The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community…
Mental health. Since the pandemic, we’ve seen many headlines about the rise in mental health issues. People talk about it in the association world, but how many associations actually provide resources and education about mental health issues to members and industry employers? TopClass LMS explains why and how associations should step up their efforts and shares examples of associations who have.
Mobile apps. Results Direct and .orgCommunity released the first and most comprehensive report on mobile apps in the association community, which includes data on how associations and their members are using mobile apps. An app can help you solve what survey participants said was the biggest challenge for associations: communicating the value of membership.
Member app. Another advantage of an app: it’s a centralized communication channel to your members, unlike social media platforms your association doesn’t own. Bulletin describes how a member app helps you nurture member engagement.
Member retention. Mark Lowry at Association Analytics shares helpful member retention strategies. He takes a data-oriented approach to planning, measuring, and improving retention practices.
Zoom fatigue. Organizational psychologist Adam Grant said, “Zoom fatigue is not burnout. It’s boreout.” Research shows: “when meetings are virtual, we’re not overwhelmed—we’re understimulated. Cardiac measures show drowsiness, not stress.” The solution: “fewer, shorter, more interactive online meetings.” Keep these findings in mind when planning staff and member online meetings and educational programs, including conferences.
Gen Z careers. Katie Notopoulos at Business Insider shares findings from a survey of 16- to 26-year-olds: one out of three believe the best way to build wealth is to work for themselves instead of a traditional employer. Granted, that’s only one-third, but what effect will this have on Gen Z’s desire to join or get involved with associations?
Marketing to Gen Z and millennials. If you’re determined to market more effectively to younger generations, here’s some help. Mercury Creative Group explains how to build an association brand that attracts and builds the loyalty of young members.
You never grow old at the table
I’ve never made a beef brisket but decided to give it a try after seeing this lauded recipe on Leite’s Culinaria by cookbook store owner Nach Rachman. Since my brisket was only 2-1/2 pounds, I added only four onions to the pot but increased the carrots to three. Next time, I’ll trim more of the fat, but, oh my, I wish there were more leftovers. A keeper.
The blog recommends roasted potatoes with dill as a side. We munched on lots of these while waiting for the brisket to finish. Another keeper. I also made the usual roasted broccoli with red onion and garlic powder. No, we never get sick of it.
When time was short one night, I defrosted a roasted pork loin and served it with leftover cranberry chutney from Thanksgiving. The pork recipe (arista al forno) came from the cookbook Whatever Happened to Sunday Dinner. You rub the loin with a mix of garlic, sea salt, ground fennel, and pepper. While it’s roasting, add a cup of white wine to the pan for basting. Excellent.
With the leftover whole black sea bass and perch I mentioned last week, I made Provencal seafood bisque with shrimp. I really felt like lobster bisque, so the soup was good, but it wasn’t lobster.
If you have a free webinar or event coming up, please send me the link by Wednesday afternoon the week before it’s scheduled. I’m happy to feature it as long as it’s not too product-centric.
Fri 12/8 at 12:30 p.m.* – Conversations with Champions
Each conversation features an AWTC leader or AWTC Award winner, followed by breakout rooms with topics selected by our featured guest. This month’s topics are: member engagement, and holiday cocktails and mocktails. These intimate, virtual conversations are a chance to form meaningful connections with other women and allies in the association technology community. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Guest: Nicole Bowen, Supervisor at RSM
*All events are online at Eastern Standard Time unless otherwise noted.
Fri 12/8 at 4 p.m. – Diversity Discussion: Inclusive Workplace with Disabilities in Mind
Join us as we close out our diversity discussion series with this moderated panel on inclusive workplaces. The conversation will explore workplace policies, panelists’ experiences, and disabilities in the workplace. More info/register.
Host: Fridays@4
Speakers:
- Michael Lewis, Vice President of Policy, American Association of People with Disabilities
- Samyuktha Neeraja, MPH, CAE, State Association Relations Manager II, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology
- Mariel Solomon, MS, CCC-SLP, Associate Director, Practice Portal, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Maunda Land, MBA, CMP, CAE (moderator), Senior Director, Conscious Inclusion, American Society of Association Executives
Mon 12/11 at 8 a.m. – The Future of Thought Leadership (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: Dean West of Association Laboratory and Jeff De Cagna of Foresight First
Mon 12/11 from 3 to 5 p.m. – Membership Mondays Winter Celebration (Washington DC)
Enjoy beer, wine, soft drinks, and a light nosh to celebrate a great 2023. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Tue 12/12 from 10:25 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. – The Data Bunch
This groundbreaking virtual event brings together exceptional minds in data management, analytics, and innovation. The Data Bunch will cover must-have insights and strategies from data governance to analytics. Discover cutting-edge techniques and emerging trends to help you think big and drive impact within your organization. Attend as many or as few sessions as you wish—sessions described below. More info/register.
Host: Impexium
MC: Donna Gandt, Chief Revenue Officer, Impexium & Billhighway
Tue 12/12 at 10:30 a.m. – The Data Bunch: Five Must-Dos for Better Data Management
Learn the three key elements to successful data management and why each is important. Discover why you have more control over data management than you think. Find out how printed directories and data management are related. More info/register.
Host: Impexium
Speaker: Wes Trochlil, President, Effective Database Management
Tue 12/12 at 11:15 a.m. – The Data Bunch: Building and Selling: A Guide to Data Strategy Success in Your Organization
Learn about the core elements of a successful data strategy, developing an enterprise-wide data and analytics strategy to achieve business goals, and securing organizational support and funding for your data initiatives. More info/register.
Host: Impexium
Speaker: Reid Colson, SVP, Data Analytics, UDig
Tue 12/12 at 12 p.m. – The Data Bunch: The Hidden Costs of Dirty Data: How Clean Up Can Transform Your Organization
Find out about the hidden costs of dirty data and assess its impact on your organization. Learn how to conduct a cost analysis to quantify the financial implications of dirty data. Explore practical tips and strategies to initiate your data hygiene journey. More info/register.
Host: Impexium
Speaker: Sidney Galati, Sales & Partnerships Manager, Bumblebee Data
Tue 12/12 at 12 p.m. – LGBTQIA2+ Community Call
Please join us for this opportunity for association professionals (of all career levels) to come together to share lunch time and discuss topics that are relevant and timely. Come prepared to join this judgment-free group with questions and issues that are top of mind for you in the LGBTQIA2+ association community. More info/register.
Host: ASAE LGBTQ Association Executives and Supporters
Tue 12/12 at 12:30 p.m. – Neurodivergence and Associations (Alexandria VA)
An estimated 15-20% of the population is neurodivergent, processing information differently from what is often considered “typical.” What might that mean for your association’s learning and networking programs? Join a facilitated discussion on what neurodiversity is – and isn’t – and how associations can meet the expectations of neurodivergent members. Location: Alexandria VA. More info/register.
Host: AIOT
Speaker: Holly Martinson, M. Ed., Patient Minds
Tue 12/12 at 12:45 p.m. – The Data Bunch: Data Warehouse or House of Cards? How to Tell If You Need a Data Warehouse. The Answer Might Surprise You
Learn how data warehouses are more accessible to a variety of organizations and no longer just for large corporations; how to evaluate your organization’s specific needs through a structured framework, ensuring data warehouse implementation aligns with your objectives; and how to gain specific insights into your organization, which will enable informed decisions on whether or not a data warehouse is the best investment. More info/register.
Host: Impexium
Speakers: Taj Carson, Chief Executive Officer, and Adam Sulier, Data Engineer, Inciter
Tue 12/12 at 1:30 p.m. – The Data Bunch: AI Plus Data Equals Innovation: Leverage New Tools to Build Stronger Strategies
Learn how to analyze and understand the types and importance of data within associations, how AI can transform data processing and analysis, and how to implement AI solutions within your association. More info/register.
Host: Impexium
Speakers: Sherry Budziak, CEO & Founder, and Kevin Ordonez, President & Managing Director, Digital Strategy, .OrgSource
Tue 12/12 at 2:15 p.m. – The Data Bunch: Building Capacity for Data-Driven Decisions
Learn about the fundamental concepts necessary to effectively lead business intelligence and data governance initiatives; the importance of data quality, data integration, and data security within the context of business intelligence; and aligning data-driven questions with broader business objectives. More info/register.
Host: Impexium
Speakers:
- Daniel Elacqua, MBA, PMP, Founding Partner & CIO Consultant, Strategico Consultants LLC
- Gwen E. Garrison, PhD, Principle Data Strategist, Strategico Consultants LLC, and Clinical Professor & Director, Claremount Graduate University
Tue 12/12 at 3 p.m. – The Data Bunch: Smart Work, Not Hard Work: Leveraging Data Analytics for Association Success
Unravel the complexities of data analytics to make it accessible and understandable. Gain a solid understanding of data-related terminology and concepts. Discover how data analytics can be a powerful tool to unlock the path to success. More info/register.
Host: Impexium
Speaker: Denny Lengkong, President, IntelliData
Tue 12/12 at 3:45 p.m. – The Data Bunch: Getting Your Data House in Order: Where Theory Meets Practice
Understand the importance of data governance and how that can be applied to a selection/implementation process. Consider where the AMS fits into your organizational ecosystem at the onset of the project rather than an afterthought. Ensure the roles and responsibilities of managing and consuming data are properly planned. More info/register.
Host: Impexium
Speaker: Dan Hickey, Senior Strategic Consultant, Technology Consulting, DelCor Technology Solutions
Tue 12/12 at 1 p.m. – Member-Driven Video Storytelling Workshop
Video is totally dominating today, so it’s no surprise that leadership is asking about your plans to incorporate more video into your strategy. But all video is not created equal. Learn about the process of planning, executing, and optimizing member-generated video campaigns to achieve revenue-based outcomes. Find out how to assess your organization’s current campaigns to identify areas of opportunity to include more diverse voices and perspectives, and design an actionable strategic plan for creating and distributing member-driven video content. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Michael Hoffman, Co-Founder and CEO, Gather Voices
Tue 12/12 at 3 p.m. – The Top Ten List: Data Challenges (and Solutions)
Learn about the top ten most common data challenges for associations and how to solve them, strategies that will help you access the data and numbers you need, solutions to unlock data insights and fuel future decision making, and stories from experts who have faced similar struggles—and how they overcame them. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Julie Sciullo, CEO, Association Analytics
Wed 12/13 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Best of 2023: Case Studies in Even Excellence
Gain critical insights and learn from the successes (and failures) of the best events of 2023. Connect with fellow event professionals from across the globe. Explore trends, forge partnerships, or exchange ideas – the possibilities are endless. From the most incredible experiences to the latest tech innovations, get ready to be inspired. 2 CMP credits. More info/register.
Host: Skift Meetings
Wed 12/13 at 12 p.m. – Zero to Hero: Why Zero Party Data will Save the Day
While you’ve made the case for clean data across your organization, teams might still be struggling with why data hygiene is a shared responsibility. As associations continue to fight for attention in inboxes and across digital channels, the need for the right data sets is clear—what’s not is how to offset privacy concerns that prevent marketers from using data sources they have traditionally used. Learn why it’s time to accept that using zero party data is the surefire way to build trust and confidence with your future brand ambassadors. More info/register.
Host: HighRoad Solutions
Speaker: Maneesha Manges, CXO, HighRoad Solutions
Wed 12/13 at 1 p.m. – Strategic Negotiating Tips
Learn about our current marketplace and how it affects planners’ strategies during negotiations. Hear about key contract clauses and how to defend them to benefit your organization’s bottom line. Discuss variables that the hotels consider when reviewing your overall business value. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Meetings Today
Speaker: Robyn Mietkiewicz, Innovation Partner, INNOV8 Meetings + Events
Wed 12/13 at 2 p.m. – Countdown to 2024: Understanding the Political Endgame Dynamics
Hear about Congress’ funding priorities, with a focus on the FAA and NDAA, and how they could impact your strategic planning; the current political landscape, dynamics to watch, and what it means for the 2024 elections; and actionable insights and predictions to help you navigate the complex political terrain. More info/register.
Host: Congressional Quarterly
Speakers:
- John Bennett, editor-at large, CQ and Roll Call
- Caroline Coudriet, reporter, defense and national security developments in Congress, CQ and Roll Call
- Jason Dick (moderator), editor-in-chief, CQ and Roll Call
Wed 12/13 at 2 p.m. – AI for Event Planners: Leverage the Power or Proceed with Caution?
Learn how AI can be a game-changer in transforming your event-planning process. Hear about simple tips and practical advice for event planners to get started with using AI for their events; potential risks and ethical considerations when incorporating AI into event planning processes; and strategies to save time and increase efficiency by harnessing the power of AI while preserving the human touch. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: MeetingsNet
Speakers:
- Alexis Bauer Kolak, Director, Education & Learning Services , Smithbucklin
- Beth Surmont, FASAE, CMP-Fellow, CAE, Vice President, Event Strategy & Design, 360 Live Media
Wed 12/13 at 2 p.m. – How to Write a Compelling Job Post
Learn how to attract well-qualified meeting professionals and navigate the tricky topic of salaries. Find out how an advertisement differs from a job description, the best places to post meetings industry jobs, how to appeal to multigenerational candidates, and the issue of salary transparency. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Northstar Meetings Group
Speakers:
- Robert Kenward, recruitment expert
- Dawn Penfold, president, Meetingjobs.com
- Elise Schoening (moderator), senior editor, Northstar Meetings Group
Wed 12/13 at 3 p.m. – Ring in The New Year with 3 Strategies to Elevate Your Association’s Impact in 2024
Get ahead of the curve and hear how to implement three easy strategies to get the most from your data programs in the new year. Find out how to collect the right kind of data on your members, get more serious and practical about AI, and create and communicate your value proposition. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Association Analytics
Speakers: Bill Conforti, SVP of Strategy & Solutions, and Greg Pollack, SVP of Sales Enablement, Association Analytics
Thu 12/14 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. – People Powering Tech 2023
Networking, a powerhouse panel, expert presenters, an unconference, and a house party—block your calendar and see you there! This is THE association event by and for association people. Technology has its own momentum. Daily we feel how tech drives both us and our associations, yet increasingly people are looking for ways to land a human hand back on the steering wheel. Join us for inspiration; join us for conversation about putting people at the center of our strategy and operations. 2.5 CAE credits. More info/register. ASAE Collaborate members use discount code “collaborate” for 100% off and Facebook Association Chat members use “assnchat” for the same discount.
Hosts: Qiqo Inc. and BJA Solutions for Associations (aka Barbara Armentrout)
Thu 12/14 at 12 p.m. – The Community Check-In
A weekly community chat on Slack for black professionals working in the events industry. More info/register.
Host: Black In Events Network
Thu 12/14 at 1 p.m. – The 2024 Learning Business Landscape
Hear about key developments that will impact learning businesses in 2024 and beyond based on survey data from practitioners working in the business of professional development. Find out how organizations are investing in learning, including in specific areas of focus like personalization, blended learning, AI, cohort-based learning, data, and more. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Tagoras
Speakers:
- Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders, Tagoras and Leading Learning
- Ashish Rangnekar, CEO, BenchPrep
Thu 12/14 at 1 p.m. – Nonprofit Leadership Roundtable
When’s the last time you took a step back and had a look at your organization as a whole entity? Join nonprofit and association peers for a virtual reflection and planning session. Together, we’ll think back over this year as it comes to a close and map out our goals for the coming year. More info/register.
Host: Carol Hamilton, principal, Grace Social Sector Consulting
Thu 12/14 at 2 p.m. – Gen AI, Trust, and Your Marketing
Engage with essential questions that will define your relationship with GenAI. What’s the future of trust in an AI-driven world? Understand how GenAI can either catalyze or compromise community cohesion and what strategies can optimize its benefits. More info/register.
Host: KiKi L’Italien, chief strategist, Amplified Growth, and owner, Association Chat
Thu 12/14 at 2 p.m. – Building a 365-Day Marketing Machine to Maximize Post-Event Impact
Hear key strategies for riding the wave of a successful event to maximize post-event impact and drive continuous success throughout the year. Learn how to ensure a clean, post-event marketing hand-off, repurpose event content to extend your reach, build engaged communities, continuously nurture event-generated leads, and sustain momentum long after your event is over. More info/register.
Host: Bizzabo
Speakers:
- Gianna Gaudini, Head of Events at Airtable
- Anthony Kennada, Cofounder & CEO, AudiencePlus
- Monique Ruff-Bell, Director of Events at TED
- Lauren McCullough, VP of Marketing, Bizzabo
Thu 12/14 at 3:30 p.m. – Top 5 Things You Need on an Association Website to Attract Members and Sponsors
Learn about the pivotal role of a membership website to grow your membership; how to inspire your members to share knowledge, connect and collaborate with a discussion forum and resource library; best practices to create and maintain content on your membership website; benefits of a user-friendly website to enhance user experience and community engagement; and how automation can double your member engagement. More info/register.
Host: Grype
Speaker: Farhad Khan, CEO, Grype
Fri 12/15 at 1 p.m. – From Intuition to Insight: Transitioning to Data-Driven Learning Strategies
Learn the art of presenting compelling data to secure executive buy-in through success metrics. Discover streamlined methods for accurately obtaining data without investing excessive time and resources. Uncover the meaningful insights behind your collected data and leverage them to refine your eLearning strategies effectively. Explore innovative approaches to gathering valuable feedback and optimizing course evaluations. 0.75 CAE credits. More info/register.
Host: Blue Sky eLearn
Speaker: Dr. Kristen Wall, MA, EdD, Director of Learning and Development, Blue Sky eLearn
Fri 12/15 at 2 p.m. – Consultant Community Virtual Networking Event
Organizer: Cecilia Sepp, founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting
Fri 12/15 at 3 p.m. – Ready24: How Your Association Can Stay Ahead in 2024
The challenges facing associations are significant: technology, competition, funding and fatigue. But so are the opportunities. New and impactful solutions can empower your association to deepen human connections, automate personalized membership experiences and accelerate growth. Learn why strategy, leadership and technology are imperative for your membership in associations; strategies to build and maintain a high-performing team; and how to check your cybersecurity measures to help ensure your data is secure. More info/register.
Host: Wipfli
Speakers: Caroline Nuttall, Manager; Ryan Peasley, Senior Technology Manager; and Chad Stewart, Senior Manager, Wipfli
Fri 12/15 at 3:30 p.m. – The Role of Ethics in Volunteer Engagement
Learn about the difference between personal, organizational and professional ethics, and the core values and principles identified by the Council for Certification in Volunteer Administration. Hear about a process for ethical decision-making that can be applied in any situation, and practice this using real-life scenarios related to volunteers. Learn strategies for increasing awareness of ethics within an organization and helping both volunteers and staff become more effective at handling ethical dilemmas. More info/register.
Host: Volunteer Managers of Central Iowa
Fri 12/15 at 4 p.m. – Open Networking: F@4 Year End Highlights
F@4 President Shelly Trent will provide a “year in review,” discussing our successes in 2023 and plans for 2024. Please attend to provide ideas for next year and feedback about this past year. More info/register.
Host: Fridays@4
Mon 12/18 at 11 a.m. – Communicating with Authors: How Do Societies Stay Connected with Their Authors?
Hear from three people who have extensive experience in building communication strategies to ensure societies stay connected with their authors. Find out how and why that is different from wider society communications and outreach, and how and why those activities should overlap. More info/register.
Host: Society Street
Speakers:
- Sara Killingworth, Head of Marketing, Institution of Engineering and Technology
- Mithu Lucraft, Senior Consultant, TBI Communications
- Jennifer Regala, Director of Publications and Executive Editor, American Urological Association
Tue 12/19 at 12 p.m. – How AI and Automation are Reshaping the Future for Associations
Discover the transformative power of AI and automation. Learn how to navigate the tech evolution and position your association for unparalleled success. Uncover key strategies to consider when adjusting your digital roadmap. Jump-start your association’s planning with interactive Q&A, explore crucial insights and more. More info/register.
Host: iMIS by ASI
Speakers:
- Rob Wenger, CEO, Higher Logic
- Tim Clarke, CRO, iMIS by ASI
Tue 12/19 at 12 p.m. – Component Affiliation Structures (Crunch ‘n’ Munch)
Are your components structured as affiliates of the parent organization or independent entities? Are you working towards a centralized model? What are the structural, operational, and financial considerations of these changes? 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Component Relations and Volunteer Management Advisory Council
Facilitators: Rachel Grimes and Michelle Runge
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 by Wednesday afternoon the week before it’s scheduled.
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