Association Brain Food

Association Brain Food: 7.5.24

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

Association podcasts. Dave Coriale of DelCor and the Reboot IT podcast started a Linked group, Society of Association Podcasters. He’s inviting association podcasters to share their latest episodes there and you to share episodes you recommend for association professionals and industry partners.

Board development. Lowell Aplebaum and his team at Vista Cova published an excellent report on strategies and practices to prepare your board for effective governance. He gathered these unique approaches for pre-orientation engagement, orientation, and ongoing development from interviews with 35 association leaders. The appendix includes an extensive library of board training resources from 25 associations.

Board stewardship. Board members have to think of themselves as stewards who leave their association better positioned for the future than they found it. In a series of articles (part 1, part 2, and part 3) at Naylor’s Association Adviser, Jeff De Cagna describes the elements and imperatives of board stewardship. Share this insightful series with your board—hopefully, it will change your association’s approach to governance and the future.

Small-staff membership marketing. YourMembership offers guidance on membership marketing for small associations, including tips on personalized communication, joining and renewing procedures, new member onboarding, online communities, and online career centers.

Content curation. In one of my past association jobs, members raved most about our daily curated news update—articles we found and selected for multifamily homebuilders and their industry partners. I bet your members would love this valuable benefit too. You like this weekly update, right? Ann Gynn at Content Marketing Institute explains how to deliver curated content to your audience.

Membership models. Tony Rossell of Marketing General Inc. thinks the days of one-size-fits-all membership are over. You’re more likely to attract and keep members with either a combination or tiered membership structure.

Workplace challenges. This member research report from Halmyre Strategies describes the challenges faced by various professions as a new generation enters the workforce: burnout, work-life balance, client demands, doubt about the value of credentials, diversity, and changing workforce roles. They describe how associations can address these issues while meeting the changing needs of professionals.

Microlearning. Tracy King at InspirEd says, “Microlearning thrives within its own ecosystem, in a community of interconnected content. When done right, it’s a powerful tool that drives both business and learning outcomes.” She describes seven roles microlearning can play in your association’s learning portfolio.

Talking AI with your board. Patrick Glaser at McKinley Advisors explains how to discuss AI with your board. He suggests starting with discussions about the impact of AI on your association and industry, and outlining a strategy for AI.

Extra credit

Hit “send” with confidence: a step-by-step email checklist. | Amber Worthen, Email Maven

Top five association podcasts of the week: 6/28/2024. | KiKi L’Italien, Association Chat

Nobody wants to hear how busy you are at work. Seriously. Nobody. | Tony Case, WorkLife

We all need an attention cottage. | Alan Jacobs, The Homebound Symphony

You never grow old at the table

Last week, a new one-pan recipe turned into a keeper: speckled sea trout Thai green curry with green beans over basmati rice from The Fish Store: Recipes and Recollections by Lindsey Bareham.

We went to the beach (Salter Path, NC) for the weekend and had tomato sandwiches (brought from home), shrimp burgers, shrimp melts, and fried flounder. On our way out, we bought—what else—more local NC shrimp. For Sunday dinner, I made a pasta version of this New York Times recipe (archived free version): summer shrimp scampi with tomatoes and corn. I added onion and red bell pepper to the pan, cooked the shrimp last, and added several ladles of pasta water at the end—plus linguine.

On the side, zucchini and summer squash pesto with red bell pepper, broccoli stem, carrot, and onion.

If you’d like to subscribe, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

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 6/28 at 1 p.m.* – Talk with CAEs

An online space for CAE candidates to ask questions about the CAE (e.g., exam preparations, eligibility, exam content outline, study strategies, practice questions, tips and advice, etc.) and current CAEs to share their knowledge and experience with the exam. More info/register.

Facilitators:

Aaron Grau, CAE, President, Global Association Partners
DeeJay Hastings, CAE, Executive Consultant, LEWIS, LLC

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

Fri 6/28 at 4 p.m. – What Have You Done to Make Your Workplace Equitable, Accessible, and Open to the LGBTQIA+ Community

Join your association and nonprofit colleagues for an open networking discussion and best practices sharing about making our workplaces more inclusive for the LGBTQIA+ community. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Facilitator: David Falchek, CAE IOM CMP, Executive Director, Serving Seniors, Inc.

Mon 7/8 at 8 a.m. – Why Fundraising and Marketing Need to Be BFFs (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

Every week Rogue Tulips brings the nonprofit community intriguing guests discussing vital topics affecting nonprofit organizations around the world—and we have fun doing it! Episodes are published Monday mornings in both audio and video format, available on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcast, and Google Podcast (to name a few!).

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

Guest: Vicky Winkler

Mon 7/8 at 12 p.m. – Membership Monday

This month’s topic will be an encore presentation from one of the great sessions we had at our MMC+T conference in May. Join Joseph LoSasso from the National Hydropower Association, and Nathan Chamberlain from the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology as they present: Break Down Departmental Dams to Release a Flood of Member Value. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Tue 7/9 at 12 p.m. – Disability Inclusion and Accessible Marketing 101

Hear guidance on adopting sustained inclusion practices within marketing and communications. Learn how you can leverage disability inclusion in marketing as a competitive advantage, while creating a positive impact for our world. More info/register.

Host: American Marketing Association

Speakers:

Catherine Nichols, VP, Office of Accessibility, Salesforce
Sena Pottackal, Associate, Client Experience, DEI and Corporate Communications, Current Global
Allyce Torres, Director of Marketing and Communications, Disability:IN
Aria Childers, Assistant Manager DEI, American Marketing Association

Tue 7/9 at 12 p.m. – Tech Tuesday: Driving Organizational Growth Through Empowerment and Innovation

Hear Juan’s experiences and strategies on how to foster an environment where innovation flourishes and teams are inspired to reach new heights. Gain valuable insights into creating a culture of empowerment and innovation. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Guest speaker: Juan Sanchez, CIO, Inteleos

Moderators: Dave Coriale of DelCor and Reggie Henry of ASAE

Tue 7/9 at 12 p.m. – LGBTQIA2+ 2024 Community Call

A unique and inclusive opportunity for association professionals across all career stages to connect and engage over lunch and a space where you can openly share and discuss topics that are current and significant to the LGBTQIA2+ association community. Whether you have burning questions, pressing issues, or insightful experiences to share, this judgment-free zone welcomes your valuable contributions. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Tue 7/9 at 1 p.m. – Navigating the Data Frontier: Defining the Data-Driven Associations

Join a best-practice sharing session to learn from leading industry experts on fostering and building a data-driven organization association. Explore how data-driven strategies can enhance member engagement, inform strategic decisions, and drive organizational growth. Discover practical steps and best practices to transform your association into a data-driven powerhouse, poised for success in the digital age. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers:

Chantal Almonord, Chief Information & Engagement Officer, ISPOR
Kraig Conrad, Chief Executive Officer and Contract Management Institute Chair, NCMA
Wes Trochlil, Owner, Effective Database Management

Tue 7/9 at 1 p.m. – Advocacy for Associations: Keeping Members Engaged All Year Long

As the Congressional Management Foundation put it, “direct constituent interactions have more influence on lawmakers’ decisions than other advocacy strategies.” How do you activate your members for advocacy in 2024, when they can access all the world’s information and entertainment on a device in their pocket? Learn how to communicate with members to active them for advocacy, teach them to effectively engage lawmakers, and use social media and new technology to super-charge your advocacy efforts. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Michael Hoffman, Co-Founder and CEO, Gather Voices

Wed 7/10 at 11 a.m. – Mastering the Art of Partner and Sponsor Engagement: Strategies for Avoiding Being Ghosted

Hear about the challenges and uncertainties associations face when engaging with potential partners and sponsors. Learn strategies for implementing a multi-channel approach to connect with the right people, including leveraging social media, personalized outreach, and networking events. Discover effective techniques for building and maintaining long-term partnerships, promoting mutual benefits, and avoiding being ghosted by potential partners. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Marisol Garza, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Multiview
Dianne Vance, Director, Sales And Business Development, American Occupational Therapy Association

Wed 7/10 at 12 p.m. – Getting On the Same Page & Making the Case

Learn how to measure the efficacy of your current internal communications and build a better strategy. Find out about the magic question that provides information re alignment, sentiment, and communication opportunities. Hear about common measurement data and why it may make sense for you to collect your own data, how to use a specific two-question survey to collect powerful data about what’s going on in your organization and a basic business case approach that enables a different type of conversation with leaders. More info/register.

Host: L-12 Services Corp.

Speakers:

Mike Klein, MBA, FIIC, SCMP, Principle, Changing The Terms
Lizabeth Wesely-Casella, Founder & CEO, L-12 Services Corp.

Wed 7/10 at 12 p.m. – Leveraging Agile Leadership in an Evolving Agile Digital Era

Envision a business landscape where change is the sole constant. How do you steer it? Learn a proven framework for embracing agility and fostering innovation. Through strategies, AI, real-world examples, interactive discussions, and actionable takeaways, you’ll develop the skills to survive disruption and thrive in the digital age. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: AIOT

Speaker: Dr. Maurine Kwende, founder, EMK Learning Solutions LLC

Wed 7/10 at 1 p.m. – Questioning the Orthodox Beliefs of Association Governing

Learn about orthodox beliefs and why they’re detrimental to the work of association boards, CEOs, and staff partners; the most sacrosanct orthodox beliefs of association governing; and how association directors, officers, CEOs, and governance staff can think and act beyond orthodoxy. More info/register. If you register, take this quick LinkedIn poll and see his survey too.

Host: Association Forum Governance SIG

Speaker: Jeff De Cagna FRSA FASAE, executive advisor, Foresight First LLC

Wed 7/10 at 1 p.m. – 2024 State of Membership Survey: An All-Star Panel Weighs In

Hear what association executives and consultants are seeing in the profession and with membership and what these insights mean for all associations moving forward. Learn how associations are adapting to meet the needs of their industries and members, where associations are in their progress on a journey to digital transformation, the current status of hybrid and remote work for association professionals, and where associations are with new initiatives and providing opportunities. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fonteva

Speakers:

Kerri McGovern, MPP, CAE, Senior Director, Membership, Association of Corporate Counsel
Elisa Pratt, MA, CAE, CVF, Chief Executive Officer, Brewer Pratt Solutions
Chuck Salvetti, MA, Director, Membership Development, Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric & Neonatal Nurses
Sarah Sladek, Author and Founder & CEO, XYZ University

Wed 7/10 at 2 p.m. – Crafting Crowd-Pleasing Event Menus

Get an understanding of common dietary restrictions and how to cater to them elegantly. Hear about creative ideas for offering variety while maintaining cohesion in your menu, tips for effectively communicating menu options and collecting guest preferences, and cost-effective strategies to create an impressive dining experience within your budget. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

Tracy Stuckrath, Founder, Thrive! Meetings & Events
Dustin Ward, Executive Chef, Bold Catering & Design
Ryan Whitten, Director of Culinary, Bold American Catering
Sarah J.F. Braley (moderator), Managing Editor, Northstar Meetings Group

Thu 7/11 at 11 a.m. – Planning Like It’s Your Opening Day: Resources to Develop Your Next Annual Budget

Hear about a new approach to annual budgeting—one focused on how to grow revenue, relevance, and relationships, not on how to simply cut expenses. Learn about budgeting aligned to the mission and requirements within by-laws, examples of the budgeting process at all stages of development, and a plan for next year’s association budget built on an “opening day” mindset. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Lawrence M. Paska, Ph.D., CAE, Executive Director, National Council for the Social Studies

Thu 7/11 at 1 p.m. – Do You Trust Your Member Data? Break Your Data Silos with a Single Source of Truth

Data silos lead to inaccurate data, poor member experiences, and frustration for everyone involved. By establishing a Single Source of Truth (SSoT), you can avoid costly customizations, ensure seamless integrations, and create experiences that delight both members and staff. Hear how establishing a SSoT can transform your member-centric organization and allow you to trust your member data again. Learn how data silos alienate members and how to fix them. Find out how to create personalized, engaging member experiences, reduce reliance on IT, and free up resources. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: iMIS by ASI

Thu 7/11 at 1 p.m. – The Power of Connection: “Handling Difficult Conversations Effectively

Delve into the art and science of conversation and learn how to become an adept conversationalist. Learn how to hone active listening skills, foster empathy, and master the dynamics of engaging dialogue. Hear how to navigate challenging conversations and handle sensitive topics, conflicts, and diverse viewpoints gracefully. Find out how to refine your verbal and non-verbal communication to convey clarity, empathy, and understanding. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Kate Coffey-Bacon, VP of Marketing and Events, US Transactions Corporation/UST Education

Thu 7/11 at 2 p.m. – Maximizing Email Engagement: Key Takeaways from PropFuel’s 2024 Association Email Engagement Benchmark Report

Ready to take the guesswork out of email engagement? Hear the key insights from PropFuel’s first-ever email engagement benchmarking report, which analyzed 13 million emails to reveal the strategies that work (and ones that don’t). Learn about practical methods to optimize campaign audiences, transform broadcast emails into conversations, and maximize response rates. Get real-world examples of how two associations used strategies from the report to adopt the conversational engagement method and improve their email game. More info/register.

Host: PropFuel

Speakers:

Keith Gentry, Director of Member Engagement and Insights at ACEP
Jenna Goins, Director of Membership and Marketing at NACUFS
Dave Will, Co-Founder and CEO at PropFuel

Fri 7/12 at 11 a.m. – Cybersecurity for Organizations

How do you improve cybersecurity within your organization? Hear about best practices, things to consider, and steps to take to improve your cybersecurity landscape. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers:

Brian C. Lynch, CLCS, MLIS, Partner & Asst. Vice President, Ames & Gough
Audra Palmero, Sales Account Executive, Imperva
Wendy Sahli, Director Of Technology, RAPS

Fri 7/12 at 1 p.m. – Talk with CAEs

Facilitators:

Aaron Grau, CAE, President, Global Association Partners
DeeJay Hastings, CAE, Executive Consultant, LEWIS, LLC

Fri 7/12 at 4 p.m. – Online Communities Series: Part 3 – Leveraging Volunteer Community Champions to Increase Online Member Engagement

Learn how to clearly define the foundation of the volunteer program, find your superusers and engage the right people to be volunteers, work synchronously with volunteers and keep them engaged over time, and prepare for what to do in the best-case and worst-case scenarios. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speaker: Catherine Hackney, Online Community Consultant Specializing in Association Member Communities

Mon 7/15 at 1 p.m. – Women in AI: Regulations and Their Global Impact on Ethics

Learn about the emerging challenges in realizing a “fit to purpose” AI blueprint and how to navigate new and existing infrastructures. Get insights on how to determine your goals and choose the right framework for your organization. Hear about resources to apply responsible and explainable AI frameworks. More info/register.

Host: Women in AI

Speakers:

Ana Clarke, Founder & CEO, AC SmartData (Australia)
Nancy Eke-Agu, AI Transformation Leader, JDZ Technology Consulting (Canada)
Emma G Moller, AI Advisor & CEO, Lumiera (Europe)
Charlotte Tao, Co-Founder & AI CTO (USA)

Tue 7/16 at 12 p.m. – Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze? Increasing Your Business Efficiency

Learn how to incorporate greater efficiencies into your operations and processes so that your growth will be smoother and faster. Topics will include: business management processes; improving productivity; getting the right people in the right seats; client journeys, operational efficiencies, and process redesign; technology as enabler or obstacle; outsourcing; innovation; and how to find the inspiration and new ideas to continue to increase efficiencies. More info/register.

Host: Braintrust Professional Institute

Speakers: Randall Craig and Ronja Francoeur, Braintrust Professional Institute

Tue 7/16 at 12 p.m. – Intro to AI Webinar for Associations and Nonprofits

Learn what Generative AI and Large Language Models are and how they work. Get an up-close look at how an actual AI expert utilizes these tools in real-world scenarios. Take away the knowledge and confidence to responsibly implement AI in your workflows. More info/register.

Host: Sidecar

Speaker: Thomas Altman, Co-Founder, Tasio

Wed 7/17 at 11 a.m. – Don’t Be a Data Hoarder

Data hoarding wastes staff time, creates a bad member experience, and costs your association revenue. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to better manage information and fight the tendency to accumulate harmful information. Learn how to streamline your data management process and increase efficiency, improve the quality of your data and make it easier to analyze, enhance the member experience by using more useful data, reduce costs associated with organizing and managing large amounts of data, and create new opportunities for revenue growth driven by better insights. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Justin Burniske, MBA, Principal Consultant, Co-Owner, Meta-Dao

Wed 7/17 at 12 p.m. – Be Change Ready: Transform Your Component Strategy

Hear from several association change catalysts who’ve taken their chapters to the next level. Find out what they changed, why they did it, and how they harnessed the power of change to drive meaningful progress. Dive into their specific challenges including volunteer burnout, low engagement, and activity without progress. Learn how these CRPs secured executive buy-in and leveraged changes within their associations to generate momentum. More info/register.

Hosts: Billhighway and Mariner Management

Speakers: Peggy Hoffman of Mariner Management plus Jennifer Steffan, JoAnna Leon, Linda Norris-Waldt, CAE, and Glorianne O’Neilin

Wed 7/17 at 12 p.m. – Why the Board’s Duty of Foresight Remains a Radical Idea Ten Years Later

Learn what made the board’s duty of foresight a radical idea in 2014, why the duty of foresight remains a radical idea today, and how association boards and staff partners can act with intention to choose the duty of foresight. More info/register.

Host: Ewald Consulting

Speaker: Jeff De Cagna AIMP FRSA FASAE, Foresight First LLC

Wed 7/17 at 12 p.m. – Can Content Strategy Be Led by AI?

AI is the doer—the magical assistant “robot” we’ve all been dreaming for decades. With it though, comes a lofty set of questions around copyright, intellectual property, ideation and originality. For content marketers, there’s a fine line to balance between the value of accelerated productivity, at the expense of control and ownership. How do you decide when it’s time to turn to AI? Is there even room for AI to build your overall content strategy? Learn about the potential application of AI for associations from a brand and content programming perspective. More info/register.

Host: HighRoad Solutions

Speaker: Aimee Pagano, Director of Programming, HighRoad Solutions

Wed 7/17 at 1 p.m. – The Art of Persuasive Writing: Secrets from the Masters

Unlock the secrets of the greatest communicators and learn how to write with clarity, impact, and persuasion. Discover proven techniques to craft compelling messages that resonate with your audience. From mastering the active voice to using simple yet powerful metaphors, gain practical insights to elevate your writing and influence others effectively. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Bill McGlade, President, Community Leaders Institute & epIQ Creative Group

Thu 7/18 at 12 p.m. – How to Prepare Your Association’s Data for AI

From assessing the limitations of your current AMS or CRM to implementing solutions that bridge gaps between legacy and modern systems, get a roadmap for consolidating and structuring your data. Learn how to transform fragmented, inconsistent data into a unified, AI-ready resource that can drive your association’s success in the digital age. Hear about practical tools and techniques to navigate the complexities of data preparation, ensuring your association is poised to leverage AI effectively. More info/register.

Host: fusionSpan

Speakers:

Nicole Adair, Principal Solution Engineer, Salesforce
Jason Cookman, Senior Salesforce Architect, fusionSpan

Thu 7/18 at 1 p.m. – Creating Events with AI

Looking for advice on how to put AI to work in your events? Learn about the AI technologies on the market and how they can help you save time; how to use AI in the pre-event, live event, and post-event stages; and the value and impact of AI on your events. More info/register.

Host: American Marketing Association

Speaker: Brooke Gracey, Marketing Director, Cvent

Fri 7/19 at 3 p.m. – The Informal Consultants Networking Extravaganza

A monthly networking meeting for full-time consultants who work with non-profits and associations. It’s not an official ASAE event so you don’t have to be an ASAE member to attend. This month, besides news-sharing and advice-seeking, the focus is Business Development at ASAE24: Carrie McIntyre, founder of Navigate, will share tips for connecting, explaining what you do to a colleague (or potential client), and advice on following up. If you’re not attending ASAE this year, Carrie’s tips and advice will still have value as they are applicable throughout your business year. More info.

Organizer: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting

Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If your organization offers free professional development for the association community, please send me the link via email by Wednesday afternoon the week before it’s scheduled.

Creative Commons licensed photo of Old Glory on top of Chimney Rock in NC by Gene Gallin via Unsplash

Amazon and AssociationBrainFood.com links allow me to earn a royalty on any sales or leads that result from clicking. Thank you!

Association Brain Food: 6.28.24

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

Workforce trends. Association Latinos requests five minutes of your time to get your thoughts on workforce trends in association management. This survey will help them assess inclusivity, equity, and overall well-being in our field. The findings will bridge existing gaps and provide benchmarks for professional development and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Membership. It’s pretty much impossible to renew a disengaged member, says Fíonta. Their useful advice on member engagement and renewal is bound to increase your association’s retention rate. Even if you don’t have sophisticated software, you can put these tactics to work.

Industry partner trouble. When a website development firm went out of business, several association industry partners jumped to the rescue and helped the firm’s ghosted association clients figure out their options for saving and restoring their sites. In an Association Tech Insider episode, they discuss how associations can better manage responsibilities and relationships with industry partners and what you should do to protect your best interests.

Association podcasts. After you add that episode to your queue, check out five podcast episodes that KiKi L’Italien enjoyed recently.

LMS selection. In recent years, thousands of entrepreneurs and for- and non-profit organizations started online learning businesses. The learning management system (LMS) market has exploded in response. To help you sift through the options, D2L’s buyers guide for associations offers advice on the LMS selection process and walks you through the different system features, capabilities, and support services you’ll encounter out there.

AMS selection. In organizing two Ven-Cons, 501Works has demonstrated their commitment to improving association and AMS partner relationships. They just published the AMS/CRM System Selection Process Survey Results, which shows what 200+ associations and their vendor and consultant partners experience during system selection. Use this information to plan realistic project timelines, learn from the experiences of others, select vendors, and assemble project teams.

Membership. Aptify shares 50 ways to boost member recruitment and retention. See if you can spot anything new that might work for your association.

Online attendee engagement. Workshop participants told Amanda Kaiser that online attendees are more challenging to engage than any other segment, so she’s sharing advice on hosting super engaging virtual meetings.

Member engagement. To understand and get close to your members, follow marketing technology trends. Huh? Yes, says .orgCommunity, because you don’t know what you can do with data unless someone on staff keeps up with what’s possible and knows how to take advantage of the tech you have.

Membership course. Association Brain Food readers can earn up to 10 CAE credits with Chris Gloede’s popular live 10-week Association Academy Member Growth Certificate Course for only $499 with Brain Food promo code ACADEMY (a $50 discount). Thanks to this course, over 1,000 association executives have learned how to conduct research, develop relevant benefits, establish member content gates, evolve recruitment and retention campaigns, and grow membership. See the full course syllabus for more details. The course meets Thursdays, 1-2pm ET from July 11 to September 12. Class size is limited and has sold out in the past, so please register soon.

You never grow old at the table

On a hot summer night, blackened catfish tacos hit the spot. I serve mine with salsa, avocado, and a simple no-mayo slaw (cabbage, carrot, red bell pepper, sweet onion, lime juice, rice wine vinegar, vegetable oil, and cilantro). The blackened spice mix includes smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, ground ancho chile, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.

On the side, nopalitos (cactus pads) with tomato and onion—an experiment with a jar of nopalitos. I added fresh cilantro and oregano to the recipe. Although I drained and rinsed the nopalitos, they still tasted too pickled for me, but my husband loved them. I prefer the fresh sautéed nopalitos I enjoyed at a Mexican restaurant (Oaxaca) in Sedona. Their flavor resembles green beans.

Sunday, we had a tailgate before the Outlaw Music Festival, which I highly recommend because Robert Plant and Alison Krauss are AMAZING. Lukas Nelson (sitting in for his sick dad, Willie) is also fantastic, and a much stronger singer than his dad these days, with some excellent songs of his own. Earlier in the day, I made spicy Korean pork BBQ in the pressure cooker and served it alongside leftover slaw in hamburger buns and tortillas. Thankfully, we had enough leftovers for another night because it’s sooooo good.

If you’d like to subscribe, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

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 too product-centric.

Fri 6/28 at 1 p.m.* – Talk with CAEs

Facilitators:

Aaron Grau, CAE, President, Global Association Partners
DeeJay Hastings, CAE, Executive Consultant, LEWIS, LLC

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

Fri 6/28 at 4 p.m. – What Have You Done to Make Your Workplace Equitable, Accessible, and Open to the LGBTQIA+ Community

Join your association and nonprofit colleagues for an open networking discussion and best practices sharing about making our workplaces more inclusive for the LGBTQIA+ community. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Facilitator: David Falchek, CAE IOM CMP, Executive Director, Serving Seniors, Inc.

Tue 7/9 at 1 p.m. – Navigating the Data Frontier: Defining the Data-Driven Associations

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers:

Chantal Almonord, Chief Information & Engagement Officer, ISPOR
Kraig Conrad, Chief Executive Officer and Contract Management Institute Chair, NCMA
Wes Trochlil, Owner, Effective Database Management

Tue 7/9 at 1 p.m. – Advocacy for Associations: Keeping Members Engaged All Year Long

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Michael Hoffman, Co-Founder and CEO, Gather Voices

Wed 7/10 at 11 a.m. – Mastering the Art of Partner and Sponsor Engagement: Strategies for Avoiding Being Ghosted

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Marisol Garza, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Multiview
Dianne Vance, Director, Sales And Business Development, American Occupational Therapy Association

Wed 7/10 at 12 p.m. – Getting On the Same Page & Making the Case

Host: L-12 Services Corp.

Speakers:

Mike Klein, MBA, FIIC, SCMP, Principle, Changing The Terms
Lizabeth Wesely-Casella, Founder & CEO, L-12 Services Corp.

Thu 7/11 at 11 a.m. – Planning Like It’s Your Opening Day: Resources to Develop Your Next Annual Budget

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Lawrence M. Paska, Ph.D., CAE, Executive Director, National Council for the Social Studies

Thu 7/11 at 1 p.m. – Do You Trust Your Member Data? Break Your Data Silos with a Single Source of Truth

Host: iMIS by ASI

Thu 7/11 at 1 p.m. – The Power of Connection: “Handling Difficult Conversations Effectively

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Kate Coffey, VP of Marketing and Events, US Transactions Corporation/UST Education

Fri 7/12 at 11 a.m. – Cybersecurity for Organizations

How do you improve cybersecurity within your organization? Hear about best practices, things to consider, and steps to take to improve your cybersecurity landscape. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers:

Brian C. Lynch, CLCS, MLIS, Partner & Asst. Vice President, Ames & Gough
Audra Palmero, Sales Account Executive, Imperva
Wendy Sahli, Director Of Technology, RAPS

Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If your organization offers free professional development for the association community, please send me the link via email by Wednesday afternoon the week before it’s scheduled.

Creative Commons licensed photo by Aleksandra Boguslawska via Unsplash

Amazon and AssociationBrainFood.com links allow me to earn a royalty on any sales or leads that result from clicking. Thank you!

Association Brain Food: 6.21.24

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

Membership reset. A new report from McKinley Advisors got me thinking about the role of membership in associations. Too often, membership “just is.” Yup. “Membership lacks focus and intentionality in execution.” You’ll nod along as the report describes challenges (especially #2) we’ve put up with for way too long. They also suggest next steps, based on client and for-profit research, for delivering your membership promise, for example, infusing community and connection in everything you do.

Inclusion. Which vibe does your association give off? Velvet rope or come party with me? Inspired by a few evening ramblings, Elizabeth Engel of Spark Consulting asks you to examine the impression your association and membership experience are giving to those on the outside looking in. I know which vibe (and bar) I prefer.

AI and events. eShow describes the impact of AI on events and the challenges you must address when using AI. On the plus side, they explain how AI enhances marketing campaigns, personalizes the attendee experience, improves event security, and assists sustainability initiatives.

Content marketing. At Animalz, Ryan Law describes how to find helpful topics for your blog. When you’ve run out of ideas about “general first-order pain points,” write about “more specific second-order pain points, the ones occurring at the same time as first-order pains for the same people.” Here’s another argument for not publishing generic SEO-driven drivel and, instead, helping people solve problems and envision opportunities.

Association trends. The outlook for associations is optimistic, per Marketing General Inc.’s 2024 Association Economic Outlook Report. But a few data points trouble me. Two-thirds of associations plan to develop new products/services, yet only one-third of them plan to hire more staff. They better be proficient at phasing out programs. Also, most associations have abandoned virtual events—a missed opportunity for extending their reach and demonstrating inclusiveness to people who can’t or won’t attend in-person meetings.

Membership course. Association Brain Food readers can earn up to 10 CAE credits from Chris Gloede’s popular 10-week Association Academy Member Growth Certificate Course—only $499 with Brain Food promo code ACADEMY (a $50 discount). Thanks to this course, over 1,000 association executives have learned how to conduct research, develop relevant benefits, establish member content gates, improve recruitment and retention campaigns, and grow membership. See the full course syllabus for more details. The course meets Thursdays, 1-2pm ET from July 11 to September 12. Class size is limited and has sold out in the past, so please register soon.

Extra credit

50 ways to fuel a conversation. | by Debra Fine via Reads with Ravi

From fire hazards to family trees: the Sanborn Fire Insurance maps. | by Tobiah Black, The Public Domain Review

Beautiful. What can we learn from a hospice chef? | by Ann Richardson

You never grow old at the table

Last week, I made pan-seared almaco jack with green curry sauce (keeper!) from Nancie McDermott’s Quick & Easy Thai: 70 Everyday Recipes, along with a package of 90-second jasmine rice. On the side, the standard roasted broccoli and red onion, but this time I tossed it with a spice mix my brother made us for Christmas. I’ve no idea what’s in there, but the broccoli was better than usual.

For Sunday dinner, my southwest skillet—shorthand for a mix of ground chorizo and turkey, sweet potato, spinach and beet greens, onion, poblano, red bell, jalapeño, garlic, black beans, corn, chipotle en adobo, spicy spices, cilantro, and cheese.

If you’d like to subscribe, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

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 too product-centric.

Fri 6/21 at 12 p.m.* – How to Accelerate Non-Dues Revenue Growth: Proven Sales Tactics for Association Professionals

Sales comes with the territory if your job includes attracting sponsors, exhibitors, or advertisers for your association. Learn about strategies and tactics to help you attract and convert higher-paying customers with less effort, and without sacrificing member value. Find out how to get a prospect’s attention, convert the right companies, and create a better sales experience for your prospect and for yourself. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Carrie McIntyre, principal, Navigate

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

Fri 6/21 at 1 p.m. – From Live to Lasting: Transforming Webinars into Engaging eLearning

Learn practical strategies to maximize the impact of your existing webinar content by transforming it into versatile, on-demand courses. Explore effective methods to add interactive elements such as quizzes, polls, and discussion boards to keep learners engaged. Understand how to break down webinar content into manageable, bite-sized pieces to facilitate easier consumption and ongoing engagement. 0.75 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: BlueSky eLearn

Speakers: Jordan Baker, M.Ed., Learning Solutions Advisor, and Dr. Kristen Wall, MA EdD, Director of Learning & Development, Blue Sky eLearn

Fri 6/21 at 3 p.m. – The Informal Consultants Networking Extravaganza

Topic for this month’s networking meeting for association consultants is: business continuity planning for the solopreneur or small practice consultancy—in addition to any immediate concerns of the group, which will be discussed first. This meeting is self-organized by the consultant community, not an official ASAE event. More info.

Organizer: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting

Fri 6/21 at 4 p.m. – Autism Acceptance at Work

Learn how to create a better work environment, and best support neurodiverse co-workers. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speaker: Katie Kinde, Incompass Education Coordinator, and autism self-advocate

Mon 6/24 at 8 a.m. – DEI and the STEM Workforce (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Norman Fortenberry, Chief Executive Officer, Great Minds in STEM

Tue 6/25 at 10 a.m. – 10 Awkward Questions to Ask your Tech Vendor

An AMS salesperson might wow you with all the system’s bells and whistles, but asking key awkward questions will help you determine if you are investing in the right system to meet your association’s needs. Learn how asking the right awkward questions can set you and your association up for success. More info/register.

Host: Ellipsis Partners

Speakers: Jim Pearson, MS Ed, PMP, senior consultant, and Moira Edwards, CAE, president, Ellipsis Partners LLC

Tue 6/25 at 11 a.m. – To Take a Stand or Not: A Framework to Discuss and Decide

Learn how to rank the importance of polarizing positions based on your brand purpose, how and why certain polarizing issues become part of your brand conversation and how to manage them, the decision-making factors within which companies/associations navigate taking a stand, and how to effectively give leaders common language to determine if an issue is worthy of a campaign or public statement. More info/register.

Hosts: crisis communications experts Adele Gambardella and Chip Massey

Tue 6/25 at 12 p.m. – AWTC Leadership Technology Award Spotlight with Tracy Petrillo

Join award winner Tracy Petrillo to discuss perceptions in leadership and how to get your work noticed. Discuss practical approaches to demonstrate trust as you advance your career. Explore the unique value you bring to your work. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Tracy Petrillo, EdD, CAE, Chief Learning Officer, CASBO

Tue 6/25 at 12 p.m. – Insurance for Associations

Insurance prices have gone up and exclusions have increased. Do you have the right protection? Join us as we chat with broker Jodi Nobel to find out what you need to know about your organization’s insurance coverage. More info/register.

Host: Zzeem Consulting

Speaker: Jodi Nobel

Tue 6/25 at 3 p.m. – ASAE Quarterly Consultant Community Call

ASAE’s goal for this meeting is to provide updates to the consultant community and to open lines of communication between ASAE staff and consultant members. These calls are joined by ASAE leadership as needed to answer any questions from members. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Wed 6/26 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Engagement Platforms Demo Day

See presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer Engagement Platforms. Mobile experts will be showcasing apps and sharing their knowledge with the association market. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Presenters: PropFuel, Accredible, Higher Logic, Clowder, Credivera, SmartJobBoard, eShow, TopClass LMS, Matchbox, Hivebrite

Wed 6/26 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Unlock Member Loyalty: Volunteer Strategies for Higher Renewals (Arlington VA)

Volunteer (or chapter) programs create a sense of belonging and nudge members into a deeper connection with your association. Learn how to design volunteer programs that tap into members’ aspirations and fuel association loyalty. Discover how fostering a culture of volunteerism both strengthens your association and increases member retention through deeper engagement at all levels. Location: Arlington VA. CAE credits. More info/register (yes, it’s free and lunch is included).

Hosts: Impexium, Billhighway, Mariner Management, and Higher Logic

Speaker: Peggy Hoffman, President & Executive Director, Mariner Management & Marketing

Wed 6/26 at 11 a.m. – Seizing the Moment: Real-Time Event Data Analysis for Immediate Impact

With the phasing out of online cookies, in-person experiences have become one of the most effective ways to gather first-party data. And with generative AI making audiences question everything they see online, in-person events are taking center stage as the most trustworthy way to connect. Learn how to gather essential attendee data at the registration stage, monitor attendee behavior and evaluate interest level without invading privacy, ensure instant access to leads and their engagement history, use AI to analyze attendee data in real time, and drive the sales pipeline by streamlining data flow to CRMs. More info/register.

Host: Skift Meetings

Speakers:

Ben Durham-Kilcullen, Vice President of Engineering for Stova
Angela Tupper, Branded Content Editor for Skift Meetings

Wed 6/26 at 12 p.m. – Employee Mental Health Check-In

Learn how to appropriately check on the mental health of your team, gain insight into privacy “dos and don’ts,” and consider the perspectives of different workforce communities. Walk away with tips for noninvasive ways of showing you care about your team members’ mental health and well-being. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Association Xchange (AXC)

Speakers:

Christine A. Glover, SHRM-SCP, VP of HR, Consulting, Marcum
Cynthia White, Director of HR, Consulting, Marcum

Wed 6/26 at 12 p.m. – Unleash the Power of the Voice of Non-Members

Learn how to design and implement effective non-member research despite common challenges, understand the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that motivate professionals within your industry, and the critical differences between non-member and member affinity to your association’s brand and how it influences their sense of belonging. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Halmyre

Speakers:

Michael Grant, Director of Communications & Marketing, Canadian Society of Medical Laboratory Science
Diane Webb, Finance & Marketing Manager, Nebraska Pharmacists Association
Christine Saunders, Founder and President, Halmyre

Wed 6/26 at 1 p.m. – Crystal Ball Predictions for the Future of Associations

Learn what the panelists are seeing in their professions and with their memberships, and what this means for associations moving forward. Hear about the roles of associations in workforce development, new opportunities amidst evolving business models, creating organizational cultures that value agility and flexibility, and fostering strategic partnerships beyond transactional relationships. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fonteva

Speakers:

Meredith Ellison, DBA, CAE, Executive Director, Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence
Monica Pemberton, Vice President and Chief Information Officer, American Council on Education
Tracy Petrillo, Chief Learning Officer, California Association of School Business Officials
Natasha Rankin, MBA, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, Irrigation Association

Wed 6/26 at 1 p.m. – Using and Creating Legislative Scorecards

Discover how legislative scorecards can transform your organization’s strategy by ranking and categorizing elected officials based on their voting records, committee involvement, and more. Learn how to leverage legislative scorecards to inform the public, energize advocates, identify champions, and influence officials’ actions. Find out how the Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc. creates and deploys legislative scorecards to elevate its public affairs strategy. More info/register.

Host: Quorum

Speaker: Ryan Jayne, Senior Policy Counsel, Freedom From Religion Foundation

Wed 6/26 at 1 p.m. – Make your Association’s Value Clear and Compelling

Now, more than ever, your members expect a simple and consistent brand experience to help cut through the content and communications noise they navigate every day. The key to a successful brand lies in having a clear and compelling value proposition. Learn how to use a template to craft a value proposition, write your statement, and apply your value proposition. More info/register.

Host: Mercury Creative Group

Speakers: Cheri Quinn, Director of Brand Strategy, and Emily Youngblood, Client Services Director, Mercury Creative Group

Wed 6/26 at 1 p.m. – The State of DEI in the Meetings Industry and Beyond

Hear about the state of DEI at major tourism and meetings organizations and in the industry in general, how incorporating DEI programs that emphasize supplier diversity can create more engaging events, tips for making your meetings and events programs more inclusive to all, and resources for incorporating DEI elements in your meetings and events programs. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speakers:

Julie Coker, CEO, San Diego Tourism Authority
Jason Dunn, CEO, National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals
Elliott L. Ferguson II, President & CEO of Destination DC; Past National Chair, U.S. Travel Association
Al Hutchinson, President & CEO, Visit Baltimore

Wed 6/26 at 2 p.m. – Creating Events with AI

Hear about AI technologies on the market and how they can help you save time; how to use AI in the pre-event, live event, and post-event stages; and the value and impact of AI on your events. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: MeetingsNet

Speaker: Brooke Gracey, Marketing Director, Cvent

Wed 6/26 at 2 p.m. – How Hotel Costs, Safety Factors Are Impacting Convention City Competitiveness

Hear about new data and trends impacting the site-selection process from the research team behind the 2024 Convention Cities Index (CCi). Planners can use the CCi to compare destinations and evaluate which markets best meet the unique needs of their group. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the CCi research and a peek at the top 25 U.S. cities and top 25 global cities scoring highest on this year’s list. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Moderators: Loren Edelstein, Vice President, Content Director, and Elise Schoening, Editor, Meeting News, Senior Editor, Northstar Meetings Group

Wed 6/26 at 2 p.m. – FBO Monthly Virtual Meet Up

Monthly Virtual Meet Ups provide professionals in the Finance, Business, Operations and HR community with an opportunity to share pressing problems they are facing and gather input from their peers. These interactive discussions provide a low stake, engaging and informative experience. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Wed 6/26 at 3 p.m. – Navigating the Member Journey Part 6: Using Your Data to Create, Track, & Report Association KPIs

Periodically, associations go through an arduous process of defining strategic goals for the next few years. But very often, associations find it hard to measure progress because they lack clear KPIs to track their goals and/or a way to share them across the association. Learn how to identify the key metrics you can use to measure the progress of your strategic goals, use a snapshot dashboard to view all your KPIs in one place, and ensure you have what you need to track and report on your KPIs. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Association Analytics

Speaker: Bill Conforti, SVP of Strategy & Solutions, Association Analytics

Thu 6/27 at 12 p.m. – Looking Forward 2024 Challenges: First Look at How the Issues Impact Association Strategy

Thanks to the Looking Forward® Impact survey, we have a sense of how our current environment is impacting association members. Now, let’s examine the logical next question—given the situation members are in, how will this impact association strategy? What are the challenges associations face to their strategies and business model as they endeavor to carry out their mission? Hear about the challenges facing association strategy, the commonalities among associations, and complimentary Looking Forward® Dashboard custom reporting that facilitates conversations unique to your board or staff. 1.5 CAE credits. More info/register.

Host: Association Laboratory

Speakers: Nikki Golden, CAE, strategist, Felicia D. Kenan, JM, MPA, CAE, CMP, strategist, and Dean West, founder and president, Association Laboratory

Thu 6/27 at 12 p.m. – How to Accelerate Non-Dues Revenue Growth: Proven Sales Tactics for Association Professionals

Host: Carrie McIntyre, principal, Navigate

Thu 6/27 at 12:30 p.m. – Ten Years in, OMB Makes Significant Changes to the Uniform Guidance: Learn from the Experts

Ten years ago, OMB took the notable step of consolidating a myriad of circulars that regulated federal financial assistance (i.e., grants) into a “super” circular known as the Uniform Guidance. Now, OMB has published the most significant rewrite of this regulation to date. Hear about these changes and how nonprofits can utilize the new flexibilities to their advantage while remaining mindful and vigilant of compliance concerns and obligations. More info/register.

Host: Venable LLP

Speakers:

Marc Bucalo, Co-Founder, Award Advisors
Dan Durst, Co-Founder, Award Advisors
Diz Locaria, Partner, Government Contracts, Venable LLP

Thu 6/27 at 2 p.m. – Integrations 101

Hear real-world use cases where integrations helped associations improve their business processes and expose new user data and insights. Learn what an integration is and what it is not, why integrations are important for associations, the role of clean data for effective integrations, and what middleware is and whether you need it. More info/register.

Host: 501Works

Speakers:

Josh Carlson, Founder & Chief Innovator, PerByte
Richard Reyes, MBA, Vice President, Digital Strategy, ConnexFM
James Marquis, CIO, 501Works

Fri 6/28 at 1 p.m. – Talk with CAEs

Facilitators:

Aaron Grau, CAE, President, Global Association Partners
DeeJay Hastings, CAE, Executive Consultant, LEWIS, LLC

Fri 6/28 at 4 p.m. – What Have You Done to Make Your Workplace Equitable, Accessible, and Open to the LGBTQIA+ Community

Join your association and nonprofit colleagues for an open networking discussion and best practices sharing about making our workplaces more inclusive for the LGBTQIA+ community. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Facilitator: David Falchek, CAE IOM CMP, Executive Director, Serving Seniors, Inc.

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Association Brain Food: 6.14.24

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

ASAE Annual road trip. If you’re going to ASAE Annual in Cleveland and live in the DC area, join KiKi L’Italien on the Association Chat Road Trip to ASAE Annual. If I lived in the DMV, I’d be on this bus for sure. What a terrific way to start the Annual experience. All together now: one hundred bottles of beer on the wall, one hundred bottles of beer…

Event marketing. Fíonta shares eleven effective marketing strategies for boosting event attendance. You’ll find a few different and intriguing ideas to consider in this one.

AI for associations. In Nimble’s AI success kit, you get four resources: two 30-minute webinar recordings about AI for associations and two white papers, an introduction to AI for associations and a guide to developing an AI strategy.

AI acceleration. At Noema, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt discusses where AI is headed, when to “pull the plug,” and how to cope with China and other evil players. This post resonates with a sometimes scary but excellent book I’m reading now, The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-first Century’s Greatest Dilemma by Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of the AI company DeepMind, which was acquired by Google.

Non-dues revenue. Patti Callahan at Association Analytics describes a data-empowered method for thinking outside the traditional non-dues revenue box and shares examples from associations that are leading the way.

Membership app. Bulletin describes how a membership app helps improve engagement by providing a centralized communication channel for members. A mobile app is a tangible daily reminder of membership value. Plus, unlike social media channels, your association controls your app.

SEO for AI-powered search results. Jim Yu at Content Marketing Institute explains how to adapt your SEO and content strategies for Google’s new AI Overviews and AI-powered search rankings.

Extra credit

Nearly three-quarters of organizations were the target of attempted business email compromise attacks. You might know some of them: several association consultants recently received phishing emails from an association professional with a hacked inbox. | by Stu Sjouwerman, KnowBe4

Deep reading will save your soul. | by William Deresiewicz, Persuasion

Word and language nerds, this one’s for you. “Like” is a symptom of a lack of confidence in language itself. | by Wilfred M. McClay, The Hedgehog Review

Your boyfriend isn’t your camera man: “Her need for me to catalogue her life is slowly draining my soul.” | by Freya India, After Babel

Enjoy one-minute videos of parks from around the world. | One Minute Park TV <You know about Window Swap, right?>

You never grow old at the table

Last week, we loved deviled bluefish with coconut-spiked coleslaw, recipes from chef Ricky Moore of Saltbox Seafood Joint in Durham NC. I baked the fish instead of grilling it, added red bell and jalapeño pepper to the slaw, used regular (instead of preserved) lemon zest, and omitted the chervil. Next time, I’ll add pineapple and/or orange bits to the slaw.

I thought speckled sea trout with red chili and pecans would go well with our leftover slaw—and it did. The link to the original recipe on Serious Eats no longer works, but this copycat recipe has the details.

Sunday afternoon happy hour at my sister-in-law’s led to a visit on the way home to our local brewery, but luckily I had a quick sheet pan meal in mind for dinner: sheet pan Italian sausages with grapes and broccoli rabe. I added red onion and garlic powder to the mix, and served everything on top of polenta, aka Italian grits. Long ago, I copied the Washington Post recipe to Word since I’m no longer a subscriber. If you’re not a subscriber, check out the archived version.

If you’d like to subscribe, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

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 too product-centric.

Fri 6/14 at 1 p.m.* – Talk with CAEs

Facilitators:

Aaron Grau, CAE, President, Global Association Partners
DeeJay Hastings, CAE, Executive Consultant, LEWIS, LLC

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

Fri 6/14 at 4 p.m. – What Does Juneteenth Mean to You, and How Can Associations Honor or Celebrate It?

Participate in a networking discussion about what Juneteenth means to you and how associations can best honor/celebrate it. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Mon 6/17 at 8 a.m. – Leading Change (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Michael Randel

Mon 6/17 at 3 p.m. – Finding Focus: Establishing Strategic Priorities that Meet the Moment

Hear how association executives have approached strategy development and prioritization with mission impact in mind. Explore a data-driven, collaborative approach to strategic planning that aligns the board and staff to pursue a shared vision of success. Learn how to identify and establish enduring priorities that align with your organization’s mission, empowering you to drive meaningful impact while staying responsive to change. More info/register.

Host: McKinley Advisors

Speakers:

Deborah Bowen, FACHE, CAE, President & CEO, ACHE
Sherrif Karamat, CAE, President & CEO, PCMA and CEMA
Christie Tarantino-Dean, FASAE, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, IFT
Jay Younger, FASAE, President & CEO, McKinley Advisors

Mon 6/17 from 3 to 5 p.m. – Unveiling UX Insights: A Hands-On Exploration (Rockville MD)

Get hands-on experience with user research techniques and see how to collect insights that shape your member’s digital experiences so you can run your own UX research and usability tests to improve your association’s digital presence. Learn how to conduct usability tests to enhance UX functionality and user satisfaction from developing your research goals, building a test plan, executing your testing, and analyzing your results. Location: Rockville MD. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers:

Anisah Kabli, Director of Web Development at AVIXA
Rhoni Rakos, Director of Digital Strategy at fusionSpan
Ray van Hilst, Director of Client Results at Yoko Co.

Tue 6/18 at 12 p.m. – Intro to AI Webinar for Associations and Nonprofits

This webinar will teach you about Generative AI and Large Language Models, how they work, and how an actual AI expert utilizes these tools in real-world scenarios. Perfect for AI newcomers and early explorers, this session promises a unique opportunity to see generative AI in action, equipping you with the knowledge and confidence to responsibly implement AI in your workflows. More info/register.

Host: Sidecar

Speaker: Thomas Altman, Co-Founder, Tasio

Tue 6/18 at 12 p.m. – Membership to Leadership: Recruiting Millennial and Gen Z members to the Leadership Pipeline (CRVM June Crunch and Munch)

An active volunteer leadership pipeline and succession planning are integral to healthy, thriving chapters. But how do you keep the pipeline going when younger members aren’t joining the association or aren’t stepping up into leadership roles? Let’s brainstorm solutions together as we contemplate the motivations and barriers for joining associations among younger generations, share our challenges and successes in recruiting younger members to chapter leadership roles, and how chapters can encourage younger members into leadership. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Component Relations and Volunteer Management Council

Facilitators: Eva Przygodzki and Michelle Runge

Tue 6/18 at 12 p.m. – Grade Your MSP: Ensuring Your Nonprofit Receives Optimal Service

Learn to pinpoint essential services your Managed Service Provider (MSP) should be providing and assess the quality and scope of services received versus what is promised in SLAs. Find out about common warning signs that your MSP may not be fully serving your organization’s best interests and questions to ask your provider to ensure they’re aligned with your nonprofit’s goals. More info/register.

Host: ClearTone Consulting

Tue 6/18 at 12 p.m. – Designing for Impact: Mastering the Art of Strategic Event Design

Discover how strategic event design captivates and connects attendees on a deeper level, transforming ordinary events into extraordinary experiences. More info/register.

Host: Bizzabo Studios

Speakers:

Kacie Finance, VP of Enterprise Sales, Bizzabo
James Howitt, Director, Client Experience & Development, Smyle
Sophie Hulf, Senior Creative Strategist, Smyle
Nick Thomas, Technical Director, Smyle

Tue 6/18 at 1 p.m. – Mapping the Cookie Crumbs: A Hands-On Approach to Process Mapping

Learn about the fundamentals of process mapping. Find out how to create and interpret process maps and apply process mapping to improve business operations. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Gary Harpenau, COO, Innovia Consulting

Tue 6/18 at 1 p.m. – Positioning your Credentialing Program for Success

Learn how to build credentialing programs that meet the needs of stakeholders (now and as they evolve in the future), are consistent with best practices, and are legally defensible. Hear how to gather evidence to make decisions, define members’ needs, find cost-effective solutions for key steps and services in the credentialing process, and create a product portfolio of diverse offerings that address professional development needs and drive revenue. 1 CAE credit. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Cynthia Allen, ICE-CCP, President, SeaCrest Consulting
Amanda Dainis, PhD, MPA, CEO & Lead Psychometrician, Dainis & Company, Inc.
Michael Mayer, President, Prolydian

Tue 6/18 at 2 p.m. – Supplier Diversity: The Untapped DEI Strategy that All Associations Need to Implement

the benefits of supplier diversity but more importantly your role in building and growing a supplier diversity program within your company that will transform lives and create true economic equity. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Wed 6/19 at 11 a.m. – Charting the Course Beyond Membership: The Essential Role of Non-dues Revenue in Association Success

Learn how associations can strategically leverage non-dues revenue opportunities to ensure financial stability and long-term success. Hear about practical strategies, best practices, and real-life examples to maximize revenue potential and drive success beyond traditional membership models. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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

Thu 6/20 at 12 p.m. – Association Reserves (Alexandria VA)

Bring your top-of-mind questions to this “IRL” exchange in Alexandria with Matt and association peers on investment policies, the role of volunteers, best uses of cash assets and positioning reserves as more than a “rainy-day fund.” Location: Alexandria VA. More info/register.

Host: NoVA Association Senior Executives

Speaker: Matt O’Lone CIMA® of Raffa Investment Advisers

Thu 6/20 at 12 p.m. – Member ROI Group

The live discussions will be predominately in CAE education domains related to member ROI on the first and third Thursdays of the month with some exceptions. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Ed Rigsbee

Thu 6/20 at 12:30 p.m. – Behind the Screens: TMA’s Website Makeover

Hear about the “behind the screens” experiences leading TMA’s successful website redesign including what worked (and didn’t): designing the RFP and finding the right partner, streamlining navigation and introducing modern branding, creating member journeys and personalized experiences, and empowering TMA’s small staff and creating efficiencies. 0.5 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: .orgSource

Speakers:

Jodi Talley, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications, Turnaround Management Association
Laura Graham, Senior Solutions Consultant, Results Direct | RD Mobile

Thu 6/20 at 1 p.m. – How to Build an Effective Business Continuity Plan

An effective business continuity plan (BCP) seeks to minimize downtime and lost goodwill in the event your operations are disrupted. This spans everything from identifying potential losses to drawing up recovery plans to designing system and personnel redundancies to simulating various incidents. Learn why business continuity plans still matter in the age of remote work, the anatomy of a comprehensive BCP according to current best practice, and hw to go about building your association’s unique plan. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Chris Abel, Manager of Consulting Services, and Heinan Landa, Founder & CEO, Optimal Networks

Thu 6/20 at 2 p.m. – Developing Brand Identity for Events

Deciding how to develop a brand for an event brings up a lot of questions, like how much or how little it should look like your organization’s brand. Hear about event brands the speakers have worked on, and what path they chose and why. Learn about the different styles available when branding your organization’s event, what makes a good event brand, and how to get started at creating a look for your event. More info/register.

Host: Iris Creative Group

Speakers: Beth Brodovsky, president, and Meghan Reilly, art director, Iris Creative Group

Thu 6/20 at 2 p.m. – How to Plan Must-Attend Healthcare Conferences

In a world where healthcare workers have their choice of ways to earn continuing medical education (CMEs), how do you plan a healthcare conference they will travel to attend? Learn how AI is changing the job of the healthcare conference planner; how to market and design an event that accounts for sustainability, wellness and inclusivity; and how to elevate your medical meetings program. More info/register.

Host: Smart Meetings

Speaker: Ariana Reed

Fri 6/21 at 1 p.m. – From Live to Lasting: Transforming Webinars into Engaging eLearning

Host: BlueSky eLearn

Speakers: Jordan Baker, M.Ed., Learning Solutions Advisor, and Dr. Kristen Wall, MA EdD, Director of Learning & Development, Blue Sky eLearn

Fri 6/21 at 3 p.m. – The Informal Consultants Networking Extravaganza

Organizer: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting

Fri 6/21 at 4 p.m. – Autism Acceptance at Work

Learn how to create a better work environment, and best support neurodiverse co-workers. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speaker: Katie Kinde, Incompass Education Coordinator, and autism self-advocate

Tue 6/25 at 10 a.m. – 10 Awkward Questions to Ask your Tech Vendor

Host: Ellipsis Partners

Speakers: Jim Pearson, MS Ed, PMP, senior consultant, and Moira Edwards, CAE, president, Ellipsis Partners LLC

Tue 6/25 at 12 p.m. – AWTC Leadership Technology Award Spotlight with Tracy Petrillo

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Tracy Petrillo, EdD, CAE, Chief Learning Officer, CASBO

Tue 6/25 at 3 p.m. – ASAE Quarterly Consultant Community Call

Host: ASAE

Wed 6/26 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Engagement Platforms Demo Day

Host: ASAE

Presenters: PropFuel, Accredible, Higher Logic, Clowder, Credivera, SmartJobBoard, eShow, TopClass LMS, Matchbox, Hivebrite

Wed 6/26 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Unlock Member Loyalty: Volunteer Strategies for Higher Renewals (Arlington VA)

Hosts: Impexium, Billhighway, Mariner Management, and Higher Logic

Speaker: Peggy Hoffman, President & Executive Director, Mariner Management & Marketing

Wed 6/26 at 3 p.m. – Navigating the Member Journey Part 6: Using Your Data to Create, Track, & Report Association KPIs

Host: Association Analytics

Speaker: Bill Conforti, SVP of Strategy & Solutions, Association Analytics

Thu 6/27 at 2 p.m. – Integrations 101

Host: 501Works

Speakers:

Josh Carlson, Founder & Chief Innovator, PerByte
Richard Reyes, MBA, Vice President, Digital Strategy, ConnexFM
James Marquis, CIO, 501Works

Creative Commons licensed photo by Irina Iriser via Unsplash

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Association Brain Food: 6.7.24

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

Generative AI. AI content is short-term arbitrage, not a long-term content marketing strategy, says Ryan Law at Ahrefs. Google doesn’t look kindly on AI-infused content. You won’t stand out in your market or connect and build trust with your audience if you’re publishing mediocre AI-generated content. I’ve got room in my schedule for another client if you’d rather share the expertise and experience of a real human.

Strategic advice. Once again, Dean West of Association Laboratory applies lessons learned from his European travels to aspects of association management, such as anticipating setbacks, building on and updating earlier structures, seeking guidance, understanding roles, and finding time for an aperitivo or two.

Event technology. For their event technology buyer’s guide, EventMobi interviewed 20 association event professionals to better understand the most time-consuming challenges when buying event technology—a good thing to know when starting a selection project. They share insights on what you should look for in a technology partner, key questions to ask potential vendors, and purchasing mistakes to avoid.

Google rankings. The SEO community is buzzing about the internal Google documents leaked to the founder of an SEO software company. Tim Metz at Animalz shares the biggest takeaway: “original, helpful content beats copycat fluff.” He wisely advises writing for readers, not for SEO algorithms.

Annual conferences. Redesigning your annual conference is risky but you have to keep appealing to new audiences as they enter and make their way through the workplace. Kara Nacarato at Event Garde offers advice on balancing tradition and innovation when reinventing the annual conference experience.

Membership. A few common issues come up in GrowthZone’s latest association survey report. One is the difficulty of proving the value of membership to prospects and members. Another is persuading members to make time for association engagement. The report spotted a lack of intention in solving these issues: most associations admit to not having documented plans for member engagement, young professional recruitment and lapsed member reengagement. Seems like a good place to start.

Event sunsetting. Chamber Pros Community describes how to use data to assess whether an event is still serving your chamber, chapter, or association.

AI detection. Last summer, MIT researchers advised not relying on AI detection tools to determine whether someone used ChatGPT because of false positives. But many companies still think these tools work. Josh Bernoff says generative AI platforms write with an “accent,” that’s how you spot suspect content.

Off-topic

How to turn off Google’s annoying AI overviews and only get search results. | by Avram Piltch, Tom’s Hardware

What a disaster. Why reading books, not paragraphs, is essential for our children and for civilization. | by Doug Lemov, Education Next

On a visit to the Cathedral at Chartres. | by Peter Hitchens, The Lamp

Anne Elliot is twenty-seven. (IYKYK) | by B. D. McClay, The Paris Review

You never grow old at the table

My fish market recommended this satisfying recipe: pan-seared blueline tilefish with mushrooms, asparagus, and onions. Despite what the recipe says, just use one pan to sauté the mushrooms, onions, and asparagus all at the same time. I added garlic to the recipe and increased all the amounts because I had one pound of tilefish fillets.

The next night, we had pan-seared lemon-pepper yellowfin tuna steaks. Avoid god-knows-what and make your own lemon-pepper seasoning from lemon zest, freshly ground black pepper, and salt. I added a big, smooshed garlic clove to the oil as it was heating up and sprinkled lemon juice over the steaks as they were cooking.

For Sunday breakfast, we had this tasty dish: baked eggs with salsa verde. I used Muenster cheese instead of Monterey Jack because we had some in the frig. I’ve made salsa verde a few different ways but never in a blender like this. The leftover salsa is doing wonders for my breakfast burritos.

For dinner on Sunday, I made Ina Garten’s skillet-roasted chicken and potatoes from her cookbook, Modern Comfort Food. Delicious as you would expect from Ina. My only change: adding rosemary in addition to the recommended thyme. On the side, roasted broccoli, orange cauliflower, and purple cauliflower with red onion and garlic powder.

If you’d like to subscribe, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

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 too product-centric.

Fri 6/7 at 11 a.m.* – To Take a Stand or Not: A Framework to Discuss and Decide

Hosts: crisis communications expert Adele Gambardella and Chip Massey

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

Fri 6/7 at 4 p.m. – Online Communities Series: Part 2 – Creating an Impactful Onboarding Campaign for an Association’s Online Community

Do more than welcome members into your community with a strategic onboarding campaign that gets them deeply engaged within their first year. A simple, efficient campaign educates members on how to effectively utilize the community, ensuring they get value out of using it. These ideas can also be used when reviewing the comprehensive member onboarding processes and campaigns that your organization has set up. Learn techniques that result in a 5% increase in member engagement within the first few months. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speaker: Catherine Hackney, online community consultant specializing in association member communities

Mon 6/10 at 8 a.m. – Meetings in Politically Challenging Environments (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Frank Gainer, Vice President, Meetings & Events, American Occupational Therapy Association

Mon 6/10 at 12 p.m. – Membership Monday: Leveraging Volunteers to Supercharge Community Engagement

Learn how to clearly define the foundation of a Community Champions volunteer program, find superusers and engage the right people to be volunteers, work synchronously with volunteers and keep them engaged over time, and prepare for what to do in best-case and worst-case scenarios. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Speaker: Catherine Hackney with Confident Communities Consulting

Tue 6/11 from 12 to 2 p.m. – AI Policy, Practice & Communication (Washington DC)

Hear three association case studies on using AI to create content, develop a special magazine issue on AI, and put together an internal AI use policy. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.

Host: AM&P Next community

Speakers:

Matthew Cibellis, Learning First Alliance
Cecily Garber, associate vice president, communications and member relations, NBOA: Business Leadership for Independent Schools
Dani Gudakunst, managing editor, Police Chief, International Association of Chiefs of Police

Tue 6/11 at 12 p.m. – Tech Tuesday: Supercharge Your Association with Data & AI

Discover how data and AI can propel your association’s growth. Hear valuable insights on leveraging technology to drive success. Learn from your community and transform your association with cutting-edge strategies. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Technology Council

Speaker: Tori Miller Liu, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO of the Association for Intelligent Information Management,

Moderators: Reggie Henry of ASAE and Dave Coriale of DelCor Technology Solutions

Tue 6/11 at 12 p.m. – LGBTQIA2+ 2024 Community Call

This event is a unique and inclusive opportunity for association professionals across all career stages to connect and engage over lunch. It’s a space where you can openly share and discuss topics that are current and significant to the LGBTQIA2+ association community. Whether you have burning questions, pressing issues, or insightful experiences to share, this judgment-free zone welcomes your valuable contributions. Let’s come together to support, learn from each other, and build a stronger, more inclusive community. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Tue 6/11 at 4:30 p.m. CDT – AWTC AMS Fest Chicago Welcome (Chicago IL)

Come network with the AWTC community of women and allies. Location: Chicago IL. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Wed 6/12 at 12 p.m. – Prepping Your Team for a Migration Journey

Migrating to new systems requires not only tactical planning and training, but knowing when to rally staff as they adopt new processes and manage change. Since technology, and more importantly, data is owned by more than one team, associations also have to figure out how best to move forward while maintaining business continuity. Learn what to watch out for and how you can update your association technology stack while minimizing disruption and ensuring continued ownership and improvements. More info/register.

Host: HighRoad Solutions

Speaker: Chandler Miller, Sr Digital Advisor, HighRoad Solutions

Wed 6/12 at 12 p.m. – Beyond Content: AI Strategies To Boost Your Association’s PR Efforts (Open Mic)

Learn about AI tools that not only enhance the readability and SEO of your press releases but also optimize timing for distribution to maximize engagement. Hear about the power of predictive analytics to refine your PR strategies, analyze historical data and current trends, and predict which efforts will yield the best results, helping you craft content that truly engages your audience. Learn how to create a customized AI model tailored to your association’s needs. More info/register.

Host: OnWrd & UpWrd

Speakers: Colleen Gallagher, President & CEO, and Meghan Henning, Senior PR Strategist, OnWrd & UpWrd

Wed 6/12 at 12:30 p.m. – YPAC Lunch & Learn: Navigating Trust Falls, Ice Breakers, and Team Building

In today’s semi-remote world, how can we build connections across job titles, functions, and generations in meaningful and constructive ways? How do you approach bringing your authentic selves to a new workplace? Learn how to foster and develop relationships in your workplace. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Young Professionals Committee

Speakers: Genevieve Borello, CAE, MPA

Wed 6/12 at 1 p.m. – Lessons From Amazon: Mastering Data Analytics for Unmatched Customer Experience

Members expect personalized, responsive service that anticipates their needs and preferences. Amazon has set the gold standard by leveraging data analytics to create ultra-curated experiences for each customer. But how do they do it? Hear about Amazon’s strategies and actionable insights for organizations aspiring to deliver similar excellence. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Rachel Mace, Director of Client Experience, Association Analytics

Wed 6/12 at 1 p.m. – Because You Are Worth It: The Art and Science of Self-Promotion and Self-Advocacy

Learn how the art and science of self-advocacy and promotion showcases and highlights career accomplishments for professional advancement. However, factors such as cultural background, gender norms, imposter syndrome, and career stage can present barriers. Hear insights, real-world examples, and tools that help you become more effective at self-promotion for career advancement and enhancement. More info/register.

Host: Association Latinos

Wed 6/12 from 1 to 4 p.m. – Panel Discussion: Credential Value Creation (Washington DC)

Explore credential value creation with a panel of diverse speakers, presenting perspectives from certification organizations in different industries, an accreditation organization, and a certification lawyer. We will begin with updates from our four panelists on key aspects of credential value creation including two cases studies and then move to an open Q&A panel discussion. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.

Host: Certification Network Group

Speakers:

Julia Judish, Special Counsel, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Joe Maslott, CPA, AICPA
Usma Mohamed, Council for Professional Recognition
Denise Roosendaal, Institute for Credentialing Excellence

Wed 6/12 at 2 p.m. – 2024 CQ Election Watch: US Presidential Campaigns

Learn everything you need to know about the 2024 presidential election and how to start preparing. Hear about key battleground states, emerging campaign strategies, and the critical issues shaping the electoral landscape. More info/register.

Host: CQ

Speakers: CQ and Roll Call White House correspondent John T. Bennett and elections analyst Nathan L. Gonzales

Thu 6/13 at 10 a.m. – Unlock the Power of Translation: How to Create a Language Strategy for Your Association

Find out about all aspects of translation and language strategies for associations. Discover the benefits of translation beyond just member growth, including reach, perception, inclusion, and accessibility. Learn how to conduct market research to assess translation needs and develop a cohesive language strategy to maximize ROI. Hear about various translation options, such as in-house staff, third-party vendors, and AI technology. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE International Associations Advisory Council

Speakers:

Jakub Konysz, MBA, IOM, CAE, Founder and CEO, Global Navigators
Magdalena Nowicka Mook, CEO, International Coaching Federation
Allison Ferch (moderator), Executive Director, Globalization and Localization Association

Thu 6/13 at 12 p.m. – Power Dynamics in Nonprofit Governance: Recognition, Redistribution, and Resistance

Explore new perspectives and cutting-edge practices in governance, with a strong emphasis on bridging the gap between research and practical application. More info/register.

Host: ARNOVA Governance Section

Speakers:

Patricia Bradshaw, Ph.D., Professor Emeria, Sobey School of Business, Saint Mary’s University, Canada
Nesly Metayer, Ph.D. , Principal, EquiLead Consulting Group

Thu 6/13 at 1 p.m. – Creating Vibrant Online Communities: Strategies & Insights for Membership & Marketing

Hear about the complexities of creating inviting and engaging online communities that drive member retention and growth. Learn why traditional measures of engagement are not synonymous with vibrancy, how to implement the essential elements of a vibrant community, how vibrant communities drive member retention and growth, and why the most impactful communities foster a sense of genuine belonging. More info/register.

Host: Forj

Speakers:

Heidi Ellis, Managing Director, Community and Event Engagement, ISTE
Kurt Heikkinen, Chief Executive Officer, Forj

Thu 6/13 from 5 to 7 p.m. CDT: Noche de Cultura y Comunidad (Chicago IL)

This evening showcases Latino culture, traditional foods, refreshing beverages, and a familia vibe for networking. Enjoy cultural games and trivia, learn about Latino culture, and get ready to bailar as we turn up the music with lively Latino rhythms. This event isn’t just about fun; it’s a chance to strengthen connections among colleagues, allies, and familia within the nonprofit sector. Whether you’re part of the Latino community or a supportive ally, you’ll find something to enjoy, learn, and dance to. More info/register.

Host: Association Latinos

Fri 6/14 at 1 p.m. – Talk with CAEs

Facilitators:

Aaron Grau, CAE, President, Global Association Partners
DeeJay Hastings, CAE, Executive Consultant, LEWIS, LLC

Fri 6/14 at 4 p.m. – What Does Juneteenth Mean to You, and How Can Associations Honor or Celebrate It?

Participate in a networking discussion about what Juneteenth means to you and how associations can best honor/celebrate it. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Mon 6/17 at 3 p.m. – Finding Focus: Establishing Strategic Priorities that Meet the Moment

Host: McKinley Advisors

Speakers:

Deborah Bowen, FACHE, CAE, President & CEO, ACHE
Sherrif Karamat, CAE, President & CEO, PCMA and CEMA
Christie Tarantino-Dean, FASAE, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, IFT
Jay Younger, FASAE, President & CEO, McKinley Advisors

Mon 6/17 from 3 to 5 p.m. – Unveiling UX Insights: A Hands-On Exploration (Rockville MD)

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers:

Anisah Kabli, Director of Web Development at AVIXA
Rhoni Rakos, Director of Digital Strategy at fusionSpan
Ray van Hilst, Director of Client Results at Yoko Co.

Tue 6/18 at 12 p.m. – 10 Awkward Questions to Ask your Tech Vendor

Host: Ellipsis Partners

Speakers: Jim Pearson, MS Ed, PMP, senior consultant, and Moira Edwards, CAE, president, Ellipsis Partners LLC

Tue 6/18 at 1 p.m. – Mapping the Cookie Crumbs: A Hands-On Approach to Process Mapping

Learn about the fundamentals of process mapping. Find out how to create and interpret process maps and apply process mapping to improve business operations. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Gary Harpenau, COO, Innovia Consulting

Tue 6/18 at 1 p.m. – Positioning your Credentialing Program for Success

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Cynthia Allen, ICE-CCP, President, SeaCrest Consulting
Amanda Dainis, PhD, MPA, CEO & Lead Psychometrician, Dainis & Company, Inc.
Michael Mayer, President, Prolydian

Wed 6/19 at 11 a.m. – Charting the Course Beyond Membership: The Essential Role of Non-dues Revenue in Association Success

Host: UST Education

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

Thu 6/20 at 12:30 p.m. – Behind the Screens: TMA’s Website Makeover

Host: .orgSource

Speakers:

Jodi Talley, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications, Turnaround Management Association
Laura Graham, Senior Solutions Consultant, Results Direct | RD Mobile

Thu 6/20 at 1 p.m. – How to Build an Effective Business Continuity Plan

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Chris Abel, Manager of Consulting Services, and Heinan Landa, Founder & CEO, Optimal Networks

Fri 6/21 at 3 p.m. – The Informal Consultants Networking Extravaganza

Organizer: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting

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Association Brain Food: 5.31.24

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

Humans vs AI. At The Atlantic, Tyler Austin Harper highlights the big AI risk not enough people are seeing: “We need to adopt a more sophisticated approach to artificial intelligence, one that allows us to distinguish… which uses of artificial intelligence expand our basic human capabilities, and which cultivate incompetence and incapacity under the guise of empowerment.”

Connections. When flying, my nose is usually buried in my Kindle. But last week, I enjoyed chatting with the mature 12-year-old sitting next to me who was enjoying her book while traveling home on her own. Amanda Lea Kaiser describes how these conversations with strangers are often deep, meaningful, and life-changing. I’m looking forward to the rest of her series about helping strangers (members) connect—and wonder what my young seatmate took away from our chat.

Membership renewals. Impexium dives deep into the details of membership renewals, such as the difference between retention and renewal, metrics, reasons members don’t renew, and, best of all, solutions for your association’s renewal challenges.

Sunsetting. Hannah Carvalho at Associations Now shares the advice of Jennifer Blenkle of the American Physiological Society and Ankur Ponda of McKinley Advisors on how to build a smart sunsetting strategy for products and programs. So important if you want to make space for new initiatives.

Event design. At The Meeting Magazines, Lee Gimpel of Better Meetings and other planners offer excellent advice for using intentional design to improve your events. Lee said, “Being intentional requires thought, but a lot of events skip true intention-setting and then spend a lot of time and thought on details that aren’t connected to the purpose.”

Association videos. VideoRequest describes how associations use video to increase brand awareness, raise funds, engage volunteers, and promote events.

Content workflow. Jodi Harris at Content Marketing Institute explains how to map workflows for each content format and variation your team regularly produces. She also describes content processes that remove friction, confusion, and inefficiencies and make production more manageable.

Quick hits

Toward a politics of beauty. We can dream, right? | by John de Graaf, Front Porch Republic

Why don’t southern homes have basements? I wonder about this whenever we have a tornado warning. | by Jeremy Markovich, North Carolina Rabbit Hole

You never grow old at the table

It’s worth dragging out your slow cooker for this recipe from The Complete Slow Cooker by America’s Test Kitchen: Thai green curry with shrimp and sweet potatoes. So good. My adaptations: double the amount of green curry paste and add red bell and jalapeño pepper, onion, garlic, spinach, and a garnish of chopped peanuts. Serve over brown rice.

Here’s one for leftover jars of salsa. Sprinkle filets of speckled sea trout with garlic powder, s/p, and lime juice. Top with salsa and guacamole salsa. Bake. Garnish with chopped cilantro. On the side, the usual roasted broccoli with red onion, garlic powder, and s/p.

If you’d like to subscribe, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

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 too product-centric.

Fri 5/31 at 1 p.m.* – Talk with CAEs

Facilitators:

Aaron Grau, CAE, President, Global Association Partners
DeeJay Hastings, CAE, Executive Consultant, LEWIS, LLC

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

Fri 5/31 at 4 p.m. – Open Discussion/Best Practices Sharing: Dealing with Disruptive or Disengaged Board Members

Come prepared to share your stories about disruptive or disengaged board members and how your organization handled the situation. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Tue 6/4 at 12 p.m. – Rethinking Data Priorities: Preparing Associations for an AI-Driven Future

Historically, associations have primarily focused on capturing revenue-related data points, sometimes overlooking non-revenue data in the process. In the age of AI, this narrow approach to data collection and management can limit an organization’s ability to leverage AI tools effectively. Learn about the impact of a non-holistic approach to data and hear actionable insights on how associations can adjust their mentality and data practices to thrive in an AI-driven future. More info/register.

Host: fusionSpan

Speakers:

Rebecca Achurch of Achurch Consulting
Tobin Conley of Delcor
Stephen St John of fusionSpan

Tue 6/4 at 12 p.m. – Google Analytics 4 (GA4) Essentials: Data Analytics Network

GA4 is now the default web analytics for all websites as of July 2023. Learn GA4 essentials, like how to install and configure it so you can manage your web analytics and unlock custom insights. Find out what makes GA4 different, how to configure basic and advanced tracking, set goals and conversions, and build basic reports via Google Looker. Get a jump start from experts who have assisted associations in implementing best practices to confidently manage the GA4 transition. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Data Analytics Network

Speakers:

Ray van Hilst, Director of Client Strategy, Yoko Co
Justin Scott (moderator), VP Innovation & Analytics, Metals Service Center Institute

Tue 6/4 at 1 p.m. – Beyond ChatGPT: Elevating Marketing with AI-Generated Graphics, Audio, and Video

Discover a range of powerful use cases and AI tools designed to elevate your marketing efforts. Learn how AI can help you cultivate new skills and drive more impact for your organization. Understand how to evaluate AI’s efficacy and impact on marketing by measuring cost, time, performance, and creativity. Discover how AI is empowering marketers to generate high-impact video content without technical expertise. More info/register.

Host: American Marketing Association

Speakers:

Clement Desmouceaux, Head of Marketing at PlayPlay
Natalie Lambert, Founder and Managing Partner at GenEdge Consulting / ex-Googler

Tue 6/4 at 2 p.m. – Before You Go: An Insider’s Guide to AMS Fest

If you are attending AMS Fest this year or thinking about a new AMS/CRM system in the next few years, it’s time to start preparing. Get the inside scoop on getting the most out of the AMS Fest experience and the AMS selection process. More info/register.

Note from Deirdre: If your association is planning to get a new AMS or CRM in the coming years, you will save time, money, and headaches and make the best choice possible by attending AMS Fest.

Hosts: 501Works and PerByte

Speakers:

James Marquis, CIO, 501Works
Olivia Wilkins, Business Analyst/Project Manager, PerByte

Wed 6/5 at 12 p.m. – Balancing Innovation with Governance to Meet Member Expectations

Learn practical strategies to meet your members’ needs in the digital era. Find the correct balance between innovation and governance to provide value to your members. Gain valuable insights to rally stakeholder support and refine your strategies. More info/register.

Host: WorkerBee.TV

Speakers:

Tom Morrison, CEO, Metal Treatment Institute
Marcus Leite, Director, Sales and Marketing, WorkerBee.TV

Wed 6/5 at 12 p.m. – It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad Association-Vendor World: How to Improve the Association-Vendor Relationship

Discuss the hurdles associations encounter during vendor selection. Hear about best practices for engaging busy association executives. Learn how to manage the flood of supplier outreach that bombards association leaders daily. Learn about the importance of vendors gaining insights into the daily challenges faced by association executives and get actionable advice on forging genuine connections with these decision-makers. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: AIOT

Speakers:

Kelli Baxter, Executive Director, ATA
Chuck Bowen, VP of Communications and Member Relations, OPEI
Dianne Vance, Director of Sales, AOTA
Dave Schulman (moderator), Associations Rewired
Bill Sheehan (moderator), D2L

Wed 6/5 at 1 p.m. – Demystifying SOPs: From Groan to Game-Changing

Learn how to identify appropriate formats and tools for your SOP needs, create a plan for usable and effective SOP storage, and maintain up-to-date SOPs with an ongoing program. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fonteva

Speakers:

Vanessa Dennison, CAE, CBAP, Principal, Dennison & Associates
Erin Lemons, Vice President of Marketing, Association Solutions, Fonteva & Protech

Wed 6/5 at 1 p.m. – AI Made Easy: Practical Tools for Marketing Transformation

Hear about the concept of AI in marketing and a variety of accessible, low-cost tools that will set you on the path to AI integration without overwhelming your budget or your schedule. These tools are specifically designed to enhance marketing, advertising, and communications functions within your organization. More info/register.

Host: American Marketing Association

Speaker: Erica Salm Rench, Chief Operating Officer, rasa.io

Wed 6/5 at 2 p.m. – Positioning Your Digital Initiatives to Mission-Driven Decision Makers

Struggling to get sponsorship for your initiatives? Learn how to connect with the right people who care about your mission. Hear how to find and reach out to the right contacts in companies, not just the top executives; build meaningful relationships with those who support your mission; and improve your sponsorship proposals to attract interest. More info/register.

Host: Matchbox

Speakers:

Lori Zoss Kraska, founder, Growth Owl
Michelle Brien, vice president marketing, Matchbox

Wed 6/5 at 2 p.m. – Insights from ASAE’s Global Toolkit and Survey

Hear key insights from ASAE’s comprehensive toolkit designed to help U.S.-based associations move from ad-hoc to strategic as they develop or expand their international efforts. Learn about frameworks for assessing market potential and other action-oriented tips to help associations grow their international operations. More info/register (free for ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Sylvia Gonner, CAE, President and Owner, CultureWiz
Amy Hissrich, CAE, Vice President, International Affairs, ASAE: The Center For Association Leadership

Thu 6/6 at 12 p.m. – Member ROI Group

The live discussions will be predominately in CAE education domains related to member ROI on the first and third Thursdays of the month with some exceptions. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Ed Rigsbee

Thu 6/6 at 1 p.m. – The Power of Connection: The Foundations of Conversation

In a world driven by relationships, the ability to engage authentically and meaningfully with others is a fundamental asset. Delve into the art and science of conversation and become an adept conversationalist. Learn how to hone active listening skills, foster empathy, and master the dynamics of engaging dialogue. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Kate Coffey, VP of Marketing and Events, US Transactions Corporation/UST Education

Fri 6/7 at 4 p.m. – Online Communities Series: Part 2 – Creating an Impactful Onboarding Campaign for an Association’s Online Community

1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speaker: Catherine Hackney, online community consultant specializing in association member communities

Tue 6/11 from 12 to 2 p.m. – AI Policy, Practice & Communication (Washington DC)

Hear three association case studies on using AI to create content, develop a special magazine issue on AI, and put together an internal AI use policy. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.

Host: AM&P Next community

Speakers:

Matthew Cibellis, Learning First Alliance
Cecily Garber, associate vice president, communications and member relations, NBOA: Business Leadership for Independent Schools
Dani Gudakunst, managing editor, Police Chief, International Association of Chiefs of Police

Tue 6/11 at 4:30 p.m. CDT – AWTC AMS Fest Chicago Welcome (Chicago IL)

Come network with the AWTC community of women and allies. Location: Chicago IL. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Wed 6/12 at 12 p.m. – Prepping Your Team for a Migration Journey

Host: HighRoad Solutions

Speaker: Chandler Miller, Sr Digital Advisor, HighRoad Solutions

Wed 6/12 at 1 p.m. – Lessons From Amazon: Mastering Data Analytics for Unmatched Customer Experience

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Rachel Mace, Director of Client Experience, Association Analytics

Creative Commons licensed photo by Abstral Official via Unsplash

Amazon and AssociationBrainFood.com links allow me to earn a royalty on any sales or leads that result from clicking. Thank you!

Association Brain Food: 5.24.24

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

AMS/CRM community. After a successful April gathering in Alexandria VA, 501Works, PerByte, and Adage Technologies are hosting another Ven-Con for AMS/CRM vendors and consultants in Chicago on Tuesday, June 11. Ven-Con’s goal is to drive positive change in the AMS/CRM and technology systems selection space. In facilitated conversations, participants will explore how the industry can come together to develop helpful resources for all stakeholders in the AMS/CRM selection process.

Gen Z. TopClass LMS explains why Gen Z is the most entrepreneurial generation and how associations can attract and support them with education, networking, and other membership benefits.

RFPs. Impexium published a really good guide to creating a request for proposals (RFP) for association management software, which includes advice from technology consultants Tobin Conley of DelCor Technology Solutions, Moira Edwards of Ellipsis Partners, George Rears of Achurch Consulting, and Wes Trochlil of Effective Database Management.

Event engagement. 360 Live Media explores three elements shaping the future of events: technology, sustainability, and a culture of trust. They describe how to embrace these trends to create future-focused experiences that empower your attendees and strengthen your community.

Marketing. In a recent episode of the Leading Learning podcast, Celisa Steele of Tagoras talked to Michelle Brien of Matchbox about authenticity and value in marketing, content marketing, generative AI, and more.

Events. Julius Solaris of Boldpush is a good follow on LinkedIn if you’re interested in event planning and marketing. He provides his own insights plus wise words from other experts, like “If you can do it on Zoom, don’t do it in the room.”

Credentialing prep groups. TopClass LMS describes the advantages of credentialing exam study groups for candidates and associations, such as boosting pass rates, introducing people to your other programs, and generating new revenue. They also share association examples of effective program elements.

Association magazines. m3Magazines offers advice for transforming your magazine into a valuable resource for members. They start by reviewing the benefits of a well-crafted print magazine—in case you need to make a case to your leadership team. They also explain how to develop a content strategy, identify the best time for a redesign, decrease costs, and increase revenue.

Association boards. Ten years ago, Jeff De Cagna introduced a new charge for association boards: the duty of foresight. At Naylor’s Association Adviser, he explains why this essential responsibility is still seen as a radical idea. Associations won’t survive the next ten years unless their boards take this duty seriously.

Member engagement. Julie Sciullo of Association Analytics describes three data-informed strategies for improving member engagement, with examples from the International Association of Exhibitions and Events.

Quick hits

The loneliness epidemic has given rise to a new crop of startups aiming to help people connect in real life. | by Lauren Johnson and Sydney Bradley, Business Insider

How to get past a paywall to read an article for free. | by Pranay Parab, Lifehacker

Like it or not, the age of the employee social ambassador is here. | by Katie Hicks, Marketing Brew

How to AI-proof your career as a knowledge worker. | by Henley Wing Chiu, Bloomberry

You never grow old at the table

Nothing to report because I was hiking with my family last week in Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area and Dinosaur National Monument in Utah and Colorado—highly recommended if you love the high desert and red rocks like I do. Besides frying eggs for breakfast, making breakfast burritos, prepping salad, and cutting up veggies for dip, I didn’t do any cooking. But that all changes tonight! Tune in next week.

If you’d like to subscribe, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

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 too product-centric.

Wed 5/29 at 12 p.m.* – Elevating Excellence: Chapter Benchmarking for Organizational Growth

If your association is looking to boost chapter performance, optimize operations, and elevate membership engagement, consider the power of benchmarking. Hear how AGC launched a chapter self-assessment and benchmarking program to enhance the performance and success of their 89 chapters. Learn about the role of benchmarking for chapters, some self-assessment techniques to identify strengths and areas of improvement, how to leverage benchmarking data to set goals and strategies, and identify benchmarking and assessment tools for chapters. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: AXC / Association Xchange

Speaker: Christi Beatty, Vice President of Chapter Services & Member Engagement at the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)

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

Wed 5/29 at 12 p.m. – Nonprofit Governance Transformation: Leveraging Catalyst Points for Deep Change

Explore new perspectives and cutting-edge practices in governance, with a strong emphasis on bridging the gap between research and practical application. More info/register.

Host: ARNOVA Governance Section

Speakers:

Beth Gazley, Ph.D., Professor, O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University
Claudia Lach, M.A., Principal, Lach Training and Consulting

Wed 5/29 at 12 p.m. – The Messaging Campaign Model: Organize and Execute

Learn how to connect the channel assessment, comms policy, and content calendar; design multiple pieces of content from one root message; and create a cadence that prevents message overlap and inbox overwhelm. Hear about distribution channels and how they relate to audience segments. More info/register.

Host: L-12 Services Corp

Speaker: Lizabeth Wesely-Casella, Founder & CEO, L-12 Services Corp.

Wed 5/29 at 1 p.m. – The World of Wellness in Meetings and Events

Beyond practical tools and techniques, this program aims to provide insight into creating immersive, engaging and wellness-centric event experiences that prioritize the well-being of attendees while aligning with the client’s event goals and themes. Learn about the emerging trends of interactive game play such as virtual reality, forest bathing and more, and explore cutting edge techniques such as the spiral, neurological rewiring and more. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: Kristine Iverson, founder and president of Crow Practice

Wed 5/29 at 4:30 p.m. – MMC+Tech Welcome (Washington DC)

Come network with the AWTC community of women and allies. This IRL opportunity to socialize and network with your industry peers is brought to you by the generous support of our sponsors. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Thu 5/30 at 12 p.m. – 5 Ways to Boost Email Responses from Sponsorship Decision Makers

Learn how to stand out in crowded inboxes with five actionable tips that nonprofit organizations can use to help improve email response rates from sponsorship decision makers. Discover proven strategies to both craft compelling emails and encourage engagement. More info/register.

Host: Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE, founder/CEO, Growth Owl

Thu 5/30 at 1 p.m. – Strategic Stakeholder Engagement in an Election Year

Navigating the extra challenges of an election year requires a strategic and thoughtful approach to stakeholder engagement to capitalize on the momentum of the election to achieve your goals before November and be ready with a robust post-election strategy. Learn how to build and prioritize relationships before the election rush, make a plan for every electoral outcome, leave a positive first impression with new lawmakers, and use meeting tracking tools to gauge (and boost) your influence. More info/register.

Host: Quorum

Fri 5/31 at 1 p.m. – Talk with CAEs

Facilitators:

Aaron Grau, CAE, President, Global Association Partners
DeeJay Hastings, CAE, Executive Consultant, LEWIS, LLC

Fri 5/31 at 4 p.m. – Open Discussion/Best Practices Sharing: Dealing with Disruptive or Disengaged Board Members

Come prepared to share your stories about disruptive or disengaged board members and how your organization handled the situation. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Tue 6/4 at 12 p.m. – Data Analytics Network

1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Data Analytics Network

Tue 6/4 at 2 p.m. – Before You Go: An Insider’s Guide to AMS Fest

Hosts: 501Works and PerByte

Speakers:

James Marquis, CIO, 501Works
Olivia Wilkins, Business Analyst/Project Manager, PerByte

Thu 6/6 at 1 p.m. – The Power of Connection: The Foundations of Conversation

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Kate Coffey, VP of Marketing and Events, US Transactions Corporation/UST Education

Thu 6/6 at 2 p.m. – Integrations 101

Host: 501Works

Speakers:

Josh Carlson, Founder & Chief Innovator, PerByte
Richard Reyes, MBA, Vice President, Digital Strategy, ConnexFM
James Marquis, CIO, 501Works

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Association Brain Food: 5.10.24

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

Association Brain Food won’t be in your inbox next Friday (May 17) because I’m hiking in northern Utah next week. You might see the next edition, if I can get it all together in two days, on Friday, May 24.

Magazine awards. Are you proud of your association publication? Enter it in the CMI Content Marketing Awards by May 19. Presented by the Content Marketing Institute, they’re the “largest and longest-running international content marketing awards program recognizing the best in strategy, content creation, and visual & audio storytelling.”

Association rituals. TopClass LMS dives into an unexpected topic: rituals. They explain why rituals matter, what’s happened because we’ve lost so many communal rituals, and how associations can introduce rituals that encourage learning, engagement, and belonging.

Workplace challenges. This excellent member research report from Halmyre Strategies describes the challenges faced by various professions as a new generation enters the workforce: burnout, work-life balance, client demands, questioning the value of credentials, diversity, and evolving workforce roles. They describe how associations can address these issues while meeting the changing needs of professionals.

Engagement. It’s not just you. Amanda Kaiser says engaging members, attendees, writers, speakers, and volunteers is harder these days because everyone feels pressed for time. She advises appealing to your members’ emotions and making their decision to engage easier.

In-person events. The best line of the week is from Ken Holsinger of Freeman: “If you can do it on zoom, don’t do it in the room.” Julius Solaris of Boldpush shared Ken’s message and suggested improvements for in-person events.

Small-staff membership marketing. YourMembership offers guidance on membership marketing for small associations, including personalized communication, simplified joining and renewing procedures, onboarding experiences, online communities, and online career centers.

Content marketing. At Managing Editor, Paul Chaney explains why you need an editorial calendar for content marketing, what to put in it, and how to create and maintain an effective one.

Hybrid work. Business school dean Michael Arena did the research slog for you by recapping dozens of studies on the effectiveness and future of hybrid work.

Off-topic

Best off-topic line I read all week: “Who gives a fuck what college kids think?” (Shalom Auslander, Persuasion)

The 20 “new Ivies”—glad my alma mater made this list. (Emma Whitford, Forbes)

Another good one: “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Those who do learn from history are doomed to watch others repeat it.” (Konstantin Kisin)

What if you dug a hole all the way to the other side of the Earth? Would you end up in China like we thought when we were kids? (Antipodes Map)

You never grow old at the table

I needed a tailgate-friendly meal on Sunday so I’d have leftovers for Tuesday night’s Foo Fighters show—which was FANTASTIC. Bratwursts! First, sauté red cabbage with bacon, onion, and garlic until it’s wilted. Put the bratwurst on top. Pour half a can of beer over it, cover and simmer until the sausages are done, then brown them in a separate pan. Serve the sausages on pretzel rolls with Muenster cheese, spicy mustard, and a sauté of green and red bell pepper, poblano pepper, and red and yellow onion. Cabbage goes on the side or on the sausage.

An old standby, blackened flounder with cheesy grits. My blackened spice mix includes smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, ground ancho chile, cayenne, black pepper, and salt. On the side, roasted broccoli with red onion and garlic powder—buying garlic powder from a spice shop is definitely worth it.

Another favorite is creamy swordfish piccata. I love having this sauce take over the plate and invade the brown rice and roasted broccoli.

If you’d like to subscribe, please complete the form at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

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 too product-centric.

Fri 5/10 at 4 p.m.* – Networking Discussion: What Has Your Organization Done to Prepare for Crisis or Disaster?

May is Disaster Preparedness Month. What has your organization done to prepare? Do you have challenges to share with colleagues who may be able to help you solve problems? Are you well-versed in disaster planning or have you experienced a crisis at work that you can share with others? Join your association and nonprofit colleagues for an open discussion about disaster preparedness. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Facilitator: Shelly Trent, Fridays@4 president

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

Mon 5/13 at 8 a.m. – Learning the Language of Associations (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Mariel Solomon, Associate Director, Practice Portal, The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Mon 5/13 at 12 p.m. – Membership Mondays: Build Your Membership Meet-Up at the Upcoming MMC +T

For anyone that is going to the Marketing, Membership, Communications, +Technology Conference on May 30-31, 2024, come discuss and plan your membership meet- up agenda. We will be looking through the sessions available and discussing what people are interested in. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Membership Professionals Advisory Council

Tue 5/14 at 10 a.m. – The Global Impacts of the 2024 US Election

Hear about the potential impact of the U.S. election on trade agreements and international relations; geopolitical implications of the possible election results on various regions around the world, including the EU, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East; and actionable strategies to navigate the global landscape before and after the 2024 U.S. election. More info/register.

Host: FiscalNote

Speakers:

Lucas Machado, global policy analyst, FiscalNote Professional Services
Antonio Martinez, head of the Americas and Global Economics research practice, FrontierView, a FiscalNote company
Rachel Oswald, foreign policy reporter, CQ Roll Call
Thomas Adlam (moderator), senior manager of client engagements, global, FiscalNote

Tue 5/14 at 12 p.m. – Tech Tuesdays: The Makings of a Large Language Model

Generative AI has propelled Large Language Models (LLMs) into the mainstream spotlight. Yet, the question remains: How do you effectively train one for your organization? Learn about the essential elements behind crafting a powerful LLM. Gain actionable insights and strategies to kickstart your organization’s LLM journey. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Technology Professionals Advisory Council

Speakers: Reggie Henry of ASAE, Dave Coriale of Delcor, and Thomas Altman of Tasio

Tue 5/14 at 12 p.m. – LGBTQIA2+ 2024 Community Call

This event is a space where you can openly share and discuss topics that are current and significant to the LGBTQIA2+ association community. Whether you have burning questions, pressing issues, or insightful experiences to share, this judgment-free zone welcomes your valuable contributions. Let’s come together to support, learn from each other, and build a stronger, more inclusive community. More info/register (ASAE members only)

Host: ASAE LGBTQ Association Executives and Supporters

Tue 5/14 at 1 p.m. – Productivity Tool Shootout

You’re probably in some kind of spreadsheet Hades, where your processes have slowed down and the data has become unruly—a common business challenge. You want to drive efficiency and automation with productivity tools, but which productivity tool is right for you? Experience a thorough comparison between SmartSheet, SmartSuite, and Airtable. More info/register.

Host: ClearTone Consulting

Tue 5/14 at 1 p.m. – No Attendee Left Behind: Making Events Accessible to All

Did you know one out of four event attendees is likely to have a disability? Events that aren’t designed with attendees that have disabilities in mind can exclude a large part of your audience and erode ROI. Everyone should have access to high-quality events, regardless of their abilities. Hear an overview of key accessibility trends, best practices on disability etiquette, and tips, tricks, and strategies. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: Stephen Cutchins, Product Manager and Accessibility Expert, Cvent

Wed 5/15 at 11 a.m. – How to Do a Finance Assessment & Find Process Improvement

Learn about the signs for needing a finance and accounting team assessment, how to approach the assessment with team members, ideal times to perform the assessment, and steps performed during an assessment. Hear about the types of observations that may come out of an assessment along with recommendations, including new organization charts. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Jared Basco, Senior Manager, and Colleen Smith, Principal, O’Connor Consulting Services

Wed 5/15 at 12 p.m. – AWTC Technology Innovation Award Spotlight with Megan Cottrell

The AWTC Technology Innovation Award honors an individual in an association for their novel use of technology or introduction of innovative technological solutions. This recognition spotlights those who have found inventive applications for technology that substantially impacts internal or external stakeholders and moves their association forward. Join us to learn about the Digital Strategy Project that CREW Network embarked on and how the 2023 Honoree, Megan Cottrell, led her organization through this incredible transformation. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Wed 5/15 at 12 p.m. – Visualizing Your Data Reality with Dashboards

Staring at excel spreadsheets wondering how you’re supposed to show ROI, LTV, CAC and the rest of the alphabet ratios when asked how things are going with your marketing efforts? The challenge isn’t figuring out what you want to measure—you’ve got that down pat—the trouble is figuring how to build the right reports easily. Walk through a simple framework pairing strategy with application and see how to build sophisticated reports and dashboards connecting your association data to marketing behavioral data effortlessly. More info/register.

Host: HighRoad Solutions

Speakers: Chandler Miller, Sr Digital Advisor, and Aimee Pagano, Director of Programming, HighRoad Solutions

Wed 5/15 at 12 p.m. – The Art of Member Retention: Proven Strategies for Associations

Explore practical strategies to keep members satisfied and loyal. Hear about personalization and why engagement is so critical, navigating member engagement challenges, strategies for engaging and retaining members, and value creation for lasting member retention. More info/register.

Host: NX Unite / Nexus Agency

Speakers:

Jay Daughtry, Client Engagement and Content Creation at Fonteva & Protech
Amanda Lea Kaiser, Member Engagement Speaker and Author at Kaiser Insights LLC
Scott Oser, President at Scott Oser Associates
Isabelle Perreault, Founder and CEO at Differly

Wed 5/15 at 12 p.m. – Virtual Panel: Everyday Ethical Dilemmas for Early Career Association Executives

Per research, middle-level managers report experiencing pressure to compromise ethical standards more than top management. Join a discussion about commonly encountered ethical dilemmas and develop skill in ethical decision-making. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Ethics Committee and Young Professionals Advisory Committee

Speakers:

Lynette R. Bradley-Baker, PhD, CAE, RPh, Senior Vice President, Chief Engagement Officer, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
Naema Mallick, Assistant General Counsel, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Richard E. Shermanski, Esq., Associate Director, Ethics Adjudication, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Cindy Ziegler, Director of Governance and Special Initiatives, APIC – Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology
Shawna Strickland (moderator), PhD, CAE, Associate Executive Director, Programs, American Epilepsy Society

Wed 5/15 at 2 p.m. – Putting Wellness on the Agenda

Being stressed isn’t an ideal state for engagement and learning. Learn about simple and powerful relaxation and focus techniques that can be woven easily into meetings and events and how to plan menus for maximum performance. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

Linda Yoonjin, Lead Content Creator, Brain Education TV
Loren Edelstein (moderator), Vice President, Content Director, Northstar Meetings Group

Thu 5/16 at 12 p.m. – Actualizing Your Authentic Self vs. Executive Presence

Maneuvering the balance between bringing your true self vs. cultivating executive presence in today’s competitive landscape is crucial for personal and career success. Join us to unlock your full potential and thrive authentically as we explore the deeper meanings and offer practical strategies to navigate and integrate both aspects effectively. More info/register.

Hosts: ElevateHER: Advancing Women in Leadership and Innovation, a collaboration by Black Association Executives, Association Latinos, and Achieve More, LLC: Consult. Plan. Train.

Thu 5/16 at 12 p.m. – NoVa Association Senior Execs Roundtable (Alexandria VA)

Join a discussion on committees and governance. Bring your top-of-mind questions, or just your insights and business cards, to this off-the-record exchange with association peers. Location: Alexandria VA. More info/register.

Host: NoVa Association Senior Executives

Speaker: Richard Yep, CAE, FASAE, founder of Ocean Vista Advisors

Thu 5/16 at 12 p.m. – Finance for Associations Masterclass: Telling Your Story Through Numbers

Are your financial statements valuable management tools or are they just a list of numbers? How well do your financial statements represent the story of your association? Get tips and best practices to ensure your financial statements are highly useful and informative. More info/register.

Host: Zzeem

Thu 5/16 at 12 p.m. – Member ROI Group

The live discussions will be predominately in CAE education domains related to member ROI on the first and third Thursdays of the month with some exceptions. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Ed Rigsbee

Thu 5/16 at 1 p.m. – How to Maximize Learner Engagement in Continuing Education and Professional Development

Learn about the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dimensions of learner engagement and techniques to foster engagement along all three dimensions before, during, and after learners interact with your professional development programs. Get ideas for activities and approaches to foster engagement as you promote your offerings; as you design, develop, and deliver them; and as you work to support ongoing learning and retain those individuals as customers. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Tagoras / Leading Learning

Speakers:

Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders of Tagoras and Leading Learning
Thomas Melum, senior customer success manager at BenchPrep

Thu 5/16 at 1 p.m. – Implementing AI Tools for Marketers & Advertisers

Learn about intuitive, powerful AI tools designed specifically for the unique challenges of marketing & advertising, including search optimization, email, content generation, dynamic imaging, and audio editing. These tools are crafted to enhance your effectiveness in marketing, advertising, and communications across diverse members and markets. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Erica Salm Rench, MBA, COO, Rasa.io

Thu 5/16 at 1 p.m. – Back to the Future: The Status of 2024 Event Industry Trends

Take a look back at the event industry trends we anticipated late last year and reflect on how they’re shaping up so far in 2024. Delve into the trends and insights identified by Gartner in its inaugural Magic Quadrant for Event Technology Platforms. Explore conscious conferencing, micro-events, the impact of AI, and the changing landscape around event data and technology—including smart name badges. Discover how these trends are reshaping the events industry and what they mean for the rest of the year and the future of event success. More info/register.

Host: Bizzabo

Thu 5/16 at 2 p.m. – Using AI in Advocacy: The Dos and Don’ts

Learn how AI can streamline your daily advocacy tasks and create more impactful campaigns, the potential pitfalls in using AI and how to avoid them, and real-life applications of AI in advocacy without losing the personal touch. More info/register.

Host: VoterVoice / FiscalNote

Speakers:

Mark Ames, Chief Advocacy Officer, American Industrial Hygiene Association
Anne Madison, SVP, Global Strategic Communications and Marketing, Cruise Lines International Association
Brian Rubenstein, President, Rubenstein Impact Group
Adam Campbell (moderator), Senior Support Specialist, FiscalNote

Thu 5/16 at 4 p.m. – Increasing Sponsorship Revenue During Uncertain Times

Your association has made major shifts over the last few years. From live in-person events to virtual and now back to in-person. Yet, you know turning back the clock and setting up your sponsorships the way you previously did is no longer viable. Hear how to specifically improve your sponsorship results and approach your sponsors to re-imagine your sponsorship program. Learn about the three sponsorship levels (hint: they are not gold, silver, and bronze) and how to move to the next level. You’ll be surprised at how quickly a few changes can help raise additional revenue. More info/register.

Host: Reston Loudoun Swap

Speaker: Lewis Flax, Flax Associates

Fri 5/17 at 11 a.m. – 10 Must Try Tactics to Unleash Email’s Power in Relationship Marketing

Learn tactics to win the hearts, minds and wallets of your customers by putting more “relationship” in your marketing with email. Hear about instant new tests to try, pitfalls to avoid that most marketers are messing up, and new ideas you haven’t heard anywhere else. More info/register.

Host: GURU Media Hub

Speakers:

Michele Fitzpatrick, VP of Global Strategic Services, Marigold
Jay Schwedelson, Founder of SubjectLine.com/GURU Media Hub

Fri 5/17 at 1 p.m. – Talk with CAEs

Facilitators:

Aaron Grau, CAE, President, Global Association Partners
DeeJay Hastings, CAE, Executive Consultant, LEWIS, LLC

Fri 5/17 at 3 p.m. – The Informal Consultants Networking Extravaganza

This monthly networking meeting is by consultants, for consultants. Feel free to suggest topics or questions for discussion. This meeting is self-organized by the consultant community, not an official ASAE event (meaning an event organized by ASAE staff). More info.

Organizer: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting

Fri 5/17 at 4 p.m. – Online Communities Series: Part 1 – General Online Community Management for Associations and Why It’s Different from For-Profit Online Community Management

More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speaker: Catherine Hackney, online community consultant specializing in association member communities

Mon 5/20 at 8 a.m. – Being Present: In Person Opportunities to Learn and Lead (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Kevin Tuuaga, Vice President of Education, LeadingAge California

Tue 5/21 at 9 a.m. – Future-Focused Strategies for Association Leaders: Engage Your Membership for Sustainable Impact

Explore current trends impacting associations and strategies like DEI and inclusive leadership that can be leveraged to boost member engagement and the sustainability of your association. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: The Diversity Movement

Speakers:

David S. Cade, Chief Executive Officer, American Health Law Association
Kerry B. Hoggard, CAE, CDE, Vice President of Membership, American Health Law Association
Courtney H. Knoll, Board President, North Carolina Association of CPAs
Maunda G. Land, MBA, CMP, CAE, Senior Consultant, Conscious Inclusion, ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership
Jamie Ousterout, CDE, Chief Experience Officer, The Diversity Movement

Tue 5/21 at 12 p.m. – Unmasking the Bologna of AI for Associations: Discovering Real Opportunities Beyond Generative AI

While developing and manipulating content through AI is great, in today’s climate, it’s critical that AI has a direct impact on revenue and growth. Learn about the association AI trends you need to be aware of and how your association measures up; how AI is delivering on its revenue potential and is the future of member acquisition, engagement, and retention.; and lessons learned from years of experience with AI of what’s working and what’s bologna. More info/register.

Host: Community Brands

Speakers: Jason Daiger, Andrew Huling, Matt Rist and Tirrah Switzer

Tue 5/21 at 12 p.m. – Intro to AI Webinar for Associations and Nonprofits

Learn what Generative AI and Large Language Models are, how they work and how an actual AI expert uses these tools in real-world scenarios. See generative AI in action and take away the knowledge and confidence to responsibly implement AI in your workflows. More info/register.

Host: Sidecar

Speaker: Thomas Altman, Co-Founder, Tasio

Tue 5/21 at 12 p.m. – CRVM May Crunch and Munch

Join an interactive discussion about the tech tools you’re using to support and empower your association’s volunteers. Crunch and Munch is a chance to come together once a month with peers for a casual conversation on hot topics relevant to the component relations and volunteer management community. Come prepared to share your successes, challenges and ideas. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Component Relations and Volunteer Management Council

Tue 5/21 at 1 p.m. – Behind the Scenes with ASAE Demo Days

Launching a new digital initiative shouldn’t be a puzzle to solve on your own. Get a look at the secrets behind ASAE’s smash hit, Demo Days—their most successful digital initiative yet and learn how to replicate their success. More info/register.

Host: Matchbox

Speaker: Reggie Henry of ASAE

Tue 5/21 at 1 p.m. – Integrated Campaigning: Quantifying Impact and Demonstrating ROI

Multichannel campaigns. Data-driven strategy. Boosting your ROI. If any (or all) of those sound daunting, have no fear—the answers to all your questions are here. Join this interactive “Ask Me Anything” to help boost your public affairs campaigns. More info/register.

Host: Quorum

Speakers: communications experts Chris Golden, Kesi Lumumba, Bryce Ballard, and Khadija Butt from Rational 360

Wed 5/22 from 9 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. – Community Platforms Demo Day

Hear presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer online community platforms. Community experts will be showcasing platforms and sharing their knowledge. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Presenters: CommUnity by Personify, Next Gen Peer Groups, Clowder, Breezio, Higher Logic Thrive, and Forj

Wed 5/22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Destination Experience Summit 2024

Join an engaging and enlightening two-hour journey into the world of innovation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion within the meetings and events industry. Learn how trends are shaping destination selection. Hear about a socially conscious alternative to event and destination boycotts, navigating security at a high-stakes event, how intentional meetings start with the destination, and how it’s crunch time for destination sustainability. 2 CMP credits. More info/register.

Host: Skift Meetings

Wed 5/22 at 11 a.m. – Unlocking the Secrets to LinkedIn: 3 Insider Strategies for Maximizing Growth and Engagement

LinkedIn is a very powerful platform for attracting inbound leads. But most companies and individuals don’t use it well. Learn how to avoid the top mistakes make on LinkedIn. Hear about three insider strategies to turn LinkedIn in to a lead-generating machine: posts that attract your ideal audience, newsletters that increase your reach and improve engagement, content loops that build your email lists. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jon Rivers, COO, Marketeery

Wed 5/22 at 1 p.m. – How the Competitive Landscape has Changed for Associations and What to Do About It

Learn why competition for sponsorships has increased for associations, the value sponsors and members find in alternatives to associations, the advantages associations should be capitalizing on and promoting, and how associations can successfully navigate these challenges. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fonteva

Speakers:

Mary Augsburger, Chief Executive Officer, Ohio State Bar Association
Mary Byers, CAE, CSP, Author of Race for Relevance: 5 Radical Changes for Associations
Tina DeNeen, EdD, Associate Executive Director, American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
Bruce Rosenthal, Corporate Partnership & Sponsorship Consultant, Bruce Rosenthal Associates, LLC

Wed 5/22 at 2 p.m. – FBO Monthly Virtual Meet Up

An opportunity to share pressing problems you’re facing and gather input from your peers. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Finance, Business Operations & HR Professionals Community

Wed 5/22 at 2 p.m. – No Attendee Left Behind: Making Events Accessible to All

Host: MeetingsNet

Speaker: Stephen Cutchins, Product Manager and Accessibility Expert, Cvent

Wed 5/22 at 3 p.m. – Using Your Data to Move Away From One-Size Fits All Renewal Campaigns (Navigating the Member Journey Part 5)

Limited resources, set budgets and competing priorities can make it difficult to go outside your comfort zone and try something new during renewal season. But the keys to better retention results are in the data you already have. Learn how to use your data to segment members during renewal season by demographics, behavior, tenure, type, and engagement; find out how each of your member segments interacts with you and what they value most; and uncover your biggest retention gaps so you can focus your efforts on what will move the needle most. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Association Analytics

Speakers:

Chris Gloede, Chief Consultant, Ricochet
Bill Conforti, SVP of Strategy & Solutions, Association Analytics

Thu 5/23 at 11 a.m. – Turning Point. The Future of The Event Industry

Reggie is an industry giant, having managed Cvent for the past 25 years through a dot-com bubble, mortgage crisis, and pandemic. Blackstone recently acquired Cvent for $4.6B. No event technology company has been able to achieve what Cvent has. More info/register.

Host: Julius Solaris, founder, Boldpush

Guest: Reggie Aggarwal, CEO and founder, Cvent

Thu 5/23 at 12 p.m. – Association Health Insurance 101: What Are the REAL Options for Association Staff and Members in 2024?

This webinar is not just about providing information, but about empowering you with practical tips and solutions. By the end of this session, you will feel confident in your ability to make informed decisions about health coverage for your employees and members. Explore a wide range of health coverage options available today for individuals/families and employees as part of an employer-sponsored solution, including major medical plans, Medicare, groups, ICHRA, and supplemental and voluntary health benefits like dental, vision, and hospitalization. Look at the status of some of the recent changes announced by HHS, DOL, and IRS that impact Association Health Plans, Short-Term coverage, and even how the American Rescue Plan (COVID relief) continues to impact health coverage options with ACA subsidies and the unwinding of Medicaid. More info/register.

Host: LIG Solutions

Wed 5/29 at 12 p.m. – Elevating Excellence: Chapter Benchmarking for Organizational Growth

Host: AXC / Association Xchange

Speaker: Christi Beatty, Vice President of Chapter Services & Member Engagement at the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)

Thu 5/30 at 12 p.m. – 5 Ways to Boost Email Responses from Sponsorship Decision Makers

Host/speaker: Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE, founder/CEO, Growth Owl

Fri 5/31 at 4 p.m. – Open Discussion/Best Practices Sharing: Dealing with Disruptive or Disengaged Board Members

Come prepared to share your stories about disruptive or disengaged board members and how your organization handled the situation. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Creative Commons licensed photo by Angela Loria via Unsplash

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You never grow old at the table

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Extra credit

You never grow old at the table

If you’d like to subscribe, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

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Extra credit

You never grow old at the table

If you’d like to subscribe, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

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You never grow old at the table

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Quick hits

You never grow old at the table

If you’d like to subscribe, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

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Quick hits

You never grow old at the table

If you’d like to subscribe, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

Share this:

Off-topic

You never grow old at the table

If you’d like to subscribe, please complete the form at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

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