The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community…
So excited! I registered yesterday for ASAE TEC, my first in-person conference since forever. Early bird ends Wednesday so chop chop. I hope to see many of you there. Yippee!
Remote work shortcomings. I understand why people love working from home since I’ve been doing it for more than a decade, but I also see how it can cause issues if your organization doesn’t overcome the common culture and management challenges of remote work. WBT Systems explains how your association’s education programs can provide three things that research says are missing for many who work remotely: meaning, belonging and informal learning.
Strategic plan. Jamie Notter of Propel says it right up front so no spoilers here: “to make your strategic plan a living document, you re-write it every three months, and you let everyone in the organization edit it.” Who can argue with that?
Innovative events. Aaron Wolowiec, CAE, CMP, of Event Garde reports back from in-person events he’s attended or he and his team have planned. He shares several “unique offerings that really do seem to elevate the attendee experience despite some of the constraints resulting from the ongoing pandemic.”
Content marketing. Edelman surveyed nearly 3,600 management-level professionals who consume thought-leadership content so they could help marketers understand how to break through the noise, when to use thought leadership and what B2B audiences want to see from companies.
New association podcast. Maddie Grant of Propel and Rick Bawcum of Cimatri launched a new podcast, The Association Mashup, which will focus on the intersection of culture and technology. The first episode features Jamie Notter of Propel (hello again!) talking about the return to the workplace—definitely worth the 33 minutes.
Vax verification. I’ve seen people in ASAE Collaborate and other forums ask about vaccination (and negative test) verification tools. Lori Tenny at Trade Show News Network did the legwork and shares four options, including one from Event Farm (the only name I recognize from the association space) that integrates with CLEAR Health Pass.
Quick hits
- The pandemic’s unpredictability isn’t all bad because uncertainty has the power to fuel positive change and even inspire creativity (Nicola Smith, Digiday)
- From blog posts to case studies, find out exactly what content marketers create for each stage of their content marketing funnel. (Masooma Memon, Databox)
- You’re a different person when you travel. Why and how to transform yourself when you can’t get on a plane. (Jen Rose Smith, Washington Post)
- What useful unknown website do you wish more people knew about? (Reddit)
Good eats
Skip down to the list of free webinars if you prefer takeout.
- I guess I didn’t get enough of my southwest cookery fix in New Mexico because I had tacos on the brain when I got home. On Sunday, I made a new (excellent) carnitas recipe in the Instant Pot. On the side, salsa verde, cheesy spicy black bean bake (I added bacon, onion, jalapeño and garlic), and what I’m calling New Mexican Brussels sprouts because I got the idea off a Santa Fe restaurant menu. I roasted them with bacon and red onion, then sprinkled them with cotija cheese (feta works) and New Mexican gremolata (cilantro, lime zest and poached garlic).
- Sunday afternoon, I could have eaten the entire sheet pan of these smoked Gouda and chorizo jalapeno poppers but I had to share with Jim and my stepdaughter. Wow, this is a keeper. I used ½ pound of ground chorizo instead of the links.
- During the week, we had roasted chili lime flounder with leftover greens and white beans with tomatoes and rosemary. I used two cans of beans instead of starting from scratch.
- The next night we had pan-seared striped bass in a dry vermouth, tomato and basil sauce with oven-fried garlic parmesan green beans and leftover white beans.
Here are the educational events scheduled for next week. 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’ll be happy to feature it as long as it’s not too product centric.
Fri 10/22 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 10/22 at 4 p.m. – Becoming an Inclusive Leader: A Hands-On Approach, Part 1
We will walk attendees through exercises on how to connect their own personal leadership traits, experiences and skills to the traits needed to create an inclusive organizational culture. You will get the knowledge needed to work on your inclusive leadership muscles, using specific exercises and language that can help you lead these exercises with your own teams. All this in an effort to help more organizations strengthen their foundation and fill the world with more trained, experienced inclusive leaders. More info/register—must join first.
Host: Fridays@4
Presenters:
- Heba Mahmoud, Senior Manager of Inclusion & Diversity at MITRE Corporation
- Tim Hopkins, CAE, Senior Consultant, McKinley Advisors
Mon 10/25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – AMS Demo Days
The two-day event will feature presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer AMS platforms. AMS experts will be showcasing platforms and sharing their knowledge with the association market. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Mon 10/25 at 12 p.m. – Your Future-Proof Career
Learn why experts say the world needs to upskill, xext-level job skills for your career, and new professional development opportunities and why they matter. CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: MPI
Presenters:
- Carl Winston, Founding Director of the Payne School of Hospitality Management at San Diego State University
- Nancy Snowden and MPI’s manager of Educational Experiences
Mon 10/25 at 1 p.m. – Optimizing Your Technology Ecosystem (Chatting with Agnes & Cecilia)
This series of 15- to 20-minute videos covers hot topics and issues related to 501c organization management. New episodes are posted around 1 p.m. every Monday. Check out Cecilia’s Nonprofit Executive Spotlight series too.
Guest: Moira Edwards, founder, Ellipsis Partners
Hosts:
- Cecilia Sepp, CAE, CNAP, principal and founder, Rogue Tulips LLC
- Agnes Amos-Coleman, MBA, CMP, education, conference, event, certification consultant, Amos-Coleman
Tue 10/26 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – AMS Demo Days
The two-day event will feature presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer AMS platforms. AMS experts will be showcasing platforms and sharing their knowledge with the association market. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Tue 10/26 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Engage 2021
Learn how to create authentic engagement using real video content. Learn from each other’s successes, share best practices, and collaborate to solve common challenges. More info/register.
Host: Gather Voices
Tue 10/26 at 11 a.m. – Inside a Ransomware Attack: Understanding the Threat and How to Protect Your Organization
Learn about the common types of ransomware attacks and where your organization might be vulnerable. Hear about recent ransomware attacks to better understand what happened, what they did well, and how they could have better prepared. Learn the proper steps to take after a ransomware attack and resources you should leverage, common strategies and new technology that can help defend against cyberattack, and how to improve your security posture and prepare for a security audit. 1.5 CAE credits. More info/register.
Host: U.S. Transactions Corp.
Presenters:
- Michael Shonholz, Chief Revenue Officer, ARG
- David DeCillis, Senior Product Specialist, ARG
- Steve Murphy, Vice President, ARG
Tue 10/26 at 11:30 a.m. – Small Staff, Big Success: Hybrid Events on a Budget
Learn how to plan and execute a successful hybrid event on a budget. Find out how to pick and choose the right mix of in-person and virtual aspects for your association’s hybrid event, decrease event costs without decreasing value for attendees and sponsors, strategically repurpose event content and provide value all year round, and increase non-dues revenue with sponsorships. CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Your Membership
Presenters:
- Christine Bergeron, Marketing Coordinator, Community Brands
- Michelle Schweitz, Marketing Manager, Community Brands
Tue 10/26 at 12 p.m. – The Tough Diversity Conversations: Let’s Have Them
Creating alliances is an active, involved way to find your voice in difficult and sometimes sensitive non-inclusive situations. Using real-world examples shared by participants, you will learn how to change behaviors, speak up from your own comfort zone, and change the dynamics in non-inclusive situations. More info/register.
Host: Women In Exhibitions
Presenter: Ellen Lambert, Diversity and Inclusion Advisor, The Toy Association and The Toy Foundation
Tue 10/26 at 1 p.m. – How to Design a Truly Diverse Meeting
Our panel of experts will share real-world strategies and experiences designing diverse events, as reflected in the program, promotion, communication and even site selection. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Prevue Meetings
Presenters:
- Leslie Zeck, CMP, CMM, HMCC, Director of Meetings, International & American Associations for Dental Research
- Sherri Lindenberg, Senior Vice President, Marketing Communications, Crump Life Insurance Company
- Hattie Hill, President & CEO of the T.D. Jakes Foundation
- Cheryl Richards, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at VisitDallas
Tue 10/26 at 3 p.m. – Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT): Latest Update Nonprofits & Associations
As membership dues and conference registrations decline, associations are expanding products and services to generate additional income. These activities may be considered unrelated business income (UBI). Executives must carefully monitor the level of UBI activity, as it may jeopardize their exempt status. Learn exactly what UBI means, the interpretations and IRS guidance. 1.5 CAE credits. More info/register.
Host: U.S. Transactions Corp.
Presenter: Jennifer Eubanks, Principal, CPA Department
Wed 10/27 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Association Complacency: Welcome to the Kingdom of Horror (Fall 2021 VirCon)
Associations are being called to the table as social media/tech conglomerates, generational shifts, and consumption habits continue to repave the market. It’s not enough to exist as an association. Concerted growth and revitalization plans need to be explored. Join us as we dive into the many different ways associations can dodge complacency into their own paths to transformation. 2 CAE credits. More info/register.
Host: High Road Solutions
Wed 10/27 at 11 a.m. – Association Modernization: Changing Mindsets and Models
Realizing that the biggest risk to their long-term viability was not doing anything, CEO Peggy Winton and her team at the Association for Intelligent Information Management (AIIM) essentially took their association down to the studs to rebuild with simplicity and high value. In the process, they questioned everything, particularly their business model and the systems that supported it. Join Winton and a panel of her peers for a lively discussion about the tough questions associations must ask themselves if they truly want to transform. We’ll cover product and program design and delivery, infrastructure modernization and consolidation, and the business models that just might be holding your organization back. More info/register.
Host: Sidecar
Presenters:
- Peggy Winton, CIP, President/CEO, Association for Intelligent Information Management
- Garth Jordan, MBA, CSM, CSPO, CEO, American Animal Hospital Association
- Jaya Koilpillai Bohlmann, MA, APR, MSMOB, ACC, founder, Designing Communication
Wed 10/27 at 11 a.m. – Association/Nonprofit Board of Directors: Governance, Risk Management & Training
Learn how to better equip board members and directors for success in their roles, ensure the board continuously works to promote and obtain the mission of the organization, and manage fiduciary duty considerations and challenges, and appropriate conflict of interest management. 1.5 CAE credits. More info/register.
Host: U.S. Transactions Corp.
Presenter: Rich Bar, Principal and Chair of the Association Practice Group at GKG Law
Wed 10/27 at 12 p.m. – A Framework for Planning Internal Events in a Hybrid World
Learn how to set the right tone and develop the best strategy for your company-wide meeting, sales kickoff, or association event. Hear about marketing two event experiences, creating a seamless registration process, identifying the right venue, deciding how and when to deliver content, managing content production from start to finish, designing engaging sessions, keeping attendees engaged with an on-demand library, building an online community, and keeping attendee data secure. More info/register.
Host: Event MB
Presenters:
- Julie Haddix, Senior Director, Industry Solutions, Cvent
- Lauren Allison, Lead, Events and Meetings, Cvent
Wed 10/27 at 1 p.m. – #ExpoChat on Twitter
ExpoChat is a Twitter-based conversation on topics related to the trade show industry. More info.
Wed 10/27 at 3 p.m. – Are You Truly Agile? Exploring Agile Values and Principles
Understand what Agile really means and how that relates to the way you implement Agile methods within your organization. Learn how to effectively use the Agile Manifesto values and principles so you can maximize the value of your products while still ensuring you have quality and governance built into your process. Explore the use of Agile principles to guide your strategic and your day to day decisions. 1.5 CAE credits. More info/register.
Host: U.S. Transactions Corp.
Presenter: Richard Cheng, VP of Training, Chief Product Owner, NextUp Solutions
Wed 10/27 at 4 p.m. – Mindful Networking with Melissa Garcia
A quick (45-minute), small group meeting with someone we think you should get to know. No formal presentations. This is a chance to intentionally expand your network, exchange ideas, and get some advice. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Guest: Melissa Garcia, Associate Executive Director, Society for Neuroscience
Wed 10/27 at 4 p.m. – The Return to In-Person and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We’re tackling one of the most important conversations facing the return to in-person – diversity, equity, and inclusion. This conversation will prompt new ways of thinking about your own events, as well as give you a foundation for your own approach to this important topic. More info/register.
Host: Live 360 Media
Presenters:
- Stephanie Jones, Senior Director, Conferences & Education at WEF, and Vice-Chair of the ASAE M&E Council
- Yvonne Butters, Director of Conferences & Tradeshows at FIA
- Samantha Evans, Accessibility Advocate and Certification Manager at IAAP
Thu 10/28 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Association Complacency: Welcome to the Kingdom of Horror (Fall 2021 VirCon)
Associations are being called to the table as social media/tech conglomerates, generational shifts, and consumption habits continue to repave the market. It’s not enough to exist as an association. Concerted growth and revitalization plans need to be explored. Join us as we dive into the many different ways associations can dodge complacency into their own paths to transformation. 2 CAE credits. More info/register.
Host: High Road Solutions
Thu 10/28 at 12 p.m. – Association Investment Policy Statement (IPS) Best Practices
The main document guiding the management of an association’s reserves or investment pool is the investment policy statement (IPS). Learn about the elements of a thoughtful IPS for your association’s reserves or investment pool, specific roles and responsibilities of all interested parties (Board, Investment Committee, Staff, Investment Advisor), specific asset allocation guidelines used to provide sufficient diversity, and measurements to use to evaluate the performance of the reserves or investment pool. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Presenters:
- Susan Traver, partner and senior advisor at Brown Advisory
- Ahmed Farruk
- Allan D. House
- Nat Bartholomew, CPA, partner with CliftonLarsonAllen
Thu 10/28 at 12:30 p.m. – Fiscal Sponsorships: A Review of Legal and Practical Issues
Fiscal sponsorship arrangements raise questions for both the entity attempting to promote a charitable project and donors asked to contribute to a program housed at a fiscal sponsor. This seminar will explore the rules for establishing and operating a fiscal sponsorship and will focus on some of the practical concerns that arise in operating a fiscal sponsorship, including employment and contractual issues. This program should be of interest to charitable organizations considering the use of a fiscal sponsor, foundations being asked to fund such programs, and individuals and companies considering the use of a fiscal sponsorship as an alternative to forming their own charitable organization. More info/register.
Host: Venable LLP
Presenters:
- Robert L. Waldman, Partner, Venable LLP
- Chuck Adkins, CFO, Fund for Educational Excellence
Thu 10/28 at 2 p.m. – Digital Transformation: The Key to Engagement for Associations
Join a mix of voices from the association world as they discuss in practical terms what it means to transform digitally. Gain an understanding of the value of investing in systems that anticipate trends. Hear from different perspectives about the connection between digital tools and the personalization of your membership offering. Learn firsthand what practitioners mean by a system that “knows who you are.” Find out how to be prepared for the next crisis. More info/register.
Hosts: ASI and ReviewMyAMS
Thu 10/28 at 2 p.m. – AMS Implementation Success: National Asphalt Pavement Association
Learn about the best AMS selection and implementation practices, including how to use a quantitative approach to AMS selection to ensure your association’s “must-haves” are included in the solution, break up implementation into sprints to deliver early and consistent project successes, and leverage a dedicated technology partner to improve staff adoption and meet implementation goals. More info/register.
Host: ProTech
Thu 10/28 at 2 p.m. – Creating an Accessible Learning Experience
Digital accessibility isn’t a single feature, but rather a holistic approach that should be taken to create an inclusive learning environment. An accessible LMS and website create an inclusive experience that can benefit all users, especially those from the Deaf and disabled community. Learn about federal regulations for accessibility, what this means in the digital learning universe, and steps that you can take today to make your learning experiences more accessible. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: CommPartners
Presenter: Nicholas Torres, Technical Onboarding Team Lead for EthosCE at Cadmium
Fri 10/29 at 12 p.m. – DC Book Club – Diversity & Inclusion: Process and Policies
Many associations have plans to revisit or implement a Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) strategy. What process should your association take to develop a D&I strategy? What policies should it implement? What difficulties might arise in development and implementation? Thankfully, ASAE has developed and made available an array of resources and policies that can help guide association professionals through this process. This event will make use of ASAE’s experience and materials as a starting point for our dialogue. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: DC Association Professional Book Club
Guest: Robb Lee, Chief Strategy Officer, ASAE
Fri 10/29 at 12:30 p.m. – Non-Dues-a-Palooza Ideation Session: Spooktacular Edition
Don’t let the ghosts of the past haunt your future online education and non-dues revenue. Belly up to your computer for this fun yet exciting brainstorming and ideating session. This time it’s online education-focused and shining a light on ideas to generate non-dues revenue from education programs. We’ll work together to come up with so many ideas to ward off the gremlins of the past couple of years. More info/register.
Hosts: Non-Dues-a-Palooza and WBT Systems
Fri 10/29 at 4 p.m. – Becoming an Inclusive Leader: A Hands-On Approach, Part 2
We will walk attendees through exercises on how to connect their own personal leadership traits, experiences and skills to the traits needed to create an inclusive organizational culture. You will get the knowledge needed to work on your inclusive leadership muscles, using specific exercises and language that can help you lead these exercises with your own teams. All this in an effort to help more organizations strengthen their foundation and fill the world with more trained, experienced inclusive leaders. More info/register—must join before registering.
Host: Fridays@4
Presenters:
- Heba Mahmoud, Senior Manager of Inclusion & Diversity at MITRE Corporation
- Tim Hopkins, CAE, Senior Consultant, McKinley Advisors
Thu 11/4 at 2 p.m. – How to Mine Your Data to Find Volunteers
Learn about reports you can run to identify engaged members who may be willing to answer the call to volunteer, how to review their past volunteer experience in your database, and how to spot engaged members on social media. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Matrix Group
Thu 11/4 at 2 p.m. – Tips and Tricks for Creating Effective IT Software RFPs
Learn key components to include in your RFP process that can help vendors better visualize and ultimately meet your needs, why having an emphatic approach to vendors can help you shape the relationship from the selection process through final implementation, and how to write concise requirements and summaries in your RFP that attract attention and get great responses to your RFP. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: 501 Works
Presenters:
- Bryan Clark, Director of Business Development, Matrix Group Intl.
- Ana Loden, Senior Account Executive, MemberSuite
- James Chen, President/CEO, MemberPlex
- James Marquis (moderator), Chief Innovation Officer and CIO, 501 Works
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 by Wednesday afternoon.
Creative Commons photo by Emanuel Haas via Unsplash
Association Brain Food 