The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community…
Session recordings. Professional development is a must in uncertain times. To remain relevant and employable, you need to keep your skills sharp. But right now—and probably well into 2021—the only way to do that is through online learning. WBT Systems explains how virtual conference session recordings can serve as a launchpad for an association’s online learning portfolio.
Affordable membership. Many members are struggling financially because they’ve been laid off, had their budget cut, or suffered revenue losses. MemberSuite describes seven ways your association can help them afford membership.
Chapter bright spots. All is not gloom and doom. Even now, you have chapters out there who are experiencing success. They’re proof that innovation and improvement is possible—and replicable—even in tough times. Billhighway introduces the “chapter bright spot” concept in this first in a series of posts exploring this inspiring idea.
Virtual attendee “engagement.” Lee Gimpel of Better Meetings describes the promises by virtual conference hosts of attendee engagement as a “bait and switch.” He assesses (and dismisses) common so-called engagement activities, such as polls, questions, panels and chat boxes. Prepare to have your eyes opened.
Virtual exhibitors. Exhibitors really don’t like virtual trade shows, say Sue Hatch at MeetingsNet. They’re “unsatisfied with the level of engagement with customers and prospects these events provide.” In fact, 43% of them said they won’t do it again. Read the article (and report) to get the exhibitor perspective.
Quick hits before we get to the list of next week’s free education:
- 10 must-haves for virtual conferences (version 2.0) in 2021. (Don Neal, 360 Live Media)
- Why there won’t be a meeting industry new normal. (by Adrian Segar, Conferences That Work, part 1 and part 2)
Good eats—skip down to the list of free webinars if you prefer take-out. If you’re a home cook, check out the weekly In The Kitchen posts on my Grabbing the Gusto blog.
- Make this shrimp and grits recipe and you’ll never be satisfied with any restaurant’s shrimp and grits again—unless you’re at Crook’s Corner in Chapel Hill NC, where this recipe originated. Best ever, especially if you make your own shrimp broth from the shells, even better, if you use the heads too.
- A quicker dish: garlic and herb baked striped mullet topped with panko bread crumbs mixed with melted butter.
- Another simple one: baked vermilion snapper with curry butter. I only made the curry butter portion of the recipe. I recently bought some curry powder from Spicewalla and WOW.
- On the side, the last of the season’s summer squash and zucchini al pesto. I added broccoli stems, carrot, red bell pepper and tomatoes to the pan too.
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 10/30 at 10 a.m. EDT* – NYSAE Engagement Lounge: Planning for the Future – Association Meetings – PART TWO
Join a discussion about planning post-COVID-19 association conferences, meetings and trade shows, including hybrid events, team dynamics and engagement during the pandemic, maximizing sponsor ROI, and getting back to “normal.” 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Hosts: New York Society of Association Executives and NYPCMA
Facilitators:
- Donna Kelley, US Account Sales Leader for Marriott International
- Jimmy Le, Senior Conference Planner for the IEEE Communications Society
*All times are Eastern Standard Time unless otherwise noted. Here in (most of) the U.S., we’re changing our clocks this weekend.
Fri 10/30 at 10 a.m. EDT – Member ROI Simplified: Safeguarding Your Organization’s Future
The most important method for safeguarding your organization’s future is to research, embrace, and maximize your Member ROI. Learn how to measure your current ROI in actual dollar numbers, use the numbers for influencing the membership decision, grow your ROI, and prove beyond a doubt that membership in your organization is a good business decision. More info/register.
Host: Ed Rigsbee, CAE, president at Rigsbee Research
Fri 10/30 at 12 p.m. EDT – 5 Keys to Association Website Success in 2020 (and Beyond)
Association websites compete with for-profits, media, and other associations for eyeballs, mindshare and even revenue. Does your association have a plan to compete in this crowded, modern online environment? At the same time, new technologies and trends continue to reshape the way we use the web, transforming members’ expectations and what to attract and retain them. Learn the five key web strategies that beat out your competition, engage members and prospects, grow revenue, and build a plan for 2020 and beyond. 1.5 CAE credits. More info/register.
Host: U.S. Transactions Corporation
Presenter: Ray van Hilst, Director of Client Results, Yoko Co.
Fri 10/30 at 12 p.m. EDT – The Paradox of Potential: Navigating the Gap Between Potential and Performance
While many believe they are doing all they can, a huge number of professionals are frustrated because they are coming up short of their personal expectations (and the expectations of others). Find out how people can accomplish more and enjoy their work and how leaders can help their teams succeed. Discover the possibilities of goal setting, teamwork, successful human engagement, cross-selling, and other skills to help everyone reach their highest potential. 1 CMP credit. More info/register (fee for MPI non-members).
Host: MPI
Presenter: Thom Singer, Davis Hill Solutions
Fri 10/30 at 2 p.m. EDT – Foresight Fridays with Jeff De Cagna
Discuss pre-selected foresight topics and questions. Enjoy compelling future-focused learning. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Jeff De Cagna, executive advisor for Foresight First LLC
Mon 11/2 at 1 p.m. – 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 new Nonprofit Executive Spotlight series too.
Hosts:
- Cecilia Sepp, CAE, CNAP, principal and founder, Rogue Tulips LLC
- Agnes Amos-Coleman, MBA, CMP, education, conference, event, certification consultant, Amos-Coleman
Tue 11/3 at 12:30 p.m. – Meetings of Membership Minds
These impromptu, casual discussions about membership concepts, issues, and challenges are conducted live online and opened to other membership professionals to comment and offer other insights. More info/register.
Host: The Business of Membership
Presenters: Dan Ratner and Scott Oser
Wed 11/4 at 11 a.m. – Virtual Post-Election Roundup for Nonprofit Organizations
Join a post-election roundup looking into the first 100 days of the presidency. Hear an assessment of how a continuation of the current administration, or a change in administration, will affect federal policy and the landscape of various industries. With our Legislative Group, consisting of former officeholders and regulatory officials, coupled with experienced industry practitioners, Venable is ideally situated to provide unique analysis and perspective on the impact of the election in the days after the polls close. More info/register.
Host: Venable LLP
Wed 11/4 at 11 a.m. – The Gift of Gratitude
The goal of these sessions is to inspire, ignite momentum and provide a quick refresh break to focus on your health, resilience and happiness. The gift of gratitude can ignite health, positivity and healing! You’ll enjoy Angela’s inspiring stories, shared strategies and the positive benefits you’ll feel from our time together. More info/register.
Host: PCMA
Presenter: global wellness expert Angela Gaffney
Wed 11/4 at 12 p.m. – Hire…and Be Hired with Purpose (Association Insights in Old Town)
In the hiring process, each side is using the WIIFM approach, trying to solve for what’s in it for them. Learn how flipping the script can help job seekers brand their professional “superpowers” in a way that showcases their value to drive the employer’s business goals; while hiring managers can create a candidate-centric hiring process that helps ensure a highly engaged workforce from day one. More info/register.
Host: Association Insights in Old Town
Presenter: Shira (Harrington) Lotzar, Chief Engagement Officer of Purposeful Hire
Wed 11/4 at 12:30 p.m. – From Virtual Events to Real Revenue
Virtual events require a substantial amount of work to organize, and yet, measuring success can prove tricky. From what you need to track to improve performance to metrics that tie directly to revenue, we will cover everything you need to track to measure success, prove value, make continuous improvement, and drive revenue. More info/register.
Host: InGo
Presenters:
- Chris Howells, Head of Strategy and Performance, Financial Times Live
- Travis Petershagen, Director of Digital Experience, Microsoft
- Paul Miller, CEO, Questex
Wed 11/4 at 1 p.m. – Building Data-Driven Member and Customer Experiences
Join us to hear insights from our recent Data and Analytics Report, including common technology tools and specific steps you can take to build a more data-driven approach across your organization. Learn how effective data use is helping associations serve their members and customers in smarter and more efficient ways. Gain insight that will help you avoid the common challenges of taking a more data-driven approach to serving members and customers. Understand how data and analytics is being adapted within the association community to respond more rapidly to members and customers during the COVID-19 crisis. More info/register.
Host: Association Analytics
Presenters: NCARB and McKinley Advisors
Wed 11/4 at 1 p.m. – #ExpoChat on Twitter
ExpoChat is a Twitter-based conversation on topics related to the trade show industry. More info.
Wed 11/4 at 2 p.m. – Sponsorship Strategies During COVID-19: A Need for Change
For those of you hosting on-line events, you are well aware that your go-to sponsors are hesitant to sign-up for virtual sponsorships. New directions and approaches are now code-red priorities. This session will review key questions you are asking about how to develop and implement a new sponsorship approach. You’ll gain insights gleaned from what’s working and how you can position your association for success. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Presenters:
- Lewis Flax, Flax Associates LLC
- Maren Colon, Consumer Bankers Association
Thu 11/5 at 11:30 a.m. – Drive Business Results: Set New Strategic Priorities and Optimize Your Talent
Learn effective ways to build community, increase engagement, and optimize your talent all while working to achieve exploring, producing, stabilizing and cultivating objectives. More info/register.
Host: SOAR Community Network
Thu 11/5 at 1 p.m. – Launching a Certification Program in an Unpredictable Environment
Introducing a new credential is a major endeavor in the best of times. What happens when you have to launch one during a crisis? Hear from two organizations that found themselves in just this position. More info/register.
Host: Knapp & Associates International
Presenters:
- Samuel Dyer, CEO & Chairman of the Board of the Medical Science Liaison Society
- Elisa Kahn, Director of Certification for the American Management Association
Thu 11/5 at 1 p.m. –Event Hack Hybrid Games
Back in April 2020, we came together to hack the future of virtual events in the OG EventHack event. We’ve invited the best minds in events to work together and produce the industry’s largest playbook on hybrid events. Join us in this ten-week series, where the Virtual and In Person teams will square off and compete to produce the best hybrid crossover ideas. More info/register.
Host: Socio
Thu 11/5 at 2 p.m. – The Polls Have Closed…Now What?
This session seeks to bring valuable insights into the recent election, the current health crisis, and the prognosis for the economy going forward. We will also explore what that could mean for association investment reserves. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Presenter: Ahmed Farruk, CIMA, AIF, DiMeo Schneider & Associates
Fri 11/6 at 10 a.m. – 2020 Election’s Impact on Associations (NYSAE Engagement Lounge)
Join a discussion that evaluates the results of the 2020 US Presidential Election and their impact on the association and not-for-profit sector. The conversation will cover the closest election results of 2020, an update on potential unreported or contested results and where things stand, and the new balance of power in Congress and how they will work together. More info/register.
Host: New York Society of Association Executives (NYSAE)
Presenter: Michael Taylor, Vice President, Public Affairs, Kellen
Mon 11/9 at 3 p.m. – Leading Into Tomorrow: Using Foresight to Expand Association Leadership in Critical Domains
In this series, learn how association leaders use foresight to guide members, industries, and society through future changes. Today’s domain is mobility and logistics, and the drivers of change conversation topics are: toward a spectrum of abilities and virtualized meetings. More info/register.
Hosts: ASAE Research Foundation and Visit Flanders
Tue 11/10 at 10 a.m. – Top Tips for Choosing a CMS
Hear about the features of leading CMS products for associations including Sitefinity and WordPress and the top factors to consider when making your selection. More info/register.
Host: Results Direct
Presenter: Alexandra Mouw, CAE, digital strategist, Results Direct
Tue 11/10 at 2 p.m. – How to Master AMS Selection from Your Home Office
AMS selection has always been a difficult decision, and it can feel like you need to put on your investigator’s cap in order to get real answers from vendors regarding pricing and integrations. So, how do you get the answers you’re looking for without the ability to attend in-person demos or corner a salesperson to get the low-down on their AMS or other association technology solution? Learn how you can perfect the AMS selection process without ever leaving your living room. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Hosts: ReviewMyAMS and Protech Associates
Presenters:
- Teri Carden, founder, ReviewMyAMS
- Terry Brown, VP of Project Services, Protech
Tue 11/10 at 2 p.m. – New Congress, New Problems
Hear about key policy areas likely to emerge in the coming years, tips for building relationships with new legislators in a virtual world, and best practices for maximizing your government relations strategy in 2021. More info/register.
Host: FiscalNote
Tue 11/10 at 2:30 p.m. – Association Board Leadership & Governance in the Era of Business as Unusual
As the nation cautiously moves forward after the initial wave of Covid-19, associations are preparing to address a variety of uncertainties in their upcoming board meetings and planning sessions. The panel will discuss how interactions between board and leadership have evolved during this pandemic, how boards have led through the unforeseen challenges of Covid-19, how associations are navigating the new virtual environment to ensure ongoing engagement, scenario considerations leaders and boards are planning, and opportunities associations can leverage to support their community and membership. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Business Solutions and OnBoard
Presenters: Sharon Newport, CAE, Lynda J. Patterson, FASAE, CAE, Susan Robertson, CAE, and Johnnie White, MBA, CAE, CMP
Wed 11/10 at 3 p.m. – Leading Into Tomorrow: Using Foresight to Expand Association Leadership in Critical Domains
In this series, learn how association leaders use foresight to guide members, industries, and society through future changes. Today’s domains are lifelong learning and the circular economy, and the drivers of change conversation topics are: higher education 3.0, microlearning, beyond recycling, and ethical consumption. More info/register.
Hosts: ASAE Research Foundation and Visit Flanders
Thu 11/12 at 1 p.m. – Conquering the Confusion: The Role of the LMS in the Evolving Learntech Landscape
Learn about the “core four” learning platform technologies: the learning management system (LMS), the learning experience platform (LXP), the learning record store (LRS), and the learning content management system (LCMS). Gain an understanding of the fundamental purpose and capabilities of each, how they can complement each other, and why the most established of them—the learning management system—still has a critical role to play in the overall learntech ecosystem of most learning businesses. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Leading Learning
Presenters: Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders of Tagoras and Leading Learning
Thu 11/12 at 1 p.m. – Solutions in Action
In the Low Touch Economy, revenue, engagement and growth are happening online. Give your virtual presence the power to make an impact. This webinar will introduce you to partners who create solutions that use video to tell stories members want to hear, make AMS systems efficient workhorses and invaluable sources for data and analytics, turn virtual events into conferences people can’t stop talking about, provide career-changing educational programs, and enhance your organization’s online presence. More info/register.
Host: .org Community
Thu 11/12 at 2 p.m. – Association Snapshot: Data to Help Leaders Navigate the COVID-19 Pandemic
Hear how associations make critical decisions during this ongoing global health crisis and the mid-term to short-term impact on in-person events, member needs, organizational operations, and national policies. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Thu 11/12 at 3:30 p.m. – Using Technology to Facilitate Online Meetings
Whether you are facilitating a team meeting, a member committee or work group, or a board meeting, learn how to leverage new tools for more effective remote meetings. Consider what makes online meetings different and how to adjust for those realities. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions (AWTC)
Presenter: Carol Hamilton, Principal, Grace Social Sector Consulting, LLC
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 Polifoto via Pixabay
Association Brain Food 