The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community
Good reads for the association community
Credentialing bundle revenue. Associations lose non-dues revenue every time a certification candidate registers for the exam but skips the prep course. TopClass LMS explains how credentialing bundles fix this by packaging prep content, study groups, exam registration, and CE resources into a single purchase. The post covers bundle types from starter packages to employer cohort deals, plus pricing strategy and LMS requirements.
Medical association programs. Medical associations run some of the most administratively complex programs out there, like certifications that affect a clinician’s ability to practice, research grants with limited funding, and multi-round clinical accreditation. For each of the eight programs typically managed by medical/healtcare associations, OpenWater describes how software built for this work handles them, with examples that include nursing, pharmacy, and physical therapy associations.
Non-dues revenue. One of the most downloaded resources I’ve shared recently, Intuto’s 2026 Non-Dues Revenue Playbook pulls from discussions at RevUP 2025 Summit and Future Forward webinars. Their advice is especially suited for associations where sponsorship, event, and education teams operate separately, each with their own goals and metrics. The report covers moving from transactional sponsorships to multi-year pathway models, putting your LMS to work as a revenue source, small-format events, and board alignment, plus a revenue readiness audit.
Membership pipeline problem. Association Laboratory’s latest Looking Forward® analysis is a wake-up call for association execs: membership is no longer the default expression of professional identity. Drawing on surveys and twelve years of data, they explain where new member recruitment is slipping, why the threat to future membership is real, and what questions to discuss with your board.
Membership value proposition. Only 11% of association execs believe their membership value proposition is ‘very compelling,’ per MGI’s 2025 Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report. Elizabeth Engel (Spark Consulting) explains why education, networking, and advocacy are harder to sell than they used to be, and makes a case for community as the thing that actually sets associations apart.
AMS implementation team. AMS implementation projects go sideways when the wrong people are in the room—or the right people aren’t. re:Members describes the five roles every association needs on its implementation team, what each person does, and how to handle the inevitable “I don’t have time for this” pushback. They’ve learned this from 400+ implementation projects, so give it a look if you’re anywhere in the AMS planning or implementation process.
Finding association friends. At The Walrus, Amarah Hasham-Steele tells her story about letting an algorithm pick her friends. Her Gen Z perspective is worth considering as your association thinks about how to use AI tools to connect members with local or virtual peers who share their interests.
AI-induced uncertainty. At Harvard Business Review, Toby E. Stuart argues that AI’s most important—and most underappreciated—economic effect is the fog of uncertainty it has cast over the future. That uncertainty is already making companies hesitant to hire or commit to long-term investments, a reality your members may already be experiencing. His prescription for individuals: develop the flexibility to reskill and reinvent yourself as circumstances change.
Snacks
In an analysis of 42,000 blog posts, researchers found that human-written content dominates top Google rankings, holding 81% of position-one spots. | Margarita Loktionova, Semrush
How to coach your team without making them defensive. | Wes Kao
Don’t trust results from free AI chatbots, like ChatGPT. Free and paid versions use different models, different tools, and pull from different data sources. | Dan Hinckley
Analysis finds that Google’s AI overviews are providing misinformation at a scale possibly unprecedented in the history of human civilization. | Frank Landymore, Futurism
If Association Brain Food has ever sent you to information you used, helped you earn CAE credits, or made Friday a little better, buying me a beer is a nice thank you.
You never grow old at the table
We enjoyed pomegranate molasses glazed salmon, although I thought the glaze was a bit too potent for the bed of spinach beneath it. A roasted sweet potato was the perfect side.
On Friday, I made linguine in marinara with Neapolitan meatballs. I pulled the meatballs from the freezer and warmed them up in the marinara. I served it with green beans sautéed with onion, bacon, sundried tomatoes, and parmesan. I also made garlic bread with softened butter, sautéed garlic, Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, and slices of mozzarella.
I bought regular A&W root beer instead of diet last week, so I searched for ways to use some of it before pouring it down the drain. We made root beer floats Saturday night and, on Sunday, I made Instant Pot root beer pulled pork. It was a hit. I doubled the smoked paprika and added chile powder and minced chipotle en adobo to the recipe. To speed things up, I browned the pork and onion in a large skillet. I didn’t use the braising liquid left in the pressure cooker since the pork was moist enough. If I decide to use it in the future, I’d first put it in a fat separator and only use the broth portion. We had the pork in wheat tortillas with sliced pickles for me and pickled jalapeños for Jim.
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 5/15 at 2 p.m.* – SharePoint or DropBox: Can You Really Ditch Dropbox? Lessons from the Microsoft 365 Trenches
Many associations are grappling with the real-world question of Dropbox vs. Microsoft 365, especially when it comes to external collaboration, security, usability, and cost. Practitioners and consultants who have made different choices will share candid, experience-based insights on what works, what does not, and why. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Speakers:
- Adam Kuhn, Director of Information Technology, FIA
- Christopher Gloede, CAE, Chief Consultant, Ricochet Advisory Services
- Joe Aldeguer, IT Director, Society of American Florists
- Michael Getter, Head of Technology and Digital Strategy, American Alliance of Museums
*All events are online at Eastern Time unless otherwise noted.
Mon 5/18 at 8 a.m. – Community Building and A.I. (AANHPI Month – 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 and the usual podcast channels.
Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, LPEC, Principal & Founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting
Guest: Sandra Nam of Qiqo
Mon 5/18 at 1 p.m. – Navigating the Future: A Nonprofit Leader’s Guide to Generative AI Adoption
Learn about a practical framework for AI adoption built around four core pillars: exploring AI use cases, establishing a strong data foundation, building an AI ready culture, and implementing appropriate safeguards and governance policies. Hear about data integrity, staff training, leadership oversight, risk management, privacy compliance, and the importance of maintaining human judgment in AI supported processes. More info/register.
Host: Raffa Investment Advisers
Speakers:
- Paul Preziotti and Kelsey Turner of Johnson Lambert
- Michael Gellman of Fiscal Strategies 4 Nonprofits
Tue 5/19 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 5/19 at 12 p.m. – From Analytics to Action: Making Data Work in the Boardroom
Learn how to turn dashboards and member analytics into narratives that grab leadership’s attention, build credibility, drive investment, and advance your organization and career through the power of data storytelling. Hear how to frame data around board decisions, build a repeatable narrative structure, translate tech metrics into business outcomes, and use data fluency to grow your influence and careers. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Speakers:
- Jane Nassiri, GrowthZone
- Rhoni Rakos, AAiP, Ellipsis Partners
- Shaun Holloway, American Motorcyclist Association
Tue 5/19 at 12 p.m. – Defining, Using, and Selling Your Member Value Proposition
Learn how to clearly articulate your association’s MVP and use it strategically to attract new members, strengthen loyalty, and demonstrate the value of belonging. More info/register.
Host: Zzeem Consulting
Tue 5/19 at 12 p.m. – Your Ecosystem of Volunteer Recruitment, Management and Retention (CRVM Monthly Crunch and Munch)
A strong volunteer system starts with clear value for both the organization and the volunteer. Recognition, growth, and meaningful impact drive engagement when they align with what motivates your members today. Effective systems and clear communication are key. Regularly evaluating what’s working, creating space for feedback and adapting to trends like micro-volunteering and shifting expectations will set organizations apart. Those that stay intentional and flexible won’t just recruit volunteers, they’ll retain and empower them. More info/register (ASAE members only).
Host: ASAE Component Relations and Volunteer Management (CRVM) Council
Facilitators: Andrea Cuellar of A.S.P.E.N. and Kevin Whorton
Tue 5/19 at 1 p.m. – Member Engagement Lab #3: How to Engage Members Even When You are Not Feeling It
When your mental bandwidth is low, anti-engaging behaviors can sneak in without you even realizing it. Unfortunately, those small moments can quietly push members away. Let’s talk about how to stay engaging even on the hardest days. You’ll walk away with simple ways to show up with intention keeping engagement strong even when your mood is. More info/register.
Host: re:Members
Speaker: Amanda Lea Kaiser is a member engagement strategist and author of Elevating Engagement: Uncommon Strategies for Creating a Thriving Member Community
Tue 5/19 at 1 p.m. – Your Event Looks Fine on Paper; A Secret Shopper Might Disagree
Learn how structured, on-site observation by experienced meeting professionals can surface patterns, tensions, and opportunities that traditional evaluation methods often miss. Drawing on recent, real-world examples, explore how observation—paired with stakeholder interviews, historical data, and experience feedback—creates a more complete and actionable picture of event performance. More info/register.
Host: Event Garde
Speaker: Aaron Wolowiec, Founder & President, Event Garde
Tue 5/19 at 1 p.m. – Psychology-Driven Learner Engagement Strategies
Explore the psychological principles behind learner motivation, and get practical tips to keep your audience engaged from the first module to the final assessment. Discover how gamification elements like badges and achievement milestones tap into intrinsic reward systems to boost completion rates and build lasting learning habits. Learn how the power of social learning deepens understanding and creates a sense of belonging. More info/register.
Host: Momentive Software
Wed 5/20 from 9:05 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. – Community & Engagement Platforms Demo Day
Watch presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer community and engagement platforms. Community and engagement experts will be showcasing platforms and sharing their knowledge with the association market. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Participants: Bulletin Apps, GrowthZone, Breezio, Hivebrite, Higher Logic, Forj, Tradewing, Clowder, Cantarus, and Izzy
Wed 5/20 at 12 p.m. – Nunchi, Briefing & Managing Up: The Art of Being Aware and Effective at Work
Nunchi, the subtle ability to listen and gauge others’ moods, originated in Korea in the 17th century. Nunchi allows you to walk into a room, know when to speak up and hold back, and how to get things done. It combines awareness, intuition, and emotional intelligence into a leadership skill. Learn how to understand nunchi, adapt your approach in the moment, and build strong connections with people who may help shape your success. Hear how to read your board’s mood, when to move forward with an idea, and how to make you and your organization shine. More info/register.
Host: Association Xchange
Speaker: Joanna Pineda, CEO, Matrix Group International
Wed 5/20 at 12 p.m. – How to Turn Your Community into a Predictable Non-Dues Revenue Engine
Today’s high-performing organizations are building integrated, community-driven revenue engines that deliver consistent results. Hear directly from industry experts and real customers on how they’re monetizing their communities across channels—and how you can do the same. More info/register.
Host: Higher Logic
Speakers:
- Melissa Rysak, VP, Communications, IPMI
- JJ Vitale, Executive Director, ACF
- David Jovel, Lead Sales Engineer, Higher Logic
- Brendan Leehe, Sr. Manager, Customer Growth & Retention, Higher Logic
Wed 5/20 at 1 p.m. – Capturing the Voice of your Future Member
Learn about the value of non-member insights and how they can help associations overcome barriers to growth. Hear how to identify and effectively utilize analytical tools and techniques, such as data analysis and customer journey mapping, to understand non-member behavior and improve engagement strategies, and develop actionable strategies based on non-member insights to align association goals with the needs of a broader audience and drive sustainable growth. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Fonteva
Speaker: Christine Saunders, President, Halmyre
Wed 5/20 at 1 p.m. – All Over the Map: Strategies for Uneven AI Adoption
Hear practical strategies for navigating uneven AI adoption and for keepiing staff moving forward without mandating uniform readiness or leaving skeptics behind. Get a framework for understanding where your staff actually is on AI readiness, a clear-eyed view of why uneven adoption is normal and manageable, and practical plays for three common scenarios: the department running ahead, the resistant manager, and the policies that don’t match reality. More info/register.
Host: Dennison & Associates
Speakers: Vanessa Dennison, CAE, Principal, and Beth Powers, Director of Professional Services, Dennison & Associates
Wed 5/20 at 1 p.m. – Search, Answers, and Visibility: Staying Findable in an AI-Driven World
Explore how associations can stay visible as search evolves beyond those blue links. Learn how AI impacts search behavior, what still matters for SEO, and how content, structure, and authority influence whether your organization shows up in AI-driven results. Hear about practical strategies to improve discoverability, protect long-term visibility, and ensure your content continues to reach the audiences who need it most. More info/register.
Host: HighRoad Solutions
Speaker: Maneesha Manges, CXO, HighRoad Solutions
Wed 5/20 at 1 p.m. – Your Event Budget: Saving $$$ While Maintaining Quality
Hear how seasoned pros are pulling off incredible events without blowing the budget. From stretching your dollars to managing client expectations, find out about the tips, tricks, and creative solutions you need right now. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Prevue Meetings
Speakers:
- Meredith Shottes, Chief Operations Officer, Miller Tanner Associates
- Huong Nguyen, CEO and founder, Shiloh Events
Wed 5/20 at 2 p.m. – How Association Job Boards Topple the Giants of Commercial Recruiting
Explore what sets association job boards apart and outline practical strategies for strengthening their impact. Get ideas for improving career center relevance, deepening engagement, and increasing the value their job board delivers to both members and employers. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Speakers:
- Chris Johnson, Vice President, Careers, Naylor Association Solutions
- David Butler, Senior Director, Enterprise Sales, Naylor Association Solutions
- Dr. Destiny M. Hastings, EdD, Director of Business Services, ASAE
Thu 5/21 at 10 a.m. – From Efficiency to Growth: Using AI to Drive Association Revenue
Learn how AI drives growth, engagement, and revenue in associations. Hear about opportunities to enhance member value using AI and strategies to build a more future-ready organization. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Speaker: Sherry Budziak, Founder and CEO, orgSource
Thu 5/21 at 11 a.m. – How to Design a Product Portfolio
All associations create value. But without a coherent portfolio, you’re missing patterns, synergies, and hidden revenue. Learn why a portfolio is indispensable for any association that wants to operate strategically, not reactively; how to analyze and map your current offerings; structure your offerings into a coherent portfolio that tells a clear story to your board, staff, and members; find the hidden connections between your offerings and use them to uncover new opportunities for your membership; use your portfolio as a strategy, planning, or budget tool; and maintain your portfolio so it stays relevant year after year, not just a one-time exercise. More info/register.
Host: James Young, CEO & Founder, Product Community
Thu 5/21 at 12 p.m. – Strategy is 20/20, Insights from Jessica Blue, Executive Vice President, Money 20/20 USA
Join us for a unique opportunity to hear directly from one of the leaders behind one of fintech’s most influential events. Plus, participate in networking breakouts after our exclusive live Q&A. More info/register.
Host: Women in Exhibitions Network
Thu 5/21 at 12 p.m. – Intro to AI Webinar for Associations and Nonprofits
Get a plain-language breakdown of generative AI and LLMs, what they are, how they work, and where their limits are. See real examples of how associations are using AI to deepen member engagement and simplify day-to-day operations. Watch live demos of the tools making the biggest practical impact right now. More info/register.
Host: Sidecar
Speakers:
- Erica Salm Rench, CMO, Sidecar
- Thomas Altman, Co-Founder, Tasio
Thu 5/21 at 12 p.m. – Membership Director’s 90-Day Playbook: Reset, Refocus, and Drive Member Growth
Learn how to assess your membership health, strengthen engagement, improve retention, and launch impactful initiatives that drive measurable results. This repeatable framework will help you tackle today’s biggest membership challenges—like retention pressure, demonstrating value, and limited resources—while setting your organization up for sustained growth. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: GrowthZone
Speaker: Shari Pash
Thu 5/21 at 1 p.m. – CFO Financial Communications and Interactions With Boards
Learn about the essential communication skills and strategic insights needed to effectively partner with, educate, and influence the board. Hear how to move beyond basic reporting to deliver financial information that is strategic, clear, and action-oriented, helping board members fulfill their fiduciary duties. Topics will include translating complex financial statements into key organizational narratives, managing the budget process with board oversight, communicating about risk and reserves, and handling challenging questions from diverse board member backgrounds. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Paul Preziotti, CPA, Partner, Johnson Lambert LLP
- A. Michael Gellman, CPA, CGMA, Co-Founder at Sustainability Education 4 Nonprofits
Thu 5/21 at 1:30 p.m. – High-Stakes Communication in the AI Era: Strengthening Executive Relationships Without Losing Your Voice
Explore how association executives can use AI to elevate communication in high-stakes relationships without sacrificing authenticity, executive presence, or professional voice. Learn how to strengthen board alignment, navigate sensitive internal conversations, and craft external messaging that builds trust with sponsors and strategic partners. More info/register.
Speaker: Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE, Growth Owl
Moderator: Barbara Armentrout, CAE, BJA Solutions for Associations
Hostess: Teri Carden, COO, Insight Guide
Thu 5/21 at 2 p.m. – What Gen Z Wants from Professional Communities
What resonates with today’s emerging professionals is a continuous, community‑driven experience where learning, networking, and collaboration flow seamlessly together. Explore the real drivers of Gen Z participation and how associations can design experiences that meet their evolving needs. Gain a clear framework for building year‑round value, strengthening retention, and creating a connected member journey that aligns with how the next generation interacts, learns, and grows professionally. More info/register.
Host: Tradewing
Speaker: Rhona Ruiz, Marketing Specialist, Tradewing
Thu 5/21 at 4 p.m. – Success & Sins of Association AI Use
The panel’s discussion of associations and AI covers: where to start; the most common mistake associations make when they start down the AI path; the biggest opportunities for associations with the use of AI; building internal buy-in when staff are either scared, too enthusiastic, or conscientious objectors about its use; their new favorite AI tool that others may not be aware of; and how the role of associations will change in light of AI in the future. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Reston Loudoun Swap
Speakers:
- Jay Daughtry (facilitator), Founder, CQbd
- Joseph Burak, Founder and Chief Strategist, TRANSiT Strategy & Analytics
- Liz Peuster, CAE, Chief Communications Officer, South Carolina Association of CPAs
- Dan Streeter, CEO, Mission Fuel
Wed 5/27 at 11 a.m. – Mastering the Three Zones of Association Leadership
Learn how strategy, risk management, and culture work together to strengthen or destabilize an association. Hear how to apply communication tools that help staff, volunteers, and members become aligned, and build long-term momentum by reinforcing habits that support clarity, resilience, and a healthy organizational culture. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Tip Tucker Kendall, Executive Director at National Grants Management Association
Wed 5/27 at 1 p.m. – Mastering Memory for Professional Success & Peak Performance
Learn to develop life-changing memory skills that you can immediately apply to better retain and recall valuable information from conference sessions, training classes, and other professional development activities. Find out how to become a master at remembering names to get more out of networking at business events, and leverage how human memory works to make your company’s messaging and event programming more memorable. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Chester Santos, Best-Selling Author and Global Keynote Speaker
Wed 5/27 at 4:30 p.m. – The Alliance DC Networking Event (Washington DC)
Join The Alliance for an evening designed to bring our community together through meaningful connection. Building on the energy of our previous gatherings, this networking event creates space for women across the association and nonprofit space to connect, share experiences, and build relationships that support both personal and professional growth. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.
Organizer: The Alliance for Women in Associations
Thu 5/28 at 11:45 a.m. – The Hidden Stress of Success: Mental Health, Burnout, and First-Generation Leadership
Explore the growing challenges of stress, burnout, and mental health among Latino professionals, with a particular focus on first-generation individuals navigating corporate and nonprofit environments. Learn how to recognize early signs of burnout in yourselves and your teams, understand how cultural expectations and first-generation pressures contribute to workplace stress, and explore practical strategies for building sustainable well-being while pursuing leadership and career advancement. More info/register.
Host: Association Latinos
Thu 5/28 from 5 to 7 p.m. – 2026 MMC + Tech Happy Hour (Washington DC)
Some of the best conversations happen after hours. Join AWTC’s community of women and allies for an evening of good company, good, and drinks in the heart of DC. Everyone is welcome, no MMC + Tech registration required. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.
Organizer: Association Women Technology Champions
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