The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community…
Benchmarking chapter data. Billhighway asks, “What’s the point of chapter benchmarking?” Of course, you know they have a good answer, which they share in their latest post along with examples of how two associations use chapter benchmarking data to spark change.
Digital credentialing for the next gen. Associations are always talking about attracting young members and customers. Well, here’s one way to do it, according to WBT Systems: help students and recent graduates learn industry basics and differentiate themselves from the competition with introductory digital badge and credentialing programs.
Non-renewing members. MemberSuite looks at a challenge many associations have been struggling with over the past year: non-renewing members. They describe why members don’t renew (per an MGI study) and what you can do about it.
Introvert-friendly conferences. Introverts everywhere want to hoist John Spencer up on their shoulders and thank him for the five suggestions he asks you to consider when planning your next conference—or, at least, I do. His recommendations at Susan Cain’s Quiet Revolution blog would improve the conference learning and networking experience not only for introverts, but for extroverts too.
Quick hits
- “I don’t have time” is not true. We can always make time for important things. The problem isn’t time, it’s something else. (Darius Foroux)
- Brain research confirms the stupidity of back-to-back meetings. (Pim de Morree, Corporate Rebels)
Good eats
Skip down to the list of free webinars if you prefer takeout. If you’re a home cook, check out the irregularly published In The Kitchen posts on my Grabbing the Gusto blog.
- After making a massive quantity of chicken tinga for a cookout, I froze the leftovers for a casserole one day. That day was Sunday when I combined the chicken with tomatillos, zucchini, yellow squash, poblano, jalapeno, bell pepper, onion, garlic, pinto and black beans, elbow mac, cheddar cheese and cilantro to make my casserole dreams come true—so good.
- Not that we needed more vegetables on Sunday, but I had them from the CSA, so I sautéed carrots, yellow and pattypan squash, broccoli stems and green onions with a sprinkling of fresh basil at the end.
- During the week, I baked swordfish with a topping of southeast Asian-style pesto (made with Thai basil, Vietnamese coriander and mint) and panko bread crumbs. On the side, summer squash and zucchini quarters, glazed and roasted with hoisin, General Tso’s and sriracha sauce.
- The next night, Spanish mackerel baked with a maple-barbecue-Worcestershire glaze. On the side, greens (arugula, pac choi, mizuna, broccoli and carrot tops) sautéed with bacon, broccoli florets, red onion, green onions, red and yellow bell pepper, carrots, jalapeno and garlic.
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 6/4 at 12 p.m.* – AI Now for Associations – Chat about AI
Reggie’s insights will help association executives learn and understand the progress that AI and Machine Learning will bring to your association’s mission. More info/register.
Hosts: Michael Butera and Karen McCann/AI Now for Associations
Presenter: Reggie Henry, CAE, Chief Information and Engagement Officer, ASAE
*All times are Eastern Daylight Time unless otherwise noted.
Fri 6/4 at 12 p.m. – Inclusive Experience for your Virtual Events
With an opportunity of paving a new way through humanity, it is imperative for event professionals to ensure the experiences they design to deliver a message of ‘inclusivity as natural behavior’ that makes everyone feel welcome. How do you create an inclusive experience in a virtual environment? Let’s talk about ten best practices that make sure all attendees experience your events to its full potential. 1 CMP credit. More info/register (fee for MPI non-members).
Host: MPI
Presenter: Sonali Nair, CMP, DES, Education Chair, MPI Experiential Designers and Marketers Advisory Board
Fri 6/4 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
Fri 6/4 at 4:00 p.m. – Career Book Open Discussion
We will discuss the book Promote Yourself: The New Rules for Career Success, by Dan Schawbel. While reading the book in advance is encouraged, it’s not required. Plan to attend what is sure to be a lively and productive discussion on how to take hold of your own promotion and win in your career. More info/register. (Must join Fridays@4 for free first.)
Host: Fridays@4
Mon 6/7 at 1 p.m. – Diversity & Inclusion Programs (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: Linda Devonish Mills
Hosts:
- Cecilia Sepp, CAE, CNAP, principal and founder, Rogue Tulips LLC
- Agnes Amos-Coleman, MBA, CMP, education, conference, event, certification consultant, Amos-Coleman
Tue 6/8 from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. – SURGE Forward
This year, we’ll talk about the technologies, ideas and opportunities that will change membership forever. We’re taking the hard-learned lessons from 2020 and establishing a new normal for association pros. At SURGE, you won’t simply listen to the speakers. You’ll engage them directly in our live chat, and you can ask questions during their presentations. Through this interactive networking, you will build real relationships with like-minded and innovative association professionals. CAE credits. More info/register.
Host: Sidecar
Tue 6/8 at 1 p.m. – The New Association Tech Ecosystem
Learn about differing technology philosophies and why associations choose one or the other, four popular association tech stack models and which became more popular post-COVID, popular association software solutions providing specialized functionality, and how CRM platforms fit in association tech stack models. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Ricochet Advice
Presenters:
- Beth Power, Association Technologist
- Chris Gloede, Ricochet Chief Consultant
Tue 6/8 at 2 p.m. – All Video Is Not Created Equal: How to Inspire Your Community to Action with Video Content That Inspires
Association and nonprofit leaders should be using video to inspire real change and advance your missions. Learn how to define the goals of your video project upfront to ensure success, get to know your audience and understand what motivates them so you can create content that resonates, the foundational components of inspiring video content that will actually influence your community to action, and where to publish video content to drive results. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Gather Voices
Presenters:
- Danny Alpert, Executive Director of the Kindling Group
- Michael Hoffman, CEO of Gather Voices
Tue 6/8 at 2 p.m. – Beyond Engagement: Using Gamification to Achieve More Meaningful Educational Outcomes
Learn how gamification can be used to improve engagement and educational outcomes in both live and virtual settings, and what insights can be gained by data collected through gamification. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: MeetingsNet
Presenters:
- Tyler Nelson, Director of Product, Array
- Katie Robinson, PhD, CHCP, Associate Director, Medical Research and Quality Outcomes, Vindico Medical Education
- Sue Hatch, Content Director, MeetingsNet
Tue 6/8 at 2 p.m. – Backstage Pass: Producing Compelling Content that Drives Engagement
In this new age of content consumption, how do you create a cohesive content strategy and production plan that guarantees maximum engagement? Learn how to build an audience-centric strategy from the ground up for every type of event; the content, production and technology levers that dial up engagement; new tools and production tips that make ‘Zoom fatigue’ a thing of the past; and keys to working with A/V pros to bring your content to life for virtual and hybrid events. More info/register.
Host: Smart Meetings
Presenters:
- Alyssa Peltier, Senior Manager, Industry Solutions, Event Marketing, Cvent
- Julie Haddix, Senior Director, Industry Solutions, Cvent
Tue 6/8 at 3:45 p.m. – Accessible Web Design Without Tradeoffs: Leaving No Member Behind Online
Is your association’s membership accessible to all? Does your website reflect your values of inclusivity and accessibility? Maybe there is room for improvement. Learn how to broaden your audience with inclusive design and design thinking. More info/register.
Host: Grype Digital
Presenter: David Berman, author, Do Good Design: How Designers Can Change the World, and UN Special Advisor on web accessibility
Wed 6/9 from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. – SURGE Forward
This year, we’ll talk about the technologies, ideas and opportunities that will change membership forever. We’re taking the hard-learned lessons from 2020 and establishing a new normal for association pros. At SURGE, you won’t simply listen to the speakers. You’ll engage them directly in our live chat, and you can ask questions during their presentations. Through this interactive networking, you will build real relationships with like-minded and innovative association professionals. CAE credits. More info/register.
Host: Sidecar
Wed 6/9 at 1 p.m. – The State of Community Management 2021
Get a look at the findings from the 12th annual State of Community Management report. More info/register.
Hosts: The Community Roundtable and Higher Logic
Wed 6/9 at 1 p.m. – #ExpoChat on Twitter
ExpoChat is a Twitter-based conversation on topics related to the trade show industry. More info.
Wed 6/9 at 2 p.m. – 10 Common Webinar Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Learn tips and best practices to make sure that your webinars are always a success, including common “webinar from home” mistakes to avoid, tips for dealing with “less good” speakers, optimizing for audience engagement, and tricks for higher webinar lead conversion. More info/register.
Host: ON24
Wed 6/9 at 3 p.m. – The Innovation Imperative
The pandemic forced associations to innovate on the fly—but what does intentional innovation look like on a long-term basis? How can your association build a culture that naturally supports innovation? What are associations doing now to proactively transform their future? Learn what the panelists are seeing in the field and what all association professionals can learn as a result. Find out how to frame the Innovation Imperative for your association going forward. Hear thought-provoking strategies that will inspire and encourage you as we move out of the pandemic. More info/register.
Host: Mary Byers
Presenters: association consultants Seth Kahan, Celisa Steele, Jeff Cobb, Bruce Rosenthal and Mary Byers
Wed 6/9 at 3 p.m. – Analytics in Action: How to Boost Event Registration Revenue with Data
With the pandemic almost/nearly/hopefully close to behind us, we can start adding in-person events back in the mix and with that, look for ways to maximize our attendance and revenue across all events. Learn how to use engagement data to reach new attendees, leverage data to provide a personalized and relevant experience to different member segments, uncover registration trends by event categories and customer segments, understand and analyze event loyalty and overlap, and determine who is most likely to attend your event based on historical data, demographics and behavior. More info/register.
Host: Association Analytics
Presenters:
- Bill Conforti, SVP of Strategy & Solutions, Association Analytics
- Greg Pollack, Vice President of Sales, Association Analytics
Thu 6/10 from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. – SURGE Forward
This year, we’ll talk about the technologies, ideas and opportunities that will change membership forever. We’re taking the hard-learned lessons from 2020 and establishing a new normal for association pros. At SURGE, you won’t simply listen to the speakers. You’ll engage them directly in our live chat, and you can ask questions during their presentations. Through this interactive networking, you will build real relationships with like-minded and innovative association professionals. CAE credits. More info/register.
Host: Sidecar
Thu 6/10 at 11 a.m. – Predicting Policy & Identifying Trends in Legislation
Get a look at 2021 legislation trends, how those trends could influence what happens for the rest of the year, and the tools you can use to stay on top of it all. More info/register.
Host: FiscalNote
Presenters:
- Tonya Saunders, Principal, Washington Premier Group
- Amber Fording , Data Analytics Manager, FiscalNote
Thu 6/10 at 1 p.m. – Emotionally Engaging Attendees in the New Era of Events
How do brands like Hulu, Disney, and the NFL think about creating emotional event experiences for their audience? Hear event industry leaders discuss event personalization and the secrets behind energetic unique event experiences, in the new era of events. More info/register.
Hosts: BizBash and Cadence
Thu 6/10 at 2 p.m. – Let’s Talk Brand and Your Association Board: Ask Me Anything
A rebrand done right, with buy-in (and excitement!) from your board and stakeholders, can have a significant impact on your association. In this “Ask Me Anything” style webinar, you’ll hear from our branding experts on methods for getting buy-in from your board on a rebrand as well as hear from the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners about their rebrand journey, including obstacles and lessons learned. More info/register
Host: Mighty Citizen
Presenters:
- Gardiner Rhoderick, Creative Director, Mighty Citizen
- Michele Stickel, Director of Marketing and Strategic Projects, National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners
- Moderator: Nicole Araujo, Client Engagement Director, Mighty Citizen
Thu 6/10 at 3 p.m. – Attainable AI Ethics for Associations
As associations invest more in content personalization, predictive modeling, marketing automation, voice recognition, or facial recognition, it’s imperative we understand the math behind the AI. Join an interactive discussion with four association experts who will grapple with this question. Then, join us in working groups to discuss attainable ways the association community can address ethical AI. 1.5 CAE credits. More info/register.
Hosts: Association Women Technology Champions and the ASAE Technology Professionals Council
Presenters:
- Tim Hopkins, CAE, consultant, McKinley Advisors
- Katherine Matthews, CAE, Manager, Data & Analytics, for the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
- Alexis Redmond, JD, MA, CAE, director, career management resources for the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Evan Reid, Data Analytics Manager at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Fri 6/11 at 12:30 p.m. – Navigating the Legal Side for the Return of Live Events
What should planners be aware of when returning to live events? Should planners incorporate any new steps or change anything in their current contracting processes? Are there any new things to communicate in your contract? How to best approach contract commitments like force majeure, attrition, and hybrid event needs with your hotel partner? More info/register.
Host: Hopskip
Presenters:
- Barbara Dunn, Partner at Barnes & Thornburg LLP, representing groups
- Lisa Sommer Devlin, Devlin Law Firm, P.C. representing hotels
Fri 6/11 at 4 p.m. – Successful Assertion
Have you ever failed to stand up for yourself in a meeting and beat yourself up about it later? Have you ever regretted something you said to a coworker in the heat of the moment because your tone was harsher than you intended? Such failures to communicate effectively in the workplace can hinder a career. Learn about the qualities of successful assertiveness that can help us become better, more controlled and more confident communicators. More info/register. (Must join Fridays@4 for free first.)
Host: Fridays@4
Presenter: Lisa Johnson, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, Owner, HR Know-How LLC
Tue 6/15 at 12 p.m. – Association Management Companies (AMCs) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Part 2
Hear the journey of two AMCs as they implement Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and (Accessibility) initiatives in their companies and for their association clients. Find out about their approach to DEI(A) with their association clients, effective internal and external practices, and success metrics. More info/register.
Host: ASAE AMC Professionals Advisory Council
Presenters:
- Beth Quick-Andrews, CAE (facilitator), President, Q&A-An Association Management Company, Inc.
- Derrick M. Johnson II, CMP DES, Chief Diversity Officer & Director of Event Strategy, Talley Management Group Inc
- Dionne S. Wilson, CAE, Executive Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Association Management Center
Thu 6/17 at 8 a.m. – Global Association Outlook for 2021 Executive Management Dialogue
One year has passed since the world changed the way we operate in the global environment. Ongoing restrictions on international travel challenged organizations to evaluate their global operations and explore innovative ways of engaging with members and volunteer leaders around the world. Hear how association leaders are adapting their global strategies including: how they’re addressing current uncertainty and the evolving global situation in 2021, what they’re anticipating and planning for the remainder of the year, and what additional challenges or opportunities the move toward regional reopening brings to them. 1.5 CAE credits. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Presenters:
- Steven Basart, Vice-President at Kellen
- Senthil Gopinath
- Arlene A. Pietranton, Ph.D., CAE, chief executive officer of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
- Gregory J. Fine, FASAE, CAE, EVP/CEO, CCIM Institute
Thu 6/17 at 12 p.m. – Association Executive Panel Discussion on the Economic Impact & Challenges of the Pandemic
Learn how three association executives worked with leadership to make decisions regarding reserves, dues, conferences and forecasting. Hear a discussion about establishing and using reserves, essential elements for a well-constructed Investment Policy Statement, roles and responsibilities of the interested parties in managing the reserves, and the current market and outlook for economic normalization. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
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 byPatrice Bouchard via Unsplash
Association Brain Food 