Association Brain Food: 8.22.25

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

This week’s reads

“The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there.” —L. P. Hartley

Gamified learning. TopClass LMS explains how to use gamified course elements to hold the attention of easily distracted learners. They describe several dopamine-driven strategies, grounded in behavioral science, to keep learners motivated and focused.

Membership app engagement. Sure, you can ping members with push notifications to draw them to your membership app, but Clowder has better ideas for capturing their interest. Their tactics make your membership app a gateway to networking opportunities, professional development resources, industry insights, and community connections that enhance members’ lives year-round.

Event marketing. ExpoLogic walks you through the complete event marketing lifecycle, from setting goals and identifying your audience to nurturing post-event relationships. Learn how to drive early registrations, optimize landing pages with social proof, and use data-driven personalization to boost attendance. The report covers promotion channels, content strategies, and post-event surveys as a secret weapon for continuous improvement.

Member churn. Amanda Kaiser recalls a few disappointing experiences her family had at a neighborhood restaurant. When I was a restaurant GM, I spent nowhere near the money this restaurant spends on advertising. But we had something they didn’t: word-of-mouth marketing. Amanda’s point is about recruiting and delivering value to members. Can you guess what the moral of her story is?

AI hallucinations. Freddie deBoer says LLM hallucination is a very big problem, not a mere speed bump. He’s right. AI has the need to please. Never trust and always verify. AI shares ‘research’ statistics like “resulted in a 3X higher registration rate.” But when you ask for a link to the data, it says, “You’re absolutely right to call me out on that “3X” claim. I made an inference without verification. Let me share what the actual research shows.” AI loves to infer. Maybe one day it will learn not to tell tall tales, but until then, check it every single time.

Non-dues revenue. YM Careers reveals a disconnect between what associations offer and what members want—and how smart associations turn that gap into profit. They share strategies for turning member benefits into revenue generators without adding staff workload through job board software, virtual career events, digital vendor guides, and recruitment publications.

Human agency. Since LinkedIn knows I’m a writer, my feed is full of posts from other writers. Some, like me, are figuring out how to use AI to deliver more value and new services to clients. Others are angrily freaking out and swearing off AI completely. Seth Godin, in his usual reasonable and far-sighted manner, reminds us that “what we do have is agency over how we’ll thrive in a world where human work is being redefined.” I plan to thrive.

SEO/AEO advice for industry partners and associations

Why SEO is not dead. Mateusz Makosiewicz at Ahrefs explains how AI finds and repackages content from Google search results, so ranking high in Google search increases your chances of being featured in AI results. Doubling down on website content that demonstrates deep expertise in your niche gives you more visibility in AI overviews and search results.

Answer engine optimization. The strategy for getting found in AI overviews and search results is called Answer Engine Optimization (AEO). Leah Monica at Matrix Group explains what exactly AEO is, its relationship to SEO, and how to optimize your content for AEO.

Optimizing for AEO. The number of articles about AEO is mind-blowing, but I’m sharing the ones by people and companies I respect, like Andy Crestodina at Orbit Media. He describes three strategies for optimizing your site for AI mentions.

Snacks

The Egyptian government’s suppression of St. Catherine’s Monastery in Sinai is a microcosm of its broader campaign against the country’s Christians. This is seriously worrisome. The monastery’s icons and manuscripts are civilizational treasures. | Mariam Wahba, The Free Press

Ever thought about building an AI career coach? This technologist did. She says she’s never had a better one. | Alexandra Samuel, Wall Street Journal (gift link)

A drone drops an electric bike to help a Ukrainian soldier escape Russians. | Micah Toll, Electrek

You never grow old at the table

Hey! Did you see my announcement last week about the new content marketing service I’m offering to association industry partners? Check it out in the What’s New section of Association Brain Food.

A longtime easy favorite: chipotle salmon. On the side, steamed green beans finished in the pan with sautéed red onion, bacon, red bell pepper, garlic, sundried tomatoes and parmesan.

Chuck roast on a hot night? Yeah, not the greatest choice from the freezer, so I went Indian: Instant Pot beef curry from Indian Instant Pot Cookbook: Traditional Indian Dishes Made Easy & Fast by Urvashi Pitre. The recipe’s on her site too. I doubled the ingredients for my 3# roast, added jalapeño, carrot, and baby gold and purple potatoes to the recipe, and used heaping spoons for the spices. Before adding the beef to the cooker, I browned it, then sautéed onion, jalapeño and garlic in the same pan, using a can of tomatoes (instead of fresh) to deglaze the pan. It’s a keeper! Serve over brown rice with leftover beans on the side.

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 8/25 at 8 a.m.* – Advocacy Writ Large! (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: Mike Bober

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

Mon 8/25 at 1 p.m. – Mission-Driven Innovation: Advancing Technology with Purpose in Associations

Learn how associations can effectively adopt and integrate new technologies to enhance member value, improve operational efficiency, and strengthen their impact. Hear strategies for aligning tech initiatives with organizational purpose, navigating digital risks responsibly, and fostering a culture of innovation that supports long-term sustainability. More info/register.

Host: Association Latinos

Speakers:

Melissa Simmons, Founder, Fortify Awareness
Justin Burniske, Principal Consultant & Co-Owner, Meta-Dao
Lorena Mejia (moderator), Founder of Unleashing The Lion In Us LLC

Tue 8/26 at 11 a.m. – AMS for Association Growth: The Strategic Edge

Hear about key trends and challenges in today’s AMS landscape. Learn how associations are using their AMS to deliver experiences that boost member satisfaction, increase member retention through streamlined engagement, and turn member data into clear insights for smarter, data-backed decisions. Find out what to evaluate in your current (or future) AMS to align with long-term goals. More info/register.

Host: Aplusify

Speaker: Manish Maid, Project Manager & AMS Transformation Expert, Aplusify

Tue 8/26 at 12 p.m. – The Community Playbook: Part 3 – Grow & Lead Without Micromanaging

Are you navigating the fine line between empowering your team and micromanaging? Hear about actionable strategies to foster trust, autonomy, and alignment within your team. Discover how to nurture collaboration and a sense of belonging. Learn to inspire team members to take initiative and own their roles. Find out how to implement clear yet flexible boundaries that encourage innovation and independence. More info/register.

Host: GrowthZone

Tue 8/26 at 3 p.m. – Intro to AI Webinar for Associations and Nonprofits

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

Host: Sidecar

Speakers:

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

Wed 8/27 at 11 a.m. – From Hunches in Bunches to Data Driven Decisions

The commitment to move away from hunches to data-driven is fueled by intentional data strategy, data literacy, and data hygiene… and it is everyone in the organization’s responsibility to contribute. Learn about metrics to use to determine success in data-driven-decision initiatives, the four-pillar model (Collect, Connect, Protect, and Respect) to evaluate data-driven-decision initiatives, and next-steps for data-driven-decision initiatives. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Ron Moen, CAE, Vice President, and Tobin Conley, CAE, CIP, Director, Research and Learning/Senior Strategic Consultant, DelCor Technology Solutions

Wed 8/27 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 Slack community. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Wed 8/27 at 12 p.m. – AI and the Future of Associations

Explore the results of a survey recently conducted on generative AI in partnership with the Canadian Society of Association Executives. Hear how associations are approaching generative AI, what leaders are most concerned about, and where opportunities and risks are already emerging. More info/register.

Host: Zzeem Consulting

Speaker: Gerald Bramm of Bramm Research

Wed 8/27 at 1 p.m. – How to Build More Strategic CE Programs: Personalization, Portfolio Thinking, and Performance

Drawing on insights from a new executive briefing, explore three essential levers for building more strategic, sustainable CE programs: personalization that goes beyond content to shape learner experience and outcomes; portfolio thinking to design offerings aligned with competencies, career stages, and market needs; and performance metrics that balance business viability with meaningful learner impact. Hear about practical, research-informed strategies to position your CE offerings for long-term success. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Leading Learning

Speakers:

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

Wed 8/27 at 1 p.m. – ’25 State of MX: The Experience Matters

Learn how to turn the latest member experience (MX) research into action. Hear the story behind the breakthrough numbers in member engagement. Get a deep understanding of the modern member mindset and their evolving expectations. Learn about the three-pillar strategy for scaling personalization without losing the human touch. More info/register.

Host: Forj

Speakers: Kurt Heikkinen, CEO, and Andy Hicken, VP of Technology Solutions, Forj

Wed 8/27 at 1 p.m. – A CEO’s Guide to IT Teams, Tech Capacity & Strategic Impact

In many nonprofits, IT is expected to be all things to all people—strategist, troubleshooter, project manager, cybersecurity expert, and helpdesk. But the reality is, your IT department’s structure fundamentally shapes what is realistically achievable. Learn about the capabilities of different IT team models; a clear framework to understand IT department’s structure and limitations; a comparison of expected outcomes from different IT team sizes using an evaluation matrix; and strategies for improving communication, trust, and alignment between executives and IT staff. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Michael Getter, CSM, CSPO, ITIL v4, Vice President, Systems and Technology, Global Cold Chain Alliance
Tori Miller Liu, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO, Association for Intelligent Information Management
Celia Chomón Zamora, Ph.D., CAE, Executive Director at American Council of Academic Physical Therapy
Shaun Holloway, MBA, Director Of Information Technology at American Motorcyclist Association

Wed 8/27 at 1 p.m. – From Search to Suggestion: Positioning Your Brand for AI-Powered Discovery

AI engines are quickly becoming the new front door to the customer journey—summarizing, recommending, and shaping perceptions in ways that brands can no longer ignore. Learn about the emerging discipline of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and why it’s becoming essential for marketing, SEO, and content teams. Find out how AI is reshaping brand visibility, what content LLMs prefer, and how companies can stay ahead. More info/register.

Host: American Marketing Association

Speakers: Karthik Muralidharan, Group Product Marketing Manager, and Emily Kellman, Senior Product Manager, Adobe

Wed 8/27 at 1 p.m. – Using AI to Plan, Expand and Measure Your Events

Discover how AI can uncover key insights from your sponsors and competition and even determine the current business needs of your attendees based on demographics. Learn how to set up a model to leverage AI for deeper insights into your event data, craft compelling agendas and sessions tailored to various stakeholders’ business interests, quickly extract thought leadership video snippets for paid or organic content media to extend event impact and grow your audience, and generate attendee content usage report cards to inform prescriptive scheduling and enhance matchmaking. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: Mary Ann Pierce, founder and CEO of MAP Digital: MetaMeetings

Thu 8/28 at 11 a.m. – How to Create More Attendee Emotion

Hear about the science of emotional engagement, why it matters & how it works; real-world stories of events that stirred genuine feeling (both good and bad!); practical techniques to weave emotion into content, networking and sponsorships; balancing tech and storytelling to deliver heartfelt experiences; common pitfalls and how to keep emotional impact authentic; quick-win, low cost, tactics you can apply immediately; what to do when emotions go south and negativity about your event increases; and how to create human-centered experiences that attendees will remember long after the event ends. More info/register.

Host: Grip

Speakers:

Juraj Holub, CEO and Founder, Speaking Heroes, International Moderator & Public Speaking Coach
Liz Lathan, Founder, Club Ichi & The Community Factory , Event Experience Strategist

Thu 8/28 at 1 p.m. – 5 Fundamentals for Association & Nonprofit Sponsorship Sales

Learn the must-know principles to build stronger partnerships, drive revenue, and create meaningful sponsor alignment. Get a “lesson plan” for sustainable sponsor growth. Hear why getting back to basics is key in a changing landscape, what common mistakes associations and nonprofits make (and how to fix them), how to turn insights into action—without burning out your team, and real-world examples you can apply immediately. More info/register.

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

Guest: Carrie McIntyre, Principal at Navigate

Thu 8/28 at 1 p.m. – Voices in Events Live! – Association Marketing -Rethinking the Dues

Hear about rethinking association membership dues and the marketing function in associations. More info/register.

Host: Michael Hoffman, co-founder and CEO, Gather Voices

Guest: Bri Wheeler, fractional CMO, Levitate Marketing

Thu 8/28 at 3:10 p.m. – Influence in the Age of AI: Why Your Story Matters More Than Ever

In an AI-driven world, your authentic story is your superpower. Discover how to craft and share messages that no algorithm can match: messages that move hearts, change minds, and inspire real action. More info/register.

Host: Member Lounge

Speakers:

René Rodriguez, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and leadership advisor
Farhad Khan, CEO, Member Lounge

Tue 9/2 at 11 a.m. – Top 10 Things to Know About ERP Selection & Implementation for Associations and Nonprofits

Learn about the unique operational and reporting needs of mission-driven organizations and how those requirements shape system selection; how to properly assess ERP vendors, focusing on their track record with nonprofits, flexibility, and ability to meet sector-specific demands; the true cost of ERP ownership, including often overlooked expenses like training and support; distinguishing between “must-have” and “nice-to-have” capabilities to guide a more strategic requirements gathering process; and one of the most underestimated risks, data migration. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Bryan Hack, Principal at BHC Group

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

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

Host: Data Analytics Network

Speakers:

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

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

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

Hosts:

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

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

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

Host: UST Education

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

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

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

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Lee Gimpel, President at Better Meetings

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

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

Host: 501Works

Speakers:

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

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

Creative Commons licensed photo by John Thomas via Unsplash

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Association Brain Food: 8.15.25

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

A big announcement

AI tools have rocked my content world. Don’t worry, I forgive you. I’m consorting with the enemy now too. Besides the traditional writing services I’ve provided to association industry partners for the past 15 years, I’ve got something new to offer—spread the word!

P.S. I’m rolling out a few more content services soon—stay tuned.

NEW: AI-Generated Content Quality Assurance for Association Industry Partners

As AI transforms content creation, I’m offering new services to help association industry partners get the best of both worlds:

AI-generated content enhancement: Transform AI drafts into personable, accurate content that resonates with association professionals
Content quality assurance: Ensure your AI content captures the reality of working in associations
Monthly content partnerships: Predictable pricing for ongoing content production

Why work with me when AI is so cheap?

AI lacks judgment, discernment, and taste. It misses subtle issues only a human who’s familiar with the topic, audience, and context would catch. With 25+ years on both sides of the association industry, I know how associations actually work. If you sell software, provide services, or offer any solution to associations, I make sure your content is credible and connects with your audience.

Back to our regular programming…

This week’s reads

Learning subscriptions. Apti explains why many associations now offer learning subscriptions to members and customers. Instead of one-off sales, these organizations are building relationships by engaging and nurturing subscribers throughout the year—and creating lifelong learners and new revenue streams while they’re at it.

Post-conference sharing. Jeffrey Cufaude offers advice on sharing your ASAE Annual takeaways when you get back to the office. His suggestions will help you apply what you’ve learned to facilitate change in your organization—while not turning off envious or resistant co-workers.

Technology selection roadmap. This guide from Dennison & Associates is a must-read before embarking on an AMS/technology selection project. They describe how to organize your team, build internal buy-in, budget, review processes, assess needs, identify vendors, avoid common project pitfalls, and make an RFP shortlist.

Free marketing design/copy course. Learn how to evaluate marketing layout and copy in the Association Academy’s free Association Creative Marketing Masterclass. Each class is taught live by leading association heads of marketing and features a live review of real association marketing collateral with recommendations. Earn up to four CAE credits in this free course, which runs for four weeks on Thursdays, 1-2pm ET starting September 18.

Board performance. Jeff De Cagna (Foresight First LLC) and re:Members present the results of a study by the Future of Association Boards community: nine recommendations for elevating board performance. It’s also a quick way to understand the principles of exceptional board governance.

Not enough of anything. NetForum offers advice for association staff who have to do more with less. They specifically address these four challenges: inefficient processes, staff shortages, technology limitations, and budget constraints.

Gen Z careers. Parents, teachers, and counselors are relying on an outdated playbook when giving career guidance to Gen Z. Their advice isn’t in sync with Gen Z’s economic reality, reports Erica Pandey at Axios. As a result, Gen Z is dealing with unpreparedness, unemployment, and uncertainty. But I see new credentialing opportunities for associations.

The kids are alright. David Roberts has a contrarian view of Gen Z: he’s not buying the “anxious generation” theory. He says growing up in the constantly online/smartphone era has its challenges and benefits. Ultimately, Gen Z will be fine.

AI dependency. I hadn’t heard about this high school meme until Brendan McCord wrote about the Claude Boys. He warns us: the path from AI guidance to quiet dependence—and finally to control—is short, and most of us won’t notice we’ve taken it until it’s too late.

Association industry partner corner

Here’s a cautionary tale from Alexandra Sagaydak for SaaS industry partners. She describes how CSMs get screwed over by company leadership when they’re definitely not the problem nor where the blame usually lies. Take a look at your company, then file this under #uncomfortabletruths.

In 2025, your old content doesn’t fade quietly into obscurity. It’s being scraped, analyzed, summarized, and used to teach AI systems what you and your brand stand for. Robert Rose at Content Marketing Institute calls this a brand reputation time bomb in need of an intervention—a good old-fashioned content audit. Take your medicine before searchers start labeling you as an out-of-touch has-been.

At the table

We spent the weekend in Washington, NC, where we picked up shrimp and fish to bring home. Since I need shrimp broth for our annual Oktoberfest seafood fest, I made a pot for the freezer and for dinner: shrimp scampi with fettuccine. This version included bacon, onion, garlic, red pepper flakes, dry vermouth, shrimp, shrimp broth (made with shells, onion, carrot, celery, garlic, peppercorns, and water), lemon juice, parsley, basil, and butter. The golden elixir broth makes all the difference.

Earlier this week, I made spicy Korean-style pork in the pressure cooker. I’ve made this recipe with Boston butt (pork shoulder) and country-style ribs—bone-in and boneless. I always double the sauce ingredients and don’t bother adding liquid from the pressure cooker. On the side, pickled cucumbers (from the same recipe, although I used regular cukes) and roasted broccoli with red onion and garlic powder. We enjoyed the pork in wheat tortillas with cukes and cilantro.

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

Fri 8/15 at 3 p.m.* – Nonprofit Consultants Collaborative Monthly Networking Meeting

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

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

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

Mon 8/18 at 8 a.m. – Jay Burress from USAE News (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Jay Burress, USAE News

Tue 8/19 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

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

Tue 8/19 at 11 a.m. – ASAE Annual Recap with KiKi & Dan: Insights into Action

Don’t leave the real takeaways at LAX or buried in your Notes app. After the handshakes fade and the hashtags stop trending, join Dan and KiKi for a keepin’ it real conversation. They’ll talk about what hit (and what didn’t); what wasn’t said out loud, but should’ve been; and what you can actually do next, instead of just coasting on conference fumes. More info/register.

Host: Results Direct

Speakers

KiKi L’Italien, founder, Amplified Growth
Dan Scheeler, CAE, chief operating officer, Results Direct

Tue 8/19 at 11 a.m. – Why Adversity Is the Key to Future Identity

Hear how to reframe adversity as a catalyst for strategic advantage, use mental conditioning tools like power declarations and future mapping to attract the future you desire, practice future-casting to align daily actions with long-term purpose, learn from rejection (“No”) and use it as redirection toward greater impact, and identify and remove internal and external roadblocks that are silently sabotaging your success. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Magie Cook, CEO at Magie Cook International

Tue 8/19 at 11 a.m. – What’s Under the Hood: Parsing Standardized Learning Content for AI

Learn about eLearning standards, like SCORM, xAPI or cmi5, and why AI struggles with them; wow authoring tools and inconsistent implementations complicate things; what good vs. poor parsing actually looks like in practice; how to enable text extraction, transcription and metadata generation that really works; use cases where better data parsing improves search, personalization, admin and analytics; and what to ask your team and vendors about AI readiness. More info/register.

Host: Rustici Software

Tue 8/19 at 12 p.m. – The Future of Search Isn’t Links — It’s Answers

Search is changing fast. As AI tools like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google’s Search Generative Experience become the new front door to the internet, traditional SEO alone won’t be enough. Learn how AI is reshaping search behaviors and expectations; why links and keywords are no longer the main signal of relevance; what it takes to make your content visible, useful, and referenced in AI-driven results; and how to start future-proofing your content strategy today. Hear real-world examples and insights from our work with mission-driven organizations navigating this shift. More info/register.

Host: Accella

Tue 8/19 at 1 p.m. – Human-Centered Leadership: Leading with Heart, Head, and Humility

Only 31% of employees in the U.S. are engaged at work. The rest are either quietly checking out or actively working against the mission. For purpose-driven organizations, this is a leadership call to action. Learn how to stay emotionally available and focused, without burning out; build trust in a way that fuels connection AND accountability; and lead with both vulnerability and vision to reignite engagement. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Anne Robie, Founder and People Brilliance Officer at Darshan Leadership

Tue 8/19 at 1 p.m. – Future-Proofing Your Membership Strategy

Learn how member expectations are shifting—and what that means for long-term value; the tools and trends driving smarter, more effective engagement; and what boards should be watching, asking, and funding to stay competitive. More info/register.

Host: Kellen

Speakers: Kim Chhabria, Group Vice President, and Abram Garcia, Vice President, Kellen

Tue 8/19 at 1 p.m. – Technology Performance in Nonprofits and Associations: How Data-Driven Adoption Drives Growth and Future-Readiness

Learn how technology decisions are creating measurable differences in organizational performance—and why some nonprofits and associations are thriving while others fall behind. Hear about findings from our previously published nonprofit research and preview results from our upcoming associations study that reveal the performance gaps between what member organizations think they’re delivering and what their members truly experience. More info/register.

Host: Momentive Software

Tue 8/19 at 3:30 p.m. – 5 Habits of High-Impact Board Members

Find out about the five key habits that distinguish high impact board members. Discover practical steps to contribute more strategically and confidently. Learn how to extend your influence beyond the boardroom to advance your organization’s mission. More info/register.

Host: OnBoard

Speaker: Michael Corley, governance advisor and host of the I 501(c) You podcast

Wed 8/20 at 11 a.m. – Strategic Planning Must-Haves

Leading your organization into the future is like taking a road trip to a place you’ve never been. You need a strategy that includes a planned route, milestones along the way, and a timeline. Learn how to identify fundamentals for your strategic foundation, assess if your organization is ready to start or reset the strategic planning process, and develop your team for successful implementation and goal pursuit. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Amy Horner, Founder at True Nine

Wed 8/20 at 12 p.m. – Buzzworthy LIVE: What We Heard at ASAE—and What It Means for You

Hear what caught our attention at the ASAE Annual Meeting, what raised eyebrows, and what ideas we think more teams should use. Find out what each panelist learned, what they’re doing with it, and what you might want to do too. More info/register.

Host: TaleWind Digital

Speakers: Breanna Perrelli, Creative Director; Dan Stevens, President; Kristy Devantier, Director, Creative and Client Services; and Marcus Leite, Director, Sales & Marketing, TaleWind Digital

Wed 8/20 at 1 p.m. – Don’t Chase Sponsors, Align with Them: Connecting Relevance with Corporate Sponsor Priorities

Discover the current priorities driving corporate sponsorship and how aligning with these values can position your association as a relevant, strategic partner. Learn how to craft sponsorship opportunities that go far beyond traditional offerings by showcasing your association’s mission-aligned impact and thought leadership. Come away with ideas on how existing association programming and educational initiatives can be positioned for corporate sponsorship. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Hosts: Fonteva and ProTech

Speaker: corporate sponsorship authority Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE, Founder/CEO of Growth Owl, LLC and author of The Boardroom Playbook: A Not So Ordinary Guide to Corporate Funding for Your Purpose Driven Organization

Wed 8/20 at 1 p.m. – How to Elevate Your Events with Purpose: The Road to Net-Positive Sustainability

Learn what net-positive sustainability really means—and how to implement it; how to design socially and environmentally impactful events; and how to measure your event’s economic, social, and environmental footprint. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Prevue Meetings

Speakers:

Jody Brandes, Associate Director, Internal Meetings & Strategy at Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Edward Perotti, Principal of EP Events & Experience
Nancy J. Zavada, CMP Fellow, Founder and President, MeetGreen

Wed 8/20 at 2 p.m. – The Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue

More info/register.

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

Wed 8/20 at 2 p.m. – Ask the Advocacy Experts: What’s Working in 2025?

Find out about the latest trends and data from the 2025 Advocacy Benchmark Report. Learn how to boost open and action rates, including the best times (and days) to launch your campaigns. Hear about engagement benchmarks across industries and get real-world tips from high-performing advocacy teams. More info/register.

Host: VoterVoice

Speakers:

Lauren Schwartz, Senior Communications Strategist, Statara Solutions
Mark Fisher, Director of Advocacy Engagement, Muscular Dystrophy Association
Lydia Stowe, Senior Manager of Content Marketing, FiscalNote

Wed 8/20 at 2:30 p.m. – How Associations Are Using AI to Deliver Knowledge

Associations sit on a goldmine of knowledge, but most members can’t find what they need. Hear how two associations are using custom AI assistants to transform how they deliver knowledge to members. Learn how these tools enhance member experiences, free up staff time, and create new opportunities for engagement. Walk away with tactical ideas and proof that AI isn’t the future, it’s already working. More info/register.

Host: Lowell Aplebaum, founder, Vista Cova

Speakers: Chip Flater (NSTA) and Jason Wampler (ISA)

Wed 8/20 at 2:30 p.m. – A Planner’s Guide to Rights and Remedies

Explore the rights and remedies embedded in event contracts that planners need to be able to identify and negotiate. Learn how to protect the event’s interests when things go sideways – from cancellations to service failures – and understand the contract tools available to resolve disputes effectively. Hear about strategies to strengthen event contracts, reduce risks and elevate a planner’s confidence in managing supplier relationships. More info/register.

Host: Heather Reid, CEO and founder, Planner Protect

Thu 8/21 at 11 a.m. – The New Foundation of Member Value: Content, Experience, and Revenue

Learn about the three pillars every association needs to deliver lasting member value online: great content, a modern digital member experience, and a sustainable revenue model that supports it all. These aren’t just tactics—they’re the new foundation of engagement. Walk away with a smarter lens for evaluating your current strategy, plus real-world examples of how associations are evolving from content creators to confident digital publishers. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Marcus Leite, Director, Sales & Marketing, and Dan Stevens, President, TaleWind Digital

Thu 8/21 at 11 a.m. – Cracking Linkedin’s Code: Boost Reach & Engagement With a Smarter Strategy

LinkedIn’s algorithm is changing fast—and if your content strategy hasn’t adapted, your visibility (and ROI) is likely suffering. Find out exactly what’s changed, what’s no longer working, and what today’s algorithm actually rewards. Learn about a smarter, engagement-first strategy designed to increase reach, spark meaningful conversations, and drive real business impact—without burning out your team or your content calendar. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jon Rivers, COO, Marketeery

Thu 8/21 at 11:30 a.m. – Level Up Your Certification Program: Advanced Tactics to Enhance Member Value and Organizational Growth

Hear about emerging trends in certification and how to stay ahead, using data to refine and expand your certification offerings, best practices for streamlining complex recertification requirements and continuing education/competence tracking, and real-world examples of advanced certification management in action. More info/register.

Host: Momentive Software

Speakers:

Penny Whoolery, Director, Certification & Membership, American Association of Cost Engineering International
Jerel Noel, Executive Director, Cardiovascular Credentialing International
Jasamine Riel, Certification Products Manager, Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
Chris Capistran, VP of Channel & Strategic Accounts, Momentive Software

Thu 8/21 at 12 p.m. – Online, Usability Testing Bootcamp: From Planning to Impact

Learn how to create and execute highly effective usability tests that drive strategic UX improvements and impact. Walk away understanding when to usability test, how to create a test plan and conduct a live session, and identify successes (and pain points!) through collaborative tools and affinity mapping. Hear about actionable strategies to communicate insights to leadership and make them sticky in your organization. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers:

Rhoni Rakos, Lead Consultant, Digital Strategy, Ellipsis Partners
Lennse Garcia, UX Design Manager, ASLHA

Thu 8/21 at 12 p.m. – Elevating Online Training Quality by Aligning with Industry Best Practices

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

Host: eLearningDOC

Thu 8/21 at 1 p.m. – Voices in Events Live! Events Made Easy with Nick Borelli

Listen in on a fast-moving conversation about events and AI. More info/register.

Host: Michael Hoffman, CEO and co-founder, Gather Voices

Guest: Nick Borelli, instructor, PCMA, and marketing director, Zenus

Thu 8/21 at 1 p.m. – From Batch-and-Blast to 1:1 Messaging: How AI is Redefining Email Marketing

Learn how AI is reshaping the way marketers build, send, and optimize campaigns by delivering personalized, 1:1 messaging that drives higher opens, clicks, and conversions—without adding manual work. Find out why batch-and-blast is hurting your engagement, how AI helps you segment smarter and personalize at scale, and how to integrate AI into your email workflows. More info/register.

Host: American Marketing Association

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

Thu 8/21 at 2 p.m. – The Certification Journey: Engaging Members at Every Milestone

Learn how associations can create meaningful engagement throughout the full certification lifecycle—from early interest and application, to exam prep, post-certification support, and renewal. Hear how to identify key decision points, use conversational engagement to reduce friction, and design a member experience that supports both your goals and your learners’. More info/register.

Host: PropFuel

Thu 8/21 at 2 p.m. – Expert Tricks for Meaning-Rich Events on Any Budget

Learn how the supply-demand balance is changing and what that could mean for your bottom line. Find out what can be negotiated and how, how to explain budget realities to decision makers, and small adjustments that can make a big difference in the contract and in attendee impressions. More info/register.

Host: Smart Meetings

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

Mon 8/25 at 1 p.m. – Mission-Driven Innovation: Advancing Technology with Purpose in Associations

Host: Association Latinos

Speakers:

Melissa Simmons, Founder, Fortify Awareness
Justin Burniske, Principal Consultant & Co-Owner, Meta-Dao
Lorena Mejia (moderator), Founder of Unleashing The Lion In Us LLC

Tue 8/26 at 3 p.m. – Intro to AI Webinar for Associations and Nonprofits

Host: Sidecar

Speakers:

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

Wed 8/27 at 11 a.m. – From Hunches in Bunches to Data Driven Decisions

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Ron Moen, CAE, Vice President, and Tobin Conley, CAE, CIP, Director, Research and Learning/Senior Strategic Consultant, DelCor Technology Solutions

Wed 8/27 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 Slack community. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Wed 8/27 at 1 p.m. – How to Build More Strategic CE Programs: Personalization, Portfolio Thinking, and Performance

Host: Leading Learning

Speakers:

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

Wed 8/27 at 1 p.m. – A CEO’s Guide to IT Teams, Tech Capacity & Strategic Impact

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Michael Getter, CSM, CSPO, ITIL v4, Vice President, Systems and Technology, Global Cold Chain Alliance
Tori Miller Liu, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO, Association for Intelligent Information Management
Celia Chomón Zamora, Ph.D., CAE, Executive Director at American Council of Academic Physical Therapy
Shaun Holloway, MBA, Director Of Information Technology at American Motorcyclist Association

Thu 8/28 at 1 p.m. – 5 Fundamentals for Association & Nonprofit Sponsorship Sales

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

Guest: Carrie McIntyre, Principal at Navigate

Thu 8/28 at 3 p.m. – Influence in the Age of AI: Why Your Story Matters More Than Ever

Host: Member Lounge

Speakers:

René Rodriguez, best-selling author, keynote speaker, and leadership advisor
Farhad Khan, CEO, Member Lounge

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

Creative Commons licensed photo by Joshua J. Cotten via Unsplash

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

Association Brain Food: 8.8.25

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

August of another summer, and once again
I am drinking the sun
and the lilies again are spread across the water…

~Mary Oliver, “The Pond”

Year-round attendee engagement. TopClass LMS explains how to extend attendee engagement beyond the closing keynotes with post-conference learning programs that boost ROI, strengthen loyalty, and create new revenue streams. With post-event programs, you differentiate your conference from the competition, encourage continuous learning, and strengthen your conference community.

Scholarship programs. OpenWater describes how scholarships help associations attract and engage members who can’t afford dues, conferences, credentialing, or leadership training. They explain how a scholarship management platform helps you manage the application, review, and fund disbursement processes, giving you more time to focus on sponsor relationships and program growth.

Membership benchmarks. I see more references on ASAE Collaborate to this report than any other: the membership marketing benchmarking report from MGI. Not surprising since it’s full of valuable (and often surprising) data. See how your association measures up against others and what’s working for your peers. The report covers all aspects of recruitment, engagement, and retention, plus expanded and new sections on AI, generational issues, workforce development, and membership research.

Finding your footing. Many of you will appreciate Nir Eyal’s solid advice on finding your footing when the ground shifts beneath you. He shares advice on dealing with uncertainty and change: accept reality, journal, focus on what you can control, stay optimistic (and get lucky), and stay true to your core values.

Research on Gen Z at work. Anxiety about AI is causing Gen Z to pivot to blue-collar careers, reports Emilie Shumway at HR Dive. Fully remote work is the least popular option for Gen Z. They prefer hybrid work and wish co-workers were in the office more often, according to Ryan Pendell and Sangeeta Agrawal at Gallup. I see opportunities for associations!

Overcoming objections to a new AMS. Selecting and implementing an AMS is not for the faint of heart. If you’re hearing pushback from co-workers or higher-ups about getting a new AMS, re:Members has advice for debunking the most common myths and overcoming the most common objections. These arguments will help colleagues understand that not making the change is the most frightening option of all.

Snacks

OMG, em dashes are not a sign of AI writing! | Mignon Fogerty aka Grammar Girl

A list of Substack book groups (scroll all the way down). | Simon Haisell, Footnotes and Tangents

You never grow old at the table

A while back, I bought a few jars of giardiniera for a recipe I never made. The other night I came up with what I’m calling Mediterranean chicken skillet with giardiniera, which included the liquid and chopped vegetables from one 16-ounce jar of giardiniera, plus onion, garlic, cannellini beans, canned diced tomatoes, oregano, red pepper flakes, and cilantro. On the side, zucchini and yellow squash al pesto with red bell pepper, onion, broccoli stems, carrot, and Parmesan.

Earlier in the week, I made another delicious dish: salmon with a poblano and chipotle corn cream sauce. I sautéed poblano and jalapeño pepper, onion, garlic, and corn, and added evaporated milk, chipotle en adobo, butter, and cilantro. On the side, roasted broccoli with red onion and garlic powder.

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

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

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

Organizer: Association Women Technology Champions

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

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

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

Host: Braintrust Professional Institute

Speakers: Randall Craig and Ronja Francoeur, Braintrust Professional Institute

Tue 8/12 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 8/12 at 1 p.m. – Creating a Powerful Online Presence: Website Customization Best Practices

From personalized user experiences to streamlined navigation and mobile-first design, effective website customization can transform your site from a static page into a strategic engagement and conversion tool. Learn about common website pitfalls that hurt engagement — and how to fix them; best practices for customizing design, content, and layout for your audience; and real-world strategies that leading organizations are using to drive conversions. More info/register.

Host: Strategic Association Solutions

Speakers:

Aliah Reyes, Client Solutions Executive for Associations, Nexus Marketing
Michael Patti, Vice President of Technology, Strategic Association Solutions

Tue 8/12 at 1 p.m. – The B2B LinkedIn Playbook: Credibility, Content, and Clients

Learn how to build a profile that immediately builds trust, get found by your ideal customers, create content that reaches and engages your best prospects, what type of content is getting the best engagement on LinkedIn right now, find customers on the platform, non-sleazy ways to “slide into someone’s DMs,” and move a LinkedIn connection to email, Zoom, or an in-person meeting. More info/register.

Host: Flyte New Media

Speaker: Rich Brooks, President, Flyte New Media

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

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

Host: Certification Network Group

Speakers:

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

Wed 8/13 at 1 p.m. – Mid-Year Trends: What’s Working (and What’s Not) in 2025

Hear about the impact of AI on event planning and execution; the continued rise of small, regional events and their strategic importance; how unique venues and destinations are transforming the attendee experience; and the latest economic factors influencing event planning decisions. Learn how organizations are adapting their event strategies to drive engagement, build meaningful relationships, and achieve measurable results in today’s dynamic environment. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speakers:

Julie Haddix, Senior Director, Solutions & Customer Marketing, CVENT
Dan Keller, Sales Manager, Reposite

Thu 8/14 at 11 a.m. – Google Analytics Unlocked: Data-Driven Strategies for Your Website

Master Google Analytics with insider strategies to make data-driven decisions for your association website. Learn how to analyze and interpret the most impactful GA4 metrics to evaluate how users find and engage with your content and share that data with colleagues and stakeholders; configure essential GA4 settings, such as content groups, tracking file downloads, analyzing search patterns, and custom event measurement, to gather meaningful data that informs strategic decisions; and apply practical “How-to Recipes” for GA4 to implement data-backed, strategic improvements to your association’s website. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Ray van Hilst, CAE, Vice President of Strategy at Yoko Consulting

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

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

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Diane Saeger, CEO at Marketeery

Thu 8/14 at 1 p.m. – Voices in Events Live! What If Events Were… Less Boring?

Hear a wide-open conversation about events, making things less boring and lessons from Club Ichi. More info/register.

Host: Michael Hoffman, CEO and co-founder, Gather Voices

Guest: Liz Lathan, co-founder, Club Ichi

Fri 8/15 at 3 p.m. – Nonprofit Consultants Collaborative Monthly Networking Meeting

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

Tue 8/19 at 10:30 a.m. – 10 Minute Meditation

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Tue 8/19 at 11 a.m. – ASAE Annual Recap with KiKi & Dan: Insights into Action

Hosts:

KiKi L’Italien, founder, Amplified Growth
Dan Scheeler, CAE, chief operating officer, Results Direct

Tue 8/19 at 11 a.m. – Why Adversity Is the Key to Future Identity

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Magie Cook, CEO at Magie Cook International

Tue 8/19 at 12 p.m. – The Future of Search Isn’t Links — It’s Answers

Host: Accella

Tue 8/19 at 1 p.m. – Human-Centered Leadership: Leading with Heart, Head, and Humility

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Anne Robie, Founder and People Brilliance Officer at Darshan Leadership

Wed 8/20 at 11 a.m. – Strategic Planning Must-Haves

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Amy Horner, Founder at True Nine

Wed 8/20 at 1 p.m. – Don’t Chase Sponsors, Align with Them: Connecting Relevance with Corporate Sponsor Priorities

Hosts: Fonteva and ProTech

Wed 8/20 at 2 p.m. – The Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue

More info/register.

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

Wed 8/20 at 2:30 p.m. – How Associations Are Using AI to Deliver Knowledge

Host: Lowell Aplebaum, founder, Vista Cova

Speakers: Chip Flater (NSTA) and Jason Wampler (ISA)

Wed 8/20 at 2:30 p.m. – A Planner’s Guide to Rights and Remedies

Host: Heather Reid, CEO and founder Planner Protect

Thu 8/21 at 11 a.m. – The New Foundation of Member Value: Content, Experience, and Revenue

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Marcus Leite, Director, Sales & Marketing, and Dan Stevens, President, TaleWind Digital

Thu 8/21 at 11 a.m. – Cracking Linkedin’s Code: Boost Reach & Engagement With a Smarter Strategy

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jon Rivers, COO, Marketeery

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

Creative Commons licensed photo by Walter Martin via Unsplash

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

Association Brain Food: 8.1.25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Snacks

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

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

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

The lost essential art of loafing. | Eric Scheske

You never grow old at the table

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Host: ASAE

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

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

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

Host: ASAE

Speaker: Ben Zelikovitz, CEO, GetQuorum

Mon 8/4 at 8 a.m. – The Ins and Outs of Component Relations (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Samyuktha Neeraja

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

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

Host: Gary Gallant, Gallant Law Group

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

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

Host: Data Analytics Network

Speakers:

Alex Mouw, AWS
Ben Scheich (moderator), AWHONN

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

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

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Cecilia Sepp, Principal at Rogue Tulips Consulting

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

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

Host: Higher Logic

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

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

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

Host: Event ROI Coach

Speakers:

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

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

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

Host: UST Education

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

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

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

Host: Personify A2Z Events

Speakers:

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

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

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

Host: Smart Meetings

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

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

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

Organizer: Association Women Technology Champions

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

Host: Braintrust Professional Institute

Speakers: Randall Craig and Ronja Francoeur, Braintrust Professional Institute

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

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

Host: Certification Network Group

Speakers:

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

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

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Diane Saeger, CEO at Marketeery

Fri 8/15 at 3 p.m. – Nonprofit Consultants Collaborative Monthly Networking Meeting

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

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

Creative Commons licensed photo by Michael Saidov via Unsplash

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Association Brain Food: 7.18.25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Snacks

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

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

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

You never grow old at the table

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

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

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

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

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

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

Host: ASAE Marketing Professionals Advisory Council

Moderators:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guest: Carl Weaver

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

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

Host: Gary Gallant, Gallant Law Group

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

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

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Brianne Wheeler, CEO / Founder at Levitate Marketing

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Host: Quorum

Speakers:

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

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

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

Organizer: Association Women Technology Champions

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

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

Host: ASAE Executive Management Professionals Advisory Council

Speakers:

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

Wed 7/23 at 12 p.m. – AWTC Meet & Greet

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

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

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

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

Host: ASAE NextGen Advisory Committee

Speaker: Cicely Anderson, Life Purpose Architects

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

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

Host: Fonteva

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

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

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

Host: GrowthZone

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

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

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

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

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

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

Host: Nexus Marketing

Speakers:

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

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

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

Host: James Young, founder, Product Community

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

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

Host: Grip

Speaker: Robert Dunsmore, Independent Creative Director

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

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

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

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

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

Host: Cathi Hight, President of Hight Performance Group

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

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

Host: BizBash

Speakers:

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

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

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

Host: ASAE

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

Thu 7/24 at 3 p.m. – Intro to AI Webinar for Associations and Nonprofits

Host: Sidecar

Speakers:

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

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

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

Host: NXUnite

Speakers:

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

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

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

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

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

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

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

Host: Sarah Sladek, Founder and CEO, XYZ University

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

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

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

Host: UST Education

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

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

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

Host: re:Members

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

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

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

Host: ASAE

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

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

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

Host: Smart Meetings

Speakers:

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

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

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

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Brianne Wheeler,CEO / Founder at Levitate Marketing

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

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

Host: Association Xchange

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

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

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

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

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

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

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

Host: Meetings Today

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

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

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

Host: Clarity Consultants

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

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

Host: eLearningDOC

Speakers:

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

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

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

Host: EventGarde

Speaker: Aaron Wolowiec, Founder & President, Event Garde

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

Host: ASAE

Speaker: Ben Zelikovitz, CEO, GetQuorum

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

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

Host: Gary Gallant, Gallant Law Group

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

Host: Data Analytics Network

Speakers:

Alex Mouw, AWS
Ben Scheich (moderator), AWHONN

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

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Cecilia Sepp, Principal at Rogue Tulips Consulting

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

Host: UST Education

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

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

Organizer: Association Women Technology Champions

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Association Brain Food: 7.11.25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Snacks

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

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

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

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

You never grow old at the table

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

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

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

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

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

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

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

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

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

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

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

Guest: Vinnu Deshetty, founder, Event ROI Coach

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

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

Host: ASAE Black Association Executives

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

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

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

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

Hosts: Association Insights and OnWrd & UpWrd

Speakers:

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

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

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

Host: ASAE Component Relations and Volunteer Management

Speakers:

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

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

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

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Brianne Wheeler, CEO / Founder at Levitate Marketing

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

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

Host: McKinley Advisors

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

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

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

Host: Raffa Investment Advisers

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

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

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

Hosts: 501Works LLC and League of Association Technologists

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

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

Host: D2L

Speakers:

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

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

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

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

Guest: Tahira Endean, Head of Program, IMEX

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

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

Host: Ewald Consulting

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

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

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

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

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

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

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

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

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

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

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

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

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

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

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

Host: UST Education

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

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

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

Host: UST Education

Speaker: John Hooley, President, Steward

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

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

Host: ASAE

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

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

Host: ASAE Marketing Professionals Advisory Council

Moderators:

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

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

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

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

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Brianne Wheeler, CEO / Founder at Levitate Marketing

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

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

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

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

Organizer: Association Women Technology Champions

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

Host: ASAE Executive Management Professionals Advisory Council

Speakers:

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

Wed 7/23 at 12 p.m. – AWTC Meet & Greet

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

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

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

Host: Fonteva

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

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

Host: James Young, founder, Product Community

Thu 7/24 at 3 p.m. – Intro to AI Webinar for Associations and Nonprofits

Host: Sidecar

Speakers:

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

Creative Commons licensed photo by Dan Gold via Unsplash

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Association Brain Food: 7.4.25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You never grow old at the table

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

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

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

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

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

Guest: Vinnu Deshetty, founder, The Event ROI Coach

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

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

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

Host: Gary Gallant, Gallant Law Group

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

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

Host: ASAE

Moderators: Reggie Henry, ASAE and Dave Coriale, DelCor

Guests:

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

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

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

Host: UST Education

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

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

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

Host: WorkerBee.TV

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

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

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

Host: UST Education

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

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

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

Host: BenchPrep

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

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

Host: ON24

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

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

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

Host: 501Works

Speakers:

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

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

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

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

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

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

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

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Brianne Wheeler, CEO / Founder at Levitate Marketing

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

Host: McKinley Advisors

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

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

Host: Raffa Investment Advisers

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

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

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

Guest: Tahira Endean, Head of Program, IMEX

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

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

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

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

Host: UST Education

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

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

Host: UST Education

Speaker: John Hooley, President, Steward

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

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

Creative Commons licensed photo by Lukasz Szmigiel via Unsplash

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: 6.27.25

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Snacks

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

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

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

You never grow old at the table

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fri 6/27 at 12 p.m.* – AWTC Meet & Greet

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

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

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

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

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

Guests: Wendy, Owen, and Damian Kavanagh

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

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

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

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

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

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

Host: AIOT

Speaker: Ann Feeney, CAE

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

Host: ASAE

Moderators: Reggie Henry, ASAE and Dave Coriale, DelCor

Guests:

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

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

Host: UST Education.

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

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

Host: WorkerBee.TV

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

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

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

This week’s reads

SEO/AEO advice for industry partners and associations

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

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A big announcement

This week’s reads

Association industry partner corner

At the table

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

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Snacks

You never grow old at the table

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

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Snacks

You never grow old at the table

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

Share this:

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

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

Share this:

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

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

Share this:

You never grow old at the table

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

Share this:

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

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

Share this: