Association Brain Food

Association Brain Food: 8.1.25

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

Digital badge benefits for associations. TopClass LMS explains why digital badges have gone from trendy to mainstream. They describe the benefits of microcredentialing and digital badge programs for associations, such as expanding your audience (hello Gen Z and millennials), helping members gain new in-demand skills, strengthening employer partnerships, and boosting revenue.

Recruiting Gen Z. re:Members summarizes what the research says about Gen Z—how they’re different from earlier generations. Because Gen Z is not a monolithic group, they describe awareness and recruitment strategies for three Gen Z segments. They also suggest associations create a membership community in which Gen Z can flourish in their own way.

Association reality check. GrowthZone’s 2025 trends survey shares some uncomfortable truths about our industry. Member engagement and retention remain the #1 challenge—yet most associations still don’t have a written plan to address it. The report also covers membership growth, revenue, community platform usage, and more. If you’re wondering whether your challenges are unique to your association or if you’re missing opportunities others have found, this benchmarking data will either ease or agitate your mind.

529s for credentialing programs. At Trade Show News Network, Tommy Goodwin describes how the One Big Beautiful Bill Act addresses workforce challenges through expanded Pell Grant eligibility for short-term training programs and 529 savings plan coverage for industry certifications. Make sure your credentialing landing pages include this news.

Build your own disruptor. Mallory Mejias at Sidecar takes you through the steps of an exercise in which you use an imaginary competitor as a tool to reimagine what your association could become. “If we started from scratch with AI, what would we build?” She predicts a change in mindset as a result. “Your team shifts from scarcity thinking to abundance thinking. The exercise that begins as competitive analysis transforms into creative liberation.” I’m going to figure out a way to apply this to my business.

Monetizing education content. D2L describes five strategies for scaling and monetizing your existing education programs without creating new content, such as freemium models with premium upsells, tiered access to virtual events, single events with ongoing access options, extended event formats that break content into monthly tracks, and subscription-based access to specialized content. Love these ideas.

State of association marketing. When Mighty Citizen assessed the marketing maturity of associations for their annual benchmarking report, they got mixed results. The report shares key takeaways and year-over-year benchmarks within six marketing categories (research/analytics, branding/strategy, marketing/SEO, UX design/content, technology, and team dynamics). See how your association compares and take advantage of their recommendations for improving your marketing effectiveness.

Gen Z loneliness at work. Suzanne Blake at Newsweek shares research findings about Gen Z at work. She suggests what companies could do to make work life less lonely for Gen Z, but the onus shouldn’t just be on employers. Gen Z should make an effort too. I’ve often thought associations could offer free adulting classes to teach this generation about workplace behavior that will help them develop relationships and advance their careers.

How employers can help Gen Z employees. Ask and ye shall receive. Here’s an article at the Wall Street Journal by Susan Lucia Annunzio with five suggestions on how to motivate your Gen Z employees (gift link). If her advice doesn’t work, you know what to do.

Snacks

Why managing data effectively matters. I bet you know which association he’s talking about. | Wes Trochlil, Effective Database Management

As AI gets smarter, it acts more evil. We’ve heard the crazy stories, but here’s a fascinating hypothesis about why it’s happening. | Ted Gioia

Associations, imagine the buzz when attendees discover one of these sponsored bathrooms at your next conference. Find an industry partner who can help you make it happen. | Claire Hoffman, BizBash

The lost essential art of loafing. | Eric Scheske

You never grow old at the table

High 90s at dinnertime? Refresh yourself with a blackened salmon dinner salad with spring mix, spinach, arugula, avocado, bacon, pecans, feta, cuke, carrot, broccoli, celery, red bell pepper, radish, tomatoes, and sweet onion. My blackened spice mix includes smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, ground ancho chile, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.

Here’s a simple dish that doesn’t require as much chopping: baked salsa chicken. I used thighs and omitted the tomatoes, corn, and rice. On the side, collards sautéed with carrot, red onion, bacon, red bell, poblano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and ancho chile powder.

I made our traditional beach dinner for three generations of our family at the beach last week: shrimp pasta with onion, red bell pepper, garlic, tomatoes, white wine, lemon juice, Parmesan, basil, and butter. On the side, salad and garlic bread, and Bill’s key lime pie for dessert.

Back at home, we enjoyed flounder and salmon in a coconut red curry sauce with collards and sweet potatoes. We spooned it over brown rice made in the pressure cooker.

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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 8/1 at 12 p.m.* – ASAE Consultant Community Qualitative Discussion

In July, the ASAE Key Consultants Committee (KCC) began its strategic planning efforts designed to enhance the value of the Consultants Membership for ASAE. Over 180 ASAE Consultant Members responded to the survey. Dean West, FASAE, Key Consultant Committee Chair, will review the research results and outline the next steps in the Strategic Planning Process. More info/register (ASAE consultant members only).

Host: ASAE

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

Fri 8/1 at 2 p.m. – Mastering Virtual AGMs: The Must-Knows & How-Tos-for Associations

As more organizations shift to virtual and hybrid formats, it’s essential to understand how to adapt without losing the structure, engagement, or compliance that Annual General Meetings require. Learn how to leverage technology, such as, virtual meetings and electronic voting to overcome common challenges and improve the way your association conducts governance meetings and related procedures; choose the right technological solution for associations governance meetings; and hold more efficient, secure meetings. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speaker: Ben Zelikovitz, CEO, GetQuorum

Mon 8/4 at 8 a.m. – The Ins and Outs of Component Relations (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: Samyuktha Neeraja

Tue 8/5 at 10:30 a.m. – Lobbyist Registration

There’s a lot of confusion—and misinformation—about what it really means to be a registered federal lobbyist. Does it require disclosure? Is your status public? What are the implications for your employer, especially if the employer is a federal contractor? Can it impact gift rules or political contributions? Join a myth-busting session that will clarify what’s really at stake when it comes to lobbyist registration. More info/register.

Host: Gary Gallant, Gallant Law Group

Tue 8/5 at 12 p.m. – Building the Foundation: Data Infrastructure Basics for Association (Data Analytics Network)

Explore the core components of modern data infrastructure—including data warehouses, data lakes, and lakehouses—and how to determine the right solution to drive member engagement, measure impact, and inform strategic decisions. Whether your organization is laying the groundwork or seeking to modernize, this session will provide practical guidance and clear next steps. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Data Analytics Network

Speakers:

Alex Mouw, AWS
Ben Scheich (moderator), AWHONN

Tue 8/5 at 1 p.m. – Succession Planning Crisis: The Lack of Knowledge in Transitions

When someone leaves, they take everything they know and all the relationships they have built with them. Building a knowledge management program is crucial to keeping any organization on track, especially after a departure. Learn about the importance of building a knowledge management program to support succession planning, leadership training, onboarding, and why thinking through the transition from one staff member or volunteer leader to the next supports positive outcomes for the future of the organization. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Cecilia Sepp, Principal at Rogue Tulips Consulting

Tue 8/5 at 3 p.m. – Lead the AI Shift: What Association Executives Must Do Now to Stay Ahead

As AI transforms how members engage and how associations stay relevant, AI adoption needs clear vision from the top. And the leaders who act now will set the pace for long-term impact. Learn how to use AI to scale personalized member experiences without extra resources, boost content reach and credibility through AI-optimized strategies, achieve 2–10x efficiency with automation and streamlined workflows, and turn your community into the go-to expert for your members with AI-powered search. 0.5 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Higher Logic

Speaker: Rob Wenger, CEO & Co-Founder of Higher Logic

Wed 8/6 at 12 p.m. – From Resistance to Results: Build a Culture that Thrives on Event Data (Yes, It’s Possible)

Learn how to overcome organizational resistance and win over data skeptics; integrate data analysis into your team’s workflow; boost event attendance and engagement; make future-proofed, data-driven decisions for your events; transform event data into organizational success; and build a sustainable data culture within your association. More info/register.

Host: Event ROI Coach

Speakers:

Amanda Gochee, Group Vice President Marketing Strategy, Clarion Events
Vinnu Deshetty (moderator), the Event ROI Coach

Thu 8/7 at 1 p.m. – From One-Size-Fits-All to One-to-One: How AI is Transforming Member Communications

Learn what personalization really means today—beyond just adding a first name, how AI and automation are reshaping engagement for organizations, and why relevance beats frequency when communicating. Hear about real-world examples of teams using personalization to improve engagement and practical steps to start implementing personalization in your communication strategy. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Molly Phayer, Director of Customer Success and Product at Rasa.io

Thu 8/7 at 2 p.m. – Beyond the Booth: Elevating the Exhibitor Experience for Real Results

Too often, exhibitors are left to fend for themselves without the tools, training, or guidance they need to succeed—and when they struggle, your event’s ROI takes a hit. Learn why exhibitors don’t engage with the tools you offer—and how to fix it; how to increase adoption of booth profiles, show specials, and marketing tools; boost usage of mobile apps and matchmaking tools; encourage exhibitors to participate in sponsorships for greater impact; and why exhibitor training pays off in satisfaction, success, and retention. More info/register.

Host: Personify A2Z Events

Speakers:

Marlys Arnold, Exhibit Marketing Strategist and author
Rich Vallaster, DES, CEM, Senior Director of Industry Relations and Community Engagement, Personify

Thu 8/7 at 2 p.m. – Event Budget Strategies

Learn proven techniques for budgeting, cost-saving tips, and how to prioritize spending to maximize your event’s impact. More info/register.

Host: Smart Meetings

Speaker: Lesley Barnett, CMP, CIS, Bishop-McCann

Sat 8/9 from 4 to 6 p.m. PDT – ASAE Annual Happy Hour at Moxy Downtown (Los Angeles CA)

Join us for a warm welcome to LA full of stars like you during the 2025 ASAE Annual Meeting. Catch up with AWTC community members, expand your network, and find your people before navigating the next few days. This IRL opportunity to socialize and network with your industry peers is brought to you by the generous support of the AWTC Friends who sponsored this event. Location: Los Angeles CA. More info/register.

Organizer: Association Women Technology Champions

Tue 8/12 at 12 p.m. – Beyond Numbers: Business Leadership for CFOs

Learn how to turn your focus from just numbers to strategy and growth (shedding the “bean counter” label), build credibility through functional leadership in non-financial areas of the business (IT, Operations, HR, etc.), understand the differences between top-flight CFOs and those who are not yet flying, and stay where you are, transition to CEO, or transition to something else. More info/register.

Host: Braintrust Professional Institute

Speakers: Randall Craig and Ronja Francoeur, Braintrust Professional Institute

Wed 8/13 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. CDT – Hot Topics in Credentialing (Chicago IL)

Move through stations hosted by industry experts who will engage in discussions and answer key questions that you’ve always wanted to ask. Location: Chicago, IL. More info/register.

Host: Certification Network Group

Speakers:

Accreditation: Christine Niero, PhD, Professional Testing Inc. for ISO/IEC 17024 and Matt Ferris, National Board of Certification & Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists for the NCCA Standard
Security: Mark Conley, National Restaurant Association
Psychometrics: Kirk Becker, Pearson Vue
Marketing Next Gen: Michelle Godofsky, Dental Assisting National Board
Regulatory Update: Don Balasa, American Association of Medical Assistants
AI: Alan Meade, Certiverse and Liz Santana, Inteleos

Thu 8/14 at 1 p.m. – Stop Losing Prospects From Your Home Page in the First Ten Seconds

Find out why even the most polished websites struggle to convert visitors. Learn how to craft emotionally resonant, evidence-backed pages that build trust, differentiate your brand, and move buyers to action. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Diane Saeger, CEO at Marketeery

Fri 8/15 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

Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If you’re offering free professional development to the association community, please send me the link via email by Wednesday afternoon the week before your event is scheduled.

Creative Commons licensed photo by Michael Saidov via Unsplash

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Association Brain Food: 7.18.25

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

Association Brain Food won’t be in your inbox next Friday (July 25) because I’m at the beach next week with my family. You’ll get the next edition on Friday, August 1.

AI implementation. Before implementing AI tools, Holly Rice, CAE suggests doing foundational work first if you want to “fully harness AI’s promise as it matures.” Pay special attention to integration, the “quality of [your] data pipelines, thoughtful workflow design, and clearly defined processes. Without these fundamentals, even the smartest AI tools can fall short.”

Gen Z careers. Bruno V. Manno at The74 shares research on teenagers and career readiness. His article highlights how associations and their chapters can help Gen Z explore careers and assist employers in building their workforce.

Small staff association benchmarks. Momentive Software describes the key findings of a benchmark survey of associations with an annual revenue of less than $5 million. For example, the priorities of small associations are not always aligned with their day-to-day focus or the priorities of their members. The report also shares data about the use of technology and AI by small staff associations.

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.

Business model innovation. A report from McKinley Advisors explains how to reimagine aspects of your business model to adapt to changing market conditions, emerging trends, or disruptive innovation. They describe the five key dimensions of an association business model, barriers you may encounter during reinvention, and the experiences of associations who have created new products and services or reinvented their business model.

AI advantage. Sherry Budziak at .orgSource believes AI is not so much a tool, as “a powerful force to reimagine what’s possible.” When implementing AI, she suggests leaning into the human aspects of your association: critical thinking, community, and the trust and integrity you’ve built up with your members and industry—these are your competitive advantages.

Repurposing event content. Snapsight explains how to use AI tools to turn session content into resources that generate revenue and engagement. It’s an intriguing list: premium on-demand library, microcredentials, sponsored content collections, exhibitor intelligence reports, data-enriched industry reports, speaker spotlight packages, session remix products, and interactive learning communities, along with a 30-day action plan.

AI content scraping. Mark Schaefer offers a contrarian take on why you should let AI scrape your website content. At Sidecar, Mallory Mejias explains the scraping situation, CloudFlare’s response, and the pitfalls of blocking, and provides a framework for making a decision. She says, “The real question isn’t whether to block or not to block. It’s whether you’re making a thoughtful, strategic decision based on your association’s unique mission and circumstances—or simply reacting out of fear.”

Members’ career goals. People join associations for networking and education. Their ultimate goal is career advancement. Chris Johnson at Naylor says associations are missing the opportunity to be the career solution for their members. He’s not just talking about job boards, but the guidance (yes!), education, credentials, and resources members need to get ahead.

Snacks

Why every association CEO must be a tech CEO—and what you need to know about your association’s tech. | Joanna Pineda, Matrix Group

Why a pre-test should be the first step in your certification candidates’ journey. | Jeremy Williams, Holmes Corporation

Why won’t socialism die? The simple explanation is that people like free stuff. | Tyler Cowen, The Free Press

You never grow old at the table

Instead of going out into another thunderstorm—a daily event here in NC lately—I pulled dinner ingredients out of the freezer. I defrosted two thick pork chops along with cranberry sauce and made pork chops with a cranberry/chipotle/herb pan sauce. I thawed a bag of frozen green beans and finished them with sautéed red onion, red bell pepper, sundried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. On the side, nuked sweet potatoes.

Back into the freezer the next night for salmon and crab stuffing. I made this luscious topping a few weeks ago with lump crabmeat, chopped spinach, cream cheese, green onion, Parmesan, lemon thyme, basil, garlic powder, and breadcrumbs. I topped the fillets with the crab stuffing, brushed them with melted butter, and sprinkled them with a little Old Bay before popping them in the oven.

The freezer wasn’t involved in my cabbage, kale, bratwurst, and cannellini bean skillet. The pan also included onion, mushroom, red bell, poblano, jalapeño, garlic, tomato paste, smoked paprika, caraway seeds, and apple cider vinegar. Yummy comfort food.

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

Fri 7/18 at 12 p.m.* – Marketing Mindshare: AI in Action—A Virtual Lunch Chat

Are you curious how your association marketing colleagues are using AI in their organizations? Struggling to get buy-in for AI initiatives and want to learn how others are making it work? Using surface-level AI tools and ready to dive deeper? Discover how AI is transforming the association marketing landscape, real-world opportunities and challenges of adopting AI for your MarTech needs. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Marketing Professionals Advisory Council

Moderators:

Laura Sparks, outgoing chair of the Marketing Professionals Advisory Council
Evan Reid, member of the Technology Professionals Advisory Council

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

Fri 7/18 at 3 p.m. – Nonprofit Consultants Collaborative Monthly Networking Call

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

Mon 7/21 at 8 a.m. – How Are Associations Like Cool Hand Luke? (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Carl Weaver

Tue 7/22 at 10:30 a.m. – Hosting a Lawmaker at Your HQ

Learn about best practices and compliance essentials. More info/register.

Host: Gary Gallant, Gallant Law Group

Tue 7/22 at 11 a.m. – The Association Marketing Manifesto – Live, Part 2: Numbers Don’t Lie: The 5 Marketing Metrics Every Association Leader Should Track (But Probably Doesn’t)

While many associations glance at membership counts and dues revenue periodically, truly data-driven organizations dig deeper. Explore five critical metrics—ARR, MRR, retention rate, NPS, and CAC—and how they can inform smarter marketing and membership decisions. Get a break down on each one, how to calculate it (without a finance degree), and how it ties to strategy and storytelling in the boardroom. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Brianne Wheeler, CEO / Founder at Levitate Marketing

Tue 7/22 at 12 p.m. – Association Cybersecurity: The Human Layer

Cybersecurity isn’t just a tech problem-it’s a people problem. Staff, volunteers, and board members can either be your strongest defense or your biggest risk. Explore real-world examples of how attackers target humans-not systems; the most common mistakes people make that lead to breaches; low-cost ways to build a culture of security awareness and accountability; how to leverage policies, training, and simulations for real results; and why human behavior is the most overlooked risk in your security strategy. More info/register.

Host: Brian Scott, nonprofit cybersecurity expert and founder, 501CISO

Tue 7/22 at 1 p.m. – ROI That Resonates: Proving Sponsor Value in Purpose-Driven Partnerships

Learn about navigating ROI discussions with sponsors. Hear about common ROI questions, strategies to confidently frame your value, and ways to build trust while highlighting both tangible and intangible outcomes. Walk away with practical language and a fresh perspective to strengthen your sponsorship relationships and drive long-term success. More info/register.

Host: Lori Zoss Kraska, Founder and CEO of Growth Owl, LLC

Guest: John Bacon, Vice President of Enterprise Sales at ASAE

Tue 7/22 at 1 p.m. – How AI Is Shaping the Future of State Government Affairs

Hear from state government affairs leaders on how AI is shaping their day-to-day work. Learn how they evaluate and apply AI tools, what’s working, and how they see the technology evolving in the government affairs space. More info/register.

Host: Quorum

Speakers:

Allison Nadeau, Policy and Advocacy Manager, ALS Network
Victoria Francis, Deputy Director, State and Local, American Immigration Council

Tue 7/22 at 3:30 p.m. CDT – AWTC Roundtable in Chicago

Join other champions of women in tech for an in-person roundtable focused on the latest tech, marketing, and data challenges facing associations. The relaxed atmosphere fosters open dialogue, collaboration, and creativity around how these areas impact operational efficiency, data literacy, and member engagement. If you’ve got a challenge, share it, so we can come up with creative solutions together. Afterwards, let’s continue the conversation with a happy hour and drinks. Location: Chicago IL. More info/register.

Organizer: Association Women Technology Champions

Wed 7/23 at 12 p.m. – Sustaining Mental and Physical Health as a Chief Staff Executive

Join an important conversation on sustaining mental and physical health as an association chief staff executive and explore several critical issues including the shifting paradigm of stress, health, and work-life balance; governance challenges and leadership transitions; self-harm, gender disparities, and physical health concerns; and building a path to healthier leadership. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Executive Management Professionals Advisory Council

Speakers:

Lindsay Currie, CAE, Executive Officer, Council on Undergraduate Research
Adam Levy, CAE, Executive Director, American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association
Tara Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP, Executive Director, Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) and RTDNA Foundation
Silvia Quevedo, CAE, Executive Director, Lamaze International

Wed 7/23 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

Wed 7/23 at 12:30 p.m. – NextGen Advisory Committee Meet & Greet with Cicely Anderson, Life Purpose Architects

Gain valuable insights on how you could personally and professionally benefit from coaching and build connections with an association leader. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE NextGen Advisory Committee

Speaker: Cicely Anderson, Life Purpose Architects

Wed 7/23 at 1 p.m. – Creating Super Member Profiles That Drive Engagement and Personalization

Learn what data is most valuable to capture and how to structure member profiles to support personalization efforts. Discover creative approaches for motivating members to provide and refresh their information over time, making profiles more dynamic and accurate. Hear how AI can deliver personalized member experiences, provided you have the right data foundation. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fonteva

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

Wed 7/23 at 1 p.m. – The Community Playbook: Part 2 – The Launch Kit

Learn about a repeatable system to welcome members, spark conversation, and keep your online community active week after week. Hear about the 3-Post Welcome System to onboard new members with clarity and consistency; proven engagement triggers that prompt replies, tags, and member shoutouts; and a 30-minute weekly touchpoint to review stats, reconnect, and plan posts. More info/register.

Host: GrowthZone

Wed 7/23 at 2 p.m. – A Deep Dive Into Attrition and Cancellation

Changing attendance numbers, questions about international travel, and fluctuating pricing are some of the factors playing into changes that planners are having to make to their supplier contracts this year. Hear about contract ramifications from political policy changes, when (and how) to renegotiate your contracts without burning bridges, managing constant price changes, and solutions to attrition troubles stemming from current travel trends. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

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

Wed 7/23 at 3 p.m. – Boosting Member Engagement: Marketing Strategies for Online Communities

Hear how to drive meaningful participation, strengthen virtual connections, and build a thriving online member experience through targeted marketing efforts. Learn what motivates members to engage online — and what drives them away; marketing strategies that foster connection, conversation, and consistency; how to tailor content and campaigns to your members’ needs and behaviors; and tips for leveraging community tools to deepen digital engagement. More info/register.

Host: Nexus Marketing

Speakers:

Petreysha Macute, Client Success Specialist, Tradewing
Aliah Reyes, Client Solutions Executive for Associations, Nexus Marketing

Thu 7/24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – How to Design a Product Portfolio

Learn about the indispensability of a product portfolio. Find out how to analyze and map your current offerings, organize your offerings into a high-level product portfolio, identify interdependencies and find new value for your membership, use your portfolio as a strategy, planning, or budget tool, and keep your portfolio updated and timeless. More info/register.

Host: James Young, founder, Product Community

Thu 7/24 at 11 a.m. – Your event experience design challenges solved LIVE

Tired of the same old event formats? Ready to design experiences that captivate and delight your audience? Submit your event experience design challenge for Robert to solve, live on air. Whether it’s maximizing joy, boosting engagement, or creating unforgettable moments, no challenge is too big or too small. More info/register.

Host: Grip

Speaker: Robert Dunsmore, Independent Creative Director

Thu 7/24 at 12 p.m. – Leadership Retreats: Mistakes to Avoid

Gain helpful insights on the top reasons why leadership retreats fail to move the needle. Get some insider perspective on changes you can make to increase your ROI on your offsite. (Note: We are not event planners; the focus of the session is on retreat content design and delivery.) More info/register.

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

Thu 7/24 at 12 p.m. – The Journey to Lead: Designing Pathways for Future Leaders

You can design a leadership journey map that fosters growth, creates deeper connections, and ensures a robust pipeline of passionate, prepared leaders. Learn about leadership stages, from early engagement to board leadership, within your organization; how to outline and promote intentional leadership pathways to align with members’ interests and strengths; and encourage involvement, develop leadership competencies, and mentor future leaders to ensure lasting impact. More info/register.

Host: Cathi Hight, President of Hight Performance Group

Thu 7/24 at 1 p.m. – Cre-AI-tivity: Embracing AI to Transform Event Experiences

Hear about the innovative ways AI technologies can enhance various aspects of event management. By leveraging AI alongside the right event tech, event planners can unlock new levels of creativity and efficiency, ensuring a seamless and personalized attendee journey. Learn how to harness the power of AI to elevate your event planning and execution, making your events not only memorable but also highly engaging and impactful. More info/register.

Host: BizBash

Speakers:

Kevin Cobb, Vice President, Strategic Marketing, Augeo Marketing
Marco Ogsimer, Director, Event Technology, Augeo
John D’Adamo, Regional Vice President, East Coast Media Sales, BizBash

Thu 7/24 at 1 p.m. – AI in the Boardroom: Transforming Governance for Associations

Learn how AI supports meeting preparation, automatically captures minutes, and helps track compliance and policy actions; key risks such as data privacy and content accuracy, along with the ethical responsibilities board directors should weigh when adopting AI; how to evaluate, select, and adopt AI tools that align with the governance needs of your association; and early patterns and use cases that are already shaping how associations approach governance with the help of AI. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers: Tim Adair, Chief Product Officer, and Jordan Castel, Association Governance Consultant, OnBoard

Thu 7/24 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, showcasing their impact on real-world scenarios. Learn to create targeted personas in ChatGPT for personalized content and interactions, and which settings to adjust for privacy and security, and understand 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

Thu 7/24 at 3 p.m. – Mobilizing Your Mission: Strengthening Member & Volunteer Engagement

Hear strategies for building stronger, more lasting relationships with your members and volunteers. Explore what motivates involvement, how to create meaningful connections, and what tools actually work. Learn how to turn enthusiasm into action. More info/register.

Host: NXUnite

Speakers:

Brian Lacy, Data Consultant at NPOInfo
Peter Deitz, Co-Founder at Unwrapit
Judith Oviosun, Membership and Engagement Manager at Volunteer Canada

Tue 7/29 at 11 a.m. – Bridging the Gap: What Young Professionals Really Want from Associations

Hear about new research from the University of Southern California and Multiview that uncovers what over 470 U.S. graduate students and early-career professionals really think about associations—the results may surprise you. Learn about the “awareness-value gap” and its impact on member engagement, key drivers of value for graduate students and early-career professionals, and strategies to clearly communicate and deliver value to next-gen audiences. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Hayley Schofill, Multiview, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships

Tue 7/29 at 12 p.m. – Motivation and Mentorship: Transforming Your Mindset

What if your workplace energized young people instead of leaving them overwhelmed or overlooked? Discover how adopting a mentor mindset can boost mental health, ignite purpose, and transform the future of work. More info/register.

Host: Sarah Sladek, Founder and CEO, XYZ University

Guest: Dr. David Yeager, Co-Founder, Texas Behavioral Science and Policy Institute

Tue 7/29 at 1 p.m. – We Didn’t Talk All Year, But Wanna Renew?

If you’re not consistently providing value, a renewal notice is just a cold email. And yet, that’s what many of us still do: cold emails, postcards, voicemail drops. Learn how associations are shifting from reminders to value. Hear about behavior-based signals, simple questions, and timely nudges that re-engage members well before their expiration date, and simple, scalable tactics to create personalized renewal journeys that feel conversational and relevant rather than transactional. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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

Tue 7/29 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. – FAB Community Dialogue Report Launch Webinar

How can all association community stakeholders work together to create a better future for association boards? Hear nine recommendations for action for association stakeholders to pursue together as they shape a better future for our community’s boards, share next practices to facilitate implementation, and offer your ideas and insights. More info/register.

Host: re:Members

Speaker: Jeff De Cagna AIMP FRSA FASAE, executive advisor for Foresight First LLC, and curator and editor of the Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue and Newsletter

Tue 7/29 at 2 p.m. – 8 Ideas for Locally Rooted Meetings and Conventions

Imparting a deep, detailed sense of place in meetings can enhance attendees’ experience and benefit the host community at the same time. Hear about the importance of all things local to connect with a community, immerse in the place, and even find cost-savings. From sourcing locally grown food to hosting events in culturally significant venues, these ideas will help you create meaningful connections during the visit and create lasting impressions with your attendees. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers: Andrea Schmidt, Convention Sales Manager (Midwest), and Katie Purrington, Conventions Sales Manager (Washington, DC, Southeast), Visit Anchorage

Tue 7/29 at 2 p.m. – AI-Powered Career Success: Building Your Future in Events

As AI changes industries everywhere, event planners have a unique chance to use these tools for long-term success or risk falling behind competitors who embrace the change. Learn how AI is changing the future of work for event professionals and what this means for your career path and how AI can help you manage stress, prevent burnout, and stay healthy in a demanding industry. Hear about AI tools you can use today to improve efficiency and attendee experiences and a free custom GPT tool designed specifically for event professionals. More info/register.

Host: Smart Meetings

Speakers:

Gary A. Bolles, Co-founder of Parachute.com, Author, and Chair at Singularity University
Robin Farmanfarmaian, Serial Healthcare Entrepreneur & Speaker
Noah Cheyer, Co-founder and Head of Marketing & Operations at Speak About AI

Wed 7/30 at 11 a.m. – The Association Marketing Manifesto – Live, Part 3: From Random Acts to Strategic Impact: Building a Marketing Culture That Works

What does it look like when marketing is actually aligned with strategy? Learn about quarterly planning (and why annual plans should be recycled), campaign prioritization, team support, and internal trust-building. This methodology is for both marketers and leaders to co-create a system that fosters creativity, accountability, and sustainable results—without burnout or bandaids. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Brianne Wheeler,CEO / Founder at Levitate Marketing

Wed 7/30 at 12 p.m. – Managing the Transition: Succession Planning & Interim Leadership

Gartner says annual employee turnover may jump by almost 20% from pre-pandemic levels. Learn about a systemic approach to succession planning, the role of interim executives, the need for associations to implement talent planning and development, and how DEIA+ affects employee retention and recruitment. Gain insights into how you can be prepared to weather these transitions, how you can step up and lead during this time, and what to expect if your association has a high percentage of talent turnover. More info/register.

Host: Association Xchange

Speaker: Jeffrey R. Wilcox, president and CEO of the Interim Executives Academy

Wed 7/30 at 1 p.m. – Chew the Fat With Us: Demystifying Tech Vendor Speak

Decode seven tech phrases that vendors throw around. Hear what they really mean, how they affect your business, and, most importantly, what you should do when you hear them. Think of this as your “vendor-speak” cheat sheet – so you’ll never be caught off-guard again. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Olivia Wilkins, Business Analyst/Project Manager, PerByte
Kenjie Davis, Owner at Association Management System Guru

Wed 7/30 at 1 p.m. – Must-Have Contract Clauses: Leave Nothing On The Table

Hear about the latest twists in meeting contracts and the critical clauses that can make or break a meeting’s success. Topics include price increases, AI innovations, staffing shortages, force majeure clauses, data breaches, security issues and dealing with controversial new laws. Hear about ways to craft contract terms that protect all parties involved and ensure successful event outcomes, and creative and flexible solutions to address new and evolving legal challenges in meeting planning. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: Joshua Grimes Esq., Grimes Law Offices, LLC

Wed 7/30 at 2 p.m. – Critical Thinking and AI: Skills that Make AI Useful

Learn why critical thinking is essential for getting value from AI; how to frame problems clearly for better AI results; how a simple framework helps you decide when to use AI; and how to evaluate AI output for truth, ethics, and reliability. More info/register.

Host: Clarity Consultants

Thu 7/31 at 12 p.m. – Elevating Online Training Quality by Aligning with Industry Best Practices

Hear about strategies to meet learners where they are, both in terms of access and readiness, guiding them toward their learning goals. Learn how to turn your organization’s subject matter expertise into accessible, learner-centered content. Explore common challenges in online training that can be overcome through thoughtful use of data and collaborative development that ensure programs are designed with a clear understanding of what your users need. More info/register.

Host: eLearningDOC

Speakers:

Bradley A. Davis, CAE, BRMP, Director of Training and Content Development, International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training, and Principal and Founder, Arete Ink LLC
Angela Robbins (moderator), Founder & CEO, eLearningDOC

Thu 7/31 at 1 p.m. – Unlocking Committee Potential: Meeting Management Strategies for Staff Liaisons

Learn about the relationship between staff liaisons and volunteer committee leaders to cultivate collaboration and teamwork; committee goals, metrics, timelines, and roles/responsibilities; strategies for structuring committee meeting agendas/minutes to maximize productivity and accountability; techniques to facilitate meaningful participation and decision-making within committees; and tools and practices for optimizing virtual committee meetings and promoting engagement among remote participants. More info/register.

Host: EventGarde

Speaker: Aaron Wolowiec, Founder & President, Event Garde

Fri 8/1 at 2 p.m. – Mastering Virtual AGMs: The Must-Knows & How-Tos-for Associations

Host: ASAE

Speaker: Ben Zelikovitz, CEO, GetQuorum

Tue 8/5 at 10:30 a.m. – Lobbyist Registration

Learn what is fact and what is fiction regarding political and ethical restrictions. More info/register.

Host: Gary Gallant, Gallant Law Group

Tue 8/5 at 12 p.m. – Building the Foundation: Data Infrastructure Basics for Association (Data Analytics Network)

Host: Data Analytics Network

Speakers:

Alex Mouw, AWS
Ben Scheich (moderator), AWHONN

Tue 8/5 at 1 p.m. – Succession Planning Crisis: The Lack of Knowledge in Transitions

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Cecilia Sepp, Principal at Rogue Tulips Consulting

Thu 8/7 at 1 p.m. – From One-Size-Fits-All to One-to-One: How AI is Transforming Member Communications

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Molly Phayer, Director of Customer Success and Product at Rasa.io

Sat 8/9 from 4 to 6 p.m. PDT – ASAE Annual Happy Hour at Moxy Downtown (Los Angeles CA)

Organizer: Association Women Technology Champions

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Association Brain Food: 7.11.25

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

Sponsored education. Every education team wishes they had a bigger budget to design new online courses. Oh, the things you could do. The solution is closer than you think, says Apti. Tap into the expertise and marketing dollars of industry partners, who can help you fund the courses you need to meet new market demands and get ahead of the competition.

Event app adoption. “How is it that people who are on their phones day and night can’t be bothered to download and use an app made specifically to improve their event experience?” Whatever the reason, Clowder suggests dozens of ways to encourage attendees to use and benefit from your event app.

Fundraising. NetForum explains how to use your AMS to support and improve your fundraising efforts. They cover topics, such as managing donor data, running fundraising campaigns and recurring giving programs, measuring donor engagement, facilitating and processing donations, and personalizing thank-yous.

Gen Z anxiety. “Therapy-speak has taken over our language,” says Freya India at Girls. No wonder when 72% of Gen Z girls believe mental health challenges are an important part of their identity. She digs into this phenomenon in which everything is “explained, categorized, and corrected,” and every facet of your personality is actually a sign of mental illness. No wonder so many young people are lost, anxious, and hyperbolic. So sad.

Bundling. Carolyn Shomali at Professionals for Association Revenue describes how two associations are making it easier for their members and industry partners to do business with them by bundling learning subscriptions and sponsorships.

Event strategy. ExpoLogic takes you through the essential elements of an event strategy, including the event’s purpose, goals, planning process, marketing, metrics, and ROI.

AI-speak. When Mitch Joel encounters polished, clear, and “emotionally beige” writing, he suspects AI was involved. You know what he means: the “homogenized, corporate-y cadence” spewed out by LLMs. Blech. Cede your words to AI and lose your voice.

Snacks

Does your association’s website have a page (like IHMM’s) about the recent changes to 529 savings plans, which allow anyone to set aside money in a tax-free investment account for credentialing expenses?

Ignore the pessimists. We are living through a literary golden age. Literature is booming. Literary culture needs to catch up. | Henry Oliver (one of my favorite Substackers), The New Stateman

Five strategies for proactive conference planning in uncertain times. | Dave Lutz, Velvet Chainsaw Consulting

Is a bad hire weighing you down? Here are the best (and worst) ways to unmoor them. | Tony Case, WorkLife

You never grow old at the table

My basil plants were about to start flowering so I harvested the tops to make this summer’s first batch of pesto, which I used in a new recipe on Independence Day, chicken tortellini salad. But in my rush to uncover everything on the table—flies, grr!—I forgot to toss the salad again, so it wasn’t dressed the way I would’ve liked, and it needed more salt than the recipe called for. I omitted the garlic in the pesto vinaigrette dressing since there’s already garlic in my pesto. When tossed, this salad is really good.

I also made a triple batch of a new baked beans recipe, which I will make again and again. I subbed a poblano and jalapeño pepper for half the green bell pepper and used the Southern Pit BBQ flavor of the Bush’s Grillin’ Beans she recommended.

Two days later, we enjoyed the leftover chicken tortellini salad as a pasta dish. But first, I had to work my magic on it. I sautéed onion, carrot, broccoli stems, and garlic; added leftover cooked chicken, pesto, and Parmesan; dumped in the tortellini salad along with fresh basil, evaporated milk, and butter. Oh my, so good.

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

Fri 7/11 at 1 p.m.* – Foresight Fridays: Content, Learning, and Knowledge

Foresight visioning is a tool that has helped many associations level up to deliver for new needs. Learn about areas of concern and risk for associations with A.I, higher education transformation, hybrid meetings, the future of information, and the rise of influencers. Hear how one association is using foresight visioning to drive strategy and collaboration. 1 CAE credit. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Denise Roosendaal, FASAE, CAE and the Executive Director for the Institute of Credentialing Excellence
Beth Surmont, FASAE, CAE, Vice President, Event Strategy & Design, 360 Live Media

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

Mon 7/14 at 8 a.m. – Negotiating with Consultants (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Vinnu Deshetty, founder, Event ROI Coach

Mon 7/14 at 12 p.m. – The Business Case for Belonging: Why Inclusion Drives Impact?

Join us for the third in a series of inclusive gatherings designed to bring together allies from all backgrounds. We’ll explore how the business world has long acknowledged that inclusive communities lead to stronger outcomes. But belonging is what turns diversity into impact. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Black Association Executives

Tue 7/15 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 to create 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

Tue 7/15 at 12 p.m. – Communicating What Matters—How Associations Lead w/ Strategic Storytelling

From navigating politicized issues to elevating member voices and leading in moments of crisis, strategic communications is no longer a back-office function—it’s central to your association’s impact and influence. Hear how leading associations are approaching communications during turbulent times—without losing credibility or core audiences; smart strategies for managing crisis, change, and member trust; what to prioritize (and what to let go of) in your communications plan; how to craft messages that engage members, attract media attention, and strengthen your position as a go-to source; and the evolving role of content, campaigns, and executive visibility in association comms. More info/register.

Hosts: Association Insights and OnWrd & UpWrd

Speakers:

Tim Ebner, Vice President, Communications and Marketing, Can Manufacturers Institute
Sean Luechtefeld, Ph.D., CAE, Vice President for Membership & Communications, ANCOR
Ilana Ostrin, Head of Global Communications, Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association
Colleen Gallagher (moderator), President & CEO, OnWrd & UpWrd

Tue 7/15 at 12 p.m. – Global Chapter Compliance: Peer Perspectives from the Field (CRVM July 2025 Crunch and Munch)

As global networks expand, so do the complexities of governance and compliance. Hear how associations are building and managing compliance programs for their international chapters, what’s worked, what hasn’t, and what they’ve learned along the way. Learn about the structure, oversight mechanisms, and practical tools their organizations use to support compliance in the U.S. and across diverse regions. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Component Relations and Volunteer Management

Speakers:

Ann Dorough, CAE, Director, Component Relations, American Institute of Architects
Peggy Hoffman, FASAE, CAE, President, Mariner Management
Jessica Lombardo, VP, Member Engagement, ASIS International
Camille Sanders, CAE, PCM (moderator), Director, Chapter Programs and Operations, ISACA

Tue 7/15 at 1 p.m. – The Association Marketing Manifesto – Live, Part 1: The Growth Mindset Shift: Why Marketing Is at the Heart of Association Strategy

This opening session of the three-part webinar series reframes the role of marketing in the association space, challenging the long-held perception of marketing as a cost center or order-taker. Explore how associations mirror recurring revenue models like software businesses—and why expanding into this mindset is the key to strategic, sustainable growth. Hear how the cultural and structural shifts required to position marketing as a high-impact growth driver instead of a reactive, internal service department. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Brianne Wheeler, CEO / Founder at Levitate Marketing

Tue 7/15 at 1 p.m. – Business Model Innovation

Explore proven strategies for financial resilience and mission-driven innovation drawn from extensive research and the findings in our latest report. Learn how association business model dimensions work together to define how your organization creates, delivers and captures value; actionable approaches to drive meaningful change across five critical dimensions, including value, revenue, community, reach and operations; and key indicators that reveal when it’s time to rethink and reinvent your business model for maximum impact. More info/register.

Host: McKinley Advisors

Speakers: Patrick Glaser, M.A., MPA, Chief Practice Officer, and Meena Dayak, M.A., Practice Director, McKinley Advisors

Tue 7/15 at 1 p.m. – Fit-for-Purpose Association and Nonprofit Boards: Three Critical Ideas We Must Understand

In a world of brittle systems, high anxiety, non-linear outcomes, and incomprehensible challenges, it is essential for association and nonprofit boards to set a higher standard of stewardship, governing, and foresight and become fit for purpose. Hear about three critical ideas that everyone serving on or working with association/nonprofit boards must understand about what it will take for them to elevate their performance and become fit for purpose. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Raffa Investment Advisers

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

Tue 7/15 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. – Integration Town Hall #1 for Association Software

Join fellow association executives to review a draft Bill of Rights mapping out what the association customer has the right to expect from a tech integration project and what the vendors and consultants working on the integration should be prepared to deliver. The Integration Bill of Rights aims to establish clear standards for software interoperability, data portability, and vendor accountability. Explore how these principles can reduce technical friction, lower costs, and improve member experiences while fostering innovation among solution providers. More info/register.

Hosts: 501Works LLC and League of Association Technologists

Wed 7/16 at 7 a.m. – Funding the Future Discussion: Real Stories of Learning-Led Growth in Membership Bodies

Hear how leading professional bodies are transforming learning into a strategic revenue driver—enabling them to deliver more value to members, tackle skills gaps and create lasting change across their industries. More info/register.

Host: D2L

Speakers:

David D’Souza, director of profession, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Colin Moran, national training and education manager, the Irish Rugby Football Union
Teresa Beazley, commercial & training manager, the Lighting Industry Association
Andrew Howie, chief finance and commercial officer, the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine
Sasha El-Halwani, senior revenue marketing manager, D2L EMEA

Wed 7/16 at 11:30 a.m. – Our KPI is Joy: How Live Events Catalyze Happiness, Productivity and Trust

Find out why you should think beyond logistics and see events as powerful catalysts for joy, trust, and collaboration. Learn why joy must be a core metric—and how associations can design events that don’t just inform, but transform. Hear about the future of events, why joy is serious business, and how we can design gatherings that bring people together in lasting, meaningful ways. More info/register.

Host: KiKi L’Italien, Editor-in-Chief, Association Chat, and VP of Marketing and Community Engagement, Big Red M

Guest: Tahira Endean, Head of Program, IMEX

Wed 7/16 at 12 p.m. – Designing with Intelligence: Integrating AI into Your Association’s Education Workflow

AI is changing the game for how associations design and deliver professional development. Whether you’re developing credentialing programs, continuing education content, or member training resources, AI has the potential to boost creativity, streamline workflows and enhance outcomes. But knowing where to start—or how to integrate AI responsibly—can be a challenge. Hear about real-world strategies and tools to begin using AI effectively and ethically in your content development processes. More info/register.

Host: Ewald Consulting

Speakers: Jessica Truhler, Director of Professional Development Strategy, and Danial Davis, Director of Professional Development Operations, Ewald Consulting

Wed 7/16 at 1 p.m. – Lean at 10: Lessons Learned

Association execs are always on the lookout for good ideas for new programs, products, and services, and once we think we have one, we want to build it as quickly and efficiently as possible. Learn about the key concepts and tools of lean startup methodology. Hear case studies from association executives applying lean startup methodology to their product development processes. Find out about cultural challenges associated with implementing lean startup principles and tools to navigate those challenges within your own organizations. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Elizabeth Engel, M.A., CAE, Chief Strategist, Spark Consulting, LLC
Jamie Notter, Co-Founder, PROPEL
Chrissy Bagby, Chief Strategy Officer, American Association of Veterinary State Boards
Tiffany Dyar, Director of Innovation, National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians

Wed 7/16 at 2 p.m. – Back to the Sandbox: The Latest AI Tools for Event Professionals

From boosting productivity to refining your marketing, from chatbots to agents and beyond, get inspired to tackle your event-planning challenges with next-level solutions. See new tools and updates that can help solve eventprof pain points, how agentic AI can be applied effectively, and the limits of generative AI and how to avoid misusing it. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

Noah Cheyer, Cofounder, Head of Marketing and Operations, Speak About AI
Dahlia El Gazzar, Founder, DAHLIA+ Agency
Michael J. Shapiro (moderator), Director of Content Strategy, Northstar Meetings Group U.S.

Thu 7/17 at 10 a.m. – What U.S. Associations Need to Know About the EU 2025 Accessibility Act

Learn which U.S. associations are subject to the EU Accessibility Act; what qualifies as “accessible” under the new requirements; the digital products, services, and content that may need updates; compliance timelines and potential penalties; and tools and resources to assess risk and build a mitigation plan. More info/register (free for ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Steven Farmer, Partner, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Matthew Luken, SVP & Chief Architect, Deque

Thu 7/17 at 11 a.m. – AEO + GEO: The Future of SEO in an AI World

The future of SEO isn’t just about keywords and rankings anymore, it’s about showing up in the answers AI delivers. That’s where Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) come in. Explore how AEO and GEO can give your association a powerful edge. Learn how to turn your existing resources into content that AI recognizes, trusts, and surfaces—so your organization becomes the answer, wherever your audience is searching. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Joanna M. Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker, and Leah Monica, Director of Marketing, Matrix Group International, Inc.

Thu 7/17 at 1 p.m. – The AI Shift: ChatGPT Has Rewired Members’ Web Habits. Here’s How to Adapt.

Generative AI and tools like ChatGPT have introduced new website habits: visitors expect to search with full-sentence questions, they want concise summaries before committing to long pages, and they assume each page will instantly suggest the next best action tailored to their needs. When your association’s website falls short of these expectations, the consequences include declining event registrations, an uptick in “I can’t find it” phone calls, and prospects choosing alternative online communities. Learn how these AI-driven behaviors are reshaping the fundamentals of web strategy for associations. Hear about practical adjustments that can be scheduled within typical budget and staffing limits, along with a longer-term view of deeper AI integrations and the metrics that best demonstrate progress to leadership. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: John Hooley, President, Steward

Thu 7/17 at 1 p.m. – From Program to Powerhouse: Measuring Learning’s True Impact on Association Growth

Learn about the Learning Power Index and how it can serve as a diagnostic tool and a strategic roadmap for education-led growth. Explore how top organizations are using LPI to align leadership and the board around a shared growth goal; prioritize investment in scalable, high-impact learning programs; move from siloed initiatives to a unified, mission-driven learning strategy; and unlock millions in revenue potential while deepening member impact. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speaker: Ashish Rangnekar, CEO & Co-Founder, BenchPrep

Fri 7/18 at 12 p.m. – Marketing Mindshare: AI in Action—A Virtual Lunch Chat

Host: ASAE Marketing Professionals Advisory Council

Moderators:

Laura Sparks, outgoing chair of the Marketing Professionals Advisory Council
Evan Reid, member of the Technology Professionals Advisory Council

Fri 7/18 at 3 p.m. – Nonprofit Consultants Collaborative Monthly Networking Call

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

Tue 7/22 at 11 a.m. – The Association Marketing Manifesto – Live, Part 2: Numbers Don’t Lie: The 5 Marketing Metrics Every Association Leader Should Track (But Probably Doesn’t)

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Brianne Wheeler, CEO / Founder at Levitate Marketing

Tue 7/22 at 1 p.m. – ROI That Resonates: Proving Sponsor Value in Purpose-Driven Partnerships

Host: Lori Zoss Kraska, Founder and CEO of Growth Owl, LLC

Guest: John Bacon, Vice President of Enterprise Sales at ASAE

Tue 7/22 at 3:30 p.m. CDT – AWTC Roundtable in Chicago

Organizer: Association Women Technology Champions

Wed 7/23 at 12 p.m. – Sustaining Mental and Physical Health as a Chief Staff Executive

Host: ASAE Executive Management Professionals Advisory Council

Speakers:

Lindsay Currie, CAE, Executive Officer, Council on Undergraduate Research
Adam Levy, CAE, Executive Director, American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association
Tara Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP, Executive Director, Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA) and RTDNA Foundation
Silvia Quevedo, CAE, Executive Director, Lamaze International

Wed 7/23 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

Wed 7/23 at 1 p.m. – Creating Super Member Profiles That Drive Engagement and Personalization

Host: Fonteva

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

Thu 7/24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – How to Design a Product Portfolio

Host: James Young, founder, Product Community

Thu 7/24 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

Creative Commons licensed photo by Dan Gold 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: 7.4.25

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

“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul…” —John Muir

Early-career skills gaps. Not so long ago, young people learned industry and workplace basics in entry-level positions. But now, because AI has taken over many of these entry-level tasks, young people don’t have the chance to develop the basic skills they need for the next step up. TopClass LMS describes how associations can help employers fill these skills gaps.

Balancing human and AI work. At Associations Now, Sarah Sain, CAE describes how associations are using AI to create more time for meaningful staff/member interactions. She suggests letting AI handle routine questions and data-gathering, “so humans can excel at what they do best—connecting, advising, and genuinely caring about members when it matters most.”

Membership benchmarks. Fellow membership geeks, it’s here: the 17^th annual edition of the membership marketing benchmarking report from MGI. Now you can see how you measure up against other associations and what’s working for your peers. The report covers all aspects of recruitment, engagement, and retention, plus expanded and new sections on AI, generational issues, workforce development, and membership research.

Association SEO course. The SEO for Associations Certificate Course at Association Academy covers Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for association websites, including immediate steps and long-term strategies to help your association 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.

Vibe coding. I’ve heard about vibe coding but didn’t really get it until reading this article at Every by Katie Parrott, who describes herself as “aggressively untechnical.” Yet she’s using “AI tools that finally speak our language” to create software that solves problems and improves processes. A tip of the hat to Maddie Grant who shared this in the Association Women Technology Champions’ Slack channel.

Association boards. In recognition of Day 2,000 of The Turbulent Twenties, Jeff De Cagna shares nine questions about the future of association boards that those who serve on or work with boards should reflect upon and discuss.

Non-dues revenue. YM Careers describes five proven member benefits—online services, events, and resources—that boost your association’s non-dues revenue during challenging economic times.

Exhibiting strategy. Here’s one for industry partners. Ben Barclay at Exhibitor shares advice from event psychology advisor Victoria Matey, who says a little knowledge of behavioral science can improve your exhibit strategy. She describes how to use booth layout, desks, engagement motivators, scents, color, and biophilic design to connect more deeply with attendees and create resonating experiences.

Email signup forms. Andy Crestodina at Orbit Media explains how to improve email signup forms and increase subscriber growth.

You never grow old at the table

With only two of us in the house, you’d think I’d halve a recipe that makes enough for a 13” x 9” baking dish, but no. So, chipotle chicken enchiladas were a three-peat meal. Thankfully, we loved them. I subbed sweet potatoes for the butternut squash. Instead of stuffing individual enchiladas, I covered the bottom of the dish with semicircles of wheat tortillas, spread the filling over them, and covered it all with semicircles of flour tortillas. On the side, green cabbage sautéed with red onion, red bell pepper, carrot, jalapeño, ham, and garlic.

Fettuccine and meatballs in marinara on a 90-something-degree day? Sure, why not. I pulled the meatballs I had made a while back from the freezer but still had to heat up the oven for our veg: roasted broccoli with red onion, garlic powder, ground cayenne pepper, and salt.

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

Mon 7/7 at 8 a.m.* – Negotiating with Consultants (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Vinnu Deshetty, founder, The Event ROI Coach

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

Tue 7/8 at 10:30 a.m. – Navigating LD-203 Reporting

Learn about hidden risks and best practices for lobbyists and employers. More info/register.

Host: Gary Gallant, Gallant Law Group

Tue 7/8 at 12 p.m. – Tech Tuesday: Who’s Got Your Back? Identifying and Leveraging Your Allies

Hear about the critical importance of recognizing and collaborating with key allies within your organization to maximize effectiveness and achieve shared goals. Explore various facets of strategic alliances, including: examining how different departments, such as HR, Marketing, and Membership, can optimize their use of technology and internal expertise; and the value of identifying Subject Matter Expert (SME) champions to guide tool identification and implementation. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Moderators: Reggie Henry, ASAE and Dave Coriale, DelCor

Guests:

Edima Elinewinga, CAE VP & Chief Technology Officer, Association of Corporate Counsel
Leah Cannon, CPA, CAE, SHRM-CP, Chief Operating Officer, National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists

Wed 7/9 at 11 a.m. – The Growth Mindset: How Nonprofits Can Thrive Despite Limited Resources

Many nonprofit leaders assume that limited resources mean limited growth—but that doesn’t have to be the case. This session will shift your mindset and provide actionable insights to help you grow revenue and engagement by aligning your team, understanding your audience, and crafting outcome-driven strategies. Walk away with a clear framework to break free from stagnation and accelerate your organization’s success. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Henry Stoever, Founder & Managing Principal at Windsor Strategy

Wed 7/9 at 12 p.m. – The Video Mindset Shift: When Content Becomes Strategy (Buzzworthy LIVE)

What if your next video wasn’t about promotion—but about solving real problems? Learn how one small team redefined video as a tool for recruitment, outreach, and trust-building in an industry most people haven’t even heard of. Hear how their short-form videos are supporting workforce development, public education, and member value—all without a big budget. More info/register.

Host: WorkerBee.TV

Guest: Toni Kervina, Director of Content & Learning, ASNT

Wed 7/9 at 1 p.m. – Lights, Camera, Impact: Sharpening Your Video Skills for Success

Whether it’s live meetings on Zoom/Teams or creating asynchronous content for social media or internal communications, hear how to deliver your message with clarity, confidence, and professionalism. Through practical exercises and expert guidance, learn the art of being articulate and authoritative on camera, ensuring your video content stands out. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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

Wed 7/9 at 1 p.m. – 4 Actionable Strategies to Design High-Impact, High-Revenue CE

Learn how to increase your CE program revenue by 15% using four proven strategies. Hear how to transform your existing CE programs to increase learner engagement, support career advancement, and generate predictable, recurring revenue. Find out how to package your content for higher value, tailor learning experiences to individual goals, build credentialing pathways that learners pay to pursue, and move from one-off transactions to long-term subscriptions. More info/register.

Host: BenchPrep

Wed 7/9 at 2 p.m. – 7 Ways to Avoid a Boring Webinar

There is no such thing as webinar fatigue, just boring webinars. Regardless of your industry, it’s time to make your webinars more approachable, more authentic and more human. Learn about multiple types of conversational formats, tips for engaging executive audiences, gamification and unique formats, serializing webinar programs, and putting your audience in the presentation. More info/register.

Host: ON24

Speaker: Mark Bornstein, Vice President, Marketing and Chief Evangelist, ON24

Thu 7/10 at 2 p.m. – The Art of Email Deliverability: Strategies to Boost Your Sending Reputation

If email is a key part of your communication strategy, your sending reputation is more than just a technical metric—it’s a direct reflection of your brand’s credibility and trustworthiness. Learn modern sending strategies that improve inbox placement and engagement; a practical framework to implement high-deliverability practices within your team; and tools, techniques, and immediate next steps to improve your sender score. More info/register.

Host: 501Works

Speakers:

Erica Salm Rench, COO, rasa.io
James Marquis, CIO, 501Works

Fri 7/11 at 1 p.m. – Foresight Fridays: Content, Learning, and Knowledge

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Denise Roosendaal, FASAE, CAE and the Executive Director for the Institute of Credentialing Excellence
Beth Surmont, FASAE, CAE, Vice President, Event Strategy & Design, 360 Live Media

Tue 7/15 at 10:30 a.m. 10 Minute Meditation

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Tue 7/15 at 1 p.m. – The Association Marketing Manifesto – Live, Part 1: The Growth Mindset Shift: Why Marketing Is at the Heart of Association Strategy

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Brianne Wheeler, CEO / Founder at Levitate Marketing

Tue 7/15 at 1 p.m. – Business Model Innovation

Host: McKinley Advisors

Speakers: Patrick Glaser, M.A., MPA, Chief Practice Officer, and Meena Dayak, M.A., Practice Director, McKinley Advisors

Tue 7/15 at 1 p.m. – Fit-for-Purpose Association and Nonprofit Boards: Three Critical Ideas We Must Understand

Host: Raffa Investment Advisers

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

Wed 7/16 at 11:30 a.m. – Our KPI is Joy: How Live Events Catalyze Happiness, Productivity and Trust

Host: KiKi L’Italien, Editor-in-Chief, Association Chat, and VP of Marketing and Community Engagement, Big Red M

Guest: Tahira Endean, Head of Program, IMEX

Wed 7/16 at 1 p.m. – Lean at 10: Lessons Learned

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Elizabeth Engel, M.A., CAE, Chief Strategist, Spark Consulting, LLC
Jamie Notter, Co-Founder, PROPEL
Chrissy Bagby, Chief Strategy Officer, American Association of Veterinary State Boards
Tiffany Dyar, Director of Innovation, National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians

Thu 7/17 at 11 a.m. – AEO + GEO: The Future of SEO in an AI World

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Joanna M. Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker, and Leah Monica, Director of Marketing, Matrix Group International, Inc.

Thu 7/17 at 1 p.m. – The AI Shift: ChatGPT Has Rewired Members’ Web Habits. Here’s How to Adapt.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: John Hooley, President, Steward

Fri 7/18 at 3 p.m. – Nonprofit Consultants Collaborative Monthly Networking Meeting

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

Creative Commons licensed photo by Lukasz Szmigiel via Unsplash

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Association Brain Food: 6.27.25

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

Member connections. Clowder explains how members can use your association’s membership app as a peer-to-peer networking tool. They give tips on helping members leverage an app’s features to boost connections and get membership value year-round.

Lean startup methodology. Ten years ago, Elizabeth Engel and Guillermo Ortiz de Zárate introduced the association community to lean startup methodology in their paper, Innovate the Lean Way—a “highly useful approach for associations seeking to stay relevant, create real member value, increase membership, and investigate ideas for non-dues revenue.” Since culture change is the biggest barrier to success, in Lean at 10: Culture Eats Methodology for Lunch, they’re joined by Jamie Notter to share association case studies and revisit the lean methodology as an “evidence-based, data-informed way to mitigate risk when developing new programs, products, and services for members and new audiences.”

Data warehouse. GrowthZone describes the advantages of a built-in data warehouse in your AMS. They also explain the difference between a database and a data warehouse, and share examples of membership, event, and financial insights that a data warehouse helps you track and measure.

Keynote speakers. A survey by Freeman discovered that only 1% of event attendees want to hear from celebrity speakers. In another study, attendees ranked celebrity speakers dead last. Andrea Doyle at Skift Meetings says planners are realizing famous keynotes are too expensive and don’t deliver enough ROI.

Learning vs. education. Jeff Cobb of Tagoras shares a zinger of a quote in a recent post: “It’s a tragic fact that most of us know only how to be taught.” He discusses the difference between learning and education and encourages you to think about your own learning and what you’re offering members.

Membership renewals. MGI suggests strategies to increase renewals, based on their 40 years of membership marketing experience and over a decade of surveying associations for their membership benchmark report. They cover reasons members don’t renew, renewal campaigns (and mistakes), channels, testing, grace periods, and metrics.

Jobs-to-be-done. Tony Ulwick introduces the jobs-to-be-done framework for defining, categorizing, capturing, and organizing member and customer needs. The goal is to understand the jobs your market segments are trying to get done and the metrics they use to measure success. I’ve heard about people using this framework to develop and market products, so give it a look-see.

Snacks

Event marketing. Time to throw out your old event marketing playbook. Attendees and exhibitors don’t want your sales pitch or marketing fluff. They want results and value. | Warwick Davies, The Event Mechanic

POV browsing. An interesting podcast episode hosted by Liz Boeree and featuring Jamie Joyce about the Society Library, which creates “structured ‘debate map’ databases, so you can compare and contrast the reasoning and evidence which justifies different points of view.”

Immigration. What both sides get wrong about immigration. Common sense! | Martin Gurri, The Free Press

You never grow old at the table

My knock-out dish this past weekend was crab- and spinach-stuffed flounder. I topped one half of each fillet with a mix of lump crabmeat, chopped spinach, cream cheese, green onion, Parmesan, lemon thyme, basil, garlic powder, and breadcrumbs, then folded the other half over it, brushed it with melted butter, and sprinkled on a little Old Bay. Oh yes.

On the side, Brussels sprouts roasted with red onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, balsamic, and soy sauce.

I’m enjoying hummus for breakfast in a wheat tortilla with roasted eggplant, red onion, and, sometimes, leftover vegetables—it’s messy but so satisfying.

When I wake up ravenous and can’t wait for breakfast, I defrost a whole wheat banana muffin. I follow this Best Banana Bread recipe from Bon Appétit but use all wheat flour, Greek yogurt, and walnuts (or pecans).

We’ve been enjoying lots of leftovers, but on one of my nights, I had to make a vegetable so I scrounged up some odds and sods from the produce drawer and garden: cabbage and chard sautéed with bacon, onion, red bell, carrot, poblano, jalapeño, garlic, and ham broth.

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

Fri 6/27 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 lack community. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

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

Mon 6/30 at 8 a.m. – Association Management as a Family Business (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guests: Wendy, Owen, and Damian Kavanagh

Tue 7/1 at 1 p.m. – Three Big Ways Verifiable Credentials Can Benefit Professional Organizations

Hear about three big ways in which verifiable credentials have brought benefits to the speakers’ professional organizations. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Dale Cyr, MBA, CAE, CEO and Executive Director, Inteleos
Dan Demers, Director of Business Development, CannAmm
Dan Giurescu, CEO, Credivera
Gabriella Boulos, Director of Programs and Events, Canadian Council of Innovators
Juan Sanchez, CIO, Inteleos

Wed 7/2 at 12 p.m. – Scenarios for Surviving and Even Thriving Amidst Chaos

Scenario planning is a powerful tool that helps your business prepare for the future by exploring multiple possible futures rather than trying to predict just one. Learn how to use this approach to anticipate change and manage risks, improve decision-making, boost adaptability, uncover opportunities, and build resilience. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: AIOT

Speaker: Ann Feeney, CAE

Tue 7/8 at 12 p.m. – Tech Tuesday: Who’s Got Your Back? Identifying and Leveraging Your Allies

Host: ASAE

Moderators: Reggie Henry, ASAE and Dave Coriale, DelCor

Guests:

Edima Elinewinga, CAE VP & Chief Technology Officer, Association of Corporate Counsel
Leah Cannon, CPA, CAE, SHRM-CP, Chief Operating Officer, National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists

Wed 7/9 at 11 a.m. – The Growth Mindset: How Nonprofits Can Thrive Despite Limited Resources

Host: UST Education.

Speaker: Henry Stoever, Founder & Managing Principal at Windsor Strategy

Wed 7/9 at 12 p.m. – The Video Mindset Shift: When Content Becomes Strategy (Buzzworthy LIVE)

Host: WorkerBee.TV

Guest: Toni Kervina, Director of Content & Learning, ASNT

Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If you’re offering free professional development to the association community, please send me the link via email by Wednesday afternoon the week before your event is scheduled.

Association Brain Food: 6.20.25

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

Selling online learning. Convincing busy members to take online courses is hard enough, but imagine having to persuade employees to attend optional training programs. TopClass LMS found out what top corporate trainers do to sell their online training to a tough audience.

Membership. Helen Mosher, CAE says you can no longer look at membership as just a lifecycle because “today’s member behavior is anything but linear.” Instead, she suggests adopting an ecosystem model that sees members as “participants in a dynamic, evolving network.”

AI for associations. Need to sharpen your knowledge about AI? Nimble’s AI success kit includes four useful resources: two 30-minute webinar recordings about AI for associations, plus an introduction to AI for associations and a guide to developing an AI strategy.

Membership course. Earn 10 CAE credits at Association Academy’s popular Association Member Growth Certificate Course. 1,400+ association execs have completed this course and learned how to conduct research, develop relevant benefits, establish member content gates, improve recruitment and retention campaigns, and grow membership. The course meets for ten weeks on Thursdays, 1-2pm ET, except for the first class, which is on Wednesday, July 2. Save $50 with promo code BRAINFOOD. I took this course earlier this year and will vouch that it’s well worth your time and money—even for seasoned membership pros like me.

Learning cohorts. James Young at Product Community says learning cohort programs deliver what members seek from associations: connections, belonging, growth, and career advancement. In a cohort program, a group of learners progresses together through a mix of live and self-study educational content. I can’t imagine a more transformational experience to offer members.

Association shop talk. A2Z Events by Personify took notes while working their booth at the ASAE MMC+Tech conference. They share what was on the minds of the association staff who visited their booth.

AMS selection. If you’re embarking on an AMS project, start your research with 108 ideaspace’s list of issues to consider when selecting an association management system (AMS). They go into detail on items that belong on your list: reporting, security, API, technology partners, access control, cost of ownership, vendor stability, and the ability to expand software capabilities as your needs change.

You never grow old at the table

Chipotle salmon is an old favorite here. The flavors of chipotle and sweet potatoes synchronize, so I roasted a few and served leftover veggies al pesto on the side.

Up in Massachusetts, haddock à la Lorraine is a must: fillets topped with a mix of crushed Ritz crackers, lemon zest, garlic powder, and melted butter. The usual side: roasted broccoli and red onion.

My mum liked my baked chicken and mushroom skillet. But who wouldn’t? On the side, green beans steamed and then sautéed with red bell pepper and green onions.

When we got home from our road trip, I pulled some chicken breast from the freezer and raided the produce drawer to make chicken al pesto pasta: slivers of chicken breast, broccoli florets and stems, carrot, onion, pesto, evaporated milk, parmesan, butter, and pasta water with farfalle (bowtie) pasta.

Now that the temps are in the 90s around here, I’m turning up the heat inside with my southwest skillet: ground chorizo and turkey, spinach, sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, red bell, poblano, jalapeño, onion, garlic, chipotle, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, chicken broth, cheddar, and cilantro.

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

Fri 6/20 at 12 p.m.* – YPAC Lunch & Learn: Why Advocacy is Important to Young Professionals

Learn about the key role advocacy efforts play in advancing the interests of associations and their members. Hear how all association employees – both GR professionals and other employees – can help advance the organization’s policy objectives. Get an overview of the related regulatory compliance obligations that all association professionals must understand. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Jonathan Gilad
Jim Kahl, Whiteford Taylor & Preston

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

Fri 6/20 at 3 p.m. – Nonprofit Consultants Collaborative Monthly Networking Meeting

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

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

Mon 6/23 at 8 a.m. – Mastering Corporate Sponsorships (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Bruce Rosenthal, sponsorship consultant, Bruce Rosenthal Associates

Mon 6/23 at 12 p.m. – Strategic Planning for Crisis-Ready Events

Learn about the essential strategies event professionals need to prepare for the unexpected — from natural disasters and protests to onsite emergencies. Hear real-world lessons in identifying risks early, preparing teams, and responding with speed and clarity when crises hit. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Skift Meetings

Speakers:

Mike Carlucci, Chief Operating Officer, Clarion Events
Lisa Werner, Founding Partner and Lead Consultant, VWV Consulting

Mon 6/23 at 12 p.m. – Staying Calm in the Face of Chaos

It isn’t a question of if your association will experience a crisis, it’s when. Whether you have a board member who garners unwanted media attention, issues around new policies from the current Administration, or a disgruntled member venting on social media, many association crises start small and grow because the issue wasn’t addressed initially. Learn how to plan for crisis, identify the crisis early, and understand the actions you need to take today to be prepared for the future. More info/register.

Host: Association Xchange

Speaker: Dr. Marc Willis, Director of Communications, U.S. Dept. of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, and COO, Willis Communications

Mon 6/23 at 3 p.m. – Culture by Design: How Association Leaders Are Shaping Stronger Teams and Boards

Two powerhouse CEOs who are redefining how associations build strong, intentional cultures will share real-world wins, lessons learned, and the secret sauce behind their leadership. Hear what it means to build culture at both the staff and board levels intentionally. From navigating values alignment to designing systems that reinforce belonging and performance, this candid conversation is packed with insights on leading with purpose, clarity, and care. More info/register.

Host: Association Rock Stars – Lowell Aplebaum, founder, Vista Cova

Speakers:

Michelle Mills Clement, Chicago Association of REALTORS®
Steven Stout, Texas Society of Association Executives

Tue 6/24 at 10:30 a.m. 10 Minute Meditation

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Tue 6/24 at 11 a.m. – Reinventing Your Revenue Strategy: How to Take the First Step

Learn how to analyze your current revenue streams and identify gaps. Explore brainstorming techniques for revenue diversification ideas. Hear how to prioritize initiatives based on impact and feasibility. The panel will share real-life examples that have helped associations move from overwhelmed to seeing measurable progress. More info/register.

Host: The Event ROI Coach

Speakers:

Bruce Rosenthal, Bruce Rosenthal Associates, LLC
Barbara J. Armentrout, CAE, BJA Solutions for Associations
Vinnu Deshetty, Event ROI Coach

Tue 6/24 at 11 a.m. – Executive Compensation and Other Employee Benefit Considerations in NFPs

Learn about the different types of executive compensation and employee benefits commonly encountered at not-for-profit organizations, such as 457(b), 457(f) and other deferred compensation agreements. Hear background information on these compensation vehicles and the accounting and reporting for such plans, including a review of Form 990 considerations. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Rebecca Horton, Director at O’Connor Consulting Services

Tue 6/24 at 12 p.m. – Wellness at Work Isn’t Optional, It’s Essential

Explore the future of human performance, wellness innovations, and how to build workplaces that support well-being at every level. No longer a nice-to-have, leaders are realizing that the health and well-being of their workers can directly affect their culture and the bottom line of their business. More info/register.

Host: Sarah Sladek, founder, XYZ University

Guest: Laura Putnam, CEO of Motion Infusion and author of Workplace Wellness That Works

Tue 6/24 at 12 p.m. – The Art of Sponsorship: Planning, Pitching, and Partnership

Discover how to identify and reach the decision-makers in a sponsor prospect, communicate your sponsor value proposition in a way that resonates with them, and build lasting partnerships that maximize value on both ends. More info/register.

Host: Zzeem Consulting

Tue 6/24 at 1 p.m. – Update on Executive Actions Affecting Federally Funded Nonprofits

Hear an overview of critical Executive Orders, their implementation and impact on nonprofits. Explore proactive strategies that nonprofit leaders can adopt in response to these significant changes, empowering organizations to adapt effectively while continuing to fulfill their missions. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Tip Tucker Kendall, Executive Director, National Grants Management Association
Scott Sheffler, Partner at Washington DC law firm of Feldesman Leifer LLP

Tue 6/24 at 1 p.m. – Boosted by AI: How NPOs & Associations Can Grow Non Dues Revenue & Sponsors

Learn about using AI tools to work faster, market smarter, and grow non-dues income through sponsorships, events, digital content, and more. Hear what’s working right now, including the AI tools that actually save time and make money. No fluff. No theory. Just revenue-generating strategy you can put to work this quarter. More info/register.

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

Guest: Kelly Hernandez, CEO, Nonprofit Marketing Nerds

Tue 6/24 at 1:30 p.m. – Next-Level Leadership: Tools to Lead, Speak, and Succeed

Leadership in the association space requires more than just managing operations—it calls for vision, influence, and the ability to communicate with clarity and confidence. Explore practical tools and techniques to help association professionals step into their next level of leadership. Learn strategies to elevate your executive presence, strengthen communication skills, and lead with greater impact. More info/register.

Host: Association Latinos

Tue 6/24 at 2 p.m. – Modern Association Marketing: Actionable Playbooks for Growth

Hear about two targeted marketing plays tailored for associations of any size. Whether you’re looking to make the most of limited resources or refine a strategy that’s already in motion, you’ll walk away with actionable steps to support some of your biggest priorities—event success, content-driven engagement, and membership growth. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Taylor Kessel-Salomonsson, Chief Growth Officer, Naylor Association Solutions
Tamara Perry-Lunardo, Vice President, Content Services, Naylor Association Solutions
Angela Kisskeys, President, Associations North

Tue 6/24 at 3 p.m. – Beyond Metrics: Transforming Event Data into Strategic Success

Understanding how to capture and leverage attendee and member data, measure engagement, and demonstrate ROI is essential for refining event strategies. Hear how to use data to optimize meeting planning, improve attendee experiences, and drive more impactful event outcomes. Get actionable strategies for turning event data into a powerful tool for decision-making, maximizing engagement, and delivering measurable results. More info/register.

Host: Cadmium

Speakers:

Julie Holtgrave, CMP, HMCC, Chief Operations and Event Officer, American College of Lifestyle Medicine
Jennifer Kerhin, CEM, CMP, CEO, SB Expos & Events
Erica Platner, Director of Events, National Home Infusion Association
Amanda Law (Moderator), Event Marketing Manager, Cadmium

Wed 6/25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Career and Job Board Platforms Demo Day

Attend presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer career and job board platforms. Experts will be showcasing apps and sharing their knowledge. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Participants: Madgex (a Wiley brand), SmartJobBoard, YM Careers by Momentive Software, Web Scribble, and Naylor Association Solutions

Wed 6/25 at 10 a.m. – The AMS-less Tech Stack Explained

Learn what’s driving associations away from AMS platforms—and toward ecosystems, key indicators that your organization is ready to make the move, how to build a foundational stack with integrated ecommerce, and strategies for breaking down data silos, and future-proofing with AI, SSO, and seamless integrations. More info/register.

Host: Wicket

Wed 6/25 at 11 a.m. – How to Win: Be a Category of One (Leadership for SMBs and Entrepreneurs)

Learn about five essential areas to become a Category of One where you Win by not competing. Some of these principles you may already follow, others may surprise you and may provide new insight. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Wade Tetsuka, CPA, President, UST

Wed 6/25 at 11:30 a.m. – Adventures in Event Registration: Chaos, Hacks, and Hope

Learn what’s really blocking registrations and hear about bold ideas, clever hacks, and strategic plays that have helped event leaders turn the tide. More info/register.

Host: Bizzabo

Speakers:

Samantha Arth, Project Manager II, Marketing & Events, Axon
Daniel McCartt, Senior Event Manager, Listings, Nasdaq
Gabrielle Scott, Director, Product Marketing, Bizzabo

Wed 6/25 at 12 p.m. – Chapter Roundtable: Mini-Mastermind Sessions for Chapter-Based Organizations (Alexandria VA)

Join us for a complimentary, power lunch for component relations professionals who want the knowledge and benefits of group discussions with fellow association professionals from organizations with chapters, components, sections, branches, or state affiliates. These are jam sessions with lunch, not lectures. You’ll leave with actionable ideas, insights, and inspirations you can put to work right away. Location: Alexandria VA. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: re:Members

Wed 6/25 at 12 p.m. – Vetting and Managing Your MSP: What Every Nonprofit Must Know

Many nonprofits rely on MSPs to manage IT, but few know how to evaluate their performance, question their recommendations, or hold them accountable. Learn about the red flags your MSP doesn’t want you to notice, what questions you must be asking (and how to interpret the answers), how to verify your MSP’s security practices without needing tech expertise, and why your board should care-and how to loop them in effectively. More info/register.

Host: Brian Scott, President / CTO / CISO, ClearTone Consulting LLC

Wed 6/25 at 1 p.m. – How to Pick the Right AMS: 5 Secrets to Make Your Search Easy, Fast, and Stress-Free

Learn five proven strategies that will strip away confusion and put you firmly in control of the AMS selection process. Get an easy-to-implement checklist that everyone from front-line staff to the board can understand and discover how to focus only on the requirements that truly matter, shaving weeks off your timeline while protecting your sanity. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

David Schulman, Co-Founder at Beacon Tech Research
Vanessa Dennison, Owner of Dennison & Associates

Wed 6/25 at 1 p.m. – Our KPI is Joy: How Live Events Catalyze Happiness, Productivity, and Trust

Think beyond logistics and see events as powerful catalysts for joy, trust, and collaboration. Hear bold ideas on why joy must be a core metric—and how associations can design events that don’t just inform, but transform. Learn about the future of events, why joy is serious business, and how we can design gatherings that bring people together in lasting, meaningful ways. More info/register.

Host: KiKi L’Italien, Editor-in-Chief, Association Chat, and VP of Marketing and Community Engagement, Big Red M

Guest: Tahira Endean, Head of Program at IMEX and author of Our KPI is Joy: How Live Events Catalyze Happiness, Productivity, and Trust

Wed 6/25 at 1 p.m. – Modern Learning Strategies for the Modern Association

Your members expect more than one-size-fits-all courses—they’re looking for personalized learning from a trusted source, opportunities to connect with peers, and content delivered in a way that fits their real lives. Learn how leading associations are rethinking their approach to learning design—moving beyond generic course catalogs to create engaging, strategic experiences that meet members where they are and drive lasting impact, deeper engagement, and predictable revenue. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Forj

Speakers: Andy Hicken, VP of Technology, and Terri Herrmann, Chief Marketing Officer, Forj

Wed 6/25 at 1 p.m. – Social Sustainability: The Next Wave of Diversity & Inclusion

Learn how to design events that empower communities, amplify marginalized voices and prioritize accessibility while recognizing the human impact of environmental sustainability, along with learning actionable strategies to integrate social sustainability principles into every aspect of your event planning process. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: Zoe Moore, Diversity Practitioner | Consultant | Strategist

Wed 6/25 at 2 p.m. – Creating Content with just a Click: Turn One Idea into Dozens with AI (AI Innovation Labs with Beth Z, Your Nerdy Best Friend)

Transform a single idea into a full-blown content strategy. From marketing campaigns to thought leadership pieces, you’ll discover how AI tools can streamline your workflow, boost engagement, and keep your brand shining… all before your coffee gets cold. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: re:Members

Speaker: Beth Ziesenis: Author. Speaker. Nerd.

Wed 6/25 at 2 p.m. – Transforming Sponsorships Into Strategic Partnerships

Explore how to elevate sponsorships beyond logo placement and one-off events, turning them into dynamic, strategic partnerships that drive mutual growth. Learn how to identify and align with the right partners, create shared goals and co-branded success, and measure ROI and demonstrate long-term value. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

Jennifer D. Collins, CMP, President & CEO, JDC Events
Jeanne B. Dubosse, CMP, Founder & CEO, Boss Collective; Executive Producer; Brand Experience Architect
Lizzie Wilcox (moderator), Associate Editor, Northstar Meetings Group

Wed 6/25 at 2 p.m. – June FBO Meet Up

Bring your pressing problems and look forward to an engaging conversation with your colleagues sharing their experiences and potential solutions. Last month we had an engaging discussion on the use of AI. We are going to continue that discussion plus any other topics of interest. More info/register (ASAE members only).

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

Thu 6/26 at 11 a.m. – Become a Social Media Sales Warrior: Tactics for Outmaneuvering, Outconnecting, and Outclosing

Learn about the core principles of social selling, identifying and leveraging key decision-makers via social media, applying strategic tagging and engagement tactics, extracting intelligence from prospect activity and engagement patterns, creating content that drives conversations and conversions, navigating digital communities and groups for strategic positioning, developing and maintaining a sales-oriented social media routine, and understanding the ethical boundaries of social selling. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education.

Speaker: Justin Goldstein, Director, Corporate Relations at The Bill of Rights Institute

Thu 6/26 at 11 a.m. – Don’t Get Left Behind: How to Use AI Agents to Perform Event Magic

Learn what AI agents are actually doing for event teams and attendees. Find out how AI agents can automate the most tedious parts of event management. Hear about use cases for the attendee experience with AI concierges and what’s next for AI-powered event apps. More info/register.

Host: EventMobi

Speakers:

Event Industry News co-founder Adam Parry
EventMobi CEO Bob Vaez

Thu 6/26 at 11 a.m. – The Power of Personalization: Because in Events, One-Size-Fits-None

Learn how the smartest event organizers are moving beyond mass communication to create tailored, meaningful journeys, from the moment participants are acquired, to when they return next year. Hear from two industry trailblazers who have helped some of the world’s biggest events connect with their audiences in more human, data-driven ways. More info/register.

Host: Grip

Speakers:

Dorota Wallusch, International Affairs, Grupa MTP
Rachel Stephan, Founder and CEO, Snöball
Gina Kay, Marketing Manager, International Confex
Hew Leith (moderator), SVP of Marketing, Grip

Thu 6/26 at 1 p.m. – Master the Repeatable Events Formula

Hear about the blueprint behind consistently successful events—he Repeatable Events Formula—and real-world examples from industry leaders who have mastered the art of replicable excellence, demonstrating how systematic approaches transform one-time successes into predictable wins. Learn how implementing a repeatable formula becomes the difference-maker in sustainable event success. More info/register.

Host: Bizbash

Speakers: Camille Arnold, Senior Manager, Industry Solutions Marketing, and Zach Napolitano, Senior Manager, Product Marketing, Cvent

Thu 6/26 at 3 p.m. – Intro to AI Webinar for Associations and Nonprofits

Learn about Generative AI and Large Language Models and how they work. Get an up-close look at how an actual AI expert utilizes these tools in real-world scenarios. More info/register.

Host: Sidecar

Speakers:

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

Thu 6/26 at 3 p.m. – 2025 Wine & Tech DC (Washington DC)

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

Organizer: Association Women Technology Champions

Fri 6/27 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 lack community. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Creative Commons licensed photo by Gennady Zakharin 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: 6.6.25

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

Association Brain Food won’t be in your inbox next Friday (June 13) because I’m spending time with my elderly parents next week. You’ll get the next edition on Friday, June 20.

Membership app. Since everyone’s on their phones, a membership app should be an easy member engagement win, right? Nope, you can’t build it and expect them to come. Clowder shares marketing tactics that will entice members to download and use your app.

Member experience. Fíonta examines what members value these days and describes strategies for using technology to deliver a more satisfying member experience.

Association success habits. In their work with cross-departmental teams, re:Members has noticed differences between thriving associations and those who are merely surviving. They describe five success habits of growth-oriented associations—habits that help them overcome the challenges every association is facing now.

Competitive advantage. Researchers at MIT Sloan Management Review say AI won’t be a competitive advantage when everyone uses it. It homogenizes your offerings. So what’s your edge? Focus on human creativity and the individuals and relationships that drive that creativity.

AI is eating itself. Because AI-generated content is fed back into the AI training pipelines for future models, AI is getting “dumber, less diverse, and more error-prone.” Patrick Moorhead at The Sovereign CMO describes how real, human-led content stacks up against the synthetic flood. He says human content is the most underrated growth strategy right now.

SEO. Nick Nelson at TopRank Marketing explains what’s happening with search now that AI has entered the results and what B2B marketers can do to keep traffic coming in.

Repurposing webinars. eLearningDOC describes the benefits of turning your webinars into self-paced, interactive learning experiences. They explain how to extend the life of your webinars while expanding your association’s educational portfolio.

Belonging. KiKi L’Italien at Association Chat shares lessons for associations about belonging. She describes three ways to bring what author Charles Vogl calls “campfire experiences” to members and attendees.

Connections. Amanda Kaiser points out how members are constantly making bids for connections. Does your association’s culture and structure encourage members and staff to react positively to those bids?

Snacks

10 association executives share their top book recommendations. | Najla Brown, Naylor Association Solutions

Want to read a classic alongside others? Check out this Substack book group directory. | Simon Haisell, Footnotes and Tangents

Straight from the source: top ways to ensure your content performs well in the Google search engine’s AI results. | Google for Developers

You never grow old at the table

Calamari isn’t just for Christmas Eve. I love this recipe for calamari in an enhanced marinara. My changes: add bacon with the onion, increase the red pepper flakes, add a hefty amount of tomato paste, and sub pureed whole tomatoes for stewed tomatoes. I served it over bucatini and alongside roasted broccoli with red onion and garlic powder.

One-pot beef stroganoff is really made in one pot, noodles and all. I used regular instead of sweet onion, added red bell and jalapeño pepper, subbed sherry for white wine, and smoked for regular paprika.

Here’s a quick one: stir-fried shrimp with spicy orange sauce. Serve it with spicy broccoli with garlic and ginger (I added some Chinese five spice powder too) and brown rice.

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

Fri 6/6 at 11 a.m.* – ASAE Capitol Hill Update: The Latest on Tax Reform

Tax reform is heating up in Congress, with a House vote scheduled which will be followed by Senate review. Key proposals include expanding Unrelated Business Taxable Income (UBI) to include fringe benefits related to parking and transportation, as well as royalites from the sale or licensing of organizational names or logos. ASAE and its Community Impact Coalition (CIC), launched in January, have been working proactively to educate the 119th Congress on the essential social and economic role of associations and other tax-exempt organizations. Gain real-time updates from Capitol Hill and learn about the specific threats. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Mary Kate Cunningham, CAE, Chief Public Policy and Governance Officer, ASAE
Kyle Hayes, Senior Director of Public Policy, ASAE
Ali Bedford, Vice President, Integer, LLC

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

Mon 6/9 at 8 a.m. – Ageism in the Hiring Process (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guests: Anuja Miner, Barry Pilson, and Nancy Frohman

Tue 6/10 at 12 p.m. – Boardroom Ready: Building a Business Case for Tech Investment

Learn how to present a clear, data-driven case to your board for investment in for new software, align your technology needs with organizational goals, and what today’s most forward-thinking associations are doing to future-proof their tech stack. More info/register.

Host: Momentive

Speakers:

Rebecca Achurch, Chief Executive Officer, Achurch Consulting, LLC
Tirrah Switzer, Vice President of Product Marketing, Momentive Software

Tue 6/10 at 12 p.m. – Digital vs Transformation: A Leadership Discussion

Your industry has changed with aggressive new entrants, increased costs, and new tech (e.g., AI) opening fascinating new opportunities. Digital transformation to the rescue! Your organization may have outgrown its current tech stack and vendors are knocking at the door with fascinating (and “transformative”) new solutions. But will the effects be “transformative” and is any of it aligned with your overall strategy? Let’s talk about strategic digital transformation, digital transformation mistakes to avoid, change management best practices that work, and more. More info/register.

Host: Braintrust Professional Institute

Speakers: Randall Craig and Ronja Francoeur, Braintrust Professional Institute

Tue 6/10 at 12 p.m. – Tech Tuesday: Is Your Organization a Cybersecurity Target?

We’re tackling real-world cybersecurity breaches, with a big focus on phishing attacks. Want to see something wild? Our guests will even demonstrate a live phishing attack. You’ll leave with practical strategies to protect your organization. Plus, bring your own stories—let’s learn together. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Technology Professionals Advisory Council

Moderators:

Larry Covert, Senior Director, Information Technology, ASAE
Dave Coriale, President, DelCor Technology Solutions

Guests: cybersecurity pros Chris Ecker, CTO and Andrew Leggett, Director, Cybersecurity Operations from DelCor

Tue 6/10 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 6/10 at 1 p.m. – AI in Hiring: Why Human Resources Is Still Human

AI is rapidly transforming the hiring landscape—from resume screening and candidate sourcing to interview scheduling and skills assessments. But while AI can streamline processes and enhance efficiency, it’s no replacement for the human touch. Learn how organizations can use AI tools to enhance, not replace, the relationships and insights that drive effective hiring. Hear real-world examples and best practices for balancing technology with the empathy, intuition, and judgment that only humans bring to hiring. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jaime Hirschfeld, Director of Client Sales and Services at FlexProfessionals LLC

Wed 6/11 at 9 a.m. – Leading and Navigating Through Change (Stamford CT)

This Connecticut event brings together association professionals and industry innovators to network, share insights, and explore new opportunities. Key topics like innovation, member engagement, revenue generation, attracting top talent, and navigating political and regulatory shifts. Interactive and exchanging ideas with subject matter experts, fellow leaders, gain new perspectives, and leave with valuable takeaways to lead your association through change. Location: Stamford CT. More info/register.

Host: Metro NYSAE and American Pet Products Association

Facilitator: Eric Curtis, CEO & Managing Partner, Curtis Strategy

Wed 6/11 at 11 a.m. – 3 Easy Ways Data Can Transform Sponsor Programs

Learn how to use available data to craft tailored sponsorship opportunities that align with sponsor goals. Discover how easy-to-create data reports can demonstrate ROI and build trust with sponsors. Gain tips for using data insights to enhance sponsor engagement and improve long-term retention. More info/register.

Host: The Event ROI Coach

Speakers:

Bruce Rosenthal, Bruce Rosenthal Associates, LLC
Barbara J. Armentrout, CAE, BJA Solutions for Associations
Vinnu Deshetty, Event ROI Coach

Wed 6/11 at 11 a.m. – What’s Working Now: 5 Proven Campaigns to Drive Member Engagement

Hear about five real-world membership campaigns—from renewals and re-engagement to acquisition—that delivered impressive results. Learn how organizations are using timely, conversational outreach to connect with members in meaningful ways (and get measurable ROI). 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Ryan Graham, Chief Revenue Officer, PropFuel

Wed 6/11 at 11 a.m. – Our KPI is Joy: How Live Events Catalyze Happiness, Productivity, and Trust

Host: KiKi L’Italien, Editor-in-Chief, Association Chat, and VP of Marketing and Community Engagement, Big Red M

Guest: Tahira Endean, Head of Program at IMEX and author of Our KPI is Joy: How Live Events Catalyze Happiness, Productivity, and Trust

Wed 6/11 at 12 p.m. – Small Steps, BIG Results: Improving Your Website Without a Major Redesign

Learn about impactful, quick-to-execute website initiatives that yield BIG results. Hear success stories and initiatives you can implement right away – without a big investment to refresh your website design; test your site’s usability; create an analytics/SEO reporting dashboard; review, refine and retire your content; and consolidate your digital presence. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers: Dan Scheeler, CAE, Chief Operating Officer; Laura Graham, Sr. Solutions Consultant; and Steven Russell, Solutions Consultant, Results Direct

Wed 6/11 at 12 p.m. – Revamp, Replace, or Right-Size: A “Love It or List It” Approach to Digital Transformation

Cut through the noise with an approach inspired by “Love It or List It” and designed to transform your tech strategy from reactive to proactive. Learn how to diagnose your tech’s real ROI, align spending with strategic goals, and when to plan and when to pivot, with audience needs driving every decision. More info/register.

Host: Halmyre

Speakers:

Ashish Malik, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, 108 ideaspace
Christine Saunders, Founder and President, Halmyre

Wed 6/11 at 1 p.m. – How Are Executive Orders Impacting Associations? A Real-Time Check-in With Association Leaders

Listen in on a real-time check-in with association executives from across different industries on how the latest executive orders are impacting their work, their members, and their missions and what they’re doing about it. We’ll kick this session off with remarks from the panel and then open up the discussion to the audience. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education.

Speakers:

Joanna M. Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker, Matrix Group International
Matthew Hughes, President and CEO at World Affairs Councils of America
Linda Akutagawa, President & CEO at Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics
Tip Tucker Kendall, Executive Director, National Grants Management Association

Wed 6/11 at 2 p.m. – From Emails to Innovation: Maximizing AI’s Potential in Associations (AI Innovation Labs with Beth Z, Your Nerdy Best Friend)

AI isn’t just for emails. Discover how to use it to create innovative strategies that transform member experiences. Learn tools and tips to start using AI right away and rethink your approach to building stronger, more personalized member relationships. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: re:Members

Speaker: Beth Ziesenis: Author. Speaker. Nerd.

Wed 6/11 at 2 p.m. – How to Build an Advocacy Campaign in 1 Day (Yes, Really)

When a new executive order, an unexpected crisis, or a policy change directly affects your organization or members, speed is critical. Learn how to launch an impactful advocacy campaign in as little as 8 hours. Find out how to successfully launch rapid-response campaigns and hear about real examples, tools the panelists rely on, and tips to use right away. More info/register.

Host: VoterVoice

Speakers:

Maynard Friesz, Vice President, Policy & Advocacy, Cure SMA
Jawanda Mast, Grassroots Advocacy Manager, National Down Syndrome Congress
David Chase, Vice President, Policy & Advocacy, Small Business Majority
Sherry Whitworth (moderator), Founder, The Advocacy Coach

Wed 6/11 at 2 p.m. – Building Your Meeting Around Your Destination

In today’s world of experiential events, the where of your meeting is nearly as important as the why. Explore how to design meetings and events that are deeply rooted in their destination—where every detail, from the theme to the team-building activities, tells a local story. Learn how to let your destination drive the meeting’s theme; curate entertainment, gifts and more that reflect the local culture; collaborate with the chef to design meals with local flavor; and offer locally inspired activities—from walking tours to museum scavenger hunts. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

Bonni Scepkowski, President & CSO, Stellar Meetings & Events
Tracy Stuckrath, Founder, Thrive! Meetings & Events
Sarah J.F. Braley (moderator), Managing Editor, Northstar Meetings Group

Thu 6/12 at 11 a.m. – Event Marketing Mastery: Turning Conferences Into Revenue Generators

Discover how to optimize your event marketing strategy for maximum ROI. From setting clear goals and leveraging interactive booth experiences to making meaningful connections on the ground, learn how to transform event participation into measurable pipeline impact. Get practical tips on planning ahead, tracking success metrics, and balancing relationship-building with lead generation. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Sam Bush, Partner Marketing Manager at Netstock

Thu 6/12 at 11 a.m. – 2025 Learning Insights to Power Your Growth

Are your learning programs keeping pace with what members expect today? Hear about the top takeaways from the latest Association Trends Study. Discover the biggest gaps between what members want and what associations deliver through learning; how early technology adoption and AI are becoming critical to loyalty and growth; and steps to modernize learning experiences and drive stronger outcomes. More info/register.

Host: Momentive

Speaker: Jesse Shorts, Learning Programs Expert at Momentive Software

Thu 6/12 at 11 a.m. – Improving AI Results: Bias, Prompts, Compliance

Learn how leading questions skew results and craft balanced prompts for accurate AI responses – a strategy we’ve successfully implemented for RAPS. Hear about essential prompt engineering techniques. Understand key settings for data safety and accuracy while navigating AI risks like bias and misinformation. Join us in harnessing AI responsibly and ethically, as demonstrated by RAPS. More info/register.

Host: Pumex

Thu 6/12 at 1 p.m. – Broadcast to Breakthrough: Turning Webinars Into Engagement Powerhouses

In today’s crowded digital landscape, hosting a webinar is just the beginning. How do you ensure your efforts translate into meaningful engagement and lasting impact? Hear proven strategies for making your webinar the springboard for deeper connections, building brand loyalty, and driving measurable results. Discover actionable tactics to nurture leads, foster meaningful post-event interactions, and stand out in a competitive market. Get the tools to turn one-time attendees into long-term relationships. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education.

Speakers:

Kate Coffey-Bacon, VP of Marketing and Events, US Transactions Corporation/UST Education
Amiee Keenan, Founder at The ISV Society
Amanda Sherry, VP Marketing at Western Computer

Thu 6/12 at 1 p.m. – Essential Economic Update: Mid-Year 2025

How do associations maintain their investment goals with market changes in 2025? Learn about the risks and potential rewards in the current market and economic environment, the importance of portfolio diversification, how tariffs work and their potential effects, both positive and negative, three potential paths forward as we navigate the administration’s global trade policies, recessions and their effect on financial markets, and the importance of a sound investment strategy, built to weather all types of economic and market environments for your association. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speaker: Bill Fisher, Senior Consultant, Fiducient Advisors

Thu 6/12 at 3 p.m. – Book Launch Party: Turn Corporate Sponsorships into Mission-Aligned Revenue

This isn’t just another book launch—it’s a conversation about the future of association revenue. Learn an approach to customized, consultative partnerships reinforced with a marketing agency model; how to increase and diversify revenue without compromising your association’s mission and values; strategies to create lasting value for both sponsors and members; and real-world lessons on navigating economic shifts and evolving sponsor expectations. More info/register.

Host: Farhad Khan, CEO, Member Lounge

Guest: Bruce Rosenthal, sponsorship strategist and author of Mastering Association Corporate Sponsorships: How to Create Strategic Partnerships that Add Revenue and Member Value

Mon 6/16 at 8 a.m. – TBA (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Walt Leger III, President & CEO, New Orleans & Company

Mon 6/16 at 4:30 p.m. CDT – 2025 AMS Fest Chicago Happy Hour

Organizer: Association Women Technology Champions

Tue 6/17 at 10:30 a.m. – Incentivizing PAC Contributions

Learn what’s legal, what works, and what to avoid. More info/register.

Host: Gary Gallant, Managing Partner, Gallant Law Group

Tue 6/17 at 12 p.m. – CRVM June 2025 Crunch and Munch

Crunch and Munch is a chance to come together once a month with peers for a casual conversation on hot topics relevant to the component relations and volunteer management community. Come prepared to share your successes, challenges and ideas. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Component Relations and Volunteer Management

Tue 6/17 at 2 p.m. – There’s No AI in Writing: Making Association Content More Authentic (AI Innovation Labs with Beth Z, Your Nerdy Best Friend)

Tired of bland, AI-generated content? So are your members. Learn how to spot AI writing and elevate it into authentic, impactful content, and, gasp, human-sounding material. And yes, you can do this while still taking advantage of the speed and ease that AI provides. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: re:Members

Speaker: Beth Ziesenis: Author. Speaker. Nerd.

Tue 6/17 at 2 p.m. – The Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue

More info/register.

Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First

Wed 6/18 at 10 a.m. – Engaging Members Across the Digital Divide

Today’s members expect seamless, engaging experiences, whether they’re on your website or using your mobile app. Hear about strategies for creating a unified member engagement strategy that maximizes engagement and links your web and mobile app experiences. Learn from real-world examples of associations that have successfully bridged the divide and see how you can create fluid member journeys that transition smoothly across devices and platforms to meet your members where they are—and keep them coming back. More info/register.

Host: Results Direct | RD Mobile

Speakers: Cecilia Satovich, Executive VP; Laura Graham, Senior Solutions Consultant; and Joel Branaman, Director of Mobile Sales, North America, Results Direct | RD Mobile

Wed 6/18 at 1 p.m. – The State of Associations

Hear the panel discuss what their organizations are seeing with their memberships, unique ways associations should provide connections and engage younger members, where associations can leverage advantages to recruit staff and volunteers, what associations need to think through with the evolution of events and member value, and the positioning and messaging of associations and why they’re indispensable to society. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Hosts: Fonteva and Protech

Speakers:

Jim Anderson, President & CEO, California Society of Association Executives
Angela Kisskeys, President, Association North
Donna Oser, CAE, President & CEO, Michigan Society of Association Executives
Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director, Texas Society of Association Executives

Wed 6/18 at 2:30 p.m. – Contract Cancellations: 4 Essential Perspectives

Cancellations of an event contract are rarely straightforward. When unexpected changes arise, contracts become the critical foundation for making the right decisions. Who has the right to cancel? What happens when there isn’t a clear contractual reason? And how do you protect your event if contract cancellation becomes necessary? Hear about 4 critical perspectives that every planner must understand when it comes to contract cancellations. Learn how to navigate the complexities, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure your contracts truly protect your interests when plans change. More info/register.

Host: Heather Reid, CEO and founder, Planner Protect

Wed 6/18 at 3 p.m. – Small Staff: Let’s Talk

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

Thu 6/19 at 1 p.m. – Streamlining Event Planning with AI Tools

Uncover AI-driven strategies and tools to simplify event planning, improve attendee engagement, and ensure event success. More info/register.

Host: Missionfuel

Fri 6/20 at 3 p.m. – Nonprofit Consultants Collaborative Monthly Networking Meeting

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

Tue 6/24 at 10:30 a.m. 10 Minute Meditation

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Tue 6/24 at 11 a.m. – Reinventing Your Revenue Strategy: How to Take the First Step

Host: The Event ROI Coach

Speakers:

Bruce Rosenthal, Bruce Rosenthal Associates, LLC
Barbara J. Armentrout, CAE, BJA Solutions for Associations
Vinnu Deshetty, Event ROI Coach

Tue 6/24 at 11 a.m. – Executive Compensation and Other Employee Benefit Considerations in NFPs

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Rebecca Horton, Director at O’Connor Consulting Services

Tue 6/24 at 1 p.m. – Update on Executive Actions Affecting Federally Funded Nonprofits

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Tip Tucker Kendall, Executive Director, National Grants Management Association
Scott Sheffler, Partner at Washington DC law firm of Feldesman Leifer LLP

Tue 6/24 at 1 p.m. – Boosted by AI: How NPOs & Associations Can Grow Non Dues Revenue & Sponsors

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

Guest: Kelly Hernandez, CEO, Nonprofit Marketing Nerds

Wed 6/25 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Career and Job Board Platforms Demo Day

Attend presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer career and job board platforms. Experts will be showcasing apps and sharing their knowledge. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Participants: Madgex (a Wiley brand), SmartJobBoard, YM Careers by Momentive Software, Web Scribble, and Naylor Association Solutions,

Wed 6/25 at 12 p.m. – Chapter Roundtable: Mini-Mastermind Sessions for Chapter-Based Organizations (Alexandria VA)

Host: re:Members

Wed 6/25 at 2 p.m. – Creating Content with just a Click: Turn One Idea into Dozens with AI (AI Innovation Labs with Beth Z, Your Nerdy Best Friend)

Host: re:Members

Speaker: Beth Ziesenis: Author. Speaker. Nerd.

Thu 6/26 at 11 a.m. – Become a Social Media Sales Warrior: Tactics for Outmaneuvering, Outconnecting, and Outclosing

Host: UST Education.

Speaker: Justin Goldstein, Director, Corporate Relations at The Bill of Rights Institute

Thu 6/26 at 1 p.m. – The Growth Mindset: How Nonprofits Can Thrive Despite Limited Resources

Host: UST Education.

Speaker: Henry Stoever, Founder & Managing Principal at Windsor Strategy

Thu 6/26 at 3 p.m. – 2025 Wine & Tech DC (Washington DC)

Organizer: Association Women Technology Champions

Fri 6/27 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 lack community. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If you’re offering free professional development to the association community, please send me the link via email by Wednesday afternoon the week before your event is scheduled.

Creative Commons licensed photo by Nicole Logan via Unsplash

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Association Brain Food: 5.30.25

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

Non-dues revenue. ICMA envisioned transforming its event sponsorships into year-round partnerships, but they couldn’t do it without the cooperation of staff across the association. Bruce Rosenthal and Dan Kowitz share the story behind this successful collaboration and the lucrative revenue stream generated by ICMA’s new corporate partnership program.

Awards program. OpenWater shares tactics for increasing member participation in awards programs. They explain how to boost awareness and interest, increase the perception of fairness, remove barriers to entry, and showcase the program’s value to members.

Member recruitment. YourMembership describes 13 tactics used by small-staff associations to attract and recruit new members. The entire list seems pretty essential to me. Has your association tried them all?

Cognitive risk. In “an environment built for speed, distraction, and artificial fluency,” we’re losing more than our ability to read deeply—we’re losing cognitive abilities, such as the capacity for sustained attention, nuanced comprehension, and tolerance for ambiguity. Carl Hendrick at The Learning Dispatch says when our minds have become “conditioned to expect ease, immediacy, and constant stimulation… Reading becomes not only a cognitive act, but a civic one: a rehearsal for the intellectual stamina that democracy requires.”

AI hack. By now, you’ve probably heard about the Chicago Sun-Times’ summer reading list of books that don’t exist—here’s Ted Gioia’s take. A “writer” hired by King Features, a content syndication company, relied on AI to do their work and never checked the copy. Unreal. Imagine how many honest writers would love to work on a piece like that, but instead King Features paid bottom-of-the-barrel prices for a hack job. You get what you pay for.

Learning revenue. D2L shares research describing the challenges faced by associations offering virtual learning and by those relying solely on in-person learning. They also explain how associations have adjusted their business models to monetize learning programs. The good news for members and their employers: 74% of associations plan to increase their learning budget, the only way to outperform the competition.

Humanities and AI. D. Graham Burnett writes at The New Yorker (archived link) about an assignment he gave his Princeton students: talk with an AI chatbot about the history of attention and turn in four pages of edited results. I was impressed by the directions taken by his students. The “matching of wits” caused Burnett and his class to wonder if the humanities will survive AI. Based on their experiences, I’m feeling slightly hopeful about what he describes as “a new consciousness of ourselves.”

Association competition. Mark Athitakis at Associations Now explains why competitive analysis matters more than ever. Your rivals aren’t just other associations. For-profit and online resources (including those created by your own members) are reeling in your members’ dollars.

AI overuse syndrome. Nic Rowan at The Lamp believes the frequent use of AI and exposure to text composed by LLMs (like ChatGPT) changes the way people think, speak, and act. He calls it the AI mind meld. When you read his examples, you’ll see what he means. Yuck.

Snacks

Is classical liberalism for losers? Sigh. It’s not easy being a classical liberal. | Tyler Cowen, The Free Press

How to make the most of a trip to the art museum. | Sally Smith, Verily

America is in a late-republic stage, like Rome: History suggests republics don’t last more than 250 years. | interview with Niall Ferguson, Noema

You never grow old at the table

Temps have cooled as rain has settled into our area, so the time feels right for a one-pan chicken and mushrooms comfort dish. On the side, Brussels sprouts roasted with red onion, pepperoni, salami, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

During Memorial Day weekend, we hosted a cookout on a beautiful 70-something day. I made a four-bean salad inspired long ago by a version my Aunt Carol made when we visited her in RI. My recipe includes green beans, kidney beans, black beans, chickpeas, poblano pepper, red bell pepper, celery stalks, corn, sweet onion, sweet pickles, Italian parsley, and a dressing of apple cider vinegar, sugar, neutral oil, and salt.

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

Mon 6/2 at 8 a.m.* – Diversifying Fundraising in a Chaotic Economy (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Roger Devine, schoolAuction.net

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

Tue 6/3 at 10:30 a.m. – LD-2 Lobbying Expenses

Understand the full scope of what must be reported. More info/register.

Host: Gary Gallant, Managing Partner, Gallant Law Group

Tue 6/3 at 12 p.m. – Bridging the Data Literacy Gap (Data Analytics Network)

Data literacy isn’t just about having access to data; it’s about empowering individuals at all levels of an organization to work with data confidently and competently. Learn about the “last mile” in data literacy, where subject matter experts need to transform raw data into actionable insights that drive decision-making and organizational success. Hear about the state of data literacy within the panelists’ associations; strategies to overcome challenges; and solutions for enhancing data literacy, including programs, tools, and techniques for building a data-literate workforce. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Data Analytics Network

Speakers:

Justin Scott, PhD, CAE (Moderator), Vice President, Innovation & Analytics, Metals Service Center Institute
Reeda Kindred, Data Governance & Analytics Director, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies
Tori Miller Liu, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CIP, President & CEO, AIIM International
Wes Trochlil, Owner, Effective Database Management

Tue 6/3 at 12 p.m. – Revitalizing & Expanding Credentialing Programs: Strategies for Growth & Engagement

Learn about the three key phases of certification program management: first, how to examine and evaluate the overall “health” of a program using meaningful performance indicators; second, how to diagnose and analyze factors contributing to the need for potential changes and implement targeted improvements; and third, how to continuously assess, maintain, and evolve a certification program to meet changing industry needs. Explore strategies to align credentials with professional development goals, foster stakeholder engagement, and ensure long-term competitiveness. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Cynthia Allen, President, SeaCrest Consulting Company
Amanda Dainis, CEO and Lead Psychometrician, Dainis and Company
Michael Mayer, President, Prolydian

Tue 6/3 at 2 p.m. – Associations Under Fire: Everything You Need to Know to Mitigate Risk from the Current Legislative, Regulatory, and Legal Threats

From federal tax reform to DEI to private litigation to federal agency enforcement actions to new state legislation and executive orders, gain invaluable insights into how these threats and potential future changes may affect your association, as well as practical strategies for navigating the evolving landscape and mitigating risk. Learn about the most pressing threats, potential implications for your member associations, what to expect in the months ahead, and, most importantly, what practical steps associations should take now to mitigate their risk. More info/register.

Host: Association Societies Alliance

Speaker: Jeffery S. Tenenbaum, Esq., Managing Partner, Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC

Wed 6/4 at 12 p.m. – Power Dynamics: Mastering Negotiation Skills

Hear about a practical approach and process to negotiate for what you want in work and life. Explore the power dynamics women encounter when advocating for resources, budget allocations, technology initiatives, and career advancement. Learn practical strategies for building confidence and overcoming common barriers to effective negotiation, leveraging technical and situational expertise as a foundation for stronger positioning, developing authentic and ethical negotiation tactics that align with personal values and incorporate cultural context, advocating for technology initiatives with key stakeholders, and creating allies and sponsors who champion your vision. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: PSYCHĒ6 founder and leadership coach Donna Gandt

Wed 6/4 at 12 p.m. – Strategic Planning is NOT Strategic Thinking

Explore the critical distinction between planning and thinking strategically, offering insights and tools to help your organization adapt, innovate, and thrive in a rapidly changing world shaped by uncertainty and opportunity. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: AIOT

Speaker: Michael Butera

Wed 6/4 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. – Surviving and Thriving in a Challenging Environment: Strategies for Certification Organizations

Explore how organizations can not only survive but thrive amid funding cuts and broader systemic challenges. Hear how the panel approaches strategic planning, risk mitigation, and long-term sustainability during uncertain times. Gain valuable tools for building resilience, adaptability and flexibility in a volatile environment. More info/register.

Host: Certification Network Group

Speakers:

Dale Cyr, MBA, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, Inteleos
Jasmine T. Agnew, DHPE, MHIIM, RHIA, CPHIMS, CSBI, eFACHDM, FHIMSS, Senior Vice President, Academic Affairs and Professional Credentials, American Health Information Management Association
Tamesha Logan, MBA, CAE, Interim Executive Director, National Athletic Trainers Association

Wed 6/4 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. – DEMO DAYS: AMS Vendor Showcase and Tech Strategy for Small Staff Associations

This two-session virtual event is designed for association executives and teams working in small staff associations. Whether you’re developing a new tech strategy to achieve your goals, exploring a new AMS or refining your technology roadmap, this event is your starting point. Learn how to build a tech strategy that supports growth. See curated AMS demos from trusted vendors. Gain insights from real-world success stories. Discover how to use the free RFI tool to simplify your search. More info/register.

Host: The Association Marketplace by Qiqo

Keynote speaker: Moira Edwards, President of Ellipsis Partners

Participants: Membee, Charityproud, MatrixxMaxx, and YourMembership by Momentive Software

Wed 6/4 at 1 p.m. – Translating Marketing Metrics for Non-Marketers: How to Communicate Impact & ROI Effectively

When your internal audience isn’t fluent in marketing and communications metrics, even the most impressive results can get lost in translation. Learn how to translate marketing metrics into language that resonates across departments. Hear how to tailor your reporting, tell a compelling data-driven story, and build trust with cross-functional teams by connecting marketing and communications performance to business outcomes. More info/register.

Host: American Marketing Association

Speakers:

Antonio Ortolani, Vice President of Global Insights, Meltwater
Aaron Strout, Current Host of Reaching Higher Podcast/ Former CMO of Real Chemistry

Wed 6/4 at 3 p.m. – Future Trends in Marketing

In today’s volatile landscape, association marketers can no longer afford to play it safe. Hear about the trends that will redefine how associations connect with members, drive revenue, and build trust in a polarized world. Whether you’re rethinking your value proposition or planning your next campaign, this session will leave you better equipped to lead with clarity and creativity. More info/register.

Host: KiKi L’Italien, Editor-in-Chief, Association Chat, and VP of Marketing and Community Engagement, Big Red M

Guest: Cam Sanders, Founder and Principal at LeadHERShip Strategies

Thu 6/5 from 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. – In-Person Summer Symposium: Innovation and Disruption (Chicago IL)

Sessions: Maximizing Member Value with AI: Strategic Approaches for Associations; Innovation Without the Chaos: Redefining Disruption for Your Association; Culture Eats Innovation for Breakfast; Combating Disengagement and Creating High-Performing Teams; and in-person only panel discussion. See online Summer Symposium blurbs below for session descriptions. 5 CAE credits. Location: Chicago IL. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Greg Pollack, VP, Sales Enablement & Engineering Onboarding at Higher Logic
Jake Toohey, Director, Association Practice at Adage Technologies
Jamie Notter, Co-Founder at Propel
Steve Hopkins, Director, Organizational Performance at Wipfli
Michelle Wroblewski (panel discussion moderator) with Amanda Heberg and Hilary Marsh

Thu 6/5 at 11 a.m. – The CEO Buy-In: Selling the Non-Dues Revenue Vision

Learn how to present non-dues revenue initiatives as strategic priorities. Discover techniques for addressing leadership concerns and “what if” scenarios. Explore strategies for aligning revenue ideas with your association’s mission and goals. Gain tools to effectively frame your pitch and secure leadership buy-in. More info/register.

Host: The Event ROI Coach

Speakers:

Bruce Rosenthal, Bruce Rosenthal Associates, LLC
Barbara J. Armentrout, CAE, BJA Solutions for Associations
Vinnu Deshetty, Event ROI Coach

Thu 6/5 at 11 a.m. – Maximizing Member Value with AI: Strategic Approaches for Associations (Summer Symposium: Innovation and Disruption)

Learn how to use AI strategically and deliver standout value to your members, compete with AI searches to remain your members’ go-to resource for valuable industry information, increase the likelihood of your association and resources being found in AI search results, understand the critical role your online community will play in our new AI-influenced landscape, and evaluate essential data privacy considerations and ways to stay agile as new challenges and opportunities arise with AI. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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

Thu 6/5 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. – Demo Days: AMS Vendor Showcase and Tech Strategy for Small Staff Associations

Whether you’re developing a new tech strategy to achieve your goals, exploring a new AMS or refining your technology roadmap, this event is your starting point. Learn how to build a tech strategy that supports growth. See curated AMS demos from trusted vendors. Gain insights from real-world success stories. Discover how to use the free RFI tool to simplify your search. More info/register.

Host: The Association Marketplace by Qiqo

Keynote speaker: Moira Edwards, President of Ellipsis Partners

Participants: Membee, Charityproud, MatrixxMaxx, and YourMembership by Momentive Software

Thu 6/5 at 12:15 p.m. – Innovation Without the Chaos: Redefining Disruption for Your Association (Summer Symposium: Innovation and Disruption)

Explore how associations of all sizes can define their own version of innovation and disruption—and implement it in a way that’s sustainable and strategic. Hear about a framework that helps IT, marketing, and education teams collaborate around shared goals, make data-informed decisions, and stay future-ready, and examples of successful digital transformation projects from other associations. Learn how to avoid burnout and scope creep during redesigns or re-platforming, responsibly leverage AI to enhance—not replace—member experiences, and assess whether your current systems are holding you back. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jake Toohey, Director, Association Practice at Adage Technologies

Thu 6/5 at 2 p.m. – Spring Cleaning Your Data

Explore practical strategies for data hygiene that go beyond storage savings — including how to improve data quality, streamline systems, and reduce risk. Join CIOs and data experts as we discuss how to build a culture of clean data, choose the right tools, and turn digital clutter into real business value. More info/register.

Host: 501 Works

Thu 6/5 at 2:15 p.m. – Culture Eats Innovation for Breakfast (Summer Symposium: Innovation and Disruption)

Learn what culture is, how it operates inside your organization, the key culture patterns that prevent us from unlocking new value through innovation, and tips for changing your culture in ways that support more effective experimentation and learning. Hear about strategies to transform culture in ways that foster the behaviors necessary for successful innovation. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jamie Notter, Co-Founder at Propel

Thu 6/5 at 3:30 p.m. – Combating Disengagement and Creating High-Performing Teams (Summer Symposium: Innovation and Disruption)

Disengagement increases attrition while contributing to poor performance and poor morale, and is often the result of misalignment, or misunderstanding, among leaders, direct reports and teams. Addressing disengagement can radically decrease the chance of losing talented employees and improve overall workplace culture. Learn how to create high-performing individuals and teams by addressing the causes of disengagement and focusing on specific skills for improved performance. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Steve Hopkins, Director, Organizational Performance at Wipfli

Fri 6/6 at 11 a.m. – ASAE Capitol Hill Update: The Latest on Tax Reform

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Mary Kate Cunningham, CAE, Chief Public Policy and Governance Officer, ASAE
Kyle Hayes, Senior Director of Public Policy, ASAE
Ali Bedford, Vice President, Integer, LLC

Tue 6/10 at 12 p.m. – Digital vs Transformation: A Leadership Discussion

Host: Braintrust Professional Institute

Speakers: Randall Craig and Ronja Francoeur, Braintrust Professional Institute

Tue 6/10 at 1 p.m. – AI in Hiring: Why Human Resources Is Still Human

Host: UST Education.

Speaker: Jaime Hirschfeld, Director of Client Sales and Services at FlexProfessionals LLC

Wed 6/11 at 11 a.m. – 3 Easy Ways Data Can Transform Sponsor Programs

Host: The Event ROI Coach

Speakers:

Bruce Rosenthal, Bruce Rosenthal Associates, LLC
Barbara J. Armentrout, CAE, BJA Solutions for Associations
Vinnu Deshetty, Event ROI Coach

Wed 6/11 at 11 a.m. – What’s Working Now: 5 Proven Campaigns to Drive Member Engagement

Host: UST Education.

Speaker: Ryan Graham, Chief Revenue Officer, PropFuel

Wed 6/11 at 12 p.m. – Small Steps, BIG Results: Improving Your Website Without a Major Redesign

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers: Dan Scheeler, CAE, Chief Operating Officer; Laura Graham, Sr. Solutions Consultant; and Steven Russell, Solutions Consultant, Results Direct

Wed 6/11 at 1 p.m. – How Are Executive Orders Impacting Associations? A Real-Time Check-in With Association Leaders

Host: UST Education.

Speakers:

Joanna M. Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker, Matrix Group International
Matthew Hughes, President and CEO at World Affairs Councils of America
Linda Akutagawa, President & CEO at Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics
Tip Tucker Kendall, Executive Director, National Grants Management Association

Wed 6/11 at 2 p.m. – From Emails to Innovation: Maximizing AI’s Potential in Associations (AI Innovation Labs with Beth Z, Your Nerdy Best Friend)

Host: re:Members

Speaker: Beth Ziesenis: Author. Speaker. Nerd.

Thu 6/12 at 11 a.m. – Event Marketing Mastery: Turning Conferences Into Revenue Generators

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Sam Bush, Partner Marketing Manager at Netstock

Thu 6/12 at 11 a.m. – 2025 Learning Insights to Power Your Growth

Host: Momentive

Speaker: Jesse Shorts, Learning Programs Expert at Momentive Software

Thu 6/12 at 1 p.m. – Broadcast to Breakthrough: Turning Webinars Into Engagement Powerhouses

Host: UST Education.

Speakers:

Kate Coffey-Bacon, VP of Marketing and Events, US Transactions Corporation/UST Education
Amiee Keenan, Founder at The ISV Society
Amanda Sherry, VP Marketing at Western Computer

Creative Commons licensed photo by Susan Gold via Unsplash

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You never grow old at the table

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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You never grow old at the table

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