmade
Wed 11/19 at 1 p.m. – Quick Wins to Boost Association Revenue: Small Tweaks, Big Impact
When you were a kid, did you ever say, “When I grow up, I want to be in sales!”? Probably not. Most association professionals in revenue-generating roles didn’t plan to wear a sales hat, they just found themselves in one and have been figuring it out as they go. If that sounds like you, and you’d love some practical, right-now tactics to boost results from sponsorships, exhibits, advertising, and other industry partner programs, join this fun, fast “lunch & EARN” workshop. Learn five tactical sales tips you can put into action immediately to help increase revenue in 2026. More info/register.
Host: Carrie McIntyre, Founder & Principal, Navigate
Wed 11/19 at 1 p.m. – Risky Business: Building Safer, Smarter Events Together
Associations and destinations encounter a variety of risks that can impact the success of meetings and events, from safety and accessibility to climate considerations, health measures and community values like social justice and environmental sustainability. Take a comprehensive look at these risks from all perspectives and explore how proactive and collaborative planning can priorities and foster stronger partnerships. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Meetings Today
Speakers:
- Amy Hissrich, MA, CAE, Vice President, International Affairs, ASAE
- Emily Scheiderer, Senior Director of Education, Sales and Services, Destinations International
- Stuart Ruff-Lyon, Chief Events and Sales Officer, RIMS
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 12 p.m. – Beyond the Count: Stop the Cycle and Grow Lifetime Value
See how the Lifetime Value of Members (LVM) impacts retention and your bottom line, and why the number of members is less important than their value. Find out how retention is correlated to member segmentation and using LVM data helps identify which members are most likely to renew and invest. Hear about three strategies to cultivate more long-term and higher-value members, increase the average revenue of members, and track the Lifetime Value of Members. Learn how to recruit for retention and enhance the member experience to develop the loyal, long-term members that support your mission. More info/register.
Host: Cathi Hight, President of Hight Performance Group
Thu 11/20 at 12 p.m. – Leading in the Age of AI
The reality of AI is deeply personal: it’s shaping how we spend our time, how we make decisions, and even how we think about the future of our roles. This session will connect association leaders for a series of 1:1 reflective conversations on the real-life impact of AI using Natter, an AI-powered conversational intelligence tool that connects participants in video conversations, anonymously captures perspectives, intelligently analyzes the responses, and shares the insights and results with all participants. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Executive Management Professionals Advisory Council (EMAC)
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
Thu 11/20 at 4 p.m. – Ask the Association Attorney: Everything You Want to Know
In a Q&A-driven format, this is your opportunity to ask our speaker about any association legal topic on your mind. Explore some of the hottest topics and legal risks creating buzz in the association community. Learn the key red flags you need to be able to spot, what you should do when you spot them, and practical tips and suggestions for protecting your association and mitigating legal risk. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Reston Loudoun Swap
Speaker: Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum, Esq, Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC
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
Mon 11/24 at 11 a.m. – Cross-Channel Engagement: The Key to Stronger Member Connections
Learn how associations can connect with members across multiple channels. Not with more noise, but with the right message at the right moment. Find out what it takes to show up consistently where members are already paying attention, turn quick interactions into deeper conversations, connect your channels so the experience feels personal, not fragmented, and respond to member signals in real time to guide them forward. Take away simple, actionable tactics you can start using immediately to make every member feel seen, heard, and valued, no tech overhaul required. More info/register.
Host: PropFuel
Speaker: Ryan Graham, Chief Revenue Officer, PropFuel
Tue 11/15 at 11 a.m. – From Batch-And-Blast to 1:1 Messaging: How AI Is Redefining Email Marketing
Learn how AI is reshaping the way marketers build, send, and optimize campaigns, and how to deliver personalized, 1:1 messaging that drives higher opens, clicks, and conversions—without adding manual work.1 CAE credit. Hear about real-world case examples of actionable tactics for improving open rates, click-throughs, and conversions. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Molly Quast, Director of Growth and Strategy, rasa.io
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 Ricardo Gomez Angel via Unsplash
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Association Brain Food 