The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community…
Racial diversity in events. I’ve got another important survey for you—this one is on racial diversity in the events industry. The organizations behind it, Conference & Incentive Travel and Event First Steps, believe the results “will enable our industry to develop, and make the work we create more diverse in terms of workforce, audience and representation. With the information collected in this research, we hope that we can pinpoint the areas of improvement with manageable takeaways for event professionals across the industry.” I checked with them and they do want participation from this side of the pond.
Opportunities in disruption. Disruption isn’t a choice right now, so we might as well embrace it, reports WBT Systems in their recap of two #ASAE20 sessions. In this post, they share tactics for dealing thoughtfully with uncertainty, finding opportunities in disruption and reimagining your association’s future.
Bias and privilege in associations. In another #ASAE20 recap post, Association Adviser shares advice from Tiki Ayiku and Nathan Victoria, CAE about disrupting biases and uncovering how privilege manifests in associations.
Sponsors and exhibitors. MemberSuite suggests taking advantage of this opportunity to rethink your relationship with corporate revenue partners—sponsors and exhibitors—and work with them to find new ways of generating non-dues revenue for your association.
Member parents. You want to be indispensable to your members? Amanda Kaiser suggests you look at the challenges emerging for working parents and their employers as kids go back to school.
Event skills. Samantha Whitehorne at Associations Now identifies three new skills event professionals must develop in the wake of COVID-19.
Quick hits before we get to the list of next week’s free education:
- Your ‘surge capacity’ is depleted —it’s why you feel awful: here’s how to pull yourself out of despair and live your life. (Tara Haelle)
- Warning, you could lose hours on this site. Explore cities with a guide who takes you on a choose-your-adventure tour. I started with Hanoi but had to click away—I’m supposed to be working, after all. You can visit Cartagena, Taipei, Rome, Mexico City and others. (The World Your Way)
- Frying Pan Tower’s webcam is back up. This old Coast Guard Light Station is about 30 miles off the Cape Fear coast of North Carolina. The fish watching is good and the comments are helpful for identifying what you see. (Explore)
Good eats—skip down to the list of free webinars if you prefer take-out. If you’re a home cook, check out the weekly In The Kitchen posts on my Grabbing the Gusto blog.
- The highlight of the week: two sheet pan pizzas using this King Arthur sourdough recipe. We loved the crust so the recipe is a keeper. In one pan, I made a linguiça, onion and garlic pizza modeled on the one from Union Villa in my hometown. I diced and sautéed the linguiça and onion, added the garlic at the end, spread all that over the tomato sauce (I cheated by buying a jar of Harris Teeter pizza sauce) and topped it all with mozzarella. So good.
- The other was a white clam pizza. I spread the shallot-garlic herb sauce from my white pizza recipe over the crust, topped that with canned clams and then a mix of fresh and regular mozzarella along with parmesan cheese. When it came out of the oven, I sprinkled it with fresh basil. Very tasty.
- A healthier meal was baked blueline tilefish topped with citrus pesto, made simply by adding orange and lemon juice and peel to basil pesto.
- We had two veggies this past week. First, collard greens sautéed with bacon, red onion, carrot, red bell, jalapeño and garlic. The other was a kohlrabi sauté with carrot, broccoli stems and florets, onion and garlic—sort of like this recipe.
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.
Until next week, “stay awkward, brave and kind.” (Brené Brown)
Fri 8/28 at 10 a.m.* – Member ROI Simplified: Safeguarding Your Organization’s Future
The most important method for safeguarding your organization’s future is to research, embrace, and maximize your Member ROI. Learn how to measure your current ROI in actual dollar numbers, use the numbers for influencing the membership decision, grow your ROI, and prove beyond a doubt that membership in your organization is a good business decision. More info/register.
Host: Ed Rigsbee, CAE, president at Rigsbee Research
*All times are Eastern Daylight Savings Time unless otherwise noted.
Fri 8/28 at 12 p.m. – Challenges Women in Leadership Face and How to Deal with Them
Hear about the unique challenges and opportunities for women in the events industry, as well as real-world examples and lessons from women in leadership. Topics will include the value of peer-to-peer networking, mentorship, developing and utilizing exemplary communication skills across genders, and proven strategies for career advancement at every level of the organization. 1 CMP credit. More info/register (fee for non-MPI members).
Host: MPI
Presenters:
- Elizabeth Lombardo, PH.D., Speaker and Psychologist, Elizabeth Lombardo International, LLC
- Maja Kazazic
- Carly Patterson
- Ashley Fox
Fri 8/28 at 1 p.m. – How to Go Virtual (While Still Creating an Engaging Experience)
Learn how to take events online in a way that will 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:
- Ann H. Hoover, Vice President of Programs, Association Health Law Association
- Allen Lloyd, CAE, Executive Director, Montana Society of CPAs
- Arianna Rehak, CEO & Co-Founder, Matchbox Virtual Media
- Heather Varndell, Digital Strategist & Assistant to CSO, Matchbox Virtual Media
Mon 8/31 at 11 a.m. – The ROI Member Recruitment Brochure: How to Create Brochures That Positively Influence Membership Decisions
Learn to determine who should be membership targets, which features of membership should be highlighted, how to develop an effective brochure layout, decision motives for joining, and how to train your members to use the brochure. More info/register.
Host: Ed Rigsbee, CAE, president at Rigsbee Research
Mon 8/31 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 9/1 at 12 p.m. – Getting Engagement Scores Just Right through Weighting (Association Data Analytics Brown Bag)
This opportunity is for association professionals who are responsible for reporting analytics to leadership, Boards of Directors, and other stakeholders, to come together in a free-flowing environment to share their lunchtime and discuss data analytics topics. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Association Analytics
Tue 9/1 at 2 p.m. – The Survivor Diaries: How Smart Women Are Conquering Epic COVID Disruptions
These women faced the pause in events, processed their emotions and options and took decisive action. Learn how they found inspiration even on the darkest days, how work-life balance became a necessity, and why sometimes what looks like the end is the best time for new beginnings. More info/register.
Host: Smart Meetings
Presenters:
- Cindy Brewer, co-founder and principal of LEO Events
- Marin Bright, founder and CEO of Bright Business Media
- Stefanie Maragna, vice president of corporate marketing and events with Sage Intacct
- Cheryl Rogers, corporate events manager with Solara Medical Suppliers
- Desi Whitney, senior vice president of Sourcing Operations & Industry Relations, HPN Global
Tue 9/1 at 2 p.m. – Elevate Your Virtual Events: How to Keep Up with the Rising Expectations for Virtual Experiences
Learn what it means to be an Event Producer and how you can create an elevated virtual event people can’t wait to attend. Hear about pioneering the new virtual event landscape; the power of selecting a motivating theme and outlining clear objectives; the importance of incorporating diverse voices; engaging attendees before, during and after the event; and pre-recorded content vs. live webinar content. More info/register.
Host: Gather Voices
Presenters: Dianne Devitt, Experiential Consultant and Producer, and Michael Hoffman, CEO of Gather Voices
Wed 9/2 at 11 a.m. – Zooming Out: Learn How to Engage Your Virtual Event Attendees
As organizations are compelled to deliver their events in an online environment, we have become so laser-focused on learning the ins and outs of modern technology, that many have neglected the most principal factor: the human factor. Look at the bigger picture beyond the technology to ensure attendees leave engaged and energized. More info/register.
Host: Meeting Expectations
Presenters:
- Beth Chitnis, CAE, Executive Director of the International Association of Insurance Professionals
- Christine Hilgert, CMP, Senior Vice President of Meeting Expectations
- Dan Thurmon, keynote speaker, author, entrepreneur
Wed 9/2 at 11 a.m. – The ROI of Words: How to Write Website Copy That Will Drive Member Renewal and Recruitment
You can no longer depend on interns or web designers to write your member value copy for influencing renewals and retention. They do pretty, you must do effective. Learn how to write the kind of benefit (or what’s in it for me) copy that will influence the decision to join or renew. More info/register.
Host: Ed Rigsbee, CAE, president at Rigsbee Research
Wed 9/2 at 12 p.m. – Leading Engagement From The Outside-In
Hear a new definition of association engagement—refocusing engagement to generate real value, and placing engagement at the heart of your strategy. Learn how member-centric engagement propels your association to become your members’ indispensable partner. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Association Insights in Old Town
Presenter: Elizabeth Weaver Engel, M.A., CAE—Chief Strategist, Spark Consulting, LLC
Wed 9/2 at 1 p.m. – #ExpoChat on Twitter
ExpoChat is a Twitter-based conversation on topics related to the trade show industry. More info.
Wed 9/2 at 3 p.m. – Professional Associations and the New Normal
A webinar series addressing the most urgent issues confronting professional associations. More info/register.
Host: Enforme
Presenters:
- Joel Albizo, Chief Executive Officer, American Planning Association
- Pamela Kaul, Founder, President & CEO, Association Strategies, Inc.
Thu 9/3 at 1 p.m. – LMS Selection: Mastering the Process, Avoiding the Pitfalls
Great content is only part of the equation for successful online education—most organizations also need a way to effectively deliver the content, track participation, and manage credit and certificates. The right technology can mean the difference between a big success and a big headache, but the selection process can be daunting. Hear about a time-tested process for selecting a learning management system and the pitfalls to avoid. Get a clear understanding of how to lead your organization in choosing the right learning technology. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Tagoras/Leading Learning
Presenters:
- Celisa Steele and Jeff Cobb, co-founders of Leading Learning and Tagoras
- Marc Benton, learning solutions engineer at Community Brands
Thu 9/3 at 1 p.m. – The “What’s Next?” Guide to Virtual Events
Hear about the key considerations for virtual and hybrid events including selecting the right virtual platforms, new best practices for creating content, and keeping attendees engaged. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: 360 Live Media
Presenters: 360 Live Media’s lead experience designers, Beth Surmont and Brooke Wilson
Thu 9/3 at 2 p.m. – Demystify AI
This session will demystify AI and talk about practical applications of AI technology that you can begin experimenting with today. Learn about inexpensive AI tools you can begin using right now, how to use AI to enhance your processes and make workflows less time consuming, and how to embark upon easy AI and automation experiments. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Presenter: Erica Salm Rench, rasa.io
Thu 9/3 at 5:30 p.m. – Meet Other Association Pros @ Virtual Networking Happy Hour
Want to get new ideas for your association? Looking for a job? Have a great program to share? Just want to actually meet some new people in the association field? Join us for a fast, fun, and productive networking happy hour. It’s networking that’s natural, not awkward. We’ll be using a number of online engagement techniques that you can adapt, copy and steal for your own events. More info/register.
Host: Better Meetings
Presenter: Lee Gimpel, founder of Better Meetings
Fri 9/4 at 10 a.m. – Member ROI Simplified: Safeguarding Your Organization’s Future
The most important method for safeguarding your organization’s future is to research, embrace, and maximize your Member ROI. Learn how to measure your current ROI in actual dollar numbers, use the numbers for influencing the membership decision, grow your ROI, and prove beyond a doubt that membership in your organization is a good business decision. More info/register.
Host: Ed Rigsbee, CAE, president at Rigsbee Research
Fri 9/4 from 12 to 3:15 p.m. – Strategy Summit
Three sessions: Writing Articles, Blogs, and Books to Grow Your Business; The Strategic Mindset – For Your Organization, Your Career and Your Life; and Engaging Virtual Meetings. 3 CMP credits. More info/register (fee for non-MPI members).
Host: MPI
Presenters:
- Cathy Fyock, CSP
- David Barrett, President, Solutions Network Ltd.
- John Chen, CEO, Geoteaming
Fri 9/4 at 1 p.m. – How to Go Virtual (While Still Creating an Engaging Experience)
Learn how to take events online in a way that will 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:
- Ann H. Hoover, Vice President of Programs, Association Health Law Association
- Allen Lloyd, CAE, Executive Director, Montana Society of CPAs
- Arianna Rehak, CEO & Co-Founder, Matchbox Virtual Media
- Heather Varndell, Digital Strategist & Assistant to CSO, Matchbox Virtual Media
Tue 9/8 at 1 p.m. – The Content Pipeline: Turn Your Association’s Data Assets and Virtual Events Into Essential Content
Learn how virtual events can be part of a meaningful data-driven content strategy. In Part I of this session, we’ll talk about ways of leveraging your existing data to inform virtual event programming. In Part II, we’ll look at ways to use the data that will come from your virtual events to generate even more meaningful content across multiple mediums. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Technology Professionals Community
Presenters:
- Duncan Bell, Association TRENDS
- Arianna Rehak, Matchbox Virtual Media
Thu 9/10 at 11 a.m. – Easy and Effective Ways to Add Networking to Your Online Events
While much of the transition to online events has focused on content, we’ll concentrate on delivering the connection-building that’s often as valuable at conferences and events. Learn easy ways to get attendees to meet and network online by doing it yourself with a great group of fellow events/conference pros. More info/register.
Host: Better Meetings
Presenter: Lee Gimpel, founder of Better Meetings
Thu 9/10 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Hybrid Revolution Summit
The industry seems to agree: hybrid events are the way back to safely meeting in person. The Hybrid Revolution Summit will provide an opportunity for event professionals to learn from the world’s best experts on hybrid events. CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Event MB
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 photo by Syed Ali via Unsplash
Association Brain Food 