Association Brain Food: 6.20.25

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

view coming out of the shade on a brown dirt path through a lush meadow with scattered trees and view of hills in the distance – inspiration for my weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association and CAE 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.


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 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)

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: 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

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 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


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 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…

close-up shot of several ripe blueberries on a twig of a bush – inspiration for my weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association and CAE communityAssociation 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.

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.

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.


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 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)

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

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

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 6/11 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)

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


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

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: Chicago IL. More info/register.

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

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


Tue 6/24 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 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 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


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)

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 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.


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 1 p.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


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. 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


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

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: 5.30.25

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

yellow flowers on a prickly pear cactus in a desert setting – inspiration for my weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association and CAE 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.


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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.


Mon 6/2 at 8 a.m.* – Diversifying Fundraising in a Chaotic Economy (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: 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

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

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 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 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 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 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.


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 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

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 Susan 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: 5.23.25

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

view of trail in canyon, Devil's Hall trail, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, Texas – inspiration for my weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association and CAE community

“I’m not young enough to know everything.” ―J.M. Barrie

Learning challenge week. TopClass LMS encourages associations to host a learning challenge week. The purpose of this short-term campaign, requiring a minimal daily time commitment from participants, is to raise awareness and knowledge about an industry issue or in-demand skill. The post describes the benefits for associations, essential campaign elements, and examples for inspiration.

Member recruitment. Tony Rossell at MGI explains why some member-get-a-member recruitment programs don’t produce the expected results. He says the magic ingredient for driving membership growth is social proof, not sales spiels and recruitment talking points.

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

Learner segmentation. Members and customers have a consumer’s expectation for personalized experiences, yet many associations aren’t even segmenting their audience. Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele at Leading Learning (Tagoras) describe why and how to segment based on behavior, preferences, and patterns, what that looks like in practice, and how it leads to more engagement, better learning outcomes, and increased revenue.

Content strategy. Lead Marvels explains why embracing a media mindset and positioning your association as the trusted center of your industry’s information ecosystem is essential for your association’s growth and sustainability.

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.

Association magazines. You might think print magazines are a relic of the past, but Jamie Green of ContentOvation intends to change your mind with his post about the benefits of print magazines for associations. Before you decide to go all in on digital, give his argument some consideration.

Snacks

Why your association still needs a consultant partner, even when your AMS provider handles implementation. | Achurch Consulting

Twelve books to prepare association professionals for the future. | James Young, Product Community

Innovative association revenue streams to help you diversify income and generate the revenue your association needs for mission-critical initiatives. | Bethany Murphy, Big Red M

How I realized AI was making me stupid—and what I do now | Sam Schechner, Wall Street Journal (gift link)

You never grow old at the table

Sssh, don’t tell my husband, but I have way too many packages of cranberries in our freezers. So even though this dish tastes like the holidays, it’s going to be on regular rotation throughout the summer. But that’s okay, because boneless chicken thighs with cranberry herb pan sauce is sooo good. I make it with my favorite Nantucket cranberry sauce, but add onion, garlic, chipotle pepper in adobo, and cinnamon to the pot.

A combo plate for dinner last night: swordfish and flounder with a creamy piccata sauce. On the side? Who knows! I’m writing this Thursday morning in the past tense about a meal we’ll eat tonight that you’ll read about tomorrow morning. I feel like I’m playing with the date line.


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


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

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


Fri 5/23 at 12 p.m.* – Network Notoriety: How Volunteer Leadership Can Boost Your Career

Learn how volunteerism can boost your career and network notoriety. Hear about the value of being a volunteer leader and the importance of young professional representation. Gain critical insight into the role volunteerism plays in career growth as well as how to join boards and committees as a young professional. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

  • Mariel Solomon, MS, CC-SLP (facilitator)
  • Juan Amador, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director, SACNAS
  • Stuart Kushner, CAE, Executive Director, Mission Control HQ
  • Jessica Struve, CAE, Co-Executive Director, Radiology Business Management Association

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


Tue 5/27 at 11 a.m. – Event Stability in Economic Uncertainty: Building Connection, Confidence, and ROI Through Smart Event Strategy

In times of uncertainty, events have the power to ground and inspire. Explore how technology, community, and strategic collaboration can help you create experiences that matter now more than ever. Learn how to maximize ROI through agile event design and technology, boost registration and retention through smarter engagement, adapt agendas and logistics with confidence, and reduce costs without sacrificing quality. More info/register.

Host: Momentive Software

Speaker: Michelle Schweitz


Tue 5/27 at 12 p.m. – Trends Talk with Sarah Sladek

AI is all the buzz, but we’re on the brink of things that go way beyond ChatGPT, Siri, and Alexa. AI is in the classroom and drastically changing the way today’s students are informed and communicate, which will trickle-up to the workforce in no time. What rising tech trends are employers not even thinking about yet? Learn about the many ways STEM is changing the behavior and expectations of the future workforce and what employers need to be doing now to prepare. More info/register.

Host: Sarah Sladek, XYZ University

Guest: Christopher Williams, founder of STEM U Education Solutions and LYNK-ED Software, and co-founder of AINautics Technologies


Tue 5/27 at 12 p.m. – Strategic Planning in the Midst of Uncertainty

Once again, we’re using words like “unprecedented” for the world around us. Does your strategic plan give you the tools to keep your association relevant and sustainable in an uncertain and evolving environment? Find out how to create an aspirational yet realistic strategic plan and ensure that it is successfully implemented. More info/register.

Host: Zzeem Consulting


Wed 5/28 at 11 a.m. – Unmasking AMS Success: Developing Post-Launch

AMS adoption isn’t a solo act—it’s a team effort. The real work starts after launch, and success only comes when the system is fully adopted. Too often, organizations fall into post-launch traps like shadow systems, disengaged users, or missed upgrades. But it doesn’t have to be that way.Learn how to maintain momentum, empower staff, and build a team of internal champions. Hear collaborative strategies to keep your AMS evolving with your organization—not working against it. No matter how long it’s been since launch, this session will help you get more value from your system and your team. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

  • Rebecca Achurch, CEO at Achurch Consulting
  • Simone Bielsker, Program Director, Information Systems, CAE, PMP at American Staffing Association
  • Monica Pemberton, Vice President & Chief Information Officer at American Council on Education

Wed 5/28 at 12 p.m. – Uncovering UBI: What Every Nonprofit Leader Needs to Know

Revenue diversification is essential for sustaining a nonprofit’s operations. However, engaging in new income-generating activities or special events can trigger unexpected tax consequences. Get a clear understanding of Unrelated Business Income (UBI). Learn how to identify UBI activities, where they might be reported, and implement strategies to reduce tax liabilities. More info/register.

Host: Your Part-Time Controller


Wed 5/28 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 5/28 at 1 p.m. – Preparing For, and Landing, Your First C-Suite or CEO Job

Hear how to prepare for and land your dream job in the association and nonprofit industry. Learn how to assess your capabilities objectively; what association and nonprofit boards seek when searching for C-Suite candidates, especially CEO candidates; how to create a personal development plan to help you land your next C-Suite role; where and how to search for C-Suite opportunities; the role of the recruiter in executive searches; ways to prepare for your interviews with recruiters and boards; how working for an AMC could prepare you for your next C-Suite role; common misconceptions about landing your first CEO job; and rreparing for your first Board meeting after landing that CEO job. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

  • Joanna M. Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker, Matrix Group International
  • Julian Ha, Global Head – Legal, Risk, Compliance & Government Affairs Practice at Heidrick & Struggles
  • Tina Sung,President and CEO at Synergy Works

Wed 5/28 at 1 p.m. – Wellness in Every Way

Meetings and events industry professionals often struggle to prioritize wellness, as their demanding schedules and stressful responsibilities tend to come before their personal well-being. Learn about the areas of wellness, from physical and nutritional to social and financial, and the roles they play in your overall well-being. Understand the importance of prioritizing your well-being. Discover tips and tricks to implement in your day-to-day life that can help you put yourself first despite your busy schedule. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: Mark Mohammadpour, founder and CEO of Chasing the Sun


Wed 5/28 at 2 p.m. – May Women in Association Leadership (WIAL) Call

Hear about Sandy’s inspiring career journey, the power of women-led communities like WIAL, and how she’s been lifted up by incredible women throughout her path. More info/register.

Host: Women in Association Leadership

Moderator: Sherry Budziak of .orgSource

Guest: Sandy Marsico, Founder & CEO of Sandstorm


Wed 5/28 at 2 p.m. – FBO May Meet Up: The Age of Intelligence: How AI Is Redefining Everything

This month’s topic is all about artificial intelligence. Questions to get your thoughts brewing: How can we ensure that AI supports our mission rather than distracts from it? Where can AI reduce staff burden—member services, content curation, data analysis? What ethical guidelines should we adopt for using AI in our organization? How do we protect member data when using AI-driven platforms? Should we have an internal policy or position statement on responsible AI use? More info/register (ASAE members only).

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


Thu 5/29 at 11 a.m. – How to Make Attendees Fall in Love with Your Event

Explore what it takes to turn your event into something attendees don’t want to miss, again and again. It’s not about bigger venues, celebrity speakers or fancier swag. It’s about delivering a 10x experience for your attendees at every stage of their journey. More info/register.

Host: Grip

Speakers:

  • Mark Jones, Founder and CEO, Giant iTab
  • Abi Cannons, Senior Strategic Account Manager, Grip

Thu 5/29 at 11 a.m. – Investing in Well-being: The Strategic Advantage of Mental Health Support in the Workplace

Learn about the often-hidden costs associated with neglecting mental health in the workplace. Discover how a mentally healthy workforce can fuel innovation, enhance collaboration, improve customer satisfaction, and ultimately contribute to a stronger bottom line. Learn how to cultivate a workplace where mental health is not just supported but actively fostered. Hear about real-world examples of successful mental health initiatives and a framework for understanding how to implement effective programs relevant to your organization. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speaker: Larry Long Jr., Founder and CEO (Chief Energy Officer) of LLJR Enterprises


Thu 5/29 at 2 p.m. – Before You Go: An Insider’s Guide to AMSFest

Shopping for a new AMS solution can be a difficult process. AMSFest is a great event to incorporate into your search since it features a wide array of solution vendors and association consultants packed into two full days. Get the inside scoop on getting the most out of the AMSFest experience, including: what to expect; knowing why you’re attending and what information you should have at the ready; your pillars for success; what makes you weird (in a good way!); whom to bring; getting the most out of the demos; staying organized – the “demo tracker”; meeting some consultants; making association friends – we are stronger together; gaining insights from the AMS/CRM System Selection Surveys; importance of change management; managing your project for success; and preparing for data migration. More info/register (open to all).

Host: 501 Works

Speakers:

  • James Marquis from 501Works & TheCIOHour
  • Melissa Mack from Intuitive Business Concepts
  • Joe Plasterer from Cirrus Change Readiness
  • Sean Miriashtiani from ACGI Software
  • Thomas McClintock from Empowered Margins
  • Olivia Wilkins from PerByte

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 is not 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 current state of data literacy within the panelists’ associations; strategies they employ to overcome the challenges they face; and solutions for enhancing data literacy, including programs, tools, and techniques that can be implemented to build a data-literate workforce. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Data Analytics Network

Speakers:

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

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. – 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: Association Marketplace/QiqoChat

Keynote: Moira Edwards, President of Ellipsis Partners


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: Association Marketplace/QiqoChat


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


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.



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: 5.9.25

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

bird sitting in her nest in a birch tree – inspiration for my weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association and CAE community

Association Brain Food won’t be in your inbox next Friday (May 16) because next week I’m in New Mexico and Texas for a family hiking vacation. You’ll get the next edition on Friday, May 23. In the meantime, brace yourself, it’s a long one today.

“If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” —J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

Microcredentials. Apti explains why associations are perfectly positioned to develop and deliver microcredentialing programs and digital badges. These programs help employers bridge industry skills gaps and help members acquire and display mastery of new skills and knowledge.

Recruiting awards judges. OpenWater shares proven strategies for recruiting judges for an association awards program, even if members say they’re too busy. Their step-by-step guide explains how to find qualified volunteers, secure their commitment, and make things easier for you next year.

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

Membership value. For the Canadian Society of Association Executives, Chris Vaughan of Sequence Consulting describes how associations can stand out in a competitive landscape by shifting their focus from transactional benefits to transformational value. Compare what your association offers to his suggestions.

Advocacy. Dean West of Association Laboratory believes the decades-old association advocacy model is ripe for revolution. He says the policy environment we’re in is marked by speed and unpredictability, but these characteristics do not favor associations.

Limited resources. NetForum offers insights and strategies for addressing four challenges associations face when they’re compelled to do more with less: inefficient processes, staff shortages, technology limitations, and budget constraints.

Association influencers. “People are moved by narrative over marketing—by connection over campaign,” says Lowell Aplebaum of Vista Cova. If members aren’t responding to your messaging and investing their time and resources in your programs, think about growing your own influencers. Members are more likely to respond to the stories of peers and colleagues they trust.

Website traffic. SEO industry research predicts a decline in organic search traffic. Cale Pissarra at Zeelo says if clicks dry up, trust becomes the biggest conversion factor. People remember the brand that taught them something, not the one that once ranked first. Yes, a plug for thoughtful, useful content.

Snacks

Forget what you’ve learned about Gen Z. He means it and gives you a preview of the backlash to come. | Jamie Notter, Propel

Hikers make a stunning discovery of a $340,000 gold hoard in Czech mountains—maybe I’ll find something next week in the Guadalupe Mountains. | Richard Whiddington, Artnet

A recent survey found an eagerness among associations to use AI and other options to bolster their education programs, but they’re uncertain about cost and implementation. | Mark Athitakis, Associations Now

Stop tripping over the rug: why familiar obstacles are still holding your association back. | Sherry Budziak, .orgSource

When the ice cream turns sour: the neuroscience of experience fatigue and what makes an event experience stick. | David Adler, Living Room Labs

A primer on Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) for B2B marketers. | Viola Eva, Flow

You never grow old at the table

Here’s an easy one for a weeknight dinner, although you need to marinate ahead of time: chicken shawarma. Hummus would be a great accompaniment, but I never got around to making any last weekend. I thought about couscous as a side, but didn’t think we needed the starch. Instead, we had the old standby: broccoli roasted with red onion and garlic powder.

We also enjoyed another regular: flounder with spiced breadcrumb topping. This time, my topping included red bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, and garlic. On the side, a nuked sweet potato and leftover cole slaw.


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


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.


Mon 5/12 at 8 a.m.* – Association Partnerships Fuel Growth! (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: Edessa Polzin, American Marketing Association

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


Mon 5/12 at 1 p.m. – Crafting Your Research Agenda: Key Insights and Best Practices

Explore actionable strategies for leveraging data to drive impactful decisions. Connect with association leaders and discover best practices for developing and implementing a research agenda. Discuss the key elements to your research strategy; creating surveys that deliver actionable, reliable insights; and keeping a pulse on market trends and ensuring your research is aligned with shifts in the industry to stay ahead of the curve. More info/register.

Host: McKinley Advisors

Facilitators: Patrick Glaser, M.A., MPA, McKinley Chief Practice Officer and Candace Vanderpoel, M.A., McKinley Practice Director


Mon 5/12 from 5 to 7 p.m. – Association Young Professionals Reception (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


Mon 5/12 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. – MMC + Tech Happy Hour 2025 (Washington DC)

Join us right outside the DC convention center for a fun evening of networking and socializing with fellow young professionals following ASAE’s MMC + Tech conference. This in-person event offers a relaxed and casual setting to connect with like-minded peers, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships. More info/register.

Organizer: ASAE Young Professionals Advisory Committee


Tue 5/13 at 12 p.m. – Uncommon Strategies for Creating Thriving Online Community Engagement

Does it feel like there are too many lurkers, not enough participation, and few substantive conversations in your online community? Learn how to raise the energy in your community so your members can get the conversation started. Discover a few straightforward yet powerful strategic processes you can apply right away or implement with your team. Begin shaping a member culture that aligns with your community’s unique needs and dynamics. Walk away with actionable strategies to encourage participation, transforming passive observers into engaged, enthusiastic contributors. More info/register.

Host: GrowthZone

Speaker: Amanda Kaiser, Keynote Speaker, Author, and Engagement Strategist


Tue 5/13 at 12 p.m. – Transformational HR: Strategic human resources for a growing organization

Growing successfully means relying on people – i.e. your staff – to deliver. And behind these people there is always a capable Chief People Officer and CEO with vision. So this month, let’s talk people: from “Personnel” to “HR” to “People”—what’s next; people strategy, strategic planning, and succession planning; employee experience and company culture; and team alignment and professional development that fuels the organization. More info/register.

Host: Braintrust Professional Institute


Tue 5/13 at 12 p.m. – Tech Tuesday: MMC+Tech LIVE!

The hosts will chat live from MMC+Tech with content gurus, attendees soaking up all the knowledge, and amazing volunteers who make it all happen. The spotlighting will be on transformative technologies and strategies that are revolutionizing how associations elevate member engagement, craft impactful communications, leverage strategic marketing, design transformative events, and deliver elevated education. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Hosts: Reggie Henry of ASAE and Dave Coriale of DelCor


Tue 5/13 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 5/13 at 2 p.m. – How to Unleash Your Event AI Agent Assistant

Whether you are already an AI master or just ChatGPT curious, we have gathered the experts to talk about the resources that could make you exponentially more efficient and the red flags to watch out for in the race to adoption. Learn tips for asking the right questions, new ways to use the tools, including data analysis, and what could be in store over the next 12 months and beyond. More info/register.

Host: Smart Meetings

Speakers:

  • Chantal Sturk-Nadeau, Vice President, SPARK and PCMA Insights
  • Tim Hines, Keynote Speaker, Business Coach & fCMO, Marketing Starter Group
  • Margaret Launzel-Pennes, Chief Visioneer, POP | X

Wed 5/14 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. CDT – Various Approaches to Maintenance of Certification (Chicago IL)

Maintenance of certification (MOC) is a key component to ensure the integrity of the certification program. The onus on certification organizations is to develop pathways that both assure continued competence and meet the needs and characteristics of the certified population. Explore trends and approaches related to MOC. Whether you are considering changes, seeking accreditation, or finding what works best for your certification program, this session will reinforce best practices and present options for alternative approaches in the MOC landscape. Location: Chicago IL. More info/register.

Host: Certification Network Group

Speakers:

  • Christine D. Niero, PhD (moderator), Vice President, Professional Testing, Inc.
  • Adrienne W. Cadle, PhD, Vice President, Credentialing, Professional Testing, Inc.
  • Kevin Patrick, Director, Program Development, American Board of Medical Specialties
  • Robert Mahlman, MA, PMP, I.C.E. – CCP, Director, Certification and Credentialing National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators
  • Ye Ma, PhD, Senior Psychometrician , Amazon Web Services

Wed 5/14 at 11 a.m. – Outsourcing Survey for Associations & Why it Matters

Hear about the latest findings from a groundbreaking outsourcing survey with two powerhouse voices in the industry: Shameka Jennings, CEO of EventsNoire, and Dana Freker Doody, founder of Inktide Solutions. Together, they explore what smart outsourcing looks like in 2025—from event strategy to marketing to operations—and how association leaders can make bold, values-aligned decisions that future-proof their organizations. This isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about amplifying impact. More info/register.

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


Wed 5/14 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. Learn to evaluate strategies to drive growth and deliver results that exceed stakeholders’ expectations, eevelop growth-oriented mindsets and well-aligned teams, analyze members’ motivations and deepen understanding, design products and services that address members’ priorities, and establish outcomes-focused strategies and high-impact go-to-market plans that inspire members and bolster brand prestige. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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


Wed 5/14 at 11:30 a.m. – World Café: Trust-Building Across Borders: Critical Skills for Association Professionals

Explore the nuances of trust-building in global contexts, using the Trust Triangle framework from Begin with Trust by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss. Examine how Authenticity, Logic, and Empathy play out in different cultural settings. Hear real-life examples of building (and losing) trust across borders. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE International Associations Advisory Council

Speakers:

  • Melissa Heeke, CAE, Associate Executive Director, Raybourn Group International
  • Sylvia Gonner, CAE, President and Owner, CultureWiz
  • Pietro Macchiarella, CAE, Data and Insights COE Director, Young Presidents’ Organization
  • Matt Riley, CAE, Executive Director, American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers
  • Michiel Gen, Partner – Stakeholder Management, Exempla Management & Consulting

Wed 5/14 at 12 p.m. – Chapter Roundtable: Mini-Mastermind Sessions for Chapter-Based Organizations in Washington, DC

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 non-formal and designed for busy professionals like you, however it works for you: come late, leave early, share, don’t share. Don’t worry: our lunches are peer-driven and anything but boring. You’ll leave with actionable ideas, insights, and inspirations you can put to work right away. Location: Washington DC. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: re:Members


Wed 5/14 at 1 p.m. – Meeting Design for Next-Gen Attendees: A Fresh Approach

Explore hotel and destination choices that align with the values and preferences of younger attendees; room setups that promote engagement; food and beverage trends that cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences; speakers who inspire, resonate with, and motivate a younger audience; entertainment that adds a memorable ‘wow’ factor to your events; and networking opportunities that encourage genuine connections and engagement. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Prevue Meetings

Speakers:

  • Patricia Valerio, Meeting Supervisor at Eversana
  • Emily Parsons-Walker, M.S., CIS, Event Specialist at Society for Incentive Travel Excellence
  • Michelle Holdeman, VP Sales & Development at Food for Thought

Wed 5/14 at 1 p.m. – Just in Time: Economic and Travel Outlook Amid Federal Policy Shifts

As federal policy continues to evolve, so too does the economic landscape—bringing both challenges and opportunities for associations and the sectors they represent. From inflation and interest rates to shifting regulations and workforce dynamics, the ripple effects are far-reaching. Hear expert insights and practical guidance to help your association plan with confidence. More info/register (free for members only).

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

  • Aran Ryan, Director of Industry Studies, Oxford Economics
  • Joshua Friedlander, Vice President, Research, U.S. Travel Association
  • Virginie De Visscher, Executive Director, Business Events, Destination Canada
  • Ahmed Farruk, CIMA, Partner, Regional Director and Senior Consultant, Fiducient Advisors

Wed 5/14 at 1:30 p.m. – Data-Driven Decision-Making for Nonprofits & Membership Organizations

Hear about real-world ways nonprofits and membership organizations can use data to inform decisions, improve efficiency, and deepen engagement. You don’t need a data science team or new tools to get started. You just need a plan. Learn how to build a communications strategy informed by clean, actionable data; how to use segmentation to improve retention and fundraising results; how to use data to personalize experiences and increase renewals; what a data health check looks like and why it matters; how to automate time-consuming tasks and get more from your existing systems; and how to combine strategy and infrastructure for long-term impact. More info/register.

Hosts: Fíonta and Firefly Partners


Wed 5/14 at 3 p.m. – How Coaching Can Elevate Your Leadership at Any Level

Coaching is a game-changer for young professionals looking to grow, navigate career transitions, and tackle challenges with confidence. Hear real success stories about how coaching has helped young professionals’ level up in their careers and personal lives. Dive into key moments when working with a coach can make all the difference, like landing a promotion, overcoming obstacles, or setting bold long-term goals. Discover what makes an effective coaching relationship, how to set clear expectations, and ways to measure success. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

  • Cicely Anderson (facilitator), Founder & President, Life Purpose Architects
  • Ashley Pak, Director of Learning Operations, International Coaching Federation
  • Jeremy Kestler, Executive Coach, Kestler Coaching and Learning
  • Michael Pereira, Marketing Manager, School Nutrition Association
  • Jen Lewi, Executive Coach & Career Strategist, Design Your Next Step™
  • Karen Bernstein, Vice President of Learning & Development, International Coaching Federation.

Wed 5/14 at 6 p.m. – Reimagining Conferences: More Connection, Less Lecture

Conferences are full of potential—so why do they often feel flat and forgettable? This interactive session is for facilitators, planners, speakers, and attendees who want more connection and less passive listening. We’ll use Liberating Structures to uncover what gets in the way of authentic engagement and generate practical ways to make conferences more participatory and energizing. More info/register.

Host: Better Meetings

Facilitators:

  • Lee Gimpel, founder, Better Meetings
  • Barb Bickford, founder, Bickford Collaboration

Thu 5/15 at 12 p.m. – Chapter Roundtable: Mini-Mastermind Sessions for Chapter-Based Organizations in Tysons Corner, 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 non-formal and designed for busy professionals like you, however it works for you: come late, leave early, share, don’t share. Don’t worry: our lunches are peer-driven and anything but boring. You’ll leave with actionable ideas, insights, and inspirations you can put to work right away. Location: McLean VA. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: re:Members


Thu 5/15 at 12 p.m. – Inclusive by Design: Ensuring Accessible & Equitable Online Training

Accessible course modules reflect your association’s commitment to equity and social responsibility and broaden your reach to a more diverse audience, including aging learners and those using assistive technologies. Hear about practical steps to bring your organization’s online learning programs into WCAG compliance. Learn how accessible courses tend to be better organized, clearer, and more user-friendly for all learners, which can lead to higher engagement and improved learning outcomes. More info/register.

Host: eLearningDOC

Speakers:

  • Mark Wallach, MBA, CEO Emeritus, Engagement Mobile Strategies
  • Toni DiMella, Executive Director of Quality Assurance, eLearningDOC
  • Angela Robbins (moderator), Founder & CEO, eLearningDOC

Thu 5/15 at 1 p.m. – A Look at Continuing Education in 2030: Disruption, Competition, and Changing Expectations

MOOCs, tech giants, and universities are expanding aggressively into the continuing education world. How can associations and other learning businesses stay ahead? Hear about the forces shaping CE in the next half decade. Explore three major paradigm shifts, along with practical strategies to help learning businesses remain competitive and impactful. Learn about some of the biggest challenges CE providers face today, including AI’s impact on CE, increased competition, silos that stymie agility, and changing learner and employer expectations. More info/register.

Host: Tagoras/Leading Learning

Speakers:

  • Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders of Tagoras and Leading Learning
  • Evan Burton, head of growth at BenchPrep

Thu 5/15 at 1 p.m. – Hidden Secrets: The Real Value of Executive Search

Discover how partnering with a professional search firm can enhance your organization’s leadership strategy, connecting you with exceptional talent who share your mission and vision. Learn how to streamline your recruitment process, maintain confidentiality during sensitive transitions, and drive long-term success through strategic alignment and cultural fit. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Richard Yep, Vice President at Vetted Solutions


Thu 5/15 at 1 p.m. – Non-Dues Revenue Remix

Many associations rely on traditional revenue streams—annual events, government funding, and member dues. But what happens when those staples are no longer stable? Hear about creative, practical strategies that challenge the norm—like dynamic pricing, monetizing content, launching targeted micro-events, and turning industry data gaps into revenue opportunities. More info/register.

Host: MCI

Speakers: Brittany Shoul, Sr. Vice President, Revenue Strategy and Operations, Full-Service Sales, and Carly Heideger, AVP, Client Partnership & Performance, MCI


Thu 5/15 at 1 p.m. – Mastering Data-Driven Decision-Making for Associations

Discover how to leverage analytics tools and AI insights to inform strategic decisions and achieve your goals. More info/register.

Host: Missionfuel


Thu 5/15 at 1 p.m. – Insuring Success: Navigating Risk & Insurance for Events

Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about event insurance, a business insurance checklist tailored for event organizers and vendor contracts, the most common event-related claims and how to avoid them, best practices for handling event cancellation insurance claims, and proactive steps to mitigate risk before, during, and after your event.1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers: Seth Fleischer and Michelle Evans, Aon Affinity Nonprofits


Thu 5/15 at 4 p.m. – “Passiontivity”: Go From Paycheck to Passion!

Employers and job seekers: Join us to discover how to align passion and purpose on both sides of the hire. Most employers hire and promote based on the skills that make you productive, not necessarily those which deeply motivate you. Isn’t it time to discover a career path that will truly excite you? The old adage holds true: Do what you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life. Get ready to answer questions that may forever change the way you look at your career. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Reston Loudoun Swap

Speaker: Shira Lotzar, Chief Engagement Officer of Purposeful Hire


Fri 5/16 at 1 p.m. – Hot Topics in Healthcare – Healthcare Workforce

We’re diving into the healthcare workforce—how associations are addressing the challenges to building up and retaining the healthcare workforce. Key discussion points include: healthcare provider shortage, retention, recruitment, and advocacy. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE’s Healthcare Community Advisory Committee


Fri 5/16 at 3 p.m. – Nonprofit Consultants Collaborative’s Monthly Networking Meeting: Effective Marketing Tactics for Consultants

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 usual agenda of sharing of good news and topics or questions from the group. More info/register.

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


Mon 5/19 at 8 a.m. – USAE News episode (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: TBA


Mon 5/19 at 2 p.m. – International Business Models and Global Expansion Strategy for Associations

Learn how to expand your association’s global footprint. Key global expansion topics that will be covered include: internationalization frameworks, transformation and change, membership and global engagement, and governance Models for global expansion. More info/register.

Hosts: ASAE International Associations Advisory Council and ASAE Executive Management Professionals Advisory Council

Speakers:

  • Francisco Gomez, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Factum Global
  • Tarnbir Kaur, Vice President, Membership and Strategic Engagement, American Chemical Society
  • Brian Weiss, Chief Operating Officer, National Contract Management Association
  • Tommy Goodwin (moderator), Executive Vice President, Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance

Tue 5/20 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 5/20 at 12 p.m. – Stand Out: Tips on Advancing Your Association Career

In today’s environment, everyone should be open to new ventures. Hear insights on the current executive search environment and the strategies and actionable tips on how to enhance a resumé, prepare for interviews, and project executive presence. More info/register.

Host: Association Xchange

Speaker: Richard Yep, CAE, FASAE, Vice President of Vetted Solutions


Tue 5/20 at 12 p.m. – Competency-Based Boards (CRVM May 2025 Crunch and Munch)

The session will cover questions such as: Who are developing boards this way? What are the competencies you’re looking for? What questions do you ask to understand if candidates meet those competencies? How are you balancing longtime volunteer involvement and these competencies?  Did you transition into this from something else – what did the journey and feedback look like? More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Component Relations and Volunteer Management Council

Facilitators:

  • Elizabeth George, Chief Membership Officer, American Guild of Organists
  • Jessica Lombardo, Vice President, Membership and Volunteer Engagement, ASIS International

Tue 5/20 at 1 p.m. – How to Double New Member Engagement with Personalized Onboarding

Great onboarding isn’t just about informing new members. It’s about creating real, individual connections with them. Hear how AMA doubled their engagement rate shifting from broadcast emails to conversational engagement, captured real-time insights on new member interests and club participation, and built a foundation for stronger engagement and retention—all starting from the very first touchpoint. Learn how their new onboarding strategy ensured every new member felt supported, connected, and ready to engage – and how you can do this, too. More info/register.

Host: PropFuel


Tue 5/20 at 1 p.m. – Beyond the Plan: Rethinking Strategic Planning for Real Impact

Explore the key insights from our newly released white paper on strategic planning. Hear about the innovative approaches that set our approach to strategic planning apart—moving beyond rigid, outdated models to a process that is dynamic, inclusive, and actionable. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how we co-create strategy with organizations, centering adaptability, engagement, and measurable outcomes. More info/register.

Host: Event Garde


Tue 5/20 at 1 p.m. – Once Upon a Partnership: Storytelling for Associations and Non Profits

Hear how storytelling can transform the way purpose-driven organizations connect with sponsors and partners. Learn how to craft and communicate your organization’s story in a way that resonates, inspires, and opens doors to meaningful partnerships. Hear insights to help you stand out in a crowded funding landscape. Walk away with actionable tips to refine their narrative, amplify their mission, and build deeper corporate connections through the power of story. More info/register.

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

Guest: Cat Margulis—author, speaker, book coach, podcast host, founder, Passion Project


Tue 5/20 at 1 p.m. – Accelerating Industry Workforce Development

Hear game-changing strategies to anticipate workforce needs and position your association as the go-to industry resource, key insights for incorporating workforce development into your strategic plan, and innovative approaches to elevate both members and non-members in their professional journeys. Learn practical techniques and strategic approaches to effectively support workforce development within your industry, create meaningful partnerships, and drive positive change through education and training initiatives. More info/register.

Host: McKinley Advisors

Speakers:

  • Tamesha L. Logan, MBA, CAE, Interim Executive Director, National Athletic Trainers’ Association
  • Amber Jackson, Apprenticeship Project Manager, National Rural Water Association
  • Brian Savoie, Sr. Vice President, Education & International Programs, Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society
  • Kristi Donovan, M.S., CAE (Moderator), Practice Director, McKinley Advisors

Tue 5/20 at 3 p.m. – Security & Data Mining: Safeguarding Content in the Digital Age

As AI-driven technologies continue to shape the way we access and share information, organizations have the chance to harness these advancements while ensuring their content remains protected. Learn how to navigate security challenges, leverage AI tools effectively, and make strategic decisions about data access and protection. More info/register.

Host: Cadmium

Speakers: Ezra Wolfe, Senior Vice President, Infrastructure & IT, and Amanda Law (Moderator), Event Marketing Manager, Cadmium


Wed 5/21 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Community and Engagement Platforms Demo Day

See presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer community and engagement platforms. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Participants: GrowthZone, Clowder by ASI, Forj, Breezio, Higher Logic Thrive, Cantarus, and Insight Guide


Wed 5/21 at 10 a.m. – What the Top-Performing Government Affairs Teams Do Differently

Hear about the strategies, best practices, and actionable insights that will help your government affairs team (or team of one!) thrive in 2025. Learn how to navigate political shifts, leverage new technologies and data, and drive real results. More info/register.

Host: FiscalNote

Speakers:

  • Marcel Halma, Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer and Head of Country Management, Solvay
  • Ryann Hill, Founder & CEO, Indigo Hill Strategies
  • Moderated by Josh Resnik, CEO and President, FiscalNote

Wed 5/21 at 11 a.m. – Leading with Intention: Values, Transitions & Building Belonging

In a time of shifting political winds and increasing polarization, intentional leadership has never been more essential. Learn how values-driven decision-making, inclusive practices, and strategic transitions have shaped Wendy’s legacy. Explore how to build belonging amidst change, and why leading with intention isn’t just admirable—it’s essential. More info/register.

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

Guest: Wendy Toyama , MBA, FASAE, CAE, CEO, American Epilepsy Society


Wed 5/21 at 1 p.m. – Cybersecurity in the Age of Hybrid Work and AI: A Practical Approach

Employees and members are more widely dispersed than ever, and artificial intelligence has crept its way into all corners of our lives. Get up to date on the threats and strategies that matter most in this landscape. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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


Wed 5/21 at 1 p.m. – Secrets to Success: What Your Association Service Providers Want You to Know

Learn why traditional RFPs may be holding your organization back and explore smarter, more strategic ways to identify, vet, and start strong with service providers who truly understand your goals. Get insights on how to communicate openly, ask the right questions, and set expectations early so your provider relationship starts (and stays) aligned, collaborative, and resilient. Explore real-world stories of problem-solving, flexibility, and evolution in action, plus actionable steps you can take today to elevate your current provider relationships. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fonteva

Speakers:

  • Jennifer Baker, MSW, CAE, Association Customer Success Director, Web Scribble
  • Carrie McIntyre, Principal, Navigate CES LLC, Chief Revenue Officer, Matchbox
  • Carolyn Shomali, Director of Content, Professionals for Association Revenue
  • Brittany Shoul, Senior Vice President, Revenue Strategy & Operations, MCI USA

Wed 5/21 at 1 p.m. – Master the Repeatable Events Formula And Drive Engagement With Your Target Audience

The data doesn’t lie. One-off mega-events aren’t enough. Discover how to build and scale a program of high-impact, repeatable events that drive meaningful engagement—whether you’re connecting with buyers, educating customers, training employees or building community. Hear why smaller, repeatable events often deliver as much ROI and engagement as large, flagship gatherings; get tactical frameworks for designing events you can easily replicate and scale; and learn how to leverage personalization to drive desired results and key considerations when building your event programs. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: Brooke Gracey, Director of Demand Generation, Cvent


Wed 5/21 at 2 p.m. – Association Sales Mastery: Strategies and Tactics That Advance Business Development

Explore how associations can revolutionize their approach to business development by refining sales mastery in three interconnected domains: Continuous Learning and Professional Development, Strategic Business Development Framework, and Technology-Enabled Operational Excellence. More info/register.

Host: Professionals for Association Revenue (PAR)

Speakers:

  • John Bacon, VP, Sales & Partner Experience ASAE
  • Jay Ablondi, Director of Business Development | Sponsorships, Exhibits, & Advertising, Massachusetts Medical Society
  • Sean Soth, Founder & Leadership Advisory Board Chair, Professionals for Association Revenue (PAR)

Wed 5/21 at 2 p.m. – AI in Action: Practical Ways Associations Can Get Started Today

Explore practical, non-intimidating ways your organization can start using AI today—even with limited time and resources. Discover how associations of all sizes are already using AI across their teams—from automating emails and supercharging member engagement, to unlocking insights from member data and using generative AI for content creation. More info/register.

Hosts: GrowthZone and Sidecar

Speakers:

  • Erica Salm Rench, CMO, Sidecar
  • Emily Lachinski, Vice President of Product. GrowthZone

Wed 5/21 at 2 p.m. – IRS Exams and Revocation of Tax-Exempt Status: What Nonprofits Need to Know and How to Be Prepared

Reported threats to nonprofit organizations’ tax-exempt status have been widely circulated in recent weeks. Learn about the IRS examination process, including how to prepare for future examinations, what an organization should do when it is informed of an impending examination, what to do during an examination, and what to do if an examination results in an adverse determination. More info/register.

Host: Venable LLP

Speakers: George Constantine, Partner, and Janice Ryan, Partner, Venable LLP


Wed 5/21 at 2 p.m. – The Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue

More info/register.

Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First


Wed 5/21 at 2 p.m. – Boosting Attendee Engagement: Strategies That Work

Hear winning strategies for boosting attendee engagement before, during and after events. Learn about creative ideas for adding fun, interactive moments throughout the event agenda; tools and examples to help you gamify your gathering; and how to build a community around your event that extends far beyond the closing session. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

  • Beth Lawrence, Owner and CEO, Beth Lawrence Meetings & Events
  • Cindy Lo, CEO, RED VELVET and Strong Events
  • Elise Schoening (moderator), Editor, Meeting News; Senior Editor, Northstar Meetings Group

Wed 5/21 at 2:30 p.m. – Driving Impact: OKRs, Innovation & the Future of Associations

Learn how Juan’s team uses OKRs, agile thinking, and emerging tech like AI and blockchain to drive global impact. Hear his hard-won lessons on modernizing credentialing, scaling innovation, and preparing associations for a future that demands more. More info/register.

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

Guest: Juan Sanchez, Chief Information Officer, Inteleos


Wed 5/21 at 3 p.m. – Driving Chapter Excellence: Education as a Leadership and Member Benefit

Explore actionable strategies for supporting chapters in delivering educational programs that benefit their members and in developing leadership training that strengthens chapter capacity. Discover how national associations can play a pivotal role in fostering growth, enhancing retention, and maximizing the value chapters provide. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: re:Members

Facilitator: Peggy Hoffman, President & Executive Director, Mariner Management

Speaker: Antje Teegler, Sr. Director, Membership Initiatives & Chapters at the Association of Corporate Counsel


Wed 5/21 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. This is your opportunity to connect, ask questions, exchange experiences and gain insights to help drive your organization forward. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Small Staff Associations Advisory Committee


Wed 5/21 at 8 p.m. – Engaging Rural & Remote Members Through Community Platforms

Discover how regional forums, virtual events, and tailored content can help your rural members feel seen, heard, and supported. Learn practical tips, real-life examples, and strategies for creating inclusive, accessible online spaces; using analytics to understand rural engagement trends; and building lasting member connections—wherever they are. More info/register.

Host: Higher Logic

Speakers:

  • Venessa Paech, Director, Australian Community Managers
  • Brendan Leehe, Customer Marketing Manager, Higher Logic
  • Pamela Brown, EMDRAA Consultant, Trauma Recovery Network Australia

Thu 5/22 at 12 p.m. – The True Cost of Data for Associations

Learn about the hidden costs of poor data—and how to turn your data strategy into a true asset for your association. Hear how to build a culture of data hygiene through regular audits and governance best practices; address the rising risks of data breaches, fraud, and compliance gaps; quantify the financial impact of inaccurate data—missed renewals, declined transactions, and lost engagement; and leverage clean, reliable data to drive personalized member experiences and strategic decision-making. More info/register.

Host: ExpoLogic

Speakers:

  • Evan Reid, Senior Director of Analytics, The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
  • Wes Trochlil, Owner, Effective Database Management
  • Rob Miller, SVP of Association Strategy, Momentive Software

Thu 5/22 at 3 p.m. – Back to Virtual: Why Online Events Are Rising Again—and What to Do About It

With ongoing legislative and economic fluctuations sparking a resurgence in virtual events, now is the time to rethink how you plan and deliver impactful online experiences. Hear about the latest trends and legislative factors driving the shift back to virtual events, best practices for planning and executing successful virtual and hybrid events, and key features and tools that enhance audience engagement and event ROI. More info/register.

Host: Cadmium

Speakers: Jon Corun, Director of Multimedia Productions, and Kendra Matarozza, Director of Online Events, Cadmium


Fri 5/23 at 12 p.m. – Network Notoriety: How Volunteer Leadership Can Boost Your Career

Learn how volunteerism can boost your career and network notoriety. Hear about the value of being a volunteer leader and the importance of young professional representation. Gain critical insight into the role volunteerism plays in career growth as well as how to join boards and committees as a young professional. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

  • Mariel Solomon, MS, CC-SLP (facilitator)
  • Juan Amador, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director, SACNAS
  • Stuart Kushner, CAE, Executive Director, Mission Control HQ
  • Jessica Struve, CAE, Co-Executive Director, Radiology Business Management Association

Wed 5/28 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 5/28 at 2 p.m. – May Women in Association Leadership (WIAL) Call

Hear about Sandy’s inspiring career journey, the power of women-led communities like WIAL, and how she’s been lifted up by incredible women throughout her path. More info/register.

Host: Women in Association Leadership

Moderator: Sherry Budziak of .orgSource

Guest: Sandy Marsico, Founder & CEO of Sandstorm


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 Jessica Kirkpatrick 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: 5.2.25

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

desert landscape with sandstone and saguaro cacti – inspiration for my weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association communityEducation partnerships. TopClass LMS describes how partnering with other organizations helps associations expand their online education portfolio and meet increasing market demand despite your staff’s limited capacity. They offer advice on selecting the right content partner and choosing a partnership model that suits your needs.

Tax-exempt status. There’s no need to panic. Jeffrey Tenenbaum of Tenenbaum Law Group explains how the IRS can—and cannot—revoke federal tax-exempt status. Let’s just say it’s a process.

Marketing automation. Once a pipe dream for small and mid-size associations, marketing automation is now within any organization’s reach. GrowthZone describes why marketing automation is better than email marketing and how to use it for onboarding and other marketing and engagement campaigns.

AI tools course. Earn up to five CAE credits from Association Academy’s live Association Artificial Intelligence Certificate Course, which teaches practical use of AI tools. Learn how to create high-quality text, image, video, and other content with hands-on time in class. Students earn one CAE credit for each live class they attend. The course meets Thursdays, 1-2pm ET starting May 22. Save $50 with promo code BRAINFOOD.

Event strategy. If you want to stay informed about event trends, strategy, and tactics, Julius Solaris of Boldpush is your guy. He regularly shares illuminating posts on LinkedIn, so I can only imagine what his paid subscribers receive. In this one, he lists nine changes to consider for your event strategy—what to no longer do and what to do instead. The comments are always worth reading too.

Young professionals. YM Careers offers advice on attracting young people to your association and keeping them close. They explain how to deliver the value Gen Zers need by helping them connect with employers, find jobs, jump start their careers, and make career decisions.

Choose life. Ross Douthat at the New York Times (archived) is calling our attention to what evolutionary biologists call a bottleneck caused by AI and other technologies: “a period of rapid pressure that threatens cultures, customs, and peoples with extinction.” Welp! He’s making “an appeal for intentionality against drift, for purpose against passivity—and ultimately for life itself against extinction.” Booyah! Now this is a resistance I can get behind.

Flaunt your special self. Sangeet Paul Choudary says being human alone in the age of AI isn’t enough. Because AI makes knowledge abundant, economic value (our value) comes from applying our uniquely human capabilities of curiosity, curation, and judgment—skills AI can’t replicate—and transforming them into luxury goods.

You never grow old at the table

A quick and easy dinner: Sicilian swordfish with lemon, garlic, oregano, and parsley—aka swordfish salmoriglio (archived recipe). Instead of grilling, I pan-seared the steaks and used fresh herbs instead of dried. On the side, eggplant roasted with zucchini, grape tomatoes, garlic powder, oregano, and thyme. Feels like summer!

Remember when short ribs were one of the cheapest cuts of beef? Then food magazines and cooking shows popularized them, spoiling things for us as the price rose. When I spot a package of short ribs with the yellow “manager’s special” sticker on it, I buy them for the freezer. I finally collected about four pounds and made short rib barbacoa in the pressure cooker. I compared a bunch of recipes—this one is the closest to my final version—and made adjustments to the ingredient amounts, plus added a bottle of Modelo Negra, and the juice and zest of an orange. Fantastic.

On the side, southwestern slaw: julienned green cabbage, carrot, sweet onion, and red bell pepper with a dressing of lime juice, cider vinegar, light olive oil, hot sauce, and cilantro.

I was captivated last week by the aroma of strawberries at a farm stand, so went a bit overboard and bought a flat of them. I froze a bunch in sandwich bags, but we had some earlier this week in a salad with blackened salmon, bacon, black beans (warmed in bacon fat with cilantro, then cooled), red bell pepper, snap peas, broccoli, cucumber, sweet onion, grape tomatoes, carrots, radishes, celery, and pecans. Yup, lots of chopping.

Last Friday night, I enjoyed white wine spritzers with muddled strawberries. The next morning, I made strawberry quick bread. I use 2:1 wheat/all-purpose flour, increase the cinnamon, add vanilla, and replace the white with a reduced amount of brown sugar. We love this recipe. I’m tempted to buy more strawberries to make it again, but maybe only a bucket this time.


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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.


Mon 5/5 at 8 a.m.* – Create a Great Partnership (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: Sharon Pare, High Road Solutions

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


Tue 5/6 at 11 a.m. – Planning for Executive Succession

Executive succession happens with increasing frequency, but relatively few associations and nonprofits plan for potentially disruptive successions. This session is designed to stress the need for, and importance of, conscious planning by staffs and boards for the times when executives will leave their positions. Hear “war story” examples as well as some of the practices and procedures associations can use to facilitate smoother transitions. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Michael Wyland, Owner/Partner at Sumption & Wyland


Tue 5/6 at 12 p.m. – Enhancing Visualization Usability and Readability: Turning Data into Clear Insight (Data Analytics Network)

Explore the key principles of usability and readability in data visualization that help you design charts, reports, and dashboards that truly communicate insights. Find out what makes a visualization intuitive and user-friendly; how you can use contrast, alignment, and spacing to improve readability; and what common design mistakes make charts harder to understand—and how to avoid them. Learn how to simplify complexity, guide user attention, and create visualizations that not only look great but also tell a compelling story. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Data Analytics Network

Facilitator: Matthew Braun, Significance (also a former association data analyst)


Tue 5/6 at 12 p.m. CDT – Chapter Roundtable: Mini-Mastermind Sessions for Chapter-Based Organizations (Chicago IL)

Join us for a complimentary, power lunch for component relations professionals (CRPs) who want the knowledge and benefits of group discussions with fellow association professionals from organizations with chapters, components, sections, branches, or state affiliates. Location: Chicago IL. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: re:Members


Tue 5/6 at 1 p.m. – Driving Growth With AI: What Association Leaders Need to Know

AI is reshaping how associations grow, engage, and operate. But most leaders don’t know where to start. Learn how to apply AI in marketing, communication, and operations to reach the right people, with the right message, at the right time. Walk away with practical ways to boost member engagement, improve retention, and increase efficiency—without sacrificing authenticity or trust. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Erica Salm Rench, MBA, CMO at Sidecar


Wed 5/7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – The Executive Learning Lab: Analyze, Apply, Accelerate (Vienna/Tyson’s Corner VA)

This interactive event is designed for leaders who want to foster a culture of continuous learning, helping their teams embrace AI and other emerging technologies to drive real efficiency and impact. Learn how to build a learning-first culture that helps teams adopt AI and other tools with confidence, close skill gaps that limit productivity and slow adoption, and integrate training into daily workflows without disrupting operations, and equip your team with the mindset and skills to analyze, apply, and accelerate success. Location: Vienna/Tyson’s Corner VA. 5 CAE credits. More info/register.

Host: designDATA


Wed 5/7 at 11 a.m. – Content Effectiveness: Measuring What Matters

All too often, we measure content effectiveness using the data that’s easiest to gather: pageviews via Google Analytics, conversion statistics, or revenue. But in reality, “Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted.” Creating effective content is about setting smart, measurable goals for content, learning whether or how well content achieved its goal, and taking this information into account for future content. Hear practical examples and guides for making your organization’s content more effective. More info/register.

Host: Hilary Marsh, President and Chief Strategist, Content Company


Wed 5/7 at 12 p.m. – Ancient Wisdom for Building Stronger Communities

Drawing from ancient wisdom and his decades of work with organizations like Airbnb, LinkedIn, and the U.S. Army, Charles reveals the seven essential principles that can help any association foster trust, purpose, and genuine connection. From creating meaningful rituals to strengthening shared values, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, membership engagement, and the power of belonging. More info/register.

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

Guest: Charles Vogl, Author, Keynote Speaker and Adviser of The Vogl Group


Wed 5/7 at 12 p.m. – AMS-terclass: Live Expert Q&A

Are you considering a new AMS for your association? Take advantage of this unique opportunity to gain expert insights from a panel of top association technology consultants. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: AIOT

Speakers:

  • Moira Edwards, Ellipsis Partners
  • Vanessa Dennison, Dennison & Associates
  • Wes Trochlil, Effective Database Management
  • David Schulman (moderator), Associations Rewired

Wed 5/7 at 12 p.m. – Buzzworthy LIVE: Belonging Is the New Membership

Membership isn’t enough anymore—today’s members expect real community and connection. Learn how associations can rethink engagement, build belonging, and strengthen loyalty in a digital-first world. Hear actionable strategies you can use immediately. More info/register.

Host: Marcus Leite, Director, Sales and Marketing, WorkerBee.TV

Speaker: Elizabeth Moris, Director of Brand Engagement, Council on Undergraduate Research


Wed 5/7 at 12 p.m. CDT – Chapter Roundtable: Mini-Mastermind Sessions for Chapter-Based Organizations (Schaumburg IL)

Join us for a complimentary, power lunch for component relations professionals (CRPs) who want the knowledge and benefits of group discussions with fellow association professionals from organizations with chapters, components, sections, branches, or state affiliates. Location: Schaumburg IL. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: re:Members


Wed 5/7 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, this session will empower you 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 5/7 at 2 p.m. – Crafting the Perfect Hotel RFP

Hear tips for crafting a hotel RFP that gets results, saving time and money for the planner and the hotel. Explore the details every hotel RFP needs to include, the biggest RFP mistakes planners make, how to make your RFP stand out in a crowded inbox, and why it’s smart to disclose your budget in an RFP. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

  • Carvie Gillikin, President & CEO, MGME
  • Mike Zollars, Vice President, Global Accounts, HPN Global

Thu 5/8 at 11 a.m. – Beyond Certifications – Maximizing Impact With Member Recognition Programs: Drive Revenue, Recognition, and Membership Value

Hear why certification programs recognize your member’s exemplary work and how recognition programs demonstrate the competency of professionals and companies. Learn about common principles in the development and implementation of recognition programs, and case studies of successful certification initiatives and understand their impact. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jeffrey Greenwald, President at Operative Greenwald, Inc.


Thu 5/8 at 12 p.m. – Are You Dashboard Ready? A Self-Assessment to Guide Your Association’s Analytics Journey

Associations are sitting on a goldmine of data—membership records, event performance, financials—but many are unsure how to connect it all into meaningful insights. Learn how to assess where you are on your analytics journey and what it takes to level up. Complete a readiness self-assessment live, get inspired by real examples of dashboards in action, and walk away with a clear, actionable path for your organization. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers: Michelle Wreoblewski, Director, Associations Growth & Strategy, and Jon Sarafino, Director, WIPFLI


Thu 5/8 at 12 p.m. – Next-Generation Member Engagement: AI-Powered Personalization at Scale

Learn how associations are using AI to create better, smarter, and more meaningful experiences for their members—and how it’s leading to real results. Hear what it really takes to personalize at scale (and what this even means); why unified, enriched data is the key to making AI work; how associations like AGU are already doing it—and what they’re seeing; and tips and tools to help you get started (or go further). More info/register.

Hosts: PropFuel and MemberJunction


Thu 5/8 at 12 p.m. – AI Agents: What Leaders Need to Know

Agentic AI is everywhere in the tech headlines—but what does it really mean for business leaders and their teams? Learn whether AI agents are genuinely transformative—or just automation 2.0; how major enterprise vendors like Salesforce, SAP, and ServiceNow are productizing agentic capabilities; what a practical, low-risk starting point looks like for companies and teams; what to make of bold leadership memos like the one from Spotify’s CEO—and whether that’s a signal of what’s to come; and why concerns about job loss often miss the bigger picture: skills need to evolve, not disappear. More info/register.

Host: Andreas Welsch, founder, Intelligence Briefing

Guest: Charlene Li, founder, Quantum Networks Group


Thu 5/8 at 1 p.m. – Association AI Leadership: The Four Stages of Readiness and Organizational Management

As AI transforms the future of work, associations have a unique opportunity to lead with vision, provided they are prepared. Learn how to apply the Four Stages of AI Readiness to your organization, clean and align your data to build a strong AI foundation, and empower staff to use AI safely and effectively. Hear about real-world AI use cases in member engagement, education and operations; and a clear and strategic approach to AI that aligns with your organizational goals. More info/register.

Host: MemberClicks

Speakers:

  • Mary Connor, CAE, VP of Client Relations, Stringfellow Management Group
  • Rich Vallaster, DES, CEM, Senior Director of Industry Relations and Community Engagement, Personify

Thu 5/8 at 2 p.m. – Association AI Leadership: The Four Stages of Readiness and Organizational Management

Learn how to apply the Four Stages of AI Readiness to your organization; clean and align your data to build a strong AI foundation; empower staff to use AI safely and effectively; explore real-world AI use cases in member engagement, education and operations; and develop a clear and strategic approach to AI that aligns with your organizational goals. More info/register.

Host: MemberClicks

Speakers:

  • Rich Vallaster, DES, CEM, Senior Director of Industry Relations and Community Engagement, Personify
  • Mary Connor, CAE, VP of Client Relations, Stringfellow Management Group

Thu 5/8 at 2 p.m. – Demystifying AV Contracts

Being able to negotiate an AV package that includes all the things you need and none of the things you don’t even if you don’t speak tech can mean the difference between a balanced and a blown budget. Learn what to ask your AV provider, the pros and cons of bringing in your own AV company, and what fees are negotiable. More info/register.

Host: Smart Meetings

Speaker: Scott Frankel, President of Animatic Media


Thu 5/8 at 2 p.m. – Being a Catalyst for Change: A Young Professional’s Guide to Association Advocacy

Learn about the fundamentals of association advocacy, from understanding the policymaking process to building relationships with key stakeholders. Gain insights into the skills needed to thrive in advocacy, explore career pathways, and learn how to make an impact early in your career. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

  • Mariel Solomon, MS, CCC-SLP (facilitator)
  • Carter Alleman, JD, CAE, Director, Government Affairs & Science Policy, American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
  • Cory Martin, MPA, CAE, Owner & CEO, Mission Control HQ

Mon 5/12 from 5 to 7 p.m. – MMC + Tech Happy Hour 2025 (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


Tue 5/13 at 12 p.m. – Transformational HR: Strategic human resources for a growing organization

Growing successfully means relying on people – i.e. your staff – to deliver. And behind these people there is always a capable Chief People Officer and CEO with vision. So this month, let’s talk people: from “Personnel” to “HR” to “People”—what’s next; people strategy, strategic planning, and succession planning; employee experience and company culture; and team alignment and professional development that fuels the organization. More info/register.

Host: Braintrust Professional Institute


Wed 5/14 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. CDT – Various Approaches to Maintenance of Certification (Chicago IL)

Maintenance of certification (MOC) is a key component to ensure the integrity of the certification program. The onus on certification organizations is to develop pathways that both assure continued competence and meet the needs and characteristics of the certified population. Explore trends and approaches related to MOC. Whether you are considering changes, seeking accreditation, or finding what works best for your certification program, this session will reinforce best practices and present options for alternative approaches in the MOC landscape. Location: Chicago IL. More info/register.

Host: Certification Network Group

Speakers:

  • Christine D. Niero, PhD (moderator), Vice President, Professional Testing, Inc.
  • Adrienne W. Cadle, PhD, Vice President, Credentialing, Professional Testing, Inc.
  • Kevin Patrick, Director, Program Development, American Board of Medical Specialties
  • Robert Mahlman, MA, PMP, I.C.E. – CCP, Director, Certification and Credentialing National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators
  • Ye Ma, PhD, Senior Psychometrician , Amazon Web Services

Wed 5/14 at 11 a.m. – Outsourcing Survey for Associations & Why it Matters

Hear about the latest findings from a groundbreaking outsourcing survey with two powerhouse voices in the industry: Shameka Jennings, CEO of EventsNoire, and Dana Freker Doody, founder of Inktide Solutions. Together, they explore what smart outsourcing looks like in 2025—from event strategy to marketing to operations—and how association leaders can make bold, values-aligned decisions that future-proof their organizations. This isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about amplifying impact. More info/register.

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


Wed 5/14 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. Learn to evaluate strategies to drive growth and deliver results that exceed stakeholders’ expectations, eevelop growth-oriented mindsets and well-aligned teams, analyze members’ motivations and deepen understanding, design products and services that address members’ priorities, and establish outcomes-focused strategies and high-impact go-to-market plans that inspire members and bolster brand prestige. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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


Wed 5/14 at 12 p.m. – Chapter Roundtable: Mini-Mastermind Sessions for Chapter-Based Organizations in Washington, DC

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 non-formal and designed for busy professionals like you, however it works for you: come late, leave early, share, don’t share. Don’t worry: our lunches are peer-driven and anything but boring. You’ll leave with actionable ideas, insights, and inspirations you can put to work right away. Location: Washington DC. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: re:Members


Wed 5/14 at 1:30 p.m. – Data-Driven Decision-Making for Nonprofits & Membership Organizations

Hear about real-world ways nonprofits and membership organizations can use data to inform decisions, improve efficiency, and deepen engagement. You don’t need a data science team or new tools to get started. You just need a plan. Learn how to build a communications strategy informed by clean, actionable data; how to use segmentation to improve retention and fundraising results; how to use data to personalize experiences and increase renewals; what a data health check looks like and why it matters; how to automate time-consuming tasks and get more from your existing systems; and how to combine strategy and infrastructure for long-term impact. More info/register.

Hosts: Fíonta and Firefly Partners


Thu 5/15 at 12 p.m. – Chapter Roundtable: Mini-Mastermind Sessions for Chapter-Based Organizations in Tysons Corner, 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 non-formal and designed for busy professionals like you, however it works for you: come late, leave early, share, don’t share. Don’t worry: our lunches are peer-driven and anything but boring. You’ll leave with actionable ideas, insights, and inspirations you can put to work right away. Location: McLean VA. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: re:Members


Thu 5/15 at 12 p.m. – Inclusive by Design: Ensuring Accessible & Equitable Online Training

Accessible course modules reflect your association’s commitment to equity and social responsibility and broaden your reach to a more diverse audience, including aging learners and those using assistive technologies. Hear about practical steps to bring your organization’s online learning programs into WCAG compliance. Learn how accessible courses tend to be better organized, clearer, and more user-friendly for all learners, which can lead to higher engagement and improved learning outcomes. More info/register.

Host: eLearningDOC

Speakers:

  • Mark Wallach, MBA, CEO Emeritus, Engagement Mobile Strategies
  • Toni DiMella, Executive Director of Quality Assurance, eLearningDOC
  • Angela Robbins (moderator), Founder & CEO, eLearningDOC

Thu 5/15 at 1 p.m. – A Look at Continuing Education in 2030: Disruption, Competition, and Changing Expectations

MOOCs, tech giants, and universities are expanding aggressively into the continuing education world. How can associations and other learning businesses stay ahead? Hear about the forces shaping CE in the next half decade. Explore three major paradigm shifts, along with practical strategies to help learning businesses remain competitive and impactful. Learn about some of the biggest challenges CE providers face today, including AI’s impact on CE, increased competition, silos that stymie agility, and changing learner and employer expectations. More info/register.

Host: Tagoras/Leading Learning

Speakers:

  • Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders of Tagoras and Leading Learning
  • Evan Burton, head of growth at BenchPrep

Thu 5/15 at 1 p.m. – Hidden Secrets: The Real Value of Executive Search

Discover how partnering with a professional search firm can enhance your organization’s leadership strategy, connecting you with exceptional talent who share your mission and vision. Learn how to streamline your recruitment process, maintain confidentiality during sensitive transitions, and drive long-term success through strategic alignment and cultural fit. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Richard Yep, Vice President at Vetted Solutions


Fri 5/16 at 3 p.m. – Nonprofit Consultants Collaborative’s Monthly Networking Meeting: Effective Marketing Tactics for Consultants

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 usual agenda of sharing of good news and topics or questions from the group. 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 Zach Josephson via Unsplash

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Association Brain Food: 4.25.25

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

green bank of river on a summer day – inspiration for my weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community

“If you want new ideas, read old books.” —Shane Parrish

Gen Z. In a sad yet fascinating look into the minds of Gen Z, Freya India recounts the many ways her generation lives in doubt because they’ve lost faith. She believes the battle between faith and doubt is the defining battle of our age—and she’s not just talking about religion. Faith is “a feeling of deep trust in ourselves, in others, and in life itself. This is what my generation did not develop. We are a chronically doubtful generation.” Reading this, I fear it rings true for many others besides Gen Z.

RFPs. Yoko Consulting explains how to create an RFP that attracts the right partners while filtering out the wrong ones—an RPP that “serves as an honest invitation to partnership rather than a generic procurement document.” They describe essential elements to include, pitfalls to avoid, and approaches to take.

AMS implementation surprises. Ellipsis Partners tells you what no one else will about implementing a new AMS—nine unexpected responsibilities you best prepare for. Take it from me, you’d rather get this news before the project begins so you can figure out how to juggle these tasks with your regular workload.

AI and talent development. At the Harvard Business Review, a trio of researchers explains how Generative AI will upend everything in the workplace: the number of entry-level jobs, opportunities to gain experience, learning curves, career paths, and org charts. Here’s an opportunity for association credentialing programs: “Employers will need to adopt new training models that accelerate learning, both to help existing workers adapt and to enable new workers to climb the learning curve more quickly.”

Sponsored content. Lead Marvels helps you make a case for an additional revenue stream at your association—sponsored content. They explain how five associations addressed common objections to sponsored content and now use it to generate revenue and member engagement. [I’m sharing this again because I used a bad link last week. Sorry!]

Membership renewals. re:Members (formerly Impexium) dives deep into proven strategies for membership renewals. Their guide covers membership metrics, the difference between retention and renewal, reasons members don’t renew, and, best of all, solutions for your association’s renewal challenges.

Leadership development. If your industry is plagued by early retirements and career jumping, Dave Lutz of Velvet Chainsaw Consulting suggests paying more attention to future leaders, aka “high-potentials.” He describes initiatives that encourage high-pos to attend your events—and, hopefully, help member organizations with succession planning.

Snacks

Beyond the conference debrief: seven strategic conversations every event team should be having right now. | Aaron Wolowiec, FASAE, CAE, Event Garde

A film about why you should join a club and why the fate of America depends on it. | Join or Die

The human brain would rather look at nature than city streets. | Emily Halnon, Oregon News

You never grow old at the table

Earlier this week, I tried a new winner recipe from one of my cookbooks—and I’m looking forward to the leftovers tonight: braised bone-in chicken thighs with artichokes and white wine. It’s from Milk Street: Tuesday Nights Mediterranean: 125 Simple Weeknight Recipes from the World’s Healthiest Cuisine (the Kindle is only $3.99 right now), but I also found it shared on several newspaper sites. On the side, roasted broccoli with onion, red grapes, and garlic powder.

A handful of crumbs at the bottom of a bag of tortilla chips got me thinking about a topping for fish. I coated fillets of salmon with a paste of chipotle en adobo sauce and mayo, then topped them with a mix of crushed chips with onion powder, oregano, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and finely grated cheddar cheese. On the side, chard and broccoli greens sautéed with their stems, bacon, red bell, onion, green onion, carrot, jalapeño, garlic, and sundried tomatoes.

For Easter at my sister-in-law’s house, Jim brought grilled bacon-wrapped venison tenderloin bites and I brought sautéed asparagus with red and yellow bell peppers, carrots, red and green onion, lemon zest, white wine, and parmesan.

I’m enjoying hummus (made in the pressure cooker) again this week for breakfast with different accompaniments in a wheat tortilla, like the leftover greens above.


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


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 4/25 at 1 p.m.* – Elevating Your Email Game: Design to Impress & Strategies for Success

Discover the secrets behind crafting emails that not only catch the eye but also resonate deeply with your members’ expectations. We’ll dive into essential design best practices, explore innovative strategies to refine your understanding of member preferences, and showcase the power of working together as a full organization to get results. 0.75 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Blue Sky eLearn

Speaker: Amber Worthen, CEO of Email Maven

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


Fri 4/25 at 1 p.m. – AI & IRL: Event Experts Reveal How to Maximize Your Investment in 2025

In a world where AI tools are evolving daily and human connection feels more valuable than ever, how do you allocate your marketing budget for maximum impact? Learn which AI tools are delivering the most value for event professionals today, how to measure event ROI in ways that resonate with leadership, what elements of in-person events cannot be replicated digitally, expert predictions for event industry trends in the next 12 months, and insights into upcoming innovations at INBOUND and Eventastic. More info/register.

Host: INBOUND

Speakers:

  • Jay Schwedelson, Founder of GURU Media Hub and SubjectLine.com, President and CEO of Outcome Media
  • Melissa Mahon, Chief Operating Officer at MAS
  • Dahlia El Gazzar, Tech Evangelist + Idea Igniteur at DAHLIA+Agency
  • Moderated by Courtney Dagher, HubSpot’s Head of Marketing & Content Programming for Global Events

Fri 4/25 at 1 p.m. – Foresight Fridays: Using Foresight in Society and Politics & Economic Conditions

With budget discussions, nonprofit status considerations, and broader systemic instability, it’s important to pay attention to the drivers of change that impact our organizations and members. These issues have been brewing long before the change in administration. Foresight visioning has helped many associations prepare for this uncertainty. Learn about ASAE’s ForesightWorks drivers of change in Society and Politics, and Economic Conditions, the forces that are shaping these drivers, and how associations can meet this moment. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

  • Danielle Duran Baron, FASAE, CAE, VP, Marketing, Communications & Industry Relations, School Nutrition Association
  • Tommy Goodwin, FASAE, CAE, Executive Vice President, Exhibitions & Conferences
  • Josh Calder, Futurist, Foresight Alliance
  • Mark Justman, Futurist, Foresight Alliance

Mon 4/28 at 8 a.m. – 50 Years of Southeast Asian American Journeys (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

Guests: Nou Vang of Community Wealth Partners, KaYing Yang of RedGreen Rivers LLC, and Chhaya Chhoum of Southeast Asian Freedom Network


Mon 4/28 at 12 p.m. – Emerging Trends in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics

Discuss how artificial intelligence and data analytics are transforming medical associations. Explore the practical applications that are changing healthcare practices and their impact on associations and their members. Topics include the use of data/AI for program development and resource allocation, data/AI applications in clinical research and quality coordination, regulatory landscape for AI and impact on healthcare, and data-informed decision making. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Healthcare Community Advisory Committee and the Advocacy Council


Tue 4/29 at 11 a.m. – Association of the United States Navy: Two-Year Plan to Reinvent Mission, Leading the Way to a Bright Future

Get an in-depth look at the Association of the United States Navy’s (AUSN) strategic two-year transformation plan. Hear about the organization’s renewed mission, leadership transition, financial restructuring, and membership reinvention strategies. Find out how AUSN is positioning itself for long-term sustainability through targeted investments, new revenue models, and reputation-building efforts. Gain insights into aligning board and staff priorities with revenue generation while maintaining a strong infrastructure and community presence. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

  • David Vardeman, Sr. VP, Department Head, Not for Profit & Global Business Development
  • Lt Com. Steve Rogers, USN, Ret

Tue 4/29 at 12 p.m. – Maintaining Accreditation Firewalls While Ensuring Seamless Delivery for Learners

As the demand for accessible, high-quality learning continues to grow, associations and credentialing bodies are recognizing the strategic value of offering learning opportunities for certification candidates. Yet, many organizations remain hesitant and concerned about maintaining the critical “firewall” between education and certification. Learn how to successfully navigate this evolving landscape—delivering impactful learning products that enhance the candidate experience and drive growth, all while preserving the integrity of accreditation standards. More info/register.

Host: Certification Network Group

Speakers:

  • Tara Myers, Director, Measurement Services, American Nurses Credentialing Center
  • Liz Dombrowski, Manager, Accreditation Services, Institute of Credentialing Excellence
  • Roy Swift, Executive Director, Workcred

Tue 4/29 at 12 p.m. – Love at First Login: Making Your Member Experience Irresistible

Explore how to create a member experience so seamless, so personal, they actually want to log in. Hear from Kristen Christianson of CUES on launching the award-winning myCUES Dashboard, Rhoni Rakos of Ellipsis Partners with insights on what really drives engagement and digital ROI, and Alyssa Hulka, VP of Strategy at Accella on lessons from digital transformations across the country. More info/register.

Host: Accella


Tue 4/29 at 12 p.m. – Trends Talk with Sarah Sladek

Sarah sits down with LaToya Tapscott, CAE, Senior Director, Global Head of the HBA Think Tank, to explore how she unites communities and keeps people focused on a shared mission—even in the face of challenges. With a remarkable track record in stakeholder engagement and community building, LaToya is a force for connection and impact. More info/register.

Host: Sarah Sladek, Founder and CEO, XYZ University


Tue 4/29 at 12 p.m. – Winning Back Search Traffic in the AI Era

Lear how AI is revolutionizing SEO and users’ interactions with search engines, how to optimize your SEO strategy to encompass generative engine optimization (GEO), win back traffic from search results in the AI era, and get your webpages showing up in AI Overviews and generative search engines. More info/register.

Hosts: Slator and Intero Digital

Speakers: Tony Patrick, Senior Director of SEO, and Simon Golding, Senior Digital Marketing Consultant, Intero Digital


Tue 4/29 at 12 p.m. – The Messy Middle of AI Culture Change

When you bring AI into an organization, you’re not just implementing new tools; you’re challenging “how we do things around here.” Explore the messy middle of AI culture change, including the collision between tech culture and organizational tradition, what’s actually feasible when it comes to culture change, how to balance impact and speed without breaking your organization, and practical scaffolding techniques to support transformation. More info/register.

Host: Charlene Li, founder and CEO, Quantum Networks Group


Tue 4/29 at 1 p.m. – Creating Super Member Profiles That Drive Engagement and Personalization

Member profiles shouldn’t be a dusty database—they should be your secret weapon for engagement. Learn how to collect the right data (without overwhelming your members), build trust through two-way interactions, and use that insight to unlock true personalization at scale. Find out what makes a profile “super” (and what data actually matters), how to collect and update member info without friction, and how AI and automation make personalization scalable. Whether you’re building journeys manually or with AI, it all starts with better profiles. More info/register.

Host: PropFuel

Speaker: PropFuel CEO and Co-Founder Dave Will


Tue 4/29 at 1 p.m. – The Essential Volunteer: Harness the Power of Your Volunteers to Ensure Resiliency

Learn about proven strategies for developing an impactful and rewarding volunteer program; best practices for recruiting, onboarding, supporting, and recognizing volunteers; and leveraging existing resources to foster engagement and collaboration. More info/register.

Host: YourMembership AMS by Momentive Software

Speaker: Allyson Olaniel, Membership Expert, YourMembership AMS


Tue 4/29 at 2 p.m. – Eco-Innovations: Reusing Exhibits for a Greener Planet

Discover how to move beyond basic recycling toward truly sustainable exhibiting. Hear how to incorporate sustainability into your exhibit plan by applying Skyline’s new R3: Reconfigure, Reuse, and Renew to create custom modular systems designed for multiple reuses; leverage the circular economy through strategic rentals; select high-quality, durable, and lightweight materials; integrate digital solutions to create immersive experiences with minimal waste; and optimize logistics to reduce shipping emissions and storage costs. More info/register.

Host: Skyline Exhibits

Speakers:

  • Niru Desai, VP Strategy, Skyline Exhibits
  • Annette Carroll, Marketing Director, Okuma
  • Adam Deming, Creative Director of Design, Skyline Exhibits

Tue 4/29 at 3 p.m. – Maximizing Member Engagement: The Role of Continuing Education in Associations

Hear how continuing education drives member engagement, retention, and attracts new members; how to build and maintain Communities of Practice to promote knowledge sharing and problem-solving among members; how an LMS simplifies content delivery, tracks learner progress, and engages learners; and how to design interactive and accessible educational content that resonates with learners. More info/register.

Host: Cadmium

Speakers:

  • Jen Hurley, CHCP, CPHQ, Chief Executive Officer, Goodwin Group
  • Amanda Law (Moderator), Event Marketing Manager, Cadmium

Wed 4/30 at 11:30 a.m. – The Future of Event Networking:
Smarter Matches, Better Conversations

Learn how to create inclusive networking experiences for all personality types, harness AI-powered matchmaking and SmartBadge technology, and measure the true ROI of attendee connections. Great networking doesn’t happen by chance—it’s designed. Learn the strategies that make every interaction count, ensuring attendees leave with meaningful connections that drive real business impact. More info/register.

Host: Bizzabo


Wed 4/30 at 12 p.m. – PACs in the Time of Polarization

Headlines often focus on the extremes, but PACs play a critical role in supporting the lawmakers who are doing the real work. Get practical guidance to help you stay grounded in your mission, communicate value when trust is fragile, and sustain the relationships that drive long-term impact. Learn how to communicate the strategic value of your PAC without signaling partisanship, use data-driven approaches to tackle skepticism, engage stakeholders who feel overwhelmed or disengaged, and support the case for PAC engagement when emotions run high. More info/register.

Host: Quorum


Wed 4/30 at 12 p.m. – Building a Smarter, Stronger Security Culture-One Click at a Time

Cyber threats don’t just target your systems—they target your people. For nonprofits and associations, the stakes are even higher: trust, reputation, and resources are all on the line. Hear what it really takes to create a cybersecurity-aware culture-even with limited time, staff, or budget. Learn the difference between training and testing, why awareness programs fail without clear metrics, and the must-have elements of a truly effective program. More info/register.

Host: 501CISO


Wed 4/30 at 1 p.m. – Maximizing Member Engagement: ABCA’s Strategies for Mobile App Success

Learn how the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) uses their mobile app to drive year-round member engagement beyond events, boost retention and enhance member experience. Whether your goal is to boost networking, drive member value, or improve accessibility, we’ll share actionable steps to make your app a core part of your digital strategy. More info/register.

Host: Clowder

Speakers:

  • Jon Litchfield, Deputy Executive Director, American Baseball Coaches Association
  • Zach Haile, Assistant Executive Director, American Baseball Coaches Association
  • Caitlin Franz, Senior Client Advisor, Clowder

Wed 4/30 at 1 p.m. – AI: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

AI is reshaping how organizations manage information, engage members, and extract value from their data, but with rapid industry shifts and lingering uncertainty, associations may be unsure of when—or how—to take the leap. Join us for a showdown of perspectives as three experts step into their roles as The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of AI in associations and business organizations— each bringing a unique take on the opportunities, risks, and uncertainties ahead. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Kelly Lakas, CEO; Dr. Chris Hinrichs, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer; Mike Lakas, Chief Strategy Advisor; and Jason Ford, Director of Technology, Onyx Point Systems


Wed 4/30 at 1 p.m. – Destination and Site Selection: The Basics and Deeper Dives

Selecting destinations and sites for meetings and events is one of the most important aspects meeting and event planners and their employers and clients face. It is the planner’s responsibility to perform due diligence that addresses myriad factors and help guide organizations to well-considered decisions. Hear about the basics of effective destination and site selection;  resources, in addition to DMOs (aka CVBs), to inform your searches and decisions; and asking better “tell me more” questions to secure answers to your specific questions. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: veteran meeting consultant Joan Eisenstodt


Wed 4/30 at 2 p.m. – April FBO MeetUp – Executive Orders: How is your organization responding?

A primary topic for this month is Presidential Executive Orders. Hear from your colleagues who have incorporated changes in their operations and share your own experience. More info/register (ASAE members only).

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


Thu 5/1 at 2 p.m. – Become Your Best Customer: Self-Master Vendor Accountability Through Strategic Troubleshooting

Learn how to transform your organization from a passive technology consumer to an empowered partner. Hear how to establish clear performance metrics that go beyond standard SLAs, build internal technical expertise that can effectively validate vendor claims, develop a systematic approach to problem isolation and root cause analysis, create documentation protocols that strengthen your position during vendor negotiations, and foster a culture of productive skepticism within your IT team. More info/register.

Host: 501Works LLC

Speaker: James Marquis, 501Works


Thu 5/1 at 5 p.m. – CEO Roundtable: Latinas Poderosas (Washington DC)

Hear Latina CEOs and executives share insights, challenges, and successes in their professional journeys. Explore strategies for empowerment, collaboration, and leadership in today’s dynamic business landscape. Learn about the career progression of the panelists, hear about their day-to-day management, challenges they face, and what resources they leverage. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.

Host: Association Latinos

Speakers:

  • Celia Trigo Besore, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CEO, The Monitoring Association
  • Silvia Quevedo, CAE, Executive Director, Lamaze International
  • Emi Reyes, CEO, Latino Economic Development Center
  • Diana Dabdub, CAE (moderator), Senior Director for Admissions & Recruitment Affairs, American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges

Thu 5/1 at 5 p.m. CDT – CEO Roundtable: Latinas Poderosas (Chicago IL)

Hear Latina CEOs and executives share insights, challenges, and successes in their professional journeys. Explore strategies for empowerment, collaboration, and leadership in today’s dynamic business landscape. Learn about the career progression of the panelists, hear about their day-to-day management, challenges they face, and what resources they leverage. Location: Chicago IL. More info/register.

Host: Association Latinos

Speakers:

  • Blanca Campos, MPA, CAE, CEO, Community Behavioral Healthcare Association
  • Jackie Gomez Fuentes, Executive Director, Hispanic American Construction Industry Association
  • Josie Hernandez, IOM (moderator), Account Executive, Bostrom and Executive Director, Casting Society

Tue 5/6 at 11 a.m. – Planning for Executive Succession

Executive succession happens with increasing frequency, but relatively few associations and nonprofits plan for potentially disruptive successions. This session is designed to stress the need for, and importance of, conscious planning by staffs and boards for the times when executives will leave their positions. Hear “war story” examples as well as some of the practices and procedures associations can use to facilitate smoother transitions. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Michael Wyland, Owner/Partner at Sumption & Wyland


Tue 5/6 at 12 p.m. – Enhancing Visualization Usability and Readability: Turning Data into Clear Insight (Data Analytics Network)

Explore the key principles of usability and readability in data visualization—helping you design charts, reports, and dashboards that truly communicate insights. Find out what makes a visualization intuitive and user-friendly; how you can use contrast, alignment, and spacing to improve readability; and what common design mistakes make charts harder to understand—and how to avoid them. Learn how to simplify complexity, guide user attention, and create visualizations that not only look great but also tell a compelling story. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Data Analytics Network

Facilitator: Matthew Braun, Significance (also a former association data analyst)


Tue 5/6 at 12 p.m. CDT – Chapter Roundtable: Mini-Mastermind Sessions for Chapter-Based Organizations (Chicago IL)

Join us for a complimentary, power lunch for component relations professionals (CRPs) who want the knowledge and benefits of group discussions with fellow association professionals from organizations with chapters, components, sections, branches, or state affiliates. Location: Chicago IL. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: re:Members


Tue 5/6 at 1 p.m. – Driving Growth With AI: What Association Leaders Need to Know

AI is reshaping how associations grow, engage, and operate. But most leaders don’t know where to start. Learn how to apply AI in marketing, communication, and operations to reach the right people, with the right message, at the right time. Walk away with practical ways to boost member engagement, improve retention, and increase efficiency—without sacrificing authenticity or trust. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Erica Salm Rench, MBA, CMO at Sidecar


Wed 5/7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. – The Executive Learning Lab: Analyze, Apply, Accelerate (Vienna/Tyson’s Corner VA)

This interactive event is designed for leaders who want to foster a culture of continuous learning, helping their teams embrace AI and other emerging technologies to drive real efficiency and impact. Learn how to build a learning-first culture that helps teams adopt AI and other tools with confidence, close skill gaps that limit productivity and slow adoption, and integrate training into daily workflows without disrupting operations, and equip your team with the mindset and skills to analyze, apply, and accelerate success. Location: Vienna/Tyson’s Corner VA. 5 CAE credits. More info/register.

Host: designDATA


Wed 5/7 at 12 p.m. – Ancient Wisdom for Building Stronger Communities

Drawing from ancient wisdom and his decades of work with organizations like Airbnb, LinkedIn, and the U.S. Army, Charles reveals the seven essential principles that can help any association foster trust, purpose, and genuine connection. From creating meaningful rituals to strengthening shared values, this conversation will challenge how you think about leadership, membership engagement, and the power of belonging. More info/register.

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

Guest: Charles Vogl, Author, Keynote Speaker and Adviser of The Vogl Group


Wed 5/7 at 12 p.m. – AMS-terclass: Live Expert Q&A

Are you considering a new AMS for your association? Take advantage of this unique opportunity to gain expert insights from a panel of top association technology consultants. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: AIOT

Speakers:

  • Moira Edwards, Ellipsis Partners
  • Vanessa Dennison, Dennison & Associates
  • Wes Trochlil, Effective Database Management
  • David Schulman (moderator), Associations Rewired

Wed 5/7 at 12 p.m. CDT – Chapter Roundtable: Mini-Mastermind Sessions for Chapter-Based Organizations (Schaumburg IL)

Join us for a complimentary, power lunch for component relations professionals (CRPs) who want the knowledge and benefits of group discussions with fellow association professionals from organizations with chapters, components, sections, branches, or state affiliates. Location: Schaumburg IL. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: re:Members


Wed 5/7 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, this session will empower you 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


Thu 5/8 at 11 a.m. – Beyond Certifications – Maximizing Impact With Member Recognition Programs: Drive Revenue, Recognition, and Membership Value

Hear why certification programs recognize your member’s exemplary work and how recognition programs demonstrate the competency of professionals and companies. Learn about common principles in the development and implementation of recognition programs, and case studies of successful certification initiatives and understand their impact. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jeffrey Greenwald, President at Operative Greenwald, Inc.


Thu 5/8 at 12 p.m. – Are You Dashboard Ready? A Self-Assessment to Guide Your Association’s Analytics Journey

Associations are sitting on a goldmine of data—membership records, event performance, financials—but many are unsure how to connect it all into meaningful insights. Learn how to assess where you are on your analytics journey and what it takes to level up. Complete a readiness self-assessment live, get inspired by real examples of dashboards in action, and walk away with a clear, actionable path for your organization. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers: Michelle Wreoblewski, Director, Associations Growth & Strategy, and Jon Sarafino, Director, WIPFLI


Thu 5/8 at 1 p.m. – Association AI Leadership: The Four Stages of Readiness and Organizational Management

As AI transforms the future of work, associations have a unique opportunity to lead with vision, provided they are prepared. Learn how to apply the Four Stages of AI Readiness to your organization, clean and align your data to build a strong AI foundation, and empower staff to use AI safely and effectively. Hear about real-world AI use cases in member engagement, education and operations; and a clear and strategic approach to AI that aligns with your organizational goals. More info/register.

Host: MemberClicks

Speakers:

  • Mary Connor, CAE, VP of Client Relations, Stringfellow Management Group
  • Rich Vallaster, DES, CEM, Senior Director of Industry Relations and Community Engagement, Personify

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 JD Doyle via Unsplash

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Association Brain Food: 4.18.25

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

scant wheel-rutted road through tall grasses surrounding an orchard – inspiration for my weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association communityOnline learning program development. Apti explains how to take a proactive approach to developing online learning programs. Their method anticipates member needs and industry trends, instead of reacting to ideas from SMEs alone.

New member engagement study. Contribute to industry research by taking Amanda Kaiser’s New Member Engagement Study survey. As soon as the numbers are crunched, you’ll be the first to receive the study’s essential insights, including the range of tactics and measurements associations are using to welcome new members.

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.

AI tools course. During the Association Academy’s Association Artificial Intelligence Certificate Course, you’ll have hands-on time in class to learn how to use AI tools to create high-quality text, image, video, and other content. Earn one CAE credit for each live class you attend. The course meets Thursdays, 1-2pm ET starting May 22. Help me subsidize Brain Food expenses and save yourself $50 with promo code BRAINFOOD.

Membership crisis. At Boardroom, Sarah Sladek sends out a wake-up call about the essence of membership. “Membership is a relationship. It’s not a product or a transaction… When you join an association, you are making the decision to be a part of a community… You are making a statement to the world about who you are and what’s important to you.” How well does your membership strategy and marketing align with her assertion?

AI’s impact. Being Human in 2035, a report from Elon University’s Imagining the Digital Future Center, has popped up in my stream a few times lately. I’ve only dipped into it, but it looks fascinating enough to share. The report describes how experts expect AI to profoundly reshape human traits and behaviors by 2035. We are living in momentous times.

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

Membership benefits. Elizabeth Stice at Current offers a slant from outside our industry on why membership organizations are worth the effort. While membership requires effort and responsibility, it combats modern alienation. She says the sense of belonging and connection that membership provides is essential for personal fulfillment and societal health. Again, are you offering and promoting this aspect of membership?

Sponsored content. Lead Marvels helps you make a case for a new revenue stream at your association—sponsored content. They explain how five associations addressed common challenges and objections to sponsored content and how they use it to generate revenue and member engagement.

Snacks

Trade show guidance for exhibitors: how to accommodate attendees at different stages of the sales funnel. | Julius Solaris

A non-partisan issue we can all get behind: the ridiculous complexity of our federal tax forms. | an honest 2014 letter from Donald Rumsfeld to the IRS via Emily Domenech

The average college student is illiterate. | Hilarius Bookbinder (pseudonym of a 30-year tenured professor at a regional public university), Persuasion

You never grow old at the table

One of our favorite one-pan meals is a southwest skillet with ground chorizo and turkey, sweet potatoes, and black beans. Greens of some type—spinach, chard, or whatever you find in your garden, farmers’ market, or supermarket—are an essential ingredient in this dish.

A quick dinner for a Friday night when happy hour goes too long: flounder with spiced breadcrumb topping. This time, my topping included red bell pepper, green onion, jalapeño, and garlic. On the side, my go-to: broccoli roasted with red onion and garlic powder, and a nuked sweet potato.


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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 4/18 at 12 p.m.* – CAE LiveChat

This program is open to all CAE candidates, current CAEs, and all ASAE members. The goal is to provide an open, online space for CAE candidates to ask questions about anything and everything about CAE (e.g., exam preparations, eligibility, exam content outline, study strategies, practice questions, tips and advice, etc.) as well as current CAEs to share their knowledge and experience with the CAE exam as well as any ASAE members who wish to join. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Facilitators:

  • DeeJay Hastings, IOM, CAE, Deputy Executive Director & Consultant, LEWIS, LLC (Lead Facilitator)
  • Wanda Little Coffey, MBA, CAE, Senior Director, Volunteer Relations, ASAE

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


Fri 4/18 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 usual agenda of sharing of good news and topics or questions from the group. More info/register.

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


Mon 4/21 at 8 a.m. – 2025 Behind the Scenes at USAE News (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: Todd McElwee, Assistant Publisher, USAE News


Mon 4/21 at 3 p.m. – Open Forum for Healthcare Associations on Navigating Federal Funding and Adapting to Policy Shifts

Join fellow medical and healthcare association CEOs for a candid, high-level dialogue on navigating the complex challenges facing our organizations today. This open forum will explore critical issues including the impact of the tariff policies on the medical and healthcare community, including pharmaceutical imports, NIH and other funding restrictions, federal conference attendance limitations, changes to healthcare policies, and evolving regulations. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Moderator: Johnnie White, MBA, CMP, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, American Association of Clinical Endocrinology


Tue 4/22 at 10:30 a.m. – Fix Your Conference in One Hour: Insider Tips & Game-Changing Strategies

Want to make your conference more engaging, valuable, and impactful? Join this sneak peek of the Conference Improvement Kit, a new tool designed to help event organizers, conference planners, and leaders create better networking, deeper engagement, and stronger sponsor/exhibitor experience. Hear about game-changing strategies to boost engagement and networking, common event mistakes and how to fix them, and innovative formats to make sessions more interactive. More info/register.

Host: Better Meetings

Speaker: Lee Gimpel, founder of Better Meetings


Tue 4/22 at 12:30 p.m. – Managing Risk for Nonprofit Meetings and Events in 2025

Meetings and other events present multidisciplinary legal issues in their planning and execution, whether the event is large or small, or held virtually or in person. This panel will offer “must have” strategies and best practices acquired through real-world examples to protect nonprofit organizations. More info/register.

Host: Venable LLP

Speakers: Sarah Fisher, Associate; Brian Melnyk, Associate; and Andrew Steinberg, Partner, Venable LLP


Tue 4/22 at 1 p.m. – From Voice to Value: Turning Advocacy into Funding & Partnership Power

Explore how advocacy can be transformed into a strategic tool for attracting sponsorships, partnerships, and philanthropic support. Learn how showing up, being a trusted voice, and aligning your mission with funders’ priorities can open new doors. More info/register.

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

Speaker: Joan Wright, Executive Director, Childcare Resources


Tue 4/22 at 2 p.m. – The Future of Association Boards Community Dialogue

More info/register.

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


Tue 4/22 at 3 p.m. – Integrations Unpacked: Maximizing Efficiency and Outcomes in Event Management

Learn the fundamentals of integrations, their benefits, and best practices for successful implementation. Explore real-world scenarios where integrations can streamline operations and when alternative solutions may be more practical. More info/register.

Host: Cadmium

Speakers: Bryan Carey Jr., PMP, Technical Project Manager (Integrations), and Amanda Law (Moderator), Event Marketing Manager, Cadmium


Wed 4/23 from 8:45 a.m. to 4:10 p.m. – Association Management System (AMS) Demo Days

This two-day event features presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer AMS platforms. They’ll showcase their platforms and share their knowledge with the association market. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Participants: Protech, Glue Up, Nimble AMS by Momentive Software, Mem360 by Saralux, re:Members AMS, Element AMS, MemberClicks Trade, Naylor, YourMembership by Momentive Software, and MemberSuite


Wed 4/23 at 12 p.m. – Welcome with Purpose: Designing an Onboarding Experience That Drives Engagement and Retention

First impressions matter—and in today’s competitive membership landscape, a strong onboarding strategy can make all the difference in member retention and long-term member engagement. Hear about practical approaches to onboarding that go beyond the welcome email including how to engage members from day one and map the first-year journey. Whether you’re building an onboarding program from scratch, or refining an existing one, this session will offer actionable ideas to help your members feel seen, supported, excited to get connected, and stay involved. More info/register.

Host: Association Xchange

Speaker: Christi Beatty, CAE, Vice President of Chapter Services & Member Engagement, Associated General Contractors of America


Wed 4/23 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 4/23 at 1 p.m. – Transforming Your Annual Conference Into Year-Round Engagement & Revenue

Hear how to evolve your event into a 365-day content and engagement strategy. Learn how to repurpose conference content into always-on digital programming, leverage multiple media formats (videos, webinars, podcasts, and articles), and create sponsorship inventory that drives non-dues revenue. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Marcus Leite, Director, Sales & Marketing, and Dan Stevens, President, WorkerBee.TV


Wed 4/23 at 1 p.m. – The Best AI Tools for Association Professionals in 2025

Cut through the noise and explore the top AI tools available today, breaking them down by their strengths in key areas: content creation, spreadsheet and data analysis, web search and research, team collaboration and productivity, and automation and workflow optimization. Walk away with an understanding of how to leverage AI to work smarter—not harder—so you can focus on what matters most: delivering value to your members. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fonteva

Speaker: Joseph Burak, Chief Strategist, TRANSiT Strategy & Analytics


Wed 4/23 at 2 p.m. – Multiply Member Value with AI: Strategies for Associations

Learn how to compete with the rise of AI searches and summaries and be your members’ go-to resource for valuable industry information. Get tips to increase the likelihood of your association and resources being found in AI search results. Understand the role your online community will play in the AI-influenced landscape. Explore data privacy considerations and ways to maximize your organization’s adaptability to new challenges and opportunities as AI changes the game. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speaker: Rob Wenger, Chief Information Officer, Higher Logic


Wed 4/23 at 2 p.m. – Best Practices for Site Selection

Hear about the top factors to consider when selecting a venue, including location, accessibility, capacity and amenities; the role of local culture, attractions and accommodations in enhancing attendee experience; tools and technologies that streamline venue research and site selection; and strategies for negotiating contracts and managing vendor relationships. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Moderator: Lizzie Wilcox, Associate Editor, Northstar Meetings Group


Thu 4/24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Association Management System (AMS) Demo Days

This two-day event features presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer AMS platforms. They’ll showcase their platforms and share their knowledge with the association market. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Participants: MemberClicks Professional, Aplusify, Fonteva, GrowthZone, Aptify by Momentive Software, iMIS by ASI, re:Members AMS Platform, Altai Systems, and NetForum by Momentive Software


Thu 4/24 at 11 a.m. – How to Find Jobs in Turbulent Times

Hear about the critical aspects of leveraging being let go, turning setbacks into opportunities for growth. Learn how to strategically address unemployment gaps, transforming them into compelling narratives of resilience and skill development. Discover techniques to cultivate a positive and proactive attitude, even in the face of adversity. More info/register.

Host: ASAE


Thu 4/24 at 1 p.m. – Strategic Reinvention: Building Future-Ready Associations

To meet the demands of today and ensure future readiness, association leaders must innovate without compromising their mission—no easy feat. Learn about the critical gaps between recognizing the need for innovation, maintaining strategic focus, creating alignment across Board and staff, and ensuring successful execution. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Alanna McKee, Founder & CEO at Scarlet Oak Consulting


Thu 4/24 at 1 p.m. – Understanding AI Agents: A Game Changer for Associations

Explore what AI agents are, how they work, and their potential to transform association operations and member services. More info/register.

Host: Dan Streeter, CEO, Mission Fuel


Thu 4/24 at 2 p.m. – Using AI as a Leader: A Practical Guide for Executives

You don’t need to be a technologist to lead with AI. You just need the right approach. Get a foundational understanding of predictive, generative, and agentic AI; a framework to connect AI initiatives to your business strategy; key questions every leader should ask to focus their AI efforts; and the confidence to lead AI conversations across your organization. More info/register.

Host: Charlene Li, CEO and founder, Quantum Networks Group


Thu 4/24 at 2 p.m. – Best Practices for Managing Event Risk

Hear about the state of safety and security in the events world and tips for keeping everyone safe. Learn what emergencies are keeping meeting professionals up at night in 2025, how to set clear roles and responsibilities as part of a crisis communication plan, and what that looked like at some of the highest profile gatherings in the country, including the Super Bowl. More info/register.

Host: Smart Meetings

Speakers:

  • Stephanie Turner, senior vice president of convention sales and strategies, New Orleans & Company
  • Dianna Waldroup, vice president of convention services, Destination DC

Thu 4/24 at 3 p.m. – Testing Assumptions & Leveraging Change Comms

Change initiatives like Return-to-Office (RTO) are often launched with good intentions—but poor assumptions. When teams skip the step of identifying what really needs testing, they risk burnout, disengagement, and broken trust. Learn to identify risky assumptions in your RTO strategy, design small experiments you can run to de-risk RTO in your organization, align strategic communication with culture and capacity, and what change leaders must do differently—starting now to create early adoption. More info/register.

Host: L-12 Services

Speakers: Lizabeth Wesely-Casella and David Bland


Thu 4/24 at 4 p.m. – Combatting Financial Fraud Affecting Trade Associations

Learn how to identify, prevent, and mitigate fraud within your nonprofit and trade association. Hear insights on the fraud landscape, social engineering, fraud as a service, mail theft, what this data is worth, common social engineering tactics, and best practices on what you can control. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Reston Loudoun Swap

Speakers: Tom Ciolkosz, Senior VP, and Gina Ni, Vice President Treasury Management Consultant, M & T Bank


Thu 4/24 at 4 p.m. – The Ultimate Guide to Event Engagement: How to Create Remarkable Experiences

Learn about the remarkable experiences which lead to engagement, understanding participant goals, designing your event around what your audience truly cares about, and enabling seamless interaction and connection with the right data and technology. More info/register.

Host: Grip Events

Speakers:

  • Laura Pace, Managing Director, Yellow Fish
  • Lizzy Evans, Chief Product Officer, Grip
  • Hew Leith, SVP of Marketing, Grip

Fri 4/25 at 1 p.m. – Elevating Your Email Game: Design to Impress & Strategies for Success

Discover the secrets behind crafting emails that not only catch the eye but also resonate deeply with your members’ expectations. We’ll dive into essential design best practices, explore innovative strategies to refine your understanding of member preferences, and showcase the power of working together as a full organization to get results. 0.75 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Blue Sky eLearn

Speaker: Amber Worthen, CEO of Email Maven


Fri 4/25 at 1 p.m. – AI & IRL: Event Experts Reveal How to Maximize Your Investment in 2025

In a world where AI tools are evolving daily and human connection feels more valuable than ever, how do you allocate your marketing budget for maximum impact? Learn which AI tools are delivering the most value for event professionals today, how to measure event ROI in ways that resonate with leadership, what elements of in-person events cannot be replicated digitally, expert predictions for event industry trends in the next 12 months, and insights into upcoming innovations at INBOUND and Eventastic. More info/register.

Host: INBOUND

Speakers:

  • Jay Schwedelson, Founder of GURU Media Hub and SubjectLine.com, President and CEO of Outcome Media
  • Melissa Mahon, Chief Operating Officer at MAS
  • Dahlia El Gazzar, Tech Evangelist + Idea Igniteur at DAHLIA+Agency
  • Moderated by Courtney Dagher, HubSpot’s Head of Marketing & Content Programming for Global Events

Fri 4/25 at 1 p.m. – Foresight Fridays: Using Foresight in Society and Politics & Economic Conditions

With budget discussions, nonprofit status considerations, and broader systemic instability, it’s important to pay attention to the drivers of change that impact our organizations and members. These issues have been brewing long before the change in administration. Foresight visioning has helped many associations prepare for this uncertainty. Learn about ASAE’s ForesightWorks drivers of change in Society and Politics, and Economic Conditions, the forces that are shaping these drivers, and how associations can meet this moment. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

  • Danielle Duran Baron, FASAE, CAE, VP, Marketing, Communications & Industry Relations, School Nutrition Association
  • Tommy Goodwin, FASAE, CAE, Executive Vice President, Exhibitions & Conferences
  • Josh Calder, Futurist, Foresight Alliance
  • Mark Justman, Futurist, Foresight Alliance

Wed 4/29 at 11 a.m. – Association of the United States Navy: Two-Year Plan to Reinvent Mission, Leading the Way to a Bright Future

Get an in-depth look at the Association of the United States Navy’s (AUSN) strategic two-year transformation plan. Hear about the organization’s renewed mission, leadership transition, financial restructuring, and membership reinvention strategies. Find out how AUSN is positioning itself for long-term sustainability through targeted investments, new revenue models, and reputation-building efforts. Gain insights into aligning board and staff priorities with revenue generation while maintaining a strong infrastructure and community presence. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

  • David Vardeman, Sr. VP, Department Head, Not for Profit & Global Business Development
  • Lt Com. Steve Rogers, USN, Ret

Wed 4/29 at 12 p.m. – Love at First Login: Making Your Member Experience Irresistible

Explore how to create a member experience so seamless, so personal, they actually want to log in. Hear from Kristen Christianson of CUES on launching the award-winning myCUES Dashboard, Rhoni Rakos of Ellipsis Partners with insights on what really drives engagement and digital ROI, and Alyssa Hulka, VP of Strategy at Accella on lessons from digital transformations across the country. More info/register.

Host: Accella


Wed 4/29 at 12 p.m. – Trends Talk with Sarah Sladek

Sarah sits down with LaToya Tapscott, CAE, Senior Director, Global Head of the HBA Think Tank, to explore how she unites communities and keeps people focused on a shared mission—even in the face of challenges. With a remarkable track record in stakeholder engagement and community building, LaToya is a force for connection and impact. More info/register.

Host: Sarah Sladek, Founder and CEO, XYZ University


Wed 4/29 at 1 p.m. – Creating Super Member Profiles That Drive Engagement and Personalization

Member profiles shouldn’t be a dusty database—they should be your secret weapon for engagement. Learn how to collect the right data (without overwhelming your members), build trust through two-way interactions, and use that insight to unlock true personalization at scale. Find out what makes a profile “super” (and what data actually matters), how to collect and update member info without friction, and how AI and automation make personalization scalable. Whether you’re building journeys manually or with AI, it all starts with better profiles. More info/register.

Host: PropFuel

Speaker: PropFuel CEO and Co-Founder Dave Will


Wed 4/29 at 1 p.m. – The Essential Volunteer: Harness the Power of Your Volunteers to Ensure Resiliency

Learn about proven strategies for developing an impactful and rewarding volunteer program; best practices for recruiting, onboarding, supporting, and recognizing volunteers; and leveraging existing resources to foster engagement and collaboration. More info/register.

Host: YourMembership AMS by Momentive Software

Speaker: Allyson Olaniel, Membership Expert, YourMembership AMS


Thu 4/30 at 1 p.m. – Maximizing Member Engagement: ABCA’s Strategies for Mobile App Success

Learn how the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) uses their mobile app to drive year-round member engagement beyond events, boost retention and enhance member experience. Whether your goal is to boost networking, drive member value, or improve accessibility, we’ll share actionable steps to make your app a core part of your digital strategy. More info/register.

Host: Clowder

Speakers:

  • Jon Litchfield, Deputy Executive Director, American Baseball Coaches Association
  • Zach Haile, Assistant Executive Director, , American Baseball Coaches Association
  • Caitlin Franz, Senior Client Advisor, Clowder

Thu 4/30 at 1 p.m. – AI: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

AI is reshaping how organizations manage information, engage members, and extract value from their data, but with rapid industry shifts and lingering uncertainty, associations may be unsure of when—or how—to take the leap. Join us for a showdown of perspectives as three experts step into their roles as The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of AI in associations and business organizations— each bringing a unique take on the opportunities, risks, and uncertainties ahead. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Kelly Lakas, CEO; Dr. Chris Hinrichs, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer; Mike Lakas, Chief Strategy Advisor; and Jason Ford, Director of Technology, Onyx Point Systems


Thu 4/30 at 1 p.m. – Destination and Site Selection: The Basics and Deeper Dives

Selecting destinations and sites for meetings and events is one of the most important aspects meeting and event planners and their employers and clients face. It is the planner’s responsibility to perform due diligence that addresses myriad factors and help guide organizations to well-considered decisions. Hear about the basics of effective destination and site selection;  resources, in addition to DMOs (aka CVBs), to inform your searches and decisions; and asking better “tell me more” questions to secure answers to your specific questions. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: veteran meeting consultant Joan Eisenstodt


Thu 5/1 at 2 p.m. – Become Your Best Customer: Self-Master Vendor Accountability Through Strategic Troubleshooting

Learn how to transform your organization from a passive technology consumer to an empowered partner. Explore how IT leaders and platform users can develop the internal capabilities to effectively troubleshoot issues, ask the right questions, and hold vendors accountable for delivering on their promises. More info/register.

Host: 501Works LLC


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.



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