The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community…
Post-pandemic association workplace. Achurch Consulting and Association Trends have teamed up on the State of Association Workplaces Post-Pandemic Survey, the only survey designed to address the pressing questions association leaders are asking about what “work” will look like post-pandemic. The greater the participation, the richer the data available to you on industry trends regarding workforce models, compensation, and security, so please participate.
Association member communications. Interested in grading your association communications? By participating in Association Adviser’s annual Association Communications Benchmarking Survey, you can help yourself and others benchmark member communication challenges and improvements—and you’ll get the first look at the report this summer.
Future conference attendance. A new report from Bruce Rosenthal Associates, HPN, and Ricochet Advice, The Conference Roadmap to Recovery, presents survey responses from 8,525 association members on their likelihood to attend conferences in 2021. One interest finding among many: declining conference expense reimbursements from employers. Uh oh.
Hybrid conferences. MemberSuite tackles one of the most perplexing questions about the future of conferences: how to provide an integrated experience at a hybrid conference—and why you should.
Educational coaches. Adults need guidance counselors too, says WBT Systems. They’re reporting on a non-dues revenue generating idea from the recent Non-Dues-A-Palooza ideation session: educational coaches who help professionals map out a professional development plan and guide them into your association’s education and credentialing programs.
Quick hits
- 16 reasons why people don’t share their knowledge—and what to do about it. (Stan Garfield)
- 21 SEO tips, tactics, and trends for website content in 2021. (Mike Murray, Content Marketing Institute)
- Hello, association Type A’s: 10 ways to stop overthinking everything. (Lachlan Brown, HackSpirit)
Good eats
Skip down to the list of free webinars if you prefer takeout. If you’re a home cook, check out the weekly In The Kitchen posts on my Grabbing the Gusto blog.
- The “don’t go back for thirds because that’s our Tuesday dinner too” meal of the week was an oyster, shrimp and chouriço bake inspired by Emeril Lagasse. Think Portugal meets Louisiana. I adapted it this time by using Portuguese chouriço instead of andouille, steaming the oysters for ease of opening, and adding shrimp (and shrimp broth instead of water) and chard. On the side, a pesto veggie sauté made with carrots and the last of the broccoli stems and florets from our garden—Jim already cooked the leaves.
- Whenever I get catfish in my seafood share, for just a second I start thinking about how I might prepare it but then I remember this Thai-style catfish recipe and any hope of making something new is dashed. It’s a quick dish to put together. Don’t skip the dipping sauce, it’s so good.
- I usually rely on leftovers for lunch but ran out earlier this week, so I pulled out a can of sardines (this Spanish brand is excellent) and made a tasty sardine pasta. I followed a quasi-recipe from the late actor (and amazing cook from what I’ve heard) Vincent Schiavelli—the recipe is at the bottom of this article. I know I’ll make it again and again.
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.
Fri 4/2 at 12 p.m.* – EventTech Chat
A weekly conversation about meeting and event technology, including software, hardware, and audiovisual for in-person and online events. More info/register.
Host: Brandt Krueger, founder Event Technology Consulting
*All times are Eastern Daylight Time unless otherwise noted.
Fri 4/2 at 3:45 p.m. – Five Fun and Easy Ways to Improve Online Networking
A lot of online organizations and events promise online networking — but then don’t deliver. In this all experiential, hands-on session, we’ll actually explain and demonstrate a few natural, practical techniques to connect people online. You’ll actually get to meet 4-8 of your colleagues while learning easy and effective tips to improve your own events. More info/register (must first join Fridays@4, it’s free).
Host: Fridays@4
Presenter: Lee Gimpel, Founder, Better Meetings
Mon 4/5 at 1 p.m. – Nonprofit Organization Real Estate Post-Pandemic (Chatting with Agnes & Cecilia)
This series of 15- to 20-minute videos cover hot topics and issues related to 501c organization management. New episodes are posted by 1 p.m. every Monday. Check out Cecilia’s Nonprofit Executive Spotlight series too.
Guest: Sandy Weiss
Hosts:
- Cecilia Sepp, CAE, CNAP, principal and founder, Rogue Tulips LLC
- Agnes Amos-Coleman, MBA, CMP, education, conference, event, certification consultant, Amos-Coleman
Tue 4/6 at 11 a.m. – 30 Ideas in 30 Minutes to Up Your Hybrid Event Game
The possibilities for hybrid events are literally endless, and our resident event experts are ready to share their top 30 ideas rapid-fire style for how you can think differently about your strategy in 2021 and beyond. You’ll leave with a tactical list of best practices that you’ll want to implement right away. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: PCMA
Presenters:
- Scott Davis, Account Executive, Mediasite Events
- Sarah Roller Growth, Account Executive, Mediasite Events
Tue 4/6 at 12 p.m. – Quick Wins (Data Analytics Network)
This opportunity is for association professionals to engage in peer-led discussions on topics related to data and analytics. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Association Analytics
Tue 4/6 at 12 p.m. – The Science of Increased Community Participation
When members feel a sense of commitment to their online communities, they are significantly more likely to make high-quality, frequent contributions. Based on the most recent social science research of online communities, this webinar will share major theories, findings, and practical applications for securing member commitment – without manipulation or extraction. More info/register.
Host: Vanilla
Presenter: Carrie Melissa Jones, founder of CMJ Consulting
Tue 4/6 at 1 p.m. – Non-Dues Revenue, Partnerships & Sponsorships: What’s Working & What’s Not
COVID has cut into associations’ non-dues revenue streams in a major way. Join us to discuss increasing your revenue through partnerships, sponsorships, and programs that really work. Hear what works, where to focus your resources, marketing, management, and tracking. Learn from two pros how to build successful, revenue-producing programs that can fund the good works of your association. More info/register.
Host: Altai Systems
Presenters:
- Bruce Rosenthal, founder, Bruce Rosenthal Associates
- James Bergmann, Director Of Business Development at Altai Systems
Tue 4/6 at 2 p.m. – The Digital Divide and Lasting Effects of Internet Inequality (Association Chat)
What has COVID-19 taught us about the Digital Divide? Technology access, adoption, education, and health have become the center of focus for many of us. Digital equity and inclusion must be part of the overall conversation about DEI. Associations can be a part of the answer. Hear about the dangers of internet inequality and the steps that EYEJ, an organization focused on empowering youth and exploring justice, are making to ensure that change happens in Cleveland…and everywhere. More info/reminder.
Host: KiKi L’Italien, senior consultant, Tecker International
Guests: Mai Moore and Tréyah Gray
Wed 4/7 at 11 a.m. – 10 Steps to Make Your Virtual Event Worth Watching
This session will unpack the new ways we’re all learning to create connection, and the new opportunities for engagement within every event- virtual, IRL, and hybrid alike. From new technology solutions to opportunities for real human moments we’ll discuss how to create true points of connection, raving fans, and ecstatic members. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Sidecar
Presenter: J. Damany Daniel, Chief Imaginator, The Event Nerd
Wed 4/7 at 11 a.m. – 7 Reasons Your Business Needs Data Recovery and Backup
Knowing that data streams in from various entry points, organizations that still differentiate between internal and perimeter security should urgently reconsider their security approach—specifically the roll of digital assets (i.e., domains, domain name system (DNS), and digital certificates)—in enabling the day-to-day successful operation of their business. 1.5 CAE credits. More info/register.
Host: U.S. Transactions Corp.
Presenter: Greg Smith, Senior Information Technology Consultant
Wed 4/7 at 12 p.m. – COVID19 and Gender: The Disproportionate Impact on Women
Learn more about how COVID has disproportionately affected women. Data will be presented on its impact, with a focus on women in associations, particularly the impact on women in C-Suite and leadership positions and the long-term effects on associations as women continue to exit the workforce. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Association Insights in Old Town
Presenters:
- Genevieve Borello (Moderator), CAE, Senior Manager, Member Engagement, ACTFL
- Alexis Redmond, JD, MA, CAE, Director, Career Management Resources, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Amanda Bow, Director of Marketing & Communications, Association of School Business Officials International
- Gayathri Kher, Co-Founder & President, fusionSpan
- Tori Miller Liu, Director of Information Systems, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Wed 4/7 at 1 p.m. – Let’s Talk Research: A Culture & Data Town-Hall
Join an open discussion on the challenges and barriers association professionals experience with establishing/maintaining a data-driven culture in their organization. We will also use this time to share and address questions from association professionals on leveraging data in their organizations decision-making, helpful resources, and lessons learned. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Facilitators:
- Nicole Araujo, CAE, Client Engagement Director, Mighty Citizen
- Reggie Henry, CAE, Chief Information & Engagement Officer, ASAE
Wed 4/7 at 1 p.m. – #ExpoChat on Twitter
ExpoChat is a Twitter-based conversation on topics related to the trade show industry. More info.
Wed 4/7 at 2 p.m. – How to Deliver Collaboration and Connection at Conferences
If we’re being honest, most meetings and conferences we hold aren’t actually meetings. They’re often nothing more than passive watch parties. Even when we were in-person, there was a surprising lack of dialog and conversation at conferences. Join an interactive session exploring how to bring back the “meet” in meetings and “confer” in conferences. Be prepared to join mini breakouts throughout the session to brainstorm and collaborate with your peers on how to design more engaging meetings. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Matrix Group
Presenters:
- Lee Gimpel, Founder, Better Meetings
- Joanna Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker, Matrix Group
Wed 4/7 at 2 p.m. – Creative Sponsorship Ideas for Digital and Hybrid Events
While we’re anxious for in-person events to resume, all-virtual or hybrid gatherings will still dominate meeting calendars for 2021. Are you selling sponsorships for these events? Join us for a host of ideas that will keep sponsors top of mind and bring in revenue for your organization, whether the gathering is purely online or has a mix of digital and in-person participants. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Northstar Meetings Group
Presenters:
- Bill Zimmer, Vice President of Strategy, 360 Live Media
- Sylvia Allen, Founder, Allen Consulting
- Sarah J.F. Braley (moderator), managing editor, Northstar Meetings Group
Thu 4/8 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Global Meetings Industry Day: Virtual
Given the global challenges that our industry has been facing, this is an opportunity to connect virtually to gain valuable education and resources to help our industry move forward stronger than ever before. The Meetings Mean Business Coalition announced the 2021 GMID theme, “Meet Safe,” which will guide the content of the broadcast. 12 CMP credits. More info/register.
Host: MPI
Thu 4/8 at 10 a.m. – 100 Highlights: The Stories. The Future. Is Now.
Discuss the current progress and shortcomings of the events industry pertaining to Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity. As restrictions ease and events are given a cautionary green-light, it is important for the event industry to remember the future is now and our stories, expertise, and presence still matter. This immersive panel event will let you see, hear and learn the value of Black professionals in the Events Industry. More info/register.
Host: Black in Events Network
Presenters:
- Dwayne Rutherford
- Grace Arhin
- Ricardo Hicks
- Brittani Menina
Thu 4/8 at 11 a.m. – Advocacy: 5 Effective Strategies for Managing Fast-Moving Issues
Using COVID lockdown rules as an example, we provide suggestions for how to track and advocate on legislation and regulations that can come up in any town or state at a moment’s notice. 1.5 CAE credits. More info/register.
Host: U.S. Transactions Corp.
Presenter: Erik Rosedahl, Phone2Action
Thu 4/8 at 12 p.m. – Work Is Not a Place – Executive Management Dialogue
Remote work is not only a necessary outgrowth of the current crisis, it is, for some, proving to be a more productive environment than in-office work. As we look to the future, many factors must be considered as associations contemplate what their workforce will look like, including hybrid work environments, time-zone differences, legalities of a multi-state workforce, and recruitment strategies. Join this conversation to hear insights on the trend toward a geographically dispersed workforce. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Presenters:
- Sara Curtis, CAE, Director of Human Resources, American Society of Anesthesiologists
- Tiffany Releford, co-chair of the firm’s Community Associations practice group
- Chantal Sturk-Nadeau
- Laura Viehmyer, Principal Consultant, PRM Consulting, Inc.
Thu 4/8 at 1 p.m. – 100 Highlights: The Stories. The Future. Is Now.
Discuss the current progress and shortcomings of the events industry pertaining to Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity. As restrictions ease and events are given a cautionary green-light, it is important for the event industry to remember the future is now and our stories, expertise, and presence still matter. This immersive panel event will let you see, hear and learn the value of Black professionals in the Events Industry. More info/register.
Host: Black in Events Network
Presenters:
- Tru Powell
- Andrew Roby
- Sonia Alcazar Collier
- Denise Mapp
- Kunmi Ariyo
Thu 4/8 at 1 p.m. – The Road Ahead Q2 Forum: Informed Optimism and Continued Flux
To mark Global Meetings Industry Day 2021, the Event Leadership Institute is gathering event professionals to share their insights and predictions on topics from the future of trade shows and user conferences to permanent changes in how business approach their event strategies. Their experiences will help point the way to new ideas in the industry and what challenges have yet to be tackled. More info/register.
Host: Event Leadership Institute
Presenters:
- Kathryn Frankson, Director of Marketing | Informa
- Tavar James, Director, Head of Experiential Marketing | Equitable
- Brian Morrissey, Founder | The Rebooting
- Howard Givner, Founder | Event Leadership Institute
Fri 4/9 at 10 a.m. – Overcoming Leadership Challenges in the Boardroom (NYSAE Engagement Lounge)
Does your Board spend disproportionate amount of time engaged in daily operations? Is your lawyer taking direction from your chairman or members of the executive committee? Are there tenured board members who steer work towards legacy matters? These are just some of the topics we’ll tackle in this Engagement Lounge. Be ready to share your experiences as well as your winning solutions on how you solved conflict within your board of directors. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: New York Society of Association Executives
Presenter: Phil Kafarakis, Senior Advisor to Boards, Chief Executives & Governments
Fri 4/9 at 2 p.m. – It’s Time to Do Something with Your Data: The Value of a Data-Driven Culture and How to Make It Happen in Your Organization
Everyone is talking about the importance of using data, but fewer people are confident about how to create a data-driven culture. Hear stories from associations that have been transformed by an evidence-based approach to their work, how to identify valuable data, ideas for engaging staff and the board, examples of game-changing investments that helped organizations get past barriers, and how to foster a strategic data culture that supports long-term planning and mitigates fear around hard decisions. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Presenters:
- Susan Chung, Ph.D., Vice President, Research and Knowledge, American Society of Interior Designers
- Bob London, CAE, Executive Director, Alpha Phi Omega
- Katherine Matthews, CAE, Manager, Data & Analytics, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
- Tom Southard, CAE, COO, Conference of Major Superiors of Men
- Mike Steckel, Director of UX, Mighty Citizen
Fri 4/9 at 3:45 p.m. – Business and Professional Etiquette
Many people assume ‘etiquette’ is about knowing which fork and napkin to use at a formal dinner and how quickly you should send a thank you note after an interview. However, the way you behave says a lot about your professionalism. By being conscious of business etiquette, you can help set yourself apart professionally. More info/register (must first join Fridays@4, it’s free).
Host: Fridays@4
Presenter: Shelly Trent, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CAE, JCTC, JCDC
Tue 4/13 at 1 p.m. – Increasing Connectivity & Networking in Virtual Spaces Using Avatars
A challenge of virtual meetings is replicating the hallway moments and small-group interactions that often naturally spring from in-person events. Learn how to better connect meeting and conference attendees in virtual spaces using avatar-based platforms. More info/register.
Host: Better Meetings
Facilitator: Lee Gimpel, founder, Better Meetings
Tue 4/13 at 4 p.m. – Improve Your Member Experience with Smart Data Management
Looking for solutions to your data woes? Looking to take your database to the next level, create greater connectively between your data, create insightful reports and improve the user experience for your members? Learn how you can optimize your data management for even greater success and member satisfaction. More info/register.
Host: Grype
Presenter: Wes Trochlil, founder, Effective Database Management
Wed 4/14 at 2 p.m. – Where Community Fits in Your Overall Digital Engagement Strategy
Explore the ideas of identifying perspective and setting goals for your digital strategy. From renewals to non-dues revenue, and from prospecting to engagement and expectations, where does community fit in your tech stack and where do we draw the line of exclusivity? More info/register.
Hosts/Presenters:
- Benjamin Muscolino, CEO of Breezio
- Teri Carden, CEO and founder, ReviewMyAMS
Wed 4/14 at 3 p.m. – Discuss a Solution for Your Situation (Virtual Situation Room)
Need to solve a cloud issue? Have a contract question? Struggling with your data strategy? Seeking help solving issues in your remote work environment? Have cyber security questions or need feedback on an idea you want to iterate? Head to the Virtual Situation Room. You’ll have the opportunity to share issues and get advice from your peers. No talking heads, no preaching—just great, actionable advice. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Technology Council
Wed 4/14 at 4 p.m. – Let’s Talk Research Chats! It’s Time to do Something with Your Data
Join this virtual informal gathering to discuss topics related to harnessing and applying data to advance your work. These gatherings are a perfect opportunity to connect with other association professionals, pose lingering questions, and continue the conversation from the previous Friday’s virtual panel discussion. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Presenters:
- Amanda E. Hortsman, CAE, Staff Attorney, Society of Critical Care Medicine
- John Losh III, Associate Membership Director, National Association of Counties
Thu 4/15 at 1 p.m. – Must-Have Strategies for Membership Growth
The crises of the past year challenged associations, but some are turning those challenges into opportunities. From renewed focus to the launch of ‘must-have’ member benefits and team-building strategies, learn how five associations are managing change and keeping their members engaged. More info/register.
Host: Sarah Sladek & Company
Presenters:
- Rhette Baugman, Chief Revenue Officer, National Speakers Association
- Deborah Snyder, National Vice President of Membership, National Association of Women Business Owners
- Mike Moss, President, Society of College and University Planning
- Katie McBreen, Vice President of Communications and Strategy, Consumer Brands Association
- Kevin Mayeux, CEO, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors
Thu 4/15 at 1 p.m. – Facilit8me: Community of Practice
Join us for our open community of practice dialogue in a new, 30-minute express format. We ask participants to bring with them any facilitation challenges (past, present or future) they’d like to discuss as a group for supportive feedback, debrief and evaluation. No challenge is too big or small. We leverage the collective wisdom and experience of the group to brainstorm possible solutions, advice and recommendations in a safe and growth-minded environment. More info/register.
Host: Event Garde
Fri 4/16 at 2 p.m. – Big Ideas, No Budget: How to Be “Data Driven” with Limited Resources
Associations are feeling the push to adopt a data-driven culture, but leaders and teams with small budgets, small staff sizes, or other resource limitations may feel challenged to gather the data and other evidence they need. This discussion convenes panelists from small associations who have found ways to get the right evidence that advances their work. Panelists will share stories of success and lessons learned, including when—and how—to invest money allocated for research, tips for setting expectations with data-minded boards, and how to find and connect with the right research partner for your organization. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Presenters:
- Enid-Mai Jones, MA, MEd, CVEP, CDE, Senior Vice President of The Beacon Institute, LifeSpan Network
- Christina Lewellen, CAE, Executive Director, The Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools
- Laura Lewis, Chief Communications Officer, Commercial Real Estate Women Network
- Wendy-Jo Toyama, CAE, CEO, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine
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 Mariola Grobelska via Unsplash
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Association Brain Food 