The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community
I’m not publishing Association Brain Food next week (Friday, April 17) because we’re embarking on a ten-day road trip today. I’ll be back in your inboxes on Friday, April 24.
Good reads for the association community
Converting student members. Most student members graduate without converting to professional membership. Clowder explains how associations can use a mobile app to build the kind of ongoing engagement that makes upgrading membership feel like the obvious next step. They cover app promotion, content and resources that keep students opening the app, and making the membership ask.
Scholarship programs. Young professionals, career-changers, and members in under-resourced roles often want what your education catalog offers but can’t afford it. TopClass LMS makes the case for association scholarship programs and walks through five program types to consider: need-based, merit-based, sponsored, micro-scholarships, and bundled awards. They also explain who to design them for and how to handle the admin side without drowining your team.
Association learning strategy. D2L shares research showing that professional development is the top reason people join associations and the first thing they’ll pay for beyond dues. They describe—with data and examples—how associations turn online education into a real revenue driver. Their suggestions include corporate partnerships, international expansion, micro-credentials, and content repurposing.
Association newsletter course. The Association Newsletter Success Certificate Course from Association Academy covers how to publish a newsletter people will read—from design choices that keep them opening it to the technical side of landing in members’ inboxes. Chris Gloede, CAE, teaches the six live classes. Enrollment is $599, but readers can save $50 with the referral code BRAINFOOD.
Associations and change. Dean West at Association Laboratory takes on the ‘unprecedented times’ refrain that’s been hanging on since the pandemic. He says when association leaders call the environment chaotic, they’re usually describing their own static assumptions bumping up against a world that moved on without them—while competitors are already three decisions and moves ahead.
Attendee arrival moment. David Adler at Gathering Point News says the threshold moment shapes the event experience. He makes the case for the Arrival Well: small arrival chambers where a handful of attendees gather before stepping into the main space. Walking in next to someone beats walking in alone.
Online learning programs. Intuto shares a roadmap for associations that want to build or improve their online education programs. The guide covers where you stand now, what to plan for, how to build content and learning paths, how to launch, and how to measure results. It also includes discussion questions for each stage.
True leadership. Most people aren’t held back by capability, writes Mark Wallach of Engagement Mobile Strategies. They’re held back by their environment—specifically, the fear that trying something bold and falling short will be judged more harshly than staying quiet. Drawing on his own experience living with ALS, Mark makes the case that the real management skill is helping people think clearly about what’s in their way and encouraging them to keep moving.
Asking for money. Speaking of fear: when association staff freeze at the thought of asking a sponsor or donor for support, it’s rarely about the money. On the Growth Owl blog, Lori Zoss Kraska and Rob Kalwarowsky describe three layers of fear that show up in these situations—skill fear, identity fear, and exposure fear—and how to work with each one.
Snacks
Referral contagion: Research found that referrals lead to more referrals. | Rohan Kar and Andrea Bublitz, American Marketing Association
From confusion about our polarized politics to uncertainty over AI, it’s now harder to take a firm stance on anything—and that might be the most honest position. | James Marriott, The Times
I’ve been curating Association Brain Food for over ten years as a community service. If it’s been a useful part of your professional life or your company’s webinar marketing, buying me a beer is a super nice thing to do in return.
You never grow old at the table
This one is going on repeat: hot honey-glazed salmon. I bake it at 375 instead of broiling it. Avocado slices are a cool contrast to the sweet spicy glaze. On the side, leftover roasted broccoli, cauliflower, carrot, and red onion with garlic powder and smoked paprika.
Creole smothered pork chops served over brown rice met our comfort food expectations. I made the recipe with boneless chops, so I decreased the cooking time. On the side, steamed green beans tossed with sautéed onion, red bell pepper, bacon, garlic, sundried tomatoes, and parmesan.
For Easter brunch at my sister-in-law’s, I made cheesy egg, sausage, and polenta casserole, which I’ll be bringing everywhere from now on. It’s a New York Times recipe, but I found it ungated on archive.is, and this guy shares it on his blog too.
I made the polenta my usual carefree way in the microwave, adjusting the amounts (3-1/3 cup water for 1 cup of polenta). I used mozzarella and provolone cheese in the polenta (and scattered more on top of the casserole), and subbed evaporated for whole milk. In the casserole, I opted for hot Italian sausage slices, spinach, and sauteed onions.
Later that day, we had a cookout for my stepdaughter’s birthday. Jim was in charge of grilling, and I made German potato salad (for the mayo haters). I pretty much stuck to this recipe but added chopped dill pickles (for the birthday lady) and celery, and subbed beef for chicken broth. At first, I was alarmed by the amount of dressing, but the potatoes soaked it all up. It’s a good recipe.
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 4/13 at 8 a.m.* – Data Management and Governance (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
Guests: Daniel Elacqua and Gwen Garrison, Strategico Consultants
*All events are online at Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.
Mon 4/13 at 12 p.m. – Score Your MSP: Are You Getting Everything You Should?
Learn why Managed Service Provider (MSP) service levels differ so drastically, the built-in limitations of the MSP model for associations, and how to assess, manage, and maximize your MSP relationship. More info/register.
Host: Brian Scott, President, ClearTone Consulting
Mon 4/13 at 12 p.m. – Membership Mondays: Spin the Wheel! What Member Topic Will Be Selected?
Spin the wheel to determine which most pressing membership topics take center stage. Participants will break into small discussion groups to share challenges, ideas, and practical insights on issues such as AI and membership, acquisition, engagement, retention, evolving membership models, value proposition, inclusion, building community, and more. More info/register (ASAE members only).
Host: ASAE
Tue 4/14 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Ven-Con 2026 (Arlington, VA)
Now in its third year, Ven-Con returns with its most ambitious program yet.
This year’s theme, Technical Readiness & Building Partnerships, reflects where our industry stands: associations are making bold technology investments, and it’s on all of us—vendors and consultants alike—to show up prepared, aligned, and working together. Join us for a full day of meaningful connection and forward-looking conversation about what it takes to get it right. Location: Arlington VA. More info/register.
Host: League of Association Technologists
Speakers:
- Olivia Wilkins, PerByte
- James Marquis 501Works
Tue 4/14 at 12 p.m. – How One Association Leader Navigates Risk
As the world becomes more complex, association leaders must become more proficient in guiding their organizations through high-profile challenges. As political, social, and economic factors play out, executive directors need to manage the dynamics at the intersections of national and local, values and mission, and safety and risk. Listen to a conversation on managing mission, safety, and boards. More info/register.
Host: Beth Surmont, Head of Strategy, 360 Live Media
Guest: Meghan Carey, Executive Director, NSGC
Tue 4/14 at 12 p.m. – Tech Tuesday: The Future of Association Technology
The next three to five years will completely redefine association technology. Is your organization ready for the shift? Hear about the decisions leaders need to make now to stay ahead, what’s already changing, what actually matters, and how associations can reduce tech debt while building more flexible, future-ready systems. Learn how data strategies are evolving, where AI fits into governance and responsible use, and the top priorities for 2026 that set the foundation for long-term success. More info/register (ASAE members only).
Host: ASAE Technology Council
Facilitators:
- Reggie Henry, Chief Information and Performance Excellence Officer, ASAE
- Dave Coriale, President, DelCor Technology Solutions
Guests:
- Alexandra Mouw, Amazon Web Services, ASAE Technology Council Chair
- Carlos Cardenas, DelCor, past ASAE Technology Council Chair
- Elizabeth Santana, Inteleos, ASAE ForesightWorks Advisory Group member
Tue 4/14 at 2 p.m. – How Professional Development Drives Staff Retention in Associations and Nonprofits
Explore what staff turnover actually costs your organization and how building real professional development opportunities can drastically improve retention. When employees see a clear path to grow, build new skills, and advance their careers, they’re far more likely to stay engaged and committed to the mission. Get practical strategies for creating meaningful development opportunities, even on a limited budget, that strengthen your team, improve performance, and protect your organization’s most valuable resources—its people. More info/register.
Host: Momentive Software
Tue 4/14 at 4 p.m. – Let’s Chat: Small Staff Associations – Managing Workloads and Stress
The pressure to do more with fewer resources while sustaining high quality service to their communities is identified as the top challenge by small staffers. This hour’s focus is on sharing strategies to address this issue and refocus on balance and individual well-being. Connect, ask questions, exchange experiences and gain insights to help drive your organization forward. More info/register (ASAE members only).
Host: ASAE Small Staff Associations Advisory Committee
Wed 4/15 at 11 a.m. – Building an AI-Enabled Education Program: Practical Strategies for Associations
Get a clear, non-technical look at how AI can support content creation, curation, learner engagement, and program operations. Using a real-world association case example, explore lessons learned, governance considerations, and strategies for balancing innovation with risk management. Get actionable ideas, a simple framework for AI adoption, and concrete steps to implement right away. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Toni Kervina, Director of Content and Learning at American Society for Nondestructive Testing
Wed 4/15 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. – Data-Informed Decision Making for Credentialing Leaders
Explore how to move beyond routine reporting to use data strategically to inform policy decisions, program design, and continuous improvement initiatives. Hear how integrating psychometric, operational, workforce, and market data enables certification organizations to strengthen defensibility, enhance program value, and respond more effectively to changes in professional practice. Gain insights into building a culture of evidence-based decision making and identifying the types of data that can most effectively support strategic leadership in certification and assessment-based certificate programs. More info/register.
Host: Certification Network Group
Speakers: Pam Weber, MPA, CAE, Senior Vice President, and Amy Allen, Director, Credentialing & Accreditation, National Apartment Association Education Institute
Wed 4/15 at 12 p.m. – The Art & Science of Association Pricing Strategies
Repeating previous price points simply because “that’s what we did last year” is a trap. In a rapidly changing economy, your pricing is your core signal of value-if it’s outdated, you aren’t just losing revenue; you’re eroding your brand. Learn how to build a pricing methodology that aligns with your business objectives, master the “Value Equation” to ensure members and sponsors feel the value they receive far outweighs the “price” they pay in time or money, and identify “pricing levers” and why you should avoid the “reductive” trap of discounting in favor of “additive” bundling. More info/register.
Host: Halmyre
Speaker: Christine Saunders, President and Founder of Halmyre
Wed 4/15 at 1 p.m. – The State of Associations
Hear what four association executives are seeing with their memberships, where opportunities are developing, and what all of this means for associations moving forward. Learn about the real differentiator that educational offerings provide associations, how associations can provide support for individual members in their career journeys, where associations should be thinking differently about partnerships, and the leadership role associations play in addressing major challenges in their industries. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Fonteva
Speakers:
- Chris Beaman, CAE, CFRE, Chief of Staff, Sigma Nursing
- Paula Eichenbrenner, MBA, CAE, Executive Director, The Myositis Association
- Sharon Kneebone, IOM, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director, American Academy of Pain Medicine
- Dr. Catherine Lada, CAE, AAiP, Lada Consulting
Wed 4/15 at 1 p.m. – Human Connection in an AI World: Building Trust Through Events
In an AI-driven world where almost any digital interaction can be simulated, trust is quickly becoming a meeting planner’s most valuable asset. Hear how AI is moving from experiments to everyday workflows across the event lifecycle—while keeping attendee data safe, brand promises credible, and experiences unmistakably human. Get practical, high-trust AI use cases you can test right away, smart questions to ask your tech partners about data and privacy, and a clearer sense of where AI should help—and where the human planner still needs to lead. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Meetings Today
Wed 4/15 at 1 p.m. – Diversify to Thrive: What’s Next for Healthcare Association Revenue?
Explore how associations are building sustainable, mission-aligned revenue through innovation. Discover how to generate fresh ideas for products, services, and partnerships that deliver real value; create the culture, capacity, and systems to support continuous innovation; and learn from real-world examples — from new education models and accreditation to consulting, data licensing, venture investment, and more. More info/register (ASAE members only).
Host: ASAE Healthcare Community Cafe
Discussion leaders:
- Meena Dayak, McKinley Advisors
- Sherene Thomas, American Academy of Sleep Medicine
- LaToya Tapscott, Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association
- Claudia Barrett, Endocrine Society
Wed 4/15 at 1:30 p.m. – Change Management
Discover core elements of successful change management and learn actionable strategies to reduce resistance, build alignment, and drive lasting results in your organization. More info/register.
Host: Element AMS
Speakers:
- Christopher Maynard, CIO Consultant, Author, Strategico Consultants
- Sean Miriashtiani, Sales Executive, Element AMS
Wed 4/15 at 2 p.m. – Video That Works: Best Practices, AI Tools & Integrations for Association Teams
Discover how associations are using video to drive engagement across the entire member lifecycle, and how AI-powered tools and key integrations make it easier than ever to scale. More info/register.
Host: VideoRequest
Wed 4/15 at 2 p.m. – From Hesitation to Action: How Advocacy Teams Are Using AI Today
Look at how teams are actually using AI today—across very different starting points. Hear real examples from research across 21 organizations and learn how teams are moving forward without clear protocols, navigating leadership hesitation and internal rules, and turning AI into something usable, not risky. More info/register.
Host: FiscalNote
Speaker: grassroots strategist Brian Rubenstein
Wed 4/15 at 2 p.m. – Behind the Win: What Sets Top Content Apart
Winners and finalists from CMI’s 2025 Content Marketing Awards go beyond the highlight reel to break down the strategy, execution, and decisions behind their standout projects. Hear how these teams approached challenges, made creative calls, and connected their work to real business impact. More info/register.
Host: Content Marketing Institute
Thu 4/16 at 12 p.m. – From Idea to Outcome: Making AI Actually Work
In this hands-on session, work through a live Outcome-First Project Mapping exercise and apply a practical framework to a real challenge in your own organization. Learn why many AI projects fail (it has nothing to do with technology), how to build a business case that connects AI investment to outcomes your board already cares about, and what no-code and low-code tools make this accessible for organizations without dedicated data staff. A mini case study from a national association shows what this looks like when it works from first question to production model. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Speakers:
- Ryan Riley, Partner and Chief Technology Officer, Wipfli
- Monica Pemberton, Vice President & CIO, American Council on Education
Thu 4/16 at 1:30 p.m. – Human Connections, Smarter Tools: Video Innovation for Meeting Planners
Get an inside look at how NAGC and other organizations are using video to support transparent and engaging leadership elections, elevate award recognition and celebrate member achievements, strengthen governance communication and board visibility, and launch a one-month fundraising campaign that generated two-thirds of an annual goal. Explore how simple edits and clever repurposing can turn your existing footage into fresh storytelling assets—no production studio required. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Hosts: Insight Guide and BJA Solutions for Associations
Speakers:
- Meagan Roloff, CAE, Senior Director of Membership & Operations, National Association for Gifted Children
- Terry Nawrot, CEO, VideoRequest
- Barbara Armentrout, CAE (moderator), BJA Solutions for Associations
- Teri Carden (hostess), COO, Insight Guide
Thu 4/16 at 3 p.m. – The Voice of the Industry: Leveraging Internal Expertise to Build External Membership
Learn how to transform internal expertise into a powerful engine for external growth and member recruitment. In an era when professionals seek authentic value, positioning your team as industry thought leaders sets your organization apart from the competition. Hear how to bridge the gap between back-office insight and public-facing influence to design events that attract new members and scale your reach like never before. More info/register.
Host: NXUnite by Nexus Marketing
Speakers:
- Brian Stach, Senior Director of Sales at Tele-Town Hall
- Frank Humada, Chief Business Development Officer at Association Briefings
- Jason Mathews, Director at Bulletin
Thu 4/16 at 4 p.m. – Level Up Association Revenue: Trends to Build Your Bottom Line
Associations sit on four powerful business pillars—mission, members, market, and margin—but many still report underperforming or nonexistent revenue development strategies. 86% of associations have an underperforming business development strategy or none at all, despite having strong assets to build value. Silos, competing priorities, and a cultural bias toward operations over sales make alignment difficult, even as revenue pressure increases. This session addresses these realities, highlighting business development trends, focusing on alignment as a competitive advantage and forecasting as a non-negotiable discipline for 2026 and beyond. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Reston Loudoun Swap
Speaker: Sean Soth, founder and Chair of the Leadership Advisory Board for Professionals for Association Revenue
Mon 4/20 at 8 a.m. – Technology and The Art of War (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: Vishal Shah, Element AMS
Tue 4/21 at 10:30 a.m. – Meditation Skills for Busy Lives
Take a pause from 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. Open to everyone, no prior meditation experience required. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Meditation leader: Moira Edwards, Owner & President, Ellipsis Partners
Tue 4/21 at 12 p.m. – Partnership Professionals Network (PPN) Idea Exchange
If you manage sponsorships, you’re under pressure to grow non-dues revenue while delivering greater value to sponsors. So what’s actually working? Join this interactive discussion to explore what drives companies to invest in sponsorships, how associations are rethinking their sponsorship packaging and pricing, and practical ways to strengthen and grow your program. More info/register.
Host: Partnership Professionals Network
Speakers:
- Bruce Rosenthal, author of the book, Mastering Association Corporate Sponsorships
- Dan Kowitz, three decades of association sponsorship strategy and revenue acceleration experience
Tue 4/21 at 12 p.m. – Elevating Participant Engagement
Some members might open newsletters and log into the website, but seem immune to the many opportunities to participate, attend, contribute, or volunteer. Likely, they feel the urge to participate, but participating can feel scary. Learn about demo-tested strategies that get members to participate in events, communities, social media, and the principles that get them to leave their fear behind and jump right in. More info/register.
Host: GrowthZone
Speaker: Amanda Kaiser
Tue 4/21 at 12 p.m. – Micro‑Volunteering as a Strategy for Engagement and Inclusion (CRVM Monthly Crunch and Munch)
Explore how micro volunteering can help associations meet volunteer demand, reduce barriers to participation, and build more inclusive engagement pathways. We will discuss why one association adopted this approach, how it is working in practice, and invite attendees to share challenges and ideas from their own organizations. More info/register (ASAE members only).
Host: ASAE Component Relations Volunteer Management Advisory Council
Tue 4/21 at 1 p.m. – Nonprofit M&A 101: Roadmap for Successful Combinations
Learn about the key business and legal considerations involved in nonprofit mergers and acquisitions. Hear about the full lifecycle of a transaction, from initial discussions and negotiation through legal documentation, navigating political challenges, and closing. Explore core principles of corporate law, governance, and tax that shape these transactions. Gain insight into how nonprofits can evaluate potential opportunities, identify the most effective deal structures, design efficient governance models, and address common integration challenges. More info/register.
Host: Raffa Investment Advisers
Speaker: Kevin Serafino, Esq., CAE, Associate, Tenenbaum Law Group
Tue 4/21 at 2 p.m. – “As the Association Turns: The Reckoning”: A SOAP Ethics Finale Event
The drama may have ended but the consequences are just beginning. Join us to discuss secrets unraveled, decisions dissected, and the true ethical cost of SOAP’s scandal coming to light. Revisit the most jaw-dropping moments, explore what should have happened, and uncover how to protect your organization from a similar fate. Bring your lunch—and your opinions—because in this final act, your voice shapes the ending. More info/register (ASAE members only).
Host: ASAE Ethics Committee
Tue 4/21 at 3 p.m. – From 200 Hours to Minutes: A New Model for eLearning Production
Learn how modern AI can transform existing content, including PDFs, PowerPoints, and webinar transcripts, into fully interactive, SCORM ready eLearning in minutes. Attendees will leave with a clear framework for collapsing production time without collapsing quality. More info/register.
Host: Cadmium
Speaker: Dan Streeter, CEO, Mission Fuel
Wed 4/22 from 9 a.m. to 6:05 p.m. – AMS Demo Days
This two-day event will feature presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer association management system (AMS) platforms. AMS experts will be showcasing platforms and sharing their knowledge with the association market. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Participants: Wicket, Protech, MC Trade by Momentive Software, NetForum by Momentive Software, GrowthZone, iMIS by ASI, Altai Systems, Aptify by Momentive Software, Personify WildApricot, Naylor Association Solutions, Membes, and re:Members
Wed 4/22 at 12 p.m. – From Transactions to Partnerships: A Smarter Approach to Non-Dues Revenue
Many associations rely heavily on transactional sponsorships — exhibit booths, logo placements, and event-based visibility. While these generate revenue, they often fall short in delivering measurable impact, meaningful integration, and long-term retention. Hear nationally recognized experts in corporate engagement share benchmarking insight and real-world perspective on what’s working across associations today — and where traditional models are stalling. More info/register.
Host: Up10
Speakers:
- Julie Minnick and Stacey Goldberg, Co-Founders, Beyond Booth
- Michelle Brown, Chief Innovation Officer, MACPA
Wed 4/22 at 12 p.m. – Political Law 101 Bootcamp Part 2: Political Contributions and Supporting Candidates
Learn about the key rules for supporting candidates, including: which individuals and organizations can contribute to federal, state and local candidates, political parties and PACs; the relevant contribution limits; how an organization’s tax status impacts its ability to support candidates; whether public contractors are subject to special contribution limitations; limitations if foreign nationals are involved; whether an organization should set up its own PAC; and the risks of non-compliance with these rules. More info/register.
Host: Whiteford Taylor & Preston LLP
Speakers: attorneys Jim Kahl and Heidi Abegg
Wed 4/22 at 2 p.m. – AI for Event Planners: Interactive Workshop of Time-Saving Use Cases
See first-hand how planners are customizing or applying AI assistants, GPTs and platforms to their specific use cases. Come away with clear examples of tools that solve real-world planner pain points, guidance on how to modify or apply the solutions to your situation, an approach meant to save actual time in your workday, an an interactive discussion of the associated benefits and challenges. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Northstar Meetings Group
Speakers:
- Noah Cheyer, AI Thought Leader and Founder, Silicon Valley Speakers
- Michael J. Shapiro (moderator), Director of Content Strategy, Northstar Meetings Group U.S.
Wed 4/22 at 3 p.m. – Leading Through Geopolitical Disruption and Risk
After years of building international capacity and relationships, associations are now facing geopolitical dynamics that are impacting those efforts. Join this session to hear from association executives about how they are navigating this moment—balancing risks and opportunities, prioritizing staff and member safety, and continuing to advance their missions globally while diversifying revenue and maintaining strong margins. More info/register (free for ASAE members only).
Host: ASAE
Speakers:
- Abe Eshkenazi, CSCP, FACHE, CPA, FASAE, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, Association for Supply Chain Management
- Gary A. LaBranche, FASAE, CAE, CEO, Risk and Insurance Management Society
- Lori Anderson,President & CEO, International Sign Association
Wed 4/22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – BAE DMV Spring Happy Hour: Rest, Reconnect, and Build Community (Washington DC)
Whether you prefer soda, juice, refreshing mocktails, or classic cocktails, you’ll find something to enjoy as you unwind and connect with fellow members. Come raise a glass, whatever you choose to fill it with, and celebrate the end of the day. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.
Organizers: Danielle McLean and Tamara King, Black Association Executives (BAE)
Thu 4/23 from 9 a.m. to 5:20 p.m. – AMS Demo Days
This two-day event will feature presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer association management system (AMS) platforms. AMS experts will be showcasing platforms and sharing their knowledge with the association market. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Participants: YourMembership by Momentive Software, Element AMS, ReadyMembership, Aplusify, Fonteva, MemberSuite by GrowthZone, Nimble AMS by Momentive Software, ACGI Software, MC Professional by Momentive Software, Glue Up, and Cobalt by Momentive Software
Thu 4/23 at 11 a.m. – Beyond Certifications: Core Principles of Professional and Corporate Recognition Programs
Recognition programs are a powerful tool that drives revenue, enhances member engagement, and fosters long-term industry impact. Hear about the common best practices used across recognition programs and a framework for understanding program structure and hierarchy. Gain practical knowledge in developing, implementing, and maintaining certificate, certification, and company recognition programs. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Jeffrey Greenwald, President at Operative Greenwald, Inc.
Thu 4/23 at 1 p.m. – The Retention Chain: How Supporting Staff Strengthens Donor and Volunteer Loyalty
Drawing on insights from Momentive’s 2026 State of the Mission-Driven Workforce Report, this session will examine the workforce realities shaping nonprofit organizations today. Hear about the connection between staff experience, volunteer engagement, and donor loyalty, and practical strategies to strengthen retention across all three. Learn how organizations can create the conditions where staff thrive, so the communities supporting your mission stay engaged for the long term. More info/register.
Host: Momentive Software
Speakers:
- Mark Hopwood, Senior Director, Nonprofit Strategy, Momentive Software
- Kate McGinn, Founder & CEO, The Bold Stripe
Thu 4/23 at 2 p.m. – The New Reality of Marketing Careers
New research from Content Marketing Institute reveals patterns that explain what is really happening inside marketing organizations right now and how those shifts are reshaping individual careers. Learn about four forces influencing how marketing roles are changing, why roles are expanding and what is really driving the change, how hiring trends today will impact career growth opportunities tomorrow, why more marketers are hedging their careers and what that signals, and how to prioritize the skills that will keep you relevant and effective. More info/register.
Host: Content Marketing Institute
Speakers: Kim Moutsos, VP of Editorial, and Robert Rose, Chief Strategy Advisor, Content Marketing Institute
Mon 4/27 at 12 p.m. – Association Business Week Open House: Meet PAR & Your Association Business Community
Kick off Association Business Week with an open-access virtual open house designed for association executives and business leaders who want to rethink what “association business” can be. Get an inside look at PAR’s point of view on revenue, partnerships, and mission-driven growth—and see how our community is reshaping sales and business development for the association sector. Meet the PAR team, connect with peers from across the sector, and join guided networking designed to spark real relationships and candid conversation. Come as you are, stay as long as you like, and leave with new connections and a clearer picture of how PAR can support your growth. More info/register.
Host: Professionals for Association Revenue
Tue 4/28 at 12 p.m. – The Impact of AEO On Your Member Acquisition Funnel
Explore how answer engines (like Google AI Overviews and LLMs) are playing a key role in awareness and intent, upending the traditional marketing funnel; why visibility, authority, and consistency matter more than ever; what associations can learn from other industries navigating long, varied decision journeys; how to talk to leadership about AEO when traditional funnels and vanity metrics no longer tell the full story; and how to start evaluating whether your organization is showing up in AI-driven answers today. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Speakers: Alyssa Hulka, Chief Experience Officer, and Merrick Kressley, Digital Marketing Strategist, Accella
Tue 4/28 at 12 p.m. – Elevating YOU: Personal Branding for Association Executives
70% of employers believe a strong personal brand is crucial for career success and may be even more important than a resume. Learn how to elevate your personal brand on LinkedIn. More info/register.
Host: Association Xchange
Speaker: Tal Woliner, Chief Communications Officer, American Association for the Advancement of Science
Tue 4/28 at 2 p.m. – Association Business Week: Mission-Driven Sales for Every Association Professional
Explore how influence powers success across all roles. Discover ways to communicate value clearly, build authentic relationships, and create opportunities that advance your organization’s goals. Learn strategies to strengthen trust, uncover member or partner needs, and turn everyday conversations into impactful, revenue‑driving interactions. Take part in facilitated small‑group breakout discussions—a dynamic opportunity to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and experience the engaging, community‑first culture that defines PAR events. More info/register.
Host: Professionals for Association Revenue
Speakers:
- Sean Soth, Founder & Leadership Advisory Board Chair, Professionals for Association Revenue
- Jen Smith, Executive Director, Professionals for Association Revenue
- John Bacon, VP, Sales & Partner Experience, ASAE
- Brittany Shoul, SVP, Revenue Strategy & Operations, MCI USA
Tue 4/28 at 3 p.m. – Intro to AI Webinar for Associations and Nonprofits
Learn about Generative AI and LLM (what they are, why they matter, and what they can and can’t do), how associations are using AI to support member engagement and operations, prompt engineering and creating targeted ChatGPT personas for content and interactions, privacy/security settings to adjust, and what information is safe to input into LLMs. Watch live demos showing what’s possible with AI tools today. More info/register.
Host: Sidecar
Speakers:
- Erica Salm Rench, CMO, Sidecar
- Thomas Altman, Co-Founder, Tasio
Wed 4/29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – CMEpalooza Spring
CMEpalooza is a free, biannual, online conference geared toward individuals involved in the development and implementation of continuing medical education for healthcare professionals. 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 4/29 at 11 a.m. – Brand Strategy That Works: How Organizations Can Evolve Without Losing Their Identity
Explore how organizations can modernize their brand strategy in a thoughtful, strategic way—ensuring relevance while preserving organizational identity. Learn what brand strategy really means beyond logos and visual identity, and how to create a practical framework that supports consistency across touchpoints. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Lidia Varesco Racoma, Brand Strategist & Marketing Designer at Lidia Varesco Design
Thu 4/30 at 11 a.m. – Foundations of Effective Advocacy for Associations
Hear about the essential tools in the advocacy toolbox, including direct lobbying, grassroots member mobilization, grasstops engagement, coalition building, and fly-ins, and strategies for organizations of any size. Learn how to navigate Congress and federal agencies effectively, understand compliance and ethics requirements, and engage boards and members to build lasting organizational support for advocacy. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Kyle Hayes, Senior Director of Public Policy at American Society of Association Executives
Thu 4/30 at 12 p.m. – The Art of the Possible: What Advanced AI Looks Like in Associations
Hear how ASHA built transformational data science and AI capabilities from the ground up: 140+ member engagement touchpoints captured in a centralized framework, five predictive models driving real membership campaigns, and a full NLP toolkit for member survey analysis at scale. Explore the harder questions that AI association practitioners think but rarely say aloud. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Speakers:
- Ryan Risley, Partner and Chief Technology Officer, Wipfli
- Julia Reilly-Edwards, Director of Data Science, ASHA
- Jamie Atchison, MSMIT, Senior Director of Innovation and Strategic Planning, ASPPH
Thu 4/30 at 12 p.m. – AI for Events Demo Day
The biggest online event ever done on the use of AI in Events. Half a day with 39 companies showing you the present and future of AI in Events. 5-minute demos on a practical use for events. 2 thought leadership sessions on how eventtech leaders are tackling AI. More info/register.
Host: BoldPush
Thu 4/30 at 1 p.m. – Rethinking Event Sponsorship: A Conversation on Strategy and Value
Learn what associations and nonprofits must get right to secure event sponsors, such as aligning your event with corporate priorities, avoiding the common missteps that stall deals, positioning your opportunities to resonate at the executive level, and building sustainable partnerships instead of one-off sales. More info/register.
Speakers:
- Lori Zoss Kraska, Founder and CEO of Growth Owl LLC
- Ed Byers, President of CANRev Collaborative and Owner of Non Dues a Palooza
Thu 4/30 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. – Humanity at the Core: Redesigning Association Governing for the 2030s
The belief that investing in the rapid adoption of generative or agentic AI-enabled platforms and services is the only pathway to establishing association “relevance” reflects a Silicon Valley-inspired perspective that runs counter to the true purpose of our organizations. This session will challenge participants to think differently about what it will mean to govern an association in the next decade, and how we must redesign our community’s current governing approaches by situating humanity at the core of board stewardship. More info/register.
Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First LLC
Fri 5/1 at 12 p.m. – Association Business Week Debrief: Big Takeaways, Fresh Ideas, and What’s Next
Close out Association Business Week with an open-access debrief that brings the best insights from the week into one lively session. PAR facilitators and select speakers from the week will share their top takeaways, emerging themes, and practical ideas you can bring back to your association right away. Ask questions, reflect with fellow association executives, and compare notes on what inspired you most. More info/register.
Host: Professionals for Association Revenue
Fri 5/1 at 1 p.m. – How Executives Choose Their Next AMS Panel
Most executives choose a new AMS maybe once a decade. Some have never done it at all. No wonder the process can feel overwhelming, slow, and—honestly—a little dated. Learn what actually drives a smart AMS decision today. Not feature lists. Not 200line RFPs. Not marathon demos. We’re talking strategy, outcomes, and the realities leaders face when the stakes are high and the change is big. Hear what works. What doesn’t. And the “please don’t do this” moments we’ve seen in hundreds of AMS searches. More info/register.
Host: re:Members
Speakers:
- Mark Soticheck, CEO, North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants
- Moira H. Edwards, MS, CAE, President, Ellipsis Partners LLC
- Kristina Jakstas, VP, Implementation, re:Members
- Patrick Dorsey (moderator), VP Marketing & Sales, re:Members
Association Brain Food takes about six hours a week to put together. If it saves you time finding good reads and CAE credits—or just makes for a better Friday—I’d love for you to buy me a beer.
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 Christie Greene via Unsplash
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