Association Brain Food

Association Brain Food: 1.10.25

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

New member onboarding. Clowder explains how to improve new member onboarding with your association’s membership app. They suggest five mobile onboarding strategies that offer new members a convenient, personalized onboarding experience.

Read, dammit. I can’t go online without tripping over stories about the decline in reading capability and comprehension. Joan Westenberg says we’re losing “the ability to thoroughly analyze issues, think critically, understand different perspectives, spot logical fallacies, and weigh evidence. Our opinions get shaped by alarmist rhetoric and confirmation bias rather than facts.” She believes the death of critical thinking will kill us long before AI. Save yourself, save your kids, and set a good reading and thinking example for those around you.

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

Membership course. Brain Food readers can earn up to 10 CAE credits by attending Chris Gloede’s popular Association Member Growth Certificate Course. Over 1,000 association execs have finished the course after learning how to conduct research, develop relevant benefits, establish member content gates, evolve recruitment and retention campaigns, and grow membership. The course meets for ten weeks on Thursdays, 1-2pm ET starting January 30. Save $50 with promo code BRAINFOOD. I’ve heard great things about this program so I registered—join me there!

Goodbye LMS. It’s tough to break up with a familiar system, but when it’s preventing progress, you best do it. John Leh from Talented Learning identifies 16 warning signs that signal the need to replace your LMS.

Member retention. Erica Hunter of CMA says, “Retention isn’t just about clever marketing—it’s about fostering a community that truly supports members’ goals and aspirations.” She suggests nine engagement strategies to keep members close—an excellent retention roadmap you ignore at your association’s peril.

Career centers. YMCareers explains how to become THE career development destination for your members and industry professionals. Go beyond connecting job seekers to employers by delivering career insights, resources, advice and a career path tool.

Data analytics. Merritt Rohlfing at Association Analytics shares ten wise tips for getting analytically ready for 2025. He covers your gut’s role, sharing data, demographics, data task force, campaigns, feedback and more.

Global members. If you have members around the world, seriously consider using WhatsApp. It’s not just about texting. Sonia Faleiro at Rest of World explains how WhatsApp became an unstoppable global, cultural force.

Website personalization. We constantly hear about the need to personalize the online experience for members, customers and prospects but where and how do you start? Rob Bean at Refactored describes the foundational elements you need to personalize the website experience.

Q&A sessions. John Nawn of The Event Strategy Network shares interesting ideas for unlocking the full potential of Q&A sessions.

Membership marketing. Tony Rossell at Marketing General Inc. reminds us that membership marketing tools have changed over the years, but effective marketing principles remain the same. Learn them before you start playing with new (or old) tools.

Snacks

Insurance companies are NOT the main villain of the U.S. health system, says Noah Smith. It’s mostly the providers overcharging you, not the middlemen. Okay, whatever, but I’m still not happy about paying $828/month for crappy health insurance (no dental or vision included). Yup, that’s what happens when you work for yourself, not as glamorous as it appears, heh.

The real crisis in humanities isn’t happening at college. Our problem is in the real world where humanistic thinking is in decline because of algorithmic, finance-driven thinking and the manipulative dysfunctionality of technology. | Ted Gioia

Kafka wrote kind letters to a girl who lost her doll in the park—here’s the thing, he wrote them as the doll. | Carlos Valladares, Art in America

Instead of being cynical, try becoming skeptical. Cynicism might look smart, but it isn’t. | Jamil Zaki, Behavioral Scientist

Want to be happier? Learn how you’re doing with these five “wealth” indicators. | Sahil Bloom and Esther Haynes, The Free Press

You never grow old at the table

One of my favorite parts of the Christmas season is browsing through cookbooks, my Word doc recipes and idea lists, blogs and Substacks, figuring out what to make. If that’s you too, feast your eyes on what I made during my Brain Food hiatus.

Christmas Eve dinner started with warm glühwein—a big hit. I was hoping for leftovers, but alas. Next year, I’m doubling the recipe. I baked ½” slices of kielbasa in the toaster oven for 7 minutes and served them with Creole and Dijon honey mustards.

For the main course, lasagna—my recipe has ground sausage and beef, mushrooms, onions, marinara, pesto ricotta, and a mix of cheeses—and tortellini Alfredo. On the side, garlic bread and roasted broccoli with red onion and garlic powder.

We had a few desserts on the table, including apple pie bars, an Ina Garten recipe, with vanilla ice cream.

On Christmas Day, Jim made the turkey to bring to his sister’s, so I had the pan drippings to make turkey gravy to take along with cranberry sauce.

Later that week, with the leftover kielbasa from the Eve, I made pasta with kielbasa, mushrooms, onion, red bell pepper, jalapeno, garlic, cabbage, tomato paste, and pasta water.

We had lots of leftover turkey from Christmas Day. Some of it turned into sandwiches and turkey tetrazzini (with the addition of celery, carrot, red bell and corn), and the rest went into the freezer.

We enjoyed getting even fatter by enjoying fettuccine with white clam and chorizo sauce. On the side, green beans with mushrooms, sundried tomatoes and herbs.

I always cook Jim’s favorite slow-roasted corned beef on his birthday, New Year’s Day. Before putting it in a 300° oven, I rub a mix of ground spices over the top: allspice, mustard, coriander, cloves, black pepper, cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, Aleppo or red pepper flakes, and bay leaves. On the side, a julienned cabbage sauté with bacon, red onion, red bell, jalapeno and garlic, plus potato and carrot wedges roasted with garlic powder and tossed at the end with butter and fresh rosemary.

Another winter favorite: roasted Provençal chicken thighs, easy to put together and into the oven. Use red onion if you don’t have shallots and the convection roast setting if you have that—decrease the temp by 25°. I cut the lemon into eighths and doubled the dry vermouth.

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

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

Fri 1/10 at 12 p.m.* – Marketing Mindshare: Career Center Engagement

Are you on a mission to make your Career Center an even more valuable member benefit? Let’s discuss special member-only perks and strategies that really boost engagement. If you’re open to sharing, we can discuss the vendor you’re using and any awesome features that are working well. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Marketing Council

Facilitators: Laura Sparks, Brittany Lancor, and other special guests from the ASAE Marketing Council

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

Mon 1/13 at 8 a.m. – Mobilizing Volunteers & Maximizing Partnerships (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: Wendy Kavanagh, CEO of GSAE

Mon 1/13 at 12 p.m. – Membership Monday: Email Marketing Tips and Tricks for Associations

Amber’s done 40 email platform audits on association accounts this past year, and there’s one consistent theme: they all needed to apply email design best practices and do testing to ensure it’s what their members want. Learn about essential design best practices and explore innovative A/B testing strategies to refine your understanding of member preferences through solid data. Walk away with a design checklist and ideas from association case studies on how A/B testing can revolutionize your emails. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Speaker: Amber Worthen, CEO, Email Maven

Tue 1/14 at 11 a.m. – Crash Course: AI Prompting for Marketers

Prompting is crucial to getting great content or themes from AI. We will discuss what prompting is, why it’s so important, and ways to get better and better at it for 2025. Whether you are embracing AI in your marketing strategy or skeptical, this session will help you better understand some use cases, how to use AI in your Marketing, and how to prompt like a pro to get quality from AI. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Sam Bush, Founder, Ambush, and Partner Marketing Manager at Netstock

Tue 1/14 at 12 p.m. – The AMS Evolution: Exploring Alternative AMS Models

From traditional hub-and-spoke structures to “Hub-less” and iPaaS-based solutions, associations have a variety of approaches to managing their association’s data and member services. Explore a strategic approach to reimagining your association’s technology infrastructure. Hear about the functionality and key differences between the Hub & Spoke Model, iPaaS solutions, and “Hub-less” approaches. Learn how to evaluate your current AMS, define the why behind looking for new solutions, and get started in selecting a new structure. More info/register.

Host: fusionSpan

Speaker: Noel Shatananda, Chief Delivery Officer, fusionSpan

Tue 1/14 at 12 p.m. – Building a One-Page Marketing Strategy

Marketing is a huge part of moving any organization forward. More than having a marketing department, or outsourcing your marketing to a third-party, it needs to be embedded into every part of your business – from tech to HR to digital. But when not every employee is a marketer, how can this be achieved? Learn how to collaborate with your marketers, transmit your organizational vision to your team, know when to rely on the experts and when to veto with your gut, set marketing priorities. More info/register.

Host: Braintrust Professional Institute

Speakers: Randall Craig and Ronja Francoeur, Braintrust Professional Institute

Tue 1/14 at 12 p.m. – Associations Trends Talk: Keep Your Association Safe from Legal Issues in 2025

Learn about current legal issues affecting associations, proactive approaches to mitigate risks and protect your organization, steps necessary to ensure board members fulfill their fiduciary duties and adopt governance best practices for ethical and legal operations, what to include in volunteer policies and bylaws to manage risks, when to conduct thorough legal reviews, liability protection options, recommended insurance coverage for nonprofits, and strategies for handling conflicts of interest. More info/register.

Host: Ewald Consulting

Speaker: Heidi Christianson, attorney specializing in nonprofit law, Nilan Johnson Lewis

Tue 1/14 at 12 p.m. – Tech Tuesday: Who Should IT Report to in Your Association? Why?

Explore the various reporting structures for an association’s IT department and evaluate the pros and cons of each. From reporting to the Executive Director to aligning with the CFO or even the COO, we’ll discuss how different structures impact organizational strategy, efficiency, and technology integration. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Technology Council

Guest: Michael Getter, Vice President, Information Systems and Technology, Global Cold Chain Alliance

Facilitators:

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

Tue 1/14 at 12 p.m. – LGBTQIA2+ 2025 Community Call

A unique and inclusive opportunity for association professionals across all career stages to connect and engage over lunch, and a space where you can openly share and discuss topics that are current and significant to the LGBTQIA2+ association community. Whether you have burning questions, pressing issues, or insightful experiences to share, this judgment-free zone welcomes your valuable contributions. Let’s come together to support, learn from each other, and build a stronger, more inclusive community. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE LGBTQ Association Executives and Supporters

Tue 1/14 at 1 p.m. – Understanding the Competition: Jump-Start Your Association’s Sponsorship Program

There is fierce competition for the dollars and the attention of your association’s corporate sponsors. This webinar will equip you with the tools to understand the outshine your competition, ensuring your sponsorship program stands out. Learn how to identify and categorize the top 6 types of competitors for corporate sponsorship dollars, create a list of competitors and use that list to create an action plan, why companies might choose the competitors over your association, and how to develop a compelling value proposition to win and retain sponsors. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Barbara Armentrout, Founder & Key Principal at BJA Solutions for Associations
Bruce Rosenthal, Principal at Bruce Rosenthal Associates, LLC

Wed 1/15 at 11 a.m. – Lessons from the Trenches: Unlocking the Power of AI for Associations

Join a C-Level discussion on AI that’s approached differently than any other AI presentation or discussion you may have experienced: it’s specifically tailored to AI applications for associations, and it’s structured so that you will garner learning directly from the other association executives in attendance. CAE credit. More info/register (for association C-level execs only).

Host: UST Presidential Forum

Speakers:

Mindi Brothers, VP of Innovation of American Association of Orthodontists
Stephen Carey, CEO of The Work Truck Association

Wed 01/15 at 12 p.m. – Buzzworthy LIVE: The Hidden Key to Association Innovation

Your association faces changes every single day. Members constantly seek more engagement, and you plan to incorporate new strategies and tools to meet these demands. Uncover how your association’s culture can drive innovation, adaptability, and member engagement. Gain practical insights to overcome cultural challenges and align your organization’s goals with lasting change. More info/register.

Host: WorkerBee.TV

Speakers:

Maddie Grant, Culture Designer, Digital Strategist, Co-Founder, PROPEL
Marcus Leite, Director, Sales & Marketing, WorkerBee.TV

Wed 1/15 at 12 p.m. – Ask Me Anything International (AMA International): Career Paths in International Association Management

Are you thinking about a new job in 2026 or want to learn more about working in the international association community? Join us for a lively discussion where IAAC members will discuss how they got to their current roles, the skills needed for international association work, and how to apply what you already know to an international arena. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE International Associations Advisory Council

Speakers:

Jeanette Gass, Senior Program Manager, Global Engagement, ICMA
Pietro Macchiarella, Director, Center of Excellence, YPO
Matt Riley, Executive Director, AAERT

Wed 1/15 at 1 p.m. – Video in the Age of AI

Discover how AI can enhance and streamline various aspects of community-driven video marketing campaigns, including content creation, personalization, distribution, and analytics. Learn how the age of AI will change what kind of content people are exposed to and what content will cut through the noise. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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

Wed 1/15 at 1 p.m. – AI, Ads, and Associations: Google Ad Grant Best Practices

Learn what the Google Ad Grant is and how associations can use it, tips for making your landing page as Google-friendly as possible, how you can incorporate AI into your advertising process, and pitfalls to avoid. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fonteva

Speaker: Jessica King, Business Lead, Getting Attention

Wed 1/15 at 2:30 p.m. – Case Studies in “Force Majeure”

Even with COVID in the rear-view mirror, force majeure is more relevant than ever. Hear two case studies where force majeure was enacted on event contracts along with the original language proposed in each contract, the risk that language exposed her clients to, and the changes she negotiated to protect her clients and their events. Whether you’re new to event planning or a seasoned planner who’s navigated snowstorms, hurricanes and global pandemics, the in-depth analysis of the case studies in this episode are guaranteed to up your contract acumen. More info/register.

Host: Heather Reid, Planner Protect

Guest: Anthea Rowe, Exmplify

Thu 1/16 at 11 a.m. – Building Your Leadership Brand

Building a leadership brand is essential for distinguishing yourself in a competitive landscape, as it reflects your unique strengths, values, and vision. Learn how to identify your core value proposition by understanding what sets you apart from other leaders and aligning your capabilities with organizational needs; demonstrate consistent authenticity by ensuring your actions align with your stated values to build trust; and emphasize measurable impact by connecting your leadership style to tangible results and continuously evolving based on feedback. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jennifer Dalton, Founder, Brand Mirror

Thu 1/16 at 1 p.m. – Leadership in the AI Age: A CEO Roundtable

In a world shaped by hybrid work, rapid AI advancements, and post-pandemic realities, what does it mean to lead effectively? How should leadership change? How do we show up for our people when we can’t be with them physically some or all of the time? Are we focused too much on the tech side of AI and not enough on the human side of AI? If questions like these have been occupying your brain like they have been ours, join our discussion. This conversation is about learning from each other—what’s working, what’s not, and how we can move forward with confidence and purpose in the new year. More info/register.

Host: Matrix Group

Facilitators:

Heinan Landa, CEO, Optimal Networks
Joanna Pineda, CEO, Matrix Group

Thu 1/16 at 1 p.m. – How Futures-Thinking Empowers Leaders to Make Better Decisions Today

You and your volunteer leaders can best prepare for ongoing environmental ambiguity and unexpected developments by constantly scanning for weak signals and adopting a future-oriented mindset. Hear from four experienced association executives who have benefited from embracing and integrating futures-thinking throughout their associations. Learn how to proactively lead your board and staff colleagues toward a futures mindset; the power and importance of creating a future-focused organizational culture, and overcoming resistance to change. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Melody Jordan-Carr,CEO at MemberGrow
Kristine Metter, CAE, President at Crystal Lake Partners LLC
Steven Stout, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director for the Texas Society of Association Executives
Gene Terry, CAE, IOM, Executive Director for the American Society of Hand Therapists

Thu 1/16 at 1 p.m. – On-Page SEO Essentials: Transform Your Content Performance in 2025

Gain practical, actionable insights to optimize your website’s SEO, from meta descriptions to technical health. Learn strategies for improving rankings, driving traffic, and enhancing user experience to stay competitive in search results. More info/register.

Host: Content Marketing Institute

Speakers:

Brittany Du Bois, Content Marketing Manager, PlayPlay
Marianne M. Talbot, Chief Marketing and Business Development Officer, Bailey & Glasser, LL
Stephanie Stahl, Managing Director, Content Marketing Institute

Thu 1/16 at 2 p.m. – 2025 Hospitality Predictions from Michael Dominguez

As part of our annual tradition, we will explore the evolving trends, shifts in consumer behavior, and innovative strategies that could reshape the way we think about meetings and events. Our discussion will focus on real-world examples to help you differentiate fact from fiction in the ever-changing hospitality environment. More info/register.

Host: Smart Meetings

Speaker: Michael Dominguez, CMP is President and CEO of Associated Luxury Hotels International

Thu 1/16 at 3 p.m. – Association Chat Insider Weekly Recap

Come together with the association community to chat about the hot topics that matter most. Our meetings are a safe space: no recordings, no live streams—just real, raw conversations. Want to explore what’s buzzing in the association world? This is your weekly chance to connect, share, and learn from one another. More info/register.

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

Thu 1/16 at 3 p.m. – Navigating Event Logistics: Best Practices for Associations

How do you pull off seamless events that keep members coming back for more? This panel dives into the nuts and bolts of planning, managing, and improving association events. From solving logistical headaches to creating experiences that resonate, our experts share strategies that matter. More info/register.

Host: NXUnite by Nexus Marketing

Speakers:

Meaghan Maybee, Marketing Communications Specialist at pc/nametag
Abby Nero, Regional Vice President at Map Your Show
Lomesh Shah, Chief Executive Officer at Tradewing

Thu 1/16 at 4 p.m. – 6 Event Marketing Fails (And How to Fix All 6!)

What is your strategy to increase attendance at your next event? Hear proven best practices to increase event registrations. Learn how event planners and marketers can work together to build more successful marketing campaigns. Discover how to diagnose existing marketing problems and remain confident in implementing solutions. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Reston-Loudoun Swap

Speaker: Bill Zimmer, Event 360

Fri 1/17 at 3 p.m. – Nonprofit Consultants Collaborative Monthly Networking Meeting

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

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

Tue 1/21 at 1 p.m. – How to Win: Be a Category of One (Leadership for SMBs and Entrepreneurs)

Learn how to become a Category of One where you win by not competing. Some of these principles you may already follow, others may surprise you and may provide new insight: Work on Yourself, Build Organizational Culture, Use Atomic Habits, Focus on a Niche, and Create a Compelling Saga. This session offers real-world examples, videos, and interactive discussions. Discover strategies to position your organization as a “category of one” and unlock new leadership potential. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Wade Tetsuka, CPA, President, UST

Tue 1/21 at 1 p.m. – Revolutionizing Sponsor Engagement: Emerging Tech for Association Marketplaces

Discover how innovative marketplace platforms are transforming the way associations connect with industry sponsors, from creating year-round engagement opportunities to showcasing sponsor content in new and meaningful ways. Learn how emerging technology, including AI-powered concierge tools, is shaping the future of association sponsorships by fostering deeper connections, driving value, and increasing ROI for all stakeholders. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Sandra Nam, CEO and Co-Founder, QiqoChat

Wed 1/22 at 11 a.m. – Bite-Sized Big Impact: How Microlearning Is Reshaping Education

In a world where people check their smartphones nine times an hour, and competition for attention is exceptionally fierce, it is no wonder that shorter digital learning content is becoming more necessary and popular. Learn why and how associations can create and curate microlearning: content that is mobile, media-rich, on-demand, and suited to the modern learner. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Andrew Chamberlain, Executive Director of the UK’s Institute of Association Leadership
Elisa Pratt, Chief Executive and Founder of Brewer Pratt Solutions LLC

Wed 1/22 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 1/22 at 1 p.m. – Ghosted by Sponsors? Why They’re Not Responding & How to Fix It

Are your emails and calls to potential sponsors going unanswered? You’re not alone. Learn why sponsors may be ignoring your outreach and how to break through the silence. From crafting compelling messages to timing your follow-ups just right, gain expert insights to boost your response rates and keep your sponsorship pipeline moving forward. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to turn “no response” into meaningful conversations. More info/register.

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

Guest: Carrie McIntyre, principal, Navigate

Wed 1/22 at 2 p.m. – How Associations Use Data to Drive Revenue

Learn how to use data insights to increase member engagement and generate new revenue streams. Hear how NAPA used data to address member needs and operational gaps, achieving measurable results. Find out how to interpret benchmarking data to uncover trends and improve decision-making, and conduct a gap analysis to identify opportunities and address strategic challenges. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Naylor Association Solutions

Speakers:

John Brandt, Chief Executive Officer, MPI Research
Bill Rowan, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, National Asphalt Pavement Association
Chad Lloyd, Chief Data Officer, Naylor Association Solutions

Thu 1/23 at 1 p.m. – Get Ready to Move…Your Data

The ideal time to think about preparing your existing data for a move to a new CRM or AMS is well before you choose a solution and start implementation. Cleaning, sorting, and organizing your data well prior to a data migration can save you time and money. Learn how to prepare your data for migration, including deduplication, address verification, code table cleanup, and name parsing. Find out which common tools you may already have to help automate some of the process. Hear about common pitfalls in the data cleanup process and how to avoid them. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jenifer Alonzo, Association Practice Lead, Fíonta

Thu 1/23 at 1 p.m. – Beyond the Buzz: Integrating AI Solutions into Human-Centric Strategic Planning

Learn about strategies for using AI to sharpen member insights, enrich planning processes, and drive actionable, member-centered strategies and operational plans. Hear real-world case studies showing how associations harness AI to create plans that resonate with members while retaining critical human connections and interactions that foster deeper engagement. More info/register.

Hosts: Halmyre and Event Garde

Speakers:

Christine Saunders, Founder and President, Halmyre
Aaron Wolowiec, Founder and President, Event Garde

Thu 1/23 at 2 p.m. – Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue

Please join us for the first Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue Zoom Meeting of 2025. More info/register.

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

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

Public domain painting, Märkische Winterlandschaft by Louis Douzette (1879)

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Association Brain Food: 12.20.24

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

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

Merry Christmas! This is the last Association Brain Food of the year, unless my list of good reads becomes unwieldy. Otherwise, I’ll return to your inboxes on Friday, January 10. Until then, thank you for spending time with me here. I wish you and your loved ones a most joyful, cozy and relaxing holiday season.

Awards program. For anyone who oversees an association’s awards program, this OpenWater post explains everything a first-time awards program manager needs to know. Even if you have experience managing an awards program, you’ll find something new and useful here.

Emails to members. It’s not just you. Members all over don’t read the emails their associations send. Elizabeth Engel of Spark Consulting shares three ideas to help you fix that problem.

Online learning strategy. D2L explains what you need to know to build and implement an effective online learning strategy, including vision and purpose, necessary resources and expertise, success criteria, communication plan, and assessment.

Content marketing strategy. This interactive quiz from MemberBoat helps you identify must-have content marketing strategies and potential gaps.

GA help from sponsors. Bruce Rosenthal and Dan Kowitz explain how associations can leverage the policy expertise of corporate sponsors to help conduct and develop government affairs research and resources.

Community building. People seek communities—places to belong where they can make a difference. But associations have a hard time delivering the personal and emotional experiences people want from communities. GrowthZone offers advice on engaging members with the five pillars of communities: direction and desired outcome, shared responsibility, personal value, progress awareness, and an ongoing ecosystem.

Certification pricing. If members complain or inquire about the price of your credentialing programs, follow the lead of the Higher Education Consortium for Student Affairs Certification. They explained the reasoning behind their pricing in a post titled, Is Certification a Money Grab?

Small-staff technology. Tori Miller Liu and Meredith Ellison shared a list of software used by 83 small-staff associations.

Bite-sized learning. I don’t like shoulding on you, but every association should offer plenty of microlearning for busy members and customers. James Young at Product Community provides a primer on bite-sized learning, including its attributes, forms, pros and cons, and examples of how members use it.

Snacks

The death of critical thinking will kill us long before AI. | Joan Westenberg

Medieval scholars say 536 CE was the worst year to be alive. | History Facts

The Amazon River doesn’t have any bridges—and for good reason. | Tom Hale, IFL Science

You never grow old at the table

Here’s an excellent coq au vin recipe for a cozy night or Christmas Eve dinner, although I can’t imagine not having Italian on the Eve. Make it as instructed in a slow cooker, but I prefer to cook it in the oven for 1-1/2 hours at 350.

On the side, mashed potatoes or rutabagas to soak up that amazing sauce. I also made Brussels sprouts sauteed with red onion, red bell pepper, garlic, ham broth and dried cranberries.

This recipe for one-skillet eggplant parmesan was fantastic. I mixed two thawed ice cubes of basil pesto into the dish before baking.

It’s been a long time since I made my old chipotle salmon recipe—so good! I didn’t have a lime to juice, so I used two mandarin oranges instead.

Another cozy comfort meal: stovetop roast chicken with lemon herb sauce. I used a mix of parsley, tarragon and chives, and added extra lemon juice.

Wishing festive feasting to all!

If you’d like to subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

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

Fri 12/20 at 12 p.m.* – Year-End Reflection and Future Planning (Member ROI Group)

Reflect on the invaluable insights we’ve shared throughout the year and participate in shaping the future of our collective learning journey. Revisit key learnings: refresh your memory on the strategies and tactics that have helped associations like yours boost member value and engagement. Share success stories: hear from peers who have implemented insights from our sessions and achieved tangible results. Participate in collaborative future planning: help us design the roadmap for 2025, ensuring our content aligns perfectly with your association’s evolving needs. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Ed Rigsbee

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

Fri 12/20 at 3 p.m. – The Informal Consultants Networking Extravaganza

This monthly networking meeting is for full-time consultants who work with non-profits and associations. You don’t have to be an ASAE member to attend this consultant-organized event. This month, we’ll look ahead to 2025 and talk about special projects and activities like promoting the Google Directory, creating resources, and developing the business continuity/crisis situation back up network. Bring your ideas. Plus, we’ll share good news and cover topics and questions from the group. More info.

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

Fri 12/27 at 1 p.m. – Talk with CAEs

An online space for CAE candidates to ask questions about the CAE (e.g., exam preparations, eligibility, exam content outline, study strategies, practice questions, tips and advice, etc.) and current CAEs to share their knowledge and experience with the exam. More info/register.

Lead facilitator: DeeJay Hastings, CAE, Executive Consultant, Lewis Association Consultants

Tue 1/7 at 12 p.m. – Data Analytics Network

Please join us to find out our brand-new plans for DAN in 2025. We can’t wait to show you! Engage in association peer-led discussions on topics related to data and analytics on the first Tuesday of each month. 1 CAE credit. Location: Arlington VA. More info/register.

Host: Data Analytics Network

Wed 1/8 at 12 p.m. – The Association Community Needs A Different AI Conversation…Right Now

More than two years after ChatGPT irrevocably disrupted our world, there is an open and robust conversation about ethical, purposeful, and responsible generative AI adoption occurring in nearly every sector of our society. So why isn’t this conversation happening in associations? Hear about six purposeful AI provocations for 2025 that will help shift your thinking about the present and future of generative AI and help move our community’s AI conversation in a different and necessary direction. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: AIOT

Speaker: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First

Wed 1/8 at 1 p.m. – The Keys to Marketing Across Generations in 2025

Join a Gen-Xer and a Millennial who’ve cracked the code to cross-generational marketing to drive demand. Discover how tech adoption timing influences everything from trust to buying cycles, and learn about the different ways generations approach content consumption and purchasing decisions. Explore self-education styles and the psychology behind it all. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Sam Bush, Founder, Ambush
Kate Coffey-Bacon, VP of Marketing and Events, US Transactions Corporation/UST Education
Mary Miller, Director of Marketing, Paytrace

Thu 1/9 at 11 a.m. – Cybersecurity Questions You Should Be Asking

The threats, risks, and potential solutions within cybersecurity are changing faster than any other area of technology. As critical as this topic is for an organization’s future and brand reputation, it is one of the least understood by executives. This webinar does away with the tech-talk and explains the must-know facts about cybersecurity risks, what executives need to understand, what questions to ask, and how to ensure your IT team is headed in the right direction at an adequate pace. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Brian Scott, President, CIO, ClearTone Consulting LLC

Thu 1/9 at 11 a.m. – The Event Tech Dating Game

Find the innovative, problem-solving tech solution you need in this one-of-a-kind virtual experience designed exclusively for event planners and marketing professionals. Bold tech contenders compete to become THE ultimate solution to real-world event planning challenges. One savvy event planner puts three ambitious tech companies in the hot seat who address tough, no-holds-barred challenges like managing last-minute hiccups, boosting attendee engagement, and simplifying those all-too-tedious check-ins. More info/register.

Host: Dahlia+ Agency

Speakers:

Vinnu Deshetty, Event ROI Coach
Dahlia El Gazzar, Tech Evangelist + Idea Igniteur, Dahlia+ Agency

Thu 1/9 at 1 p.m. – Top Digital Trends Shaping Associations in 2025

Struggling to keep members engaged and meet their evolving expectations? Get solutions to the challenges associations face in aligning their offerings with what members truly value. Learn how to leverage technology and innovative programming to improve member retention, boost engagement, and create new sources of sustainable non-dues revenue. Gain actionable strategies to solve these challenges and position your association for success in 2025. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Dan Stevens, President, WorkerBee.TV

Thu 1/9 at 2 p.m. – Big Changes Are on the Horizon for PCI Compliance

Beginning in April 2025, businesses that accept credit cards are expected to be compliant with PCI DSS version 4.0. Some of the key changes from past versions of PCI include stricter security requirements like mandatory multi-factor authentication for all access to cardholder data environments, automated log reviews, and enhanced vulnerability scanning procedures. Learn about these changes and what they might mean for your organization. More info/register.

Host: 501Works

Speaker: James Marquis, CIO, 501Works

Thu 1/9 at 2 p.m. – The Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community January 2025 Kickoff Event

More info/register.

Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First

Thu 1/9 at 3 p.m. – Association Chat Insider Weekly Recap

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

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 it’s scheduled.

Creative Commons licensed photo by Alicia Slough via Unsplash

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Association Brain Food: 12.13.24

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

“There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good-humor.” ~Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Rule #1: don’t kill attendees. No matter how busy you are planning and running an event, you have time to keep attendees alive. Harsh, I know, but Tracy Stuckrath shared an awful story about Dominique Brown, co-founder of BlackGirlDisney, who died from an allergic reaction at an event. Everyone who has anything to do with F&B should know better, but it’s the association team’s job to make sure they act better and not kill anyone. How heartbreaking and completely preventable.

Attendee connections. I’ve read several posts lately about helping attendees connect, but this one from Jeffrey Cufaude is the best so far. He shares a fantastic list of “tactics to make it easier for people to connect and converse that cost next to no time or money.”

Event AI. Here’s a story about a tool you might not have read about yet. The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery used AI tool Zenus to capture attendee behavioral data during their conference and expo—data their sponsors and exhibitors found valuable, a nice bonus.

Abundant thinking. Don’t roll your eyes! This isn’t a woo-woo Instagram influencer post. Katia Verresen at First Round Review explains how abundant thinking can transform your career and organization. She starts with a scarcity vs. abundant thinking diagnostic and then describes six tools (behaviors) to adopt. There’s a lot to digest here, so a reread is in my future.

Future of associations. In this insightful post at HQ The Association Magazine, Belinda Moore describes the challenges and opportunities associations face now and in the future. I especially liked her take on different “tribes” in associations who each have their own interests and needs.

Microlearning. eLearningDOC explains why microlearning is an ideal learning format for busy professionals and how to add it to your association’s education portfolio.

AI adoption. With AI pervading our workplaces, Sharon Rice at .orgSource says, “How we incorporate this unique ability into our organizations is critically important… We can decide what experiences and relationships to create.” The post explains how to use technology, including AI, to “tap into the powerful emotional drivers that spark engagement across association communities.”

RFPs. I’m sure many association professionals and industry partners will relate to this… Maarten Dalmijn says, “If you truly hate someone, give them an RFP.” He explains why RFPs “suck so much” and suggests a better way.

Snacks

How to develop a B2B content strategy, plus real examples. | Relato

A mind-blowing account of author Tao Lin’s spiritual evolution accelerated by his DMT trips and reading about near-death experiences. Prepare yourself for disembodiment, disquieting somethingness, and a body-riding soul. | Tao Lin, Granta

2025 SEO trends: predictions from 23 industry experts. | Chima Mmeje, Moz

You never grow old at the table

Cold rainy night? Make ground beef paprikash and egg noodles. I adapted my birthday buddy Rachael Ray’s recipe by using beef instead of turkey; adding poblano, jalapeño, and tomato paste, and subbing beef broth for chicken broth.

On the side, green beans sautéed with bacon, mushrooms, onion, red bell pepper, garlic, tarragon, chives, rosemary and chicken broth. I grew tarragon this year so I could have it fresh for dishes like this.

If you love Thanksgiving flavors, sprinkle boneless pork chops with dried thyme, salt and pepper, sear them until nearly done, then add cranberry sauce to pan. On the side, butternut squash mashed with maple syrup, butter, salt, pepper and nutmeg.

If you’d like to subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

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

Fri 12/13 at 11 a.m.* – Step into the New Year with Intention

There’s no better milestone than the start of a new year to take the time to reflect and set intentions for the coming year. Intentions are not New Year’s resolutions, as resolutions typically don’t work because they’re often vague and come with too many unrealistic expectations. A simple trick to keep your intentions front and center throughout the year is choosing a word that represents your vision for 2025. Join this AWTC webinar to pause, reset and assess whether your path is still aligned with your goals and values. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Jen Lewi, Design your Next Step, Founder & CEO

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

Fri 12/13 at 12 p.m. – Marketing 2025: Association Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

Join an engaging, interactive discussion about marketing trends and challenges associations will face in 2025. Share insights, exchange ideas, and tackle pressing questions about the future of association marketing. From emerging technologies to engaging members and driving revenue, let’s brainstorm strategies and solutions together. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Marketing Professionals Advisory Committee

Fri 12/13 at 1 p.m. – Leave a Legacy Like Springsteen: How Digital Accessibility & Gifting Can Secure Your Association’s Future

explore how associations can leverage digital accessibility and legacy gifting to enhance member retention, increase lifetime value, and secure a thriving future. Drawing inspiration from Bruce Springsteen’s perspective on leaving a lasting impact, we’ll delve into strategies that cater to the aging Baby Boomer demographic while creating new revenue streams for your association. 0.75 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Blue Sky eLearn

Speakers:

Mark Wallach, MBA, CEO Emeritus, Mobile Engagement Strategies
Jesse Shorts, Business Development Representative, Blue Sky eLearn

Fri 12/13 at 1 p.m. – Talk with CAEs

Lead facilitator: DeeJay Hastings, CAE, Executive Consultant, Lewis Association Consultants

Fri 12/13 at 2 p.m. – 2025 Gear Up! 14 NEW Quick Tips to get EMAILS Opened & Clicked

Discover the latest in email marketing and see what new trends are increasing open rates and setting you apart from the crowd. Learn actionable tips/tricks that will make a huge impact in your overall campaign performance. More info/register.

Host: GURU Media Hub

Speakers:

Pierce Ujjaninwalla, co-founder and CEO, Knak
Jay Schwedelson, founder, SubjectLine.com and GURU Media Hub

Fri 12/13 at 4 p.m. – Fridays@4 Farewell & Holiday Gathering

Join your Fridays@4 friends and colleagues as we say “farewell” to the last four years of great connections and learning. This will be the final meeting of Fridays@4 and will be our holiday networking event. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Mon 12/16 at 8 a.m. – Meetings and Events: USAE News (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Kevin Tuuaga, LeadingAge California

Mon 12/16 at 3 p.m. – Membership Mondays: Winter Meet & Greet (Washington DC)

Join us for a fun afternoon of networking with the ASAE Membership Professionals Community. Connect with your peers and celebrate another year of Membership Mondays sessions with light refreshments and winter-inspired snacks. Location: Washington DC. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Tue 12/17 at 11 a.m. – Unlocking the Power of AI for Associations

Explore the transformative potential of AI for associations. Gain insights into AI readiness, learn how to build a strategic AI roadmap, and understand the financial implications of AI adoption. Hear about the importance of ethics and governance in AI implementation, ensuring responsible and sustainable AI usage within associations. Get equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively integrate AI into their organizations, driving innovation and efficiency. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Rick Bawcum, CAE, CISSP, CEO and Founder, Cimatri

Tue 12/17 at 12 p.m. – Intro to AI Webinar for Associations and Nonprofits

Learn 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. Find out which settings to adjust for privacy and security, and understand what information is safe to input into AI tools. More info/register.

Host: Sidecar

Speaker: Thomas Altman, Co-Founder, Tasio

Tue 12/17 at 12 p.m. – CRVM Crunch and Munch: Volunteer Onboarding

Our volunteers are our most engaged members. We can ensure their volunteer experience is a positive one by setting them up for success. Join this peer-to-peer idea exchange on ways to orient, train, and prepare our volunteers for their roles. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Component Relations and Volunteer Management Council

Facilitators:

Jessica Lombardo, Vice President, Member Engagement, ASIS International
Michelle Runge, CAE, Director of Chapter Relations, American Inns of Court

Tue 12/17 at 12 p.m. – Predictions for the New Year & How to Prepare

Hear predictions for the new year and exactly what you need to do to prepare. Find out how to develop a winning AI strategy (Hint: No more throwing things at the wall!), AI implications for the workforce—and how to talk about it, and specific steps you can take now to stay ahead. More info/register.

Host: Charlene Li, Founder & CEO, Quantum Networks Group

Tue 12/17 at 12:30 p.m. – Association Rockstars Roundtable: Reflections and Predictions

A cadre of this past year’s Rockstars will talk about the year that has been and the year that will be. More info/register.

Host: Lowell Aplebaum, founder, Vista Cova

Speakers:

Lindsay Currie, CAE
Jeff De Cagna AIMP FRSA FASAE
Matt Gruhn
Christina Lewellen, MBA, CAE
Hester Ndoja, CAE
Samyuktha Neeraja, MPH, CAE
Joanna Pineda

Tue 12/17 at 1 p.m. – Generative AI: Going from Experimentation to Deployment

Explore how Generative AI has evolved from an experimental concept to a powerful tool reshaping the future. Hear about its practical applications and the impact it can have on association engagement, operations, and member value today. See how adopting Generative AI can propel your association’s mission forward in transformative ways. More info/register.

Host: Momentive Software

Speaker: Jake Juby, Director of Engineering, Momentive Software

Tue 12/17 at 2:30 p.m. – The Future of Association Boards Community Dialogue

Discuss the problems geographic composition creates for seating high-performing association boards and other issues. More info/register.

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

Wed 12/18 at 11 a.m. – 2025 Event Trends and Predictions: Discover What’s Next in the Events Industry

Hear our expert panel’s key insights, actionable strategies, and innovative ideas that will help you stay ahead of the curve. We’ll cover emerging event tech from GenAI meeting agendas to augmented reality; meeting trends, including how ecosystem events are driving new meeting formats; monetization trends, such as unlocking new sponsorship opportunities and maximize ROI; and the future of 24hr experiences where your 6pm-2am schedule is as important as 10am – 4pm. More info/register.

Host: Grip

Speakers:

Enrico Gallorini, Co-Founder & CEO of GRS Research and Strategy; President, Info Salons; and Partner, Explori
Devon Montgomery Pasha CMP, CED, Director of North America, Event Design Collective
Tim Groot, Founder and CEO, Grip
Hew Leith, SVP of Marketing at Grip

Wed 12/18 at 12 p.m. – Design Your Leadership Philosophy

Create your personalized Leadership Philosophy using my WHO-BE-DO framework so you can lead with peace and ease from the inside out. This isn’t just for people with “manager” in their job title — it’s for anyone who wants to lead with more clarity and confidence. More info/register.

Host: Andrea Raggambi, PCC, CBC, Founder, PerforMore Coaching & Consulting, and Organizational Development Consultant, Korn Ferry

Wed 12/18 at 2 p.m. – SEO Glow-Up: Web Growth Tactics to Start and Stop in 2025

SEO isn’t what it used to be, and neither are the results. We’ll explore a long list of SEO tactics, both new and old, and give our verdict: adopt it or drop it. Hear which SEO tactics are worth your time in 2025, what recent changes in SEO could mean for your business, a new perspective on familiar SEO tactics, inspiration to try newer tactics for optimizing your site, and actionable tips for making your site findable. More info/register.

Host: Content Marketing Institute

Speakers: Jane Bartel, Dir. of Search & Content Marketing, and Nick Nelson, Associate Content Director, TopRank Marketing

Wed 12/18 at 2:30 p.m. – Event Contracts Exposed: The Truth About “Hidden Fees”

Supplier fees are rarely “hidden.” Spotting fees requires strengthening your contract acumen. Learn about fees planners may miss, what to look for in fee-related language, and how you can negotiate better terms for your hidden fees. More info/register.

Host: Planner Protect

Speaker: Heather Reid, CEO and Founder, Planner Protect

Wed 12/18 at 3:30 p.m. – 7 Measures of Success Town Hall

Hear about the research project’s goals, strategies for gathering community input, and tools and resources for implementation. The event will conclude with an open Q&A and a link to an interest form for continued engagement. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Facilitator: Paul Borawski

Thu 12/19 at 12 p.m. – Member ROI Group: Membership Is Everybody’s Business

The live discussions will predominately be about CAE education domains related to member ROI on the first and third Thursdays of the month with some exceptions. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Ed Rigsbee, Rigsbee Research

Thu 12/19 at 12 p.m. – AFP Microsoft Copilot Implementation Journey

Join us over the course of a few webinars as we follow Galina Kozachenko and her team at AFP along their Microsoft Copilot implementation journey. Discuss how organizations arrive at the decision to jump into the world of AI. Learn the difference between Teams Premium, Copilot, Copilot Studio, and how they all interact with humans, data, systems, and each other. Together with AFP we will go over lessons learned and practical ways to get AI working for associations like yours. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Galina Kozachenko, Managing Director, Strategy, Analytics and Technology, Association for Financial Professionals (AFP)
Misha Getter, Vice President, Systems and Technology at the Global Cold Chain Alliance

Thu 12/19 at 4 p.m. – AI Assistants and Agents: Smart Responses, Seamless Automation

With the right approach, AI can save your staff hours of repetitive tasks and increase the value provided. Hear about the growth and limitations of large language models (LLMs), fine tuning and retrieval augmented generation (RAG), agents and agentic AI, and where your community members fit in. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Higher Logic

Speaker: Rob Wenger, CEO of Higher Logic

Fri 12/20 at 3 p.m. – The Informal Consultants Networking Extravaganza

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

Creative Commons licensed photo by Marek Mucha via Unsplash

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

Association Brain Food: 12.6.24

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

“The health of an organization is directly proportional to the speed at which truth travels within it.” –Luke Burgis [A revealing one to ponder.]

Tax reform threat. In 2025, Congress is likely to consider new tax increases on association revenue, such as membership dues, sponsorships, investment income and educational program revenue. Mary Kate Cunningham at ASAE explains what association professionals, volunteer leaders and industry partners need to know about this looming tax reform threat to associations.

Purchasing decisions. The decisions of B2B buyers—prospective customers/clients or association members—are driven more by emotional factors, such as trust and likeability, than product features. Matt Locke at Attention Matters suggests three tactics for making your organization “seem like a safe choice.”

AMS request for proposals (RFP). Impexium describes the steps for crafting a request for proposals (RFP) that will bring your association the best options for new association management software (AMS). Their guide covers the RFP planning process, necessary components of an RFP, factors to keep in mind when selecting an AMS partner, and advice from some of the most experienced AMS selection consultants in the association community.

Content marketing. The comprehensive 2025 B2B Content Marketing Benchmarks, Budgets & Trends report from the Content Marketing Institute is a must-read for marketing professionals. It covers strategy, tactics, technology, AI and more in a post, not a download.

Membership meetups. New online communities offer fresh perspectives about member meetups for associations to consider. At Community-Led Alliance, Steve Chen describes the journey of Code & Coffee and suggests strategies for building trust, psychological safety, and a strong sense of belonging in a community.

Association finances. Chazin & Company describes what association CEOs should expect from their finance and accounting teams, so staff and volunteer leadership have the financial information they need to answer questions, make data-driven decisions and fulfill their fiduciary duty.

Association content. To engage members, WorkerBee.TV suggests associations adopt a business-minded approach to content. Their post covers the importance of member-centric digital content, repurposing content, experimenting with formats and channels, and measuring ROI.

Member surveys. Candace Vanderpoel at McKinley Advisors explains what low response rates on member surveys mean and how to improve them.

Content strategy. A marketer’s life is so much easier when you have a content strategy, which is why I’m always harping on this point. BackPocket Agency explains why you need a content strategy and how to create one. Make it an end-of-year tradition!

Skills training. Hailey Mensik at WorkLife shares research findings about the employee desire for AI training from their employers—sooner rather than later. Here’s an opportunity for associations to work with industry employers to provide this in-demand training.

Snacks

Are we too impatient to be intelligent? Don’t let the urgent drown out the important—faster isn’t always better. Enjoy these recognizable examples of technology or optimization causing us to be worse off than we were before. | Rory Sutherland, Behavioral Scientist

A children’s version of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens to read out loud this holiday season. | Ruth Gaskovski

The mirthful Assyriologist, the real Noah’s Ark, and the oldest writing in the world: the British Museum’s Irving Finkel is the most interesting man you’ve never heard of. Enter his world for a captivating glimpse of the secrets embedded within humanity’s earliest writing. | Brian Klaas, The Garden of Forking Paths

You never grow old at the table

We’ve enjoyed this time-friendly recipe for southwest buttermilk baked chicken a few times this year. I go heavier on the spices and mix a generous amount of hot sauce into the buttermilk.

On the side, creamed collards with lots of extras. I don’t like greens swimming in cream. I prefer a coating of dairy—evaporated milk this time—just enough to make them feel special. Instead of adding bacon or pancetta, I wilted the greens with leftover beef broth, which, along with the mushrooms, adds the same oomph.

For Thanksgiving, I brought two vegetables and cranberry sauce to our family dinner. My butternut squash gratin with poblanos originated with this recipe from Food & Wine, but I’ve adapted it over the years. To save time, instead of roasting the poblanos, I sauté them alongside the onion, garlic, spices (cumin, smoked paprika and chile powder) and herbs. This year, I used a mix of roasted butternut squash and sweet potatoes. Instead of the original dairy ingredients, I use whatever’s on hand, in this case, evaporated milk, plain Greek yogurt, Monterey Jack, cheddar and goat cheese. I omit the pumpkin seeds and instead top the gratin with panko bread crumbs mixed with melted butter.

You’ll never guess what other veggie I brought. Yup, how’d you know? Roasted broccoli with red onion and garlic powder.

About an hour before we left the house, I gasped when realizing no one had said anything about REAL cranberry sauce, so I got to work. This year, my version included shallot and garlic sauteed in butter, fresh mandarin orange juice, maple syrup, molasses, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt and cranberries. I sometimes add chipotle en adobo or chipotle powder to this recipe but didn’t this time since my hostess sister-in-law is not a fan of heat.

If you’d like to subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

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

Fri 12/6 at 4 p.m.* – Cybersecurity for Associations & Nonprofits

Hear about security measures you can take to best protect against theft of any kind, focusing on identity theft and financial safety. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speaker: Cynthia Echendu, CyberTek MSSP (VENZA Group)

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

Mon 12/9 at 8 a.m. – Boost your Brand – Write a Book! (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Carl Weaver, Broken Column Press

Mon 12/9 at 11 a.m. – Enhancing the Treasurer Relationship and Collaboration

Treasurers often step into their roles with few expectations and no established goals to guide them. This often leads to a start slow and missed opportunities for engagement, which can result in negative impressions that are difficult to reverse. However, with a little planning and preparation the appearance of just being “along for the ride” can be avoided. Learn how to set basic goals and develop realistic expectations for success and impact during their time as Treasurer. Hear about actions and tactics to get Treasurer service off to a fast start, strategies for how to be a more impactful Treasurer and work with the finance committee, and how to end Treasurer service on a high note enhancing continuity and sustainability. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

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

Mon 12/9 at 2 p.m. – Lessons in Advocate Recruitment to Ready You for 2025

From old-school traditional to the latest in social and AI technologies, learn the tactics and strategies you’ll need to position yourself and your program for advocacy success in the new year. Come with a curious mind, participate in a live Q&A, and leave with real-life examples and tips you can modify to tackle your most challenging recruitment dilemmas. More info/register.

Host: AdvocacyAI

Speakers: Beekeeper Group’s Alex Dickinson, Advocacy AI’s Tom Spencer, and The Advocacy Coach’s Sherry Whitworth

Mon 12/9 at 3 p.m. – Q4 ASAE Update to the Consultant Community

More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Tue 12/10 at 11 a.m. – Why Most Organizations Fail at Community

What if we are looking at community building all wrong? Explore why many organizations struggle to create meaningful community engagement. Learn about the difference between “collectives” and true communities, the power of individual agency and participatory co-creation. Discover practical strategies to foster mutual support, consistency, and stability, empowering individuals to connect authentically and actively shape a thriving community. More info/register.

Host: Carlos Restrepo, MS, CAE, VP of Sales North America, Aevus

Speakers:

Tasha Van Vlack, CEO & Community Builder, The Nonprofit Hive
James B. Young, PhD, Founder & Chief Learning Officer, The Product Community

Tue 12/10 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

Tue 12/10 at 12 p.m. – AI is Transforming Processes — Here’s How to Get in Front of It

Hot Take: There’s a systematic way to change your processes. Even hotter take: That systematic way ISN’T highly disruptive. Find out how AI is changing processes—and how to get in front of it. More info/register.

Host: Charlene Li, Founder & CEO, Quantum Networks Group

Tue 12/10 at 12 p.m. – Building & Growing User Conferences

Join a fluff-free deep dive into creating impactful and memorable user conferences. Get tips from top organizers on how shared energy drives motivation and impactful connections and insights on collaborating with sales and demonstrating ROI. More info/register.

Host: Zuddl

Tue 12/10 at 12 p.m. – Tech Tuesday: AI Unplugged – Key Insights from the ASAE AI Summit

Hear a recap of all the excitement from the recent ASAE AI Summit, where industry leaders shared jaw-dropping insights on how AI is reshaping our organizations and enhancing member engagement, advice on AI-powered tools that boost your efficiency and make your life easier, discussions on groundbreaking case studies, eye-opening presentations, and interactive demos of the latest AI technology. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Technology Professionals Advisory Council

Facilitators: Reggie Henry from ASAE and Dave Coriale from DelCor

Tue 12/10 at 12 p.m. – LGBTQIA2+ 2024 Community Call

A unique and inclusive opportunity for association professionals across all career stages to connect and engage over lunch, where you can openly share and discuss topics that are current and significant to the LGBTQIA2+ association community. Whether you have burning questions, pressing issues, or insightful experiences to share, this judgment-free zone welcomes your valuable contributions. Let’s come together to support, learn from each other, and build a stronger, more inclusive community. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE LGBTQ Association Executives and Supporters

Tue 12/10 at 1 p.m. – The 2025 Learning Business Landscape

Based on survey data from practitioners working in the professional development business, hear how organizations are investing in learning, including in specific areas like personalization, AI, data analytics, and more. Learn about developments your learning business peers consider important so you can start thinking about how these trends will and should impact your own organization’s portfolio of educational offerings. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Leading Learning

Speakers:

Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders of Tagoras and Leading Learning
Ashish Rangnekar, CEO, BenchPrep

Tue 12/10 at 2 p.m. – The Role of Event Technology in 2025

Understand the key role that eventtech will play in 2025. From AI to data, join us to gain actionable knowledge on leveraging eventtech to enhance attendee engagement and track impactful ROI metrics, demonstrating value to stakeholders and sponsors. Discover new tools that can reduce time-consuming activities and unlock pockets of growth. More info/register.

Host: eShow

Speakers:

Julius Solaris, Founder, Boldpush
Akshar Patel, VP of Corporate Strategy & Development, eShow

Tue 12/10 at 2 p.m. – How to Repurpose Your Event Content Like a Pro

Learn about the importance of repurposing content to extend the content’s lifespan beyond the event, how to use different content formats to offer your message in new ways, and how to measure the impact and success of your re-purposed content. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: MeetingsNet

Speaker: Victoria Akinsowon, Manager, Content Marketing, Cvent

Tue 12/10 at 3 p.m. – Beyond the Stage: The Power of Speaker Support and Management for Event Success

Hear about a holistic approach to speaker management, from initial preparation to post-event engagement. Learn actionable strategies for creating seamless and impactful experiences for speakers, including effective content management, communication practices, and capturing feedback to foster ongoing relationships. More info/register.

Host: Cadmium

Speaker: Courtney Stanley, Owner, Courtney Stanley Consulting, LLC

Wed 12/11 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Generative AI a Year Later (Washington DC)

A little over a year ago, we assembled experts to explore the new AI technologies and how they might change our ways of working. Now it’s time to review the current state and future use of AI in credentialing, including content ownership, intellectual property for AI-generated content, and applications in marketing. We’ll discuss the evolution of technology, what it’s important to consider and how that’s changed in the last year, and how to know if Generative AI is right for your program. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.

Host: Certification Networking Group

Speakers:

Liz Dombrowski, Manager, Accreditation Services, Institute for Credentialing Excellence
Sierra Hampton-Simmons, VP of Certifications, PMI
Rory McCorkle, Vice President of Business Development, Strasz Assessment Chair of the ATP Board of Directors (2024)
Dane Snowden, Chief Operating Officer, CFP Board
Marc J. Weinstein, Chief Privacy Officer and Vice President, Caveon Test Security
Ibidun Layi-Ojo (moderator), Director, Examinations, CFP Board

Wed 12/11 at 11 a.m. – Understanding the Numbers

Learn about key items to review to gain insight into the finances of a nonprofit organization, including the IRS Form 990, the cash flow statement, and key ratios that provide insight into the overall financial health of the organization. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Colleen Smith, Principal, O’Connor Consulting Services

Wed 12/11 at 12 p.m. – The Top 5 Revops Workflows You’re Not Running

Get a peek into the critical workflows you need running behind the scenes to keep your data activated and supporting your association goals. Send off the year and leave the manual work in the hands of smart automated workflows so you can hit the ground running in 2025. More info/register.

Host: HighRoad Solutions

Speakers: Morgan Mulgrew, Strategic Account Manager, and Garra Swayne, Strategic Account Manager, HighRoad Solutions

Wed 12/11 at 12:30 p.m. – Embracing Automation for Transformational Change

Hear how embracing automation can empower teams to focus on strategic and impactful work, leaving mundane tasks behind. Discover insights from each organization’s automation adoption journey. Learn how this initiative liberated teams to channel their energies toward higher-value projects. We’ll share practical strategies and real-world examples to help you create a forward-thinking culture and fully leverage automation to drive significant organizational transformation. 0.5 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: .orgCommunity

Speakers:

Gary Deinken, Director, Business Process Management, National Automobile Dealers Association
Patrick Dorsey, SVP, Marketing, Impexium
Danielle Thomas Pollard, Director of IT, Auto Care Association

Wed 12/11 at 1 p.m. – Nonprofits & Associations: 7 New Year’s Resolutions to Grow Corporate Sponsorship

Start 2025 with actionable, results-oriented strategies designed to strengthen your corporate partnerships and boost your sponsorship revenue. From innovative outreach techniques to cultivating long-term relationships, hear practical tips you can implement right away. More info/register.

Hosts:

Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE, founder/CEO, Growth Owl
Bruce Rosenthal, sponsorship consultant, Bruce Rosenthal Associates

Wed 12/11 at 1 p.m. – Crystal Ball Predictions for the Future of Associations

Hear what organizations are seeing in their professions, with their memberships, and what this means for associations moving forward, including the inherent advantage associations have as connectors and the ways this needs to be accentuated; how associations can cut through the noise and better position themselves to be trusted resources; the necessity of no longer doing business as usual but emphasizing responsiveness and agility; and why associations must communicate and collaborate more effectively with younger generations. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Hosts: Fonteva and Protech

Speakers:

Tina Bates, CAE, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Innovation, Virginia Society of CPAs
Ronald M Moen, CAE, Vice President, DelCor Technology Solutions
Zack Wahlquist, FASAE, CAE, RCE, Chief Operating Officer, Chicago REALTORS®
Thomas M. Wojno, Chief Operating Officer SVP, Innovation & Member Advancement, International Dairy Foods Association

Wed 12/11 at 1 p.m. – Negotiating in the New Year

Hear about our current marketplace and how it affects a planners’ strategy during negotiations. Learn how to defend key contract clauses to benefit your organization’s bottom-line. Discuss variables that hotels consider when reviewing your overall business value. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: Robyn Mietkiewicz, Innovation Partner, INNOV8 Meetings + Events

Wed 12/11 at 2 p.m. – Building an Engaged Community: Lessons from ACC’s Award-Winning Mobile App

Learn how ACC leverages a mobile app to engage members year-round, foster community growth, and boost retention. Hear app best practices for driving member engagement and proven tactics from your peers to enhance your app’s success. More info/register.

Host: Clowder

Speakers:

Kerri McGovern, Senior Director of Membership for the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC)
Mary Schmitt, Senior Client Advisor, Clowder

Wed 12/11 at 2 p.m. – Sneak Peek into Recent Association Web Projects

Learn about the strategies, decision-making processes, and creative problem-solving that are delivering real website results for associations like yours. From transforming member experiences with AI, to streamlining complex systems, to fresh, new approaches to hybrid meetings, this session will spark ideas you can bring to your organization. This session is always a crowd favorite and for good reason—it’s a unique opportunity to explore the digital strategies and innovations that are driving success for other associations. More info/register.

Host: Matrix Group

Speakers: Dave Hoernig, VP of Software Engineering; Alex Pineda, Creative Director; and Joanna Pineda, CEO and Chief Troublemaker, Matrix Group International, Inc.

Wed 12/11 at 2 p.m. – Event Trends: Insights and Strategies for 2025

The latest Northstar/Cvent Meetings Industry PULSE Survey delves into critical topics such as budgets, spending, the value of face-to-face, supplier relationships and other important topics. Get a comprehensive analysis of these findings and discuss their implications for planners and their supplier partners in the year ahead. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

Jaimi Welch, Content Marketing Manager, Cvent
David Blansfield, Executive Vice President & Group Publisher, Northstar Meetings Group
Sarah J.F. Braley (moderator), Managing Editor, Northstar Meetings Group

Wed 12/11 at 2 p.m. – 2025 Trends That Will Transform Events: An Insider’s Roundtable

Featuring a diverse lineup of industry leaders representing agencies, in-house teams, and technology experts, our panel will go deep on the trends that matter the most to you. Tune in as our experts share firsthand insights, challenges, and predictions for what’s next. More info/register.

Host: Bizzabo

Speakers:

Bethany Murphy, Senior Director, Events, 6sense
Erica Spoor, SVP, Strategy, Sparks
Brandon Wernli, CEO, BW Events Tech

Wed 12/11 at 3 p.m. – How to Build an Exceptional Member Experience

Learn about the key pillars of an exceptional member experience, and how to harness member insights to inform business decisions, build a member-driven education program that’s scalable, and implement tools and technology to drive engagement and revenue. More info/register.

Host: Arlo Software

Speakers:

Jessica Bonney, Manager of Training and Education, VICA
Jeff Horne, Co-Founder & CEO, Wicket
Jason Vincent, Head of Customer Experience, Arlo Software

Wed 12/11 at 4 p.m. – 7 Measures of Success Town Hall

The session will cover the research project’s goals, strategies for gathering community input, and tools and resources for implementation. The event will conclude with an open Q&A and a link to an interest form for continued engagement. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Moderator: Paul Borawski

Thu 12/12 at 10 a.m. – Professional Associations: How Online Community Increases Engagement

Professional and trade associations are the original professional community builders. But they are currently often dealing with a decline in membership and member engagement, especially amongst the younger generations of members. Learn how online communities provide very relevant solutions and hear advice on how to set up an online community with and for members. More info/register.

Host: Clocktower Advisors

Speakers:

Dennis van Aalst, Director and Digital Strategist at Yunits
Mathijs Vleeming, Consultant Associations and Community Strategist, Yunits
Todd Nilson, Founder, Community Strategist, Clocktower Advisors

Thu 12/12 at 12 p.m. – Key Learning: AMS Adoption Deep Dive

With every step you take from AMS selection, through implementation, and beyond, your organization’s strategy must prioritize the adoption phase. Long-term AMS success is all about adoption, which means it has to be front of mind from the get-go. Learn how to build your internal team, nail down plans and offer proven strategies to ensure you get the highest value from your system for years to come. More info/register.

Host: Achurch Consulting

Speakers: George Rears and Erin Trost, Achurch Consulting

Thu 12/12 at 12 p.m. – Leveraging Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Funds for Sponsorships (Alexandria VA)

Is your association looking for new ways to grow non-dues revenue, or seeking to engage corporate sponsors beyond their Marketing Teams? If so, CSR funds could present opportunities for you. Find out why and how to start conversations with CSR teams. Location: Alexandria VA. More info/register.

Host: NoVa Association Senior Execs

Speaker: Bruce Rosenthal of Bruce Rosenthal Associates

Thu 12/12 at 12 p.m. – A CEO’s Guide to Succinct and Meaningful Reporting

Are your directors reaching for their pillows when you’re trying to give them critical information? Do you find that your Board forgets information, even after you’ve given thorough reports? We’ll show you how to tell the board everything they need to know succinctly and effectively. More info/register.

Host: Zzeem Consulting

Thu 12/12 at 1 p.m. – Understanding Standard Monthly Financial Statements

Financial statements can contain a lot of information, and unless you have experience in reading, understanding, and analyzing them, the information presented can appear as if it’s presented in another language. Join us to break down a standard set of monthly financial statements you should be receiving from your Finance team and what you should be looking for. We’ll break down the financial statements into “human speak” and equip you with more knowledge so that you can properly interact with your financial statements – and hopefully your Finance team – going forward. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Yevgeniy Sukhenko, Partner, Outsourced Accounting & Advisory Services, GRF CPA & Advisors

Thu 12/12 at 1 p.m. – Preparing for the AI Revolution: How Marketing Executives Should Focus on Generative AI Adoption

Generative AI is transforming marketing, but not all team members are on board. This webinar, based on the AMA x Lightricks “State of Generative AI in Marketing” report, reveals why executives must take the lead in providing training, addressing ethical concerns, and fostering a culture of confident AI usage. More info/register.

Host: American Marketing Association

Speaker: Corbett Drummey, Vice President, Brand Collaboration, Lightricks

Thu 12/12 at 3 p.m. – Crafting a Winning Value Proposition Through Member Insights

When was the last time you revisited your value proposition? If it doesn’t resonate with your members, it’s time for a refresh. Learn why your value proposition matters, how to gather actionable member insights, and how to create a clear and compelling message. More info/register.

Host: PropFuel

Speakers:

Cheri Quinn, Mercury Creative Group
Brittany Lancor, PropFuel

Thu 12/12 at 3 p.m. – Association Chat Insider Weekly Recap

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

Thu 12/12 at 4 p.m. – Ethical..According To Who? Use the ASAE 9-Step Ethic Flow Chart

The panel will review several case studies and ethical dilemmas covering multiple situations. The session is developed to facilitate the learning of the nine-step ethics process developed by the ASAE Ethics Task Force through participation in breakout rooms. 1 CAE (ethics) credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Reston-Loudoun Swap

Speakers:

Ann Link, CAE, Chief Operations Officer, National Association of Regional Councils
Chris Martin, Manager, Leadership Training, National Realtor Association
Clarissa Russell, CAE, CMP, Director of Convention and Events, National Association of Civil Engineers

Fri 12/13 at 11 a.m. – Step into the New Year with Intention

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Jen Lewi, Design your Next Step, Founder & CEO

Fri 12/13 at 1 p.m. – Leave a Legacy Like Springsteen: How Digital Accessibility & Gifting Can Secure Your Association’s Future

Host: Blue Sky eLearn

Speakers:

Mark Wallach, MBA, CEO Emeritus, Mobile Engagement Strategies
Jesse Shorts, Business Development Representative, Blue Sky eLearn

Fri 12/13 at 1 p.m. – Talk with CAEs

Lead facilitator: DeeJay Hastings, CAE, Executive Consultant, Lewis Association Consultants

Fri 12/13 at 2 p.m. – 2025 Gear Up! 14 NEW Quick Tips to get EMAILS Opened & Clicked

Host: GURU Media Hub

Speakers:

Pierce Ujjaninwalla, co-founder and CEO, Knak
Jay Schwedelson, founder, SubjectLine.com and GURU Media Hub

Fri 12/13 at 4 p.m. – Fridays@4 Farewell & Holiday Gathering

Host: Fridays@4

Tue 12/17 at 11 a.m. – Unlocking the Power of AI for Associations

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Rick Bawcum, CAE, CISSP, CEO and Founder, Cimatri

Fri 12/20 at 3 p.m. – The Informal Consultants Networking Extravaganza

This monthly networking meeting is for full-time consultants who work with non-profits and associations. You don’t have to be an ASAE member to attend this consultant-organized event. This month, we’ll look ahead to 2025 and talk about special projects and activities like promoting the Google Directory, creating resources, and developing the business continuity/crisis situation back up network. Bring your ideas! No ugly holiday sweater required. Plus, we’ll cover the usual agenda of sharing of good news and topics or questions from the group. More info.

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

Creative Commons licensed photo by Osman Rana via Unsplash

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Association Brain Food: 11.29.24

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

Rest in peace, Ben Martin, CAE, our brilliant, playful, big-hearted friend. I first met Ben through his blog, caeexam.blogspot.com. Some of you longtime CAEs remember that one. How many people do you imagine Ben helped in his too-short life? That URL redirects to his next blog, which is weirdly nostalgic to visit now. Ben and I finally met in person, after becoming acquainted via blogs and Twitter, at the 2009 ASAE Annual meeting in Toronto. Ben made everyone feel like a friend. Many good times with him followed all over the country and here in NC. Oh, Ben.

39 minutes of me. Wind me up and away I go on my podcast debut, talking about content marketing, professional development, membership, AI, workforce development and more on a packed-full episode 437 of the Leading Learning podcast with Celisa Steele of Tagoras.

Data management. Wes Trochlil at Effective Database Management says if you want a 360-degree view of your members and customers, you need to capture the data showing all the different ways they interact with you. This is no longer a nice-to-have capability for associations. You must know and use this information.

Young professionals. YM Careers shares advice for attracting young people to your association and delivering the value they need. They explain how to help Gen Z connect with employers, find jobs, jump-start their careers, and make career decisions.

Content marketing. Neil Patel came up with a clever take on content: Maslow’s Pyramid of Content, a nod to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. To solve different audience needs, share four types of content: essential, engaging, converting, and shareable.

Volunteer management. Decoding the Volunteer-Staff Relationship, a whitepaper by Peggy Hoffman, FASAE, CAE and Kristine Metter, MS, CAE, is a must-read for anyone who works with volunteers or oversees governance. It focuses on the crucial role of staff liaisons to volunteer groups, including the training and support needed by volunteers and staff for a mutually beneficial relationship.

Workplace challenges. The latest research report from Halmyre Strategies describes the challenges caused by a new generation entering the workforce: burnout, retention challenges, customer demands, declining value of credentials, and changing roles. Halmyre explains how associations can address these issues and meet the changing needs of industry professionals.

Young members. Highland released the survey results of its inaugural Young Professional Membership Index (YPMI). Their YPMI Maturity Framework shows which enabling factors—leading indicators such as leadership focus, culture of value, strategic alignment and experience infrastructure—help associations deliver the experiences valued by young professionals.

Snacks

Grand Theft Hamlet filmmakers talk about staging a Shakespeare play inside the Grand Theft Auto world. | Christian Zilko, IndieWire

Escape into cozy reading nooks on Pinterest. | Haley Larsen

You never grow old at the table

A new favorite returns: sausage cabbage noodles. I omitted the bacon, used bratwurst instead of kielbasa, added mushrooms, red bell, poblano, and red jalapeño peppers, and included the optional caraway seed. Satisfying comfort food.

Another cozy dinner option: baked gnocchi with Italian sausage. After my adaptations, the original recipe was completely unrecognizable. I used onion instead of shallot; added hot Italian sausage, red bell pepper, mushrooms, spinach, and cans of diced and crushed tomatoes; used only one pound of gnocchi; and subbed mozzarella for burrata.

If you’d like to subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

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

Fri 11/29 at 1 p.m.* – Talk with CAEs

Lead facilitator: DeeJay Hastings, CAE, Executive Consultant, Lewis Association Consultants

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

Mon 12/2 at 8 a.m. – Adaptive Leadership for Nonprofits (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guests: Michael Butera and Cheryl Ronk

Tue 12/3 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – AWTC Advance Conference 2024 (Arlington VA)

Check out this year’s program, designed to help attendees advance their skills, create experiences and develop their network. In interactive workshops, collaborative small groups, and strategic situation rooms, explore options to get unstuck and make progress as you develop your career path and make a difference at work. Location: Arlington VA. More info/register (making an exception for AWTC: the cost is $99).

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Tue 12/3 at 12 p.m. – Year in Review

Engage in association peer-led discussions on topics related to data and analytics on the first Tuesday of each month. 1 CAE credit. Location: Arlington VA. More info/register.

Host: Data Analytics Network

Tue 12/3 at 1 p.m. – How to Craft Your Responsible AI Policy

As associations grapple with how to incorporate AI into their working practices, often the very first step is to craft a good Responsible AI policy which will provide parameters for staff usage of new tools as well as identify the organization’s position on the often thorny ethical questions involved in using AI. Walk through step by step how to write your own AI policy and guidelines. Hear from peers how they are thinking through the big questions around the dangers and benefits of AI in their own organizations. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Maddie Grant, CAE, Culture Designer and Digital Strategist, Propel
Tori Miller Liu, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO

Tue 12/3 at 2 p.m. – Revenue Generation Through Innovation: A Conversation with Rick Harris

Hear how associations can discover new revenue opportunities through creative strategies and innovation. Learn how to identify and capitalize on untapped revenue opportunities, align staff performance with organizational vision to achieve big goals, and how listening and collaboration lead to better business outcomes. More info/register.

Host: KiKi L’Italien, Association Chat

Guest: Rick Harris, CEO of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals

Tue 12/3 at 5 p.m. – 2024 End of Year Happy Hour (Arlington VA)

Come connect with the AWTC community of women and allies. Join us for the End of Year Happy Hour, where we’ll celebrate the season with festive cheer in the area of Crystal City. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Wed 12/4 at 11 a.m. – Navigating the Looming Membership Cliff: Insights From Association CEOs

With factors like retirements, industry shifts, and private equity buyouts causing members to leave or exit their fields, associations are at risk of losing significant portions of their member base in the coming years. Hear a thought-provoking conversation with several association CEOs who are confronting this challenge head-on. Discover how they identified the warning signs, what’s causing this membership cliff in their industries, and—most importantly—what they are doing to retain members, engage younger generations, and evolve their value propositions for the future. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Michael DiFrisco, CAE, Executive Director, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Tracey Moorhead, President and CEO, American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing
Joanna M. Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker, Matrix Group International

Wed 12/4 at 11 a.m. – Best Business Events of 2024

Join the planners of 2024’s standout events, who will share their unique experiences and top insights. From large shows to intimate gatherings, we’ll explore the decisions, designs, and insights that led to their success—and the actionable lessons you can take away for your own events. CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Skift

Wed 12/4 at 12 p.m. – Mind the Gap

Preparing for change? Map your readiness gap. The biggest hurdle to change is how employees feel about it, no matter if it’s a new AMS system or something else. Learn about the connection to change management skills and change success, factors that can make your team ready or not for change, and factors that improve motivation to change. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: AIOT

Speakers: Mel Starkweather and Joe Plasterer of Starkweather Association Services

Wed 12/4 at 12:30 p.m. – 2024 Privacy Updates: What Nonprofits Need to Know About Privacy Laws Now

As the year comes to a close, it’s a good time to check in on the state of the ever-evolving privacy and data security legal landscape and to take stock of your organization’s current compliance posture and ability to navigate changes to come. Hear updates on state data privacy and security laws and learn compliance tips and best practices. More info/register.

Host: Venable LLP

Speakers:

Kelly DeMarchis Bastide, Partner, Venable LLP
Peter Jaffe, VP & Senior Associate General Counsel for Privacy, Technology, Facilities & Operations, National Geographic Society
Heather Fugitt, Senior Counsel – Privacy and Data Security, The Nature Conservancy

Wed 12/4 at 1 p.m. – Transforming Member Experiences With AI Marketing

Learn about a carefully curated selection of intuitive, powerful AI tools specifically developed for the unique challenges of modern marketing. These cutting-edge solutions are crafted to enhance your effectiveness in marketing, advertising, and communications across diverse audiences and platforms. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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

Wed 12/4 at 1 p.m. – Networking Events Done Right

Explore how to design networking experiences that engage and resonate with your audience, whether you’re hosting a single event or creating a series of gatherings. Hear strategies for designing impactful networking experiences tailored to various audiences and event types; insights on what drives audience engagement, how to fulfill their needs, and ways to measure success beyond attendance; and best practices for representing your brand and making impactful connections that last. More info/register.

Host: American Marketing Association

Speakers: Jennifer Bialek, Senior Manager, Sales, Sponsorships, and Kirstin Sargent, Lead, Meetings and Events Cvent

Wed 12/4 at 1:30 p.m. – Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue December Kickoff Event

We will preview Poll No. 9, which will focus on the problems created by the geographic composition of association boards. More info/register.

Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First

Wed 12/4 at 3 p.m. – 10 Tips to Make 2025 Data-Informed and Dynamic

Explore 10 methods and tips that can help any association discover the value of data analytics and how these techniques can re-shape the future of your association. This webinar is perfect for any association leader or professional who wants to leverage their vast data stores and sees the new year as a prime opportunity to make the leap. More info/register.

Host: Association Analytics

Speakers: Bill Conforti, SVP of Strategy & Solutions, and Merritt Rohlfing, Sr. Marketing Manager, Association Analytics

Wed 12/4 at 4 p.m. – Mapping a Digital Member Journey: Steps to Elevate Member Experience

Hear about the essentials of curating a digital member journey—from recruitment to lifelong engagement. Learn how digitization has transformed member expectations, why you should have a strategy for your member journey, and methods you can use to personalize the experience for each member. More info/register.

Host: WorkerBee.TV

Speakers:

Olena Lima, founder and principal consultant, MemberBoat
Marcus Leite, director, sales and marketing, WorkerBee.TV

Wed 12/4 at 5:30 p.m. CST – 2024 Holiday Showcase Meetup (Chicago IL)

Are you attending Holiday Showcase this year? The Association Women Technology Champions would love to connect with you during the opening reception. It’s a perfect opportunity to meet fellow technology champions, share ideas, and celebrate the amazing work happening in our community. Location: Chicago IL. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Thu 12/5 at 11 a.m. – Fueling Growth: Strategies for New Member Acquisition

Hear about the importance of building strong relationships with prospects to create a foundation for long-term membership; the secret to identifying hidden potential members within your existing database; how to gather key insights from prospects to craft messages that resonate and inspire action; and real-life case studies of acquisition campaigns that have delivered measurable success. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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

Thu 12/5 at 12 p.m. – Member ROI Group

The live discussions will predominately be about CAE education domains related to member ROI on the first and third Thursdays of the month with some exceptions. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Ed Rigsbee

Thu 12/5 at 12:30 p.m. – Getting Involved with AWTC: Know Before You Go

The AWTC call for volunteers is now open, and this is a chance to ask any questions you have of current board members and committee volunteers. Join us for a frank discussion of the joy and the tears. We will also talk about the work for the coming year and how you could contribute. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Thu 12/5 at 1 p.m. – Harnessing Data & Analytics for Effective Leadership

Learn how to use data and analytics to enhance your leadership capabilities, drive your organization towards greater success, and prepare to lead in the digital age. From defining important terms to lessons in aligning strategy, data, and execution, to the wrinkles and bumps along the road to a modern association as well as a look to the future of what could be, this session is sure to enlighten any interested industry executive. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Merritt Rohlfing, Sr. Marketing Manager, and Julie Sciullo, CEO, Association Analytics

Thu 12/5 at 1 p.m. – The Benefits of Doing Business with an Independent Hotel

We challenge you to think outside of the big brand box. When it comes to developing truly creative meetings experiences independent hotels provide appealing options for event planners – complete with a level of flexibility and ease of planning that may surprise you. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Prevue Meetings

Speakers:

Amaury Piedra, Vice President of Operations, Caribe Royale Orlando
Mike Schugt, President, Teneo Hospitality Group

Thu 12/5 at 2 p.m. – Looking Towards 2025… Predictions, Pitfalls and Possibilities

As we close out 2024, we are sitting down with some special IT peeps to talk about some of the challenges we have faced and how you can take charge of your technology in 2025. How will the economy, cyber security issues, AI and even world events impact technology in 2025? What can you do as an organization to keep your tech performing well? If you are looking at big technology projects in 2025 and beyond, find out wat you can do now to start getting your house in order. More info/register.

Host: 501Works

Speakers:

Chris Love, Vice President, Information Technology, Advanced Medical Technology Association
James Marquis, CIO, 501Works

Thu 12/5 at 2 p.m. – What Do Members Want? Tips & Trends from the 2024 Association Member Experience Report

Hear the highlights of the recently released 2024 Association Member Experience report, a survey of nearly 400 current association members. Learn what they value most and strategies to help you improve your association’s member experience and deepen member engagement. More info/register.

Host: Higher Logic

Speakers: Sarah Spinosa, Director of Product Marketing; Bekah Weidner, Sr. Consultant Platform Advisor; and Kelly Whelan, Content Marketing Manager, Higher Logic

Thu 12/5 at 3 p.m. – Association Chat Insider Weekly Recap

Host: KiKi L’Italien, host, Association Chat

Fri 12/6 at 4 p.m. – Cybersecurity for Associations & Nonprofits

Hear about security measures you can take to best protect against theft of any kind, focusing on identity theft and financial safety. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speaker: Cynthia Echendu, CyberTek MSSP (VENZA Group)

Mon 12/9 at 11 a.m. – Enhancing the Treasurer Relationship and Collaboration

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

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

Mon 12/9 at 3 p.m. – Q4 ASAE Update to the Consultant Community

More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Tue 12/10 at 11 a.m. – Why Most Organizations Fail at Community

Host: Carlos Restrepo, MS, CAE, VP of Sales North America, Aevus

Speakers:

Tasha Van Vlack, CEO & Community Builder, The Nonprofit Hive
James B. Young, PhD, Founder & Chief Learning Officer, The Product Community

Tue 12/10 at 11 a.m. – Beyond the Buzz: Integrating AI Solutions into Human-Centric Strategic Planning

Hosts: Halmyre and Event Garde

Speakers:

Christine Saunders, Founder and President, Halmyre
Aaron Wolowiec, Founder and President, Event Garde

Tue 12/10 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

Tue 12/10 at 1 p.m. – The 2025 Learning Business Landscape

Host: Leading Learning

Speakers:

Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders of Tagoras and Leading Learning
Ashish Rangnekar, CEO, BenchPrep

Wed 12/11 at 11 a.m. – Understanding the Numbers

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Colleen Smith, Principal, O’Connor Consulting Services

Wed 12/11 at 12:30 p.m. – Embracing Automation for Transformational Change

Host: .orgCommunity

Speakers:

Gary Deinken, Director, Business Process Management, National Automobile Dealers Association
Patrick Dorsey, SVP, Marketing, Impexium
Danielle Thomas Pollard, Director of IT, Auto Care Association

Wed 12/11 at 1 p.m. – Nonprofits & Associations: 7 New Year’s Resolutions to Grow Corporate Sponsorship

Hosts:

Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE, founder/CEO, Growth Owl
Bruce Rosenthal, sponsorship consultant, Bruce Rosenthal Associates

Wed 12/11 at 1 p.m. – Crystal Ball Predictions for the Future of Associations

Hosts: Fonteva and Protech

Speakers:

Tina Bates, CAE, Senior Vice President, Strategy & Innovation, Virginia Society of CPAs
Ronald M Moen, CAE, Vice President, DelCor Technology Solutions
Zack Wahlquist, FASAE, CAE, RCE, Chief Operating Officer, Chicago REALTORS®
Thomas M. Wojno, Chief Operating Officer SVP, Innovation & Member Advancement, International Dairy Foods Association

Wed 12/11 at 3 p.m. – How to Build an Exceptional Member Experience

Host: Arlo Software

Speakers:

Jessica Bonney, Manager of Training and Education, VICA
Jeff Horne, Co-Founder & CEO, Wicket
Jason Vincent, Head of Customer Experience, Arlo Software

Thu 12/12 at 12 p.m. – Key Learning: AMS Adoption Deep Dive

Host: Achurch Consulting

Speakers: George Rears and Erin Trost, Achurch Consulting

Thu 12/12 at 1 p.m. – Understanding Standard Monthly Financial Statements

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Yevgeniy Sukhenko, Partner, Outsourced Accounting & Advisory Services, GRF CPA & Advisors

Fri 12/13 at 11 a.m. – Step into the New Year with Intention

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speaker: Jen Lewi, Design your Next Step, Founder & CEO

Creative Commons licensed painting/photo of Row of Eleven Poplars in Red, Yellow, Blue, and Green by Piet Mondrian (1908)

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Association Brain Food: 11.22.24

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

“Always be on the lookout for the presence of wonder.” ~Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White

Member engagement. Getting a member to pay attention to your email among the hundreds (or thousands) of others in their inbox is a formidable task. Clowder explains how a membership app helps you break through the noise to become an effective member communication channel and hub for all the resources and experiences members value.

Association learning survey. If you’re in an educational leadership role at your association, please participate in (or forward to a colleague) the Leading Learning Annual Trends Survey—a different survey than they’ve run the past few years. This survey covers learning business goals, strategy and operations, trends and issues, challenges to growth, barriers to innovation, AI adoption and implementation, success metrics and pricing, yet should take less than ten minutes to complete.

Community building. People seek communities—places to belong where they can make a difference. But associations have a hard time delivering the personal and emotional experiences people want from communities. GrowthZone explains how to engage members with the five pillars of communities: direction and desired outcome, shared responsibility, personal value, progress awareness, and an ongoing ecosystem. You’ll find a lot of sound advice here.

Attendee connections. I love every one of these five strategies for helping attendees connect at events shared by Beth Surmont of 360 Live Media at PCMA Convene. If your association builds these ideas into your next event, you will win the hearts of your introvert and extrovert attendees.

Membership models. I’m only halfway through this whitepaper by Belinda Moore of Strategic Membership Solutions but already enjoying its illuminating take on membership models. The paper “explores how modern membership models are adapting to meet new member expectations, incorporate digital transformation, and deliver more personalized value.”

Online learning strategy. D2L explains what you need to know to build and implement an effective strategy for online learning initiatives, including resources and expertise, vision and purpose, success criteria, and communication plan, and assessment.

Tax status threat to associations. Two influential think tanks have proposed increased taxes on nonprofits, including membership dues, sponsorships, and program revenue, which could mean a significant financial hit to associations. ASAE is asking associations to join its Tax Reform Coalition to fight for the continued tax benefits of associations.

Snacks

Miles to go before we sleep: David Begler reflects on how an annual wilderness expedition with close college buddies has evolved over 36 years—along with its participants. | Oldster

67 screen-free activities for kids: what to do with kids when it’s dark and cold this winter. | Jacqueline Nesi, PhD, After Babel

On self-respect, essay by Joan Didion. | via Allison Moorer

You never grow old at the table

After I published this one-pot chicken and mushrooms recipe on my food blog ten years ago (wow), a friend later told me he was making it at least once a month. It’s a comfort food keeper, that’s for sure. Try it and you’ll see.

While Jim was away hunting, I took advantage of his absence to make my yearly gorgonzola, spinach and mushroom pasta dish—he can’t stand blue cheese. Poor guy doesn’t know what he’s missing.

I’ve rediscovered my love for salmon-topped salads after having one at book club a few months ago. My salad included bacon, Monterey Jack, almonds, grape tomatoes, radishes, carrots, cucumber, celery, red bell pepper, sweet onion, and broccoli florets on a mix of salad greens, arugula, and spinach. Before searing the salmon, I topped it with a mix of pecans, jerk spices, and chipotle powder.

If you’d like to subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

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

Fri 11/22 at 11:30 a.m.* – World Café: Taking Partnerships Beyond the Photo Op

Partnerships between associations are an important element in your international development toolbox. Yet all too often they amount to little more than an empty statement. Learn how to move beyond the symbolic photo opportunities and create relationships that deliver real value to members. Explore how to make international partnerships more tangible and impactful, focusing on best practices, challenges, and strategies to ensure lasting collaboration. More info/register.

Host: ASAE International Associations Advisory Council

Speakers:

Ginger Ausloos, Vice President, Information Technology, AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Kerry Cosby, Associate Director, Global Affairs and Analytics Initiatives, AACC – The American Association of Clinical Chemistry
Brandon Hackworth, CAE, Vice President, Governance and Membership at American Association of Orthodontists
Amy Hissrich, Vice President, International Affairs, ASAE
Michiel Gen (moderator), Partner, Exempla Management & Consulting

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

Fri 11/22 at 12 p.m. – FriYAY Marketing Meetup: Collaborate on Holiday and Member Appreciation Day Marketing Tactics

Join your association marketing colleagues for open discussion and idea sharing about special promotions for Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday, and Special Member Appreciation Days to boost revenue, attract new prospects, promote member or industry appreciation days. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Fri 11/22 at 1 p.m. – The Art of Asking: Mastering the Feedback Loop

Explore methods to gather insights across all learning environments, from webinars with hundreds of participants to self-driven learning journeys. Learn how to create a feedback culture that has learners eagerly sharing their thoughts; become a data detective, skilled in the art of turning mere comments into actionable gold; and implement a toolkit of strategies to not just gather feedback, but to weave it seamlessly into the fabric of your educational offerings. 0.75 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Blue Sky eLearn

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

Fri 11/22 at 2 p.m. – Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue

We will discuss association board composition issues with a focus on the problems created by electoral composition practices. More info/register.

Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First

Fri 11/22 at 4 p.m. – Credentialing: Certificates, Certification, and Accreditation – How to Tell the Difference and What It Means for Your Association

The world of credentialing can be confusing. There are certification boards, associations offering certifications, certificates of completion, and accreditation. Get a high-level overview of credentialing covering topics in the CAE exam outline with enough detail to learn if credentialing could serve your members. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speaker: Cindy Lemek, CAE ICE-CCP, executive director of the Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nursing Certification Board

Mon 11/25 at 8 a.m. – The Bamboo Ceiling (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Khan Vu , CEO, SASE

Mon 11/25 at 1:30 p.m. – Associations Host Thriving Gatherings: Best Practices and Success Stories from Two Small Staff Leaders

Learn how to host successful, high-impact gatherings by fostering community, engaging members, and creating lasting value. Hear real-world success stories and hands-on insights that demonstrate how to navigate challenges, maximize resources, and elevate organizations through meaningful events. Walk away with actionable ideas on collaboration, team synergy, and impactful member engagement that will help you take your gatherings to the next level. More info/register.

Host: Vista Cova

Speakers:

Lindsay Currie, Executive Officer of the Council on Undergraduate Research
Christina Lewellen, MBA, CAE, Executive Director of ATLIS

Mon 11/25 at 2:30 p.m. – Transforming Generosity with Lessons from a Record-Breaking Giving Tuesday

Hear about the strategies and stories behind Giving Tuesday. Learn what really makes Giving Tuesday such a powerful global movement, how the ASAE Development Committee achieved record-breaking results in 2023, the art of personalized donor outreach (and why it matters), and lessons you can apply to your own fundraising campaigns. More info/register.

Host: KiKi L’Italien, Association Chat

Guest: Sheri Singer, Chair of ASAE’s Development Committee and founder of Singer Communications

Tue 11/26 at 1 p.m. – Empower Your Leadership: Navigating IT Strategies for Non-Technical Leaders

Equip yourself with the strategic acumen to leverage technology as a formidable ally in realizing your vision for business excellence and sustainable competitive advantage. Hear about the nuances of aligning technology with overarching business strategies, ensuring your organization not only survives but thrives in the digital age. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Daniel Elacqua, Chief Executive Officer, and Chris Maynard, Senior Executive, Strategico Consultants

Wed 11/27 at 11 a.m. – The Ultimate Guide to Running Events with Facilitated Meetings

More organizers are adding pre-scheduled meetings to their shows or creating standalone meeting-led events, like Hosted Buyer, because they provide a guaranteed return on investment for suppliers, give buyers an efficient way to review products/services quickly, and provide a much-needed additional revenue source and event growth for organizers. However, they are difficult to do well. Learn the secrets to running a successful pre-scheduled meeting program, whether you should or shouldn’t offer facilitated meetings, and the common pitfalls of pre-scheduled meetings and how to avoid them. More info/register.

Host: Grip

Speakers:

Abi Cannons, Senior Strategic Account Manager, Grip
Jack Newey, Group Portfolio Director, Mash Media
Gregory Reeves, Managing Director International, Jacobs Media
Hew Leith (moderator), SVP of Marketing at Grip

Fri 11/29 at 1 p.m. – Talk with CAEs

Lead facilitator: DeeJay Hastings, CAE, Executive Consultant, Lewis Association Consultants

Tue 12/3 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – AWTC Advance Conference 2024 (Arlington VA)

This year’s program is designed to help attendees advance their skills, create experiences and develop their network. In interactive workshops, collaborative small groups, and strategic situation rooms, explore options to get unstuck and make progress as you develop your career path. More info/register (making an exception for AWTC: the cost is $99).

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Tue 12/3 at 12 p.m. – Year in Review

Engage in association peer-led discussions on topics related to data and analytics on the first Tuesday of each month. 1 CAE credit. Location: Arlington VA. More info/register.

Host: Data Analytics Network

Tue 12/3 at 1 p.m. – How to Craft Your Responsible AI Policy

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Maddie Grant, CAE, Culture Designer and Digital Strategist, Propel
Tori Miller Liu, FASAE, CAE, President & CEO

Tue 12/3 at 2 p.m. – Revenue Generation Through Innovation: A Conversation with Rick Harris

Host: KiKi L’Italien, Association Chat

Guest: Rick Harris, CEO of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals

Tue 12/3 at 5 p.m. – 2024 End of Year Happy Hour (Arlington VA)

Come connect with the AWTC community of women and allies. Join us for the End of Year Happy Hour, where we’ll celebrate the season with festive cheer in area of Crystal City. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Wed 12/4 at 11 a.m. – Navigating the Looming Membership Cliff: Insights From Association CEOs

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Michael DiFrisco, CAE, Executive Director, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Joanna M. Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker, Matrix Group International

Wed 12/4 at 1 p.m. – Transforming Member Experiences With AI Marketing

Host: UST Education

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

Wed 12/4 at 1:30 p.m. – Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue December Kickoff Event

We will preview Poll No. 9, which will focus on the problems created by the geographic composition of association boards. More info/register.

Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor, Foresight First

Wed 12/4 at 3 p.m. – 10 Tips to Make 2025 Data-Informed and Dynamic

Host: Association Analytics

Speakers: Bill Conforti, SVP of Strategy & Solutions, and Merritt Rohlfing, Sr. Marketing Manager, Association Analytics

Wed 12/4 at 4 p.m. – Mapping a Digital Member Journey: Steps to Elevate Member Experience

Host: WorkerBee.TV

Speakers:

Olena Lima, founder and principal consultant, MemberBoat
Marcus Leite, director, sales and marketing, WorkerBee.TV

Thu 12/5 at 11 a.m. – Fueling Growth: Strategies for New Member Acquisition

Host: UST Education

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

Thu 12/5 at 12:30 p.m. – Getting Involved with AWTC: Know Before You Go

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Thu 12/5 at 1 p.m. – Harnessing Data & Analytics for Effective Leadership

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Merritt Rohlfing, Sr. Marketing Manager, and Julie Sciullo, CEO, Association Analytics

Thu 12/5 at 2 p.m. – Looking Towards 2025… Predictions, Pitfalls and Possibilities

Host: 501Works

Speakers:

Chris Love, Vice President, Information Technology, Advanced Medical Technology Association
James Marquis, CIO, 501Works

Public domain painting “Herfstlandschap” (Autumn Landscape with Four Trees) by Vincent van Gogh

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Association Brain Food: 11.15.24

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

“May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder.” —John O’Donohue, Eternal Echoes: Celtic Reflections on Our Yearning to Belong

Chapter education partnerships. TopClass LMS explains why, instead of competing, associations should partner with their chapters to design and/or deliver online education programs. They describe revenue-sharing models and offer tips for ensuring a profitable, equitable and peaceful partnership.

Awards program. OpenWater provides suggestions for improving the transparency and fairness of your association’s awards program, so no one thinks it’s a biased insider’s game. Their advice covers the program structure, application/nomination process, judge selection and judging criteria.

Attendee preferences. American Public Health Association wanted to streamline their annual meetings’ educational tracks and align the agenda with the interests of their 12,000 attendees. To find out what was resonating with attendees, they placed AI sensors near stages to gather anonymous, aggregated behavioral data—and got some surprising insights too.

Faux inclusion. Cecilia Sepp of Rogue Tulips Consulting takes issue with associations that repeatedly ask the same people to join committees and other groups rather than announcing and offering these opportunities to all members. What do you lose by making your organization more transparent? What’s the real reason you’re hoarding these opportunities for favored members? Are you okay with sharing your answers with everyone? Some association professionals have a lot to learn about basic human psychology and true inclusion.

Staff committee liaison. How many of you received training before taking on a committee liaison role? Yeah, me neither. Mariner Management & Marketing describes three strategies to help staff liaisons lay the foundation for a strong partnership with committee leaders.

Microlearning. eLearningDOC explains why microlearning is an ideal learning format for busy professionals and how to add it to your association’s education portfolio.

Community culture. Amanda Kaiser lays out five steps for creating a community culture that gives members the “These are my people!” feeling—that community vibe, found-my-tribe, insta-family feeling. You can’t assume this experience will happen on its own, you have to make it happen.

Generations. Why do we care about generations, asks Merritt Rohlfing at Association Analytics. He’s convinced there are more effective ways to gauge audience needs, target and communicate messages, and deliver your association’s value proposition.

Snacks

It’s time to amplify your content’s reach and turn it into a valued and respected business asset. But is your organization up to the challenge? Find out by completing the CAOS Content Operations and Strategy Maturity Assessment.

The writes and write-nots: in a couple decades there won’t be many people who can write. | Paul Graham

Vapid vibes: what does our culture want us to want? | Peco, Pilgrims in the Machine

You never grow old at the table

This sheet-pan roasted chicken thigh shawarma recipe is excellent as is—I didn’t make any changes. On the side, Brussels sprouts sautéed with kielbasa, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño pepper, garlic and ham broth. I was hoping to make chicken salad with the leftovers, but only one small thigh remained.

As usual, we enjoyed tilefish with spiced breadcrumbs—a regular repeat in our house. On the side, asparagus sautéed with lemon zest, garlic powder and some breadcrumbs from the tilefish topping.

If you’d like to subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

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

Fri 11/15 at 1 p.m.* – Talk with CAEs

If you’re taking the exam in December, here’s your chance to ask questions about preparation, exam content outline, study strategies, practice questions, and get tips and advice from current CAEs. More info/register.

Lead facilitator: DeeJay Hastings, CAE, Executive Consultant, Lewis Association Consultants

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

Fri 11/15 at 3 p.m. – The Informal Consultants Networking Extravaganza

This monthly networking meeting is for full-time consultants who work with non-profits and associations. You don’t have to be an ASAE member to attend this consultant-organized event. This month’s agenda includes a deep dive conversation into business continuity planning, and a special update from Nicole Holmes, ASAE Staff Liaison, plus the usual agenda of sharing of good news and topics or questions from the group. More info.

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

Fri 11/15 at 4 p.m. – Advocacy Program

Learn how to leverage grassroots advocacy to amplify your organization’s voice, advance your priorities, and create lasting positive change. Discover practical techniques to engage your employees, members, or supporters, transforming them into a powerful force for advocacy and driving impactful outcomes for your organization and community. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speaker: David Namura, Gov’t Affairs & Public Policy, Google

Mon 11/18 at 8 a.m. – Communicating Success: supported by USAE News (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Owen Kavanaugh, Kavanaugh Solutions

Mon 11/18 at 12 p.m. – Membership Monday: The Secrets to Building a Meaningful Engagement Model

Learn how to create an engagement scoring model that truly captures all the ways your members connect with you. Hear about the art and science behind engagement scoring, breaking the process into three easy steps, and practical tips on building a model that reflects what your members care about (aka your value proposition). More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Member Professionals Community

Speaker: Heather Tran, business analyst and data expert, Association Analytics

Mon 11/18 from 12:30 to 5 p.m. – Ven-Con DC (Washington DC)

Join us prior to AMSFest to continue the conversation we started at past Ven-Con events. Our goal remains the same: to work together as vendors and consultants to help associations achieve better outcomes with their technology projects. Come help identify key challenges all vendors and consultants face in helping associations succeed, and meet and learn with other AMS/CRM vendors and consultants. Location: Washington DC. Register/more info (fee-based event for vendors and consultants only).

Host: 501Works

Tue 11/19 at 11 a.m. – Good Intentions vs Bad Actors: Considerations on Security for Non-profit

Learn why cybersecurity—protection of data, technology, and physical security—is the responsibility of all organizations. Hear about the impact of non-compliance with regulations such as HIPAA, including potential fines and reputational damage that can affect organizations, including non-profits. Get tips for discussing the prioritization of cybersecurity at the executive and board level, identifying opportunities to seek grants and partnerships for funding, and exercising caution when engaging with external entities. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Ali Niroo, Managing Partner, and Melanie Thomas, Vice President of Cybersecurity, Bridgepointe Technologies

Tue 11/19 at 12 p.m. – Intro to AI Webinar for Associations and Nonprofits

Host: Sidecar

Speaker: Thomas Altman, Co-Founder, Tasio

Tue 11/19 at 12 p.m. – CRVM November 2024 Crunch and Munch

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

Host: ASAE Component Relations and Volunteer Management Professionals Council

Tue 11/19 at 1 p.m. – Evaluating New Revenue Opportunities

Explore key factors for guiding your association’s assessment of new products, programs or services. Discover how to utilize our clear scoring system to make informed decisions on whether to move forward with a potential revenue stream. Gain insights on the challenges association leaders face around pursuing revenue ideas and how to overcome them. More info/register.

Host: McKinley Advisors

Speakers: Megan Cruz, CAE, Practice Director, and Susan Davis, M.S., CAE, Senior Consultant, McKinley Advisors

Tue 11/19 at 1 p.m. – Crafting Newsletters Your Members Can’t Ignore

Explore AI-powered tools that slash production time and utilize data-driven personalization techniques that speak directly to each member’s interests. Hear strategies to turn your newsletter into a community-building powerhouse, fostering connections among members and strengthening their bond with your association. Learn about techniques for crafting data-driven content that reinforces your association’s mission and values and a framework for measuring and demonstrating the tangible value your newsletter brings to members. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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

Wed 11/20 at 10 a.m. – Inclusive Learning-Survey Questions

Hear about the results of a three-year research project on learner survey questions that can be used to measure any training program for its success in supporting inclusive learning—focusing on barriers and supports for learning, accessibility, diversity, and belonging. Learn about a new tool that ensures learning programs work successfully for all participants. More info/register.

Speakers: inclusive learning expert Ingeborg Kroese and learning evaluation expert Will Thalheimer

Wed 11/20 at 12 p.m. – Nonprofit Financial Reporting: Building a Simple System for Complicated Needs

Explore best practices for designing an accounting system that delivers abundant benefits: streamlined reporting, greater accuracy, and operational efficiency. Learn how to structure your system in 3D, leverage one-click reporting, and avoid common pitfalls. Hear about best practices that will allow your nonprofit to thrive and give thanks for the clarity and ease of managing financial data. More info/register.

Host: Your Part-Time Controller

Wed 11/20 at 2:30 p.m. – Contract Consequences: Being Sued!

Hear about Joan’s experience being named in a lawsuit, the lessons event planners can take from her experience and what you can do to protect yourself. More info/register.

Host: Planner Protect

Speaker: Joan Eisenstodt, Hospitality & Meetings Industry Consultant & Trainer, Principal, Eisenstodt Assocs., LLC

Thu 11/21 at 11 a.m. – Unlocking the Power of Personalization: Building Blocks for Your Marketing Campaign

Your members want the right information at the right time, in the right channels. Personalization, especially within the member journey, is the key to re-engaging your members an driving sustainable membership growth. Learn how to develop detailed buyer personas using real customer data and insights, map customer journeys and leverage real-time triggers for hyper-personalized experiences, set measurable KPIs and continuously optimize your personalized campaigns, and assess your organization’s digital marketing maturity and chart a path forward. More info/register.

Host: fusionSpan

Speakers:

Matthew Hanagan, Lead Solution Engineer, Salesforce
Jessica Richardson, Senior Consultant, Marketing & Digital Strategy, fusionSpan

Thu 11/21 at 11 a.m. – Failing Forward

This interactive program goes beyond theory. Hear Glover’s story of success, failure, recovery, and his proven Fail Forward Process. Learn how to manage your successes and redefine your failures, transforming them into the fuel you need for sustainable success. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Paul Glover, President, Glover & Associates

Thu 11/21 at 12 p.m. – Member ROI Group

The live discussions will predominately be about CAE education domains related to member ROI on the first and third Thursdays of the month with some exceptions. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Ed Rigsbee

Thu 11/21 at 1 p.m. – Tackling Governance Challenges in Healthcare Associations

Hear a discussion on the unique challenges of managing governance for a healthcare association. Topics will include staffing a healthcare association; leading from behind; conducting a governance audit to make sure your ducks are in a row; managing outdated structures and processes and moving into the future; and what’s keeping you up at night. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Healthcare Community Advisory Committee

Speakers:

Maricela Arias-Cantu, MS, MHA, CAE, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Society for Public Health Education
Carey Goryl, MSW, CAE, CPRP, CEO, Association for Advancing Physician & Provider Recruitment
Susan Motley, CAE, Executive Director, NAMI Central Virginia
Kirsten Shaffer, CAE, Executive Director, National Association Medical Staff Services (Smithbucklin)

Thu 11/21 at 1 p.m. – Strategic Networking: Making Networking an Art Not an Accident

Hear about the power of strategic networking and cultivating relationships to advance both your career and your organization’s strategic objectives. Explore how building solid professional connections can help you thrive in dynamic environments, solve complex challenges, and support your organization’s long-term goals. Learn practical techniques to develop meaningful relationships, leverage networks to influence decision-making, and drive collaboration, ultimately enhancing both personal and organizational success. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speaker: Vern Schellenger, President and CEO at Contacts Count LLC

Thu 11/21 at 2 p.m. – Outsmarting Uncertainty: Legal Insights for Event Pros

Hear about hot-button issues and advice to help planners protect their organizations and ensure a successful event. Learn how to negotiate practical, achievable sustainability clauses that reflect your event’s environmental goals; the legal implications of AI, including data privacy and intellectual-property concerns; and how force majeure clauses are evolving to account for unpredictable disruptions and what you need to watch for in your contracts. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: MeetingsNet

Speaker: Jill Blood, vice president and deputy general counsel at Maritz

Thu 11/21 at 3 p.m. – Association Chat Insider Weekly Recap

Host: KiKi L’Italien, host, Association Chat

Thu 11/21 at 4 p.m. – Implementing and Using AI in an Associations World of Cybersecurity Risks

Learn about responsible AI use, implementation, and security, including the impact of bias in data, developers’ responsibilities, and the crucial need to build trust; selecting appropriate technology to secure your organization’s data and the questions to ask when vendors promote their “AI” tools; the growing trends for increased regulations related to AI and the necessity of human involvement in the constantly evolving AI landscape; and ensuring your association is thinking about how to staff safely. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Reston-Loudoun Swap

Speaker: Melanie Thomas, VP of Cybersecurity, Bridgepoint

Thu 11/21 at 6:30 p.m. – The Association Chat November Magazine Launch Party

Be part of an exclusive gathering of association professionals as we unveil the November issue of Association Chat Magazine. Be among the first to see the latest issue. Engage with industry innovators and thought leaders. Hear exclusive insights you won’t find anywhere else. Network with fellow association executives. More info/register.

Host: KiKi L’Italien, host, Association Chat

Fri 11/22 at 11:30 a.m. – World Café: Taking Partnerships Beyond the Photo Op

Host: ASAE International Associations Advisory Council

Speakers:

Ginger Ausloos, Vice President, Information Technology, AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
Kerry Cosby, Associate Director, Global Affairs and Analytics Initiatives, AACC – The American Association of Clinical Chemistry
Brandon Hackworth, CAE, Vice President, Governance and Membership at American Association of Orthodontists
Amy Hissrich, Vice President, International Affairs, ASAE
Michiel Gen (moderator), Partner, Exempla Management & Consulting

Fri 11/22 at 1 p.m. – The Art of Asking: Mastering the Feedback Loop

Host: Blue Sky eLearn

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

Fri 11/22 at 4 p.m. – Credentialing: Certificates, Certification, and Accreditation – How to Tell the Difference and What It Means for Your Association

Host: Fridays@4

Speaker: Cindy Lemek, CAE ICE-CCP, executive director of the Wound, Ostomy, Continence Nursing Certification Board

Mon 11/25 at 1:30 p.m. – Associations Host Thriving Gatherings: Best Practices and Success Stories from Two Small Staff Leaders

Host: Vista Cova

Speakers:

Lindsay Currie, Executive Officer of the Council on Undergraduate Research
Christina Lewellen, MBA, CAE, Executive Director of ATLIS

Tue 11/26 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

Tue 11/26 at 1 p.m. – Empower Your Leadership: Navigating IT Strategies for Non-Technical Leaders

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Daniel Elacqua, Chief Executive Officer, and Chris Maynard, Senior Executive, Strategico Consultants

Painting in the public domain: Autumn Rain by J. Alden Weir (1890)

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Association Brain Food: 11.8.24

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

“It is not every day that the world arranges itself into a poem.” ―Wallace Stevens

Survey. Insight Guide is conducting research on industry suppliers’ engagement with associations. If you’re an association professional who is responsible for business development, exhibitor sales, non-dues revenue programs, or any other revenue growth roles outside of membership sales, please complete this survey, which should take less than ten minutes of your time.

AMS selection. Fíonta explains why your association’s accounting/finance team must be involved in your AMS project from the start and stay involved through the launch. They also describe finance-related issues that might come up during the project.

Attendee value. Adrian Segar highlights findings from Freeman’s Trends Report Q4 2024. For example, only a quarter of event planners are “innovators” who “are constantly evolving their event designs.” He shares the report’s discoveries about the disconnects between what planners think attendees value and what attendees really value. Illuminating.

RFP for an AMS. Impexium describes the steps for creating a request for proposals (RFP) for association management software (AMS). They cover the planning process, elements of an RFP, factors to keep in mind when selecting an AMS partner, and advice from technology consultants Achurch Consulting, DelCor, Effective Database Management, and Ellipsis Partners.

New member engagement. Don’t leave your new members hanging. Amanda Kaiser points out moments when new members might feel ignored or ghosted. The challenge is staff having the time to notice and respond to these interactions. Perhaps this is a microvolunteering job for members.

Volunteers. Do your volunteers feel of use or do they feel used? Better check these indicators of a poor volunteer experience from Sue Carter Kahl at Volunteer Commons. “Volunteerism is not just about completing tasks with lower-cost labor, which can lead to feeling used. Instead, it is about engaging with the community to meet a common purpose.”

Association finances. Chazin & Company describes what association CEOs should expect of their financial and accounting teams, so staff and volunteer leadership have the necessary financial information to answer questions, make data-driven decisions and fulfill their fiduciary duty.

Certification requirements. Can an association require membership for certification? This question set off quite a discussion in an ASAE forum. Someone shared an article from Pillsbury Law that explains the legal risk and consequences of tying membership to certification.

Awards presentations. I’ve attended several awards presentations, but only one was an unforgettable, enjoyable and buzz-worthy gala, and not just because I served as the bodyguard for our emcee, Robert Urich (link for the youngsters). But that’s a story for another time. Dave Lutz at Velvet Chainsaw sees the problem and shares five ways to modernize and amplify your awards program.

Snacks

Whatever happens, love thy neighbor. | Larissa Phillips, a Democrat living in a red, rural county via The Free Press

We are so screwed… The case of the disappearing industrial crown jewels—cracked. | Oren Cass, Understanding America

8 ways of connecting a smartphone can’t deliver. | Ted Gioia

A totally on brand 404 page. | Financial Times

How to take charge of your professional development: advice for every stage of your career. | Kellogg Insight

The seventy percent: on minor characters and human possibility | Yiyun Li, Harper’s Magazine

You never grow old at the table

Make this for dinner: Portuguese chicken. I sautéed the ham and veggies before adding them to the pot with the chicken and tomatoes. On the side, steamed green beans, but next time I’ll serve the chicken over polenta.

And, oh my, I can’t wait to have these leftovers for lunch tomorrow: shepherd’s pie topped with mashed sweet potato, instead of russet potato. Shepherd’s pie is made with ground lamb, but you can turn it into a cottage pie if you prefer ground beef. I adapted my recipe from The Irish Pub Cookbook by Margaret Johnson.

On the side, green cabbage sautéed with bacon, red onion, red bell pepper, poblano pepper, jalapeño, garlic, ham broth (Better Than Bouillion, my go-to broth), and chives.

Following tradition, I made my election night baked pasta for Tuesday. The recipe includes ground beef and hot Italian sausage, onion, mushrooms, jalapeño, garlic, ground fennel, marinara, basil pesto, spinach, smoked Gouda, Parmesan, Asiago, mozzarella and provolone. On the side, roasted broccoli with red onion and garlic powder.

If you’d like to subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

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

Fri 11/8 at 4 p.m.* – The Value of a Veteran

Hiring veterans or military spouses offers benefits like strong work ethic, adaptability, and leadership skills, as they bring valuable experiences from their time in service or association with those who serve abroad. Join us as we together discuss this critical aspect of America’s workforce as we seek to broaden our understanding of military-to-civilian transition. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speaker: Bernie Currie, SHRM-CP, PHR, Director of Human Resources and Ethics Committee Staff Liaison at Building Industry Consulting Service International

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

Mon 11/11 at 8 a.m. – Documentary-Style Storytelling (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: Cam Gordon and Cora Hankey, Ellipsis.tv

Tue 11/12 at 11 a.m. – Mastering Memory for Professional Success & Peak Performance

Hear how to develop life changing memory skills that you can immediately apply to better retaining and recalling valuable information from conference sessions, training classes, and other professional development activities. Learn how to become a master at remembering names to get more out of the wonderful experience of networking at business events. Find out how to leverage how human memory works to make your company’s messaging and event programming more memorable. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Chester Santos, Author and Global Keynote Speaker

Tue 11/12 at 12 p.m. – Using AMS as a Hub, a Spoke, or Not At All: Building Your Ideal Association Tech Stack

Gone are the days of a one-size-fits-all technology stack. Whether your association is happily settled with your AMS, looking apprehensively at implementation, or somewhere else along the journey, it’s important to have a full understanding of your options and how they align with your organizational goals. Learn about the key differences between different tech stack structures, assessing your association’s specific technology requirements, and integrating various tools and platforms in a cohesive tech ecosystem. More info/register.

Host: fusionSpan

Speakers:

Reggie Henry, ASAE
Gretchen Steenstra, Delcor
Noel Shatananda, fusionSpan

Tue 11/12 at 12 p.m. – Strategic Planning Masterclass

The world has changed dramatically in the past five years, and your strategic plan is the roadmap to your organization’s future. Find out how create an aspirational yet realistic strategic plan and ensure that it is successfully implemented. More info/register.

Host: Zzeem Consulting

Tue 11/12 at 12 p.m. – Framework for Ethical AI Adoption

Responsibly harnessing the power of AI takes more than just technology—it requires a solid framework for governance and accountability. Explore the crucial roles of AI Councils and an AI Ombudsman in guiding ethical AI implementation—and driving organization-wide adoption. More info/register.

Host: Charlene Li, Founder & CEO, Quantum Networks Group

Tue 11/12 at 12 p.m. – Tech Tuesday: Future-Proof Your Skills – What You Need to Know Now

Hear about and discuss the technology trends that will transform our work. From AI literacy and data analytics to the rising importance of cybersecurity skills, we’ll explore the essentials that association professionals will need to master. Don’t get left behind – future-proof your skillset now. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Facilitators: Reggie Henry, ASAE, and Dave Coriale, DelCor

Tue 11/12 at 12 p.m. – LGBTQIA2+ 2024 Community Call

Host: ASAE LGBTQ Association Executives and Supporters

Tue 11/12 at 1 p.m. – Designing the Future of a Profession: A 5 Phase Approach to Reimagine Your Conference and Member Offerings

Discover how ACUHO-I transformed their conference content, member value, and future outlook through a five-phase multiyear approach. Explore how they engaged hundreds of volunteers, created meaningful sponsorship opportunities, and developed new revenue streams. Learn how your organization can use inquiry, inclusion, and alignment to shape your industry’s future. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF, CEO, Vista Cova

Tue 11/12 at 1:10 p.m. – Lessons in Learning: Why should we care about sensory safe spaces?

As virtual and hybrid conferences made events more accessible, many neurodivergent and disabled professionals found relief in being able to control their environment. But how can we create sensory-safe spaces at in-person events and in our workplaces? Join us for this essential conversation on creating spaces that truly welcome everyone. More info/register.

Host: InspirEd

Speakers:

Carolyn B. Thompson, president, Training Systems
Tracy King, CAE, CEO, InspirEd

Wed 11/13 at 10 a.m. – Creating Value for Your Certification Program: Exploring Tangible and Intangible Benefits

Hear about the tangible benefits of certification (e.g., job recognition, increased employment opportunities, advancement etc.) and intangible benefits of certification (e.g., peer recognition, greater confidence on the job, peer recognition etc.). Explore how to market these benefits to prospective professionals and stakeholders to reinforce and advance the value of certification. Receive a fresh perspective on the value of certification. More info/register.

Host: Certification Network Group

Speakers:

Natalie Judd, Principal, Big Voice Communications LLC
Tonly Spicci, Executive Director, GIS Certification Institute
Maria Szczech, Exam Program Manager, Blueprint Certifications Meta
Jake Schoch (moderator), Enterprise Account Executive, BenchPrep

Wed 11/13 at 10 a.m. – World in Motion: How Political Risks Will Impact International Associations in 2025

Political and geopolitical uncertainties are increasingly shaping the future of international associations. This interactive workshop will explore the implications of elections around the world on associations’ international strategies, operations, and expansion efforts to help equip association leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate these challenges and strengthen their resilience in an evolving political landscape. More info/register.

Host: ASSOCIATIONWORLD

Speakers:

Whitney Buchmann, CEO, Illustra Impact
Tommy Goodwin, EVP, Exhibitions & Conferences Alliance
Martin Sirk, Owner, Sirk Serendipity
Jeffrey Smith, COO, Factum Global

Wed 11/13 at 10 a.m. – Ask Me Anything International (AMA International): Expanding Certification Programs Globally

This inaugural session will focus on the strategies for expanding associations’ domestic certification programs across international markets. Join us for a lively discussion where industry leaders will explore key opportunities and challenges in global certification expansion. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE International Associations Advisory Council

Speakers:

Erica Brown, Director, Certification, ASIS International
Kim Cohen, Vice President, Credentialing, ISACA
Sylvia Gonner, CAE, President & Owner, CultureWiz
Kelly Quinn, Vice President, Business Development & Strategic Partnerships, Holmes Corporation
Jim Piechowski, CAE (moderator), Senior Director, Global Business Development, Hock International (Formerly with the Institute of Management Accountants)

Wed 11/13 at 11 a.m. – Analysis That Moves the Needle

For association executives, leveraging the right analyses can make all the difference in achieving strategic objectives and driving operational improvements. Learn about the top 5 analyses to cut to focus on for maximum results: Churn Analysis, Engagement Scoring, Program Performance Analysis, Predictive Analytics, and Member Satisfaction. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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

Wed 11/13 at 12 p.m. – AMA with the Experts: Power Up Your Association Communities

Join us for a lively “Ask Me Anything” session about member communities with a panel of industry thought leaders who work with association components – chapters, SIGs and more. They’ll answer your questions on membership related to member communities (e.g., chapters, SIGs and more), effective communications with volunteers and member communities, tech solutions and ideas for powering member communities, and volunteer recruitment and engagement in member communities. More info/register.

Hosts: Billhighway and Mariner Management

Wed 11/13 at 12 p.m. – Scouting for your next team – building marketing teams of the future

Business Analysts, Martech Specialists, Digital Transformation Agents, RevOps Specialists—these are some of the emerging roles in the world of digital marketing. As you work to upgrade your marketing technology stack, you’ll also find that the resources skilled in omnichannel marketing and data analytics are also likely from younger demographics, which means you’re building and managing a cross-functional AND multigenerational marketing team. Hear experiences and insights that will help shape the future of your association marketing team. More info/register.

Host: HighRoad Solutions

Speakers: Maneesha Manges, CXO, and Aimee Pagano, Director of Programming, HighRoad Solutions

Wed 11/13 at 12 p.m. – Let’s Talk: Small Staff Associations

Small staff associations face unique challenges that require creative solutions, resilience, and collaboration. Join a lively member discussion on navigating the highs and lows of leading small teams. We’ll celebrate success stories and open the floor for a candid discussion of current challenges from the community. This is your chance to share your experiences, learn from peers, and build connections that will support you in driving your organization forward. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Small Staff Association Advisory Committee

Speakers:

Wed 11/13 at 12:30 p.m. – Creating Impactful Images Using Free Online Tools

Design is the magic link between great content and audience engagement. Learn how to create great-looking visuals using free online tools like Canva and Pixelbay. Together, we’ll create a range of artwork, from banners to headline images to cards and small tiles. More info/register.

Host: Tizra

Speaker: Lisa Russo Mack, Chief Design Officer, Tizra

Wed 11/13 at 12:30 p.m. – Beyond the Venue: Event Marketing Bootcamp

Learn how to identify the true purpose behind your events, create killer monetization strategies for tickets and sponsorships, build a year-round event strategy that keeps your audience engaged, transition from event planner to strategic business asset, and measure what matters with actionable event data. More info/register.

Host: RingCentral Events

Speakers:

Dahlia El Gazzar, Tech Evangelist + Idea Igniteur, Dahlia+Agency
Jay Schwedelson, President and CEO, Outcome Media

Wed 11/13 at 1 p.m. – The Power of Demo Days

Are you looking for a proven way to grow a new revenue channel and strengthen relationships with your sponsors? Learn how Demo Days offers unprecedented value to sponsors and creates significant non-dues for your association, all while delivering a needed service for members. More info/register.

Host: Matchbox

Wed 11/13 at 1 p.m. – Everyone is Welcome at Our Events: Inclusive & Accessible Event Planning

Learn how to design events that accommodate diverse needs, such as those of people with disabilities, different cultural backgrounds, and varying preferences. Hear practical tips, real-world examples, and innovative strategies to help you create events where everyone can participate fully, enjoy the experience, and feel a sense of belonging. More info/register.

Host: Event Garde

Wed 11/13 at 1 p.m. – Association “Era”: What Taylor Swift Can Teach Us About Engagement

How can associations translate The Eras Tour buzz and hype into successful engagement strategies for membership organizations? Learn about the tactics Taylor Swift used to create a welcoming environment across platforms to everyone from her fans to the moms of her fans, to engage them pre- and post-concert and how associations can adopt these strategies into a portfolio of engagement solutions throughout the year. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Nikki Golden, CAE, Strategist, Association Laboratory
Nikki Shanks, MBA, CAE, Sr. Manager Component Relations, American Health Information Management Association

Wed 11/13 at 1 p.m. – A Roadmap to Succeeding a Long-Tenured Executive Director

The first 90 days in the Executive Director role is a chance to assess your new environment, learn, and grow. But what happens when your first 90 days turn to 180 days riddled with managing obstacles? A panel of diverse BIPOC association professionals will share their experiences and lessons learned in their first 90 days succeeding a long-tenured Executive Director. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Executive Management Professionals Advisory Council

Panelists:

Kelli Baxter, Managing Partner, KG1 Consulting Group
Torey Carter-Conneen, CEO, American Society of Landscape Architects
Cara Woodson Welch, CEO, Public Sector HR Association
Johnnie White, CEO, American Association of Clinical Endocrinology

Wed 11/13 at 1 p.m. – Back to Basics: Effective Collaboration with Destination Organizations

Learn about the many advantages and services a CVB/DMO can provide to meeting and event planners, many of which are free. Hear how collaboration can help both planners and CVBs/CMOs adjust to the changing dynamics of the meetings and events landscape, how enlisting the help of CVBs/DMOs can streamline the event production process, and what the different models of CVBs/DMOs are and how that is relevant to your interaction with them. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: Emily Scheiderer, Senior Director of Education, Sales and Services, Destinations International

Wed 11/13 at 1 p.m. – React, Adapt, and Grow: Future-Proof Your Event Budget for 2025

Hear practical tips and clever strategies to help you stay agile, stretch your budget, and set yourself up for success in the new year. From in-person to virtual and everything in between, this webinar will help you master the art of budgeting and make 2025 your best year yet. More info/register.

Host: Bizzabo

Speakers:

Rachel Burden, CMP, Head of Events & Sponsorship, Intuit
Ashley Casal, Director, In‑Person Events, Catalyst
Noelle Feist, Sr. Director, Experiential Marketing, Zendesk

Wed 11/13 at 2 p.m. – Getting Started With AI Tools for Event Professionals

Bring your questions and your tips to this fun, interactive workshop, in which we’ll demonstrate live how to use AI tools and show you the results in real time. Learn to identify tasks ripe for optimization, select the right tools for your needs, and apply AI to marketing analysis and content creation. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

Dahlia El Gazzar, Founder, DAHLIA+ Agency
Tess Vismale, CMP, DES, Founder and CEO, iSocialX
Michael J. Shapiro (moderator), Executive Editor, Northstar Meetings Group

Wed 11/13 at 3 p.m. – Leveraging Generative AI in Community Building and Management

Learn how to use generative AI to improve community engagement and simplify your operations, including AI tools like ChatGPT to automate admin work, improve communication, and create personalized experiences that keep your members engaged. More info/register.

Host: Higher Logic Vanilla

Speaker: Diana Morgan, Community Consultant and Leader

Thu 11/14 at 10 a.m. – Top Tips for Managing Member-Based Meetings: Enhancing Elections, Engagement, and Compliance

Create exceptional meeting and election experiences that can strengthen member loyalty and the success of your association. Hear how to enhance member participation and engagement, whether in-person, online or a combination of both; simplify complex compliance requirements while ensuring voting integrity and transparency; and strengthen decision-making by empowering your members to engage, debate, and vote in real time. Learn from real-world success stories, including a recent collaboration with AANA, where a hybrid solution increased meeting participation by 30%. 2 CAE credits. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Kate Moore, Vice President of Member Experience, National Association of REALTORS®
Simon Bryan, Managing Director, United States, Lumi Global
Sylvie Harton, Chief Business Strategy Officer, Lumi Global

Thu 11/14 at 11 a.m. – The Joyful Leadership Revolution: 6 Components for Building a Successful, Happy Workplace

Learn how to infuse more positivity and effectiveness into your leadership style. Hear an overview of the 6 Components of Joyful Leadership, tips for implementing these components in your daily leadership practice, insights into creating a more positive and engaging work environment, and ideas for quick wins to immediately enhance your leadership approach. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Marissa Levin, CEO, i5 Conscious Leadership

Thu 11/14 at 12 p.m. – Using Data to Drive Membership Growth

In today’s competitive landscape, associations must leverage data-driven decision-making to optimize member acquisition, engagement, and retention. Learn how to harness the power of data to identify trends, personalize member experiences, and make informed strategic decisions. Find out how key data sources, analytics tools, and actionable insights can empower associations to grow their membership base and foster long-term loyalty. More info/register.

Host: Association Xchange

Speaker: Alison E. Heron, MBA, CAE, CEO, Association of Child Life Professionals

Thu 11/14 at 1 p.m. – The Power of Connection: Handling Difficult Conversations Effectively

In a world driven by relationships, the ability to engage authentically and meaningfully with others is a fundamental asset. Learn about the art and science of conversation and how to become an adept conversationalist. Hear about honing active listening skills, fostering empathy, and mastering the dynamics of engaging dialogue. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Kate Coffey-Bacon, VP of Marketing and Events, US Transactions Corporation/UST Education

Thu 11/14 at 2 p.m. – Networking Events Done Right: Designing Experiences that Connect

Learn how to design networking experiences that engage and resonate with your audience, whether you’re hosting a single event or creating a series of gatherings. Hear about strategies for designing impactful networking experiences tailored to various audiences and event types; insights on what drives audience engagement, how to fulfill their needs, and ways to measure success beyond attendance; and best practices for representing your brand and making lasting connections. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: MeetingsNet

Speakers: Carisa Bartelt, Manager, Industry Marketing, and Jennifer Bialek, Senior Manager, Sales, Cvent

Thu 11/14 at 2 p.m. – Going Paperless: Tips for Transitioning to a Board Portal

Embracing new technology in the boardroom can be challenging, especially for organizations accustomed to paper-based processes. However, with the right support in implementing board portal software, the rewards of having a secure, centralized platform for documents and collaboration far exceed the initial barriers. Hear about the advantages of transitioning to a board portal, tips for training people with different learning styles, ensuring the success of transition processes and tasks, and holding your first meeting on a board portal. More info/register.

Host: OnBoard

Speaker: Governance Professional and Author, Simone Bellamy

Thu 11/14 at 3 p.m. – Association Chat Insider Weekly Recap

Host: KiKi L’Italien, host, Association Chat

Thu 11/14 at 3 p.m. – Mastering AV for Association Meetings: What Meeting Planners Need to Know

Explore the essential partnership between association meeting planners and their Audio Visual (AV) company(s) to ensure a seamless event experience. Learn AV101, a foundational understanding of technical requirements, so you’re never caught off guard by last-minute requests. Hear industry best practices on planning budgets and anticipating on-site expenses. Learn how to build a stronger relationship with your AV team and make your next event a success. More info/register.

Host: Cadmium

Speakers:

James Rut, Chief Information Officer, Cogent Global Solutions
Erin Bawono, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Cadmium
Amanda Law (moderator), Event Marketing Manager, Cadmium

Thu 11/14 at 6 p.m. – The Association Chat November Magazine Launch Party (Washington DC)

Host: KiKi L’Italien, host, Association Chat

Fri 11/15 at 1 p.m. – Talk with CAEs

Lead facilitator: DeeJay Hastings, CAE, Executive Consultant, Lewis Association Consultants

Fri 11/15 at 3 p.m. – The Informal Consultants Networking Extravaganza

This monthly networking meeting is for full-time consultants who work with non-profits and associations. You don’t have to be an ASAE member to attend this consultant-organized event. This month’s agenda includes a deep dive conversation into business continuity planning, and a special update from Nicole Holmes, ASAE Staff Liaison, plus the usual agenda of sharing of good news and topics or questions from the group. More info.

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

Mon 11/18 from 12:30 to 5 p.m. – Ven-Con DC (Washington DC)

Host: 501Works

Tue 11/19 at 11 a.m. – Good Intentions vs Bad Actors: Considerations on Security for Non-profit

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Ali Niroo, Managing Partner, and Melanie Thomas, Vice President of Cybersecurity, Bridgepointe Technologies

Tue 11/19 at 1 p.m. – Crafting Newsletters Your Members Can’t Ignore

Host: UST Education

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

Thu 11/21 at 11 a.m. – Unlocking the Power of Personalization: Building Blocks for Your Marketing Campaign

Host: fusionSpan

Speakers:

Matthew Hanagan, Lead Solution Engineer, Salesforce
Jessica Richardson, Senior Consultant, Marketing & Digital Strategy, fusionSpan

Thu 11/21 at 11 a.m. – Failing Forward

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Paul Glover, President, Glover & Associates

Creative Commons licensed photo by McCabe Coats via Unsplash

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Snacks

You never grow old at the table

If you’d like to subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

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Snacks

You never grow old at the table

If you’d like to subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

Share this:

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

If you’d like to subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

Share this:

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

If you’d like to subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

Share this:

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

If you’d like to subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

Share this:

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

If you’d like to subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

Share this:

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

If you’d like to subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

Share this:

Snacks

You never grow old at the table

If you’d like to subscribe to Association Brain Food, please complete the form in the sidebar or at the bottom of this post. I won’t share or sell your email address.

Share this: