Association Brain Food – Page 7 – Association Brain Food

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

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

*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)

Every week, Rogue Tulips brings the nonprofit community intriguing guests discussing vital topics affecting nonprofit organizations around the world—and we have fun doing it! Episodes are published Monday mornings in both audio and video format, available on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcast, and Google Podcast (to name a few!).

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

Guests: 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

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, 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

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 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 11 a.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

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

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

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 12:30 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 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

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 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

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

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

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: 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

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

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: 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

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 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)

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: 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

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 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

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

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: 11.1.24

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

“You can never be wise unless you love reading.” —Samuel Johnson

AWTC awards. Today (Friday, November 1) is the nomination deadline for the Association Women Technology Champions (AWTC) Awards. Nominate yourself or a woman who works in the association industry for an award in one of three categories: technology leader, innovation, or technology champion. Nominating someone is simple and anonymous: submit their contact info and a sentence about them—the AWTC awards committee takes it from there.

Conference/event evaluations. Do you use the same event evaluation questions year and year? Do you use all the data you collect? Are you feeling a bit sheepish right now? If your answers lean toward Yes, No, and Shut Up, then you might like (need) Impexium’s advice on event survey questions that hold attendees’ interest and provide you with useful data.

Mobile engagement strategy. When I shared this Clowder post on X, an acquaintance said he belongs to over ten associations but none use a year-round app and most are struggling with attracting young professionals. Coincidence? Clowder explains why you need a mobile engagement strategy when deploying a membership app and how that strategy helps you deliver value, build trust, and increase member engagement.

Education revenue. D2L describes the four factors to consider when developing a revenue strategy for your association’s education programs and five models for monetizing those programs. They also include tactics throughout the guide for improving the attractiveness and effectiveness of your online learning programs and portfolio.

Content marketing. The word “empathy” has entered the same overuse category as “unprecedented.” It’s a shame because empathy is a required emotion for anyone in a people business, like association and marketing professionals. Rosie Campbell at Beam Content believes empathy is the skill that will rescue content marketing. You need content that puts empathy first—the kind of content that builds a long-term relationship with your market. Hmm, that’s what my industry partner clients do.

Committee management. Have you ever had training to be a committee staff liaison or did it go something like this? “Since you’re in charge of the membership committee, you should schedule a meeting with the chair to get caught up.” Ok, and then what? Aaron Wolowiec at Event Garde provides the direction, guidelines, and tips sorely needed by anyone with committee responsibilities.

Member workplace challenges. This member research report from Halmyre Strategies describes the challenges faced by various professions as a new generation enters the workforce, including burnout, work-life balance, client demands, value of credentials, diversity, and changing workforce roles. They explain how associations can address these issues and meet the changing needs of industry professionals.

Content marketing. Why do content strategies fail—and what can you do about it? Relato talked with B2B content leaders about the reasons for their strategy failures and what you can learn from their mistakes.

Snacks

When roads are washed away: After Hurricane Helene, the people of rural North Carolina are finding that a road is so much more than gravel and asphalt. | Amanda Held Opelt, Plough

Meet the Italian ‘fruit detective’ who investigates centuries-old paintings for clues about produce that has disappeared from the kitchen table. | Mark Schapiro, Smithsonian

Make Ninja star toast from ordinary bread. | Tasty Japan via Visual feast

You never grow old at the table

I made and froze pesto from the last of the summer’s basil harvest. Some of it went into chicken salad with basil pesto, mayo, chives, celery, red bell pepper, sundried tomatoes, and parmesan. I love this combo so much I’ve made it twice.

A few old standbys this week—isn’t that always the case? First, tilefish with spiced breadcrumbs. On the side, roasted cauliflower and sweet potatoes with red onion, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne.

I made a huge southwest skillet with ground chorizo and turkey, sweet potatoes, and black beans for Jim to take to the mountains, where he helped a family friend clear out downed trees.

While he was away, I gorged on an old favorite, Thai-style peanut butter sauce pasta.

I’d never heard of this Korean custom: returning Tupperware full, not empty. I have a friend’s container at home—and she’s half Korean!—so I’ll return it to her full of frozen pesto.

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 11/1 at 1 p.m. EDT* – 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 11/4 at 8 a.m. – Association Automation: Work Smarter (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Brian Scott, Clear Tone Consulting

Tue 11/5 at 11 a.m. – Webinar Wizardry Part 2: Leveraging Your Webinar as a Marketing Tool

Learn about strategies for integrating webinars into a comprehensive marketing plan to enhance brand visibility and reach, a follow-up strategy that leverages webinar content to nurture leads and drive conversions, and a content repurposing plan that extends the life of your webinar by transforming it into various marketing materials, such as blog posts, videos, and social media content. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Nicole Crabtree, Director of Events, and Reilly Moriarty, Marketing and Events Manager, UST Education

Tue 11/5 at 1 p.m. – Technology Trends to Anticipate for 2025

Hear about key system trends for 2025, including the end-of-life of Windows 10, and how these changes will impact organizational IT infrastructure. Learn about emerging software trends, particularly AI and shadow IT, and their potential risks and opportunities for associations, and the workplace dynamics and expectations of Gen Z employees. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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

Tue 11/5 at 3 p.m. – Fundamentals of Message Design Workshop

Revolutionize how you think about crafting messages that stick. Hear about the hidden ingredient your core message is probably missing (hint: it’s not what you think), three essential elements that make your message irresistible and how to bake them in from the start, where persuasive message design fits in your organization’s ecosystem, and how to make a bulletproof case for it. More info/register.

Host: Tamsen Webster, author of Say What They Can’t Unhear

Wed 11/6 at 12 p.m. – Member Value, Non-Dues Revenue, and New Association Business Models

The association business model is under assault: a tough economy has taken its toll on membership revenues, younger prospective members are “nibblers” not joiners, and convention revenues are no longer reliable. Join a discussion about the future of the traditional association business model; non-dues revenue beyond sponsorships, certification renewals, and trade show booth sales; and competing against “free” alternatives; building an aligned, growth-minded member community; and outsourcing draining ongoing responsibilities to free up staff and volunteer time for higher order priorities. More info/register.

Host: Braintrust Professional Institute

Speakers: Randall Craig and Ronja Francoeur, Braintrust Professional Institute

Wed 11/6 from 12 to 2 p.m. – Building the CEO AI Playbook: How AI Will Power Your Association into the Future (Arlington VA)

AI presents many opportunities to enhance member engagement, employee engagement, revenue, risk mitigation, and more. Learn how associations are using AI today, what key risks and opportunities to explore, and how to incorporate AI into your strategic vision. Location: Arlington VA. More info/register.

Host: Matrix Group International

Speakers:

Heinan Landa, Founder & CEO, Optimal Networks
Joanna Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker, Matrix Group International

Wed 11/6 at 12 p.m. – 5 Ways Your Sales Team Can Leverage AI

Learn about five simple AI practices to help your sales teams identify prospects, build partnerships, and increase revenue. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Association Insights in Old Town (AIOT)

Speaker: Brittany Shoul, Senior Vice President of Revenue Strategy & Operations, MCI USA

Wed 11/6 at 12:30 p.m. – Nonprofit Webinar: Considerations for Your Data Licensing Arrangement

Whether for social media promotion, member surveys, or email campaigns, a data licensing agreement is often at the center of arrangements concerning the use and transfer of consumer data. Learn about the role of data licensing within the nonprofit industry, key considerations to take into account when contemplating and executing a data licensing agreement, including common uses for the agreement, setting parameters, and compliance with state laws. More info/register.

Host: Venable LLP

Speakers: Venable’s Intellectual Property Transactions Practice Group

Wed 11/6 at 1 p.m. – Associations as Catalysts for Relationship Building and Belonging

Learn how to think and talk about belonging within your association; implement appreciation initiatives to boost productivity, trust, and loyalty, and your association’s relationship-building efforts online and offline. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Fonteva and Protech

Speaker: Peter Deitz, Co-Founder, Unwrapit

Thu 11/7 at 10 a.m. – Keeping It Real with How Associations Get New Members and Sponsors

Hear how to leverage the power of demand generation to streamline your association’s marketing efforts and supercharge the growth of new business. Learn how to accelerate growth with new strategies that help you reach more potential members and sponsors; deliver better ROI for exhibitors, sponsors, and advertisers; enhance member and sponsor engagement; and evaluate whether expanding marketing services is the right move for your association. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

John Bacon, MBA, VP, Sales and Partner Experience, ASAE
Scott Conley, VP of Strategic Partnerships, INFUSE

Thu 11/7 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Fall Symposium (Chicago IL)

This Symposium is a unique opportunity to engage with thought leaders and subject-matter experts who will guide us through the intricate and fascinating world of personal and professional development. Sessions: Growing Existing Sponsors and Attracting New Sponsors for Your Association; Elevate Your Impact: Three Strategies to Build Association Success; Supercharge Your Membership: 7 Gears Associations Need to Drive Growth; and Generative AI and Chat GPT: Uses, Pros, and Cons for Associations. Location: Chicago IL. 4 CAE credits. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE, Founder & CEO, Growth Owl, LLC
Merritt Rohlfing, Senior Marketing Manager, Association Analytics
Jon Smith, EVP, Strategic Partnerships, Multiview
Lisa Rau, PhD, Founder, Fionta

Thu 11/7 at 11 a.m. – Growing Existing Sponsors and Attracting New Sponsors for Your Association (Fall Symposium)

Learn advanced techniques for nurturing existing sponsor relationships, leveraging programs to attract new sponsors, and aligning sponsorship opportunities with organizational goals. Take away actionable strategies to boost sponsorship revenue and create lasting partnerships. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

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

Thu 11/7 at 12 p.m. – Content Teardown + Audit with Ann Smarty

Is your approach to SEO and content strategy holding you back? Or pushing you forward? Watch high-level 5-10 minute audits of attendee submitted sites with feedback from Ann about what she’d do more of—or what she’d do differently. More info/register.

Host: Clearscope

Speakers:

Ann Smarty, co-founder of Smarty Marketing
Bernard Huang, founder, Clearscope

Thu 11/7 at 12:15 p.m. – Elevate Your Impact: Three Strategies to Build Association Success (Fall Symposium)

Hear about three powerful strategies to enhance your data-driven initiatives and meet your members’ needs, starting with a comprehensive data audit to ensure you’re collecting the right information to support your goals. Learn about identifying key metrics, streamlining data collection processes, and converting raw data into actionable insights that guide strategic decisions. Find out about the importance of creating complementary content, and refining and quantifying your value proposition. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Merritt Rohlfing, Senior Marketing Manager, Association Analytics

Thu 11/7 at 12:30 p.m. – Complying with LD203 Political Contribution Reports

Learn the serious risks that most lobbyists fail to recognize. More info/register.

Host: Gary Gallant, Managing Partner, Gallant Law Group.

Thu 11/7 at 1 p.m. – Sales Accelerator Labs – Reaching the Destination: Closing, Delivering & Expanding

Join us for part 3 of our virtual Sales Accelerator Labs, where customer experience and sales expert Carrie McIntyre will show you strategies to make sales easier, more effective, and dare we say, enjoyable. Today, learn how to close deals confidently, avoid negotiation pitfalls, provide a standout customer experience, and strategically grow relationships through renewals and expansions. More info/register.

Host: Impexium

Thu 11/7 at 1 p.m. – Not-So-Everyday AI: All About Chatbots

Chatbots are all the rage – and for good reason. They save time and when done well, can truly enhance the member experience. Join us for a step-by-step guide on how to build and integrate AI chatbots for your next event or for your association website. We’ll walk through programming text-based and video-based chatbots using tools like Zapier, Soul Machines, Tidio, and more. More info/register.

Host: Mission Fuel

Thu 11/7 at 2 p.m. – New Perspectives on AI and Machine Learning

Discover how non-profit organizations are leveraging AI and machine learning to drive impactful change through real-world applications. Hear from the recipients of the AWS IMAGINE Grant program as they share their groundbreaking stories. These case studies illustrate the incredible possibilities that arise when mission-driven organizations are equipped with the right tools. More info/register.

Host: 501Works

Speakers:

Alex Mouw, CAE, Principal Strategic Advisor, Amazon Web Services
James Marquis, CIO, 501Works

Thu 11/7 at 2 p.m. – How to Empower a New Generation of Association Leaders

Because more than 60% of meeting professionals entered the industry post-Covid, understanding how different generations are finding the industry, what attracts them to associations in particular and what will keep them inspired is job-one. From standard operating procedures to communication styles and even long-range goals, we all have a lot to learn from each other. Learn how to find and recruit diverse candidates, set clear expectations, and develop a transition plan. More info/register.

Host: Smart Meetings

Speakers:

Maisha Hoque, Associate, Chapter Strategy & Program Development, American Society of Interior Designers
Mariel Solomon MS, CCC-SLP, Associate Director, Practice Portal, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Thu 11/7 at 2:15 p.m. – Supercharge Your Membership: 7 Gears Associations Need to Drive Growth (Fall Symposium)

Learn how data can be harnessed to guide your association’s decisions and maximize performance. Hear how to design personalized communications and targeted campaigns to enhance member engagement, create valuable content to establish industry authority and influence, and evaluate member insights to refine strategies and ensure continual improvement. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jon Smith, EVP, Strategic Partnerships, Multiview

Thu 11/7 at 3 p.m. – Association Chat Insider Weekly Recap

Host: KiKi L’Italien, host, Association Chat

Thu 11/7 at 3:30 p.m. – Generative AI and Chat GPT: Uses, Pros, and Cons for Associations (Fall Symposium)

Hear about the current and future applications of Generative AI and Chat GPT for associations. Learn how to assess business value across various association processes efficiently, identify the advantages of applying Generative AI technology to streamline workflows, and analyze potential risks and challenges to keep your association ahead of the curve. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Lisa Rau, PhD, Founder, Fionta

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

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

Host: fusionSpan

Speakers:

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

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

Host: UST Education

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

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

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

Hosts: Billhighway and Mariner Management

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

Host: Matchbox

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

Host: Event Garde

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

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

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

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

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Marissa Levin, CEO, i5 Conscious Leadership

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

Host: UST Education

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

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

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

Creative Commons licensed photo by Nikhil Mistry 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: 10.25.24

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

“Wild is the music of the autumnal winds amongst the faded woods.” —William Wordsworth

Hurricane recovery. Association Executives of North Carolina has gathered resources for those who want to support the recovery efforts of people in western NC. Or, Love Asheville From Afar by shopping at online stores or contributing to fundraising efforts in Asheville.

Volunteer leader recruitment. If a member is already dealing with stress and burnout at work, they will not have the mental capacity or time for a chapter or association leadership role. Billhighway describes nine strategies for recruiting chapter leaders that reduce the stress of leadership roles, offer more fulfilling volunteer experiences, and rejuvenate your chapters.

Spooky sponsorships. Is your sponsorship program a trick or a treat? Do you have a deadly witch’s brew of benefits? Are your sponsors behaving like zombies? Fear not, Lori Zoss Kraska and Bruce Rosenthal are handing out satisfying treats for Halloween—ten tips for successful sponsorship programs.

Small-staff membership marketing. YourMembership offers guidance on membership marketing for small associations, including tips on personalized communication, joining and renewing procedures, and new member onboarding.

Membership survey. iMIS by ASI invites you to participate in their seven-minute Membership Performance Benchmark Survey. For the tenth year, input from association professionals is helping iMIS uncover industry trends in membership engagement and retention levels, digital transformation, and more.

Trade show tactics. “The way you show up at a trade show matters,” says Julius Solaris of Boldpush. You can’t afford not to follow his advice on tactics to use before, during, and after a trade show that generate more awareness and leads. Check out the comments too.

Education programs and AI. Laura Armstrong at Cimatri shares 15 examples of how AI is transforming educational programs in associations by, for example, offering personalized learning paths and automating administrative processes. Your competitors might already be on this, so don’t delay experimentation.

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

Online learning accessibility. Artisan E-Learning, Sweetrush, and ELB Learning designed an e-learning accessibility road map that provides two levels of guidance and suggestions for learning leaders and instructional designers.

Extra credit

In honor of Halloween and Diwali falling on the same day this year, Vinnu Deshetty shared a lovely post about her family’s holiday celebrations: “In today’s world, where division can sometimes feel so prevalent, I cherish the unity that immigrant communities bring. Our ability to blend traditions and celebrate diverse holidays is a testament to the strength and beauty of coming together.”

Why I am not a PhD: English departments teach theory, not literature. | Liza Libes, Persuasion

Things worth remembering: what Salman Rushdie doesn’t want to talk about. In America, we have taken liberty for granted. The author of ‘The Satanic Verses’ tried to warn us, but we didn’t listen. | Douglas Murray, The Free Press

Good boy! Mutt served as a YMCA cigarette delivery dog for the 11th Engineers of the American Expeditionary Force during World War I. | Fascinating

You never grow old at the table

At a recent catered family event, the chicken marsala was fine, but not outstanding. However, it sparked a craving for marsala, so I made my chicken marsala pasta casserole with lots of mushrooms and creste di gallo pasta, whose ruffles are perfect for capturing sauce and parmesan. On the side, the usual roasted broccoli with red onion, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.

Another old favorite is catfish and kale with choo chee Thai curry sauce, a recipe from Nancie McDermott’s Quick & Easy Thai: 70 Everyday Recipes. The sauce ingredients include onion, red bell pepper, poblano pepper, jalapeño pepper, garlic, coconut milk, red curry paste, fish sauce, soy sauce, palm sugar, garlic chives, cilantro, and Thai basil.

Someone asked if I was planning to share Halloween recipes today. Since I haven’t made anything spooky lately, I wasn’t. But, long ago, I made a hideous (but delicious) Halloween meatloaf hand for dinner—and had a lot of fun in the process.

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 10/25 at 1 p.m.* – Tech or Treat? Strategies to Resurrect Your Association’s Digital Infrastructure

Learn about the key components of an association’s technology ecosystem and diagnose common issues plaguing outdated infrastructures. Explore strategies to revitalize your association’s digital foundation, with a central focus on leveraging learning technology to kickstart revenue generation. Hear an action plan to revitalize your association’s tech infrastructure, ensuring it can support your organization’s goals and member needs in the digital age. Gain insights on best practices for selecting and implementing education technology to drive member engagement and organizational growth. 0.75 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Blue Sky eLearn

Speakers:

John Leh, CEO, Talented Learning
Liam O’Malley, CAE, PMP, Vice President of Association Solutions, Blue Sky eLearn

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

Fri 10/25 at 4 p.m. – Why Your Association Needs Market Research

Market research helps you understand what is most important to your members and how to make the membership experience better. Research helps you to develop a cohesive vision for your association. If your association isn’t meeting the needs of your membership, someone else will. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speaker: Sheri Singer, founder, Singer Communications

Sun 10/27 at 12:30 p.m. – AWTC Meetup Lunch at digitalNow

Are you coming into DC for digitalNow? Or are you local to DC and would enjoy a Sunday brunch with your AWTC folks? Join a weekend meet up at a restaurant close to the conference hotel and meet some of your community in person. More info/register.

Organizer: Association Women Technology Champions

Mon 10/28 at 8 a.m. – Update on Association Marketplace (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Sandra Nam, Qiqo Chat

Mon 10/28 at 2 p.m. – Building, Promoting and Repurposing Webinars

Are webinars a thing of the past? These panelists would argue that they can still be lead-generating tactics for your organization if used correctly. Learn the essential steps to craft engaging webinar content, master promotion techniques to boost attendance, and discover the art of repurposing your webinar for extended reach and impact. More info/register.

Host: Channel Market Academy

Speakers:

Kate Coffey-Bacon, VP Marketing, U.S. Transactions Corporation
Adam Holmgren, Head of Demand Generation, Rillion
Megan McDonagh, Senior Partner Marketing Manager, Celigo

Tue 10/29 at 11 a.m. – Awards, Before & After

Hear about the planning and discipline that morphed a print magazine to print + digital, also now feeding a newsletter and social platforms. Even better, the 1- to 2-person editorial team relies on the award-winning streamlined processes and workflow to juggle tens of thousands of articles, with the option of blending new content with reshaped old papers and articles to deliver curated value to members. More info/register.

Host: AM&P Next

Speakers:

Maggie Murphy, editor-in-chief of ABC’s CE Magazine
Colby Waller and John Serrao of THOR Studio

Tue 10/29 at 2 p.m. – Before You Go: An Insider’s Guide to AMSFest

Shopping for a new AMS Solution can be a difficult process. AMSFest is a great event to incorporate into your search since it features a wide array of solution vendors and association consultants packed into two full days. In this webinar, the inside scoop on getting the most out of your AMSFest experience. More info/register.

Hosts: 501Works and PerByte

Speakers:

James Marquis, CIO, 501Works
Olivia Wilkins, Business Analyst/Project Manager, PerByte

Tue 10/29 at 2 p.m. – What Your Staff Isn’t Telling You

In this part-game show, part-group discussion, that’s all-parts enlightening, explore the results of our recent pulse check with association professionals about what they aren’t telling their bosses. Why might they be thinking of leaving your organization? Are they thinking about it? Do themes exist that many of us might be ignoring – or simply struggling to find solutions to? More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Executive Management Professionals Advisory Council

Speakers:

Lindsay Currie, CAE, Executive Officer, Council on Undergraduate Research
Tara Puckey, MBA, CAE, CMP, Executive Director, Radio Television Digital News Association
Alexis Redmond, JD, MA, CAE, Senior Director, The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

Wed 10/30 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. – PCMA ELI Event Tech Test Drive

Explore cutting-edge technologies from top industry providers and dive into the latest platforms specializing in event measurement, networking, and engagement. Enjoy live presentations, Q&A sessions, and interactive networking opportunities, all designed to give you actionable insights to supercharge your event planning and elevate your attendee experience. Don’t miss the chance to test-drive the solutions that will set your events apart. More info/register.

Host: PCMA Event Leadership Institute

Facilitators:

Tess Vismale, CMP, DES, Founder and CEO, iSocial Execution Inc.
Keith Johnston, Managing Director, i3 Events

Participants: Bizzabo, Community Brands, Conexiant DXP, EventMobi, MCI USA, Spark, Vivastream, and Zenus

Wed 10/30 at 12 p.m. – When they stop opening your emails and ghost you

Being ghosted isn’t a great feeling. Especially when you’ve invested so much time and effort into your campaigns. Hear how to pinpoint the downturn in engagement metrics, gauge the level of indifference you’re dealing with, and plot a strategy to re-engage with members and customers who are the chronic “non-openers.” More info/register.

Host: HighRoad Solutions

Speakers: Maneesha Manges, CXO, and Morgan Mulgrew, Strategic Account Manager, HighRoad Solutions

Wed 10/30 at 12 p.m. – From Planning to Promotion: Elevating Your Pre-Event Marketing

Learn how to incorporate new technology into your marketing strategy to reduce costs and save resources, incentive attendees to register as early as possible, personalize communications so prospects feel you are talking to them, build momentum for your in-person show with digital content and events, and target the right audience for your messages. More info/register.

Host: Skift Meetings

Wed 10/30 at 1 p.m. – 5 ‘scary’ good membership campaigns with ‘killer’ ROI

Learn about five frightfully effective membership campaigns that delivered scary good ROI. See examples of real membership renewal, win-back, and acquisition campaigns that delivered results that are to die for. Learn the tricks these organizations used to conjure up impressive member growth and retention, and walk away with treat-worthy strategies to bring your own membership efforts back from the dead. More info/register.

Host: PropFuel

Wed 10/30 at 1 p.m. – Tapping the Latest F&B Trends

Explore the latest culinary and beverage trends for 2025 and review how 2024’s trends measured up. Learn about sustainable practices and dietary innovations that cater to a diverse array of guest needs. Discover strategies to adapt menus to reflect current and anticipated F&B trends. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: Tracy Stuckrath, CMM, CSEP, founder of thrive! meetings & events and host of the Eating at a Meeting podcast

Wed 10/30 at 2 p.m. – Trends in Event Marketing

Hear about the latest trends shaping the future of event marketing. Learn about the importance of tailored content and experiences to meet the diverse needs of your audience, how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence are transforming event experiences and enhancing attendee engagement, best practices for blending in-person and virtual experiences to maximize reach and impact. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speaker: Lizzie Wilcox, Associate Editor, Northstar Meetings Group

Wed 10/30 at 2 p.m. – The Finance and Business Operations Professionals Advisory Council Virtual Meet Up

A monthly virtual meetup to engage the members of our community. Bring your pressing problems and look forward to an engaging conversation with your colleagues sharing their experiences and potential solutions. More info/register (ASAE members only).

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

Wed 10/30 at 3 p.m. – 5 Reasons Analytics Scares People Off (And Why It’s Not So Spooky)

Data and analytics have become more prevalent in the association world over the last few years, but some are still spooked by what unexpected problems might arise as they pursue the goal of a data-informed world. Explore five ways association pros tend to get scared off the path toward true analytics, and what solutions there are to overcome these barriers to data-driven success. More info/register.

Host: Association Analytics

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

Wed 10/30 at 7 p.m. – Association AI Update: What’s New

The pace of AI advancements isn’t just fast—it’s accelerating, making it a challenge to stay abreast of the latest developments. Our presenter, Julian Moore, dedicates at least two hours daily to sifting through AI news, so you don’t have to. Get up to speed with the latest AI advancements since our last meeting, a rundown of the best tools currently used by association professionals, and the opportunity to get answers to your burning AI questions. More info/register.

Host: Answers for Associations

Thu 10/31 at 12 p.m. – Intro to AI for Marketers

Learn what AI is and why it matters to marketers, how to identify AI use cases, how to find and evaluate AI technology vendors, how to classify AI applications within the five levels of the Marketer-to-Machine Scale^TM, what business outcomes AI can help you achieve, how to measure the value of AI tools on your company’s efficiency and performance, and how to prepare your team for piloting and scaling AI. More info/register.

Host: Marketing AI Institute

Speakers: Cathy McPhillips, Chief Growth Officer, and Paul Roetzer, founder and CEO, Marketing AI Institute

Thu 10/31 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 (like this month). 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Ed Rigsbee

Thu 10/31 at 1 p.m. – Sales Accelerator Labs – Journey to Engagement: Building & Keeping Momentum

Join us for part 2 of our virtual Sales Accelerator Labs, where customer experience and sales expert Carrie McIntyre will show you strategies to make sales easier, more effective, and dare we say, enjoyable. Today, learn to quickly disqualify unfit prospects, engage high-potential ones, conduct effective discovery calls, and use authentic strategies to maintain momentum and shorten the sales cycle. More info/register.

Host: Impexium

Thu 10/31 at 2 p.m. – 10 Common Webinar Mistakes to Avoid

Webinars have become one of the highest-performing channels, across every industry, to drive pipeline and revenue. But a few basic mistakes can make the difference between a successful event and a missed opportunity. Learn how to fix them so you can ensure every event delivers maximum results, generate larger registrations to increase reach, optimize for audience engagement and conversion, get more out of your webinar content post-event, and drive attendance and engagement after your live event is over. More info/register.

Host: American Marketing Association

Speaker: Mark Bornstein, Chief Webinerd, ON24

Fri 11/1 at 1 p.m. – Talk with CAEs

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

Tue 11/5 at 11 a.m. – Webinar Wizardry Part 2: Leveraging Your Webinar as a Marketing Tool

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Nicole Crabtree, Director of Events, and Reilly Moriarty, Marketing and Events Manager, UST Education

Tue 11/5 at 1 p.m. – Technology Trends to Anticipate for 2025

Host: UST Education

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

Wed 11/6 at 12 p.m. – Member Value, Non-Dues Revenue, and New Association Business Models

Host: Braintrust Professional Institute

Speakers: Randall Craig and Ronja Francoeur, Braintrust Professional Institute

Wed 11/6 from 12 to 2 p.m. – Building the CEO AI Playbook: How AI Will Power Your Association into the Future (Arlington VA)

Host: Matrix Group International

Speakers:

Heinan Landa, Founder & CEO, Optimal Networks
Joanna Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker, Matrix Group International

Wed 11/6 at 1 p.m. – Associations as Catalysts for Relationship Building and Belonging

Host: Fonteva and Protech

Speaker: Peter Deitz, Co-Founder, Unwrapit

Thu 11/7 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – Fall Symposium (Chicago IL)

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE, Founder & CEO, Growth Owl, LLC
Merritt Rohlfing, Senior Marketing Manager, Association Analytics
Jon Smith, EVP, Strategic Partnerships, Multiview
Lisa Rau, PhD, Founder, Fionta

Thu 11/7 at 11 a.m. – Growing Existing Sponsors and Attracting New Sponsors for Your Association (Fall Symposium)

Host: UST Education

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

Thu 11/7 at 12:15 p.m. – Elevate Your Impact: Three Strategies to Build Association Success (Fall Symposium)

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Merritt Rohlfing, Senior Marketing Manager, Association Analytics

Thu 11/7 at 12:30 p.m. – Complying with LD203 Political Contribution Reports

Learn the serious risks that most lobbyists fail to recognize. More info/register.

Host: Gary Gallant, Managing Partner, Gallant Law Group.

Thu 11/7 at 1 p.m. – Sales Accelerator Labs – Reaching the Destination: Closing, Delivering & Expanding

Host: Impexium

Thu 11/7 at 2 p.m. – New Perspectives on AI and Machine Learning

Host: 501Works

Speakers:

Alex Mouw, CAE, Principal Strategic Advisor, Amazon Web Services
James Marquis, CIO, 501Works

Thu 11/7 at 2:15 p.m. – Supercharge Your Membership: 7 Gears Associations Need to Drive Growth (Fall Symposium)

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jon Smith, EVP, Strategic Partnerships, Multiview

Thu 11/7 at 2:15 p.m. – Generative AI and Chat GPT: Uses, Pros, and Cons for Associations (Fall Symposium)

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Lisa Rau, PhD, Founder, Fionta

Public domain painting by Bruno Moras (1883–1939), Autumnal forest landscape with water

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: 10.18.24

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

“Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall.” —F. Scott Fitzgerald

Membership survey. Please spare seven minutes to participate in iMIS by ASI’s Membership Performance Benchmark Survey. For the tenth year, they’re uncovering industry trends in membership engagement and retention levels, digital transformation, and more by gathering input from association professionals.

Attendee expectations. Per a new report from Freeman, many event organizers “are operating with outdated definitions of attendee and exhibitor value.” Barbara Palmer at PCMA Convene describes the big disconnect between planner perceptions and attendee expectations. For example, planners continue to schedule lecture-style sessions at on-site events even though attendees say they don’t want them.

Sponsorship strategy. In this comprehensive guide to tiered and à la carte sponsorship models for in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, EventMobi offers advice for pricing, selling, and delivering sponsorships, measuring ROI, and crafting post-event reports for sponsors.

Sponsorships. Bruce Rosenthal and Dan Kowitz helped EDUCAUSE adopt a relationship-focused, year-round approach to sponsorships that better aligns their goals with the goals of revenue partners. As a result, EDUCAUSE is delivering more value to their partners while solidifying their organization’s revenue streams.

Membership. GrowthZone’s latest association survey report reveals a few common challenges: associations have a tough time proving the value of membership and persuading members to make time for association engagement. Many of them admit to not having documented plans for member engagement, young professional recruitment, and lapsed member reengagement—that’s a natural place to start.

Member engagement. Merritt Rohlfing at Association Analytics encourages associations to change the way you think about member engagement. Be proactive. “Being heard through the noise takes novel ideas, new tools, and a bit of risk taking.” Watch the shifts in engagement between member segments and track not just what people do with you, but also what they don’t care about.

Accessibility. Associations are increasing their focus on Gen Z, but don’t forget about boomers. Mark Wallach of Engagement Mobile Strategies suggests unlocking new revenue by engaging boomers with more accessible online experiences.

Good listens

On the Reboot IT podcast, the DelCor leadership team (Dave Coriale, Loretta DeLuca, and Brian Sheehan) discuss controversial issues that aren’t getting enough attention from the association C-suite. I also loved the two-part Collabocast series with fellow association bloggers KiKi L’Italien, Ben Muscolino, Joanna Pineda, and Dave Will.

If you’re worried about threats to associations’ non-profit tax status—and the prospect of a heavier tax burden—check out the Radio Free 501c episode (also available on your podcast app) with guest Pete Sepp, president of the National Taxpayers Union—and husband of host Cecilia. While you’re at it, sign up for ASAE updates about 2025 tax legislation.

My colleague-in-curation, KiKi L’Italien, host of Association Chat, provides a weekly list of her favorite five association podcast episodes via a Spotify playlist and on LinkedIn.

Extra credit

Wine and the sweet hereafter: a lovely story about a visit to a German wine region, a used book from 1956, and sweet memories. | Jason Wilson, Everyday Drinking

Don’t think for a moment the Saudi Arabian government is anywhere near enlightened. A physician speaks out for the first time about four daughters in the royal family who were kept drugged and imprisoned for almost two decades, despite his attempts to free them. | Heidi Blake, The New Yorker

Why you shouldn’t rely on AI content detectors—and what to do instead. | Kiran Shahid, Zapier

You never grow old at the table

I always forget how much I love big dinner salads. We start each night with a small salad, but last Friday, I pan-seared salmon for a dinner salad that also 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 cooking the salmon, I topped it with a mix of pecans, jerk spices, and chipotle powder.

Ooh-wee, this dish hit the spot: sausage cabbage noodles. Cabbage isn’t the most glamorous of vegetables, but it shines in this starring role. I omitted bacon, used a combo of pecan-smoked sausage and bratwurst, added mushrooms, red bell, poblano, and red jalapeño peppers, and included the optional caraway seed. I used a whole head of cabbage but once the dish was done, it was tough to distinguish the cabbage from the egg noodles in the tomato paste-tinged sauce.

If you’d like to subscribe, 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 10/18 at 1 p.m.* – Talk with CAEs

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

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

Fri 10/18 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. In October, we will have breakout groups on different topics suggested by the community, plus our usual agenda: welcome and sharing of good news, topics or questions from the group, suggested topics from the facilitator, and questions and sharing about getting the most out of our ASAE participation. More info.

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

Fri 10/18 at 4 p.m. – What’s unique about nonprofit investing and why does it matter?

Learn what’s uniquely important about the management of reserves and how to work more effectively with advisors in support of the volunteer leadership’s efforts to be effective investment stewards. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speakers: Ryan Frydenlund, CIMA®, CIPM, Director of Operations, Raffa Investment Advisers

Mon 10/21 at 8 a.m. – Artificial Intelligence and Government Regulation (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Pete Sepp, President, National Taxpayers Union

Tue 10/22 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. How do we 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 (ASAE members only).

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

Tue 10/22 at 12 p.m. – Unpacking Data Governance: Defining Roles, Processes, and Priorities

Hear a general introduction to data governance, what it is, who owns it, and the key questions organizations need to address. Effective data governance strategies, in the long run, are key to eliminating redundancy, reducing organizational liability, and running a strong association. Then dive into facilitated discussions in breakout rooms, each focused on a specific aspect of data governance: Data Quality and Data Dictionaries, Establishing a Data Governance Charter and Teams, Standard Operating Procedures for Data Governance, and Planning and Roadmapping for Data Governance. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers:

Norma Castrejon, DelCor Technology Solutions, Strategic Consultant
Dana Karstensen, MBA, IOM, CAE, America Society of Anesthesiologists, Data Governance Product Manager
Alex Mouw, CAE, Amazon Web Services, Principal Strategic Advisor
Evan Reid, MPP, The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Senior Director of Analytics

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

This two-day event features presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer AMS platforms. AMS experts will be showcasing platforms and sharing their knowledge with the association market. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Demos: iMIS by ASI, Fonteva, Netforum AMS, Credivera, GrowthZone, Altai Systems, Personify MC Professional, Impexium, Cannolai, and Aptify AMS

Tue 10/22 at 11 a.m. – A New Year, A New Way of Thinking: Reframing Your Association Business Model in a New Competitive Environment

Associations earn the attention of their industry and/or profession by thinking like a media company. Learn how to reframe your business and revenue models to effectively compete with organizations influencing the Attention Economy of your members, prospective members, and key stakeholders. Hear how to develop and implement innovative 360 sponsorship models that use existing digital channels and incorporate emerging technologies like AI, Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and the Metaverse. Find out how to apply media company strategies to consistently control and monetize content and branding across digital media channels, creating new channels to optimize member engagement, drive revenue, and sustain organizational relevance in a competitive environment. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Brian Miller, VP, Strategic Partnerships, Multiview

Wed 10/23 at 11 a.m. – Securing Executive Buy-In: Advocating for Technological Change in Associations

Failure to secure organizational buy-in is one of the most common barriers to successful technological transitions. Hear association executives discuss effective strategies for communicating the value of technological advancements to your executive team and board. Learn how to align tech initiatives with organizational goals, build a compelling business case, and navigate the challenges of implementing significant technological changes in the association landscape. More info/register.

Host: fusionSPAN

Speakers:

Juan Sanchez, Inteleos
PJ Sawchuk, Epic Solutions Partner
Tadu Yimam, NACUBO

Wed 10/23 at 11 a.m. – The Key to Accelerating Growth: Building Community through Events

Learn about the role of events as powerful tools for community building, helping organizations grow efficiently and effectively. See real-world examples of teams just like yours who have turned events into profitable, community-building experiences. More info/register.

Host: Bizzabo

Speakers:

Alon Alroy, Cofounder & CMO, Bizzabo
Sam Jacobs, Founder & CEO, Pavilion

Wed 10/23 at 12 p.m. – Enhancing Chapter Operations: The Power of Dashboards

How many of us struggle with getting component volunteers to submit reports? How many have a file folder full of individual spreadsheets or reports? Maybe you have great chapter data, but can you make this data meaningful for your chapters, board or staff? When attempting to track chapter effectiveness, knowing what to measure is just one part of the equation. The other is knowing how to collect, store and share that data, in addition to recognizing and tracking the data trends. See the dashboards and hear the stories of how two associations answered these challenges. More info/register.

Host: Billhighway, Impexium and Mariner Management

Speakers:

Christi Beatty, CAE, AGC of America
Jennifer Steffan, NIGP
Peggy Hoffman (moderator), Mariner Management

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

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

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Wed 10/23 at 12 p.m. – Buzzworthy LIVE: The Key to Attracting Sponsors

Learn about the impact non-dues revenue has on member value, how to stand out in the competition for members’ attention, and how sponsor partnerships can help you achieve association goals. More info/register.

Host: WorkerBee.TV

Speakers:

Bruce Rosenthal, Corporate Partnership Strategist, Consultant, Educator
Marcus Leite, Director, Sales & Marketing, WorkerBee.TV

Wed 10/23 at 12 p.m. – I got my CAE, now what?

The Certified Association Executive (CAE) is a standard for industry excellence but figuring out how to leverage this in our association careers in often a question mark. Explore differing perceptions about the CAE, learn how to leverage your credential in a tight job market, and identify smart continuing education to take your skills to the next level. More info/register.

Host: Association Xchange

Speakers:

Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FSAE, CAE, CEO, CPF, founder, Vista Cova
Leslie Hortum, managing partner, SpencerStuart
Phylicia Ross, CAE, senior associate, Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group
W. Arnold (moderator), CAE, APR, Fellow PRSA, principal, PRDC

Wed 10/23 at 12 p.m. – Trick or Cheat: Fraud Trends and Motives

Unmask the latest tricks scammers are using to target nonprofits and their staff. We’re not just sharing the most frightening fraud trends from the past year, but also looking at the motives behind them. Hear about the vulnerabilities that make organizations susceptible and highlight practical strategies to defend against fraud. More info/register.

Host: Your Part-Time Controller

Wed 10/23 at 12 p.m. MDT – AWTC Denver Networking Lunch (Englewood CO)

Join us for a dynamic networking lunch to connect, collaborate, and enjoy great company in a welcoming environment. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to expand your network and exchange ideas. Location: Englewood CO. More info/register.

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Wed 10/23 at 1 p.m. – The Role of AI in Strategic Planning

AI represents a seismic disruption to how we lead our associations. There is a significant opportunity for associations to utilize AI to enhance their strategic planning—to improve performance and impact, enhance innovation and agility, and to save time and money—and to do so effectively and ethically. Hear about the potential (and limitations) of AI and fresh insights into developing AI-human collaboration capability. Learn how to think critically and use judgement whilst benefiting from all of the benefits of AI and machine learning. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Andrew Chamberlain, Managing Director, Elevated
Elisa Pratt, Chief Executive, Brewer Pratt Solutions

Wed 10/23 at 1 p.m. – Rational is Overrated: Embracing Disruptive Thinking for Sustained Growth

This session embodies the innovation principles it teaches. Learn actionable strategies to enhance your organization’s innovation capabilities with a focus on: generating and fostering new ideas consistently under the right conditions; the convergence of diverse groups, skills, and mindsets; and problem-solving within set timeframes and supportive environments. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Hosts: Fonteva and Protech

Speaker: Isabelle Perreault, Founder & CEO, Differly Inc.

Wed 10/23 at 2 p.m. – What the State of Associations Today Reveals About Tomorrow

Hear about the key insights from the 2024 Association Benchmarking Report, including actionable strategies, the evolution of member engagement, innovative solutions to revenue challenges, and the transformative role of emerging technologies. Learn about the strategies required to tackle today’s challenges and set a course for future success. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Naylor Association Solutions

Speakers: Chris Garner, Vice President of Business Development, and Sarah Sain, CAE, Vice President of Content Services, Naylor Association Solutions

Wed 10/23 at 2 p.m. – Why You Need an Event Technologist on Your Team

As organizations increasingly rely on technology to enhance their events, the role of event technologists becomes paramount. This person is responsible for understanding the event tech landscape and marrying that to the needs of your business to ensure your teams can efficiently execute events, deliver exceptional attendee experiences, and report on results. Learn about the value derived from hiring event technologists and why you need this role on your team. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: MeetingsNet

Speakers: Julie Haddix, Senior Director, Industry Marketing, and Allyson Keenan, Senior Manager, Event Technology and Operations, Cvent

Thu 10/24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Association Management System (AMS) Demo Days

Host: ASAE

Demos: Personify MC Trade, Aplusify, Protech, YourMembership AMS, AC MemberSmart by Advanced Communities, MemberSuite by GrowthZone, Nimble AMS, Mem360 – AMS Built on Oracle NetSuite, Glue Up

Thu 10/24 at 11 a.m. – Is Your Website Meeting Member Needs? Take This 15-Minute Assessment.

Learn whether your website meets current content standards to deliver member value and discover key metrics to assess and improve member experience through your website. Find out how to evaluate your website’s performance and set targeted improvement goals. See how small, consistent enhancements can significantly boost member engagement. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Dan Stevens, President, WorkerBee.TV

Thu 10/24 at 11 a.m. – Badge Me Baby One More Time: How to Oops-Proof Badge Design and Check-In

Learn how to create a welcoming and engaging check-in experience, ensuring your attendees feel valued from the moment they arrive; design badges that enhance networking and engagement, turning every badge into a conversation starter; navigate badge stock and printing options, staying on budget for every event type and size; and apply effective strategies for a smooth check-in process, setting the stage for a successful event. More info/register.

Host: EventMobi

Speakers:

Liz Lathan, Co-Founder of Club Ichi and The Community Factory
Claus Raasted, Director at The College of Extraordinary Experiences
Bob Vaez, CEO, EventMobi

Thu 10/24 at 12 p.m. – Looking Forward 2024 Solutions: The Association Strategies Essential to Success

Get a first look at data from Looking Forward® 2024 Solutions, yearly research that tests 120 strategies currently being implemented by associations. Learn about key strategies that associations believe are critical to success and why they are so essential to the future of associations, the principal challenges facing association strategy as the sector continues to change in relation to current events, and how to access the Looking Forward Dashboard, filter for the specific information you need, and download reports to share with your staff or board. More info/register.

Host: Association Laboratory

Speakers:

Francine Johannesen, CAE, Executive Director, Texas Academy of General Dentistry
Stefanie Svisco, Executive Director, APA Florida
Nikki Golden, CAE, Strategist, Association Laboratory
Felicia Kenan, JM, MPA, CAE, CMP, Strategist, Association Laboratory
Dean West, founder and President, Association Laboratory

Thu 10/24 at 12 p.m. – Nonprofits & Associations: Attracting Talent for Corporate Sponsorship Roles

Learn how to attract top talent to fill corporate sponsorship roles in nonprofits and associations, and identify the skills and attributes that align with your organization’s mission and sponsorship goals, ensuring the right fit for long-term success. Find out how to create compelling job descriptions, optimize your recruitment process, and build a team that excels in securing vital corporate partnerships. Hear about hiring a corporate sponsorship executive team member versus outsourcing corporate sponsorship engagement. More info/register.

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

Guest: Leah York, President, Talbott Talent

Thu 10/24 at 12 p.m. – Sustainable Support: Association Growth Strategies

Explore practical strategies for effective revenue models and diversifying funding sources. Hear insights and approaches tailored to the unique challenges associations face. Learn how to future-proof your association and drive meaningful expansion. More info/register.

Host: NX Unite by Nexus Marketing

Speakers:

David Coyne, CFRE, President at The Sheridan Group
Vinnu Deshetty, CEO & Founder at EVA
Michael Hoffman, Co-Founder & CEO at Gather Voices
Chris Vaughan, Chief Strategy Officer at Sequence Consulting

Thu 10/24 at 12 p.m. – The AI for Personalization Blueprint

It’s never been easier for your brand to deploy powerful AI personalization to do highly sophisticated omnichannel personalization at speed and scale. Learn about the best ways to personalize the buyer experience with AI—and the tools that can help you do it. Hear strategies and tactics to make your content, website, and recommendations more personalized using AI. More info/register.

Host: Marketing AI Institute

Speakers: Mike Kaput, Chief Content Officer, and Cathy McPhillips, Chief Growth Officer at Marketing AI Institute

Thu 10/24 at 12:30 p.m. – Finding Daylight in the Legislative and Executive Branch Gift Rules

Learn how to cultivate relationships without tripping over ethical lines. More info/register.

Host: Gary Gallant, Managing Partner, Gallant Law Group.

Thu 10/24 at 12:30 p.m. – Building a Nonprofit Board of Directors: Legal and Strategic Issues

There are numerous considerations in structuring the board of directors of a nonprofit organization, including optimal size, qualifications, responsibilities, diversity, succession, compensation, and voting rights, to name a few. Learn about the various aspects of nonprofit board structure, from both the legal and strategic standpoints, including issues unique to different types of tax-exempt organizations, including public charities, membership organizations, and family foundations. More info/register.

Host: Venable LLP

Speaker: Bob Waldman, partner at Venable and President of the Venable Foundation

Thu 10/24 at 1 p.m. – Sales Accelerator Labs – Charting the Course: Gathering Your Sales Tools

Join us for part 1 of our 3-part virtual Sales Accelerator Labs, where customer experience and sales expert Carrie McIntyre will show you strategies to make sales easier, more effective, and dare we say, enjoyable. Today, learn how to focus, save time, and boost results by defining your Ideal Customer Profile, crafting compelling copy, and using proven outreach tactics. More info/register.

Host: Impexium

Thu 10/24 at 1 p.m. – From Strategy to Execution: Ruthlessly Aligning Your Association for Success

Your association has a strategic plan, now what? Learn how to develop clear goals to enhance the volunteer experience and guide volunteers to serve in the most effective roles; analyze and organize staff resources to optimize program development and eliminate inefficiencies, building a lean, focused team; and cultivate a future-focused board culture that recognizes and supports the chief staff officer’s role in driving organizational alignment. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Tip Tucker Kendall, Executive Director, National Grants Management Association

Thu 10/24 at 1 p.m. – Membership & Young Professionals: How to encourage them to join, stay, and engage?

Young professionals join associations less often, engage more transactionally, and leave more frequently. Their behavior, expectations, and preferences are consistent across every industry and are significantly different from previous generations. Every association is grappling with this challenge. Learn about what is driving this transformational change, and how your organization can respond to reverse the trend. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Forj

Speakers: Amrita Kulkarni, Director, Design Research & Strategy, and David Whited, Principal, Design Research & Strategy, Highland

Thu 10/24 at 1 p.m. – Not-So-Everyday AI: Beginner’s Prompting Workshop

Learn how to create effective prompts that generate impactful results across various AI tools. This beginner-friendly, hands-on session will provide practical techniques to help you accelerate tasks, streamline processes, and engage members using AI. Get tips and strategies that make AI work smarter and faster for you. More info/register.

Host: Dan Streeter, CEO of Mission Fuel

Thu 10/24 at 1 p.m. – Mastering the Ups and Downs: Smart Investment Policies for Nonprofits & Associations

Prudent investment policies can not only safeguard reserves but also position your organization to take advantage of market fluctuations for long-term success. Learn proactive strategies to enhance your investment policies, helping you manage risk and uncertainty, including effective reserve segmentation and policy design to strengthen financial resilience. Hear how to craft investment approaches that secure your organization’s future, even in times of economic uncertainty. More info/register.

Host: Raffa Investment Advisors

Thu 10/24 at 3 p.m. – Innovative Member Engagement: Using Technology to Connect and Retain

With the rise of virtual platforms, remaining accessible and relevant is key to association growth. Explore cutting-edge technologies that can strengthen relationships and improve retention. Hear expert insights and actionable strategies to take your member engagement to the next level. More info/register.

Host: NX Unite by Nexus Marketing

Speakers:

Michael Burns, CRO at vFairs
Peter Deitz, Co-founder at Unwrapit
Farhad Khan, CEO of Member Lounge
Artesha Moore, President & CEO at Association Forum

Fri 10/25 at 1 p.m. – Tech or Treat? Strategies to Resurrect Your Association’s Digital Infrastructure

Host: Blue Sky eLearn

Speakers:

John Leh, CEO, Talented Learning
Liam O’Malley, CAE, PMP, Vice President of Association Solutions, Blue Sky eLearn

Sun 10/27 at 12:30 p.m. – AWTC Meetup Lunch at digitalNow

Organizer: Association Women Technology Champions

Tue 10/29 at 11 a.m. – Awards, Before & After

Host: AM&P Next

Speakers:

Maggie Murphy, editor-in-chief of ABC’s CE Magazine
Colby Waller and John Serrao of THOR Studio

Tue 10/29 at 2 p.m. – Before You Go: An Insider’s Guide to AMSFest

Hosts: 501Works and PerByte

Speakers:

James Marquis, CIO, 501Works
Olivia Wilkins, Business Analyst/Project Manager, PerByte

Wed 10/30 at 1 p.m. – 5 ‘scary’ good membership campaigns with ‘killer’ ROI

Host: PropFuel

Wed 10/30 at 3 p.m. – 5 Reasons Analytics Scares People Off (And Why It’s Not So Spooky)

Host: Association Analytics

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

Thu 10/31 at 1 p.m. – Sales Accelerator Labs – Journey to Engagement: Building & Keeping Momentum

Host: Impexium

Creative Commons licensed photo by Cathy Cardno 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: 10.11.24

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

Hurricane Helene. Less than 1% of households in the hardest-hit mountain counties of North Carolina are protected by the National Flood Insurance Program. People have lost their homes, perhaps their businesses or jobs, and all their worldly goods. I can’t even fathom the loss of lives—we haven’t yet heard the worst of it. Find a list of organizations to support in the Helene Response & Rebuild: Western North Carolina Resource Guide.

Sponsorships. Sponsors have many options for their marketing dollars, including their own webinars, events, and blog posts. Impexium explains how to increase your association’s sponsorship revenue with a new relationship-based and expertise-focused approach to corporate partners.

Membership value. Sherry Budziak at .orgSource talked with Tom Morrison, CEO of the Metal Treating Institute, about how his organization respects tradition while embracing innovation and change. He said, “We must live in the future and be ready to act today,” which requires focusing on activities they execute better than anyone else in their space and initiating conversations about anything that might impact their industry.

Association AI. The Association Artificial Intelligence Certificate Course teaches the practical use of AI tools for association professionals. Learn how to create high-quality text, image, video, and other content through hands-on time in class. This live course from Association Academy meets on five Thursdays, 1-2pm ET starting October 17. Earn one CAE credit for each live session you attend. Association Brain Food readers save $50 with the promo code BRAINFOOD.

Video marketing. VideoRequest describes how associations use videos to increase brand awareness, engage volunteers, promote events, and raise funds.

Good humans. A post titled “Sharing a Beer” is always going to catch my eye, especially when written by James Young of Product Community. He shares the essential traits of positive multipliers, people who bring out the best in others and help build great communities.

Member engagement. Elizabeth Engel of Spark Consulting shares insightful takeaways from a conversation about engaging today’s members, including making space for them and solving the right problems.

AI tool for events. I don’t usually feature case studies but I’m making an exception for this one. I haven’t heard about this kind of tool and maybe you haven’t either. 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.

Association media. On the Professionals for Association Revenue blog, Carla Kalogeridis of Kalo Media describes how to take a strategic approach to association media programs and the revenue they generate. She shares three questions to help you declutter your media and other non-dues revenue products before adding anything new.

Call-a-member month. Love this idea. Learn the art of member engagement through personalized phone calls in this free four-week online program (on Thursdays at 8 p.m. starting 10/17) hosted by Olena Lima from MemberBoat and Angela McDonald from Optimum Contact. Find out how to use phone campaigns to connect with current members, re-engage lapsed members, and reach out to potential members.

Extra credit

8 email newsletter signup forms that convert—useful examples for associations and their industry partners. | Rasa.io

How to calculate your association’s member retention rate. | Elizabeth Bell, Higher Logic

Things worth remembering: the imperfection of America. When the Constitution was signed on September 17, 1787, Benjamin Franklin acknowledged its flaws—then defended it magnificently. | Douglas Murray, The Free Press

You might be a late bloomer: the life secrets of those who flailed early but succeeded by old age. | David Brooks, The Atlantic (archive/free link)

You never grow old at the table

Last weekend, we enjoyed our annual Oktoberfest at my niece’s house on the coast south of Wilmington, NC. We did some crabbing (joy!) and clamming (no joy!) on Friday and Saturday—and enjoyed steamed crabs for lunch on Saturday and again Monday night. We ended up buying clams at Seaview Crab Company to bring home and shrimp to make scampi pasta on Saturday night. This time, my scampi included onion, red bell pepper, garlic, grape tomatoes, white wine, shrimp, butter, pasta water, linguine, and fresh basil.

Earlier this week, I made spiced baked bone-in pork chops. I used a mix of half-sharp paprika and smoked paprika and added garlic powder to the recipe too. On the side, frozen asparagus warmed up with lemon zest, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese.

If you’d like to subscribe, 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 10/11 at 12 p.m.* – MarketingMindshare: Measuring Marketing ROI

Join a conversation on how your association is assessing the impact of your marketing efforts. Whether you’re in marketing, communications, technology, or another department, this event is designed to provide you with actionable knowledge and networking opportunities. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Marketing Professionals Advisory Council

Speakers: Laura Sparks, Jennifer Ginest, and other special guests from the ASAE Marketing Council

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

Fri 10/11 at 4 p.m. – 2025: Our Year to Thrive!

Let’s talk about how 4 Ds—Delete, Define, Develop, and Deliver—can reposition your career, your team, and your organization to thrive, as we say goodbye to 2024 and get ready to lead the last year of the first quarter of the 21st century. Learn how stopping, putting energy into these areas, and allowing yourself the freedom to redesign can unleash new waves of creativity and generate excitement for the future and your role in it. More info/register.

Host: Fridays@4

Speaker: Cynthia Mills, FASAE, CAE, CMC, CPC, CCRC, founder, The Leaders’ Haven

Mon 10/14 at 8 a.m. – Advocacy & Allyship (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)

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

Guest: Samyuktha Neeraja, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology

Tue 10/15 at 10 a.m. – Engage First, Grow Further: Rethinking Membership Strategies (Associations Trends Talk)

Too often, organizations focus myopically on increasing membership. True growth and sustainability come from fostering deep, meaningful connections with current and potential members. Explore how shifting the focus from new member acquisition to engagement can transform your association’s impact and attract loyal members organically. More info/register.

Host: Ewald Consulting

Speaker: Avi Olitzky, President and Principal Consultant, Olitzky Consulting Group

Tue 10/15 at 11 a.m. – Solving the Employee Turnover Problem

Most organizations could dramatically reduce employee turnover costs and keep their top talent if they only took some simple steps to address the true reasons people leave. Learn how to make the right changes in areas like compensation, people skills, employee engagement, and workplace culture, so you can start creating an organization that your people would never want to leave. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Jamie Notter, Co-Founder, PROPEL

Tue 10/15 at 12 p.m. – Member Renewal Campaigns

Are you getting ready for your member renewal season? Find out how to increase your retention rate, speed up cash flow, and upsell your membership. More info/register.

Host: Zzeem Consulting

Tue 10/15 at 12 p.m. – Crafting High-Impact Newsletters With AI

Email newsletters remain the most effective way to stay connected with your members. The challenge? Crafting newsletters that people want to read. Learn how you can reduce your newsletter creation time while leveraging easy AI automation. Discover how to transform your newsletters from time sinks into powerful tools for increasing engagement, reducing member churn, and boosting ad revenue. More info/register.

Host: rasa.io

Speaker: Erica Salm Rench, COO, rasa.io

Tue 10/15 at 12 p.m. – Crunch & Munch: Working with and Managing Volunteers

Join a conversation about working with and managing volunteers, including the joys and struggles of volunteer management, tips for success, trends, ideas for training topics, micro-volunteerism, and more. Come to this open discussion with your experiences, ideas, and questions. More info/register (ASAE members only).

Host: ASAE Component Relations Volunteer Management Council

Speakers:

Rachel Grimes, Member Engagement Specialist, Society for Mining Metallurgy and Exploration Inc.
Marty Tatman, Senior Director of Member Engagement, American Farm Bureau Federation

Tue 10/15 at 1 p.m. – AI-Powered Solutions for Improved Website Content Findability: Bringing Your Most Valuable Information to the Forefront

AI search supercharges content discoverability, provides data-driven insights, and greatly reduces the time your site users spend finding what they seek. Learn how aggregating content from your third-party disparate systems allows your resources to be more easily discoverable, increasing user engagement and satisfaction. See how AI provides valuable data about members’ interactions with your site, helping you better understand user needs and content gaps. Hear AI helps optimize the relevance of search results by considering different parameters for ranking various types of content, ensuring users receive the most pertinent information. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speakers: Johnny Clayton, Chief Growth Officer, and Adam Hostetter, CEO, FUSE Search

Wed 10/16 at 7 a.m. – From Passive Consumers to Active Advocates: Strategies for Enhanced Member Engagement

In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, associations must continuously adapt to meet the changing needs and expectations of their members. How do you solve this perennial challenge around engagement? How do you retain existing members throughout their career? How do you attract and engage with the younger generation? What strategies can you implement to close this engagement loop? More info/register.

Host: Memcom

Speakers:

Nikki Walker, Global Vice President, Associations & Communities, MCI
Julian Smith, Director, Memcom

Wed 10/16 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – CMEpalooza Fall

CMEpalooza is a free, biannual, online conference geared toward individuals involved in the development and implementation of continuing medical education for healthcare professionals. Sessions relevant across the CME/CE spectrum are broadcast live and available for viewing shortly after their conclusion. More info/register.

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

Wed 10/16 from 11 a.m. to 5:25 p.m. – Guru 2024: The World’s Largest Virtual Email Marketing Conference

An email marketing conference designed to help you exceed your current strategies with actionable advice you can deploy same-day, informed by a deep pool of real-time user data. Hear the latest digital trends, email best practices and emerging tools you’ll need to step up your email marketing performance. More info/register.

Host: Guru Media Hub

Wed 10/16 at 1 p.m. – An Ever-Evolving Boardroom: Examining the State of Association Governance

The ways association boards operate has shifted drastically over the last 5 years. And with developments like advances in board management software and the rise artificial intelligence, association governance’s transformation is likely far from over. Where do association boards stand today, and where might they be headed? Join a discussion about the current trends and challenges impacting today’s boards. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: ASAE

Speakers:

Jordan Castel, Association Consultant at OnBoard
Paul Pomerantz, FACHE, FASAE, Managing Director of ASAE’s Association Governance Institute

Wed 10/16 at 1 p.m. – Digging Into the Event Data Goldmine

Learn how to pinpoint the metrics that matter most, measure your event’s success and use that knowledge to make your programs stronger and more successful. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Meetings Today

Speaker: Carisa Bartelt, Manager, Industry Marketing, Cvent

Wed 10/16 at 2 p.m. – Rage Against the Machine: How to Humanize Content and Harness Intent for Breakthrough Results

Explore practical strategies for aligning your content with buyer motivations and intent, while also addressing the growing influence of generative AI in content creation and discovery. Learn how to harness E-E-A-T principles (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) to optimize for both SEO and human engagement. Hear about using key integrated tactics like social media and influencer marketing to forge authentic connections that distinguish your brand in this era of AI and abundant content. More info/register.

Host: Content Marketing Institute

Speakers:

Seth Adler, Head of IMI Innovation & Intelligence, Informa Connect
Jane Bartel, Director of Search & Content Marketing, TopRank Marketing
Nick Nelson, Associate Content Director, TopRank Marketing

Wed 10/16 at 2 p.m. – Breaking the $100K Ceiling: Insights From the 2024 Meeting Planner Salary Survey

Explore the groundbreaking results of the 2024 Northstar Meetings Group/Meetingjobs-Cadre Salary Survey. This year marks a significant milestone in the 31-year history of the survey, with average meeting planner salaries surpassing $100,000 for the first time. Delve into the meetings industry’s latest employment trends, looking at compensation, regional differences, gender pay equity, workload and more. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.

Host: Northstar Meetings Group

Speakers:

Dawn Penfold, president of Meetingjobs.com, a Cadre company
Sarah J.F. Braley (moderator), Managing Editor,Northstar Meetings Group

Thu 10/17 at 11 a.m. – What sponsors and exhibitors REALLY want from your next event

For marketers, conferences and trade shows are their greatest moment. This is because they represent months of planning, a huge chunk of their budget and pressure to deliver ROI. However, understanding what they REALLY feel about your event is tough. Learn from our panelists the ‘good’ and ‘bad’ about the B2B events they invest $$$ in, what event organizers can do get them to rebook quickly, and what they’re NOT getting from event organizers today and what they want in the future. More info/register.

Host: Grip

Speakers

Amy Devlin, VP of Strategy, George P Johnson Experience Marketing
Brandon Paski, Event Marketing Manager, OpenSesame
David T Stevens, Co-founder, Olympian Meeting
Hew Leith (moderator), SVP of Marketing at Grip

Thu 10/17 from 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. – Guru 2024: The World’s Largest Virtual Email Marketing Conference

Host: Guru Media Hub

Thu 10/17 at 12:30 p.m. – 3 Key Strategies to Develop Impactful Microcredential Programs

Learn how microcredentials can serve distinct purposes: attracting new members, enriching existing memberships, and fostering long-term engagement. Find out how microcredentials can be tailored to meet specific employer demands for skills, thereby enhancing the employability and competitiveness of members. Discover how integrating microcredentials into your offerings can drive member loyalty and create new revenue streams through diversification and stackable credentials. Hear success stories demonstrating how leading organizations have successfully implemented microcredential programs. 0.5 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: .orgCommunity

Speaker: BenchPrep’s CEO, Ashish Rangnekar

Thu 10/17 at 1 p.m. – How to Choose the Right System: Identifying, Articulating, and Documenting Requirements

System requirements help define what the users’ needs are, how a system should function, and ensure there is a clear understanding and expectation about the scope of a system. Learn the reasons for identifying and documenting requirements; how to gather, document, and prioritize effective system requirements; the appropriate timing for sharing requirements with potential vendors during system selection; and how to evaluate vendor responses based on how well they meet documented requirements. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Dave Coriale, CAE, President, DelCor

Thu 10/17 at 1 p.m. – The Path to Learning Business Maturity

In a world where competition, learner expectations, and the need to deliver real impact have increased dramatically, learning businesses must take their operations to a new level of maturity in order to thrive. Learn about the Tagoras Learning Business Maturity Model, its components, and how learning businesses can—and do—implement the model in a way that puts them on a clear, measurable path to greater maturity and, by extension, greater reach, revenue, and impact. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.

Host: Tagoras

Speakers: Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, founders, Tagoras

Thu 10/17 at 2 p.m. – From Checkboxes to Strategy: Implementing and Leading Sustainable Event Practices

Sustainability goes beyond mere checkboxes— it’s about making impactful choices that benefit both people and the planet. Explore the scope of sustainability and the implementation of practical best practices while aiming for industry-leading standards. Through real-world examples and a review of available resources, gain actionable insights and a sustainability mindset to elevate your meetings and events. More info/register.

Hosts: Smart Meetings and Financial & Insurance Conference Professionals

Speakers: Ellie Hurley, Tiffany Eck and Lori Allen

Thu 10/17 at 4 p.m. – Election Impact on Association Investments and Markets

Where do today’s polls predict certain candidates will prevail? How may the results impact key tax, tariff, immigration, regulation, and other issues? What do the different scenarios signal for capital markets and portfolios? This discussion offers a chance to gain insights into how the upcoming election could shape the market landscape. More info/register.

Host: ASAE Reston-Loudoun Swap

Speakers: Lydia E. Wolf, Senior Wealth Advisor, and Meghan Shue, Head of Investment Strategy, Wilmington Trust N.A

Fri 10/18 at 1 p.m. – Talk with CAEs

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

Fri 10/18 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. In October, we will have breakout groups on different topics suggested by the community, plus our usual agenda: welcome and sharing of good news, topics or questions from the group, suggested topics from the facilitator, and questions and sharing about getting the most out of our ASAE participation. More info.

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

Fri 10/18 at 4 p.m. – What’s unique about nonprofit investing and why does it matter?

Host: Fridays@4

Speakers: Ryan Frydenlund, CIMA®, CIPM, Director of Operations, Raffa Investment Advisers

Tue 10/22 at 12 p.m. – Unpacking Data Governance: Defining Roles, Processes, and Priorities

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Speakers:

Norma Castrejon, DelCor Technology Solutions, Strategic Consultant
Dana Karstensen, MBA, IOM, CAE, America Society of Anesthesiologists, Data Governance Product Manager
Alex Mouw, CAE, Amazon Web Services, Principal Strategic Advisor
Evan Reid, MPP, The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Senior Director of Analytics

Wed 10/23 at 11 a.m. – A New Year, A New Way of Thinking: Reframing Your Association Business Model in a New Competitive Environment

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Brian Miller, VP, Strategic Partnerships, Multiview

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

Host: ASAE

Demos: iMIS by ASI, Fonteva, Netforum AMS, Credivera, GrowthZone, Altai Systems, Personify MC Professional, Impexium, Cannolai, and Aptify AMS

Wed 10/23 at 11 a.m. – Securing Executive Buy-In: Advocating for Technological Change in Associations

Join our panel discussion featuring executives from leading associations to learn effective strategies to communicate the value of technological advancements to your executive team and board of directors. Discover how to align tech initiatives with organizational goals, build a compelling business case, and navigate the challenges of implementing significant technological changes in the association landscape. More info/register.

Host: fusionSPAN

Speakers:

Juan Sanchez, Inteleos
PJ Sawchuk, Epic Solutions Partner
Tadu Yimam, NACUBO

Wed 10/23 at 12 p.m. – Enhancing Chapter Operations: The Power of Dashboards

Host: Billhighway, Impexium and Mariner Management

Speakers:

Christi Beatty, CAE, AGC of America
Jennifer Steffan, NIGP
Peggy Hoffman (moderator), Mariner Management

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

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

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Wed 10/23 at 12 p.m. MDT – AWTC Denver Networking Lunch (Englewood CO)

Host: Association Women Technology Champions

Wed 10/23 at 12 p.m. – I got my CAE, now what?

Host: Association Xchange

Speakers:

Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FSAE, CAE, CEO, CPF, founder, Vista Cova
Leslie Hortum, managing partner, SpencerStuart
Phylicia Ross, CAE, senior associate, Pharmaceutical Product Stewardship Work Group
W. Arnold (moderator), CAE, APR, Fellow PRSA, principal, PRDC

Wed 10/23 at 1 p.m. – The Role of AI in Strategic Planning

Host: UST Education

Speakers:

Andrew Chamberlain, Managing Director, Elevated
Elisa Pratt, Chief Executive, Brewer Pratt Solutions

Wed 10/23 at 1 p.m. – Rational is Overrated: Embracing Disruptive Thinking for Sustained Growth

Hosts: Fonteva and Protech

Speaker: Isabelle Perreault, Founder & CEO, Differly Inc.

Thu 10/24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Association Management System (AMS) Demo Days

Host: ASAE

Demos: Personify MC Trade, Aplusify, Protech, YourMembership AMS, AC MemberSmart by Advanced Communities, MemberSuite by GrowthZone, Nimble AMS, Mem360 – AMS Built on Oracle NetSuite, Glue Up

Thu 10/24 at 12 p.m. – Looking Forward 2024 Solutions: The Association Strategies Essential to Success

Host: Association Laboratory

Speakers:

Francine Johannesen, CAE, Executive Director, Texas Academy of General Dentistry
Stefanie Svisco, Executive Director, APA Florida
Nikki Golden, CAE, Strategist, Association Laboratory
Felicia Kenan, JM, MPA, CAE, CMP, Strategist, Association Laboratory
Dean West, founder and President, Association Laboratory

Thu 10/24 at 12 p.m. – Nonprofits & Associations: Attracting Talent for Corporate Sponsorship Roles

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

Guest: Leah York, President, Talbott Talent

Thu 10/24 at 12:30 p.m. – Finding Daylight in the Legislative and Executive Branch Gift Rules

Learn how to cultivate relationships without tripping over ethical lines. More info/register.

Host: Gary Gallant, Managing Partner, Gallant Law Group.

Thu 10/24 at 1 p.m. – From Strategy to Execution: Ruthlessly Aligning Your Association for Success

Host: UST Education

Speaker: Tip Tucker Kendall, Executive Director, National Grants Management Association

Creative Commons licensed photo by Jakob Creutz 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!

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:

Extra credit

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:

Good listens

Extra credit

You never grow old at the table

If you’d like to subscribe, 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:

Extra credit

You never grow old at the table

If you’d like to subscribe, 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: