Association Brain Food

Association Brain Food: 10.13.23

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

Sponsored education. Associations usually rely on corporate marketing budgets for sponsorship revenue. Inspired by a Non-Dues-a-Palooza workshop presented by Lori Zoss Kraska of Growth Owl, TopClass LMS explains how to partner with a company’s CSR team on sponsored education programs that align with both your missions.

AI in the workplace. Far from making us obsolete, Maddie Grant at Propel believes AI can help highlight our uniquely human qualities and amplify our capabilities in the workplace. She describes seven ways “the most human workplaces” will thrive in the age of AI.

Association habits. In their work with teams across associations, Impexium has noted some differences between thriving and surviving organizations. They describe five habits of thriving, growth-oriented associations—habits that offer a more effective approach to the challenges associations are facing now.

Brand acquisition. Good brands hardly ever survive a merger unscathed. Usually, they end up as shells of their former selves. At The Paris Review, former W hotel bartender Stephen Haines explains what happened after the brand’s acquisition by Marriott. Promises turned out to be empty words.

Word choices. Words do matter. David Zweig at Silent Lunch bemoans the selective word choice of the legacy media, particularly their abhorrent decision to not use the word ‘terrorists’ when describing Hamas. Words also have financial implications: independent media outlets are attracting subscribers like me—and legacy media are losing them—because of this ongoing nonsense.

Websites. Brightfind’s guide to association websites is loaded with useful advice on the 12 essential web elements for acquiring, engaging, retaining, and converting users into loyal website visitors, customers, and members.

Also worth your time

Hamas’s war on Israel: everything you need to know. Well, not quite. The history goes further back than the article describes. It’s been a cluster for more than a century, but this is a good place to start. (Alana Newhouse and Jeremy Stern, The Free Press—one of the independent media sites I alluded to above)

U.S. scrutiny of Chinese fishing grows. As it should. Plenty of U.S. fishers would appreciate Americans buying U.S. seafood, not Asian slave-labor seafood. Sadly, it’s too late for those who went out of business because Americans want cheap, low-quality shrimp. (Morgan Chalfant, Semafor—another independent media outlet)

Practical and beautiful tips on how to light the dark months—and give you some relief from the depressing stories in this week’s reading list. (Katherine May)

You never grow old at the table

Skip down to the list of free educational events if you prefer takeout.

Brighten up a chilly day with green seasoning baked vermilion snapper—or the fish fillets of your choice, American, of course. Sorry, soapbox topic.

It’s been a while since collards have graced our table, but cooler weather means more greens at the farmers market. I always julienne and sauté my greens. This time, before adding collards, my pan included bacon, red onion, carrot, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic.

I snag thin pork chops when they’re on sale and freeze them, so I’m ready to make pork Milanese when in the mood. Leftovers are good for sandwiches.

You know what goes great with greens? Roasted sweet potatoes—a North Carolina match made in heaven.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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 10/13 at 12:30 p.m.* – Conversations with Champions

Each conversation features an AWTC leader or AWTC Award winner, followed by breakout rooms with changing topics (selected by our featured guest). These intimate, virtual conversations are a chance to form meaningful connections with other women and allies in the association technology community. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Guest: Amilie Parent, President at Showcare

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

Fri 10/13 at 4 p.m. – Career Planning (Panel Discussion)

Whether you’re considering transition, pursuing new opportunities within your current role or organization, or looking to the future, career planning should be top of mind. Fridays@4 is hosting a moderated panel discussion on career planning. Come ready to learn, share, and discuss strategy, resources, and challenges. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speakers:

Shan Haugabrook, Director of Membership, Atlanta Apartment Association
Rob Henry, Vice President of Development, Culture and Talent, Council of Advancement and Support of Education
Donté P. Shannon, FASAE, CAE
Shanae McFadden, CMP, DES (moderator), Consumer Healthcare Products Association

Mon 10/16 at 8 a.m. – Awards Season: Elevating the Field (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: Jill Treby, CAE, Chief Of Staff, American Association of Geographers

Mon 10/16 at 12 p.m. – ASAE Membership Monday

This month’s topic: Beating the Lapse: How to Win Back Your Membership. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Mon 10/16 at 2:30 p.m. – Your Association’s Guide to Workforce Development

With 4 million more jobs than there are people to fill them, your members and sectors are in the middle of a labor crisis. You need a workforce development strategy that attracts young people searching and career switchers, provides value to existing members, and accomplishes it all without blowing your budget. Hear about a three-pronged approach that two associations are using to reach millions of fresh eyes. More info/register.

Host: WorkerBee.TV

Speakers:

Tom Morrison, CEO, Metal Treating Institute
Dan Stevens and Dan Turnbull, WorkerBee.TV

Tue 10/17 at 11 a.m. – Successfully Deploy AI in Your Digital Workplace With Strategy and Governance

Learn about the characteristics of a digital workplace and its emerging importance for work, AI tools that are available or coming soon for use in your digital workplace, possible risks of uncontrolled usage of AI tools in your digital workplace, and how to develop a governance framework for designing an effective digital workplace. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Tom Jelen, MBA, Senior Strategic Consultant, Technology Consulting, DelCor Technology Solutions

Tue 10/17 at 12 p.m. – CRVM Crunch and Munch

Crunch and Munch is your 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.

Host: ASAE Component Relations and Volunteer Management Council

Tue 10/17 at 1 p.m. – Code of Ethics: An Association’s North Star

A well-defined and articulated Code of Ethics can serve as both a governance tool and a strategic management tool. Learn key ethical principles and guidance on the expected standards of behavior, the basics of an Ethical Decision Making framework and ethical considerations, and real world applications through case study discussions. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Linn Wheeling, MBA, CAE, Director, Community Engagement, American Association of Naturopathic Physicians

Wed 10/18 at 12 p.m. – Beyond Borders: Uniting Chapter Communications

Learn how to foster clear communication and collaboration among your chapters. We’ll guide you through an exploration of best practices and innovative techniques to uncover challenges hindering effective chapter communication, cultivate a culture of open communication, discover methods to resolve communication breakdowns, and measure your effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Hosts: Billhighway and Mariner Management

Speakers:

Sheri Singer, Singer Communications
Peggy Hoffman, Mariner Management

Wed 10/18 at 12 p.m. – Is Your Martech Stack Helping You Deliver On Your Goals?

It’s one thing to say that you can meet your goals using technology. It’s another to determine if you have a marketing technology stack designed to support and grow as the strategic needs of your organization progress. Learn about the types of technology needed for associations looking to retain, engage or grow membership and revenue programming. More info/register.

Host: HighRoad Solution

Speakers: Morgan Mulgrew, Strategic Account Manager, and Kat Ybarra, Senior Digital Advisor, HighRoad Solutions

Wed 10/18 from 12 to 5 p.m. – AI Summit: How Marketers can Harness the Power of AI

Hear insights and tactical tips from some of the top marketing leaders, AI strategists, researchers, and AI podcasters. Speakers will dive into how marketers can use AI to improve workflows, creativity, events, and campaigns. Learn how to use AI efficiently, creatively, and ethically; tactical approaches for weaving AI into your daily work; ways to spark creativity using generative AI; and ideas for using AI to turn your events into a multi-channel content strategy. More info/register.

Host: Goldcast

Wed 10/18 at 1 p.m. – Marketing AI in Action

Are you thinking about implementing AI but have no idea where to start? Are you a marketer who is ready to digitally transform your organization’s strategy? Learn about easy-to-use AI tools you can begin experimenting with right away, which are specific to the marketing, membership, and communications functions: SEO/search optimization tools that use NLP for semantic-powered inline optimization as well as search volume recommendations, email tools that leverage AI for content recommendation and send time optimization, content generation and inline editing tools, image and other content generation tools, and AI-powered audio editing tools. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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

Wed 10/18 at 1 p.m. – Association Lessons from Stand-Up Comedy, Opera, Gaming, and World Travel

Learn how taking risks may mean failure at times, but these efforts also result in new insights and wins; how team members have different strengths and backgrounds, but all are necessary to achieve organizational goals; and how adaptability, initiative, and problem-solving are skills that can be fostered and encouraged. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fonteva

Speakers:

Alexandra Mouw, CAE, Principal Strategic Advisor, Amazon Web Services
Ben H. Rome, Program Director, Communications, American Industrial Hygiene Association
Elizabeth Schlicht, CAE, Executive Director, Association Acumen
Thom Singer, CSP, Chief Executive Officer, Austin Technology Council

Wed 10/18 at 2 p.m. – Create Revenue Producing Learning Opportunities Beyond Virtual Webinars

Whether you call it a webinar, a virtual workshop or something else entirely, your association is almost certainly producing online learning opportunities for your audience. Webinars are an important learning tool for associations, but it is becoming increasingly clear that they can’t be the only online learning opportunity we provide. Learn how associations can begin to think beyond the traditional webinars to provide new value for members and create revenue. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Professionals for Association Revenue

Speakers: Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders, Tagoras

Wed 10/18 at 2 p.m. – How Associations Can Increase Revenue Through Strategic Partnerships

Many associations limit the value of their partnerships to annual meetings or member conferences. Hear how you can use partnerships in three strategic ways beyond events to grow revenues, while better serving your members. Learn how to design strategic partnerships to be value-added for members, joyful “yes” for partners, and revenue levers for your association; leverage strategic partnerships to grow revenue; and source best-fit strategic partnerships. More info/register.

Host: Feathr

Wed 10/18 at 2 p.m. – Start Planning Your GOTV Campaign Now

Learn what’s at stake in the presidential election, Congress, gubernatorial races, statewide elections, and state legislatures. Hear about best practices and creative ideas to build your voter database, master your messaging, choose targeted campaign channels, build voting plans, and maximize your impact on Election Day. Walk away with a usable timeline to help you plan your GOTV campaign—from what you should do one year before Election Day all the way up to the big day. More info/register.

Host: Quorum

Thu 10/19 at 11 a.m. – The True Implications of AI for the Association Industry: Part 3 – Personalization, Privacy and AI

Personalization, targeted content, and questions of privacy have been points of discussions for years. Why then are the very people who touted the value of personalizing online experiences decrying the wickedness of generative AI? Google, Facebook, and even LinkedIn ply us with ads and content based on algorithms we will never see. In fact, harnessing those algorithms to our benefit is the holy grail of marketers. Hear about the high-level differences that make the considerations for generative AI and narrative chat a new, and often concerning new tool in the hands of both good and bad actors. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Rick Bawcum, CAE, CISSP, CEO and Founder, Cimatri
Becky Breeden, CEO, BrightFind
Josh Jones, Director of IT, American Institute for Ultrasound Medicine
Bailey Kasten, CAE, ICE-CPP, Executive Director, Virginia Recreation and Park Society

Thu 10/19 at 11:30 a.m. – Tapas Talk: Nondues Revenue

The program begins with Laura Caputo of AMC Source, Barbara Armentrout of BJA Solutions for Associations, and Carrie McIntyre of Navigate Customer Experience & Sales Consulting discussing two key roles in designing nondues revenue: how to build relationships with internal staff and external stakeholders that are essential to a successful partner program and designing a sales strategy and a better customer experience to improve your association’s sales results. Then, choose a breakout session: Lewis Flax of Flax Associates on Reaching the Right Corporate Executives, Scott Oser of Scott Oser Associates on Sales from the Trenches, or Rich Lawson of SALA on Healthcare Program for Small Staff Associations. More info/register.

Host: QiqoChat

Thu 10/19 at 11:30 a.m. – Web Engagement: Expectations vs Reality, and Tips for Closing the Gap

Learn about the evolution of online engagement and how it fits into the ever-changing landscape of association technology; tips to narrow the gap between expectations and reality of web engagement; the varied expectations of stakeholders such as members, the board, and staff; effective ways to engage your audience while also adapting to shorter attention spans; and strategies for creating purposeful showcases, topic-based navigation, enhancing search functionality, and infusing personalization into your website. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Altai Systems

Speaker: Moira Edwards, MS, CAE, President, Ellipsis Partners LLC

Thu 10/19 at 12 p.m. – Fireside Chat: Create Belonging by Banishing Imposter Syndrome

Learn how impostor syndrome and “Not Good Enough” syndrome impede innovation, and the relationship between success in associations and DEIB through the lens of fighting these syndromes. Find out how to remove these menaces from your brain, help your team mates fight them, and create a new culture of belonging and inclusivity, where everyone can bring their full voice, brain, and self to solve the toughest problems. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Alaina G. Levine, president of Quantum Success Solutions

Thu 10/19 at 12 p.m. – Member Renewal Campaigns

Are you getting ready for your member renewal season? Find out how to increase your retention rate, speed up cash flow, and upsell your membership. More info/register.

Host: Zzeem

Thu 10/19 at 12 p.m. – The Community Check-In

A weekly community chat on Slack for black professionals working in the events industry. More info/register.

Host: Black In Events Network

Thu 10/19 at 1 p.m. – How Safe is Your Organization Against Today’s Evolving Cyber Threats?

1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Mark Pribish, VP & Practice Leader, Aura

Thu 10/19 at 4 p.m. – Hard Asks Made Easy: How Executives Can Get What they Need

From raising money to positioning your organization for future success, it is all about making the Right Ask. Learn about the process of making the Right Ask, what kind of asker you are, the devils that keep you from asking, and the five laws on asking that will guide you through planning important asks. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Reston-Loudoun Idea Swap

Speaker: Laura Fredericks, Founder, “Expert on the Ask”

Fri 10/20 at 4 p.m. – Career Coach Series: Five Big Career Mindset Mistakes

Mission driven, committed to helping the association leaders become better at what they do and at the same time helping the profession to grow and evolve so that it is always relevant to those served by that profession. Isn’t that what association management is all about? More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speaker: Pegotty Cooper

Sat 10/21 at 3 p.m. – GenAI: The Three Questions You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Navigate the ethical labyrinth of GenAI with nuanced perspectives and actionable advice. Gain a comprehensive understanding of how to synergize human and AI capabilities to propel organizational growth. Equip yourself with innovative approaches to adapt community engagement strategies in an AI-augmented landscape. More info/register.

Host: KiKi L’Italien, senior consultant, Tecker International, and host, Association Chat

Mon 10/23 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. – The Engaging Conference 4.0

What if instead of attendees dropping off, they stayed all the way to the end? Instead of passive participation, people are actively engaged? Instead of people quietly leaving, they ask how can I sign up for next year? Learn how to solve virtual and hybrid’s #1 problem, create highly engaging virtual and hybrid meetings, and meet and exceed your conference goals. More info/register.

Host: John Chen, author of Engaging Virtual Meetings

Speakers: John Chen, Douglas Ferguson, Robbie Samuels, and Phil Mershon

Tue 10/24 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. – The Engaging Conference 4.0

Host: John Chen, author of Engaging Virtual Meetings

Speakers: John Chen, Amanda Lee Kaiser, and Shiraz Baboo

Tue 10/24 at 10 a.m. – GenAI: The Three Questions You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Host: KiKi L’Italien, senior consultant, Tecker International, and host, Association Chat

Tue 10/24 at 11 a.m. – Protect and Enhance Your Association’s Image Through Reputation Management

Online reviews, social media mentions, word of mouth, and search engine results can significantly impact member perception and vendor purchase decisions. Learn why being reactive instead of proactive can actually be detrimental to your organization; how to implement ethical and impactful practices, improving visibility, credibility, and trustworthiness; and how to navigate complex digital landscapes, anticipate reputation challenges, and provide effective solutions which will earn your organization a reputable name in the industry. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Bill Sheehan, VP, Strategic Partnerships, Multiview

Tue 10/24 at 11 a.m. – Revolutionize Your Writing: Harnessing the Power of Generative AI Tools for Research and Writing

Learn how to leverage the power of generative AI tools to streamline your research and writing process; how to use these tools effectively to generate ideas, conduct research, and even draft documents; and how to refine and polish your work to ensure it meets your standards. Get equipped with the knowledge and skills to revolutionize your writing and increase your productivity. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jon Rivers, COO, Marketeery

Tue 10/24 at 4 p.m. – GenAI: The Three Questions You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Host: KiKi L’Italien, senior consultant, Tecker International, and host, Association Chat

Wed 10/25 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. – The Engaging Conference 4.0

Host: John Chen, author of Engaging Virtual Meetings

Speakers: Laura Leist, Bobbie Carlton, UnPanel, John Chen

Wed 10/25 from 8:50 a.m. to 4:10 p.m. – ASAE AMS Demo Day

The two-day event will feature presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer AMS platforms. AMS experts will be showcasing platforms and sharing their knowledge with the association market. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Wed 10/25 at 9 a.m. – PAR Member Meet-Up: Future-Thinking Revenue Streams

Based on the 2023 PAR Association Business Development Landscape Report, membership and conference attendance are still the highest priority programs for revenue generation. However, Non-Dues programs have the highest potential for overall revenue production. Join PAR members as we explore what future business will look like for associations working to blend their approach to the bottom line. 0.5 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Professionals for Association Revenue

Wed 10/25 at 11 a.m. – Elevating Association Digital Experiences: Solutions for Challenges Ahead

Learn how optimized digital experiences can transform associations. Gain practical insights into reshaping member interactions, understanding audience needs, ensuring accessibility, conducting usability assessments, and utilizing web analytics to set your association apart. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to digital experiences, equip yourself with actionable takeaways to craft immersive, member-centric digital journeys. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Kailee Quinn, Senior UX/UI Consultant, Fionta

Wed 10/25 at 12 p.m. CDT – AWTC Pop-Up Lunch (Austin TX)

These intimate, informal gatherings are designed to help you build your network and connect with the AWTC community in and around your area. Location: Austin TX. More info/register.

Organizer: Association Women Technology Champions

Wed 10/25 at 12 p.m. MDT – AWTC Pop-Up Lunch (Greenwood CO)

These intimate, informal gatherings are designed to help you build your network and connect with the AWTC community in and around your area. Location: Greenwood (Denver area) CO. More info/register.

Organizer: Association Women Technology Champions

Wed 10/25 at 1 p.m. – Risk Management Mastery for Nonprofits

1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Brian Haney, Founder and CEO, The Haney Company

Thu 10/26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – ASAE AMS Demo Day

Host: ASAE

Thu 10/26 at 11 a.m. – The True Implications of AI for the Association Industry: Part 4 – Responsible AI And Associations’ Role In Defining The Ethics Of AI

The Responsible AI Manifesto states, “We have to be willing to have the hard conversations now so that we do not ruin what can be one of the most transformative technological shifts in human history. As AI capabilities race forward, leaders must clearly define their principles, policies and procedures.” How can associations—standards-bearers by design—lead the charge? How should we start thinking about the ethics of AI, starting at home in our own organizations? 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Elizabeth Engel, M.A., CAE, Chief Strategist, Spark Consulting, LLC
Maddie Grant, CAE, Culture Designer and Digital Strategist, Propel
Paul Roetzer, Founder & CEO, Marketing AI Institute
Jennifer Yarrish, Director, Enterprise Strategy, AARP

Thu 10/26 at 1 p.m. – Expert Series: Is Your Association’s Corporate Sponsorship Strategy Haunted?

Hear about the ghosts, ghouls, and goblins that may be haunting your association’s corporate sponsorship efforts; and proven ghostbusting techniques to help clear the cobwebs from your existing strategy and empower you with the potions and spells needed to successfully connect with corporations. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Non-Dues-A-Palooza

Speakers:

Corporate Sponsorship Sorceress Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE
Corporate Partnership Sorcerer Bruce Rosenthal

Thu 10/26 at 2 p.m. – How To Build Your 2024 Communications Plan

In this step-by-step session, discover everything that needs to go into your 2024 communications plan. Walk away with: set goals that bring value, the know-how to define activities and tactics for your goals, the ability to manage your plan throughout the year (no matter what it brings!), a real example of a successfully executed plan, and an annual communications plan and marketing and communications budget template. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Mighty Citizen

Speakers: Brianna Martin, Director of Brand Marketing, and Nicole Araujo, CAE, Client Engagement Director, Mighty Citizen

Fri 10/27 at 11 a.m. – Monthly Virtual Consultants Town Hall for Networking/Connecting

This monthly networking meeting is for connecting and sharing among consultants. The agenda will be created by the community through suggesting topics and/or volunteering to share content via a presentation. More info/register.

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

Fri 10/27 at 12:30 p.m. – Ask Me Anything: Marketing Automation

Learn about marketing automation. How can technology and automation make our marketing efforts less painful? What can automation be used for? Bring all your marketing automation questions and join the AMA. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Genevieve Borello, CAE, MPA, oversees the American Bar Association’s Tax Section’s membership, marketing, and diversity initiatives

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.

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Association Brain Food: 10.6.23

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

Industry careers website. Once again, I’m asking for good examples of association (or association foundation) websites that feature an industry careers section. This page from SEMI about the semiconductor industry is an example of what I mean. Please send me links if you have one or know of a good one. Thank you!

Association education in 2024. Tagoras is conducting a brief survey to find out where learning and education businesses (i.e., associations) plan to focus their efforts in 2024.

Conference design. In part two of their Open Space series, TopClass LMS explains how to overcome common objections to using this engaging event format. In case you missed it, they described Open Space and its advantages, and shared a few association examples in part one.

Conference/abstract management. Ex Ordo describes how to implement conference and abstract management software for medical, technical, scientific, and academic association events. Their guide covers configuring software for abstract submission and peer review, issuing the call for papers, designing the conference program, and more.

Next gen membership #1. Based on conversations with young members, former members, and never-members from multiple industries, Michelle Maher of Highland describes why young professionals are engaging digital channels instead of associations and the unique value they seek from associations.

Next gen membership #2. Another take on the young professional recruitment challenge comes from James Young of Product Community. Although associations can offer opportunities for shared purpose and connections, they need to better understand this market segment and design a fresh value proposition for young professionals who want to engage in new ways.

Association deathwatch. Sarah Scire at Nieman Lab tells the sad backstory of the Society of Professional Journalists. Competing against niche professional organizations, membership and conference revenue has “slowed to a trickle.” The organization’s outgoing treasurer describes the financial situation as “dire.” The writing has been on the wall for a long time—follow the link in the story to the 2014 memo written by a former ED.

Association staff retention. GrowthZone explains how to improve morale and reduce employee turnover by providing a more enjoyable, rewarding, and humane work experience. They share a bunch of good ideas for onboarding, flexible work schedules, employee perks, recognition, and communication.

Content marketing. Content Marketing Institute shares highlights from their conference, Content Marketing World, including a quote from their chief strategy advisor Robert Rose: “Content marketing is what marketing is becoming. It is no longer a weird experiment in some back room with a tiger team.”

Also worth your time

Gen Z and the gender divide: With feeds full of the most unhinged takes, men and women are further apart in values and worldview than ever before—and the divide feels uncrossable. An eye-opening and depressing post from a young woman about the despicable impact of social influencers on perceptions and dating. Life was so much easier for my generation. (Freya India, Lean Out with Tara Henley)

Take a position, not a side: towards a healthier civic discourse. (William Deresiewicz, Persuasion)

You never grow old at the table

Skip down to the list of free educational events if you prefer takeout.

I rediscovered a recipe from Marcella Hazan’s More Classic Italian Cooking, published in 1978: baked bluefish with potatoes, Genoese style. The sticky brown potato slices are soooo good. On the side, zucchini and yellow squash pesto with red bell pepper, carrot, broccoli stem, onion, and tomatoes.

I was stuck for a fish idea but remembered I had a container of leftover chorizo/smoked Gouda filling from making only a half batch of stuffed jalapeños. I added minced red jalapeño to the remaining filling, spread the mix over fillets of flounder and striped mullet, and baked them a little longer than usual. Oh yes, that worked! It’s good in burritos too. On the side, roasted broccoli with red onion, garlic powder, and hot pepper flakes.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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 10/6 at 10 a.m.* – Artificial Intelligence | Coffee with Innovators: Association Design Circle

Every month, an association leader leads a conversation on an association innovation topic. Tom will lead us in conversation on artificial intelligence: How might AI disrupt associations? What opportunities and challenges do we foresee? What are the latest tools and how might they help us navigate change? More info/register.

Host: Product Design Community

Facilitator: Tom Lietz, veteran storyteller, community innovator, and thought leader at the intersection of storytelling and systems thinking

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

Fri 10/6 at 12:30 p.m. – Ask Me Anything: Personalization

Learn how to use personalization to improve member communications, engagement, and transactions. Let’s talk candidly about what’s standing in your way and how to overcome those obstacles. Bring all your personalization questions. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Alex Mouw, CAE of Amazon Web Services

Fri 10/6 at 4 p.m. – Association Management: Innovation Discussion (Membership Panel)

Join us for this week’s panel discussion on how innovation, creative problem solving, and data can support association health and membership growth. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speakers:

Kia Davis
Vy Le, CAE, Linguistic Society of America
Kerri L. McGovern, MPP, CAE
Natasha Bethea Goodwin MS, CAE (moderator), Senior Director of Marketing and Membership, Information Technology Industry Council

Mon 10/9 at 8 a.m. – Claim Your Expertise: the 4 Es (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Mike Bober, CEO, Pet Advocacy Network

Mon 10/9 at 1 p.m. – 30-Minute Monday: IMEX America 2023

Whether or not you plan to attend our industry’s top trade show, let’s deep dive into the show of shows, what makes it successful, how the experience has changed and the lessons learned by organizers who will share this year’s can’t miss experiences. 0.5 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: MPI

Tue 10/10 at 12 p.m. – Chapter Roundtable (Reston VA)

Designed exclusively for professionals from component-based organizations in your area, our roundtables are not lectures but jam sessions where you can share, learn from your peers, and gain valuable feedback on your ongoing projects and goals. Discover the power of collaborative networking, knowledge sharing, and inspiring discussions in a casual, low-key setting. This interactive experience will give you actionable ideas, fresh insights, and inspiration to apply immediately. Location: Reston VA. More info/register.

Host: Billhighway

Tue 10/10 at 12 p.m. – LGBTQIA2+ Community Call

Please join this opportunity for association professionals (of all career levels!) to come together to share lunch time and discuss topics that are relevant and timely. Come prepared to join this judgment-free group with questions and issues that are top of mind for you in the LGBTQIA2+ association community. More info/register.

Host: ASAE LGBTQ Association Executives and Supporters

Tue 10/10 at 1 p.m. – Association Latinos Latina Equal Pay Day (Part 2)

At the end of 2022, Latina women earned 54 cents on the dollar compared to white men’s earnings, meaning Latinas must work an additional 11 months to earn what a white man earns in a year. Learn how to negotiate your salary and benefits. Get tools on how to prepare and execute a salary negotiation. Hear about the panelists’ experience in navigating salary and benefit negotiations in the association space. More info/register.

Host: Association Latinos

Tue 10/10 at 2 p.m. – Expert Series: Be the Association Hero: Increasing 2024 Non-Dues Revenue

Hear about key strategies that will help you drive more non-dues revenue and build a true career growth destination for your members in 2024 and beyond. Learn how to drive incremental non-dues revenue without lifting a finger, create a competitive advantage over competitors to maximize your revenue, offer great member value, and stay connected with members. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Non-Dues-A-Palooza

Speaker: Mike Kumpf, Director of Enterprise Sales for YM Careers

Wed 10/11 at 9 a.m. – PAR Member Meet-Up: How to Approach Revenue Forecasts for 2024

Hear how associations plan and deliver revenue forecasts from the basic to the advanced. Join other PAR members as we share forecasting metrics and tips on how to include internal colleagues and departments in the process. 0.5 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Professionals for Association Revenue

Wed 10/11 at 11 a.m. – Transforming Associations: The Future of Productivity with AI

Discover practical applications of AI tools like ChatGPT in enhancing team productivity and operational efficiency within associations. Learn proven strategies to implement AI within your association, potentially boosting overall productivity by up to 40%. Get insights into the future of association workspaces, understanding how AI can transform your operations, streamline processes, and pave the way for innovation. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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

Wed 10/11 at 12 p.m. – Chapter Roundtable (Washington DC)

Host: Billhighway

Wed 10/11 at 1 p.m. – Transform Your Tired Conference; Create Something Amazing

Little has changed in the last 50 years when it comes to in-person event formats. You know the usual drill: keynote, sessions in large rooms, and an exhibit hall. But what attendees want has dramatically changed. Learn how to make your meetings better, no matter the scale, to provide more value and drive more connection and engagement. More info/register.

Host: Matrix Group

Speakers:

Teri Carden, CEO & Founder of 100Reviews & Non Dues-a-Palooza
Lee Gimpel, Founder and CEO of Better Meetings
Joanna Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker of Matrix Group

Wed 10/11 at 1 p.m. – Lightweight Framework for Your Association’s Data Strategy

Lack of a documented data strategy is a leading reason data initiatives struggle or even fail. This is primarily because it seems difficult, expensive, and overwhelming to create. That’s why we’ve built a lightweight process for mapping out and documenting a data strategy you can use in your association. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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

Wed 10/11 at 2 p.m. – The Role of Ethics in Volunteer Engagement

Learn the difference between personal, organizational and professional ethics; the core values and principles identified by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration; a process for ethical decision-making that can be applied in any situation—and then practice this using real-life scenarios related to volunteers. Hear about several specific strategies for increasing awareness of ethics within an organization and helping both volunteers and staff become more effective at handling ethical dilemmas. 1.5 CAE credits. More info/register.

Host: Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration

Wed 10/11 at 2 p.m. – The Balancing Act: How to Maximize ROI and Stay Within Budget

In-person events are back, however, there are now added pressures related to inflation, budget constraints, and over-worked teams. Hear how to reduce costs across your events program. Learn how to centralize visibility of all meetings and events to cut duplicative programs, strategically source venues and vendors to reduce expenses, and use digital channels like webinars, and virtual events to maximize ROI. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: MeetingsNet

Speaker: Julie Haddix, Senior Director, Solutions Marketing, Cvent

Thu 10/12 at 9:30 a.m. – Small Staff Percolator

An interactive online coffee break format designed for you to discover more peers in our dispersed community, bring up a topic that’s brewing in the daily grind, and have a casual chat with others who know your lingo. More info/register.

Host: Qiqo

Thu 10/12 at 11 a.m. – Good to GREAT: Association Websites That Work

What’s the difference between a “good” website and a “GREAT” one? A GREAT website engages members with dynamic and personalized experiences that connect them with content and opportunities that meet their needs at all levels of their professional journey. Hear about award-winning success stories, strategies that increase member engagement, innovative solutions—such as AI—that deliver value, and opportunities to pivot quickly without a full redesign. More info/register.

Host: Results Direct | RD Mobile

Speakers: Laura Graham, Sr Solutions Consultant, and Steve Russell, Web Project Lead, Results Direct | RD Mobile

Thu 10/12 at 12 p.m. – Chapter Roundtable (Alexandria VA)

Host: Billhighway

Thu 10/12 at 12 p.m. – Mastering Revenue Growth: A Strategic Framework for Your Certification Training Program

The shifting landscape of professional learning has made lifelong education a necessity for associations and their members. Hear about the revenue-driving opportunities available in the modern digital learning landscape, a strategic framework for associations to identify and effectively leverage these opportunities, how to evaluate and strategize your journey within the framework, how to progress from initial identification to successful implementation, and case studies of two organizations that successfully transformed their certification training programs into major revenue drivers. 0.5 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: .orgCommunity

Speaker: Ashish Rangnekar, CEO, BenchPrep

Thu 10/12 at 12 p.m. – Boosting Member Retention with Vibrant Communities

Learn about the connection between vibrant communities and member retention, the three biggest member experience risks you need to mitigate now, how to define and measure vibrancy in your community, and strategies to increase engagement, vibrancy and retention. More info/register.

Host: Forj

Thu 10/12 at 12 p.m. – The Community Check-In

A weekly community chat on Slack for black professionals working in the events industry. More info/register.

Host: Black In Events Network

Thu 10/12 at 1 p.m. – The True Implications of AI for the Association Industry: Part 2 – Considerations for Adding AI to Your Tech Stack

AI functionality has been part of our tech stack for a while, but we’re about to see an avalanche of new tools, plugins and features from the big platforms we use every day (looking at you, Microsoft and Google). How do we manage this onslaught of shiny tools? How do we get proactive about researching and adding other new tools to evolve our tech strategy and tech stack? How do we keep on top of security risks? Bring your questions, ideas, and resources/links, and take away actionable resources from panelists and participants. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Rick Bawcum, CAE, CISSP, CEO and Founder, Cimatri
Hilton Gray, Co-Founder, MemberJunction
Tori Miller Liu, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CEO, The Association for Intelligent Information Management
Rhoni Rakos, Director of Digital Strategy, fusionSpan

Fri 10/13 at 12:30 p.m. – Conversations with Champions

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Guest: Amilie Parent, President at Showcare

Fri 10/13 at 4 p.m. – Career Planning (Panel Discussion)

Host: Fridays@4

Speakers:

Shan Haugabrook, Director of Membership, Atlanta Apartment Association
Rob Henry, Vice President of Development, Culture and Talent, Council of Advancement and Support of Education
Donté P. Shannon, FASAE, CAE
Shanae McFadden, CMP, DES (moderator), Consumer Healthcare Products Association

Tue 10/17 at 11 a.m. – Successfully Deploy AI in Your Digital Workplace With Strategy and Governance

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Troy Ewert, IT Solutions Manager, Minnesota Automotive Dealers Association
Tom Jelen, MBA, Senior Strategic Consultant, Technology Consulting, DelCor Technology Solutions

Wed 10/18 at 12 p.m. – Beyond Borders: Uniting Chapter Communications

Hosts: Billhighway and Mariner Management

Speakers:

Sheri Singer, Singer Communications
Peggy Hoffman, Mariner Management

Wed 10/18 at 12 p.m. – Is Your Martech Stack Helping You Deliver On Your Goals?

Host: HighRoad Solution

Speakers: Morgan Mulgrew, Strategic Account Manager, and Kat Ybarra, Senior Digital Advisor, HighRoad Solutions

Wed 10/18 from 12 to 5 p.m. – AI Summit: How Marketers can Harness the Power of AI

Host: Goldcast

Wed 10/18 at 2 p.m. – Create Revenue Producing Learning Opportunities Beyond Virtual Webinars

Host: Professionals for Association Revenue

Speakers: Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders, Tagoras

Thu 10/19 at 11 a.m. – The True Implications of AI for the Association Industry: Part 3 – Personalization, Privacy and AI

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Rick Bawcum, CAE, CISSP, CEO and Founder, Cimatri
Becky Breeden, CEO, BrightFind
Josh Jones, Director of IT, American Institute for Ultrasound Medicine
Bailey Kasten, CAE, ICE-CPP, Executive Director, Virginia Recreation and Park Society

Thu 10/19 at 11:30 a.m. – Tapas Talk: Nondues Revenue

The program begins with short presentations by Barbara Armentrout, Founder & Key Principal of BJA Solutions for Associations and Carrie McIntyre Principal of Navigate, Customer Experience & Sales Consulting. Then, meet subject matter experts who will briefly describe their breakout room topics. Get a good understanding of several market-tested methods and best practices that you can put to work right away. More info/register.

Host: QiqoChat

Speakers:

Lewis Flax of Flax Associates
Rich Lawson of SALA
Scott Oser of Scott Oser Associates

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.

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Creative Commons licensed photo by Mo via Unsplash

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Association Brain Food: 9.29.23

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

Request re career section on association website. Does your association have a career section for people curious about entering your industry or profession? I’m looking for examples for a post I’m writing. I love this page from SEMI about the semiconductor industry. Please send me links if you have one or know of a good one. Thank you!

Open Space event design. After an informative discussion in ASAE Collaborate, TopClass LMS was inspired to introduce the Open Space event format to those who can’t access the forum. In this post, they describe the basics and the advantages Open Space has over the traditional conference session format.

Membership renewals. Impexium dives deep into membership renewals: the difference between retention and renewal, metrics, why members don’t renew (per research), and, best of all, solutions for those renewal challenges.

Mentoring program. “While starting a mentoring program isn’t rocket science, there’s certainly an art to it.” With 20 years of experience developing mentoring programs, Art of Mentoring knows both the art and science. They describe the seven steps of starting a successful association mentoring program from pre-evaluation and research to planning, design, recruitment, matching, training, support, and evaluation.

Association benchmarks. Association Adviser’s annual Association Benchmarking Report begins with an interesting look at association communication challenges and trends over the past 12 years Naylor has published this report. One difference this year: “For the first time in the survey’s history, the challenge of generating non-dues revenue topped all other obstacles faced by associations.” That explains the interest in communities like Non-Dues-A-Palooza and Professionals for Association Revenue. The report offers much to digest about communication, member engagement, events, staffing, outsourcing, and more.

Event design. Miguel Neves at Skift Meetings says, “While planners may acknowledge the uniqueness of in-person meetings, they don’t allocate enough time to reap their benefits.” I agree. Why travel to a conference if most of the experience feels like an online meeting? Why pay registration if the best parts happen outside the official agenda?

Marketing to younger generations. If you’re trying to figure out how to market to Gen Z and millennials, Mercury Creative Group explains how to build an association brand that attracts and retains younger members.

Also worth your time

Best practices for board meeting minutes. (Jim Slaughter, Law Firm Carolinas)

Stories and ideologies are bad for your intelligence: how historians (and others) make themselves stupid. (Ian Leslie, The Ruffian)

You never grow old at the table

Skip down to the list of free educational events if you prefer takeout.

You can’t go wrong with an Ina Garten recipe, including her roast chicken. I added chunks of russet potatoes to the carrot, onion, and fennel mix underneath the chicken. On the side, green beans sautéed with bacon, red onion, mushrooms, and garlic.

Our jalapeño harvest is in full swing right now. Last weekend, since a bunch of family unexpectedly came over, I made one of my favorite snacks for them: chorizo and smoked Gouda stuffed jalapeños. Addictive, especially with margaritas.

Another night, with a glorious chunk of bigeye tuna in hand, I made Thai tuna burgers with a cuke salad. I slathered mine with Japanese togarashi hot sauce from Tattoo in lieu of the recipe’s ginger-lemon mayonnaise. On the side, garlicky bok choy.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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 9/29 at 1 p.m.* – So, You Have a Recorded Webinar… Now What?

Webinars are not just one-off presentations; they’re a substantial investment of your time, energy, and often, the goodwill of volunteers. The challenge lies in effectively repurposing this content to ensure you continue to extract value from your efforts. Hear about ten (or more!) ingenious ways to breathe new life into a one-hour recorded webinar; essential tools that streamline the repurposing process, making it both simpler and more efficient; and innovative strategies for leveraging webinar content to enhance engagement, both among your existing members and non-members. 0.75 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Blue Sky eLearn

Speaker: Dr. Kristen Wall, MA, EdD, Director of Learning and Development at Blue Sky eLearn

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

Fri 9/29 at 4 p.m. – The Absolutes of Accountability

There is little debate about the importance of accountability in the workplace and in our personal lives. It’s a must at all levels of any organization and is the key to building trust with stakeholders. The pursuit of this takes a big slice of humble pie at times and a constant look in the mirror always. This session will highlight opportunities to elevate yourself and those around in focusing on accountability as an area of practice in every aspect of your life. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speaker: April Tone, MBA, CAE, Sr. Manager, Technical & Engineering Communities Operations at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Mon 10/2 at 8 a.m. – Eliminate the Executive Committee! And Other Heresies (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guests: Michael Wyland and Michael Butera

Tue 10/3 at 12 p.m. – Checking All the Boxes: What to Consider When Planning Your Association’s Next Big Event

Hear about event planning elements essential for thriving in today’s dynamic industry. Learn tips for defining and prioritizing your event’s objectives, strategies for cost-effective budgeting, key factors to consider when making event choices, and best practices for marketing your event. More info/register.

Host: NXUnite

Speakers:

Vinnu Deshetty, Event Tech Advocate/CEO & Founder at EVA
Maria Ramos, Director, Meetings & Events at Talley
Rachel Stephan, snöballer-in-chief at Snoball
Rusty Williams, Co-Founder at AnswerStage

Tue 10/3 at 1 p.m. – Connecting to Your Creativity: How to Have an Ah-Ha Moment

Learn how the brain functions during the creative process, how technology—specifically AI–can assist with innovative thinking, how to get your creative juice flowing, and how this knowledge can work for you. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Sheri Singer, President, Singer Communications

Tue 10/3 from 3 to 5 p.m. – 2023 Data (Viz) Science Fair (Alexandria VA)

An old school Science Fair, with individuals showing off their data stories. Could be a viz, could be a project, could be anything that highlights how you’ve used data to make better business decisions. If you don’t feel like presenting, please come hang out, see some cool projects, and join us for some beer and networking after the event. Location: Alexandria VA. More info/register.

Hosts: Data Analytics Network and Association Analytics

Tue 10/3 at 3 p.m. – Effective Financial Messaging for Nonprofit Organizations

Learn about the advantages of purpose-built financial messaging and how to help the board, staff, and other users of financial information have trust and confidence in your organization’s financial reports. Explore key concepts related to building out financial dashboards. Hear about optimization tactics and strategies to improve understanding of financial reporting through the use of pre-month-end closing meetings, finding small financial teaching moments, and displaying financial information in annual reports. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Michael Gellman, CPA, CGMA, Co-Founder at Sustainability Education 4 Nonprofits
Paul Preziotti, CPA, Partner, Johnson Lambert LLP

Wed 10/4 at 11 a.m. – Coach Prime’s Key Lessons for Associations

Deion “Prime Time” Sanders was a force to be reckoned with as a two-sport professional athlete in the ‘90s. Now Coach Prime is not only reviving a lackluster college program, but he’s impacting the university as a whole and changing college football itself. Find out what associations need to learn from the example of Coach Deion Sanders. Learn the secrets of Coach Prime’s appeal to youth and how to employ similar tactics. Discover Deion Sanders’ principles for imparting a vision and getting buy-in from stakeholders. Prime Time maximizes the spotlight and creates buzz; association executives can do this too. Storytelling should be elevated and central to supporting an organization’s mission. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jay S. Daughtry, M.Ed., Chief Communications Officer/Owner, CQbd

Wed 10/4 at 12 p.m. – Increasing Sponsorship Revenue During Uncertain Times

Your association shifted from live to virtual events and you struggled to secure sponsorship revenue. Now your organization is back to hosting in-person events and you are wrestling with your sponsorship plans. You know that you can’t turn the clock back three years, yet unsure how to adapt. So…what will you do to boost sponsorship income? Learn about strategies to boost your sponsorship results and how quickly a few changes can help raise additional revenue. More info/register.

Host: Association Insights in Old Town

Speaker: Lewis Flax, founder, Flax Associates

Wed 10/4 at 1 p.m. – Economic Headwinds: A Guide for Associations

In the midst of volatility, inflation, rising interest rates, and many other economic factors, the economy looks to be heading south quickly. At least that’s what we’re hearing, but what does the data say? Hear about real economic data that will help give a clearer picture of what to expect in the economy and strategies to overcome these coming obstacles. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Matt Haggerty, Senior Analyst, Nonprofit & Education, RSM

Wed 10/4 at 2 p.m. – Creative Sponsorship Ideas

Event sponsors are seeking more than simple brand recognition. They’re looking to engage with virtual and live audiences in unique and meaningful ways, while getting the most bang from their sponsorship dollars. Hear about fresh ideas for live-event sponsorships, digital sponsorship tactics that really work, and how to recognize sponsors before, during and after the event. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

Dahlia El Gazzar, Tech Evangelist and Principal, DAHLIA+ Agency
Aaron Miller, Vice President, Group Creative Director, Hargrove, LLC
Alyssa Shipley, Director, Brand Events, Maritz
Lisa Grimaldi (moderator), Editor, Incentives and Destinations, Northstar Meetings Group

Wed 10/4 at 3 p.m. – Finding Data Insights: What Would You Do If You Knew?

Finding insights and turning them into action is how associations stay relevant and valuable to members. And that’s what analytics is all about. Analytics shines a light on insights you would have never known about because you didn’t know to ask or where to even look. Learn some of the most useful insights to look for, the data that leads to those insights and how to take action. More info/register.

Host: Association Analytics

Speakers: Bill Conforti, SVP of Strategy & Solutions, and Greg Pollack, SVP of Sales Enablement, Association Analytics

Thu 10/5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Data & Generative AI Day: From Vision to Value: Fueling Business Growth with Data and Generative AI

With generative AI, the power and potential of your organization’s data has never been bigger. From customer engagements and employee productivity to idea creation and innovation, generative AI has the ability to transform your organization. But as a leader, what does it take to harness the power of your data to deliver on the promise of this new technology? Hear from AWS experts, customers, and startups who are innovating with data and generative AI today. Learn how to foster innovation quickly and easily, while keeping security and privacy at the forefront. Get practical advice from leaders on how to approach the opportunities and challenges of this technology and what the future holds. More info/register.

Host: AWS

Thu 10/5 at 12 p.m. – The Community Check-In

A weekly community chat on Slack for black professionals working in the events industry. More info/register.

Host: Black In Events Network

Thu 10/5 at 1 p.m. – The True Implications of AI for the Association Industry: Part 1 – Managing the Risks and Disruption of Generative AI

Get a baseline explanation of generative AI for non-techies, and learn what this means for association leaders and how you should be thinking about the implications for internal and external disruptions. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Thomas Altman, Founder, Tasio
Maddie Grant, CAE, Culture Designer and Digital Strategist, Propel
Katherine Matthews, CAE, Assistant Vice President, Data & Analytics, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
Juan Sanchez, Chief Information Officer, Inteleos

Thu 10/5 at 1 p.m. – Association Latinos Latina Equal Pay Day (Part 1)

At the end of 2022, Latina women earned 54 cents on the dollar compared to white men’s earnings, meaning Latinas must work an additional 11 months to earn what a white man earns in a year. Learn how your starting salary can impact your lifetime career earnings and the importance of negotiating salary and benefits when accepting a job offer or promotion. Hear how to manage a career change and decide when it may be time to leave a job in order to advance your career. More info/register.

Host: Association Latinos

Thu 10/5 at 2 p.m. – Super Spooky Cybersecurity Stories

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Halloween! Join us to hear some scary (and some not so scary) security tales. We will focus on real life stories from both associations and the insurance world, covering the latest developments in cyber security and tips to continuously shore up your association’s systems and promote a more secure future. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: 501 Works

Speakers:

Villy Savino, Vice President of Technology Transformation for CoreNet Global
Derek Symer, Principal, Senior Vice President, Director Non-Profit Practice for AHT Insurance

Thu 10/5 at 3 p.m. – The Virtual Stage: Association Marketing Tips

Embrace the future of association marketing and uncover the path to digital success. We’ll dive into effective online engagement, a must-know for associations aiming to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Explore the strategies and trends powering digital transformation, with fresh insights into member outreach and virtual event marketing. More info/register.

Host: NXUnite

Speakers:

Jessica King, Business Lead at Getting Attention
Kerry McCreadie, Head of Content & SEO at EventMobi
Leona Scott, President and Founder at JEP Marketing Communications
Rusty Williams, Co-Founder at AnswerStage

Thu 10/5 at 3 p.m. – How to Boost Your Association’s Revenue with Sponsorships and Automated Marketing

Explore creative financial strategies to generate revenue for your association through automated marketing. Learn how to attract sponsors whose goals align with your association’s mission while maintaining member happiness with the power of state-of-the-art marketing tools. More info/register.

Host: Grype Digital

Speakers:

Edward Byers, director of membership at the Canadian Society of Association Executives
Lydia Israel, marketing manager at Grype Digital

Fri 10/6 at 10 a.m. – Artificial Intelligence | Coffee with Innovators: Association Design Circle

Host: Product Design Community

Facilitator: Tom Lietz, veteran storyteller, community innovator, and thought leader at the intersection of storytelling and systems thinking

Fri 10/6 at 12:30 p.m. – Ask Me Anything: Personalization

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Alex Mouw, CAE of Amazon Web Services

Tue 10/10 at 12 p.m. – Chapter Roundtable (Reston VA)

Host: Billhighway

Tue 10/10 at 1 p.m. – Association Latinos Latina Equal Pay Day (Part 2)

Host: Association Latinos

Tue 10/10 at 2 p.m. – Expert Series: Be the Association Hero: Increasing 2024 Non-Dues Revenue

Host: Non-Dues-A-Palooza

Speaker: Mike Kumpf, Director of Enterprise Sales for YM Careers

Wed 10/11 at 9 a.m. – PAR Member Meet-Up: How to Approach Revenue Forecasts for 2024

Host: Professionals for Association Revenue

Wed 10/11 at 11 a.m. – Transforming Associations: The Future of Productivity with AI

Host: UST Education

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

Wed 10/11 at 12 p.m. – Chapter Roundtable (Washington DC)

Host: Billhighway

Wed 10/11 at 1 p.m. – Transform Your Tired Conference; Create Something Amazing

Host: Matrix Group

Speakers:

Teri Carden, CEO & Founder of 100Reviews & Non Dues-a-Palooza
Lee Gimpel, Founder and CEO of Better Meetings
Joanna Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker of Matrix Group

Thu 10/12 at 9:30 a.m. – Small Staff Percolator

Host: Qiqo

Thu 10/12 at 12 p.m. – Chapter Roundtable (Alexandria VA)

Host: Billhighway

Thu 10/12 at 12 p.m. – Mastering Revenue Growth: A Strategic Framework for Your Certification Training Program

Host: .orgCommunity

Speaker: Ashish Rangnekar, CEO, BenchPrep

Thu 10/12 at 1 p.m. – The True Implications of AI for the Association Industry: Part 2 – Considerations for Adding AI to Your Tech Stack

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Rick Bawcum, CAE, CISSP, CEO and Founder, Cimatri
Hilton Gray, Co-Founder, MemberJunction
Tori Miller Liu, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CEO, The Association for Intelligent Information Management
Rhoni Rakos, Director of Digital Strategy, fusionSpan

Fri 10/13 at 12:30 p.m. – Conversations with Champions

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Guest: Amilie Parent, President at Showcare

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.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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: 9.22.23

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

Event recordings. TopClass LMS reviews the pros and cons of recording an educational event from both the attendee and association perspectives. Make sure you go through this list before making any decisions about recording upcoming events.

Gen Z education. At Business Insider, Charlotte Lytton reports on research about Gen Z and education. Some Gen Zers are skipping college, while many who decide to go have a different set of priorities than students in the past. Both groups need to know how your association could fit into their educational plans, either by serving as an alternative to college or supplementing what they learn there.

Scientific society events. ExOrdo shares key findings from their interviews with 27 scholarly societies about event goals, programs, and challenges. They discuss the growth of international online audiences, challenges with online networking and engagement, online content libraries, and much more.

Mentoring. Cecilia Sepp encourages us to offer “moments of mentoring,” which she says are just as important—if not more so—than formal, long-term mentoring relationships. She describes the difference between mentoring and coaching, and explains how mentoring moments can make a difference in someone’s life.

Users groups. Wes Trochlil at Effective Database Management describes the benefit of belonging to an AMS users group: you can “tap tens if not hundreds of other organizations that are using the same or similar software.” If your AMS partner doesn’t offer one, he shares tips for how to create a users group yourself and get the most out of it.

Website RFPs. If your association has a website redesign project on the horizon, there’s no need to ask for RFP samples on ASAE Collaborate. You can get everything you need in Brightfind’s RFP template for CMS and website design projects. You can also use parts of the template for other technology selection projects since prospective vendors will need much of the same information.

Next gen websites. Ali Zamanian at Position describes three website strategies that will help you sync up “with the attitudes, behaviors, desires, and values of your association’s next generation.”

Also worth your time

What people really remember about your association. (Amanda Lea Kaiser)

Two mobile engagement strategies to help your association increase Gen Z and millennial membership. (Mark Wallach, Engagement Mobile Strategies)

How to use AI to do stuff. (Ethan Mollick, One Useful Thing)

Mammoth straw creatures populate Japanese farmland in the annual Wara Art Festival. (Grace Ebert, Colossal)

You never grow old at the table

Skip down to the list of free educational events if you prefer takeout.

Lots of fun travel lately: Non-Dues-A-Palooza in Denver, Grand Lake CO, and Asheville NC. Coming home from CO, it was my night for dinner duty, but instead of ordering pizza, I defrosted fillets of black drum and a package of frozen broccoli.

I made Mummy Lorraine black drum with a topping of crushed Ritz crackers, lemon zest, garlic powder, and melted butter. I got my idea for a side veggie from the broccoli package: broccoli with cheese sauce, a simple bechamel with cheddar, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Sadly, I didn’t have any ham to add, as the recipe suggested.

A few nights later, I was busy finishing up work and packing for a weekend away, so I made up a quick-and-easy recipe for black sea bass fillets. I topped and baked the fillets with salsa and Herdez roasted poblano crema sauce, pepper jack cheese, and cilantro. On the side, leftover broccoli plus Uncle Ben’s 90-second brown rice, which did a great job of soaking up that sauce.

Back home on Sunday, I made baked ziti with Italian sausage, mushroom, onion, red/green bell pepper, garlic, marinara, tomatoes, mozzarella, asiago, parmesan, provolone, and fresh basil. And, once again, roasted broccoli—my go-to quick veggie—on the side.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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 9/22 at 4 p.m.* – Career Management Toolkit: Using Data to Chart Your Course, Measure Your Impact, & Further Your Career

Learn how to collect and use qualitative and quantitative data to focus your work, capture your results, and propel your career forward. Our speakers will share their knowledge and experiences using data to bring strategy and structure to career management. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speakers: Tom Aley, Jennifer Baker, MSW, CAE, and Ted Miller

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

Mon 9/25 at 8 a.m. – Membership is Everyone’s Job (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guests: John Lingerfelt, CAE

Tue 9/26 at 12 p.m. – Embracing AI in Events: Navigating Opportunities and Challenges

Learn about the innovative applications of AI that are redefining attendee engagement, boosting event efficiency, and elevating overall experiences. See how AI-driven solutions transform the landscape of event personalization, augmented reality, virtual experiences, and even smart venue management. Grasp AI’s potential and understand how to harness it responsibly. More info/register.

Host: 6Connex

Speakers:

Dahlia El Gazzar, event technology strategist and the founder, DAHLIA+ Agency
Stephen Kaufman, founder and chief product officer, Inriver
Henry Tran, CTO, 6Connex

Tue 9/26 at 12 p.m. – Behind the Scenes: How We Built a Webinar Using ChatGPT

Hear how the team at Cvent used ChatGPT to create a webinar that was so good, it had people lining up to attend (virtually, of course). Get all the juicy details on how they crafted a killer title, created engaging content, and promoted the webinar to the right audience. Learn about key metrics they tracked, and how they’re using those insights to optimize webinar performance. More info/register.

Host: MPI

Speaker: Brooke Gracey, Director, Demand Generation, CVENT

Tue 9/26 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – LMS Demo Days

Watch presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer LMS platforms. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Tue 9/26 at 1 p.m. – SEO Crash Course: It’s Not Just Keywords

Many believe SEO is all about choosing the right keywords and hoping for the best. However, it’s far more complex than that. To properly optimize your website, you must also focus on technical SEO, on-page SEO, and off-page SEO (link building). Conducting thorough keyword research is essential, but it’s just the beginning. Technical SEO ensures your website is optimized for search engine crawlers, while on-page SEO focuses on content and website structure. Off-page SEO involves building relationships with other websites through backlinks to increase your page authority. Learn how to give your website the best chance of appearing at the top of search engine results by taking a well-rounded approach to SEO. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Chris Rodriguez, CEO, iExcel

Tue 9/26 at 2 p.m. – Gen Z to Boomers: Strategies for Effective Advocacy Communications Across Generations

As the oldest members of Gen Z turn 26 this year, this group of young people is becoming an increasingly more prominent part of the voting and advocacy landscape. However, people are also living longer today than they did in the past, so it remains crucial to continue engaging with older generations. Hear about the values, communication preferences, and engagement triggers of various generations; strategies to tailor your advocacy initiatives to connect with different age groups effectively; innovative ways to leverage digital platforms to amplify your advocacy efforts; and how to encourage collaboration between generations to ensure the sustainability of your advocacy campaigns. More info/register.

Host: VoterVoice

Tue 9/26 at 6 p.m. – Visualizing the Future: AI, Dataviz, and Real-World Impact (Washington DC)

Learn how AI is being designed for trust and feedback, examining features in everyday technologies. Discover the art and science of data visualization, bringing raw data to life to highlight trends and patterns for better user understanding. Discuss ethical considerations in AI and data visualization including bias, transparency, and accessibility. Find out about career opportunities for dataviz and AI in journalism, policymaking, and software engineering. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.

Host: FiscalNote

Speaker: Fallon Farmer, Principal Data Scientist, FiscalNote

Wed 9/27 from 9 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. – LMS Demo Days

Watch presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer LMS platforms. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Wed 9/27 at 12 p.m. – PAR Member Meet-Up: How Unique is your Unique Value Proposition?

Do your potential members, exhibitors, advertisers or sponsors understand how your association programs can create value around their investment? Join the PAR community as we share unique value propositions and explore how other members position and deliver throughout their work. 0.5 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Professionals for Association Revenue

Wed 9/27 at 1 p.m. – 2024 Prediction: The AI Leapfrog Year for Associations

We predict in 2024, many associations are primed for a leapfrog kind of year, where they jump from barely using AI to making it a core part of their nondues revenue strategy. Learn about the dynamics of word-of-mouth marketing and strategies to supercharge it, peer-to-peer knowledge sharing sessions for your members that require minimal pre-work yet provide deeper engagement, and ways to turn your association’s wealth of information into a sustained and growing body of knowledge for your members to access through AI. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Sandra Nam, CEO and Co-Founder, and Lucas Cioffi, CTO and Co-Founder, QiqoChat

Wed 9/27 at 1 p.m. – Crystal Ball Predictions for the Future of Associations

Hear what our panel’s organizations are seeing in their professions and with their memberships and what this means for associations moving forward. Learn about workforce development challenges and what this means for associations and industries; value propositions and the art of attracting new members to associations; the importance of the practice of foresight and addressing areas of future needs; and potential benefits and challenges with the use of AI. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fonteva

Speakers:

Mike Chamberlain, MBA, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, Grant Professionals Association
Terri Hinkley, EdD, MBA, BScN, RN, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, National Association of School Nurses
Tori Miller Liu, MBA, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO, AIIM International
Bill Schankel, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, NAFA Fleet Management Association

Wed 9/27 at 2 p.m. – Expert Series Session: Unleashing New Revenue Potential with Association Job Boards: A Comprehensive Guide for Association Executives

Association job boards are a powerful tool to attract new members, unlock fresh revenue streams, and enhance member engagement. What’s more, most members now expect a career center as part of their membership benefits. Learn about the specific revenue associations can generate from a job board, why the current economic climate is ripe for launching a job board, the distinct advantages associations hold over general job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn, pricing and marketing strategies tailored for association job boards, and the remarkable results that can be achieved. More info/register.

Host: Non-Dues-A-Palooza

Speaker: Rodion Telpizov, founder and CEO, SmartJobBoard

Thu 9/28 at 9 a.m. – Activate: The Marketing Event for Event Marketers

Meet 1,000+ event marketers in the same boat. Share pain points, discuss the real problems, and find solutions together. Steal new ideas, blueprints, and playbooks from the best marketing minds in the world. No talk is longer than 10 minutes. It’s innovative ideas from thought leaders in the event industry to help you cut through the noise and get the marketing results you want. More info/register.

Host: Gleanin

Thu 9/28 at 11 a.m. – Engagement Strategies for Today’s Members

As member expectations change and communications preferences shift, associations are leveraging technology in new ways to tailor content delivery and provide value at all stages of the member journey. Hear insights from the State of Mobile in Associations 2023 Benchmark Report and explore cost-effective solutions for communicating the value of membership, working with limited resources (staff, budget), engaging younger/diverse members, and engaging members outside of your events. More info/register.

Host: Results Direct

Speakers:

Joel Branaman, Director of Mobile Sales, North America, Results Direct | RD Mobile
Michael Jones, VP of Mobile Technologies, Results Direct | RD Mobile
Billy McLean, Head of Business Development, EMEA, Results Direct | RD Mobile

Thu 9/28 at 11 a.m. – The Dark Side of Events: Talking Openly About Mental Health

The level of trauma endured by event profs over the last two years is something we haven’t fully dealt with as an industry. Businesses shut down, careers wiped out, relationships lost. We are providing a safe space for event professionals to learn why it matters to talk about mental health today. Hear directly from a fellow event professional about their mental health journey and discover tools to face the mental health emergency of the event industry. More info/register.

Host: Julius Solaris, Boldpush

Speakers:

Janice Cardinale, Founder, Event Minds Matter
Tom Fisher
Amber Mac, President, AmberMac

Thu 9/28 at 12 p.m. – Is Your Association Meeting the Needs of the 15% of Neurodiverse Members?

Neurodiversity describes the unique way people’s brains work. From ADHD and autism to dyslexia and dyspraxia, neurodiversity may affect up to 15% of your association’s members, attendees, learners and staff. One in seven people in your association’s target audience may process information differently from the way society often expects. Learn what associations must do differently, additionally, and intentionally to serve their neurodiverse members. Get tools to re-examine your education, training, networking, and other offerings with an eye toward meeting your neurodiverse professionals’ needs and expectations. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Association Xchange

Speaker: Holly Martinson, M.ED., Executive Function Coach, and owner of Patient Minds

Thu 9/28 at 12 p.m. – The Community Check-In

A weekly community chat on Slack for black professionals working in the events industry. More info/register.

Host: Black In Events Network

Thu 9/28 at 1 p.m. – From Data to Decisions: Analytics for Associations

You don’t need a data science degree or coding certificate to understand your data. In fact, every level of your organization should be able to make confident decisions using up-to-the-minute (yes, minute) analytics. Learn how to transform raw data into interactive reports and dashboards, predict and manage forecasts, and analyze data from a variety of sources. Discover how to enhance engagement, increase membership, and make confident decisions with real-time data insights. More info/register.

Host: Impexium

Thu 9/28 at 1 p.m. – Generative AI and ChatGPT: Uses, Pros, and Cons for Associations

Get up to speed on the current and future uses of generative AI and ChatGPT for associations. Learn how to efficiently assess business value across all association processes. Discover the advantages associated with applying generative AI technology to streamline workflows and keep your association ahead of the curve by learning about potential risks and challenges. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Lisa Rau, PhD, Founder, Fíonta

Thu 9/28 at 1 p.m. – How to Set Yourself Apart When Contacting Corporate Sponsors

Outreach emails to potential corporate sponsors/funders going unanswered? Not sure what and how much to say? Wondering what if anything to send along with your email messages? Learn how non-profits can set themselves apart when contacting corporate sponsors. More info/register.

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

Thu 9/28 at 2 p.m. – How to Unlock the Corporate Planner’s Secret Weapon

Explore new ways to work with independent planners so everyone can contribute at the highest level and deliver fabulous meetings and events. Learn tips for sourcing in a tight market, strategies for managing changing requirements, ideas for inspiring attendees today, and the importance of advocating for the industry. More info/register.

Host: Smart Meetings

Speakers:

Carolyn Poole, vice president of Conference Direct
Nancy Shaffer, president of Live Events Coalition

Thu 9/28 at 3 p.m. – Build Winning Member Journeys with a Technology Ecosystem

Learn how an “ecosystem approach” can revamp your association, why associations need to shift to a member-first approach, the evolution of association technology and what lies in the future, how to achieve unparalleled growth by making data-based decisions, and the power of seamless integrations and essential questions to ask vendors. More info/register.

Host: Grype

Speaker: Jeff Horne, Co-founder & CEO of Wicket

Fri 9/29 at 4 p.m. – The Absolutes of Accountability

Host: Fridays@4

Speaker: April Tone, MBA, CAE, Sr. Manager, Technical & Engineering Communities Operations at the American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Tue 10/3 at 1 p.m. – Connecting to Your Creativity: How to Have an Ah-Ha Moment

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Sheri Singer, President, Singer Communications

Tue 10/3 from 3 to 5 p.m. – 2023 Data (Viz) Science Fair (Alexandria VA)

Hosts: Data Analytics Network and Association Analytics

Tue 10/3 at 3 p.m. – Effective Financial Messaging for Nonprofit Organizations

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Michael Gellman, CPA, CGMA, Co-Founder at Sustainability Education 4 Nonprofits
Paul Preziotti, CPA, Partner, Johnson Lambert LLP

Wed 10/4 at 11 a.m. – Coach Prime’s Key Lessons for Associations

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jay S. Daughtry, M.Ed., Chief Communications Officer/Owner, CQbd

Wed 10/4 at 12 p.m. – Increasing Sponsorship Revenue During Uncertain Times

Host: Association Insights in Old Town

Speaker: Lewis Flax, founder, Flax Associates

Wed 10/4 at 1 p.m. – Economic Headwinds: A Guide for Associations

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Matt Haggerty, Senior Analyst, Nonprofit & Education, RSM

Wed 10/4 at 3 p.m. – Finding Data Insights: What Would You Do If You Knew?

Host: Association Analytics

Speakers: Bill Conforti, SVP of Strategy & Solutions, and Greg Pollack, SVP of Sales Enablement, Association Analytics

Thu 10/5 at 1 p.m. – The True Implications of AI for the Association Industry: Part 1 – Managing the Risks and Disruption of Generative AI

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Thomas Altman, Founder, Tasio
Maddie Grant, CAE, Culture Designer and Digital Strategist, Propel
Katherine Matthews, CAE, Assistant Vice President, Data & Analytics, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
Juan Sanchez, Chief Information Officer, Inteleos

Thu 10/5 at 2 p.m. – Super Spooky Cybersecurity Stories

Host: 501 Works

Speakers:

Villy Savino, Vice President of Technology Transformation for CoreNet Global
Derek Symer, Principal, Senior Vice President, Director Non-Profit Practice for AHT Insurance

Fri 10/6 at 12:30 p.m. – Ask Me Anything: Personalization

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Alex Mouw, CAE of Amazon Web Services

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Association Brain Food: 9.15.23

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

Must-read newsletters. I was happy to see Association Brain Food in Lead Marvel’s list of eight must-read newsletters for association professionals. Curated reading lists are the best, right? So, let’s move on to the rest of your weekend reading.

Credentialing support. TopClass LMS wants you to know about the coalition supporting legislation to extend the use of tax-exempt 529 savings plans to association credentialing programs. Add your association’s name to the sign-on letter before they present it to Congress next week.

Boring conferences. Dean West at Association Laboratory bemoans the state of association conferences because “nothing is different” despite associations knowing the same ol’ same ol’ is boring the hell out of attendees. I agree, which is part of the reason I only registered for the trade show at ASAE Annual—the ridiculously high fee for consultants (the membership category for this odd duck) was another reason. The problem, Dean says, is most meeting planners are expected to focus on logistics, not education and experiences, so we get the same design year after year. Yawn.

AMS implementation. Impexium describes three crucial principles that most associations and vendors overlook during an AMS implementation—things that will make your project much more difficult. They explain why and how to get buy-in from staff and executives, how to manage an implementation when you barely have time for your real job, and why you should focus on business outcomes, not processes.

Open Space events. Here’s a cure for boring conferences. Watch how the members of the International Bridge Tunnel & Turnpike Association used the Open Space concept at a recent meeting—and hear why loved it. Thanks to the CEO Patrick Jones who shared this recently in an incredibly informative ASAE Collaborate discussion.

Financial statements. Hat tip to Tip Tucker Kendall, CAE who, also on Collaborate, recommended nonprofitready.org as a primer on accounting and financial statements for nonprofits.

Microcredentials. If you feel like you’ve been seeing more press about microcredentials lately, it’s because researchers see growing support from employers and learners, and higher education sees the potential for revenue and renewed relevance. WBT Systems explains why it might be time for your association to get into the microcredentials business.

Credit card processors. GrowthZone’s guide to selecting a credit card processor is perfect for those of you who need to understand the players and their roles, terminology, fees, rates, hard and soft costs, and security issues. They also suggest topics you should ask about during your discussions with vendors.

Data strategy. Katherine Matthews, CAE, talks to Alexandra Mouw, CAE, about the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ journey to becoming a data-driven organization.

Also worth your time

The right marketing question—an intriguing way to approach a marketing campaign. (Seth Godin)

The people, environment, and media around you shape your mindset: three steps to shape an abundance mindset. (Peter Diamandis)

My summer with Leo Tolstoy and his War and Peace. Like Noonan, I also had a wonderful season (winter) with Tolstoy’s War and Peace. (Peggy Noonan, Wall Street Journal—gift link)

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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 9/15 at 4 p.m.* – Diversity Discussion Series: Hispanic Heritage Month Panel

Join Fridays@4 as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a moderated panel discussion. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speakers:

Diana L. Dabdub, Director for Admissions and Recruitment Affairs at the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges
Josie Hernandez, IOM, Account Executive with Bostrom and President of Association Latinos
Carol Martinez, Manager of Community Impact at Project Management Institute
Ben Yzaguirre, M.Ed., CAE (moderator), Senior Director of Faculty Development and e-Learning at the American Dental Education Association

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

Mon 9/18 at 8 a.m. – Neurodiversity: It’s an Asset! (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Cynthia Lockrey, Lockrey Communications

Mon 9/18 at 4 p.m. – A Transatlantic Look at Sustainability Legislation: From the Green Deal to the Inflation Reduction Act

The U.S. and the EU prioritize sustainability through differing legislation such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and the E.U. Green Deal. Hear about the possible progress for associations, potential challenges related to U.S.-EU collaboration and trade, and how associations can move forward as change agents for their industries and professions with an open mind. More info/register.

Hosts: ASAE and ESAE

Speakers:

Paolo Falcioni, Director General, APPLiA
Eric Holdsworth, Managing Director, Clean Energy and Environmental Policy, EEI

Tue 9/19 at 11 a.m. – Boost Your Rankings: A Definitive 14-Step Guide to Performing an SEO Audit

Equip yourself with the tools and know-how to ensure your website reaches the top of search engine results. Learn how to decode the mysteries of search engine algorithms, identify overlooked opportunities and hurdles on your quest for peak visibility, acquire actionable insights and expert tips to elevate your website’s ranking performance, and execute a comprehensive SEO audit. Get a roadmap of 14 essential steps, each guiding you closer to ranking higher on search engines. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jon Rivers, COO, Marketeery

Tue 9/19 at 12 p.m. – ASAE CRVM September Crunch and Munch

This month’s topic: policies and procedures for disbanding inactive chapters and the updating of chapter polices. Join this free flowing and fun discussion. And yes, fun even when discussing policies! We’ll share our experiences but more importantly we want to hear yours as we all learn from one another. And if there are some other topics you would like to ask members of the CRVM community about, please join us and ask away! More info/register.

Host: ASAE Component Relations and Volunteer Management (CRVM) Council

Facilitators: Sara Bustard, CAE, and Scott Brody, CAE

Tue 9/19 at 2 p.m. – Behind the Scenes: How We Built a Webinar Using ChatGPT

Learn how AI can be used to ideate webinar topics, build the abstract, and write the content outline and script. Hear about ways AI can be used to help promote a webinar. Find out if audiences can distinguish between AI and human input and whether using AI actually saves time or adds to the workload. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: MeetingsNet

Speaker: Brooke Gracey, Marketing Director, Cvent

Tue 9/19 at 2 p.m. – How to Master the New Green RFP

Partnering with destinations to put sustainability front-and-center is the best way to ensure an event that cares for attendees and planet. Learn how meeting professionals are prioritizing everything from energy efficiency to waste management in the sourcing process, what to ask for when considering a destination/venue, what measures actually have the biggest impact, and how to craft win-win events that leave a place better than when your group arrived. More info/register.

Host: Smart Meetings

Speakers:

Rory G. Archibald, Senior Business Events Manager, Visit Scotland
Michelle Moore, CDME, CMP, HMCC, CHIA, Senior Director of Meeting Sales & Services, Experience Kissimmee
Emily Scheiderer, Senior Director of Education, Sales and Services, Destinations International

Tue 9/19 at 3 p.m. – Letting Go! Creating Room for Innovation by Letting Go of Legacy Programs

Whether it’s a magazine that no longer makes sense, a pet project of a former chief elected officer, or a program that has significant for-profit competition, it is up to the chief staff executive to keep these programs alive or build support for making necessary changes. Hear a panel of EMAC members and other association leaders discuss how they faced, or are facing, these challenges and share their advice for chief staff executives dealing with similar situations. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Executive Management Professionals Advisory Council (EMAC)

Speakers:

Kelli Baxter, Executive Director, American Translators Association
Bob Moore, MA, MS, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians
Abigail Young, CAE, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association
Cynthia Young, CAE, Executive Director, American Art Therapy Association
Bob Voltmann, CAE (moderator)

Wed 9/20 at 8:30 a.m. – Consultants In Person Meet Up for DC/MD/VA (Washington DC)

See agenda attachment in this ASAE Collaborate discussion. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.

Organizer: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, Rogue Tulips and other DMV consultants

Wed 9/20 from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. – Legal Analysis of AI and Beyond (Arlington VA)

Each member of the panel will provide an update on important legal issues in testing, including AI updates, BNSF biometric ruling, states with data protection acts that go into effect in 2023/2024, ADA accommodations, pitfalls of incorporating AI into a remote proctoring program, content creation, intellectual property rights, liability protections, and other key legal issues to note in certification organization contracts. Location: Arlington VA. More info/register.

Host: Certification Network Group

Speakers:

Dawn Crowell Murphy, Special Counsel, Nonprofit Organizations practice, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Allison M. Mulford, Esq., MBA, CIPP-E, Mulford & Associates, LLC
Julia Judish, Special Counsel, Nonprofit Organizations practice, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP

Wed 9/20 at 11 a.m. – Winning the Talent War: It’s All About Your Brand, Culture, and Benefits

The talent market has been fierce post pandemic and it doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon. Learn why your brand matters more than you might realize in terms of attracting the right people, why your culture is really what retains talent and fosters their growth, and how to make the benefits you offer to your employees an extension of your value proposition and a reinforcement of the good decision to work there. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Brian Haney, Founder and CEO, The Haney Company

Wed 9/20 at 12 p.m. – Revamping Chapter Structures & Processes: Embracing Change for a Stronger Future

According to our Chapter Performance & Benchmarking Report, 37% of associations have made substantial chapter structure changes, while 37% consider implementing changes. Explore ways to adapt your chapters to meet the evolving needs of your members. Hear about various approaches, from small incremental adjustments to bold, transformative measures, so you have a roadmap to embark on the journey of change. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Hosts: Billhighway and Mariner Management

Speakers:

Peggy Hoffman, President & Executive Director at Mariner Management
Sarah Robertson, Marketing Lead, Billhighway

Wed 9/20 at 12 p.m. – Sales Enablement for Associations

Associations need marketing, membership and sales working as one unit with a drive towards shared goals. While this sounds like a no-brainer statement, it’s often not the reality at many organizations because legacy strategies and mindsets have aligned sales teams with traditional sponsorship and advertising goals, leaving membership acquisition and other programs out of the sales function altogether. Learn how to use the right marketing technology to collect insights and develop strategies to power up your sales capabilities, all while aligning your membership, marketing and sales to work together. More info/register.

Host: HighRoad Solution

Speakers: Cynthia DeJesus, Sr Account Executive, and Maneesha Manges, Chief Experience Officer, HighRoad Solutions

Wed 9/20 at 1 p.m. – Top 5 Pitfalls of IT Budgeting

Trapped in a cycle of painstakingly crafting your IT budget only to feel blindsided by your actual spend? Between all the different vendor contract terms, pricing structures, support expiration dates, license renewals, hardware upgrades, infrastructure changes, it’s easy (and common!) to make at least a few missteps with your budget. Learn how to avoid common IT budgeting pitfalls and a tried-and-true approach to successful IT budgeting. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Heinan Landa, Founder, Optimal Networks

Wed 9/20 at 1 p.m. – The Science of Executive Leadership: Training That Drives Organizational Results

Neuroscience reveals that power changes the brain in surprising ways. Executive training counterbalances this tendency and gives leaders the critical skills leaders need to solve complex challenges. Discover and apply new techniques to build a science-based program that your executives will attend, value, and use to drive positive organizational results. More info/register.

Host/speaker: Britt Andreatta, CEO, Brain Aware Training

Wed 9/20 at 1 p.m. – The Future of the Attendee Experience

Explore the latest trends in how people are consuming content, how to blend physical and digital experiences for your events, ways to use events to engage and build community, best practices for extending event engagement, and strategies to deliver amazing attendee experiences. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: Alyssa Peltier, Senior Manager of Event Marketing, Cvent

Wed 9/20 at 2 p.m. – Looking to Engage Gen Z? Harness the Power of Video on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok

Gen Z wants exactly what associations offer. But associations are no longer the “default” resource when they enter the workforce. You’ve got a LOT of competition from a variety of industry sources. And Gen Z is finding this information (and using it to build skills, knowledge, and connections) on many of the platforms associations DON’T readily use. Learn how associations can leverage video storytelling on social media to capture the attention of young professionals in a relatable, authentic, and compelling way. More info/register.

Host: Omnipress

Speakers:

Rusty Williams, founder, AnswerStage
Tracy Grzybowski, Director of Marketing, Omnipress

Wed 9/20 at 2 p.m. – Creating Memorable Event Activities

Hear from industry professionals creating energizing team-building exercises, networking opportunities, corporate social responsibility programs and more outside the meeting room. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

Shannon Lane DuPont, Director of Program Development, TeamBonding
Michelle Flowers, Senior Director, Event Management, Maritz Global Events
Hillary Smith, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Creative, PRA Business Events
Lizzie Wilcox (moderator), Associate Editor, Northstar Meetings Group

Wed 9/20 at 2 p.m. – Determine if It’s Time to Throw Your Association Program a Farewell Party

Are your member, sponsor or industry programs stale? Do you have a few good ideas that lose momentum without the right support and strategy? Learn about a blueprint for successful programs. Explore how to determine the shelf-life and market tolerance of your programs using a product lifecycle model. Get a better understanding of when it’s time to build, refresh, or sunset programs to support revenue growth. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Professionals for Association Revenue

Speakers:

Jay Blankenship, Director, Revenue Consultancy & Advisory, MCI Group
Brittany Shoul, SVP, Revenue Strategy & Operations, MCI USA

Wed 9/20 at 3 p.m. – The Importance and Effects of Creating a Culture of Inclusivity Regarding Accessibility in Your Organization

Explore the importance of accessibility in the workplace and how it can benefit employees and the organization as a whole. Hear about the moral and ethical obligations surrounding accessibility, the business advantages of an accessible workplace (such as increased productivity, better employee retention, and improved customer satisfaction), and strategies for promoting accessibility in the workplace including training, resources, and technology. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Taylor Dorward, Life Hacks365

Thu 9/21 at 11 a.m. – Attention! Catch Your New Members’ Attention

Research shows that catching your new members’ attention within the first three days to three weeks of joining gives you a much better chance of getting them on the path to lifelong engagement. Learn about the critical go and no/go decisions new members make at this stage of the member journey, many no- and low-cost solutions to early member engagement, and the keys to gaining attention in a cluttered environment. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Amanda Lea Kaiser, MBA, Keynote Speaker & Author, Kaiser Insights LLC

Thu 9/21 at 11:30 a.m. – September Tapas Talks in the Small Staff Association Marketplace

Conversational and lively, a mixture of planned content and virtual f2f discussions with subject matter experts—plus the serendipity of talking through challenges with your peers. The program opens with a short presentation by Molly Georgakis, CAE, executive director of Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Molly also chairs the ASAE Small Staff Associations Advisory Committee. She will update us on SSAAC’s plans and goals as well as how her association is prepping for 2024. Then you will meet our subject matter experts who will briefly describe their breakout room topics. More info/register.

Host: Qiqo Chat

Speakers:

Molly Georgakis, CAE, executive director of Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Adam Hostetter and Johnny Clayton of FUSE Search
Sean Soth and Rita Nabhan of PAR (Professionals for Association Revenue)
Rich Lawson of SALA (Small Association Leadership Alliance)
Dawn Tedesco of Career Compliance Solutions
Karin Fitzgerald of AMC Institute

Thu 9/21 at 12 p.m. – The Community Check-In

A weekly community chat on Slack for black professionals working in the events industry. More info/register.

Host: Black In Events Network

Thu 9/21 at 1 p.m. – Why and How to Make Practice (a Bigger) Part of Your Portfolio

Many learning portfolios are short on practice options, even though practice is pivotal in reinforcing learning and effective in all situations from preparing for high-stakes credentialing exams to implementing new procedures on the job. Learn why adding more practice opportunities to your portfolio is good for your learners and for your bottom line. Hear about specific approaches to building more practice opportunities into your offerings. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Tagoras/Leading Learning

Speakers: Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders of Tagoras and Leading Learning

Thu 9/21 at 1 p.m. – Association Creative Marketing Masterclass

Taught live by leading association heads of marketing, this course provides a framework for evaluating creative copy and design and leads students through practical collateral critiques. Master instructors explain how they follow brand standards while ensuring marketing performance. Each class features a live review of real association marketing collateral with a professional evaluation and change recommendations. 4 CAE credits for 4-week course. More info/register.

Host: Chris Gloede, Chief Consultant, Ricochet

Thu 9/21 at 1 p.m. – 10 Tips for Creating Great Webinar Content That Drives Engagement

Hear about ten best practices you can start using today to deliver content virtually that drives engagement and keeps your audience’s attention. Learn how to source and prioritize content themes, use AI to find inspiration and build content, turn content themes into compelling narratives, and architect audience engagement. More info/register.

Host: American Marketing Association

Speaker: Mark Bornstein, VP, Marketing, ON24

Thu 9/21 at 4 p.m. – Attention and Connection: Communications Strategies for a Digital World

By following data and embracing the unpredictable trends, memes, and viral content of our digital world, any organization can more successfully communicate and build connections with their target audience, whether those people are customers, members, or legislators. Learn about the three main ingredients for a successful digital strategy, how your organization can craft a message that resonates with your members, and how to connect with your target audience on their turf. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Reston Loudon Swap

Speaker: Steve Lerch, Story Arc Consulting

Fri 9/22 at 4 p.m. – Career Management Toolkit: Using Data to Chart Your Course, Measure Your Impact, & Further Your Career

Host: Fridays@4

Speakers: Tom Aley, Jennifer Baker, MSW, CAE, and Ted Miller

Tue 9/26 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – LMS Demo Days

Watch presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer LMS platforms. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Tue 9/26 at 1 p.m. – SEO Crash Course: It’s Not Just Keywords

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Chris Rodriguez, CEO, iExcel

Wed 9/27 from 9 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. – LMS Demo Days

Watch presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer LMS platforms. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Wed 9/27 at 12 p.m. – PAR Member Meet-Up: How Unique is your Unique Value Proposition?

Host: Professionals for Association Revenue

Wed 9/27 at 2 p.m. – Expert Series Session: Unleashing New Revenue Potential with Association Job Boards: A Comprehensive Guide for Association Executives

Host: Non-Dues-A-Palooza

Speaker: Rodion Telpizov, founder and CEO, SmartJobBoard

Thu 9/28 at 12 p.m. – Is Your Association Meeting the Needs of the 15% of Neurodiverse Members?

Host: Association Xchange

Speaker: Holly Martinson, M.ED., Executive Function Coach, and owner of Patient Minds

Thu 9/28 at 1 p.m. – From Data to Decisions: Analytics for Associations

Host: Impexium

Thu 9/28 at 1 p.m. – Generative AI and ChatGPT: Uses, Pros, and Cons for Associations

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Lisa Rau, PhD, Founder, Fíonta

Thu 9/28 at 1 p.m. – How to Set Yourself Apart When Contacting Corporate Sponsors

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

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Association Brain Food: 9.1.23

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

Because I’m away most of next week at the Non-Dues-A-Palooza conference, Association Brain Food isn’t publishing next Friday, September 8. Hope to see you back here for the next edition on Friday, September 15.

AI pulse survey. MCI invites you to participate in its AI benchmark survey, a 3-minute pulse survey about the integration of AI technologies within your organization and your members’ interest and aptitude for AI. They hope to provide a benchmark of the current landscape, uncover any potential challenges, and identify opportunities to better equip your members and your association for the future.

Education. Who has the time to learn? Answer: we all do. But sometimes a traditional online program or course doesn’t fit our schedules. TopClass LMS advises associations to offer microlearning programs to busy professionals since they’re more likely to have 10 minutes to spare, not 50.

Gen Z marketing. Many associations were built by and for older generations, says MemberSuite, so you have to work extra hard to demonstrate the value of membership in ways that resonate with younger generations. They describe nine strategies for marketing membership to Gen Z.

Workplace culture. We all know how culture plays a significant role in an organization’s success. But where and how do you even begin to improve that culture? Propel explains how a culture assessment can reveal your organization’s change readiness and its place on the cultural spectrum—from traditional to contemporary to futurist.

Membership trends. MGI’s 2023 Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report is ready for download. This is essential reading for understanding trends in membership recruitment, engagement, renewal, dues, value propositions, and more.

Membership budget. Sticking with MGI for a moment, Tony Rossell explains how MGI survey participants made a successful case for increasing their membership marketing budgets.

Membership engagement. Your AMS should be the utility player on your membership team. Nimble AMS explains how an AMS can help your association recruit, engage, and retain members by helping you better understand members, anticipate their needs, provide a better digital experience, and deliver personalized emails and content.

Membership value. Engagement means different things for different members. At Naylor’s Association Adviser, Cathi Hight raises good points about member engagement and explains how to use surveys and focus groups to understand what member segments value.

Project management. Teams that meet for regular debriefs (post-mortems or retrospectives) improve team performance by up to 25%. But these meetings often occur only after things go wrong or big projects end, says Ethan Mollick. He links to research on the best approaches to debriefs, but it’d be easier to read this DelCor post on the project close.

Also worth your time

5 steps to gaining member acceptance, downloads, and engagement for your association’s mobile app. (Mark Wallach, Engagement Mobile Strategies)

Ugly numbers from Microsoft and ChatGPT reveal that AI demand is already shrinking. (Ted Gioia, The Honest Broker)

I bet you’ll see things the way this 16-year-old does, but it’s so damn depressing. She says, “I had a helicopter mom. I found Pornhub anyway.” Also, check out the organization she mentions, Fight the New Drug. (Isabel Hogben, The Free Press)

You never grow old at the table

Skip down to the list of free educational events if you prefer takeout.

Buy a box of salad greens and get a box of olives for free? Count me in. Since my refrigerator now runneth over with olives, I made Ouzo fish. This time around, I added pepperoncini and fresh oregano, and used ground fennel instead of fresh. I started to make a veggie side dish in a separate pan, but decided to combine everything, so I also added carrots and broccoli stems to the recipe.

Another night, an old stand-by: southern pan-fried striped mullet. On the side, roasted broccoli with red onion, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.

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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 9/1 at 10 a.m.* – Association Bridge Networks| Coffee with Innovators: Association Design Circle

Our topic this month is Association Bridge Networks. Calvin will lead us in conversation on creating authentic growth with diverse communities, building bridge networks and systems of inclusion, and using story to create equity and common connection. More info/register.

Host: Product Design Community

Facilitator: Calvin Haney, Associate Director of Multicultural and Affinity Engagement at the American University Alumni Association

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

Mon 9/4 at 7 a.m. – Six Event Strategies for Profitable and Transformational Events

Learn how to design a genuinely transformative event for your association, your sector and your delegates; attract and retain event sponsorship; keep your delegates engaged in your marketing; curate your audience so all the right people are in the room; deliver your association objectives by hard-wiring them into in-person, digital or hybrid event design. More info/register.

Host: Association of Association Executives

Speaker: Sasha Frieze, Managing Director, The Business Narrative

Tue 9/5 at 12 p.m. – Analytics for International Business Development (Association Analytics Network)

Learn how associations can use data to expand their reach and impact beyond their domestic borders. Hear about strategies for collecting, analyzing, and leveraging data to identify potential international markets, understand nuances, and tailor membership offerings to effectively engage with global audiences. Gain insights into best practices for using data to inform decision-making and develop successful international expansion strategies for their associations. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Association Analytics

Speakers:

Kerry Cosby, Associate Director, Global Affairs and Analytics Initiatives, Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (formerly AACC)
Pietro Macchiarella, Data and Insights COE Director, Young Presidents’ Organization

Wed 9/6 at 9 a.m. – PAR Member Meet-Up: Ideas to Solve Tough Customer Objections, Complaints or Feedback

Association teams must find successful ways to approach dissatisfaction from members, customers and potential partners. Hear association colleagues share tips and tactics they use to respond to negative feedback and objections. 0.5 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Professionals for Association Revenue

Wed 9/6 at 11 a.m. – Technology Alignment: Connecting Diagnostics, Strategy, and Execution

Learn the importance of diagnosing tech problems and why it’s not enough to know you have problems, but to understand why and how to fix them. Hear about the importance of aligning your business goals to your technology strategy so you can accommodate needs today and anticipate needs down the road. Learn how to engage your leadership team and staff as allies and active participants so the whole organization works together to move IT initiatives forward and achieve measurable results. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Christopher Kasmark, Sr. Strategic Consultant, Technology Consulting, DelCor Technology Solutions

Wed 9/6 at 12 p.m. – Change Management Lessons From The Hitman’s Bodyguard

How do you keep people safe in chaotic, ambiguous situations? Preparation and planning. Boring is good. Meticulous planning is essential. Hear about proven tactics to plan your change, motivate, and educate your team to get the change you want. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Association Insights in Old Town

Speakers: Joe Plasterer and Mel Starkweather of Starkweather Association Services

Wed 9/6 at 2 p.m. – Ask the Attorney: New Trends in Hotel Contracts

Join a discussion about issues currently arising in event agreements, such as strict clauses about housekeeping and service levels, paragraphs about sustainability, and reworking risk-management clauses. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speaker: Jonathan T. Howe, President and Senior and Founding Partner of Howe and Hutton, Ltd

Thu 9/7 at 10 a.m. – Unveiling AI Policy Insights: Global Trends and Regulatory Strategies

Join a discussion on all things AI policy in the United States, Latin America, and the Asia-Pacific region. Learn about future regulatory shifts in AI policy that may impact your operations and best practices to navigate the intricate terrain of AI policy and effectively advocate for your organization’s interests. More info/register.

Host: FiscalNote

Speakers:

Daniel Castro, vice president at the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) and director of ITIF’s Center for Data Innovation
Lucas Machado, global policy analyst, FiscalNote Professional Services
Neil Suri, U.S. analyst, FiscalNote Professional Services

Thu 9/7 at 10:30 a.m. – Brace Yourself for 2024

No one knows what 2024 will bring to the events industry. So, join a rowdy and (probably) irreverent chat on all things event tech, AV production and event design going into next year. This episode will be super-fast, uber-interactive and drop-mic-moment-worthy. More info/register.

Host: Dahlia El Gazzar, DAHLIA+ Agency

Guest: Keith Johnston, i3events

Thu 9/7 at 11:30 a.m. – The Next GDPR? Exploring the EU’s Approach to AI Regulation

Hear about the European Union’s digital policy framework; the aims, key provisions, and implications of the groundbreaking AI Act; how the AI Act seeks to promote trustworthy and ethical AI while balancing concerns around innovation and economic growth; the potential impact of the AI Act and emerging digital policy on business practices, data protection, and consumer rights; and ripple effects on global policy and approaches to AI regulation. More info/register.

Host: FiscalNote

Speakers:

Radu Colonescu, head of EU government affairs & policy at Kyndryl
Gabriele Mazzini, team leader AI Act, CNECT at the European Commission
Vlad Eidelman (moderator), chief technology officer & chief scientist at FiscalNote

Thu 9/7 at 12 p.m. – 2023 Association Trends Study: Redefining the Association Experience

Get a deep dive into the comprehensive findings of the 2023 Association Trends Study. Hear insights into what shifts have emerged in member value, how to close the gap between members’ and pros’ sentiments, and how member engagement is vital to the member experience. More info/register.

Host: Community Brands

Speakers:

Pam Loeb, Principal, Edge Research
Tirrah Switzer, Senior Director of Product Marketing, Community Brands

Thu 9/7 at 12 p.m. – The Community Check-In

A weekly community chat on Slack for black professionals working in the events industry. More info/register.

Host: Black In Events Network

Thu 9/7 at 2 p.m. – Beyond the First Look: More Insights into AMS Projects

In 2021, 501Works and Branching knowledge conducted the first ever AMS/CRM System Selection Survey Report to help understand our industry’s friction-ridden and fractured processes for selecting, implementing and using AMS/CRM solutions. We’re revisiting the juicy pieces of data as we prepare to conduct the next survey, digging into survey selection and implementation data not covered in the original report and giving additional perspectives two years later. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: 501Works

Speakers:

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

Fri 9/8 at 12:30 p.m. – Conversations with Champions

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Guests: Lindsay Currie and Heather Wakefield, Council on Undergraduate Research

Fri 9/8 at 4 p.m. – Career Coach Series: Overcoming Your Fear of Public Speaking

Get tips to overcome your fear of public speaking. As you advance in your career, you might experience times when it’s necessary to speak in front of an audience. The fear of public speaking is manageable. With practice, you may be able to overcome it and improve your public speaking skills. Understanding what this fear is and what causes it can help you identify and address the fear. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speaker: Shelly Trent, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CAE, JCTC, JCDC, CDF, CMCS

Mon 9/11 at 8 a.m. – Building Community One Cup at a Time (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Nicole Araujo, Mighty Citizen

Mon 9/11 at 12 p.m. – ASAE Membership Mondays

This month’s topic is Communicating Member Value: Three Easy, Key Takeaways. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Membership Professionals Community

Tue 9/12 at 11 a.m. – Transforming Associations: The Future of Productivity with AI

Host: UST Education

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

Tue 9/12 at 11 a.m. – State Trends in 2023: Analysis from State Lobbying Experts

You’ve seen the data from the 2023 State Trends Report, now join us to hear on the ground stories from state lobbyists on what they saw in legislatures this year: which issues needed the most focus, which new strategies worked, and what old ones didn’t. More info/register.

Host: Quorum

Speaker: Andrew Hackman, Principal Lobbyist, Serlin Haley

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

Join us for this opportunity for association professionals (of all career levels!) to come together to share lunch time and discuss topics that are relevant and timely. Come prepared to join this judgment-free group with questions and issues that are top of mind for you in the LGBTQIA2+ association community. More info/register.

Host: ASAE LGBTQ Association Executives and Supporters

Tue 9/12 at 3:30 – Strategic Frameworks: The Future of Strategic Planning

The latest research report by Vista Cova surfaces ten trends in strategy frameworks that emerged from looking across the approach of twenty organizations. Join a discussion about the research results and where the identified trends have strategic potential for purpose-forward associations. More info/register.

Host: Lowell Aplebaum, FASAE, CAE, CEO, Vista Cova

Wed 9/13 at 7 a.m. – Brand Protection and Reputation Management for Associations and Member Organizations

Ask questions and share your own experiences and perspectives on brand protection and reputation management. More info/register.

Host: Association of Association Executives

Speaker: Simon Barker, partner and intellectual property lawyer at Freeths

Wed 9/13 at 11 a.m. – How AANP Gained Over 1,500 Members and $200K in Revenue

Hear how AANP shifted its thinking about how to approach individuals for member acquisition and win-backs. Learn about their process for evaluating their current campaigns, assessing the technology necessary to make a change, and implementing a new style of communication. Get a quantitative look at the campaigns that have made them over $200K in new dues revenue so far this calendar year. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Liz Messner, CAE, IOM, VP Membership, American Association of Nurse Practitioners
Brianne Wheeler, Director of Marketing, PropFuel

Wed 9/13 at 1 p.m. – How to Create Seamless Digital Journeys to Increase Member Engagement & Drive Conversions

Bouncing between your CMS, AMS, ecommerce platform, journal provider, community platform, members often get lost, get frustrated, and abandon your most critical conversions. Learn how to audit your current customer and member journeys, determine where your members are experiencing friction, map and create member journeys that are intuitive and smooth, and get it right between your digital partners so that you can increase conversions, transform your member experience, and even transform your organization. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Joanna M. Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker, Matrix Group International

Wed 9/13 at 1:30 p.m. – Navigate the CEO-Board Voyage: Unleashing Synergy and Excellence

Hear practical insights that’ll transform your association’s governance using proven strategies for seamless board governance, effective ways to nurture an immature board and maximize collective impact, and techniques for your board to be the ultimate influencer at your association. More info/register.

Host: YourMembership

Speaker: Christina Lewellen, MBA, executive director, Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools

Wed 9/13 at 2 p.m. – Fall 2023 Legislative Preview: Appropriations, Farm Bill, NDAA, and Beyond

The big-ticket items on Congress’ agenda include finishing the fiscal 2024 appropriations bills and funding the government, Farm Bill, FAA Reauthorization, and annual National Defense Authorization Act. With issues like the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, health care, and AI rising to the surface, there’s no shortage of items to watch during the remainder of the first session of the 118th Congress. Hear about the likelihood of current bills on the table being passed and potential breakthrough issues to watch. More info/register.

Host: Congressional Quarterly

Speakers:

John T. Bennett, editor-at-large for CQ Roll Call
Ellyn Ferguson, agriculture policy reporter for CQ Roll Call
Aidan Quigley, budget and appropriations reporter for CQ Roll Call
Jason Dick (moderator), editor-in-chief for CQ Roll Call

Thu 9/14 at 9:30 a.m. – Small Staff Percolator

A new interactive online coffee break format designed for you to discover more peers in our dispersed community, bring up a topic that’s brewing in the daily grind, and have a casual chat with others who know your lingo. More info/register.

Host: Qiqo

Thu 9/14 at 12 p.m. – Looking Forward DEI 2023: Insights Into the Association Sector’s Approach to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Get a look at Looking Forward® DEI, a ground-breaking study that collects insights from more than 200 association leaders on the perceptions, challenges and solutions to DEI issues. 1.5 CAE credits. More info/register.

Host: Association Laboratory

Speakers:

Nikki Golden, CAE, strategist, Association Laboratory
Dean West, FASAE, founder and president, Association Laboratory

Thu 9/14 at 12 p.m. – The Community Check-In

A weekly community chat on Slack for black professionals working in the events industry. More info/register.

Host: Black In Events Network

Thu 9/14 at 1 p.m. – Automation Is In. Tedious To-Dos are Out

Are you drowning in manual data entry? Is busy work eating up your time? Are staff fed up with repetitive tasks? Discover how other associations have streamlined operations and improved staff efficiency with automation. Learn how to identify and streamline time-consuming, manual processes, and how automation can increase non-dues revenue. Hear real-world success stories from associations that have embraced automation. More info/register.

Host: Impexium

Thu 9/14 at 1 p.m. – Influencer Marketing: How to Find and Amplify Influencers in Your Industry

Per website, description coming soon. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Chad Alger-Hardt, Vice President, Marketing, and Kaitlan Arndt, Associate Director, Marketing, Gather Voices

Thu 9/14 at 2 p.m. – Staying Afloat in the World of Artificial Intelligence: AI Trends to Watch

Hear about the newest developments in AI that are shaping the landscape of associations and beyond. Learn how AI can enhance member engagement, streamline operations, and revolutionize decision-making within your association. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Sidecar

Speakers:

Dray McFarlane, Co-Founder, Tasio
Amith Nagarajan, Chairman, Blue Cypress

Thu 9/14 at 3 p.m. – The Content Solution: Driving Member Retention with Compelling Content

If you want to keep your association members enchanted and engaged, content is the key to solving your retention woes. Discover the secret sauce to maximize your content to engage and retain members to make your association stand out from the crowd. More info/register.

Host: Grype

Speaker: Leona Scott, founder, JEP Marketing Communication

Mon 9/18 at 4 p.m. – A Transatlantic Look at Sustainability Legislation: From the Green Deal to the Inflation Reduction Act

Hosts: ASAE and ESAE

Speakers:

Paolo Falcioni, Director General, APPLiA
Eric Holdsworth, Managing Director, Clean Energy and Environmental Policy, EEI

Tue 9/19 at 12 p.m. – CRVM September Crunch and Munch

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.

Host: ASAE Component Relations and Volunteer Management (CRVM) Council

Tue 9/19 at 3 p.m. – Letting Go! Creating Room for Innovation by Letting Go of Legacy Programs

Host: ASAE Executive Management Professionals Advisory Council (EMAC)

Speakers:

Kelli Baxter, Executive Director, American Translators Association
Kate Fry, MBA, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, America’s Blood Centers
Bob Moore, MA, MS, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians
Bob Voltmann, CAE (moderator)

Wed 9/20 at 8:30 a.m. – Consultants In Person Meet Up for DC/MD (and VA)

Per website, more information is coming soon. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Nonprofit Consultants Think Tank

Wed 9/20 at 11 a.m. – Winning the Talent War: It’s All About Your Brand, Culture, and Benefits

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Brian Haney, Founder and CEO, The Haney Company

Wed 9/20 at 12 p.m. – Revamping Chapter Structures & Processes: Embracing Change for a Stronger Future

Hosts: Billhighway and Mariner Management

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

Wed 9/20 at 12 p.m. – Sales Enablement for Associations

Host: HighRoad Solution

Speakers: Cynthia DeJesus, Sr Account Executive, and Maneesha Manges, Chief Experience Officer, HighRoad Solutions

Wed 9/20 at 1 p.m. – Top 5 Pitfalls of IT Budgeting

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Heinan Landa, Founder, Optimal Networks

Wed 9/20 at 3 p.m. – The Importance and Effects of Creating a Culture of Inclusivity Regarding Accessibility in Your Organization

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Taylor Dorward, Life Hacks365

Wed 9/20 at 2 p.m. – Determine if It’s Time to Throw Your Association Program a Farewell Party

Host: Professionals for Association Revenue

Speakers:

Jay Blankenship, Director, Revenue Consultancy & Advisory, MCI Group
Brittany Shoul, SVP, Revenue Strategy & Operations, MCI USA

Thu 9/21 at 11 a.m. – Attention! Catch Your New Members’ Attention

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Amanda Lea Kaiser, MBA, Keynote Speaker & Author, Kaiser Insights LLC

Thu 9/21 at 1 p.m. – Why and How to Make Practice (a Bigger) Part of Your Portfolio

Host: Tagoras/Leading Learning

Speakers: Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders of Tagoras and Leading Learning

Thu 9/21 at 1 p.m. – Association Creative Marketing Masterclass

Host: Chris Gloede, Chief Consultant, Ricochet

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Association Brain Food: 8.25.23

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

“If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.” –Oprah Winfrey

Online programs. Matchbox Virtual Media asks for your participation in a survey that explores how the use of online experiences by associations for membership engagement, education, revenue growth, and other purposes has evolved in recent times. Please take three to five minutes of your time to help with this research.

Membership trends. TopClass LMS highlights findings from MGI’s 2023 Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report that they think will interest association education teams. They pull out a few good ideas from survey comments too.

Gen Z and millennials. Another report to add to your reading list is Deloitte’s 2023 Gen Z and Millennial survey. One of its sad findings: 46% of Gen Zs and 39% of millennials feel stressed or anxious at work all or most of the time. Another one: Gen Zs and millennials report increasingly high levels of burnout due to work-related pressures. Managers, check in with your people!

Marketing to younger generations. While we’re on the topic, Mercury Creative Group explains how to build a brand that attracts and retains younger members.

Conference planning. Julius Solaris of Boldpush says don’t even think about planning a conference like last year’s. Too much has changed, including what you’re really selling, attention spans, the need for keynotes, and new abnormal patterns. You should get on his mailing list.

AI prompts. Ethan Mollick thinks the ultimate winners on the AI playing field are organizations that create grimoires. What is this witchcraft he speaks of? He’s referring to “spellbooks” full of generative AI prompts that encode human expertise and unlock AI’s positive potential.

Change readiness. Starkweather Association Services explains how to prepare your team for any project involving change, which is most projects these days. With their guidance, you can better understand and minimize the complications your people might bring to a project—a valuable competency for any career.

Middle managers. At Reworked, Stowe Boyd says it’s time we rethink middle management, especially since 46% of them plan to quit in the next year because of work-related stress. Training in the right soft skills might help.

R/evolution. You are not destined to live in quiet times, says Walter Russell Mead at Tablet. Humanity’s third major technological revolution is leading us into a future more promising and dangerous than any since the dawn of history—and it’s coming faster than you think. Let’s focus on “promising,” huh?

Also worth your time

It’s time to end the toxic U.S.-Saudi relationship—a perspective well worth reading and considering. I swear I’m not becoming an isolationist, but enough is enough sometimes. (Daniel Larison, Eunomia)

The female pickup artists: a new group of influencers is peddling an old strategy, the art of entrapping a man. This is so sad. I hope no one I know is a victim of these power games. Just keep it real, people. (Kat Rosenfield, The Free Press)

15 ways to get back to sleep when you wake at 3 a.m. (Emine Saner, The Guardian)

The cynical personality—the one who constantly complains about “living in hell”—is so tiresome, plus that line of thought is patently untrue. (Haley Nahman, Maybe Baby)

You never grow old at the table

Skip down to the list of free educational events if you prefer takeout.

What a treat: shrimp scampi pizza on a Friday night. Get yourself a bag of dough from the market. Sauté garlic and lemon zest in butter and oil. Add white wine, basil pesto and shrimp (made in the USA only, please). Remove the shrimp when they’re pink. Spread the right amount of sauce on the dough. Top with slow-roasted or sun-dried tomatoes, shrimp, and mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Bake on high heat for maybe ten minutes. Sprinkle with Italian parsley and red pepper flakes when it comes out of the oven. Eat way too much.

A lighter yet tasty dish: pan-seared tuna with avocado, soy, ginger and lime. Save the leftover sauce and heat it up with brown rice, canned salmon or tuna and any greens you have hanging around for a mighty good lunch.

On the side at dinner, Asian-style eggplant. Sauté eggplant with onion, shiitake, orange bell, red jalapeño, garlic and ginger. Mix sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown/palm sugar and cornstarch (all 2 tbsp except 6 tbsp soy), then add to the veggies with half a cup of chicken broth and cilantro.

An old stand-by you’ve seen here before: southwestern sweet potato skillet. It’s a mix of ground chorizo and turkey, sweet potato, spinach and arugula, onion, poblano, red bell, jalapeño, garlic, black beans, corn, chipotle en adobo, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, chile powder and cheddar/pepperjack cheese.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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 8/25 at 12 p.m.* – How To Implement a Successful Accessibility Program

Learn about the key components and frameworks for establishing a robust accessibility program, effective strategies for managing various stakeholders and their unique needs, and the critical role of persistence in achieving long-term success in accessibility. More info/register.

Host: Accelerated Accessibility

Speakers: Jonathan Thurston and Cam Beaudoin

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

Fri 8/25 at 12:30 p.m. – How to Create an AI Usage Policy AMA

Join this discussion on approaches to consider as you develop your AI guidelines and policies. Explore topics such as ethics, copyright, security, and data privacy. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Juan Sanchez, Chief Information Officer, Inteleos

Fri 8/25 at 1 p.m. – Certification Administration

Learn how to develop and implement a successful certification program, and how to assess and monitor the performance of certified individuals. Explore the legal implications of certification programs and how to ensure that they are compliant with relevant regulations. More info/register.

Host: Leverage Assessments, Inc.

Speaker: Kyana Beckles

Fri 8/25 at 4 p.m. – Association Management Series: Key Concepts Every Association Professional Should Know – Membership

Just because you work for a membership association doesn’t mean you work *in* membership. But there are key membership concepts every association professional should know. Learn about the membership lifecycle, from prospecting and lead generation, through the welcome cycle and ladders of engagement, to good practices in renewal cycles, and what happens after that. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speaker: Elizabeth Weaver Engel, M.A., CAE, Chief Strategist at Spark Consulting

Mon 8/28 at 8 a.m. – The 4 Fs of Legislative Engagement (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Mike Bober, CEO, Pet Advocacy Network

Tue 8/29 at 11 a.m. – Leadership & Learning: The Best Leaders Ask the Best Questions: Because Who Needs All the Answers Anyway?

We’re in a world where people want more from their leaders than ever, yet loyalty and satisfaction are on a bit of a hiatus. To navigate the choppy waters, one skill stands out: the ancient art of asking questions. Using insights from research across industries and over a decade’s experience in education leadership, learn why asking questions is a leadership superpower and the keys to using powerful questions to make better choices, find and keep the right team members, and grow into even better leaders in the future. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Ryan MacTaggart, PhD, Associate Director, Professional Learning, EDUCAUSE

Tue 8/29 at 12 p.m. – Tech Tuesdays

At a session at the ASAE Annual Meeting, Dave Coriale asked a panel of CIOs the following questions: What keeps your organization from achieving its technology-dependent goals? What does the IT leader see but is afraid to say? What cultural leadership characteristics keep an organization from reaching its potential? Let’s explore what IT leaders need from their CSO, leadership team, and organization to be good strategic partners to the organization. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Technology Professionals Community

Tue 8/29 at 1 p.m. – Everything You Want to Know About Engagement Scoring (But Didn’t Know to Ask)

Dive deep into the nuances of creating an engagement scoring model that truly reflects what you value most in your members, and what they value most about your association. Learn the do’s and don’ts of building the right model for your association and walk away with tips on how to get started. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Greg Pollack, SVP of Sales, Association Analytics

Tue 8/29 at 2 p.m. – Small Team, Big Impact: How to Overcome Challenges and Prove ROI

Learn the secrets to thriving as a small team (or even a team of one). Hear about best practices to overcome time constraints and budget limitations, streamline your processes and maximize impact, consolidate resources, expand your coverage, cultivate strategic relationships to prove the value of your work, and track and showcase the tangible returns on your team’s efforts. More info/register.

Host: FiscalNote

Speakers:

Toni Johnson, Civic Engagement Director, Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable
Adjoa Kyerematen, Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications, National Minority Quality Forum
Michaela Martin, Policy and Government Affairs Manager, First 5 Orange County
Colleen Terry, Director of Grassroots Advocacy, Distilled Spirits Council

Wed 8/30 at 12 p.m. – Financial Sustainability for Associations: 10 Simple Metrics

Learn how to assess your short and long-term financial health with 10 simple KPIs that your board and management can easily follow. More info/register.

Host: Zzeem

Wed 8/30 at 1 p.m. – Meeting and Event Risk and Contingency Planning: Recalculating What We Thought We Knew

Because of COVID, our duty of care concerns increased, but planners may still believe it’s the responsibility of venues to provide for risk anticipation and management of emergencies. Learn what RFP questions to include when selecting destinations and sites, get a thorough comprehension of responsibilities, and strengthen your ability to write a risk and contingency plan coordinated with venues and vendors. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: Joan Eisenstodt, Principal, Eisenstodt Associates, LLC

Wed 8/30 at 3 p.m. – The Importance and Effects of Creating a Culture of Inclusivity Regarding Accessibility in Your Organization

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Taylor Dorward, Life Hacks365

Thu 8/31 at 10:30 a.m. – Event Tech In Memorium

Event technology has come and gone over the years. Yesterday’s shiny new object is in today’s digital scrap heap. Join us to cut the sh*t on companies and technologies that are no longer with us, the impact they had on the industry and what we can learn from their untimely demise. More info/register.

Host: Dahlia El Gazzar

Thu 8/31 at 12 p.m. – The Community Check-In

A weekly community chat on Slack for black professionals working in the events industry. More info/register.

Host: Black In Events Network

Thu 8/31 at 1 p.m. – The Path to Learning Business Maturity

In a world where competition, learner expectations, and the need to deliver real impact have increased dramatically, learning businesses must take their operations to a new level of maturity in order to thrive. Learn about the Tagoras Learning Business Maturity Model, its components, and how learning businesses can—and do—implement the model in a way that puts them on a clear, measurable path to greater maturity and, by extension, greater reach, revenue, and impact. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Tagoras/Leading Learning

Speakers: Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders of Tagoras

Thu 8/31 at 1 p.m. – What You Don’t Know About Payments

Learn about four important payment trends which emerged from the pandemic and are here to stay, two key changes you should make with your payment and credit card collection practices, what you are not being told about credit card fees and why that is costing your organization money, alternatives to credit card collections that the ecosystem supporting Visa/MasterCard and AMEX don’t want you to know about, PCI compliance and security issues, and how to do an RFP for Merchant Services. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Julie Duncan, Association Practice Leader, and Jenni Glaze, COO, U.S. Transactions Corporation

Fri 9/1 at 10 a.m. – Association Bridge Networks| Coffee with Innovators: Association Design Circle

Our topic this month is Association Bridge Networks. Calvin will lead us in conversation on creating authentic growth with diverse communities: How can we build bridge networks and systems of inclusion? How can we use story to create equity and common connection? More info/register.

Host: Product Design Community

Facilitator: Calvin Haney, Associate Director of Multicultural and Affinity Engagement at the American University Alumni Association

Tue 9/5 at 12 p.m. – Analytics for International Business Development (Association Analytics Network)

Host: Association Analytics

Speakers:

Kerry Cosby, Associate Director, Global Affairs and Analytics Initiatives, Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (formerly AACC)
Pietro Macchiarella, Data and Insights COE Director, Young Presidents’ Organization

Wed 9/6 at 9 a.m. – PAR Member Meet-Up: Ideas to Solve Tough Customer Objections, Complaints or Feedback

Host: Professionals for Association Revenue

Wed 9/6 at 11 a.m. – Technology Alignment: Connecting Diagnostics, Strategy, and Execution

Learn the importance of diagnosing your tech problems and why it’s not enough to know you have problems, but to understand why and how to fix them. Hear about the importance of aligning your business goals to your technology strategy so you can accommodate needs today and anticipate needs down the road. Learn how to engage your leadership team and staff as allies and active participants so the whole organization works together to move IT initiatives forward and achieve measurable results. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Christopher Kasmark, Sr. Strategic Consultant, Technology Consulting, DelCor Technology Solutions

Wed 9/6 at 12 p.m. – Change Management Lessons From The Hitman’s Bodyguard

Host: Association Insights in Old Town

Speakers: Joe Plasterer and Mel Starkweather of Starkweather Association Services

Thu 9/7 at 2 p.m. – Beyond the First Look: More Insights into AMS Projects

Host: 501Works

Speakers:

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

Fri 9/8 at 12:30 p.m. – Conversations with Champions

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Guests: Lindsay Currie and Heather Wakefield, Council on Undergraduate Research

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Association Brain Food: 8.18.23

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

Love. Love will keep us together…

Education programs. TopClass LMS suggests offering peer-to-peer online learning programs. In these standalone short programs, member instructors introduce skills, practices, or hobbies to fellow members. The programs are relationship and community builders since they help members connect with each other on both a personal and professional level.

Strategic planning. Vista Cova’s white paper, Strategic Frameworks: The Future of Strategic Planning, explores how association executives are working with strategic plans in the post-COVID environment. The paper describes ten themes that emerged in their research and includes an appendix with the participants’ strategic frameworks. It’s a must-read.

Mentoring programs. The Art of Mentoring’s new guide on mentoring in professional associations explains how to address potential pitfalls and design issues you might encounter around chapter relations, funding, code of conduct, CE credits, matching, and success metrics.

Silent auctions. Create buzz around your event with a silent auction. Chris Mazzon at Multiview describes what’s involved. My state SAE hosts a successful silent auction every year at our annual conference to raise money for scholarships. If you want to look into doing one of your own, I know a guy who can help.

Hybrid work. Stowe Boyd gives the real scoop on what’s behind those hysterical return-to-work headlines. He suggests an intentional approach to hybrid work that, according to research, is actually working for many employers and employees.

Websites. Brightfind’s guide to association websites is loaded with useful advice on 12 essential web elements for acquiring, engaging, retaining and converting users into loyal website visitors, customers and members.

Thriving (or not) associations. James Young at Product Community describes three fictitious associations on different tracks for the future—one’s traditional, one’s striving and one’s innovative. Which is yours?

Reality check. Teenage girls are struggling with mental health. Trigger warnings may be partially to blame, writes Jill Filipovic at The Atlantic. No shit, Sherlock. They’re a harmful practice for young people who need to learn how to cope in the real world.

Also worth your time

The perils of sponsorship: please be smarter than (not as whorish as) the American Academy of Pediatrics is with AT&T. (Bethany Mande, The Spectator)

How to write AI art prompts for Midjourney and DALL-E , with examples and templates. (Hannah Macready, Hootsuite)

Iran scholars in the U.S. are less interested in seeing the country through the eyes of Iranians and more prone to positioning themselves in an ideological battle between American progressives and conservatives—one in which excessive criticism of the regime in Tehran is considered “right-wing” and even “imperialist.” How ridiculous. Iran deserves all the criticism we can muster. (Arian Khameneh, Tablet)

You never grow old at the table

A tavola non s’invecchia mai.

I found this Italian proverb somewhere in my web travels and think it’s quite fitting for this section, for now. Skip down to the list of free educational events if you prefer takeout.

This past week, I only made one dinner and a huge batch of basil pesto. And thank goodness I did, because the dreaded mildew has once again set in so that looks like it for my basil harvest this year. ARRGH! Even the new Israeli variant has fallen victim.

For dinner two nights, we had southern pan-fried flounder alongside roasted broccoli with red onion, garlic powder, lemon zest and parmesan.

Subscribe to Blog via Email

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 8/18 at 4 p.m.* – The Medici Effect: What Elephants and Epidemics Can Teach Us About Innovation (Book Discussion)

Why do so many world-changing insights come from people with little or no related experience? Charles Darwin was a geologist when he proposed the theory of evolution. And it was an astronomer who finally explained what happened to the dinosaurs. Frans Johansson’s The Medici Effect shows how breakthrough ideas most often occur when we bring concepts from one field into a new, unfamiliar territory and offers examples of how we can turn the ideas we discover into path-breaking innovations. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

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

Mon 8/21 at 8 a.m. – Hill Day Impact: After the Visits (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Anne Dar Conte, Hillstaffer

Tue 8/22 at 11 a.m. – Unusual Collaborations: Follow the Yellow Brick Road

Unusual partnerships and collaborations can be found in music, art, movies, business, athletics, and in other disciplines and industries. Where are associations with partnerships and collaborations? Learn about the basic principles for these engagements, what makes some successful, and what to avoid; when and where your association should be taking chances, when is crazy borderline genius, and when is crazy just plain crazy; and how to get out of a rut, start placing small bets, and build on what works now. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jay S. Daughtry, M.Ed., Chief Communications Officer/Owner, CQbd

Wed 8/23 at 1 p.m. – Marketing Artificial Intelligence in Action

Gain an overview of the current marketing artificial intelligence (AI) landscape. Learn about marketing AI tools you can begin using right now to optimize your marketing strategy, how to embark upon easy marketing AI experiments, and use marketing AI to enhance your processes and make workflows less time consuming. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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

Wed 8/23 at 2 p.m. – Expert Series: Get Sponsored: How to Make 6-Figures in Digital Sponsorship for Your Association

Learn how to optimize digital sponsorship and capitalize on the huge opportunities to grow digital revenues to 6-figures or more. Find out how to consolidate and price your content marketing offerings for success, structure digital sponsorship that works for sponsors and members, and create the behavior in your sponsors that helps improve your digital content calendar. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Hosts: WorkerBee.TV and Non-Dues-A-Palooza

Speaker: Dan Stevens, president, WorkerBee.TV

Wed 8/23 at 2 p.m. – 5 Email Automation Strategies to Unlock More Revenue for Your Nonprofit

Learn email automation strategies for nonprofits, including how triggered emails work—with some cool examples—and five email automation ideas for nonprofits. More info/register.

Host: Feathr

Wed 8/23 at 3 p.m. – The Dating Playbook: Applying the Rules of Love to Your Membership Campaign

Whether you’re looking for marriage or membership, techniques to build interest and commitment are the same. Learn how your association can stop making common membership marketing mistakes and start to reinvigorate your membership campaigns using lessons from dating coaches and matchmakers; help prospects get to know your association better before pushing them to join; and use skills and tools to help you nurture your relationships including SEO, marketing automation and analytics. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Association Analytics

Speakers:

Chris Gloede, Chief Consultant, Ricochet Advice
Bill Conforti, SVP of Strategy & Solutions, Association Analytics
Greg Pollack, SVP of Sales, Association Analytics

Thu 8/24 at 12 p.m. – Artificial Intelligence for Associations

According to Community Brands research, only 17% of professional associations plan on adopting AI in the future. Learn what AI is and what it is not, and where to go from here—the next best steps for associations to consider about the role of AI at their organization. More info/register.

Host: Nimble AMS

Speakers:

Collier Faubion, Senior Sales Engineer, Nimble AMS
Tirrah Switzer, Senior Director of Product Marketing, Community Brands

Thu 8/24 at 12 p.m. – Smooth Sailing: Association Operations Best Practices

Explore the key strategies, systems, and processes that can enhance efficiency, member engagement, and overall organizational performance. More info/register.

Host: Nexus Marketing Agency

Speakers:

Neeraj Garg, Chief Operating Officer at Aplusify
Thorben Grosser, Vice President of Product Marketing at EventMobi
Brian Lacy, CEO & Data Consultant at NPOInfo
Thomas McClintock, Senior Client Services Manager at Empowered Margins

Thu 8/24 at 12 p.m. – The Community Check-In

A weekly community chat on Slack for black professionals working in the events industry. More info/register.

Host: Black In Events Network

Thu 8/24 at 3 p.m. – Future-proof Your Association Now: Inspire and Engage Young Members

Learn how the notion of belonging has shifted, why associations have struggled to engage younger members, the potential impact of the next generation of members on associations, what young members expect from their membership experiences, and growth strategies to attract and engage young members. More info/register.

Host: Grype

Speaker: Sarah Sladek, Founder & CEO of Sarah Sladek & Company and XYZ University

Fri 8/25 at 12:30 p.m. – How to Create an AI Usage Policy AMA

Join this discussion on approaches to consider as you develop your AI guidelines and policies. Explore topics such as ethics, copyright, security, and data privacy. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Juan Sanchez, Chief Information Officer, Inteleos

Fri 8/25 at 1 p.m. – Certification Administration

Host: By Leverage Assessments, Inc.

Speaker: Kyana Beckles

Fri 8/25 at 4 p.m. – Association Management Series: Key Concepts Every Association Professional Should Know – Membership

Just because you work for a membership association doesn’t mean you work *in* membership. But, there are key membership concepts every association professional should know. Learn about the membership lifecycle, from prospecting and lead generation, through the welcome cycle and ladders of engagement, to good practices in renewal cycles, and what happens after that. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speaker: Elizabeth Weaver Engel, M.A., CAE, Chief Strategist at Spark Consulting

Tue 8/29 at 11 a.m. – Leadership & Learning: The Best Leaders Ask the Best Questions: Because Who Needs All the Answers Anyway?

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Ryan MacTaggart, PhD, Associate Director, Professional Learning, EDUCAUSE

Tue 8/29 at 1 p.m. – Everything You Want to Know About Engagement Scoring (But Didn’t Know to Ask)

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Greg Pollack, SVP of Sales, Association Analytics

Wed 8/30 at 3 p.m. – The Importance and Effects of Creating a Culture of Inclusivity Regarding Accessibility in Your Organization

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Taylor Dorward, Life Hacks365

Thu 8/31 at 1 p.m. – The Path to Learning Business Maturity

Host: Tagoras/Leading Learning

Speakers: Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders of Tagoras

Thu 8/31 at 1 p.m. – What You Don’t Know About Payments

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Julie Duncan, Association Practice Leader, and Jenni Glaze, COO, U.S. Transactions Corporation

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Creative Commons licensed photo by David Clode via Unsplash

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

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You never grow old at the table

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