Presenter: Kevin Novak, CEO, 2040 Digital. Your weekly list of free webinars and events for the association community… My world is still buzzing with the news about the Community Brands/YourMembership takeover/consolidation/call-it-what-you-will of Aptify and Abila. I expect we’ll hear more announcements in the near future about the acquisition of other association technology firms. MORE

A voltmeter, illustrating API’s projection that from now until 2040, the oil and natural gas industry will fuel 60 percent of American energy use. After the Department of Energy slighted fossil fuels in a recent pumpkin-themed promotion, the American Petroleum Institute carved out a spot in the conversation with some shareable jack-o-lantern stencils of its own. The offbeat saga offers a smashing lesson in public relations. When the U.S. MORE

Estimates are that China and India will retake the lead as the largest world economies by 2040. Join MCI & A Panel of Association Execs from ACP, MDRT, PMI, and SLAS. on May 16th for a three hour deep dive on recent trends and effective management practices for growing business in emerging markets. Deep Dive Exploration: Navigating the Emerging Markets. Thursday, May 16, 2013 8:00 AM – 10:45 AM; ASAE International Conference @ DC Convention Center. MORE

Presenter: Kevin Novak, CEO, 2040 Digital. The weekly list of free professional development events for the association community… More evidence that I only associate with the most successful companies: my clients keep getting bought. This week, we learned Higher Logic acquired Real Magnet and Informz. Maybe I’m a good luck charm? Listen to Higher Logic CEO Rob Wenger talk to DelCor Technology Solutions founder and CEO Loretta DeLuca about the deal. MORE

An element of the city’s ambitious LPlan 2040 is an expansion of the current trail system, with the goal of making it accessible to every resident of the city, with a walk of a mile or less. The American Planning Association’s annual Great Places in America list highlights examples of beautiful, well-planned community hubs. Check out the list to see whether your city made the cut. MORE

percent by 2040 and just 15.7 A new study by the National Funeral Directors Association reveals that more consumers prefer cremation and green burial options. This means that both NFDA and its members must make changes to stay relevant. A new report from the National Funeral Directors Association finds that American attitudes toward funerals are changing, with the cremation rate expected to increase to 78.7 percent of people seeking traditional burial. MORE

Presenter: Kevin Novak, CEO, 2040 Digital. Your weekly list of free webinars and events for the association community… Yesterday I went on an ebook buying rampage thanks to BookBub. You know how it goes: you look at the “Customers who bought this item also bought” section on Amazon and before you know it you’ve clicked “Buy now” several times. Well, that’s what happens to me. MORE