The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community…
New member onboarding. Does your association have a new member onboarding, orientation or welcoming program? If you do, please participate in the 2020 New Member Engagement Survey from Amanda Kaiser (Kaiser Insights) and Dynamic Benchmarking. The report that came out of their first survey two years ago was full of good information and great ideas so I look forward to this edition.
Virtual conference complaints—and solutions. We’ve had a few months now of quickly planned virtual conferences and learning events. Already you can hear some constructive criticism if you listen for it. WBT Systems has been tuning in—they describe ten attendee complaints about virtual conferences and provide suggestions to resolve them.
Virtual event sponsors/exhibitors. Billhighway explains how virtual events can help sponsors and exhibitors achieve their marketing goals—while helping chapters achieve their revenue goals. The goals they discuss are thought leadership, meeting leads and decision-makers, product showcasing and brand awareness.
Virtual conference success stories. Jessica Joseph describes how, in two weeks, her team at the National Kidney Foundation turned their annual conference into a virtual conference.
Here’s another one. Steve Cernak at the American Bar Association’s Antitrust Law Section took their conference from in-person to virtual in one month—slackers! Just kidding. It’s exciting to see associations move so quickly.
Virtual conference of the week. Check out the National Speakers Association’s (NSA) virtual conference, but first, read Thom Singer’s post about the new format and watch his video describing what NSA had done to serve its members during the pandemic, such as town halls, webinars, and Fresh Talk Fridays.
Quick hits before we get to the list of this week’s free education:
- Leading when the plan is no real plan at all. (Kristi Hedges, Forbes)
- Consider this before you design your next registration form: “I remain amazed (appalled?) at the number of workshop, event, or conference reg forms that still fail to ask even ONE question about what ppl hope to gain from the experience. Not gathering this potential insight limits the effectiveness of design efforts.” (Jeffrey Cufaude on Twitter)
- Your moment of zen on Carolina Beach. Ahhhh. (Surfchex webcam)
Good eats—skip down to the list of free webinars if you’re not into cooking. If you are, check out my weekly In The Kitchen posts for more.
- We’re starting to get North Carolina shrimp again. This simple yet excellent cumin-lime shrimp with ginger recipe doesn’t take long to make once you’ve shelled the shrimp. I added a little shrimp broth and butter to the sauce and served it over rice.
- Whenever I get fresh local shrimp, I make a broth out of the shells, but this time I got heads too, which takes the broth to a different level of goodness. My usual broth recipe includes celery (which I didn’t have), onion, carrot, garlic, bay leaves, black peppercorns and salt. I freeze it in an ice cube tray and 1- to 3-cup portions so I can grab what I need.
- I’m playing with shichimi togarashi spice blend these days—a mix of orange peel, black and white toasted sesame seeds, cayenne, ginger, Szechuan pepper and nori. It worked well on pan-fried amberjack fillets.
- I love this dish: herby pork larb with chile. I added cilantro, mint and basil, plus peanuts instead of jasmine rice powder, and a habanero instead of bird’s eye chile. It went really well with peas and corn sautéed with garlic, curry powder and Aleppo pepper.
- Another refreshing dish was kohlrabi salad with cilantro and lime. I had a lot of kohlrabi so didn’t need to supplement it with other veggies but next time I might add carrot for color.
- I wasn’t planning to bake anything last weekend but I had some leftover baked sweet potato so decided to make cinnamon and spice sweet potato bread even though I didn’t have quite enough sweet potato for the recipe. It’s a good recipe, although I did cut back the sugar. Next time, I’ll add pecans.
Here are the educational events scheduled for next week. If you have a free webinar or event coming up, please send me the link before Wednesday evening the week before it’s scheduled. I’ll be happy to feature it as long as it’s not too product-centric.
Stay safe, stay well, take care.
Fri 5/22 at 1 p.m.* – COVID-19 & Your Chapters/Components: Virtual Idea Swap
It’s safe to say that our support for components (chapters et al) took on a different look this past month. With three months under our belts, let’s look at what’s working, what needs to be changed and what’s next. We’ll use Zoom Breakout rooms to problem-solve the questions you bring. More info/register.
Host: Mariner Management
*All times are Eastern Daylight Savings Time unless otherwise noted.
Fri 5/22 at 1 p.m. – How to Go Virtual (While Still Creating an Engaging Experience)
Learn how to take events online in a way that is going to deliver high value, create an engaging experience, and preserve the outcomes you were seeking to achieve with your in-person conference. Hear about some major considerations for online engagement. Find out how to design for virtual-first experiences, satisfy the desire to network, and keep your members engaged. We’ll also touch on the tech because we know it’s on your mind. More info/register.
Host: Matchbox Virtual Media
Presenters:
- Graham Harvey, Chief Strategy Officer, Matchbox Virtual Media
- Allen Lloyd, CAE, Executive Director, Montana Society of CPAs
- Arianna Rehak, CEO & Co-Founder, Matchbox Virtual Media
- Jeff Cobb, Managing Director, Tagoras
Fri 5/22 at 1 p.m. – Reconnecting Marketing + Events: The Good, The Bad, and the Silver Linings
How have event strategies changed in the last 45 days and what does the future hold? These breakouts will feature subject matter experts and include additional speakers who have hands-on experience in each topic area. More info/register.
Host: Cvent
Fri 5/22 at 3 p.m. – Actual Disruption: Part 3 – Members Are Using the LMS, Right? But How?
Hear how associations have changed how they are using their LMS platforms differently to provide value to members since the changes to their models as a result of COVID-19. More info/register.
Hosts: Breezio
Presenters:
- Liam O’Malley, VP Association Solutions, Blue Sky eLEARN
- Benjamin Muscolino, CEO, Breezio & AMS Geek
- Amber Winter, VP Sales and Service, Web Courseworks
- Jake Toohey, Senior Digital Consultant, Adage Technologies
- Joe Post, Vice President Strategy, Adage Technologies
Mon 5/25 at 1 p.m. – Chatting with Agnes & Cecilia
This series of 15-minute videos cover hot topics and issues related to 501c organization management. A new episode is posted every Monday by 1 p.m. More info.
Hosts:
- Cecilia Sepp, CAE, CNAP, principal and founder, Rogue Tulips LLC
- Agnes Amos-Coleman, MBA, CMP, education, conference, event, certification consultant, Amos-Coleman
Tue 5/26 at 12 p.m. – Virtual Events: Preparing Your Member Experts for Engaging Sessions
Are you transitioning your Annual Meeting or Conference into a virtual event? Among the many challenges you’ll face is preparing your speakers to present an engaging virtual experience. Learn about preparation tips for technical execution including audio and lighting recommendations, easy engagement activities, communicating to attendees, and content development best practices. More info/register.
Host: WebCourseworks
Presenters:
- Kiki L’Italien, Senior Consultant at Tecker International and Association Chat host
- Jon Aleckson, PhD, CEO of Web Courseworks,
Tue 5/26 at 12 p.m. – Coronavirus Dialogue Series: Risk Management Planning
Find out how to identify key contract clauses, such as Force Majeure, cancellation/postponement options and attrition, and leverage them in the era of Covid-19, including creative MOUs; create a matrix to weigh risks and ensure right resources to right size risk, as well as buy-in from stakeholders; and create contingency plans and secure proper insurance coverage for risk. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: MPI
Presenter: Heather Mason, CEO and Founder, Caspian Agency
Tue 5/26 at 2 p.m. – Value Creation During a Crisis
This project you’re working on, the new business or offering, what sort of value does it create? This is a loaded question but a vital one. That’s our work. It’s what we do: we build organizations and projects that create value. No value, no project. Understanding the levers of value creation gives you a significant unfair advantage. Learn how to use guiding questions to design and build projects that create significant value for the people they seek to serve. Discover useful shortcuts by avoiding false starts and expensive pitfalls. More info.
Host: KiKi L’Italien, senior consultant, Tecker International, and founder, Amplified Growth
Guests: the team from Map Dynamics
Tue 5/26 at 2 p.m. – Best Practices to Accelerate Your Pivot to Virtual Events
Learn how going virtual affects the event planning lifecycle (what stays, what goes, what changes), how to build an engaging virtual event your attendees will love, and how to connect them with each other, and best practices from industry peers for virtual events of all sizes. More info/register.
Host: Smart Meetings
Presenter: McNeel Keenan, Vice President, Product Management, Cvent
Tue 5/26 at 7 p.m. – Grapes & Apps
The premise is two-fold: Grab your favorite grape (in wine form, of course) or cocktail/mocktail of choice and spend an hour with us as we talk about your favorite must have apps! In addition to sharing some of our favorite apps we use personally and professionally, we’ll invite you to bring your favorites as well. More info/register.
Host: Event Garde
Wed 5/27 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. – WILMI (Women In Leadership Meetings + Incentives) Digital Event
An exclusive conference for executive-level women in the industry—by women, for women—where leading female meetings and incentives buyers and suppliers will join together to virtually network, engage in dialogue on present and future challenges and opportunities, and plan and do business together. More info/register.
Host: Northstar Meetings
Wed 5/27 at 12 p.m. – Coronavirus Dialogue Series: Leading Your Organization, From Any Level, During a Time of Crisis
Hear how to elevate your role, becoming a strategist and consultant within your business organization. Learn how to proactively communicate during the event process with leaders and key stakeholders, and leverage technology to centralize information for the entire organization. 1 CMP credit. More info/register – fee for MPI non-members.
Host: MPI
Presenters:
- Lori Pugh Marcum, CMP, CMM, HMCC, CED, Head of Meeting Innovation, Meeting Professionals International
- Heather Haigler, Founder, Switch Four | WorkTrip
Wed 5/27 at 12 p.m. – Take Control of your Career in Times of Uncertainty
Just because the world is up-ended doesn’t mean it is time to stop being strategic about your career. Discover the value of focusing on strategic career planning when the work environment and economy are unsettled. Learn how to apply strategic planning principles to your career and teams. Examine the importance of networking, personal leadership and refining your passion. Redefine your value to the organization. Problem-solve strategic career planning pitfalls. More info/register.
Host: Events Industry Council
Wed 5/27 at 12 p.m. – Trade Association Roundtable
The economic impact of the COVID-19 virus and the unprecedented market volatility has left many institutions with questions around daily operations, alternative revenue sources, membership forbearance, and financial forecasting. Discuss the many issues facing membership-based organizations during these trying times. Graystone Roundtables are invitation-only luncheons where non-profit leaders discuss in a peer discussion format, the issues of the day including capital markets, governance, and current trends. RSVP.
Host: J.K. Meek Group at Graystone Consulting
Wed 5/27 at 12 p.m. – Content Forum Weekly Community Chat
Join Content Forum members for content strategy advice, to share what you are working on, and for support with any professional and personal challenges you are facing. Join first, then look in Events for more information
Host: Content Forum
Wed 5/27 at 1 p.m. – Moving Training and Certification Online in Less Time
Continuing education providers have talked about digital transformation for years. Yet circumstances beyond everyone’s control are now forcing organizations to launch pure online models nearly overnight. Participants expect a modern, engaging certification experience that fully supports their lifelong learning journey. And development teams are rushing to respond.
But under today’s extraordinary circumstances, how can you rapidly build a solution without jeopardizing quality? 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Talented Learning
Presenters:
- John Leh, CEO and Lead Analyst at Talented Learning
- Ashish Rangnekar, CEO and Co-Founder at BenchPrep
Wed 5/27 at 1 p.m. – Designing Events for an Insecure World
We are all navigating what a world beyond virtual events will look like, and while we don’t have all the answers, we will explore together from a variety of perspectives what shape it may take. Discover what health security will mean for events. Explore what new best practices for food and beverage will require. Consider best practices in event and incentive design for results in the “new normal.” 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Meetings Today
Presenters:
- Tahira Endean, head of events at SITE Global
- Tracy Stuckrath, owner of Thrive! Meetings and Events
- Gareth Heyman, owner of MorEvents
- Jonathan Spero, InHouse Physicians
Wed 5/27 at 1 p.m. – #ExpoChat on Twitter
ExpoChat is a Twitter-based conversation on topics related to the trade show industry. More info.
Wed 5/27 at 1 p.m. – Navigating What’s Next for Event Experience Design
As event professionals across the industry figure out the best path forward, it’s more important than ever to think critically about experience design to foster innovation and better connect with attendees. How can we ensure attendees, sponsors, and stakeholders feel confident to participate and engage with one another? What will be the right mix between online and offline experiences? What does networking look like in a post-pandemic world? More info/register.
Host: Skift
Presenter: Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director of Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau
Wed 5/27 at 2 p.m. – Creating Value for Community Members in Times of Crisis
Hear from three Higher Logic customers who are creating indispensable connections for their members and customers during the COVID-19 crisis. They’ll share lessons learned and strategies for adapting during this time. Find out how they are adapting to meet changing customer and member needs, how they’re using virtual events to provide value, and how their community is enabling important conversations. More info/register.
Host: Higher Logic
Presenters:
- Christina Howell, Community Manager, Data Science & Business Analytics, IBM Hybrid Cloud Marketing
- Pam Rosenberg, Director of Education & Certification, American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE)
- Jill Koronkiewicz, Director, Global Engagement, Association of Corporate Travel Executives (ACTE)
- Annie Moncure (moderator), Community Manager, Higher Logic
Wed 5/27 at 2 p.m. – Recover and Rebuild: Preparing for Post-Coronavirus Meetings
Learn the critical building blocks to recover, rebuild, and revitalize your first post-pandemic event using a customized risk-management playbook adaptable for any event, location, or complexity. Understand how to conduct a “Learning Look Back” pandemic recovery process. Learn how to apply the four duty-of-care standards to the re-building process. Review the six critical stages for your risk-management playbook. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: MeetingsNet
Presenter: Brenda Rivers, JD, HMCC, CIS, President, SAFE LLC, Sound Advice for Events
Thu 5/28 at 10 a.m. – COVID-19: Use Your Event Data to Get Fit for the Future
Whether you’re running virtual, hybrid or physical events, event data is critical in helping you understand exactly what happened at your event and how you can improve things in the future. Find out how ‘getting your data fit’ now can help your events in the future, how to collect valuable event data, put together an effective data management strategy, and address your top data management challenges. More info/register.
Host: Eventsforce
Thu 5/28 at 12 p.m. – The Business of Certification in an Unpredictable World
This is the place to get planning tools and practical ideas and to hear insights and solutions from certifiers dealing with the same challenges. In this conversation, we’ll focus on transitioning from F2F to online exam development meetings, using what we’ve learned thus far during the crisis to better prepare for the uncertain times still ahead of us, and the challenges and opportunities created by the job displacement crisis. More info/register.
Host: Knapp & Associates International
Facilitators:
- Lenora G. Knapp, PhD, President, Knapp & Associates International.
- Jennifer Naughton, MEd, CAE, SPHR, Founder, Naughton Consulting
- Mark Franco, JD, Associate, Whiteford, Taylor & Preston
Thu 5/28 at 12 p.m. – Creating Your Association Leadership Path
We’ve seen leaders emerge in turbulent times such as within the current COVID-19 environment, as well as in calmer waters. Hear about the elements contributing to becoming a successful association leader. Whether you are just starting out in your association management career or are a seasoned veteran, this virtual workshop will discuss insights, opportunities and best practices to help you smoothly navigate your career. CAE credit. More info/register.
Organizer: ASAE Greater Washington/National Capital Community
Presenter: Vivian Abalama, IOM, CAE, Director, Managed Societies, International Anesthesia Research Society
Thu 5/28 at 12 p.m. – Coronavirus Dialogue Series: No Time Like the Present…Taking Your Meetings Virtual
Explore the fundamentals of planning and delivering a live virtual meeting. We provide specific tools to help planners and event professionals assess their current needs, determine the best technology, and explore the most effective creative and production. 1 CMP credit. More info/register – fee for MPI non-members.
Host: MPI
Presenter: Chris Chambers, CEO, MJM
Thu 5/28 at 1 p.m. – The State of Virtual Conferences 2020
Hear the top findings from Tagoras’s fresh-off-the-presses report on the state of virtual conferences, based on a survey of a broad range of organizations and including data on COVID-19 driving adoption of virtual conferences. Whether you’re a virtual conference veteran or being forced to pivot quickly, this session will help you understand the current state of virtual conferences. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Tagoras/Leading Learning
Presenters: Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders of Tagoras and Leading Learning
Thu 5/28 at 1 p.m. – ASAE Member Info: How to Obtain your CAE Certification
Host: ASAE
Thu 5/28 at 1 p.m. – Global Partnerships in the COVID-19 Era
At the same time associations are experiencing unprecedented challenges due to COVID-19, members have never needed their associations more. This webinar features association leaders and consultants sharing their successful partnership experiences, thoughts on how associations should approach the post-COVID-19 landscape, and ideas for creating more innovative, sustainable, and satisfying partnerships to advance their global missions. More info/register.
Host: ASAE International Associations Advisory Council
Presenters:
- Steven Basart, Kellen
- Joanne Joham, International Congress and Convention Association
- Şirin Köprücü, StrategicStraits, Inc.
- Magdalena Mook, International Coach Federation
- Tommy Goodwin (moderator), Project Management Institute
Thu 5/28 at 1 p.m. – ForesightWorks Live: The Shifting Environment for Content
Even before the coronavirus, associations were being challenged to create content strategies that delivered content to members at the point of need. Hear three associations discuss their approaches to content strategy, how they apply data to connect with audiences, and the shifts they are planning for the future. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Thu 5/28 at 1 p.m. – How Much Does an AMS Really Cost?
Learn what goes into various AMS pricing structures, how to control the costs of a new AMS, and how to determine the true total cost of ownership. More info/register.
Hosts: ReviewMyAMS and Community Brands
Presenters: Dawn VanDamme and Houman Adabi, Enterprise AMS Solutions, Community Brands
Thu 5/28 at 1 p.m. – Make Your Virtual Event More Interesting Than What’s Inside the Refrigerator
Moving to a virtual conference, you can still deliver an engaging experience to your attendees, complete with opportunities to interact with presenters, network with peers, and even get the competitive spirit going with scavenger hunts. Hear ideas on how to keep your audience engaged throughout the conference, not sneaking away to the fridge for a snack. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: CommPartners
Presenter: Heather McNair, Chief Community Officer, Higher Logic
Thu 5/28 at 2 p.m. – The Expert’s Guide to Growing Member Engagement and Revenue With an Online Career Center
Your members are looking to your association to provide them with benefits that help them advance their careers or to find new jobs (now more than ever). Learn the strategies you can implement to serve your members in new ways that go beyond job postings to create an engaged membership and help your association grow non-dues revenue. More info/register.
Host: ProTech Services
Presenter: Web Scribble’s Director of Marketing, Dawn DiLorenzo
Thu 5/28 at 2 p.m. – Restructuring Your Marketing + Event Program on a Lean Budget
Marketers and event professionals around the world are tightening their budgets, scrutinizing every single expenditure, and asking themselves when in-person events will happen again and what will they look like. Having processes in place to understand your total event program and its impact on your business will help you make smart business today, and in the near future. More info/register.
Host: Cvent
Presenters:
- Jessie Johnson, Research Director at Forrester
- Stacey Fontenot, Vice President of Marketing, Cvent
Thu 5/28 at 3 p.m. – The Association Revenue Recovery Plan
There has never been a greater imperative for associations to reimagine the fundamentals of their economic model. The primary drivers of your organizational revenue—membership and live events—are being threatened. A swift, strategic, and decisive approach is required to mitigate loss and potentially increase revenue over the next 24 months. The old formula will no longer work. Explore options for getting to the other side of the revenue chasm. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Presenters:
- Don Neal, founder and CEO, 360 Live Media
- Chris Busky, CAE, CEO, Infectious Diseases Society of America
- Richard Hunt, president and CEO, Consumer Bankers Association
Thu 5/28 at 3 p.m. – Virtual Board Meetings
Hear from association executives on how they are adjusting to the reality of virtual board meetings, using the current situation to develop best practices for change management, optimizing business operations, and presenting interactive, visual board reports. More info/register.
Host: Association Analytics
Thu 5/28 at 3:30 p.m. – Getting America Safely Back To Work
Hear how the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) is preparing for their employees to safely return to work. OEM physicians have special training and expertise in return-to-work procedures including those issues that pertain to epidemiology and testing procedures needed for addressing communicable diseases. Learn about what work modifications are needed, what is essential vs. non-essential, and more. 0.5 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: .orgCommunity
Presenter: Bill Bruce, CEO, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Fri 5/29 at 12 p.m. – 3 Ways To Lower Anxiety & Boost Productivity: How To Gain Momentum In Uncertain Times
Learn how to use “emotional recipes” to shift from fear to freedom and procrastination to motivation. Discover the 5 levels of subconscious communication to avoid self-sabotage and seize opportunities. Acquire “mind tools” for boosting focus, productivity, and momentum in any environment. More info/register.
Host: MPI
Presenter: Tim Schurr, Schurr Success, Inc.
Fri 5/29 at 1 p.m. – Agile Analytics for Associations
Hear how two associations responded to 2020 challenges by looking at member data in fresh new ways. The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics used agile analytics to forecast positive cases among member types and make decisions regarding renewal options. The American Association of Justice cross-referenced new membership trends and product purchases from their vast library to create highly-targeted product bundles. See how agile analytics can help guide your 2020 decisions. More info/register.
Host: Gravitate Solutions
Presenters:
- Danielle Deane, Membership Manager, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
- Lacy Packard, MPM, Director of Information Technology, The American Association of Justice
Thu 6/4 at 1 p.m. – Taking Your Sponsorship Program Virtual
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizations to cancel and postpone live events, or shift to a virtual or hybrid format. In cases of cancelled/postponed events, associations are struggling to find ways to save sponsorship revenue. Learn how to identify new sponsorship opportunities, mitigate sponsorship refunds, and manage sponsor expectations to support sponsor/partner retention. More info/register.
Host: Event Garde
Presenters:
- Kara Nacarato, Director of Development & Special Initiatives, Event Garde
- Aaron Wolowiec, CEO & Founder, Event Garde\
- Lindsay Gross (moderator), Director of Facilitation Services, Event Garde
Thu 6/4 at 3:30 – Accelerating Digital Transformation: How COVID-19 has Accelerated the Association Need for Digital Event Strategies
The new normal will be to deliver hybrid (in-person and online) and virtual (online-only) events. The need for on-demand consumption, mobile-friendly delivery, and multimedia assets (video, audio, and text) will become necessary if associations are to stay relevant. Hear about “the new normal” for associations and what digital strategies need to be in place to meet these new demands. Then join an open forum on digital transformation and virtual events. 0.75 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: .orgCommunity
Presenters:
- Dan Stevens, President of WorkerBee.TV
- Sherry Budziak, Founder & CEO of .orgSource
Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If your organization offers free professional development for the association community, please send me the link via email or Twitter before Wednesday evening.
Creative Commons image by Levi Bare via Unsplash
Association Brain Food 