Association Brain Food: 10.17.25

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

Good reads for the association community

AI training for members. Associations have an opportunity to offer AI training programs that help members adapt to workplace changes, but they need to take action before competitors own that niche. TopClass LMS describes the employer and employee demand for these programs, benefits for associations offering them, types of programs to consider (with association examples), and steps to get started.

AI as exocortex. Carlo Iacono shares a story about a writer who gradually let AI take over more and more of his work. “The worst part is that he did not notice it happening. The descent was gradual, frictionless, helpful.” Iacono implores us not to become a passenger while AI puts your mind on autopilot. Instead, stay in the captain’s chair. Let AI augment, not replace, your thinking. Use AI as an “exocortex, an external cognitive layer you learn to wear and wield.”

Association SEO course. In the SEO for Associations Certificate Course at Association Academy, learn about Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for association websites, including immediate steps and long-term strategies to attract more website traffic by improving your ranking with Google and other search engines. Earn up to 5 CAE credits while learning at your own pace in five one-hour on-demand lessons. Save $50 with the promo code BRAINFOOD

Learning as an engagement strategy. D2L explains how associations can use education programs to deepen member connections and create new revenue streams. Their guide describes four essential qualities of effective learning—flexible, relevant, lasting, and amplifying—with real examples from associations. Learn how to tailor learning experiences to diverse member needs, create opportunities that facilitate genuine connections, and scale your impact without overwhelming staff.

Association inflection point. Jeff Hanlan describes how quickly member expectations have changed and new organizations have captured their attention, loyalty, and wallets. Competitors are solving your members’ problems by delivering the information, community, and education they need. To counter this gloominess, he points out opportunities for associations, shares stories about associations using AI effectively, and offers a roadmap for the future.

Attendee research. I’ve been impressed by Freeman’s research, although I haven’t read their most recent Trends Report described by Michael Hoffman of Gather Voices. He shares highlights from an IMEX session where the new report was discussed, along with his recommendations. When attendees make even a single meaningful new contact, their intent to return spikes dramatically—yet nobody’s in charge of networking. The celebrity keynote lift is negligible in the data (just what I thought). Stop asking registration questions that help you, not them. Instead, ask about their outcomes.

Association benchmarks. If you’re wondering whether your association’s struggles are unique, this benchmarking data will offer reassuring or unsettling clarity. GrowthZone AMS’s survey exposes inconvenient truths about how associations operate. Member engagement tops the list of challenges, yet most associations lack written plans to tackle it. The disconnect gets worse: while nearly all associations say they want to innovate and grow membership, the majority admit they have no strategy for attracting younger members. The report covers membership trends, revenue, operational realities, and more.

AI shortcomings. Noor Al-Sibai at Futurism says companies that tried to save money with AI are now spending a fortune hiring people to fix its mistakes. Given AI’s typical output, this does not surprise me at all. I’ve seen similar stories shared on LinkedIn by writers. Fixing AI-generated content is not a simple editing job, as I originally thought. These drafts need a complete overhaul because the original prompts didn’t provide enough context or direction.

Association workflows. Sherry Budziak at .orgSource makes a bold diagnosis: “You’re not understaffed—you’re operationally inefficient.” Ouch, but you know it’s true. She explains how the muck you’re in came about, shows you how to spot inefficiencies, and then how to get processes in order and working as they should.

Snacks

AI adoption has been declining among companies with more than 250 employees, per Census data. | Torsten Sløk, Apollo Academy

The AI backlash begins. Per the Upwork monthly hiring report, high-value work grew 31% among large businesses as AI amplifies demand for human skills. | Upwork

You never grow old at the table

Italian vinegar chicken—the name doesn’t sound that appetizing, but OMG, is it ever so good. I omitted the sugar—the onions and wine give it enough sweetness. Serve it over cheater microwave polenta with broccoli roasted with red onion, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

This week, I stripped my basil plants of all their leaves for the last harvest of the year and made a big batch of pesto for the freezer. But I reserved some for this easy recipe: pesto parmesan crusted amberjack. On the side, kale sautéed with bacon, onion, red bell pepper, and garlic with a drizzle of sherry vinegar at the end, and nuked ‘roasted’ sweet potatoes.

Another simple and excellent fish recipe: lemon garlic herb salmon. Don’t get too caught up in the folding instructions, just make a packet. I put chives and a bunch of lemon thyme in the packet with the fish while it was cooking, then sprinkled the fillets with Italian parsley before serving. On the side, steamed green beans tossed with sautéed onion, bacon, garlic, sundried tomatoes, and parmesan, with sweet potatoes.

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About CAE credits: Per ASAE, “any continuing professional education offered by any professional entity may be accepted toward the [CAE] professional development requirement as long as it is directly related to either association or nonprofit management as defined by the CAE exam content outline.”

Education providers: If you have a free webinar or event coming up, please send me the link by Wednesday afternoon the week before it’s scheduled. I’m happy to feature it as long as it’s not product-centric.

Fri 10/17 at 3 p.m.* – Nonprofit Consultants Collaborative Monthly Networking Meeting

This monthly networking meeting is organized by consultants for full-time consultants who work with non-profits and associations. You don’t have to be an ASAE member to attend. This month’s agenda includes the sharing of good news, topics or questions from the group, and AI and its impact on consulting. More info/register.

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

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

Mon 10/20 at 8 a.m. – Partnering with CVBs and Convention Centers for Groups and Conventions (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

Every week, Rogue Tulips brings the association community intriguing guests discussing vital topics affecting associations around the world. Episodes are published Monday mornings in both audio and video format, available on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast, and others.

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

Guest: Dave Esslinger, Vice President Sales & Marketing with Gatlinburg CVB

Mon 10/20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Association Consultants Open House

Similar to a virtual exhibit hall, you can connect with consultants in real time via Zoom, ask questions, and make connections. It’s a great way to meet consultants in a time-friendly way. Find the Consultants Open House in the Association Marketplace. If you have not visited the Association Marketplace before, you will be asked to set up a no-fee account for access. While you are there, explore what else the Marketplace has to offer.

Host: Nonprofit Consultants Collective

Mon 10/20 at 12 p.m. – Membership Monday: Cybersecurity + AI = Member Confidence

Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT issue—it’s a member trust issue. With AI becoming part of everyday association work, your members need to know their data and community are safe. Learn how cybersecurity safeguards member confidence, the opportunities and risks AI introduces for associations, and strategies to balance innovation with protection. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Mon 10/20 at 2 p.m. – Not Just a Win Count: Proving ROI for Public Affairs Teams

Learn how to communicate the value of public affairs work in ways that resonate with executives and stakeholders. Hear about real examples that helped secure organizational support and protect critical resources. More info/register.

Host: Quorum

Speaker: Steven Fenaroli, Director of Political Affairs at the California Farm Bureau Federation

Mon 10/20 at 8 p.m. – Using Peer-to-Peer Engagement To Drive Retention & Revenue

Learn how community engagement isn’t just a ‘nice to have’ — it’s a game-changer for retention, non-dues revenue, and member experience. Hear how an Australian association is using member-generated data and conversations to fuel a targeted marketing and event strategy. More info/register.

Host: Higher Logic

Speakers:

Sophie McGregor, Online Communities Coordinator, Australian Dental Association
Brendan Leehe, Customer Marketing Manager, Higher Logic
Shristi Khanal, Strategic Advisor, Higher Logic

Tue 10/21 at 10:30 a.m. 10 Minute Meditation

Introducing mindfulness into your work day helps you cope with stress and reduce the feelings of burnout. Join us for 10 minutes of pure space in your busy day. We’ll start with 5 minutes of arriving, a 10-minute meditation, and a 5-minute check-out. Open to all, with no prior meditation experience needed. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Meditation leader: Moira Edwards, Owner & President, Ellipsis Partners

Tue 10/21 at 12 p.m. – From Questions to Clarity: Quick Research That Drives Smarter Association Decisions

Hear about everything you need to design, conduct, and analyze meaningful member research independently—no consultants, no advanced degrees, no massive budgets required. Kearn how to choose the best research method for your questions, create engaging pulse surveys and social media polls, conduct fast and effective phone interviews with key stakeholders, and analyze your findings and turn them into action. More info/register.

Host: Marketing General Inc. (MGI)

Tue 10/21 at 12 p.m. – Working with International Volunteers (ASAE CRVM Crunch and Munch)

Explore the nuances, lessons learned, and leading practices when recruiting and working with international volunteers. Everyone is welcome—you do not need to be an ASAE member to attend. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Component Relations Volunteer Management Advisory Council

Facilitators: Sylvia Gonner, CAE and Michiel Gen

Tue 10/21 at 1 p.m. – Practical Ways to Get Started with AI Today

Walk through a no-jargon-needed roadmap to begin leveraging AI today. Drawing on real-world examples from associations, nonprofits, and small teams, learn how leaders can adopt AI tools to save time, enhance member experiences, and unlock new levels of creativity and productivity. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Erica Salm Rench, MBA, CMO at Sidecar

Tue 10/21 at 1 p.m. – Prepared, Not Panicked: A Guide for Nonprofits Facing Market Volatility

Gain perspective on today’s market environment in the context of historical trends to support informed, balanced decision-making. See how structured investment policies create clarity and consistency in times of uncertainty. Explore guidelines for incorporating downside protection into your investment strategy. Learn how a disciplined rebalancing approach can help you stay on course through market ups and downs. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Raffa Investment Advisors

Tue 10/21 at 2 p.m. – Show Me the (Non-Dues) Money: Financial Wins for Association Expos

Learn how to elevate sponsorship programs with new opportunities that resonate; streamline event and expo budgets to stretch limited resources; drive non-dues revenue while keeping members and sponsors engaged; and build a long-term roadmap for sustainable, profitable conferences and expos. More info/register.

Host: Personify A2Z Events

Speakers:

Michelle Mobley, Exhibits and Sponsorship Manager, American Society of Landscape Architects
Rich Vallaster, DES, CEM, Senior Director of Industry Relations and Community Engagement, Personify

Wed 10/22 from 8:45 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. – AMS Demo Days

Hear 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

Participants: Fonteva, Nimble Powered by Momentive, Element AMS, Aplusify, GlueUp, Cobalt Powered by Momentive, Protech, iMIS by ASI, NetForum Powered by Momentive, re:Members AMS Formerly Impexium, Personify MC Professional

Wed 10/22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – CMEpalooza Fall

Participate in a series of sessions relevant across the CME/CE spectrum. Broadcasts will stream live and be available for viewing shortly after their conclusion. More info/register.

Hosts:

Derek Warnick, continuing healthcare education professional, founder of CMEpalooza
Scott Kober, MBA, Managing Partner, Excalibur Medical Education

Wed 10/22 at 11 a.m. – Building Your Leadership Brand

Learn how to identify your unique strengths, understand what differentiates you from other leaders, align your personal capabilities with organizational needs. Hear how to ensure your actions match your stated values, build trust through predictable, genuine behavior, and let your true leadership style shine through. Find out how to connect your leadership approach to tangible results, show how your brand drives organizational success, and continuously evolve based on feedback and performance. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jennifer Dalton, Founder, Brand Mirror

Wed 10/22 at 11 a.m. – Cost-Cutting Idea Exchange

Prices were rising from inflation even before the tariffs were introduced. Budgets have not kept pace. Everyone is searching for solutions. Share and discuss the best money-saving event solutions in these areas: Sourcing, Contracting, Food and Beverage, Transportation, and Labor. More info/register.

Host: Skift Meetings

Wed 10/22 at 12 p.m. – re:Evaluate Your Current Chapter Structure

Are you feeling pain points in your chapter network? Have your volunteers been complaining? Then it’s time for an evaluation of your chapters and whether or not the structure you have in place works in today’s fast-moving environment. Learn how to analyze your organization’s chapter structure to find ways to improve the member experience, develop a rating system for your volunteer leader relationships, create a two-way communications system with your chapters, and identify steps to adjust your current system to enhance outcomes. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: re:Members

Speaker: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, The Rogue Tulips Story — Rogue Tulips Consulting

Wed 10/22 at 12 p.m. – Budgeting with Confidence: Practical Tips for Boards

Learn how to help boards approach their budgets with clarity, discipline, and foresight. Explore common pitfalls that lead to reactive or unrealistic budgets and instead highlight methods to create budgets that support both financial health and organizational impact. More info/register.

Host: Ewald Consulting

Speaker: Jacquie Strebe, Accounting Manager, Ewald Consulting

Wed 10/22 at 1 p.m. – AI in Practice: Strategy, Pitfalls, and the Tools to De-Risk Adoption

Artificial intelligence is no longer optional but adopting it without a plan can introduce costly risks. Explore how associations can develop a practical AI strategy that balances innovation with safeguards. Hear about common missteps, highlight milestones for a thoughtful rollout, and share proven tactics and tools to de-risk adoption. Hear about a clearer path to implementing AI responsibly and effectively in your own organization. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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

Wed 10/22 at 1 p.m. – Empowering Women in the Meetings Industry: An Open Conversation

Hear female meeting and incentive planners share their personal stories, insights, and experiences with gender-specific challenges in the meetings and events industry. This is not just another webinar; it’s a candid conversation aimed at bringing real issues to light and fostering a supportive community. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Prevue Meetings

Speakers:

Samantha T. Marie, Founder & Chief Experience Officer of OmniEra Events & Travel
Megan Warzeniak, Sales & Strategy Director at streamlinevents, inc.
Tracy Wallach, Event Planner at JM Family Enterprises

Wed 10/22 at 2 p.m. – Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue

More info/register.

Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First LLC

Wed 10/22 at 2 p.m. – Membership Momentum: Engaging Today, Growing Tomorrow

Hear the latest findings from the 2025 Association Benchmarking Report, highlighting the state of engagement, shifting member expectations, and strategies for reaching the next generation. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Naylor Association Solutions

Speakers:

Tamara Perry-Lunardo, Vice President of Content Services, Naylor Association Solutions
Cody Czmyr, Director of Member Services, International Interior Design Association

Wed 10/22 at 3 p.m. – Intro to AI Webinar for Associations and Nonprofits

Learn about the basics and importance of generative AI and Large Language Models. Witness the power of AI tools through live demonstrations that showcase their impact on real-world scenarios. Learn to create targeted personas in ChatGPT for personalized content and interactions, which settings to adjust for privacy and security, and what information is safe to input into AI tools. More info/register.

Host: Sidecar

Speakers:

Erica Salm Rench, CMO, Sidecar
Thomas Altman, Co-founder, Tasio

Wed 10/22 at 4 p.m. – Healthcare Hot Topic: Workforce Issues

Explore workforce issues in healthcare and what associations are doing to solve workplace challenges. Key discussion points include: working with HR to optimize recruitment and retention, advancing workforce stability through healthy work environments, developing a culture of inquiry, developing academic-practice partnerships, and developing workforce tools for members. This interactive opportunity encourages peer dialogue, knowledge exchange and shared solutions. Bring your challenges, questions and best practices. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE’s Healthcare Community Advisory Committee

Thu 10/23 from 9 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. – AMS Demo Days

Host: ASAE

Participants: MemberSuite by GrowthZone, re:Members AMS Platform, Personify MC Trade, YourMembership Powered by Momentive, Naylor Association Solutions, Altai Systems, Mem360, Personify WildApricot, GrowthZone, Wicket, Aptify Powered by Momentive

Thu 10/23 at 11 a.m. – Beyond the Hype: How AI Assistants Are Transforming Event ROI

Learn how to leverage hyper-personalized AI to resolve up to 80% of participant queries instantly, increase satisfaction, and prove undeniable value to your participants. More info/register.

Host: Grip

Speakers:

Igor Palka, Senior Vice President, Messe Berlin
Lizzy Evans, CPO, Grip
Fadi El Khoury, Founder, ZETA

Thu 10/23 at 12 p.m. – Advocacy for Non-Advocates: Ensuring ALL Voices Are Heard

The IRS recognizes 58,600 associations and 13,000 federally registered lobbyists. But here’s the truth: whether you’re officially registered or not, every association executive and member is an advocate—often without even realizing it. Learn how to prepare members to engage with elected officials, ensure your voice is heard, and avoid common advocacy pitfalls. More info/register.

Host: Association Xchange

Speaker: Dr. David Rehr, professor at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government

Thu 10/23 at 12 p.m. – AWTC Meet & Greet

Connect with new faces in the association tech community. Join us for a 30-minute welcome event to forge fresh connections and discover our vibrant Slack community. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Thu 10/23 at 1 p.m. – Strategic Design for Engaged Online Learning

Learn how intentional course design—paired with community-driven technology—can transform participation, deepen connections, and reduce faculty workload. Hear real-world stories of how faculty have reimagined discussion, fostered genuine peer-to-peer learning, and built sustainable engagement strategies that support students and instructors. More info/register.

Host: Online Learning Consortium

Speakers:

John Bellotti, Instructional Designer, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Scott Standifer, Ph.D., Instructional Designer, Southern California University of Health Sciences
Jill Anderson, Senior Instructional Technologist, NC State University
Debra Olberding, Success Manager, Yellowdig

Wed 10/29 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – AI+IM Regional Forums: Local Solutions for Industry Challenges (Washington DC)

This one-day program brings together information management professionals to tackle today’s biggest challenges from AI adoption and data governance to digital transformation and compliance. Learn from local experts and peers. Participate in interactive roundtables and discussions. Explore innovative tools and technologies. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.

Host: Association for Intelligent Information Management (AIIM)

Wed 10/29 at 12 p.m. – re:Make Your Chapters

The world we live in today is not the world that gave birth to chapters. Your structure may be from another century, which is why you see challenges in working with local leaders. Learn when to pay attention to the need for change, where to put your time and money for the most impact, and how groups can create a new way of doing things. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: re:Members

Speaker: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, founder, The Rogue Tulips Story — Rogue Tulips Consulting

Wed 10/29 at 12:30 p.m. – No Tricks, Just Tactics: Using Data to Drive Learning Program Success

Associations are sitting on a wealth of learning data but too often, it’s fragmented, underutilized, or simply overwhelming. Learn how to capture the right data from across your learning programs; analyze and segment insights to surface what’s working and what’s not; transform findings into testable, strategic improvements; and share results through data storytelling that builds buy-in and momentum. 0.5 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: .orgCommunity

Wed 10/29 at 1 p.m. – Unlock Hidden Profits: 3 Game-Changing Secrets for Association Success

Learn how to gain essential CEO buy-in that sparks organizational momentum, use data to instantly elevate your sponsor and partner programs, and revamp and re-energize your revenue approach. Walk away with fresh insights and immediately usable tools to revolutionize your non-dues revenue—and discover the hidden profit opportunities your association may be overlooking. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Barbara Armentrout, Founder & Key Principal at BJA Solutions for Associations
Bruce Rosenthal, Principal at Bruce Rosenthal Associates, LLC
Vinnu Deshetty, Speaker/Instructor at Event ROI Coach

Thu 10/30 at 1 p.m. – Rethinking Conference Sponsorship & Exhibitor Engagement

Listen in on a candid conversation about what’s working—and what’s not—when it comes to conference sponsorship and exhibitor engagement. As sponsor expectations shift and traditional exhibitor models lose traction, associations are under pressure to deliver more meaningful, measurable value. Hear real-world insights into reimagining how sponsors and exhibitors connect with attendees. More info/register.

Host: Lori Zoss Kraska, Founder/CEO, Growth Owl LLC

Guest: Alan DeYoung, Executive Director and President of the Wisconsin EMS Association

Thu 10/30 at 2 p.m. – The Association of the Future? What Established Associations Can Learn form a Brand-New Association

What if you could create a brand-new association today? What would it look like? What would its governance model be? How would it embrace AI and other emerging technologies? What would it do? Perhaps more importantly, what wouldn’t it do? Hear the staff and volunteer leadership of the Outsourced Professionals Association share the story of this brand-new association and highlight what established associations can learn from their future-forward vision of delivering value for the freelancers, fractional executives, and consultants who are redefining the future of work. 1 CAE credit. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Matthew Ott, MS, FASAE, CAE, CMP, AAiP, Executive Director, Outsourced Professionals Association
Grant Covalt, Founding Board Chair, Outsourced Professionals Association
Necoya Tyson, Founding Board Member, Outsourced Professionals Association
Tommy Goodwin (moderator), Executive Vice President, Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance

Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If you offer free professional development to the association community, please send me the link by Wednesday afternoon.

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Association Brain Food: 10.10.25

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

Good reads for the association community

Engaging unsuccessful award applicants. What are you doing with the people and companies who applied (or were nominated) for an association award, but didn’t win? OpenWater offers advice on communicating with non-winners and inviting them to contribute their expertise and participate in association activities.

AI disruption. Carlo Iacono says everyone’s pretending AI isn’t changing everything, but it is. Unlike the disruption caused by the internet or mobile phones, this time it’s different because AI “strikes at something more fundamental”—our identity. But his is a hopeful message: “When photography arrived, painters didn’t win by painting more photorealistically. They discovered impressionism, expressionism, abstraction. They found what the camera couldn’t do. We’re in that moment now with AI.”

Event marketing. ExpoLogic takes you through the entire event lifecycle, from defining goals and identifying target audiences to optimizing registration processes and measuring success. This event marketing guide covers social media promotion, email marketing, influencer partnerships, press releases, real-time engagement tactics, and post-event strategies including on-demand content and surveys for attendees, exhibitors, volunteers, and speakers.

The new loop marketing. HubSpot, the original inbound marketing company, says old inbound tactics no longer work. Now they’re promoting a new marketing strategy: the Loop. And as with inbound, their technology facilitates this new approach. The loop marketing playbook says: express your message, tailor it to your audience, amplify it across channels, and evolve it in real time. Old-fashioned marketing principles powered by AI. Will it take over the marketing industry like inbound did? Will they change the name of their conference?

Association AI. XYZ University shares the stories of four associations using AI: CoreNet Global, Kappa Delta Pi, Association for Advancing Automation and Missouri State Teachers Association. AI training for their members is a common theme, which this recent post from TopClass LMS suggests too.

Small staff strategies. Momentive Software’s benchmark report reveals that small associations (annual revenue under $5 million) face unique technology challenges but also have distinct opportunities. This study uncovers gaps between what members value most (career advancement tools) and what small staffs prioritize (events and membership growth). Learn why hardly any small associations feel technologically prepared for the future, which tools deliver the biggest engagement wins and three strategies to help your small team close value gaps, strengthen your tech strategy and work more efficiently with limited resources.

Free CAE workshops. If you need CAE credits, check out Ed Rigsbee’s 33 CAE-relevant workshops—nine of them are one-hour Ethics workshops. To qualify for CAE credits, you must pass a test.

Community engagement benchmarks. Higher Logic’s 2025 Association Community Benchmark Report analyzed data from nearly 1,500 associations from June 2024 through May 2025. The report shows the power of community-driven activity: community digest emails achieve 44-56% open rates compared to 36% for association emails; communities integrating volunteering and mentoring see 2.4x more logins and 2x more contributors and discussions; those with integrated job boards see 2x more logins and contributors and 60% more discussions. The report includes recommendations for driving logins, sparking discussions, and using automation rules and gamification to boost engagement.

AI-generated website traffic. Mateusz Makosiewicz at Ahrefs explains how to monitor, influence and increase your organization’s mentions in AI answers. You can’t ignore this stuff if you want people to find and visit your site—and not go to a competitor’s instead.

Founder mojo. I’ve been a subscriber of The Free Press (FP) since nearly its inception. Because of their commitment to common-sense, non-partisan, real journalism, it’s one of my favorite news and opinion sources. Justin Murphy sees its sale to Paramount as a replicable playbook, encouraging founders to emulate what Bari Weiss (the FP’s founder and new CBS News editor-in-chief) did: become “the only serious choice when big money eventually comes in to resuscitate a dying heritage brand.”

Snacks

Humans want to be surrounded by beauty. Can you believe this is a post about data management systems? | Wes Trochlil

A research finding of interest to associations: chatbots elicit more comprehensive answers than multiple-choice surveys. | Gina Chua, Semafor

The case for insane asylums—one of the reasons I don’t miss living in cities. | G.B. Rango, Pirate Wires

You never grow old at the table

Last weekend, we had our annual Octoberfest at my niece’s place. She and her family live a one-minute golf cart ride from the water just north of Carolina Beach. The harvest was decent: we brought home a bucket of clams and a bag of crabs.

I made beach shrimp pasta for everyone while we were there. My recipe includes bacon, onion, red bell pepper, garlic, red pepper flakes, white wine, homemade shrimp broth (made ahead of time and kept in the freezer), NC shrimp, lemon juice, fresh parsley and basil, lots of butter, linguine and Parmesan, alongside garlic bread. We had steamed crabs for happy hour.

Since venison season is around the corner, I’m on a clean-out-the-freezer mission. I defrosted shredded roasted turkey and basil pesto for a crazy creation that turned out really well: turkey and potato pesto gratin. A layered casserole, it included onion, red bell pepper, bacon, garlic, gold potatoes, shredded turkey, evaporated milk, basil pesto, and mozzarella, Asiago and Romano cheeses.

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Mon 10/13 at 8 a.m.* – Financial Sustainability for Nonprofits (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

Every week, Rogue Tulips brings the association community intriguing guests discussing vital topics affecting associations 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: Mike Gellman

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

Tue 10/14 at 12 p.m. – ASAE Tech Tuesday

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and associations are facing unprecedented challenges as AI reshapes the security landscape. The stakes have never been higher—your systems, your data, and your mission are all on the line. Hear about strategies to safeguard association systems from today’s cyber and AI-driven threats, build resilience in a fast-evolving digital environment, and apply real-world tools and insights to protect what matters most. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Facilitators:

Reggie Henry, Chief Information and Performance Excellence Officer, ASAE
Dave Coriale, President, DelCor Technology Solutions

Guest: Andrew Leggett, Director of Cybersecurity, DelCor Technology Solutions

Tue 10/14 at 12 p.m. – LGBTQIA2+ 2025 Community Call

A unique and inclusive opportunity for association professionals across all career stages to connect and engage over lunch, and a space where you can openly share and discuss topics that are current and significant to the LGBTQIA2+ association community. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE LGBTQ Association Executives and Supporters

Tue 10/14 at 1 p.m. – The 2026 Compensation Playbook: Benchmarking, Budgets & Beyond

Learn how to maximize your compensation investment and make smart, strategic decisions by focusing on three key elements: identifying at-risk roles, understanding non-salary retention factors, and targeted allocation of limited funds. More info/register.

Host: Raffa

Speaker: Kim Keating, Founder & Principal, Kim Keating Consulting

Tue 10/14 at 2 p.m. – You & AI: Creating Personalized Event Experiences

Adding a personal touch for each of your attendees at every event could be a full-time job. Discover how AI can help you deliver personalization effectively, common challenges with personalization and effective solutions, why data hygiene is crucial for creating customization at scale, and practical ways AI can enhance your marketing campaigns and event experiences. More info/register.

Host: Smart Meetings

Speaker: Brittany Fisher, Team Lead in Product Marketing, Cvent

Tue 10/14 at 2 p.m. – Unclonable Influence: Crafting Stories AI Could Never Write

AI can write copy, answer questions, and even sound almost human, but it can’t replace the power of your authentic story. Your ability to connect, inspire, and influence is your greatest advantage in an increasingly artificial world. Discover how to craft and share messages that no algorithm can match: messages that move hearts, change minds, and inspire real action. More info/register.

Host: Farhad Khan, CEO, Member Lounge

Guest: René Rodriguez, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and leadership advisor

Tue 10/14 at 2 p.m. – AI Guide 2.0: Transforming Associations Through Practical AI Adoption

Explore how associations are embedding AI into their strategy, culture, and daily workflows. Gain practical frameworks for training teams, addressing cultural change, and measuring outcomes, ensuring that AI adoption strengthens both organizational performance and mission impact. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Tue 10/14 at 3 p.m. – Integrating AI Visibility into Your Current SEO Strategy

Your sales targets increasingly rely on AI tools like ChatGPT and Google’s SGE to find and evaluate solutions. If your content isn’t optimized for these generative engines, you’re becoming invisible to the organizations you need to reach. Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) closes the gap between your existing SEO efforts and the future of search. Learn how to adapt your existing strategy, drive pipeline, and secure long-term relevance. We’ll share the essential, actionable blueprint your brand needs to leverage AI for growth. More info/register.

Host: Nexus Marketing

Speaker: Jenny Russ, Client Solutions Manager at Nexus Marketing

Wed 10/15 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. – Navigating the Lifelong Learning Journey in Certification

Explore how credentialing organizations can embrace lifelong learning and implement innovative pathways for certification and support. Learn actionable strategies for driving change, especially for candidates who don’t pass traditional exams. Hear about successes and lessons learned from programs that broke the mold, with a special focus on alternative learning pathways, flexible credentialing approaches, and immediate audience engagement. More info/register.

Host: Certification Network Group

Speakers:

Ashish Rangnekar, CEO and Co-Founder of BenchPrep
Tracy Petrillo EdD, CAE, Chief Learning Officer for CASBO
Jasmine Rockett, Director of the Inteleos POCUS Certification Academy

Wed 10/15 at 12 p.m. – Strategic Budgeting for Impact in 2026: Aligning Mission, Money, and Modernization 

Hear insights from the annual 2025 Nonprofit and Associations Reports with real budget data and benchmarking trends year-over-year. Learn how to shift from reactive to proactive budgeting practices; create adaptive, scenario-based budgets to withstand volatility (membership fluctuations, funding uncertainty, etc.); incorporate tech investments into the budget as a hedge against disruption; and allocate a dedicated portion of your annual budget into funding reserves specifically for innovation, experimentation, and modernization efforts. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Momentive Software

Speakers:

Tom Harlow, CPA, CAE, Interim Chief Finance Officer at ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership
Theresa Miner, CFO, Career Source Pasco-Hernando
Rob Miller, MPA, CAE, SVP, Association Strategy at Momentive Software

Wed 10/15 at 12 p.m. – Transforming Member Engagement: Technology’s Role in Building Stronger Associations

Explore how the right technology can strengthen connections, boost participation, and create a real sense of community. Learn how to use technology to foster deeper member relationships and trust; blend digital tools with personal engagement efforts; use data and analytics to understand member needs and preferences; balance automation with authentic, human-centered member interactions; and leverage social platforms for community building. More info/register.

Host: Nexus Marketing

Speakers:

Andrew Leighton, Director of Sales at Accelevents
Corey Vaughn, Chief Marketing Officer at Muster
Sam Hirsch, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Oasis-LMS

Wed 10/15 at 12 p.m. – Member Engagement: Are Your Members Invested in Your Success?

Are you heading into member renewal season? Learn seven proven techniques to increase your retention rate, speed up your cash flow, and sell your member value proposition. More info/register.

Host: Zzeem Consulting

Speakers: association executive Erin Roberts

Wed 10/15 at 12 p.m. – The Campaign That Students Built — and Why It Worked

Can your members design your next big campaign? At ACOFP, they did. Hear how a student pitch became Family Physicians DO More—a national campaign powered by video, storytelling, and real member voices. Learn how the ACOFP team tackled workforce challenges, connected with Gen Z, and measured success beyond impressions. More info/register.

Host: Marcus Leite, Director, Sales & Marketing, TaleWind Digital

Guest: Emily Bennett, Director of Communications & Engagement, ACOFP

Wed 10/15 at 1 p.m. – AI, SEO, and YouTube: A New Playbook for Events and Associations

With AI engines like Google’s AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity now delivering answers directly, traditional SEO is losing its impact. The sources AI trusts most are not your website, but platforms like Wikipedia, Reddit, and YouTube. Explore how AI is reshaping search, why video has become central to visibility, and how every organization can re-think YouTube as a strategic priority. Get a quick start guide to launch or revamp your event or association’s YouTube channel and ensure your expertise shows up in AI search results. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Dan Piva, Senior Manager, Business Development & Enablement at Gather Voices

Wed 10/15 at 1 p.m. – Member Journey Blueprint: Part 1: Acquisition & Onboarding

Learn how to attract the right prospects, boost visibility through SEO and content, and design onboarding that drives retention. Explore the foundational phase of the member journey—ensuring potential members find your association and experience a seamless, value-driven welcome. Uncover digital acquisition techniques, understand how SEO and content strategy shape your visibility, and learn how onboarding can become a strategic touchpoint for long-term retention. More info/register.

Host: Causeis

Wed 10/15 at 1 p.m. – The Data Download for Navigating Events and Sourcing Strategies

Hear findings from three powerhouse reports—The Planner Sourcing Report, The PULSE, and The Source—this is your backstage pass to the data, trends, and real-world stories shaping how planners and suppliers are reimagining events in a market that never stands still. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Wed 10/15 at 4 p.m. – Stop Losing Attention: Engaging Secrets You Can Use Today

Whether you’re leading a meeting, speaking on stage, or presenting online, attention is the new currency. Discover 7 proven engagement secrets you can apply immediately to keep your audience leaning in, not tuning out. Walk away with fresh, simple strategies that transform passive listeners into active participants — and ensure your message sticks. More info/register.

Host: John Chen

Thu 10/16 at 11 a.m. – Content: A Foundational Element of Member Value

Learn how to identify and leverage sources of content for output that’s higher volume and better quality at a lower spend; develop a framework for what formats and topics your members and sponsors actually want; and build systems that ensure you deliver value at a cadence your members will look forward to that allows room to respond to current events. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Breanna Perrelli, Creative Director, and Marcus Leite, Director, Sales & Marketing, TaleWind Digital

Thu 10/16 at 12 p.m. – Local Component Utopia: Building Collaborative Relationships with Local Volunteer Leaders

Explore two chapter management models: one relies on HQ staff to provide logistical support to local networking groups in a number of multi-state regions; the other on an association management company which manages multiple affiliates. Hear about the ups and downs of association journeys in search of local component utopia so you can see how your association might build more collaborative relationships with your local volunteer leaders. More info/register.

Host: Mariner Management & Marketing

Speakers:

Bill Schankel, CEO of NAFA
Peggy McElgunn, President & CEO of Global Professional Services
Chuck Wilmarth, Vice President, Health Policy and State Affairs for AOTA

Thu 10/16 at 12 p.m. – Breaking Barriers: Practical Strategies to Support Adult Literacy

Explore practical strategies rooted in Universal Design for Learning that make lessons accessible to all learners, and the Community of Inquiry framework, which helps create engaging, collaborative learning environments. Together, these methods remove barriers and build stronger connections for adult learners. More info/register.

Host: eLearningDOC

Speakers: Janet Lee and Dr. Kristen Stevenson, PhD

Thu 10/16 at 12 p.m. – Business Leadership for CMOs

So many things are now front-and-center CMO priorities: martech, data, AI, internal vs outsourcing, the role of agencies, changes in advertising, customer service, risk, and so on. The expectations are also much higher. Explore pressing issues faced by marketing leadership, including building credibility through functional leadership beyond marketing; engaging with IT leadership, agencies, and other external partners in new ways; the impact of AI on agency relationships; managing AI expectations and addressing AI risks; and exploiting data opportunities, privacy, and other issues. More info/register.

Host: Braintrust Professional Institute

Speakers: Randall Craig and Ronja Francoeur, Braintrust Professional Institute

Thu 10/16 at 1 p.m. – From Recognition to Revenue: Designing Microcredentialing Programs That Drive Growth

Learn how today’s most successful credentialing programs are transforming recognition into a strategic advantage, engaging learners, building brand equity, and fueling growth. Hear how to design stackable credentials that keep learners returning, surface recognition at the right moments to sustain motivation, boost sharing by making credentials instantly social and portable, align credential metadata to industry and employer signals to increase relevance and trust, and automate credentialing at scale without sacrificing brand quality. More info/register.

Host: BenchPrep

Speakers:

Danny King, CEO & Co-Founder of Accredible
Ashish Rangnekar, CEO & Co-Founder of BenchPrep

Thu 10/16 at 2 p.m. – Integrations Demystified: Connecting the Dots in Your Tech Stack

Make sense of integrations: what they are, how they work, and why they matter. Learn about the types of integrations available, from SSO to plug-and-play connections, iPaaS platforms, and custom APIs, and how data should flow between your systems to support both staff efficiency and exceptional member experiences. More info/register.

Host: Wicket

Thu 10/16 at 3 p.m. – Outmaneuver the Competition: Capturing the Association Market with AI Strategies

Visibility for B2B vendors serving the association space is no longer enough; you need AI-driven demand generation to convert awareness into closed deals. With Google’s new AI Overviews (GEO) changing how organizations discover and evaluate solutions, traditional marketing is losing its edge. Learn how to build a powerful demand generation engine fueled by AI, SEO, and full-funnel strategies. We’ll translate the jargon into a clear, actionable playbook designed for sales, marketing, and executive leaders focused on winning more market share in the mission-driven sector. More info/register.

Host: Nexus Marketing

Speaker: Aliah Reyes, Client Solutions Executive for Associations, Nexus Marketing

Thu 10/16 at 4 p.m. – New Ways to Grow Member-Centric Revenue

Learn how to evolve your association’s traditional programming to connected, member-centric learning pathways that drive engagement and diversify revenue. Pathways allow members to connect disparate learning experiences into a coherent journey. Successfully designed and implemented, learning pathways can be a boon to new product development, revenue growth, and member learning. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Reston Loudoun Swap

Speaker: James Young, founder, The Product Community

Fri 10/17 at 3 p.m. – Nonprofit Consultants Collaborative Monthly Networking Meeting

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

Mon 10/20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Association Consultants Open House

Find a variety of experts to help with your consulting needs. Participating consultants in the Association Marketplace will be available in real time via Zoom to talk with association community members and answer questions. More info.

Host: Association Marketplace

Tue 10/21 at 10:30 a.m. 10 Minute Meditation

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Meditation leader: Moira Edwards, Owner & President, Ellipsis Partners

Tue 10/21 at 1 p.m. – Practical Ways to Get Started with AI Today

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Erica Salm Rench, MBA, CMO at Sidecar

Wed 10/22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – CMEpalooza Fall

Participate in a series of sessions relevant across the CME/CE spectrum. Broadcasts will stream live and be available for viewing shortly after their conclusion. More info/register.

Hosts:

Derek Warnick, continuing healthcare education professional, founder of CMEpalooza
Scott Kober, MBA, Managing Partner, Excalibur Medical Education

Wed 10/22 from 8:45 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. – AMS Demo Days

Host: ASAE

Wed 10/22 at 11 a.m. – Building Your Leadership Brand

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jennifer Dalton, Founder, Brand Mirror

Wed 10/22 at 12 p.m. – re:Evaluate Your Current Chapter Structure

Host: re:Members

Speaker: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, The Rogue Tulips Story — Rogue Tulips Consulting

Wed 10/22 at 1 p.m. – AI in Practice: Strategy, Pitfalls, and the Tools to De-Risk Adoption

Host: UST Education

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

Wed 10/22 at 2 p.m. – Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue

More info/register.

Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First LLC

Wed 10/22 at 3 p.m. – Intro to AI Webinar for Associations and Nonprofits

Host: Sidecar

Speakers:

Erica Salm Rench, CMO, Sidecar
Thomas Altman, Co-founder, Tasio

Thu 10/23 from 9 a.m. to 4:50 p.m. – AMS Demo Days

Host: ASAE

Thu 10/23 at 12 p.m. – Advocacy for Non-Advocates: Ensuring ALL Voices Are Heard

Host: Association Xchange

Speaker: Dr. David Rehr, professor at George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government

Thu 10/23 at 12 p.m. – AWTC Meet & Greet

Connect with new faces in the association tech community. Join us for a 30-minute welcome event to forge fresh connections and discover our vibrant Slack community. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If you offer free professional development to the association community, please send me the link by Wednesday afternoon.

Creative Commons licensed photo by Michael via Unsplash

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Association Brain Food: 10.3.25

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

Good reads for the association community

Employer buy-in for credentialing programs. Do employers pay for their staff’s participation in your association’s credentialing programs? If they do, read this post from Apti, and if they don’t, you really need to read it. They describe credentialing design and marketing strategies that help make employers aware of your programs and the value employees with credentials provide to their companies.

Diagnosis of association education programs. Jeff Cobb of Leading Learning/Tagoras explains what’s wrong with association education programs right now. His need-to-know list includes structural blind spots, market weaknesses, erosion of value perception, and missed opportunities, but he also suggests a way forward out of this mess.

Community-based approach to membership. A post by James Young of Product Community serves nicely as a complement to Jeff’s post. If you put James’ advice into action, you won’t have membership and revenue problems. He says belonging and community should be your association’s competitive advantages. He shares ideas for motivating members into “deepening levels of contribution and connection” at each stage of the membership lifecycle—a different lifecycle than the one you’re used to.

AMS selection. Before diving into vendor demos, read Dennison & Associates’ preparation guide for AMS selection projects. This resource walks you through organizing your team, conducting internal assessments, building realistic budgets (including hidden costs most associations miss), and creating a vendor shortlist. Learn why 60% of buyers regret their purchases and how to avoid becoming part of that statistic by doing the strategic groundwork before your first RFP goes out.

Event marketing and exhibiting. One of the most valuable resources I’ve seen for anyone who markets events or exhibits at events is the Boldpush newsletter from Julius Solaris. Seriously, just subscribe already.

Association viability. As a history major, I love this post from Belinda Moore of Strategic Membership Solutions about the empire cycle—“the hidden historical pattern that explains why associations rise, stall and collapse.” Which stage of the empire cycle is your association in? And which stage is our country in?

Member surveys. Thank you, Lowell Aplebaum of Vista Cova, for sharing this important message: close the loop on member surveys. He says providing acknowledgment and feedback to your members will turn survey fatigue into renewed participation.

Overcoming association leadership challenges. NetForum identifies four obstacles facing associations: inefficient processes, staffing shortages, technology limitations, and budget constraints. Their guide explains how to do more with less by offering member self-service, automating manual tasks, and implementing systems faster. Plus, they share case studies and insights from implementation partners on maximizing your AMS investment.

New online learning revenue. Professionals for Association Revenue explains how the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) tackled a problem and took advantage of a market opportunity. Their members wanted updated certification prep materials, so APIC responded by launching three certification prep programs in 14 months.

AI website traffic. If you’re not thinking about how your association or brand shows up in AI-generated answers and search results, let me poke you a little harder with this AI visibility guide by Mateusz Makosiewicz at Ahrefs. After I write a draft for a client, I ask AI to suggest how to enhance it for AEO/GEO, not just for SEO. Might as well go straight to the source, right?

Snacks

I wish we could clone this guy and put him in every federal and state legislature and governor’s mansion. | Utah Gov. Spencer Cox talks about political division on 60 Minutes

The world as we know it was forged in the reading revolution. Now, we are living through the counter-revolution. | James Marriott, Cultural Capital

The scientific benefits of waking up, eating and drinking earlier—a better night’s sleep and more. | by Derek Thompson

You never grow old at the table

Here’s a quick and easy idea for salmon. Coat it with a Mexican or blackened spice mix—this time, I used chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, oregano, salt and pepper. Pan-sear the fillets, top them with Herdez guacamole salsa (or your choice of jarred sauce), and continue cooking until the sauce is warm and the fish is done to your satisfaction. I rarely buy processed food, but sometimes they’re just the right thing, especially on a Friday night after an extended happy hour.

On the side, collard greens sautéed with bacon, onion, carrot, red bell, jalapeño, garlic, smoked paprika, ham broth and red wine vinegar. Yeah, that takes more work—I made them before happy hour. And ‘roasted’ nuked sweet potatoes.

It’s nearly comfort food time! I got a jump-start on the season with Italian sausages and lentils. I subbed brown for the Castelluccio lentils, red for white wine, minced for whole garlic, fresh for dried oregano, minced fresh rosemary for a sprig, and beef broth for water. I pureed a 15-oz can of diced tomatoes and threw the whole thing in, reducing the broth by ½ cup. I cooked it 20 minutes longer because brown lentils need the time. Leftover collards on the side. You’ve probably noticed leftovers make regular appearances in this household.

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Mon 10/6 at 8 a.m.* – Lean at 10: Culture Eats Methodology for Lunch (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guests: Elizabeth Engel, Jamie Notter, and Chrissy Bagby

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

Mon 10/6 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. – Wonk Week: All Things Tracking

How to stop drowning in nonstop policy updates and information overload? Learn how to tackle the deluge of information pushed at you each day, and use AI to filter the noise, spot real trends, and stay focused on what matters. Hear how other teams are approaching it and learn the tactics they use to stay ahead. More info/register.

Host: Quorum

Mon 10/6 at 3 p.m. – The Communications Reset: Clarity Beats Clutter (Association Rock Stars)

Not a tools tour — a real journey from intuitive guessing to intentional, member-first communications. Hear about the stages Julia’s small team used to simplify the work and raise engagement, plus a brief perspective from the communications audit about how data and buying patterns support strategy and change. Hear what changed, what was scaled back, and what works today. Leave with a clearer lens, key questions for leadership and ideas you can try within your current capacity. More info/register.

Host: Lowell Aplebaum, CEO, Vista Cova

Guest: Julia Miller, Director of Communications, Minnesota Credit Union Network

Tue 10/7 at 8 a.m. – Creating Safer Association/Nonprofit Spaces (Nonprofit Mission: Impact)

Nonprofit Mission: Impact is the podcast for association and nonprofit leaders who want to build a better world without becoming a martyr to the cause. Hear practical strategies for preventing harassment and building values-driven accountability systems that create safer, more inclusive organizational cultures. More info.

Host: Carol Hamilton, Principal, Grace Social Sector Consulting

Guest: Paula Brantner, Accountability Ignited

Tue 10/7 at 11 a.m. – Leading with Intention: From Self-Awareness to Team Impact

Leadership starts with knowing yourself — and expands into how you support, communicate with, and energize others. Learn how to leverage diverse styles to build more cohesive, high-performing teams. Unpack how behavioral differences shape team dynamics — and how to build trust, navigate generational and style differences, and contribute to a thriving team culture. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Alyson Mckinster, National Chair, Wipfli Embrace

Tue 10/7 at 11 a.m. – Chapters and Component Relations: Challenges Are Opportunities

Associations have a great asset in their chapter and component networks but there is always a challenge in balancing the tensions that exist between chapter and association. Discuss finding the opportunities to help your organization’s chapter and component networks thrive, including relationship management, “soft skills” that help build strong networks, and how to create an opportunity mindset. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, LPEC, Principal, Rogue Tulips Consulting and Author of the book Association Chapter Systems: From Frustrating to Fruitful

Guests:

Carl Weaver, Publisher, Broken Column Press
Mark Lowry, Chief Revenue Officer, Higher Logic

Tue 10/7 at 11 a.m. – From Tourists to Townspeople: Turning Newcomers Into Belongers

Explore how members evolve from curious “tourists” to committed “townspeople” and how associations can guide that journey with intentional community-building and digital engagement. Inspired by the game Catan, learn how to use your marketing strategy as a roadmap to foster identity, connection, and long-term belonging. Because membership isn’t just about transactions, it’s about transformation. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Jessica Richardson, Membership Manager, American Association of Immunologists
Rhoni Rakos, Lead Consultant, Digital Strategy, Ellipsis Partners

Tue 10/7 at 11 a.m. – Cut Through the Noise: Where to Focus for Young Professional Impact in 2025

Drawing on insights from Highland’s 2025 Young Professional Membership Index and the Forj State of MX Report, this webinar highlights four actions that matter most right now. Learn where associations are seeing results, what young professionals are seeking, and how to concentrate your efforts to strengthen engagement, boost retention, and unlock new revenue opportunities. More info/register.

Host: Forj

Speakers:

David Whited, Principal, Design Research & Strategy, Highland Solutions
Terri Herrmann, Chief Marketing Officer, Forj

Tue 10/7 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – From Insights to Impact: Data-Driven Strategies to Elevate Member Learning and Engagement (New York, NY)

Explore how associations can leverage analytics, learning behaviors, and engagement trends to personalize education offerings at scale and deliver meaningful value to every member. Gain practical insights into how forward-thinking associations are becoming future-ready—transforming data into actionable intelligence to fuel growth, boost retention, and advance their missions. Location: New York, NY. More info/register.

Hosts: re:Members and D2L

Speakers: Bill Sheehan (D2L) and Holly Condon (re:Members)

Tue 10/7 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. – Wonk Week: Influence & Advocacy

How do I effectively mobilize stakeholders and advocates to act? Find out what actually moves people, from getting policy stakeholders on board to inspiring advocates to take meaningful action. Learn proven strategies from teams who’ve done it and hear about their playbooks and pitfalls. More info/register.

Host: Quorum

Tue 10/7 at 1 p.m. – The Association Playbook for the AI Powered Web: Making Your Website Work Smarter

AI is transforming how people find and interact with information, but it won’t magically fix your website. Hear about the essential steps associations need to thrive on the AI-powered web. From building a strategy and structuring content to implementing schema, benchmarking performance, and answering your audience’s biggest questions, you’ll leave with a clear playbook for a smarter website. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Chris Yoko, Founder and CEO, and Ray van Hilst, CAE, Vice President of Strategy, Yoko Consulting

Tue 10/7 at 1 p.m. – Next-Gen Career Centers: Research Insights on AI, Member Expectations, and Revenue

Hear about key research findings on AI and its impact on association career centers; how member expectations are shifting—and what it means for your job board strategy; proven ways career centers can generate revenue while delivering meaningful value; and actionable steps to future-proof your association’s career ecosystem. More info/register.

Host: Momentive Software

Tue 10/7 from 3 to 5 p.m. – 3^rd Annual Data Science Fair (Arlington VA)

THE must-attend event of the fall for data-minded professionals who know their way around a dataset… and some arts and crafts supplies, featuring inspiring, practical, and impressively nerdy examples of how real organizations are leveraging their data to drive operational impact and member benefit. Connect with fellow data enthusiasts, learn from their innovative projects, and, most importantly, sign up to share your most impactful project. Location: Arlington VA. More info/register.

Host: Data Analytics Network

Tue 10/7 at 4 p.m. – Let’s Chat: Small Staff Associations Meetings and Events

Small staff associations face unique challenges that demand creativity, resilience and collaboration. Join an interactive session where we’ll celebrate success stories and discuss current challenges. Connect, ask questions, exchange experiences and gain insights to help drive your organization forward. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Small Staff Associations Advisory Committee

Wed 10/8 at 11 a.m. – The 4 Secrets of Increased Employee Retention & Engagement: Attraction, Attention, Appreciation & Application

Learn about the power of the Attraction, Attention, Appreciation as the basis for creating a positive workplace culture that creates sustainable success, while increasing engagement and retention through practical Application of the 3 A’s. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Paul Glover, President at Glover & Associates

Wed 10/8 at 11 a.m. – How Associations Build Self-Running Content Engines That Grow Membership

Is your association struggling with engagement, retention, or non-dues revenue? Learn about the Member Engagement Catalyst™—a proven framework built to help associations reignite member pride, strengthen community, and unlock new revenue opportunities. Find out how to identify and capture the kinds of member stories that resonate and inspire action; turn those stories into a repeatable content workflow that fuels engagement across channels; and reinforce your value proposition through storytelling that feels personal and relevant. More info/register.

Host: Jamie Green, founder and president, ContentOvation

Wed 10/8 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. – Wonk Week: ROI & Career Growth

How do I prove that my efforts moved the needle and grow in my career? Learn how to measure what matters, tell a compelling story with your results, and make the case for more resources and responsibility. Hear how leading teams report on success and the tactics they use to demonstrate ROI. More info/register.

Host: Quorum

Wed 10/8 at 1 p.m. – Call 9-1-1 My Organization Is in Crisis

Learn how to prepare for a crisis, understand the elements in a crisis plan, know how to assemble a Rapid Response© Team, identify the three crisis phases, and conduct scenario crisis planning. Walk away feeling more confident about how their organization can ensure a crisis successfully. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Sheri Singer, President at Singer Communications

Wed 10/8 at 1 p.m. – Turning Technical Debt into Smart Investments

Learn how technical debt can be reframed from a burden to a strategic tool for tech planning. Recognize red flags in your current systems. Hear how an association using an outdated, overly customized Salesforce instance transformed their technical debt into a roadmap for a phased reimplementation. Learn how to use technical debt insights to drive budget conversations and prioritize technology investments. Walk away with a practical framework to align system modernization with your mission and operational goals. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fonteva

Speakers:

Neeraj Garg, Global COO, Aplusify
Blair Clemente, Senior Director of Business Intelligence and Analytics, The American Hotel and Lodging Association

Wed 10/8 at 2 p.m. – Governance – Shaping the Future of Association Boards: Nine Recommendations for Action

How can all association community stakeholders work together to create a better future for association boards? The Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue Report, released in late July 2025, proposes answers to this question with nine recommendations for action for association stakeholders to pursue together as they shape a better future for our community’s boards. Hear about the report’s nine recommendations, share next practices to facilitate their implementation, and offer ideas and insights. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Association Forum

Speaker: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First

Wed 10/8 at 2 p.m. – More Than Prompts: The 7 Takeaways That Will Redefine B2B Marketing In 2026

Go behind the headlines of our latest B2B Content and Marketing Trends Report to unpack the real insights: why strategy beats scale, why people matter more than platforms, and why “lipstick on a PDF” won’t cut it anymore. Explore the seven key takeaways shaping B2B marketing in 2026 — from AI to experiential marketing — and walk away with a sharper view of where to focus, what to fund, and how to outlast the hype. More info/register.

Host: Content Marketing Institute

Speakers:

Paul Kemp-Robertson, Chief Content Officer, LIONS
Robert Rose, Chief Strategy Advisor, Content Marketing Institute

Thu 10/9 at 10 a.m. – Building Impactful Decentralized Communities

Curious about decentralized community management—and how it could work for your organization? Hear how the Bosch Alumni Network is empowering members, scaling impact, and building resilient communities through a decentralized approach. More info/register.

Host: Hivebrite

Speakers:

Tobias Gerber, Head of Communication, Bosch Alumni Network
Dhia Hayouni, Customer Success Manager, Hivebrite

Thu 10/9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Wonk Summit: The Summit for Policy Wonks and Advocacy Pros (Washington DC)

Making sense of today, with policy shifts, nonstop updates, and pressure from every direction, how do you cut through the noise? Unpack what’s happening right now and what actually matters. Looking around the corner, from elections to emerging issues, the future is already taking shape. Get the insider perspective on what’s coming so you can plan, not just react. Shape the future with AI. It’s not just about using today’s tools, it’s about preparing for tomorrow’s reality. Discover how AI is changing public affairs—and how you can harness it before everyone else does. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.

Host: Quorum

Thu 10/9 at 12 p.m. – Keeping The Human Edge In AI-Assisted Instructional Design

Learn how to treat AI as a co-pilot, not an autopilot, and keep your designs sharp, inclusive, and evidence-based. Explore the biggest pitfalls of AI-generated learning, including reinforcing stereotypes, fueling the “learning styles” myth, and producing vague or ineffective objectives. Gain practical strategies for writing measurable objectives, setting ethical guardrails, and ensuring your training remains diverse, accessible, and grounded in research. More info/register.

Host: eLearning Industry

Speakers:

Jill Stefaniak, Chief Learning Officer at Litmos
Stephanie Moore, Associate Professor at the University of New Mexico

Thu 10/9 at 1 p.m. – Simplify Your Tech Stack: How Zapier + Your AMS Can Supercharge Productivity, Create Hands-Free Workflows, and Save Your Staff a Ton of Time

Most associations didn’t build their tech stack overnight. It grew over time with one platform here, one workaround there until you found yourself juggling disconnected systems, clunky processes, and missed opportunities. See how Zapier’s automation and AI capabilities paired with your existing AMS can unlock a more intelligent, integrated, and efficient way of working. No custom development. No massive overhaul. Just smart connections and real-world results. Whether you’re tackling member engagement, data hygiene, or operational workflows, this session is designed to help you take the friction out of your technology. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Joe Salerno, Client Success Consultant; Keith Hunter, CEO; and Nicholas Wimsatt, Senior Applications Developer, Armstrong

Thu 10/9 at 1 p.m. – From Content to Conversion: Marketing Education That Drives 2026 Growth

Learn why only 44% of members feel associations deliver personalized content and how to close the gap; how to define your audience for 2026 by building personas for early-career learners, mid-career upskillers, and other segments; how marketing strategies such as use bundles, career tracks, and microlearning attract and retain learners; and how to drive loyalty with exclusive benefits and grow revenue by targeting non-members. More info/register.

Host: Momentive Software

Speakers:

Kristen Wall, VP of Learning & Training Services, Momentive Software
Adam Hostetter, CEO, FUSE Next

Thu 10/9 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. – Webinars suck! Yet ours are on fire! Here’s why.

Learn how to turn the traditional webinar format on its head and create live sessions your members actually want to show up for. Hear how to pick irresistible topics that make your members drool; flip the script with less presenting and more connecting; shift passive scrollers into active and chatty attendees; and real examples from webinars that broke the “boring” mold. More info/register.

Host: Member Lounge

Speaker: Farhad Khan, CEO and Membership Strategist, Member Lounge

Wed 10/15 at 12 p.m. – Strategic Budgeting for Impact in 2026: Aligning Mission, Money, and Modernization 

Host: Momentive Software

Speakers:

Rob Miller, MPA, CAE, SVP, Association Strategy at Momentive Software
Tom Harlow, CPA, CAE, Interim Chief Finance Officer at ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership

Wed 10/15 at 1 p.m. – AI, SEO, and YouTube: A New Playbook for Events and Associations

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Dan Piva, Senior Manager, Business Development & Enablement at Gather Voices

Thu 10/16 at 11 a.m. – Content: A Foundational Element of Member Value

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Breanna Perrelli, Creative Director, and Marcus Leite, Director, Sales & Marketing, TaleWind Digital

Thu 10/16 at 12 p.m. – Local Component Utopia: Building Collaborative Relationships with Local Volunteer Leaders

Host: Mariner Management & Marketing

Speakers:

Bill Schankel, CEO of NAFA
Peggy McElgunn, President & CEO of Global Professional Services
Chuck Wilmarth, Vice President, Health Policy and State Affairs for AOTA

Thu 10/16 at 12 p.m. – Business Leadership for CMOs

Host: Braintrust Professional Institute

Speakers: Randall Craig and Ronja Francoeur, Braintrust Professional Institute

Fri 10/17 at 3 p.m. – Nonprofit Consultants Collaborative Monthly Networking Meeting

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

Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If you offer free professional development to the association community, please send me the link by Wednesday afternoon.

Creative Commons licensed photo by DA Studios via Unsplash

Amazon, AssociationBrainFood.com, and Association Academy links allow me to earn a royalty and/or complimentary registration from any resulting leads or sales. Thank you!

Association Brain Food: 9.26.25

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

Reads for the association community

Transformation. Most of the reads I share here are about association management and content marketing, but this one is a personal take on loss and change. Sherry Budziak of .orgSource shares what she’s learned about herself and her life after her husband died. She describes the practices she developed during her journey to Sherry 2.0. And wouldn’t you know it? Her lessons on transformation also apply to associations.

Learning communities. Make time for this Sidecar Sync episode hosted by Mallory Mejias with guest Jackson Boyar of RallyBoard. They talk about the increasing competition for associations from influencer-led membership and learning communities and the power of cohorts in online learning. This is the future, my friends.

Content distribution. Sidecar’s on a roll this week. On their blog, Mallory encourages associations to take a content cue from influencers. Distribute content where your people spend their time—not only on your site, but on LinkedIn and YouTube too. Highlight “the creator who explains complex topics simply over the expert who explains them thoroughly.” She describes how to attract and hold your audience’s attention amidst the noisy competition.

AMS selection. Ellipsis Partners shares questions to help you avoid costly mistakes and ensure your next AMS selection delivers on its promises. These “awkward questions” expose the gaps that sales demos won’t show you by uncovering hidden customization costs, data migration surprises, authentication headaches and reporting limitations. The guide covers ten areas, including member experience, duplicate management, e-commerce functionality, and upgrade processes, along with tips from consultants who’ve guided countless associations through successful AMS transitions.

Sponsorship. The real value of revenue partnerships goes far beyond dollars, says Professionals for Association Revenue. They describe how EDUCAUSE changed its sponsorship model by tapping into sponsor expertise for education, mission-driven projects and other collaborations.

AI slop. Search engines are relying on “contaminated inputs,” say the folks at iPullRank. “As AI-generated content floods the web, it becomes training data for future AI models, creating what researchers call ‘model collapse’—a phenomenon where each generation of AI content becomes progressively more generic, less accurate, and less useful.” Luckily, I can spot AI slop and replace it with substance pretty easily. But this does make me wonder if companies that rely on ChatGPT for content will return to human writers. The iPullRank team also shares “defensive publishing strategies” for the AI era: an authority-first approach to content creation.

Career center enhancement. YM Careers describes how to transform your job board into a career development destination by connecting job seekers with hiring managers, providing career advice and coaching resources, offering career pathing tools and delivering valuable career data. The guide explains how these enhancements help you generate non-dues revenue, acquire new members, and boost engagement while positioning your association as the go-to career resource in your industry.

LLM search optimization. Louise Linehan at Ahrefs explains how to display your authority and make your brand visible in AI answers. She admits her team is still figuring out LLM search optimization, but wants to share what they know so far, based on their ongoing research and experimentation.

AI hallucinations. Mike Caulfield says errors (hallucinations) in search-assisted LLMs are the result of an investigation aborted too soon. The same thing happens with generative AI responses. Always follow up AI’s first response with a fact-check—his post offers an approach suited to fact-checking digital content. I always ask AI to verify its response against resources I’ve provided or sites it’s checked. I wish more journalists would practice fact-checking these days. It’s amazing what many of them accept as true.

Snacks

What ASIS International did when it discovered a live form of their certification exam was being sold online as a test preparation resource. | Erica Brown, MBA, Michael Clifton and Rachel R. Watkins Schoenig, J.D., Institute for Credentialing Excellence

Career advice goes viral: how TikTok is reshaping the way young professionals plan their futures. | Kayla McCain, Association Forum

How to moderate a meaningful panel discussion. | Amanda Kaiser

You never grow old at the table

On the eve of the autumn equinox, I made a delicious variation of this chicken and butternut squash orzo recipe. I subbed onion for shallot, dried thyme for fresh, evaporated milk for cream, and white beans for orzo, added gold potatoes, and used an entire bunch of kale.

I’m on a mission to put a dent in my stash of basil pesto in the freezer, so I experimented with some ingredients for a pesto and sausage gnocchi skillet: hot Italian sausage, onion, potato gnocchi, tomatoes, pesto, Parmesan, fresh mozzarella, arugula and spinach. A mighty successful experiment, I must say. I added leftover evaporated milk to reheat it for dinner another night.

On the side, steamed green beans tossed with sautéed red onion, garlic, sundried tomatoes and smoked paprika.

With the last of my sister-in-law’s figs, I made this fig quick bread recipe. I used nearly double the figs he calls for, which could explain why the middle was a bit mushy, or I might have pulled it out of the oven too early. But that’s okay because we scarfed it all up over the weekend.

I’m stocked up for my wheat tortilla breakfasts this week, alternating fried eggs with charro beans and salsa, and hummus with roasted eggplant, broccoli and red onion. I used my pressure cooker to make chickpeas for the hummus and pinto beans for the charro beans.

To subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post.

Fri 9/26 at 11 a.m.* – Thriving in Transition: Advanced Strategies for Securing Your Next Opportunity

Learn how to tap into unadvertised opportunities through strategic networking and informational interviews, develop a critical eye for suspicious job postings and communications, verify the legitimacy of potential employers to avoid fraudulent schemes, articulate your unique value proposition, build a strong online and offline presence that attracts opportunities, cultivate meaningful relationships with key influencers and decision-makers, maintain motivation, manage stress, leverage setbacks as learning opportunities, assess your worth, negotiate compensation and benefits packages confidently in a fluctuating market, identify emerging in-demand skills, and develop a plan for continuous learning and professional development. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Lori Bruhns, Leadership & Performance Development Coach, Lori Bruhns, LLC
Sally Starrfield, MSA, SPHR HR & Educational Consultant, Sally Starrfield, LLC

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

Fri 9/26 at 1 p.m. – Foresight Fridays: Preventing AI Harms and Risks

Learn how strategic foresight can help association professionals stay proactive, not reactive, in the face of AI’s rapid evolution. Join a dynamic conversation anchored in the Preventing AI Risks and Harms driver of change from ASAE ForesightWorks. Gain insights into the ethical, operational, and strategic risks posed by AI—and learn how to navigate them responsibly. 1 CAE. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Jeff De Cagna, AIMP, DAIG, FRSA, FASAE, Executive Advisor, Foresight First LLC
Heather Harris, PhD, Principal Data Scientist, Herkimer Consulting
Matthew Guggemos, MS, Founder, iTherapy LLC and iTherapy
Tamesha Logan, MBA, CAE (moderator), Executive Director, American Mensa & Mensa Foundation

Mon 9/29 at 1 p.m. – Live Broadcast of Radio Free 501c: Episode 300

Every week, Rogue Tulips brings the nonprofit community intriguing guests to discuss vital topics affecting nonprofit organizations around the world. Topics have covered everything from membership trends to strategic planning to cybersecurity to how associations are like classic movies. Today, Cecilia is doing a live broadcast of the 300^th episode. A few past guests will be joining her. More info/register.

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

Tue 9/30 at 11 a.m. – Leading with Intention: From Self-Awareness to Team Impact

Leadership starts with knowing yourself — and expands into how you support, communicate with, and energize others. Learn how to apply behavioral insights and emotional intelligence to your leadership, and turn self-awareness into smarter communication, stronger delegation, and conflict resolution aligned with your strengths. Lead people, not just projects. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Alyson Mckinster, National Chair, Wipfli Embrace

Tue 9/30 at 11:30 a.m. – Winning With Micro Events in an AI-First World

In an AI-first world, the most impactful in-person events aren’t always the largest conferences. Micro-events and field marketing activations — from executive roundtables to regional dinners — are becoming the cornerstone of modern event strategy. Learn about the role of AI in driving efficiency and personalization, helping event teams plan smarter and scale impact without adding headcount, and real-world examples of how leading organizations are using micro-events to boost engagement and accelerate demand generation. More info/register.

Host: Bizzabo

Speakers:

Amanda-Lynn Porta, Director of Events Management, Applied Research Institute
Dan Bolton, Head of Marketing, Wealth.com

Tue 9/30 at 12 p.m. – Fundraising When the Ground Shifts: Surviving & Thriving Despite Disruption

Today’s effective fundraising is about leading with vision–connecting people to purpose, seeing the big picture, and mobilizing resources to build resilience. Learn how the speaker led his organization through challenging times, leveraging both strategy and passion to deliver measurable fundraising results. Take away practical tools, real-world insights, and a renewed perspective on what it takes to lead with clarity and purpose. More info/register.

Host: Association Xchange

Speaker: Cedric Calhoun, Executive Director, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers

Tue 9/30 at 12 p.m. – Making Change Stick: Post-Retreat Momentum and Accountability

What happens after your leadership team meets for your annual offsite? Is there new energy, momentum, and a lasting impact on your organization or nothing? The goal of a corporate retreat is not the retreat, it’s to move the needle and build alignment, a stronger team dynamic, and lasting change. Learn how to activate this change when your team returns to the office: what seeds have to be planted before the retreat, the role of the CEO at the retreat, different takes on the retreat agenda, techniques for building accountability, and reinforcing the learning and change. More info/register.

Host: Braintrust Professional Institute

Speakers: Randall Craig and Ronja Francoeur, Braintrust Professional Institute

Tue 9/30 at 1 p.m. – A Critical Point: Mental Health for Association CEOs

Leading an association can be deeply rewarding—yet as a chief staff executive, the physical and emotional demands often come at great personal cost. Drawing on insights from a recent survey of nearly 150 CSEs, this webinar uncovers stark realities: 85% report negative impacts on their health, 60% struggle with sleep, and nearly one in five have experienced workplace-related mental health challenges. Hear about real-world strategies for building healthier work habits, establishing boundaries, nurturing board awareness, and reshaping governance culture—empowering association CEOs and CSEs to lead sustainably while modeling well-being for their entire organization. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Tara Puckey, MBA, CAE, CMP, Executive Director at The Radio Television Digital News Association
Lindsay Currie, CAE, Executive Officer at Council on Undergraduate Research
Adam Levy, CAE, Executive Director at American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association
Silvia Quevedo, Interim Executive Director at National Association of Healthcare Access Management

Tue 9/30 at 1 p.m. – Sponsorship Resilience in a Changing World

How do you keep funding and sponsorships strong when everything around you is changing? Learn how PMJA has rolled with the punches and built resilience in uncertain times—while still finding success. Hear what resilience looks like in sponsorship and funding strategy, real-world lessons on flexibility and innovation in partnership development, and encouragement for associations and nonprofits navigating today’s climate. More info/register.

Host: Lori Zoss Kraska, Founder/CEO, Growth Owl LLC

Guest: Christine Paige Diers, Executive Director of Public Media Journalists Association (PMJA)

Tue 9/30 at 1 p.m. – Are You Ready to Act? Advocacy & Crisis Communications Planning Starts Now

Organizations are navigating rapidly changing federal and state landscapes and the pace will only accelerate as we approach the 2026 midterms. To stay ahead, leaders need strategies that anticipate shifts, build strong relationships, and strengthen advocacy and crisis communication efforts. Learn why federal advocacy strategies must adapt to ripple effects from policy shifts and how state-level trends are shaping national conversations. More info/register.

Host: Kellen

Tue 9/30 at 3 p.m. – Video Relationship Management: The New Era of Connection and Engagement

In a world where inboxes are full and audiences are tuning out, break through with Video Relationship Management (VRM) and restore trust and attention through authentic, scalable video. Hear about the principles of VRM, which include video at the core, co-creation over control, lifecycle integration, and systemized scalability—and why they matter now more than ever. Using ASAE’s adoption of VRM as a case study, see how associations can elevate member voices, extend event impact, and create lasting connections. Walk away with practical strategies and inspiration to reimagine how your organization builds relationships in the age of distraction. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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

Wed 10/1 at 11 a.m. – The Power of PsyCap

Discover how Psychological Capital (PsyCap)—hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism—can transform the volunteer experience and strengthen organizational impact. Explore how cultivating PsyCap among volunteers leads to higher satisfaction, deeper engagement, and stronger retention. Gain actionable insights and practical strategies to foster a thriving volunteer culture, backed by data and real-world application. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Nicole Rudner, CAE, DBA, Director of Engagement at TerraLex

Wed 10/1 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. – Navigating the Lifelong Learning Journey in Certification

Host: Certification Network Group

Speakers:

Ashish Rangnekar, CEO and Co-Founder of BenchPrep
Tracy Petrillo EdD, CAE, Chief Learning Officer for CASBO
Jasmine Rockett, Director of the Inteleos POCUS Certification Academy

Wed 10/1 at 12 p.m. – Pandemic Stories: How Associations Helped America Overcome the Pandemic and Lead During Today’s Turbulent Times

From securing critical policy changes to rapidly training members for virtual operations, associations played a pivotal role in keeping industries and communities afloat during the pandemic. Explore inspiring real-world examples, the leadership lessons they reveal, and how association leaders can apply them to navigate uncertainty and drive impact today. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: AIOT

Speaker: Joanna Pineda, CEO, Matrix Group International

Wed 10/1 at 1 p.m. – U-Turn: From Outstanding to Standing Out in a Competitive Marketplace

Winning organizations market the problem, not just the solution. And members and prospects will believe that the organization BEST able to articulate their problem is the one best positioned to provide the best solution. Learn why quality and service excellence are no longer differentiators but are core expectations; why a difference of KIND always beats a difference of DEGREE; how to analyze your association’s core value proposition to determine what it is truly offering members; and how to speak relationally to your members rather than transactionally. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Michael DiFrisco, CAE, Executive Director at American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

Wed 10/1 at 1 p.m. – Finance and Business Operations (FBO) Meet Up

Bring your pressing problems and share experiences and potential solutions in an engaging conversation with your colleagues. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Finance and Business Operations Professionals Advisory Council (including HR)

Thu 10/2 at 11 a.m. – The Psychology of AI Adoption

Explore the future of AI implementation through both a strategic and psychological lens. Learn about emerging expectations for AI use across industries, foundational psychological principles that shape how humans adopt technology like AI, and how understanding value exchange and experience design fosters stronger collaboration, accelerates adoption, and unlocks sustainable value from AI technologies. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: JC Quintana, Author at jcquintana.com

Thu 10/2 at 12 p.m. – Make Membership Magic: Modern Tools and Tactics Every Chamber of Commerce Needs

Hear directly from chamber leaders and technology experts who are transforming how they recruit, retain, and engage members. Discover how modern systems—designed with built-in automation, real-time dashboards, and integrations with tools like Outlook—are improving operations, boosting revenue, and deepening member value. Explore how AI is unlocking a new era of chamber success—from natural language queries that turn questions into answers, to intelligent recommendations that drive member engagement and staff efficiency. More info/register.

Host: re:Members

Speakers:

Sue Garrity, Sr. Dir. Membership Information Services, Michigan Chamber of Commerce
Patrick Dorsey, SVP, Marketing, re:Members
Jason Vance, Director of Technical Solutions, re:Members

Thu 10/2 at 1 p.m. – Beyond the Coffee Break: 7 Ways to Spark Real Engagement at Events

Learn seven practical, replicable tactics to increase engagement and make networking more meaningful at association conferences, chapter meetings, expos, and more. Hear how to go beyond the usual coffee breaks and receptions to build stronger connections, build community, and ensure people leave feeling it was worth their time. Try out these techniques during the workshop and walk away ready to apply them at your next event. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Lee Gimpel, President at Better Meetings

Thu 10/2 at 2 p.m. – The Association Leader’s Guide to AI Policy: Risks, Opportunities, and Best Practices

Associations are already experimenting with AI, but most lack clear policies to guide safe and effective use, much less the other tools you need for great AI governance. Learn what policies and governance you need—internal, external, and risk-related—to protect your organizations and manage change responsibly. Hear about the essential components of AI governance, get real-world templates, and see how associations can get ahead of the risks while preparing for future opportunities. More info/register.

Host: 501Works

Speakers:

Susannah Mechem, Chief Operating Officer, Dennison & Associates
Vanessa Dennison, CAE, CBAP, Principal, Dennison & Associates
James Marquis, CIO, 501Works

Tue 10/7 at 11 a.m. – Leading with Intention: From Self-Awareness to Team Impact

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Alyson Mckinster, National Chair, Wipfli Embrace

Tue 10/7 at 11 a.m. – Chapters and Component Relations: Challenges Are Opportunities

Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, LPEC, Principal, Rogue Tulips Consulting and Author of the book Association Chapter Systems: From Frustrating to Fruitful

Guests:

Carl Weaver, Publisher, Broken Column Press
Mark Lowry, Chief Revenue Officer, Higher Logic

Tue 10/7 at 11 a.m. – From Tourists to Townspeople: Turning Newcomers Into Belongers

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Jessica Richardson, Membership Manager, American Association of Immunologists
Rhoni Rakos, Lead Consultant, Digital Strategy, Ellipsis Partners

Tue 10/7 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. – From Insights to Impact: Data-Driven Strategies to Elevate Member Learning and Engagement (New York, NY)

Hosts: re:Members and D2L

Speakers: Bill Sheehan (D2L) and Holly Condon (re:Members)

Tue 10/7 at 1 p.m. – The Association Playbook for the AI Powered Web: Making Your Website Work Smarter

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Chris Yoko, Founder and CEO, and Ray van Hilst, CAE, Vice President of Strategy, Yoko Consulting

Tue 10/7 from 3 to 5 p.m. – 3^rd Annual Data Science Fair (Arlington VA)

Host: Data Analytics Network

Wed 10/8 at 11 a.m. – The 4 Secrets of Increased Employee Retention & Engagement: Attraction, Attention, Appreciation & Application

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Paul Glover, President at Glover & Associates

Wed 10/8 at 1 p.m. – Call 9-1-1 My Organization Is in Crisis

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Sheri Singer, President at Singer Communications

Wed 10/8 at 1 p.m. – Turning Technical Debt into Smart Investments

Host: Fonteva

Speakers:

Neeraj Garg, Global COO, Aplusify
Blair Clemente, Senior Director of Business Intelligence and Analytics, The American Hotel and Lodging Association

Thu 10/9 at 11 a.m. – For Leaders to Scale (Part 1 of 4): Strategy: Crafting the Right Strategy Based on Purpose, Core Competencies, and Core Customers

Learn how to define core purpose, core competencies, and core customer in relation to strategic growth; analyze how brand promise integrates into an organization’s strategic positioning; evaluate the alignment of stakeholders around strategy and market positioning; and formulate a strategy statement that drives sustainable growth in revenue and margin. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Michele Barry, Strategy Coach, and Jane-Scott Cantus, Strategy and Leadership Coach, ASSURED STRATEGY

Thu 10/9 at 1 p.m. – Simplify Your Tech Stack: How Zapier + Your AMS Can Supercharge Productivity, Create Hands-Free Workflows, and Save Your Staff a Ton of Time

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Joe Salerno, Client Success Consultant; Keith Hunter, CEO; and Nicholas Wimsatt, Senior Applications Developer, Armstrong

Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If you offer free professional development to the association community, please send me the link by Wednesday afternoon.

Creative Commons licensed photo by William Foley via Unsplash

Amazon, AssociationBrainFood.com, and Association Academy links allow me to earn a royalty and/or complimentary registration from any resulting leads or sales. Thank you!

Association Brain Food: 9.19.25

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

A man sees in the world what he carries in his heart. ~Goethe

Reads for the association community

Promoting education programs. Clowder explains how a year-round membership app helps members discover, register for and participate in online education programs. Since members are already on their phones throughout the day, keep your association top-of-mind as a trusted education partner.

Association learning trends. Every year, thousands of association learning business professionals download the results of the annual Learning Business Strategic Outlook survey from Tagoras/Leading Learning. The survey requires less than 15 minutes to complete, but its results are invaluable for educating decision-makers and other stakeholders at your organization, developing business cases, and winning budget funds.

LMS reporting tips. TopClass LMS shares insider tips from experienced association education professionals for using LMS reporting features that save them hours each week. The insights you gain from taking full advantage of your software’s reports will help you demonstrate your department’s value, increase program participation and improve your learning portfolio.

AI tools course. In the Association Academy’s live Association Artificial Intelligence Certificate Course, learn how to use AI tools to create high-quality text, image, video and other content with hands-on time in class. Students earn one CAE credit for each live class they attend. The course meets Thursdays, 1-2pm ET starting October 23. Save $50 with promo code BRAINFOOD.

Digital strategy assessment. Starkweather reveals that 63% of associations recognize the importance of digital strategy but lack a formal plan, with only 25% rating their digital skills highly. While aimed at YourMembership users, their guide offers valuable advice for all associations. They explain how to assess digital maturity, develop an automation and integration roadmap, and overcome the three biggest barriers to digital transformation.

Writing with AI. I agree with Vishveshwar Jatain who says writing is the worst use of LLMs (generative AI like ChatGPT). Sure, it feels like magic, but the results are “no more interesting than a spreadsheet to consume.”

Thinking strategically about AI. Even when you think and write for yourself, AI reduces the time it takes to perform certain laborious tasks. But putting aside AI enthusiasm, Jeff De Cagna points out the harms caused by AI and suggests three AI-related issues for association leaders to consider.

AMS selection. 108 ideaspace identifies ten critical factors associations must evaluate before selecting an AMS—factors that make the difference between a costly mistake and a strategic technology investment. Their guide will help you ask the right questions about platform capabilities, vendor stability, and long-term costs and avoid mistakes leading to expensive system changes down the road.

Learning strategy. Tracy King of InspirEd describes how AI is changing the playbook for association online learning programs. Since members and learners are turning to AI for answers, pay particular attention to her section on “skills-first learning.”

Change management. When dealing with change resisters, these three questions from Alex Mouw can turn innovation blockers into believers. Asking them “gives voice to unspoken fears, provides a reality check on the likelihood of negative outcomes and develops a mitigation strategy.”

Website PDFs. Accella explains why generative AI queries can’t find the PDFs on your website. They describe how to format content so it’s AI-ready and suggest taking a step back to rethink how your content is created, reviewed and published.

You never grow old at the table

With leftover broth and butter from the steamed clams we enjoyed a few days earlier, I made linguine with white clam sauce. I snuck a few zucchini into the sauce to make it a complete one-pan meal.

While looking through food newsletters, this lemony chicken stew jumped out at me. I’m glad it did; it’s a keeper recipe. My only change was subbing evaporated milk for the heavy cream—one of my usual hacks. On the side, Brussels sprouts roasted with red onion, garlic powder and smoked paprika, tossed with a mix of balsamic vinegar and maple syrup.

An old favorite another night: chipotle salmon with leftover Brussels sprouts and roasted ‘nuked’ sweet potatoes on the side.

To subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post.

Fri 9/19 at 3 p.m.* – ChatGPT and Friends 101

Learn how to put ChatGPT and other AI tools to work right away. Find out how to set up and use ChatGPT like a pro; access secret settings for data protection, better responses and more; save time, spark ideas and get better results; and get a peek at other AI “friends” you’ll want in your toolbox. More info/register.

Host: Beth Ziesenis, Your Nerdy Best Friend

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

Fri 9/19 at 3 p.m. – Nonprofit Consultants Collaborative Monthly Networking Meeting

This monthly networking meeting is organized by consultants for full-time consultants who work with non-profits and associations. You don’t have to be an ASAE member to attend. This month’s agenda includes the sharing of good news, topics or questions from the group, and verifying AI material and protecting copyright. More info/register.

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

Mon 9/22 at 8 a.m. – Leading Edge Student Internship Program (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: Shelby Truxon of The Nonprofit Alliance

Tue 9/23 at 11 a.m. – Leading with Intention: From Self-Awareness to Team Impact

Leadership starts with knowing yourself — and expands into how you support, communicate with, and energize others. Learn how to build self-awareness through reflection and your Predictive Index results. Explore how your unique behavioral wiring influences your leadership style, communication habits, and stress responses. Through journaling and discussion, uncover what drives you and how to lead with clarity and authenticity. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Alyson Mckinster, National Chair, Wipfli Embrace

Tue 9/23 at 11 a.m. – Modern Governance in Action: Strengthening Boards for Today’s Challenges

Explore key governance practices that support transparency, accountability, and strategic alignment. Examine board size, term limits, and the importance of regular bylaws review, as well as effective board member training and orientation. Address emerging issues facing boards today, including the implications of AI on governance responsibilities and oversight, and how associations are approaching DEI commitments in a shifting cultural and political landscape. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Rich Bar, Principal at GKG Law | Non-Profit Law & Corporate Governance Attorney

Tue 9/23 from 12 to 2 p.m. – Lunch & Learn Workshop: Optimizing the Member Journey (Arlington VA)

Learn how to create a compelling, measurable member value proposition, understand the five phases of the member journey from awareness to advocacy, spot and solve pain points at every stage of the journey, design an onboarding experience that drives retention, and track and improve engagement with real-time metrics. Location: Arlington VA. More info/register.

Host: Causeis

Speakers: Michelle Lelempsis, CEO & Founder; Casey Hines, Managing Director & COO of North America; and Brandi Barber, Vice President, Strategic Client Success, Causeis

Tue 9/23 at 1 p.m. – Leveraging AI Assistant & Agents to Enhance Staff Efficiency and Member Value

Learn how AI can streamline your operations and support (not replace) the important work you’re doing for your members. Explore the growth and limitations of large language models (LLMs), the importance of fine-tuning and retrieval augmented generation (RAG), definitions and uses for AI Agents and Agentic AI, practical AI uses to streamline your operations and empower your staff, and how AI can help you enhance your member experience without sacrificing the personal touch. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Greg Pollack, VP, Sales Enablement & Engineering Onboarding at Higher Logic

Wed 9/24 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – LMS Demo Days

Watch and participate in presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer learning management system (LMS) platforms. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Participants: LearnUpon, BenchPrep, Thinkific, TopClass LMS by ASI, Oasis LMS, Thought Industries, Path LMS Powered by Momentive, Elevate

Wed 9/24 at 11 a.m. – The right ingredients: How to craft your perfect participant experience with data and measurement

Learn how to identify the few key metrics that actually drive participant satisfaction and commercial success; unify data from different platforms to get a true 360-degree view of your attendees and their behavior; define and track KPIs directly link to sponsor ROI and exhibitor lead quality; use live data during your event to solve problems on the fly, guide attendees to relevant content and facilitate high-value connections; and build compelling post-event reports that clearly demonstrate value, convincing sponsors and exhibitors to re-book. More info/register.

Host: Grip

Speakers:

Chloe Richardson, Head of Content, Event Leaders Exchange (ELX)
Ade Allenby, Allenby Advisory

Wed 9/24 at 12 p.m. – Getting Your Board to Say Yes: The Ultimate Playbook for Launching an Online Community

Learn the exact steps to take your online community strategy from idea to execution. Hear about the urgency and value of building a community today. Find out how to assess where your brand stands, what’s needed to move forward, and how to get your team and leadership on the same page. More info/register.

Host: GrowthZone

Wed 9/24 at 12 p.m. – AWTC Meet & Greet

Connect with new faces in the association tech community. Join us for a 30-minute welcome event to forge fresh connections and discover our vibrant Slack community. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Wed 9/24 at 1 p.m. – Future-Ready Associations: Navigating Today’s Defining Trends

Hear about the four critical trends transforming how associations operate, engage members, and deliver value. Backed by findings from McKinley Advisors’ latest Trends Survey, this session will reveal how successful organizations are adapting to meet the moment and staying ahead of the curve. Explore: AI & Technological Transformation, Workforce Challenges, Regulatory Complexity & Political Uncertainty, and Shifting Business Conditions. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Meena Dayak, M.A., Practice Director, and Kristi Donovan, M.S., CAE, Practice Director, McKinley Advisors

Wed 9/24 at 1 p.m. – The State of Associations: Part 3

Hear how associations can provide support to members during times of great change; unique ways associations should provide connections and engage younger members; in what areas associations can experiment, take risks, and share lessons with members; and the evolution of the use of AI and technology and how associations can lead the way. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fonteva

Speakers:

Casey Clyburn, Executive Director, South Carolina Society of Association Executives
Karolyn Kiburz, Administrator, Arizona Society of Association Executives
Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director, Texas Society of Association Executives

Wed 9/24 at 1 p.m. – Timeline of a Sustainable Event

From the RFPs sent to vendors, to the site visits, to the actual event and post-event follow up, every aspect has green meeting initiatives to be considered. Learn what to ask for and when, how to set expectations with all key stakeholders, when to communicate your sustainability policy with attendees, how to get the data to set a baseline to build from, what and when to share your sustainability wins, and when and how to start planning your strategy for the next event. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: Nancy Zavada, Founder & President, MeetGreen

Wed 9/24 at 2 p.m. – From Data to Action: 2025 Association Community Benchmarks

Get the latest trends and insights from our 2025 Association Community Benchmark Report. Discover how your community stacks up, learn which metrics matter most, and uncover strategies to boost engagement and drive member value. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Higher Logic

Speakers: John Micah Yates, Strategic Advisor; Eileen Quinn, Strategic Advisor; and Kelly Whelan, Content Marketing Manager, Higher Logic

Wed 9/24 at 2 p.m. – Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue

More info/register.

Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First

Wed 9/24 at 2 p.m. – Finance and Business Operations (FBO) Meet Up

Bring your pressing problems and share experiences and potential solutions in an engaging conversation with your colleagues. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Finance and Business Operations Professionals Advisory Council (including HR)

Thu 9/25 from 9:10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – LMS Demo Days

Watch and participate in presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer learning management system (LMS) platforms. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Participants: MapleLMS, EthosCE, Rustici Software, D2L

Thu 9/25 at 11 a.m. – Building Bridges: The Power of Mentorship

Explore actionable strategies for fostering impactful mentorship to support career growth. Learn how to build meaningful professional connections that enhance skills and create long-term opportunities. Gain insights on navigating mentorship challenges and creating a supportive network for personal and professional development. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Sam Bush, Partner Marketing Manager, Netstock
Lauren Castloo, Channel Marketing Manager, TrueCommerce

Thu 9/25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – How to Design a Product Portfolio

Learn how to organize, position, and leverage your offerings to help you identify patterns, tease out new opportunities, and better serve your members. Hear how to root out needless duplication and create efficiencies. Find out about association product competencies you can use to better design, develop, and get new products to market. More info/register.

Host: James Young, founder, Product Community

Thu 9/25 at 12 p.m. – Unlock a Decade of Associations Trends

Hear the findings from a comprehensive survey of association professionals and members, includes trends related to loyalty metrics, member expectations, demand for regional events, professional development requirements, technology adoption, AI integration in the association space, and more. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Momentive Software

Thu 9/25 at 1 p.m. – Marketing Meets Learning: The Growth Engine Your Learning Business Might Be Missing

Explore how combining learning and marketing can unlock scalable growth. You’ll hear how the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP) built an integrated marketing and learning automation flow that not only drives engagement but delivers real, measurable business impact—and how you can do the same. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Tagoras/Leading Learning

Speakers:

Galina Kozachenko, managing director, Organizational Strategy & Performance, AFP
Experts from Tagoras, LearnUpon, and Americaneagle.com

Thu 9/25 at 1 p.m. – AI Stewardship: What Association Boards Must Know

Fiduciary responsibility and the duty of foresight require boards to operate at the center of their associations’ AI decision-making. Learn about the most critical issues in AI development and diffusion over the next 12-18 months, the full range of risks and harms created by AI technologies today and their implications for association stakeholders, and creating the conditions for ethical, purposeful, and responsible AI adoption. 1.5 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jeff De Cagna, Executive Advisor, Foresight First LLC

Thu 9/25 at 2 p.m. – B2B Content Mastery: Earn Trust, Win Leads, and Avoid Burnout

In the age of AI, your B2B content needs to do more than just inform. It has to build real connections and drive leads, all without burning out your team. Learn how to craft a winning content strategy that delivers real ROI and measurable growth. More info/register.

Host: Amaka

Fri 9/26 at 11 a.m. – Thriving in Transition: Advanced Strategies for Securing Your Next Opportunity

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Lori Bruhns, Leadership & Performance Development Coach, Lori Bruhns, LLC
Sally Starrfield, MSA, SPHR HR & Educational Consultant, Sally Starrfield, LLC

Fri 9/26 at 1 p.m. – Foresight Fridays: Preventing AI Harms and Risks

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Jeff De Cagna, AIMP, DAIG, FRSA, FASAE, Executive Advisor, Foresight First LLC
Heather Harris, PhD, Principal Data Scientist, Herkimer Consulting
Matthew Guggemos, MS, Founder, iTherapy LLC and iTherapy
Tamesha Logan, MBA, CAE (moderator), Executive Director, American Mensa & Mensa Foundation

Mon 9/29 at 1 p.m. – Live Broadcast of Radio Free 501c: Episode 300

Every week, Rogue Tulips brings the nonprofit community intriguing guests discussing vital topics affecting nonprofit organizations around the world. Topics have covered everything from membership trends to strategic planning to cybersecurity to how associations are like classic movies. Today, Cecilia is doing a live broadcast of the 300^th episode. A few past guests will be joining her. More info/register.

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

Tue 9/30 at 12 p.m. – Making change stick: Post-retreat momentum and accountability

Host: Braintrust Professional Institute

Speakers: Randall Craig and Ronja Francoeur, Braintrust Professional Institute

Tue 9/30 at 1 p.m. – A Critical Point: Mental Health for Association CEOs

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Tara Puckey, MBA, CAE, CMP, Executive Director at The Radio Television Digital News Association
Lindsay Currie, CAE, Executive Officer at Council on Undergraduate Research
Adam Levy, CAE, Executive Director at American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association
Silvia Quevedo, Interim Executive Director at National Association of Healthcare Access Management

Tue 9/30 at 1 p.m. – Sponsorship Resilience in a Changing World

Host: Lori Zoss Kraska, Founder/CEO, Growth Owl LLC

Guest: Christine Paige Diers, Executive Director of Public Media Journalists Association (PMJA)

Tue 9/30 at 3 p.m. – Video Relationship Management: The New Era of Connection and Engagement

Host: UST Education

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

Wed 10/1 at 11 a.m. – The Power of PsyCap

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Nicole Rudner, CAE, DBA, Director of Engagement at TerraLex

Wed 10/1 at 1 p.m. – U-Turn: From Outstanding to Standing Out in a Competitive Marketplace

Winning organizations market the problem, not just the solution. And members and prospects will believe that the organization BEST able to articulate their problem is the one best positioned to provide the best solution. Learn why quality and service excellence are no longer differentiators, but are core expectations; why a difference of KIND always beats a difference of DEGREE; how to analyze your association’s core value proposition to determine what it is truly offering members; and how to speak relationally to your members rather than transactionally. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Michael DiFrisco, CAE, Executive Director at American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry

Thu 10/2 at 11 a.m. – The Psychology of AI Adoption

Host: UST Education

Speaker: JC Quintana, Author at jcquintana.com

Thu 10/2 at 12 p.m. – Make Membership Magic: Modern Tools and Tactics Every Chamber of Commerce Needs

Host: re:Members

Speakers:

Sue Garrity, Sr. Dir. Membership Information Services, Michigan Chamber of Commerce
Patrick Dorsey, SVP, Marketing, re:Members
Jason Vance, Director of Technical Solutions, re:Members

Thu 10/2 at 1 p.m. – Beyond the Coffee Break: 7 Ways to Spark Real Engagement at Events

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Lee Gimpel, President at Better Meetings

Thu 10/2 at 2 p.m. – The Association Leader’s Guide to AI Policy: Risks, Opportunities, and Best Practices

Host: 501Works

Speakers:

Susannah Mechem, Chief Operating Officer, Dennison & Associates
Vanessa Dennison, CAE, CBAP, Principal, Dennison & Associates
James Marquis, CIO, 501Works

Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If you offer free professional development to the association community, please send me the link by Wednesday afternoon.

Creative Commons licensed photo by Ashlee Marie via Unsplash

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Association Brain Food: 9.12.25

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

Hateful words. Let’s stop normalizing and start calling out hate. We all hear people—family, friends, colleagues, people in your network and information stream—talk hatefully about people on the other side. The loudest voices and worst offenders are the media, influencers and politicians who traffic in hate. Haters disparage and debase the other side, call them enemies, encourage battle, wish them ill and, sometimes, celebrate their deaths.

Yup, I saw that Wednesday night, but it wasn’t a loud voice, just a person I once knew. It made me ill and sad to see how irrational hate could twist their heart so much they said someone deserved to die just because he held different opinions and believed in different things. I’ve seen people of all political persuasions express similar thoughts about people they disagree with. It’s inexcusable.

Hateful speech and thoughts are contagious. It’s now acceptable to talk hatefully about human beings who think differently than you. Hate has become normalized—”this is what people like us think and say about the other side.” Criticism and debate are fine, but hate leads nowhere good. Hate is out of control right now, and it’s destroying our society and country.

Change starts with me and with you doing the right thing. Let’s commit to not talking or writing hatefully. Instead, pause and connect with your better self before sending more hate out into the world. Commit to calling out hate when you hear or see it—it won’t be easy but it’s necessary if we’re going to shift the norm. One by one, maybe we can influence the people around us by not letting their hateful words go uncontested.

It will be uncomfortable calling out the people in our own circles. Gasp, they might think we’re on the other side! Yeah, we are, the side of light, not darkness. Hate is bipartisan, so is light. Let’s pull up our big girl and boy pants and do what’s right. Let’s set a good example for those around us. Stop normalizing hate and start calling it out instead.

This week’s reads

Membership survey. ASI invites you to participate in their 11th annual Membership Performance Benchmark Survey. Their goal is to uncover association industry trends in membership engagement, retention levels, digital transformation, so you can see how your association is doing compared to others.

Engaging inactive members through education. What percentage of your members are lurkers? Apti offers a plan for gradually turning lurkers into learners and nudging them along into deeper engagement with your association and fellow members.

AMS selection essentials. re:Members describes eight requirements association executives look for when investing in an AMS. Beyond basic functionality, the report covers scalability, partnership support, integration, data visualization and reporting, automation, usability, and creating superior member experiences through customizable interfaces.

Free CAE workshops. If you need CAE credits, check out Ed Rigsbee’s 31 CAE-relevant workshops—nine of them are one-hour Ethics workshops. To qualify for CAE credits, you have to pass a test, but that shouldn’t be a problem for all you smarties.

Writing with AI. Andy Fabian at Mighty Citizen explains what generative AI tools like ChatGPT can and can’t do for your content. Sure, use it to jump-start content, but don’t rely on it to write the final version. He says:

“Generative AI can’t (and shouldn’t) replace your writers, and it’s just not very creative. It requires quality inputs to generate serviceable outputs. Only an experienced writer with a clear understanding of the assignment parameters can cook up the best prompts. But even with the best prompts and inputs, generative AI produces work that’s meh.”

Nuf said. If you want people to read your content and take it seriously, work with a writer who has experience in your market—and if your market is associations, that’s me.

Credentialing and 529 savings plans. Did you know 529 savings plans now cover postsecondary credentials, including certifications, occupational licenses and certificate programs? Mickie Rops explains how this change mandated by the OBBA Act makes your credentialing programs more accessible, marketable and competitive, and what to do next. ASAE also published an FAQ about the 529 news.

Magazine transformation. Despite predictions of print’s demise, 88% of adults still read magazines, and members consistently rank their association’s magazine among the most valuable benefits. M3 Magazines explains how to assess member needs, evaluate your publication, create content strategies, recognize when it’s time for a redesign, enhance readability, and balance quality with cost-effectiveness. Learn how to turn your magazine from a cost center into a revenue generator through advertising while delivering industry insights, practical advice, and member spotlights that resonate with your audience.

Membership value proposition. From industry research, I’ve learned most associations struggle with communicating their membership value proposition and way too many feel unsure about the value they offer. They’d be better off following the “gooey cookie framework” described by Beth Arritt in her useful post about revamping your association’s value proposition.

The sponsorship shift. Lead Marvels says the old sponsorship model no longer works because, among other reasons, companies are spending their marketing budgets on more productive channels. They discuss the strategic priorities driving sponsorship decisions and how some associations are adapting.

Snacks

Is Tempo the future of payments? Patrick Collison, CEO of Stripe, is all in.

Trains are not an abundance technology, says Eli Dourado.

Cat people with DIY skills, the gauntlet has been thrown: Cat Town.

You never grow old at the table

Another weekend, another pizza. This time, peach, prosciutto and pesto pizza. I used supermarket dough and fresh mozzarella instead of burrata cheese. Delicious.

On Sunday, I made pork Milanese. The leftovers make excellent sandwiches—I like a lemony mayo on mine. On the side, Brussels sprouts roasted with red onion, bacon and garlic powder. Once done, toss them with a mix of balsamic vinegar and maple syrup. We had nuked ‘roasted’ sweet potatoes too. Poke them all over with a knife, then nuke them for six to ten minutes, depending on the size and number of potatoes.

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About CAE credits: Per ASAE, “any continuing professional education offered by any professional entity may be accepted toward the [CAE] professional development requirement as long as it is directly related to either association or nonprofit management as defined by the CAE exam content outline.”

Education providers: If you have a free webinar or event coming up, please send me the link by Wednesday afternoon the week before it’s scheduled. I’m happy to feature it as long as it’s not product-centric.

Fri 9/12 at 10 a.m.* – AMA Session: Ask a Career Coach and Futurist

Stuck at a career crossroads? Have burning questions about your next move? Get the clarity and confidence you need to elevate your professional journey without sugarcoating. Hear how to succeed in this tough job market. Bring your toughest career questions—from job searching to personal branding—and get expert advice tailored to your unique situation. Walk away with fresh insights, actionable strategies, and a renewed motivation to take charge of your career path. More info/register.

Host: Mandy Steinhardt, Career and Intuitive Life Coach, Mandy Steinhardt Coaching, and Sr. Manager, Audience Marketing, Cisco

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

Fri 9/12 at 12:30 p.m. – Clause and Effect: Ask a Lawyer Anything

Get clear, no-fluff answers to your biggest legal questions—from RFPs to contracts and everything in between. This is your chance to ask anything about event sourcing from legal experts who get the events industry. Walk away with practical tips to protect your business and boost your confidence at every stage of the planning process. More info/register.

Host: Hopskip

Mon 9/15 at 8 a.m. – Member-Adjacent Industries (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Cathy Lada, Chief Marketing & Membership Officer, American Alliance of Orthopaedic Executives

Tue 9/16 at 10:30 a.m. 10 Minute Meditation

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Meditation leader: Moira Edwards, Owner & President, Ellipsis Partners

Tue 9/16 at 11 a.m. – Navigating What’s Next: Preparing Associations for the Future of Change Management

Shifts in member expectations, advances in technology, workforce dynamics, and external pressures are redefining how associations must approach transformation. Change management is no longer a reactive process—it is a proactive, organization-wide discipline that will determine the future success of mission-driven organizations. Hear about emerging trends influencing change management, insights into building resilient, adaptable organizations, and how leadership, culture, and governance must evolve to support sustainable change. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Daniel Elacqua, CEO, and Christopher Maynard, Senior Executive, Strategico Consultants

Tue 9/16 at 11 a.m. – Finding Your Best-Fit AMS: How Associations Are Investing for the Future

Learn how to identify the AMS capabilities that can streamline operations, enhance member engagement, and position your association for future growth. Walk away with a clear framework to confidently choose a system that supports both your current needs and long-term strategy. More info/register.

Host: Momentive Software

Speaker: Rob Miller, SVP of Association Strategy, Momentive Software

Tue 9/16 at 12 p.m. – But First, Clean Your Room! A Practical Guide to Data Hygiene for Associations

Is your member database bogged down by duplicates, outdated contacts, or inconsistent data? Manual cleanup is time-consuming, error-prone, and, without a long-term strategy, the mess just comes back. Join us for a practical, solutions-focused webinar designed to help you get a handle on messy data from the processes, up. More info/register.

Host: fusionSpan

Speakers:

Jeffrey Golembiewski, Chief Revenue Officer, fusionSpan
Lexie Kim, Nonprofit Account Executive, Traction Complete
Rohan Chauhan, Presale Solutions Engineer, Traction Complete

Tue 9/16 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. – Metro NYSAE TechConnect: Solutions Showcase

Join a fast-paced virtual showcase of cutting-edge solutions. Whether you’re looking for a new AMS, event platform, member engagement tools, or AI-powered insights, this is your chance to explore what’s possible. More info/register.

Host: New York Society of Association Executives

Participants: CauseIS, re:Members, Yoko, Higher Logic

Tue 9/16 at 12 p.m. – CRVM Crunch and Munch: 2025 ASAE Annual Meeting Recap

Whether you attended ASAE Annual Meeting and want to share your component relations and volunteer management takeaways, or you’re curious how ASAE’s professional development opportunities can support your work in component relations/volunteer management, this discussion is for you. All are welcome—let’s connect, learn, and grow together. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Component Relations Volunteer Management Advisory Council

Tue 9/16 at 1 p.m. – Anchored in Wellness: Thriving Amidst the Complexity

Learn how to assess your current wellness foundation by identifying the habits, mindsets, and supports that help or hinder your ability to stay grounded during stress and complexity; recognize early signs of misalignment or burnout by learning to interpret physical, emotional, and behavioral indicators—before they escalate; develop a personal wellness strategy by selecting specific, realistic actions that align with your values and can be integrated into daily life to create long-term sustainability; and strengthen your relational and environmental support systems by mapping key connections and intentionally investing in people and spaces that help you stay anchored. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Steven Langer, Founder & CEO at Well By Design

Wed 9/17 at 11 a.m. – Building a Contingency Plan for an Unexpected CEO Departure

Learn how to develop a set of contingency plans and document related action steps for an unexpected CEO departure through assembling basic risk mitigation procedures and tactical applications and documenting them in a formal written contingency plan. Hear about the important complimentary differences between organizational succession planning and CEO transition planning. Learn about appointing an interim CEO allowing for time to work through a thoughtful 10-step CEO succession and transition plan. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Paul Preziotti, CPA, Partner, Johnson Lambert LLP
Michael Gellman, CPA, CGMA, Sustainability Education 4 Nonprofits

Wed 9/17 at 12 p.m. – 2025 State of Credentialing

The credentialing visibility gap is one of the biggest opportunities for credential issuers. When credentials are visible and trusted by employers, learners advance, programs gain reach and relevance, and leadership gets the outcomes it demands. Discover new data on what employers want, how issuers are (or aren’t) delivering, and what the most successful programs do differently. Get the employer, issuer, and platform perspectives on connecting credentials to real hiring impact, and recommendations to drive stronger learner outcomes, increase enrollment, and build long-term program value. More info/register.

Host: Accredible

Speakers:

Tiffany Vause, Director of Strategic Initiatives, WIN Learning & Florida Ready to Work
Erin Scruggs, VP & Head of Global Talent Acquisition, LinkedIn
Rochelle Ramirez, Vice President of Product, Accredible
Ryan Greives, Senior Director, Brand Marketing, Accredible

Wed 9/17 at 12 p.m. – AI and Copyright: What Nonprofits Need to Know

AI is rapidly reshaping how creative works are developed, shared, and protected. For nonprofit organizations, these changes bring both opportunities and legal risks. Get an overview of the current state of copyright law as it applies to AI, including ownership questions surrounding works created with AI tools, considerations and risks for teams using generative AI programs, the evolving case law and regulatory landscape governing the use of copyrighted materials to train AI models, and practical strategies nonprofits can use to safeguard their own content. Learn about emerging legal issues, with a focus on practical implications for nonprofit operations and mission-driven activities. More info/register.

Host: Venable LLP

Speaker: Meaghan H. Kent, partner, Venable LLP

Wed 9/17 at 12 p.m. – Smart Ways to Bring AI into Your Community Strategy

Hear about current examples of how communities are already using AI effectively, ideas for future applications to improve engagement and operations, key considerations and challenges to address before implementing AI, and how to start experimenting safely and strategically with AI in your own community. More info/register.

Host: Led by Community

Speaker: Nicole Saunders, Founder of CXN Consulting, Co-host of the CX Nexus podcast, and Senior Director of CX Strategy at Higher Logic

Wed 9/17 at 12 p.m. – Leading with Empathy: Unlocking the Power of Heart-Centered Leadership

Among the many leadership philosophies, one approach rises above the rest for its deep commitment to understanding and honoring the diverse experiences of others: empathy. Defined by its adaptability and openness, this style thrives on active listening—a powerful tool for gaining clarity and inspiring collective engagement. Get insights and practical advice on cultivating empathy, recognizing its impact on morale and performance, and expressing it with authenticity. 1 CAE credit. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Executive Management Professionals Advisory Council

Speakers:

Kelli Baxter, CAE, Managing Partner, KG1 Consulting Group
Stefan Bradham, CAE, CDE, Account Executive / Executive Director, AMPED Association Management
Maria Jose-Cook, CAE, Associate Director, Executive Affairs, ISPOR – The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research
Curtis Nunley, MM, MBA, CAE, Membership Director, American Society of Civil Engineers
Damita Snow, CAE, ENV SP, Director, Accessibility & DEI Strategy, Publications and Standards, American Society of Civil Engineers

Wed 9/17 at 1 p.m. – Code of Ethics – An Association’s North Star

Learn how a Code of Ethics can enhance your organization and help you to become a more effective leader. Hear about 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 9/17 at 1 p.m. – Project Management for Association Professionals

Designed to address the unique challenges of L&D projects, this session will equip you with practical strategies for setting expectations, engaging stakeholders, and managing third party vendors, development teams, tasks, and resources effectively using existing or low-cost tools. From foundational knowledge and planning essentials to tool automation and scenario-based examples, gain the confidence and understand the skills needed to lead successful learning projects of all sizes from start to finish. More info/register.

Hosts: Career Compliance Solutions and Evolve Solutions Group

Speakers:

Dawn Tedesco, Founder, Career Compliance Solutions
Alex Ryan, Chief Solution Strategist, Evolve Solutions Group

Wed 9/17 at 2 p.m. – Creating Memorable F&B Experiences on Any Budget

Find out where we waste the most money on F&B and, more importantly, how to fix it with smarter budgeting, strategic negotiations and creative menu planning. From hidden fees and service charges to underutilized cost-saving strategies, learn real-world solutions to keep your attendees happy and your budget intact. Walk away with proven negotiation tactics, pricing insights, and a game plan to deliver high-quality dining experiences. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

Heather Reid, Founder and CEO, Planner Protect
Tracy Stuckrath, Founder, Thrive! Meetings & Events
Sarah J.F. Braley (moderator), Managing Editor, Northstar Meetings Group

Wed 9/17 at 2:30 p.m. – Heads in Beds: Negotiating Room Blocks

In hotel, resort and conference center contracts, “heads in beds” is the metric that often determines the concessions the client receives, the penalties the client risks, and the leverage the client holds. Learn how to interpret and configure sleeping room blocks; how sleeping room block commitments, attrition and performance clauses can impact the client’s bottom line; the hidden risks of overcommitting or undercommitting sleeping rooms; and smart negotiation strategies to support managing the sleeping room block. More info/register.

Host: Heather Reid, Founder and CEO, Planner Protect

Thu 9/18 at 11 a.m. – How Engagement & Technology Drove 4,000% Growth

Learn about the keys behind the A.L.I.V.E. framework that has propelled MTI’s 4,000% growth since 2007. Discover how a bold blend of engagement strategies, smart technology and willingness to take risk propelled MTI’s value to engage over 80% of their members into their key member touch points. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Tom Morrison, CEO at Metal Treating Institute
Dave Will, Co-Founder and CEO, PropFuel

Thu 9/18 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. – DELIVERED – The World’s Largest Virtual DIRECT MAIL Event

Learn how to improve your current direct mail strategies with actionable advice to implement for your next campaign. If you’re a marketer who wants to learn about direct mail, or an expert looking to change it up, this event is designed to share the very latest trends, best practices and emerging tools you’ll need to step up your direct mail processes today. Hear from experts in the direct mail industry on topics ranging from sophisticated printing and data solutions to direct mail 101. More info/register.

Host: GURU Media Hub

Thu 9/18 at 11:30 a.m. – Community Unplugged: Why Builders Need Builders

Explore questions central to every community-builder. Hear why freedom fuels creativity and how, for Builders Club, trust is the currency of community. Learn what works, what doesn’t, and where you go when traditional systems aren’t enough. If you’re curious about building resilient, autonomous spaces that put people—not processes—first, you won’t want to miss this. More info/register.

Host: Tasha Van Vlack, founder and community strategist, Community Hives

Speaker: Jesse Rodgers, founder, Builders Club

Thu 9/18 at 12 p.m. – What is QM-Quality Matters and Why Is It Important to Your Learning Programs?

The Quality Matters® (QM) framework is a nationally recognized, research-based approach to designing online learning that focuses on intentional course structure, aligning learning objectives, content, and assessments to reduce confusion and boost engagement. Learn how QM-aligned design supports stronger outcomes across your learning programs. Find out how to design content that’s easy to navigate, purposeful, and accessible—without sacrificing creativity or speed. More info/register.

Host: eLearningDOC

Thu 9/18 at 1 p.m. – Reacting vs. Responding: Why It Matters to Sponsorship Success

When unexpected feedback, challenging questions, or sudden requests arise from sponsors, your first instinct might be to react — fast and emotionally. But learning to respond instead — with intention, confidence, and clarity — can transform those tough moments into opportunities to build trust and strengthen your partnerships. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE, Founder & CEO at Growth Owl, LLC

Thu 9/18 at 2 p.m. – Better than AI: The Independent/Third-Party Planner Advantage

Learn how to structure a partnership with independent, third-party and agency consultants that leverages everyone’s core competencies for the best post-event feedback of your life; find the right partner by asking the right questions; the difference between independent planners, third-party planners and agencies; and communication tips to keep everyone aligned. More info/register.

Host: Smart Meetings

Speakers:

J. Wills, senior vice president of marketing programs and business development for ConferenceDirect
LaToya Williams, MBA, hospitality consultant, and adjunct faculty member at SUNY Buffalo State College and Trocaire College

Thu 9/18 at 3 p.m. – The AI Wake-Up Call for Associations: Inside the CSAE 2025 Report

Hear about key insights from a national survey of Canadian associations and their current use of AI, the top roadblocks preventing meaningful AI adoption and how to overcome them, what association professionals are really worried about when it comes to AI, and steps to bridge the gap between interest and implementation. More info/register.

Host: Farhad Khan, CEO of Member Lounge

Guest: Gerald Bramm, founder and principal of Bramm Research

Thu 9/18 at 4 p.m. – The Pulse of Association Membership: The 2025 Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report Update (Alexandria VA)

Learn what associations who report membership growth are doing differently and how 89% of associations are facing a value proposition challenge. Hear about recruitment trends, innovations and marketing tactics. Get an exclusive look at the mid-year check-up survey and updated data which provides dashboard results on how current economics and politics are impacting association membership. Location: Alexandria VA. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Reston Loudoun Swap

Speaker: Tony Rossell, Senior VP, MGI

Fri 9/19 at 3 p.m. – Nonprofit Consultants Collaborative Monthly Networking Meeting

This monthly networking meeting is organized by consultants for full-time consultants who work with non-profits and associations. You don’t have to be an ASAE member to attend. This month’s agenda includes the sharing of good news, topics or questions from the group, and verifying AI material and protecting copyright. More info/register.

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

Tue 9/23 at 11 a.m. – Leading with Intention: From Self-Awareness to Team Impact

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Alyson Mckinster, National Chair, Wipfli Embrace

Tue 9/23 at 11 a.m. – Modern Governance in Action: Strengthening Boards for Today’s Challenges

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Rich Bar, Principal at GKG Law | Non-Profit Law & Corporate Governance Attorney

Tue 9/23 at 1 p.m. – Leveraging AI Assistant & Agents to Enhance Staff Efficiency and Member Value

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Greg Pollack, VP, Sales Enablement & Engineering Onboarding at Higher Logic

Wed 9/24 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – LMS Demo Days

Watch and participate in presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer learning management system (LMS) platforms. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Participants: LearnUpon, BenchPrep, Thinkific, TopClass LMS by ASI, Oasis LMS, Thought Industries, Path LMS Powered by Momentive, Elevate

Wed 9/24 at 12 p.m. – AWTC Meet & Greet

Connect with new faces in the association tech community. Join us for a 30-minute welcome event to forge fresh connections and discover our vibrant Slack community. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Wed 9/24 at 1 p.m. – Future-Ready Associations: Navigating Today’s Defining Trends

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Meena Dayak, M.A., Practice Director, and Kristi Donovan, M.S., CAE, Practice Director, McKinley Advisors

Wed 9/24 at 2 p.m. – Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue

More info/register.

Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First

Wed 9/24 at 2 p.m. – From Data to Action: 2025 Association Community Benchmarks

Host: Higher Logic

Speakers: John Micah Yates, Strategic Advisor; Eileen Quinn, Strategic Advisor; and Kelly Whelan, Content Marketing Manager, Higher Logic

Thu 9/25 from 9:10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – LMS Demo Days

Watch and participate in presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer learning management system (LMS) platforms. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Participants: MapleLMS, EthosCE, Rustici Software, D2L

Thu 9/25 at 11 a.m. – Building Bridges: The Power of Mentorship

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Sam Bush, Partner Marketing Manager, Netstock
Lauren Castloo, Channel Marketing Manager, TrueCommerce

Thu 9/25 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – How to Design a Product Portfolio

Host: James Young, founder, Product Community

Thu 9/25 at 1 p.m. – Marketing Meets Learning: The Growth Engine Your Learning Business Might Be Missing

Host: Tagoras/Leading Learning

Speakers:

Galina Kozachenko, managing director, Organizational Strategy & Performance, AFP
experts from Tagoras, LearnUpon, and Americaneagle.com

Thu 9/25 at 1 p.m. – AI Stewardship: What Association Boards Must Know

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jeff De Cagna, Executive Advisor, Foresight First LLC

Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If you offer free professional development to the association community, please send me the link by Wednesday afternoon.

Creative Commons licensed photo by Master Wen via Unsplash

Amazon, AssociationBrainFood.com, and Association Academy links allow me to earn a royalty and/or complimentary registration from any resulting leads or sales. Thank you!

Association Brain Food: 9.5.25

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

This week’s reads

Membership requirements for credentialing. TopClass LMS explains why it’s illegal to require membership for people who are applying for or renewing credentials. They describe the potential costs, program red flags to beware, and alternatives to membership requirements.

Using AI. Mitch Joel has shifted his thinking about generative AI tools like ChatGPT. I agree with his belief that AI will make you dumber if you let it think and write for you, but it can make you smarter if you use it to expand your capabilities. Keep thinking, writing and questioning alongside it. Don’t let it do the challenging work for you.

Online learning revenue. D2L surveyed associations to find out how they’re future-proofing with learning-based revenue models. Associations offering certifications and continuing education credits outperform standalone programs. The report describes monetization strategies, implementation challenges, membership model changes and other factors for successful revenue-generating learning programs.

AI tools course. Join me in earning up to five CAE credits from Association Academy’s live Association Artificial Intelligence Certificate Course. Learn how to use AI tools to create high-quality text, image, video, and other content with hands-on time in class. Students earn one CAE credit for each live class they attend. The course meets Thursdays, 1-2pm ET starting October 23. Save $50 with promo code BRAINFOOD.

Networking for introverts. If you’re a gamer, you’ll appreciate association professional Ben Rome’s networking advice for introverts. “Introverts often feel like networking is a game designed by and for extroverts. But as we’ve seen, the gaming world offers multiple paths to victory.” Even if the video game references go over your head, like they do mine, skip to the bullet points where he shares networking insights.

Gen Z content. Do associations have to rethink content for the next generation of members and prospects? Trevor Whyte at Multiview suggests focusing your content strategy on edutainment and describes what that might look like in practice. His advice likely applies to other generations too—only your metrics can tell you for sure.

Association strategy gaps. GrowthZone’s survey exposes inconvenient truths about how associations operate. Member engagement tops the list of challenges, yet most associations lack written plans to tackle it. The disconnect gets worse: while nearly all associations say they want to innovate and grow membership, the majority admit they have no strategy for attracting younger members. The report covers membership trends, revenue, operational realities, and more. If you’re wondering whether your struggles are unique, this benchmarking data will offer reassuring or unsettling clarity.

Association industry partner corner

Community relations. Mark Wallach of Engagement Mobile Strategies writes about industry connectors in the association technology space—and he’s one of the best I know. Association industry partners would be wise to heed his advice on differentiation in the ‘vendor question’ section of his post. If you’re in sales, pay attention to how he interacts everywhere and what he shares on LinkedIn. You’ll get a lot further by emulating his consultative approach than by pushing people along the funnel too quickly.

Content strategy. At Content Marketing Institute, Ann Gynn’s observations on the purchasing journey definitely apply to associations: buyers don’t follow a straight line from pain point to purchase, the number of stakeholders in B2B purchases continues to increase, and most young buyers rely on ten or more external sources, including their network and social media, to make purchasing decisions. She suggests adjusting your content strategy so engaging, relevant content pops up for buyers at any stage of their non-linear discovery and decision journey.

You never grow old at the table

My sister-in-law gave me a bunch of figs from their backyard tree, so I made a fig and prosciutto pizza. I spread the goat cheese over the dough and sprinkled the pizza with Aleppo pepper flakes. When it came out of the oven, I topped it with chopped arugula and a balsamic glaze (honey and balsamic vinegar).

We have leftovers galore of my southwest skillet: ground chorizo and turkey, spinach, sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, red bell, poblano, jalapeño, onion, garlic, chipotle en adobo, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, chicken broth, Monterey Jack, and cilantro. I see breakfast burritos in our future.

To subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post.

Mon 9/8 at 8 a.m.* – Association Mergers (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Andy Duncan

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

Mon 9/8 at 2 p.m. – Working Backwards: How to Build a Volunteer Process that Delivers Results

Is your volunteer process still operating on spreadsheets and gut feelings? You’re not alone, but it is time to make a change. Learn how redesigning your volunteer processes through an outcome-first lens can transform your organization’s capacity for proactive volunteer management and data-driven decision making—while creating better engagement opportunities along the way. More info/register.

Host: fusionSPAN

Speakers:

Justin Burniske, Principal Consultant, Meta-Dao
Cari Ross, Senior Business Systems Analyst, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

Tue 9/9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Panel Discussion: Evolution of the Industry Moving from Discussion to Implementation of AI (Washington DC)

Hear about the operational and program management aspects of AI adoption. Learn about strategies for addressing real-world challenges, such as mitigating AI-related risks and enhancing the candidate experience through improved access to information. Hear about AI’s role in assessment design and development, including decision-making and implementation in assessment design and development as well as key steps in the assessment development life cycle, including Job Task Analysis (JTA), test specifications, item writing, item review, form development, form review, and innovative ways to enhance programs using AI at each stage. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.

Host: Certification Network Group

Speakers:

Ann Evers, GED Testing Service, The Council for Professional Recognition
Charles Glover, SHRM
Amada Jewell, Prometric
Alex Lord, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Tue 9/9 at 11 a.m. – Smart Practices in Association Fundraising

Philanthropy can serve as an important source of revenue to accomplish key association priorities, especially in the areas of research, professional education and workforce/talent development. Learn about best and smart practices in all areas of a comprehensive association (or association foundation) philanthropic fundraising program, including: Volunteer Leadership, Major/Planned Gifts, Annual Giving, Special Events, Marketing/Communications, Donor Stewardship/Recognition. Learn how to make a compelling case for support to inspire the generosity of members, industry partners, and other stakeholders. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: David Coyne, President at The Sheridan Group

Tue 9/9 at 12 p.m. – Strategic Challenges and Opportunities for CTOs and CIO

Hear tech leaders (and those who work with them) discuss current pressing issues faced by technology leadership: from focus on tech to focus on strategy and growth; building credibility through functional leadership in non-tech areas of the business (Operations, Marketing, HR, etc.); managing the expectation that AI will shortcut all systems; expectations from marketing; and outsourcing, using consultants, or building your team. More info/register.

Hosts: Randall Craig and Ronja Francoeur from the Braintrust Professional Institute

Tue 9/9 at 12 p.m. – Building an Agile Culture That Retains Talent

Learn why “busyness” and rigidity are driving burnout and break trust; how to replace toxic or stagnant norms with an agile, autonomy, people-first culture; and leadership strategies that promote trust, flexibility, and innovation which are powerful forms of non-monetary compensation. More info/register.

Host: EMK Learning Solutions

Speaker: Dr. Maurine Kwende

Tue 9/9 at 12 p.m. – Tech Tuesday

The truth is, you don’t need the title of “Business Analyst” to think like one. A BA mindset can help any association or nonprofit professional uncover opportunities and make smarter decisions, no matter your role. Explore how you can apply a BA lens to your work, hear about practical techniques and bring your own challenges and success stories to the discussion. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Technology Professionals Advisory Council

Facilitators:

Reggie Henry, Chief Information and Performance Excellence Officer, ASAE
Dave Coriale, President, DelCor Technology Solutions

Guests:

Lynnette Procopio, Director of Business Solutions at ISPOR
members of the ASAE Technology Professionals Advisory Council

Tue 9/9 at 12 p.m. – LGBTQIA2+ 2025 Community Call

Host: ASAE LGBTQ Association Executives and Supporters

Tue 9/9 at 1 p.m. – Technology Management: When to Insource, Outsource, or Do Both

Managing technology in associations isn’t one-size-fits-all. Explore the most common IT management configurations—insourcing, outsourcing, and hybrid approaches—and how to evaluate which is best for your organization. Learn how to spot signs it may be time to shift your strategy, and examine real-world examples of what different models look like in action, including the investments involved and the return on those investments. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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

Tue 9/9 at 1 p.m. – Driving Success: Legislative Updates and Cutting-Edge Practices in Technology & Data Integration

Hear about the latest legislative changes and their impact on fiscal and operational strategies. Discover advanced best practices in CRM and Data Analytics to ensure you are maximizing impact from your technology investments. Get actionable takeaways and strategic guidance for organizational leaders navigating today’s fast-evolving technology landscape. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Raffa Investment Advisors

Tue 9/9 at 1 p.m. – From Engagement to Conversion: Keys to Driving Webinar Pipeline

Discover practical tips and best practices for transforming your webinars into powerful channels that engage audiences, identify top leads, and convert them into pipeline and revenue. Learn how to optimize webinars to uncover interest and intent signals, personalize webinars to increase engagement, set triggers to identify high-value leads, and empower sales teams with actionable first-party data. More info/register.

Host: ON24

Speaker: Mark Bornstein, Vice President, Marketing and Chief Evangelist

Wed 9/10 at 11 a.m. – Retrospectives: How to Continuously Improve Your Team

Hear how retrospectives are a powerful tool for both celebration and improvement. Learn how to highlight and maximize what your team already does well, while also tackling issues, avoiding common mistakes, and fostering real change. Explore a range of engaging retrospective techniques, how to choose the right one for your team’s needs, and practical tips to keep your retros fresh, valuable, and energizing. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Richard Cheng, VP of Training, Chief Product Owner, NextUp Solutions

Wed 9/10 at 12 p.m. – Your Association Needs an Online Community: Why and How To Do It Successfully

Your members already have several things in common, why not offer them an easy way to safely connect with their peers while advancing their careers and advancing the goals of your organization? Learn what an online community is, why your organization should put more resources into building the community, and how to leverage it as an impactful member benefit that will increase retention and overall revenue. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers:

Catherine Hackney, founder, Confident Communities Consulting
David Johnson, CAE, IOM, Director of Membership and Operations, NAFA Fleet Management Association

Wed 9/10 at 12 p.m. – The New Association Playbook: Data, Decisions, and Member Value

Disruption isn’t slowing down—and tradition alone won’t keep your programs relevant. Explore how associations can rethink “untouchable” programs, use data to guide decisions, pivot quickly when member needs change, and define engagement in ways that truly drive retention. More info/register.

Host: Marcus Leite, Director, Sales & Marketing, TaleWind Digital

Guest: Amanda Darnley, Chief Strategy Officer, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

Wed 9/10 at 12 p.m. – The True Cost of a Cyber Incident and the ROI of Cybersecurity Protection

Learn the full cost model of a ransomware event (downtime, data recovery, forensics, legal/regulatory, PR, ransom, and long-tail impacts); how to translate risk into dollars your leadership and board will understand; and a simple framework to compare “pay now vs. pay later” and show ROI on controls that actually reduce risk. Leave with a downloadable Ransomware Cost & Cyber-Investment ROI calculator (Excel) and a one-page checklist to brief your board and finance team. More info/register.

Host: Brian Scott, 501CISO

Wed 9/10 at 12 p.m. – Closing the Loop: The Path to Sustainable Events

Sustainability is reshaping the trade show and events industry, moving from a trend to a business imperative. Explore how to shift from a linear model of consumption and waste to a circular approach that maximizes resources, reduces environmental impact, and boosts efficiency. Hear about the current state of sustainability, areas of progress, and persistent challenges. Learn strategies for waste reduction, zero-waste goal setting, and designing sustainable event spaces—plus how these efforts can enhance client decisions and brand reputation. More info/register.

Host: ESCA’s Rising Leaders Committee

Speakers:

Elizabeth Fretheim, Vice President Sustainability, Freeman Company
Will Estes, Sustainability Manager, Emerald Carpets

Wed 9/10 at 1 p.m. – Cyber Deception for Associations: Stop Breaches Before They Start

Learn about key deception tactics (e.g., canaries, honeypots, honeytokens) and scenarios where they add value in an association’s security program; a minimal, high-impact deception plan that aligns with existing security tools and workflows; implementation steps and examples tailored to common association technology stacks; measurable benefits of deception, including earlier detection, reduced dwell time, and clearer incident signals; and governance considerations, common pitfalls, and strategies to strengthen a proactive security posture. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Ben Muscolino, Founder & CEO, AMS Geek
Ryan O’Donnell, CTO at Vortacity

Wed 9/10 at 1 p.m. – From Engagement to Non-Dues Revenue: Monetizing Your Online Community

Discover how forward-thinking associations are transforming their online communities into engines for non-dues revenue. Hear from association professionals on how they’ve implemented creative monetization strategies that not only increased member value, but actually paid for their communities, and then some. 0.75 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Higher Logic

Speakers:

Melissa Rysak, VP, Communications, IPMI
JJ Vitale, Director, Communications, ACF
Tiffany Moule, Sr. Strategic Advisor, Higher Logic
Brendan Leehe, Customer Marketing Mgr., Higher Logic

Thu 9/11 at 12 p.m. – Unlock Your Data’s Power: Strategic Insights for Associations

Learn how to transform your raw data into actionable intelligence. Explore the common pitfalls preventing associations from truly leveraging their data to inform strategy, pricing, member engagement, and more. Get practical guidance on identifying tactical “red flags” and implementing immediate fixes for common data quality and usage issues. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Hosts: Halmyre and IntelliData

Speakers:

Christine Saunders, Founder and President, Halmyre
Denny Lengkong, President, IntelliData

Thu 9/11 at 1 p.m. – The Future of Association Learning: How to Boost Efficiency and Engagement with Your LMS

Learn how optimizing your continuing education and event management processes can create measurable improvements in efficiency, member engagement, and non-dues revenue. See real-world examples of how organizations like the North Carolina Bar Association have transformed their learning programs to better serve their members. More info/register.

Host: Momentive Software

Speaker: Liam O’Malley, CAE, PMP, Momentive Software

Thu 9/11 at 3 p.m. – Top 10 Things to Know About ERP Selection & Implementation for Associations and Nonprofits

Explore the top considerations to keep in mind when selecting a new ERP system. Learn how to properly assess ERP vendors, focusing on their track record with nonprofits, flexibility, and ability to meet sector-specific demands. Hear about the true cost of ERP ownership, including often overlooked expenses like training and support. Learn how to distinguish between “must-have” and “nice-to-have” capabilities to guide a more strategic requirements gathering process, and how early planning and cleanup can avoid costly setbacks and ensure a smooth transition to your new ERP platform. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Bryan Hack, Principal at BHC Group

Fri 9/12 at 12:30 p.m. – Clause and Effect: Ask a Lawyer Anything

Host: Hopskip

Tue 9/16 at 10:30 a.m. 10 Minute Meditation

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Meditation leader: Moira Edwards, Owner & President, Ellipsis Partners

Tue 9/16 at 11 a.m. – Navigating What’s Next: Preparing Associations for the Future of Change Management

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Daniel Elacqua, CEO, and Christopher Maynard, Senior Executive, Strategico Consultants

Tue 9/16 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. – Metro NYSAE TechConnect: Solutions Showcase

Host: New York Society of Association Executives

Participants: CauseIS, re:Members, Yoko, Higher Logic

Tue 9/16 at 1 p.m. – Anchored in Wellness: Thriving Amidst the Complexity

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Steven Langer, Founder & CEO at Well By Design

Wed 9/17 at 11 a.m. – Building a Contingency Plan for an Unexpected CEO Departure

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Paul Preziotti, CPA, Partner, Johnson Lambert LLP
Michael Gellman, CPA, CGMA, Sustainability Education 4 Nonprofits

Wed 9/17 at 12 p.m. – Smart Ways to Bring AI into Your Community Strategy

Host: Led by Community

Speaker: Nicole Saunders, Founder of CXN Consulting, Co-host of the CX Nexus podcast, and Senior Director of CX Strategy at Higher Logic

Thu 9/18 at 11 a.m. – How Engagement & Technology Drove 4,000% Growth

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Tom Morrison, CEO at Metal Treating Institute
Dave Will, Co-Founder and CEO, PropFuel

Thu 9/18 at 1 p.m. – Reacting vs. Responding: Why It Matters to Sponsorship Success

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE, Founder & CEO at Growth Owl, LLC

Thu 9/18 at 3 p.m. – The AI Wake-Up Call for Associations: Inside the CSAE 2025 Report

Host: Farhad Khan, CEO of Member Lounge

Guest: Gerald Bramm, founder and principal of Bramm Research

Thu 9/18 at 4 p.m. – The Pulse of Association Membership: The 2025 Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report Update (Alexandria VA)

Host: ASAE Reston Loudoun Swap

Speaker: Tony Rossell, Senior VP, MGI

Fri 9/19 at 3 p.m. – Nonprofit Consultants Collaborative Monthly Networking Meeting

This monthly networking meeting is organized by consultants for full-time consultants who work with non-profits and associations. You don’t have to be an ASAE member to attend. This month’s agenda includes the sharing of good news, topics or questions from the group, and verifying AI material and protecting copyright. More info/register.

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

Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If you offer free professional development to the association community, please send me the link via email by Wednesday afternoon.

Creative Commons licensed photo by Elmer Cañas via Unsplash

Amazon, AssociationBrainFood.com, and Association Academy links allow me to earn a royalty and/or complimentary registration from any resulting leads or sales. Thank you!

Association Brain Food: 8.29.25

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

This week’s reads

Abstract management. OpenWater shares tips from experienced users on taking full advantage of the key features of your abstract management software. These pointers will help you improve your abstract program’s practices and processes.

365-learning. Tracy King at InspirEd suggests “retiring the one-off event model and positioning events as peak experiences within your 365-learning portfolio.” Her strategy helps attendees apply what they’ve learned to their jobs and map out their next professional development steps. A conference “designed as the crescendo of year-long value” differentiates your association from the competition for your audience’s attention and wallet.

Member growth for small staff associations. YourMembership describes ten strategies used by small staff associations to attract and retain members without breaking the bank. Their guide covers personalization, online career centers, mobile-friendly onboarding, online communities, member ambassadors, and membership model adjustments. They explain how to turn manual processes into automated workflows that free up staff time for more high-impact responsibilities.

Shared member experiences. Belinda Moore of Strategic Membership Solutions says member benefits, like webinars and newsletters, are commodities consumed alone and easily delivered by any organization. However, shared experiences in which people feel something together are “the invisible glue” that makes members renew, volunteer or advocate. She suggests ways to build more of these touchpoints into the member experience.

Association media. At Professionals for Association Revenue (PAR), Carla Kalogeridis of Kalo Media describes a strategic, no-nonsense approach to association media programs. She poses three questions that will help you streamline media offerings and boost non-dues revenue.

Building member communities. Nimble AMS describes the steps for planning an online community and turning it into a tool for member recruitment, engagement and retention. They explain how to define goals and success metrics, assemble your team, create a content strategy, establish guidelines, identify launch groups, create a rollout plan and use ambassadors to get conversations started.

Gen Z education. Peter Finn at Smithbucklin shares research findings on Gen Z’s professional expectations and preferences. He suggests key points to keep in mind when developing an educational strategy for a Gen Z audience. What he recommends for Gen Z will also appeal to members and customers in other generations.

AI and search. The AI Search Manual from iPullRank is quite a read, but if you want to stay on top of search rankings, you should give it a go. It explains how relevance engineering helps your organization stay visible: “structuring information so machines can retrieve, synthesize and cite it as part of AI-generated answers.” If you’re daunted by the manual’s length, try the TL;DR version.

Association AI adoption. Per ASAE’s latest pulse poll, while many associations (88%) use AI for something (mostly content creation), most (86%) feel either somewhat or not very prepared to navigate AI’s impacts. A lack of internal expertise is the top barrier to AI adoption, followed by data privacy and security concerns. The top AI priorities for the next 12 months: identifying relevant use cases, building staff capacity and developing organization-wide AI strategies.

You never grow old at the table

I pulled Italian meatballs out of the freezer, but didn’t feel like pasta (gasp!), so I asked ChatGPT for dinner ideas. A brilliant response: meatballs with ratatouille, a fusion of Italian and French cookery. My ratatouille included roasted eggplant, zucchini, and red and yellow bell pepper, plus onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, oregano, thyme, herbes de Provence and red pepper flakes. Serve with the meatballs over polenta with a sprinkling of Parmesan and fresh basil. Wowsa, we loved it.

Did I ever tell you about my cheater microwave polenta method? I learned it from Bon Appétit.

By the way, I used the same dinner idea prompt for ChatGPT and Claude. ChatGPT generated more specific and enticing ideas than Claude. I usually go to EatYourBooks for recipe ideas since it indexes the recipes from the cookbooks I own, but I didn’t want to wade through that many. However, if you own a lot of cookbooks, EYB is worth $40/year.

I made an old Portuguese-inspired favorite earlier in the week: baked cod with sausage (chouriço) and baby potatoes. I’ve always made this dish with white beans, but I had a bunch of potatoes lying around. On the side, roasted broccoli with red onion and garlic powder.

To subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post.

Tue 9/2 at 12 p.m.* – Collect, Analyze and Actually Use Member Feedback (Data Analytics Network)

Hear practical tips and real-world stories from data and survey experts on how to collect, analyze, and actually use member feedback. Learn how to design surveys people want to answer, pick the right tools, boost response rates (without bribery!), and turn results into action. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Data Analytics Network

Speakers:

Evan Reid (moderator), ASHA
Shari Jurik, ASHA
Martha McRoy, NORC
Julius Najab, AAAS

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

Tue 9/2 at 12 p.m. – How to Be an Employer of Choice

Learn why growth and purpose, not perks, are workplace currency; how to build development opportunities even without new titles or promotions; and the role of purpose and growth as retention tools. More info/register.

Host: EMK Learning Solutions

Speaker: Dr. Maurine Kwende

Tue 9/2 at 1 p.m. – Engaging With a Multi-Generational Membership

Learn about the defining traits, communication preferences, and engagement styles of each generation represented in your membership; and the different needs and expectations of members at various career stages, from students to seasoned professionals. Hear how to apply generational insights to design onboarding, networking, and career support strategies that foster stronger, more inclusive member engagement. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Dave Will, Co-Founder and CEO, PropFuel

Wed 9/3 at 11 a.m. – Evolving Event Design, Inside and Outside the Box

As participant expectations shift, event design is evolving in bold new ways. Learn about two standout examples of event design: Learning Journeys—immersive, off-site experiences with thought-provoking content and lasting impact; and Spontaneous Think Tanks—a dynamic crowdsourced event format where participants build the agenda and shape conversations in real time. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Skift Meetings

Speakers:

Liz Lathan, Co-Founder and Chief Community Officer of Club Ichi
Sven Boelhouwer, Event Experience Designer at Experience Experts.

Wed 9/3 at 12 p.m. – The Future of Connection: Is It Time to Close the Book on Chapters?

Connection today does not need to burden our members with requirements. If associations focus on what brings us together in the first place—creating relationships—we will be here for the long run. But what does that look like? And how do we break the bonds of “that’s the way we’ve always done it?” Discuss how the Relationship Industry can forge ahead in a world of instant gratification, online connection, and social isolation. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: AIOT

Facilitator: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, ACNP, author of Association Chapter Systems: From Frustrating to Fruitful, and founder of Rogue Tulips Consulting

Wed 9/3 at 3 p.m. – Unlocking Association Growth: Driving Recruitment Through Marketing and Community

Learn how SEO and GEO strategies can elevate your association’s visibility and attract the right prospects. Hear how to leverage your community to create deeper connections, increase engagement, and support ongoing recruitment. More info/register.

Host: Nexus Marketing

Speakers:

Petreysha Macute, Business Development Executive, Tradewing
Aliah Reyes, Client Solutions Executive, Nexus Marketing

Thu 9/4 at 9 a.m. – 2025 Event Marketing Trends straight from INBOUND

Learn what’s hot, what’s not, and what’s next in marketing; the big surprises from INBOUND 2025; and trends that will shape the year ahead. More info/register.

Hosts:

Julius Solaris, founder, Boldpush
Hilary Laney, VP customer success, Swoogo

Thu 9/4 at 11 a.m. – Creating Your Custom ChatGPT PR Guru

Imagine having an AI-powered PR assistant that understands your organization’s unique needs, streamlines your media outreach, and crafts compelling narratives—all customized to your voice. Discover how to harness ChatGPT to transform your PR strategy. Learn how to create a tailored model that organizes press lists, drafts personalized pitches, and automates follow-ups. Hear how associations and nonprofits are already leveraging this technology to secure top-tier coverage and elevate their reputations. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Colleen Gallagher, President & CEO at OnWrd & UpWrd

Thu 9/4 at 1 p.m. – Strategic Planning That Works: Tools You Can Use Tomorrow

Discover three practical tools that make planning more approachable, more engaging, and more effective for associations navigating the copious amounts of change in today’s world. Go beyond SWOT and learn how to anticipate challenges, spot opportunities, and shape your organization’s future with confidence. Get immediately usable frameworks to engage your team and strengthen your organization’s resilience, practical experience applying these tools during the session, and leave ready to confidently use them with your board, staff, or stakeholders. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Lee Gimpel, President at Better Meetings

Thu 9/4 at 2 p.m. – Evaluating a Vendor’s Integration Capability

Too often, integration challenges only surface after the contract is signed, leading to unexpected costs, delays, or disappointing outcomes. Learn how to uncover limitations or hidden costs tied to custom development, middleware, or licensing; prepare your database to support vendor integration; evaluate real-world compatibility between your CRM/AMS and proposed platforms; and avoid disruptions in member data, reporting, or automations. More info/register.

Host: 501Works

Speakers:

Holly Rice, CAE, leads CRM and data strategy at IDSA
Moira Edwards, President, Ellipsis Partners
James Marquis, CIO, 501Works

Thu 9/4 at 3 p.m. – Crush Member Churn! Your 5-Stage Journey to Unwavering Loyalty

Learn about the five critical phases every member progresses through; what members want at each stage and how to guide them; and how to use engagement moves, such as drip emails and recognition, to create habits and boost renewals. More info/register.

Host: Member Lounge

Speaker: Michael Grahi, Member Lounge

Tue 9/9 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Panel Discussion: Evolution of the Industry Moving from Discussion to Implementation of AI (Washington DC)

Host: Certification Network Group

Speakers:

Ann Evers, GED Testing Service, The Council for Professional Recognition
Charles Glover, SHRM
Amada Jewell, Prometric
Alex Lord, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

Tue 9/9 at 11 a.m. – Smart Practices in Association Fundraising

Host: UST Education

Speaker: David Coyne, President at The Sheridan Group

Tue 9/9 at 1 p.m. – Technology Management: When to Insource, Outsource, or Do Both

Host: UST Education

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

Wed 9/10 at 11 a.m. – Retrospectives: How to Continuously Improve Your Team

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Richard Cheng, VP of Training, Chief Product Owner, NextUp Solutions

Wed 9/10 at 12 p.m. – Your Association Needs an Online Community: Why and How To Do It Successfully

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers:

Catherine Hackney, founder, Confident Communities Consulting
David Johnson, CAE, IOM, Director of Membership and Operations, NAFA Fleet Management Association

Wed 9/10 at 1 p.m. – From Engagement to Non-Dues Revenue: Monetizing Your Online Community

Host: Higher Logic

Speakers:

Melissa Rysak, VP, Communications, IPMI
JJ Vitale, Director, Communications, ACF
Tiffany Moule, Sr. Strategic Advisor, Higher Logic
Brendan Leehe, Customer Marketing Mgr., Higher Logic

Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If you offer free professional development to the association community, please send me the link via email by Wednesday afternoon.

Creative Commons licensed photo by Chris Bair via Unsplash

Amazon, AssociationBrainFood.com, and Association Academy links allow me to earn a royalty and/or complimentary registration from any resulting leads or sales. Thank you!

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

Good reads for the association community

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

To subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post.

Share this:

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

Good reads for the association community

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

To subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post.

Share this:

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

Good reads for the association community

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

To subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post.

Share this:

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

Reads for the association community

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

To subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post.

Share this:

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

Reads for the association community

You never grow old at the table

To subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post.

Share this:

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

This week’s reads

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

To subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post.

Share this:

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

This week’s reads

Association industry partner corner

You never grow old at the table

To subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post.

Share this:

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

This week’s reads

You never grow old at the table

To subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post.

Share this: