The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community…
Economic outlook for associations. Please consider participating in Marketing General Inc.’s (MGI) second annual Association Economic Outlook survey. The results will help our community better understand how associations are adapting to change and preparing for the future. Survey participants will receive the study’s final report.
Virtual certified. Event planners did it. Speakers did it. They became “virtual certified.” If your members have to acquire new knowledge and skills to thrive in this new pandemic environment, WBT Systems suggests offering this type of certificate (and digital badge) program.
Planning virtual conferences. Lisa Block at Velvet Chainsaw Consulting suggests a list of questions to consider—about business model, meaningful engagement and content development—when planning a virtual conference.
Virtual event sponsorships. The next big sponsorship deliverable, says Elizabeth Johnson at The Moery Company, is virtual event data. Until virtual events provide the same opportunities for developing personal connections as in-person events do, event data will be a valuable asset for sponsors.
Virtual awards show. The Professional Publishers Association in the UK had a black-tie awards gala scheduled when the pandemic forced them to take it virtual. Hannah Bray explains how they managed to put on a virtual awards show that received “overwhelmingly positive” feedback.
Virtual event tips. Although written for event platform Hopin users, many of these virtual event tips apply to any platform, for example, developing an attendee video guide and holding screen.
Quick hits before we get to the list of this week’s free education:
- 12 tips that actually help with Zoom fatigue. (Kendall Walters, Vidyard)
- How to keep closing B2B deals during the pandemic. (Jeff Winters, Harvard Business Review)
- Hygiene theater is a huge waste of time. People are power scrubbing their way to a false sense of security about the coronavirus. (Derek Thompson, The Atlantic)
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 for more.
- If you’re not the kind of person who scarfs up all the crumbs from the bottom of a potato chip bag (ahem), then you can save them for potato chip flounder. Otherwise, do what I did and buy a bag of jalapeno potato chips for this tasty simple dish. Make the dill tartar sauce too—it’s wicked good.
- This maple teriyaki marinade was great on baked swordfish. The recipe made enough that I used it again last night on blackfin tuna.
- If you need a good dip for a vegetable tray, I like this buttermilk ranch dressing. This time, I added parsley and chives to mine because I didn’t have enough dill. My summer crudités included blanched green beans, sugar snap peas and broccoli florets, zucchini, summer squash, cukes, carrots, grape tomatoes, and red bell pepper.
- I took those leftover veggies and made a linguica and clam summer vegetable pasta. I had plans to make a linguica pizza and a clam white pizza but spent the afternoon Zooming with a dear faraway friend so opted for a quick pasta instead. My “recipe” included linguica, red onion, red and orange bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, garlic, broccoli florets, snap peas, grape tomatoes, corn, spinach, basil, canned clams and their juice, fettuccine, pasta water and butter. Details on Gusto this weekend.
- Sunday morning, I made Joanne Chang’s maple blueberry scones. Highly recommended, plus you can use some of that buttermilk. Have you ever had buttermilk fresh from a farm? Oh my word. Yes, that good.
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.
Until next week, “stay awkward, brave and kind.” (Brené Brown)
Fri 7/31 at 1 p.m.* – How to Go Virtual (While Still Creating an Engaging Experience)
Learn how to take events online in a way that is going to deliver high value, create an engaging experience, and preserve the outcomes you were seeking to achieve with your in-person conference. Hear about some major considerations for online engagement. Find out how to design for virtual-first experiences, satisfy the desire to network, and keep your members engaged. We’ll also touch on the tech because we know it’s on your mind! More info/register.
Host: Matchbox Virtual Media
Presenters:
- Ann H. Hoover, Vice President of Programs, Association Health Law Association
- Allen Lloyd, CAE, Executive Director, Montana Society of CPAs
- Arianna Rehak, CEO & Co-Founder, Matchbox Virtual Media
- Heather Varndell, Digital Strategist & Assistant to CSO, Matchbox Virtual Media
*All times are Eastern Daylight Savings Time unless otherwise noted.
Mon 8/3 at 1 p.m. – Chatting with Agnes & Cecilia
This series of 15-minute videos cover hot topics and issues related to 501c organization management. A new episode is posted every Monday by 1 p.m. More info.
Hosts:
- Cecilia Sepp, CAE, CNAP, principal and founder, Rogue Tulips LLC
- Agnes Amos-Coleman, MBA, CMP, education, conference, event, certification consultant, Amos-Coleman
Tue 8/4 at 11 a.m. – The Reinvention of Education: How Associations are Contributing to the Overhaul of the American Education System
Hear from associations representing various roles and levels of education sharing how they’ve managed the education crisis, supported members, and influenced widespread change. Whether you are an association executive, business professional, or the parent of a student, there are valuable insights to gain from these leaders about the future of education and work, innovation, crisis management, and community-building. More info/register.
Host: Sarah Sladek, Save the Associations Webshow
Tue 8/4 at 11 a.m. – Association Analytics Network Virtual Meetup
We decided to host this meetup in a virtual world that will offer a unique experience to engage in conversation with your peers and participate in educational sessions. Breakout sessions: using data analytics to improve membership, data governance for associations, and measuring analytics in the time of COVID-19. 1 CAE credit. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Association Analytics
Tue 8/4 at 12 p.m. – Event Marketing Strategies for Virtual and Hybrid Events
As virtual and hybrid events become the new normal, examine the best practices for event marketing and engagement strategies. Ask your questions regarding strategies, best practices, and tactics across the full event marketing funnel (from leads to revenue) and expand your role beyond execution to designing experiences that deliver on business objectives by understanding how event marketing works. 1 CMP credit. More info/register (fee for non-MPI members).
Host: MPI
Presenters:
- Mike Dietrich, Vice President of Marketing at Cvent
- Drew Holmgreen, Vice President of Brand Engagement at MPI
- Lori Pugh Marcum, CMP, CMM, HMCC, CED, Head of Meeting Innovation, Meeting Professionals International
Tue 8/4 at 1 p.m. – The Content Pipeline: Turn Your Association’s Data Assets and Virtual Events Into Essential Content
Your association has always been a natural hub of relevant data and insight, and you can leverage this to build content in so many powerful ways. Learn how virtual events can be part of a meaningful data-driven content strategy. In Part I of this session, we’ll talk about ways of leveraging your existing data to inform virtual event programming. In Part II, we’ll look at ways to use the data that will come from your virtual events to generate even more meaningful content across multiple mediums. More info/register.
Presenters:
- Arianna Rehak, Matchbox Virtual Media
- Duncan Bell, Association TRENDS
- Reggie Henry (Facilitator), ASAE
Tue 8/4 at 1 p.m. – How to Implement Successful Networking in Your Online Events & Conferences
Learn (and share) best practices for online events, conferences, classes and webinars; get practical online networking ideas. Experience four easy online networking activities to apply to your own events. Meet and connect with 5-10 colleagues doing similar work as you. More info/register.
Host: Better Meetings
Facilitator: Lee Gimpel, founder of Better Meetings
Tue and Wed 8/4 and 8/5 from 2 to 5 p.m. – Non Dues-a-Palooza Virtual Bazaar
A virtual experience engineered for visual learners, meaningful online conversations, and product introductions that makes sense for associations looking for new and innovative ideas to generate non-dues revenue. The experience includes ten case studies on how associations are kicking butt generating revenue in 2020, six non dues revenue product demos, two interactive happy hours, and one amazing community of association professionals ready to innovate and tackle new ideas to generate new revenue. More info/register.
Host: 100Reviews
Tue 8/4 at 2 p.m. – Sponsorship and Pricing Methods for Virtual Events
Transitioning an in-person event to a full digital experience has been difficult for associations, and many are finding themselves dipping into their reserves. Learn how to understand sponsor needs, build sponsor packages, bring value to a sponsor, and price virtual events. More info/register.
Host: Gather Voices
Presenter: Dr. Michael Tatonetti, Certified Pricing Professional and CAE
Tue 8/4 at 2 p.m. – In Need of a Change: Understanding Perspectives to Lead
Learn how Ferguson leads in this time of challenging societal and economical situations as the leader of a major city. Find out how our industry has evolved and, in some instances, still needs to improve; how generational perspectives can have an impact on workplace culture and teams; and how planners, venues and DMOS can take action to accelerate positive change. More info/register.
Host: PCMA
Presenter: Elliott Ferguson, President and CEO of Destination DC
Wed 8/5 at 11 a.m. – Top 5 Ad Campaign Ideas for Retaining Members in 2020
Learn about some of the top ways you can stay front and center for your members, while also leaving time to address other challenges as they pop up. Hear a brief recap on programmatic advertising technology and how it applies to your membership goals; best practices and campaign ideas for targeting criteria, messaging, and ad creatives; and examples of real campaigns from Feathr customers. More info/register.
Host: Feathr
Presenter: Aidan Augustin, Co-Founder & President of Feathr
Wed 8/5 at 11 a.m. – High Engagement Networking
Experience a series of networking options that your association could run for virtual events. Play and problem-solve with peers to experience how creative networking can be virtually. Take away applicable resources from Ice Breakers to Shared Experiences for elevating your virtual networking events. More info/register.
Host: The Collaborative
Presenter: Christina Rowe, founder, The Collaborative
Wed 8/5 at 12 p.m. – Key Insights From The 12th Annual Membership Marketing Benchmark Report
Get a preview of the report and learn the most useful membership strategies for 2020. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Association Insights in Old Town
Presenter: Tony Rossell, senior vice president at MGI
Wed 8/5 at 1 p.m. – Life After Launch: Managing Your AMS
Organizations need to approach “life after launch” with the same thoughtfulness you applied to the selection and implementation. Hear tips and best practices to increase user adoption and ensure lasting confidence for your new software. More info/register.
Host: Aplusify
Presenter: Rebecca Achurch, PgMP, PMP, CSM, CAE, Founder, Achurch Consulting
Wed 8/5 at 1 p.m. – #ExpoChat on Twitter
ExpoChat is a Twitter-based conversation on topics related to the trade show industry. More info.
Wed 8/5 from 2 to 5 p.m. – Non Dues-a-Palooza Virtual Bazaar
A virtual experience engineered for visual learners, meaningful online conversations, and product introductions that makes sense for associations looking for new and innovative ideas to generate non-dues revenue. The experience includes ten case studies on how associations are kicking butt generating revenue in 2020, six non dues revenue product demos, two interactive happy hours, and one amazing community of association professionals ready to innovate and tackle new ideas to generate new revenue. More info/register.
Host: 100Reviews
Wed 8/5 at 2 p.m. – How to Market Your Virtual Event Like a MoFo
Learn how to create a marketing strategy that will have people rushing to join and so excited that they bring their friends along. Hear about marketing strategies to target the right audience, modern event marketing best practices, and tips for driving huge registrations with event influencer marketing. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Hubb
Presenters:
- Rachel Stephan, snöballer-in-chief, snöball event influencer marketings
- Dahlia El Gazzar, Tech Evangelist, DAHLIA+Agency
- Raime Merriman, VP Marketing, Hubb
Wed 8/5 at 3 p.m. – Professional Associations and the Management Challenges of the New Normal
Host: Enforme Collaborative
Presenters:
- Andre Williams, executive director for American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
- Angie Dahl, director of development for the American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
Thu 8/6 at 12:30 p.m. – To Reopen or Not to Reopen? How COVID-19 Impacts Nonprofits’ Decision to Return to the Office
Find out what nonprofits should think about when making the decision to reopen their office and, if they choose to reopen, the measures they should take to minimize potential liability. Specifically, our attorneys will discuss these and other topics: deciding whether an office reopening is the right choice for your nonprofit, steps to take before you reopen your office, addressing employee concerns with your office reopening, managing employee data related to your office reopening, including information covered by ADA and HIPAA. More info/register.
Host: Venable LLP
Presenters:
- Jennifer Prozinski, Partner, Labor and Employment, Venable LLP
- Thora Johnson, Partner, Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation, Venable LLP
Thu 8/6 at 2 p.m. – Communications in the COVID Era
Your association has probably already made major pivots to keep working through the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. How do you continue managing those changes while growing your member communication program? Hear about findings from this year’s Association Communications Benchmarking Report and tips to help you creatively and innovatively engage and communicate with your members and the industry. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Association Adviser/Naylor Association Solutions
Presenter: Sarah Sain, CAE, Director of Content, Member Communications, Naylor Association Solutions
Thu 8/6 at 2 p.m. – Managing Your Certification Program During the COVID-19 Era and Beyond
The disruption created by COVID-19 has changed the certification market and the larger environment in which certifying bodies operate. Learn how to create (or refine) a game plan for sustaining and growing your program in this new world. Hear insights on how to maintain your pipeline in the “new” normal, find and attract new audiences for your credentials, and craft an action plan to strengthen and expand your candidate pipeline. More info/register.
Host: Knapp & Associates International
Presenters:
- Lenora G. Knapp, PhD, President, Knapp & Associates International
- Mark Franco, JD, Associate, Whiteford Taylor & Preston
Thu 8/6 at 2 p.m. – Pathways to Innovation: From Informal to Intentional
Design thinking is a human-centered and systematic approach to innovation that provides you with tools for discovering unmet needs of your audience. By focusing on empathy and iteration, the design thinking process helps you create solutions that are grounded in the experience of your stakeholders and informed by their feedback through a co-creation process. Understand what design thinking is and its key steps. Learn why this approach helps manage the risk of innovation. See how the process works in action through a case study. More info/register.
Host: Bloomerang
Presenter: Carol Hamilton, Principal, Grace Social Sector Consulting, LLC
Thu 8/6 at 3 p.m. – Making History as the NBA’s First Black Female CEO
Hear how this trailblazer overcame a number of life’s challenges, from growing up in public housing and domestic violence to overcoming loss and surviving cancer. She first broke barriers as the first black cheerleader at U.C. Berkeley, spent over three decades at AT&T as one of its top executives, and today is the NBA’s first black female CEO. Cynt has been a powerful influence in sparking reform and engagement on the biggest issues of our time: sexism, racism, and the coronavirus. The conversation will center around practical “If I Knew Then…” leadership advice, personal life philosophies and guiding principles, and the challenges and opportunities for leaders in today’s landscape. More info/register.
Host: Entrepreneur
Presenters:
- Dallas Mavericks’ CEO Cynthia “Cynt” Marshall
- Comparably CEO Jason Nazar, host of this C-suite leadership series
Fri 8/7 at 11 a.m. – High Engagement Networking
Experience a series of networking options that your association could run for virtual events. Play and problem-solve with peers to experience how creative networking can be virtually. Take away applicable resources from Ice Breakers to Shared Experiences for elevating your virtual networking events. More info/register.
Host: The Collaborative
Presenter: Christina Rowe, founder, The Collaborative
Fri 8/7 at 12 p.m. – Pandemic Adaptation & Planning via Neuroscience for Meeting Planners
Learn about the neuroscience-based evidence for how meeting planners and other professionals tend to make poor choices in the face of slow-moving major disruptions like the pandemic. Discover techniques to evaluate and shift your work as a meeting planner to adapt to and plan effectively for the long-term impact of the pandemic. Develop a long-term strategic plan to navigate successfully the disruptions caused by the pandemic for your meeting planning. 1 CMP credit. More info/register (fee for non-MPI members).
Host: MPI
Presenter: Dr. Gleb Tsipursky, CEO, Disaster Avoidance Experts
Fri 8/7 at 1 p.m. – How to Go Virtual (While Still Creating an Engaging Experience)
Learn how to take events online in a way that is going to deliver high value, create an engaging experience, and preserve the outcomes you were seeking to achieve with your in-person conference. Hear about some major considerations for online engagement. Find out how to design for virtual-first experiences, satisfy the desire to network, and keep your members engaged. We’ll also touch on the tech because we know it’s on your mind. More info/register.
Host: Matchbox Virtual Media
Presenters:
- Ann H. Hoover, Vice President of Programs, Association Health Law Association
- Allen Lloyd, CAE, Executive Director, Montana Society of CPAs
- Arianna Rehak, CEO & Co-Founder, Matchbox Virtual Media
- Heather Varndell, Digital Strategist & Assistant to CSO, Matchbox Virtual Media
Mon 8/10, Tue 8/11 and Wed 8/12 – ASAE Virtual Annual Meeting & Exposition
Join us for this year’s virtual event as we focus on a future that requires us to innovate and exceed expectations. Through the numerous timely educational offerings and endless networking opportunities, together we will create, learn, and connect to forward our missions and commit to continue making a mark in the world around us. CAE/CMP credits. More info/register (free for ASAE members).
Host: ASAE
Mon 8/10 and Tue 8/11 from 4 to 8 p.m. – The Echo Hangout: A Virtual Party During ASAE Annual
Join us at #TheHangout for a two-day virtual party for association professionals to network, catch up with peers, and have fun after the learning portion of the day on Monday and Tuesday. We’ll have trivia, live music, prizes and more. To get on the list, tweet @membersuite asking for the #MemberSuiteHangout registration code. More info/register.
Host: MemberSuite
Tue 8/11 and Wed 8/12 – ASAE Virtual Annual Meeting & Exposition
Join us for this year’s virtual event as we focus on a future that requires us to innovate and exceed expectations. Through the numerous timely educational offerings and endless networking opportunities, together we will create, learn, and connect to forward our missions and commit to continue making a mark in the world around us. CAE/CMP credits. More info/register (free for ASAE members).
Host: ASAE
Tue 8/11 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
Tue 8/11 from 4 to 8 p.m. – The Echo Hangout: A Virtual Party During ASAE Annual
Join us at #TheHangout for a two-day virtual party for association professionals to network, catch up with peers, and have fun after the learning portion of the day on Monday and Tuesday. We’ll have trivia, live music, prizes and more. To get on the list, tweet @membersuite asking for the #MemberSuiteHangout registration code. More info/register.
Host: MemberSuite
Wed 8/12 – ASAE Virtual Annual Meeting & Exposition
Join us for this year’s virtual event as we focus on a future that requires us to innovate and exceed expectations. Through the numerous timely educational offerings and endless networking opportunities, together we will create, learn, and connect to forward our missions and commit to continue making a mark in the world around us. CAE/CMP credits. More info/register (free for ASAE members).
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.
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Association Brain Food 