The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community…
ChatGPT. WBT Systems explains how you can use ChatGPT to manage and market your association’s education programs. As I wrote in the post, I enjoy researching, thinking and writing so I’m not tempted to use ChatGPT for those purposes—besides, it wouldn’t be ethical. But busy association professionals can definitely save time using ChatGPT as a starting point on many tasks.
Strategic resilience. Dean West at Association Laboratory wonders if he’s lazy, stupid or resilient (I’m not saying) and shares lessons about resilience that can guide your association’s strategy decisions.
Association podcasts. Launching a podcast isn’t as daunting as it used to be, thanks to resources and people who can help you get started, like Association Briefings. They explain how podcasts can benefit associations and their audiences, provide tips for starting an association podcast, and describe the planning process and issues to consider before you decide to move forward.
Skills-based volunteering. Associations might want to consider a different approach to volunteering. Research says employees prefer corporate volunteering programs that allow them to bring job-related expertise to volunteer activities. Submittable describes the benefits of skills-based volunteering for employees, companies, and nonprofits and how organizations can get started.
Content marketing. B2B marketers overwhelmingly believe content marketing produces the leads with the highest ROI, says Marketing Charts. But remember, you can’t just throw blog posts out into the wilderness and expect people to find them. You need a content marketing ecosystem to support them.
Membership engagement. Your AMS should be a utility player on your membership team. Nimble AMS describes how it can help your association recruit, engage and retain members by helping you better understand members, anticipate their needs, and deliver personalized communication and content.
Small staff challenge. Ryan Law at Animalz shares advice from three marketers about how to succeed as a content team of one.
Journalism’s decline. Ross Barkan writes about the media’s conflict of interest problem. It’s impossible for many of them to take an objective perspective when they’re more interested in moving up the social ladder and cozying up to politicians and CEOs. Instead of serving the public’s interest, they serve their egos. Shameful and disappointing.
Good eats
Skip down to the list of free educational events if you prefer takeout.
I turned leftover broccoli salad with cheddar and bacon vinaigrette into a baked pasta with mushroom, onion, garlic, ham, broccoli salad, tomatoes, bechamel and parmesan. Wowee, that was tasty.
In the mood for shrimp-stuffed flounder, I looked at a bunch of recipes online to get some stuffing ideas. I ended up using onion, red bell pepper, celery, garlic, shrimp, eggs, parsley, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, butter and Old Bay. Another success. On the side, zucchini pesto with mushrooms, onion, orange bell pepper, tomatoes and basil pesto.
Every time I make this Thai style catfish recipe, I want to make it again the next night. So quick, easy and delicious. On the side, baby bok choy sautéed with onion, red bell pepper, garlic, oyster sauce, soy sauce and sambal oelek.
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’m happy to feature it as long as it’s not too product-centric.
Fri 3/10 at 12 p.m. EST* – Conversations with Champions
Each conversation features an AWTC leader or AWTC Award winner, followed by breakout rooms with changing topics (selected by our featured guest). These intimate, virtual conversations are a chance to form meaningful connections with other women and allies in the association technology community. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Guest: Rebecca Achurch, PGMP, PMP, CSM, CAE, founder, Achurch Consulting
*All events are online at Eastern Daylight Time unless otherwise noted.
Fri 3/10 at 4 p.m. EST – Diversity Discussion Series: #IAmRemarkable
Google’s worldwide #IamRemarkable initiative strives to empower women and underrepresented groups to celebrate their achievements in the workplace and beyond. At the heart of this initiative is an interactive facilitated workshop during which you will learn the importance of self-promotion in your personal and professional life, walk away equipped with tools to comfortably share your accomplishments, challenge the social perception around self-promotion, and reflect on how we can all be better allies and advocates for underrepresented groups so that together we can build a more inclusive world. More info/register.
Host: Fridays@4
Speakers: LaToya Tapscott, Senior Manager of Practice Networks, and Laura Cox, Manager of Online Program Development, Association of Corporate Counsel
Mon 3/13 at 8 a.m. – 21st Century Membership (Radio Free 501c)
Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting (formerly Nonprofit Conversations) features guests from across the nonprofit community and the business world to share expertise on a variety of topics related to the practice of nonprofit management. Episodes are published Monday mornings in both audio and video format on most podcast services.
Guest: Joy Duling
Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, CNAP, principal and founder, Rogue Tulips LLC
Mon 3/13 at 11 a.m. – Membership Mondays
We meet on the second Monday of every month to discuss membership topics based on the group’s current needs. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Membership Professionals Community
Tue 3/14 at 11 a.m. – Culture by Design: How to build a High Performing Culture (Leadership & Learning Series)
Learn how to create and drive the culture you want to have by understanding the difference between a good culture and a high-performance culture, why values are less important than behaviors, why vision and mission statements are often a mistake, critical mistakes most leaders make in defining their culture and how to avoid them, and the role of ritual in sustaining a focus on culture over the long run. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Bill Kaiser, Senior Vice President, CultureWise
Tue 3/14 at 12 p.m. – LGBTQIA2+ Community Call
We will continue our conversation about ways to promote inclusiveness. Log on in March as we discuss, among other things: How can work done by the DEI committee be augmented/supported by this community? And how does this work get integrated into what ASAE does? Where are things at with the results of ASAE’s last DEI strategic plan (2019-2021) and with a new one? More info/register.
Host: ASAE LGBTQ Association Executives and Supporters
Tue 3/14 at 3 p.m. – Welcome Aboard! Onboarding New Association Members
A great onboarding journey highlights the opportunities, services, and general value new members can benefit from in your association. It is a wonderful chance to get them acquainted and inspire involvement. A strong onboarding experience can directly lead to increased membership renewal. Join our thought leaders as they discuss the must-haves of an effective onboarding program that will polish out your operations. More info/register.
Host: NXUnite by Nexus Marketing
Speakers:
- Ethan Gray, CAE, Director of Association Management Services, Talley Management
- Tony Hoff, Marketing Director, Survey & Ballot Systems
- Leona Scott, President and Founder, JEP Marketing Communications
- Morgan Wood, Head of Community, Hivebrite
Wed 3/15 at 7 a.m. – How Associations Can Contribute to a Lower Carbon Economy
Explore the latest trends and best practices for reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable practices. Learn how associations can lead by example, encouraging members to adopt sustainable practices and promoting awareness of the importance of sustainability. Discover how to measure the impact of your association’s sustainability initiatives and use feedback to drive improvement. More info/register (subscribe first).
Host: Association of Association Executives
Speakers:
- Jon Bruno, Executive Director, The International Ecotourism Society
- Matthew Matimbwi, Executive Secretary, Tanzania Renewable Energy Association
- William Thomson, Consultant, Gallus Events
- Paul Walsh EMIAM (moderator), Seminar Programme Manager, Association of Association Executives
Wed 3/15 at 11 a.m. – How to Personalize and Automate your Member Experience
Despite technology that helps associations take some of the labor out of communicating with members, true custom member experiences still tend to require manual effort. Learn how the member experience has changed over time, historically via phone, letter and fax, then to email, and into the current era of automation; how to automate elements of your members’ experience that are needlessly still manual, from building/updating profiles to gaining a deeper understanding of individual needs; and how to align member experience with member expectations. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Dave Will, Co-Founder and CEO, PropFuel
Wed 3/15 at 12 p.m. – 6 Habits to Build in Your Components (& for CRPs)
Discuss essential habits for building effective components and for CRPs (Chapter Relations Professionals). We will draw from habits that have helped chapters get out of a crisis to provide valuable insights into the key strategic and tactical issues that can impact your association. Learn practical tips to help your components succeed. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Hosts: Billhighway and Mariner Management
Speaker: Peggy Hoffman, president and executive director, Mariner Management
Wed 3/15 at 1 p.m. – Expanding Your Influence Without Growing Your Public Affairs Team
We’ve compiled the data from surveying 200+ public affairs pros and the results are in. Hear strategies for addressing challenges you might face in your public affairs program and how to get more bang for your lobbying buck. More info/register.
Host: Quorum
Speakers:
- Brian Rubenstein, President, Rubenstein Impact Group
- Cicely Simpson, Founder & CEO, Summit Public Affairs
Wed 3/15 at 2 p.m. – How Associations Can Build Lasting Client and Member Relationships
Hear about the academic research about why keeping in touch with current and past clients and members is important and its multiple benefits, how to apply this research to your own relationship-building strategy, how to develop an intentional mindset and overcome self-imposed barriers to keeping in touch, and actionable keep-in-touch strategies that you can implement immediately following the workshop. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Professionals for Association Revenue
Speaker: Jason Levin, Author, Speaker, Trainer & Career and Business Development Coach, Ready, Set, Launch, LLC
Wed 3/15 at 3 p.m. – Analytics in Action: The Top Ten List: Data Challenges
After working with hundreds of associations, we can confidently say most of them have similar challenges when it comes to data. These range from difficulty accessing data to conflicting numbers sitting in different source systems. We’ve compiled these common challenges into a David Letterman-style Top Ten list and share concrete ways you can overcome each challenge so you can continue to advance your analytics journey. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Association Analytics
Speakers: Bill Conforti, SVP of Strategy & Solutions; Greg Pollack, Vice President of Sales; and Rachel Mace, Sr. Developer, Data Visualizations, Association Analytics
Thu 3/16 at 7 a.m. – Creating a Personalized Membership Experience
More info/register (subscribe first).
Host: Association of Association Executives
Speakers:
- Ronald Kawule Jooga, Head – Membership Development, Uganda Small Scale Inudstries Association
- Patricia Njeri, Membership Manager, Global Off-Grid Lighting Association
- Chelsea Shelley, Head of Membership, Engagement and Services, British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Paul Walsh EMIAM (moderator), Seminar Programme Manager, Association of Association Executives
Thu 3/16 at 11 a.m. – Platform vs Purpose Driven Software: An Association Perspective
Software for associations and nonprofits can be a complex and confusing topic. The choices seem limitless. Over the last 10 years the industry has seem the rise of platform-based systems. Is that a positive or negative? What does that mean for traditional purpose drive software? Learn about the difference between platform and purpose driven software, the pros and cons of each type of software, and the right questions to ask about what best for their organization. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Craig Dellorso, Director, Association Management and Nonprofit Solutions, RSM US LLP
Thu 3/16 at 11:30 a.m. – Association Marketplace: Spotlight on AMCs
If you are interested in learning more about AMCs, join this fun and interactive knowledge sharing session, featuring ten of the industry’s leading association management companies. Ask the experts and gain insight and ideas without lifting a finger or issuing an RFP. Each panelist and/or content leader will share their knowledge and recent experiences in cycles of short, 12-15-minute sessions with plenty of time for face-to-face conversation. More info/register.
Host: Qiqo Chat
Thu 3/16 at 12 p.m. – Generative AI for Associations – How to Use ChatGPT and AI Tech Right Now
Learn about AI fundamentals—what it is, how it works, and where you can use it; generative AI and how it works; mainstream apps like ChatGPT, DALL·E 2 and others; 8+ association-specific use cases that will give you paths to implementing right now in your organization; what’s likely to happen with AI in the next 12-24 months; and what you can and should do next to experiment and take your organization forward. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Sidecar
Speakers:
- Reggie Henry, Chief Information and Performance Excellence Officer, ASAE
- Dray McFarlane, Co-Founder, Tasio
- Amith Nagarajan, Founder and Chairman, Blue Cypress
Thu 3/16 at 12 p.m. – Guiding You in the Right Direction: How to Engage with a Professional Coach
The association industry is fortunate to have several individuals providing coaching services to professionals at every stage of their careers. An experienced coach’s guidance may help identify areas of potential growth and goals to achieve, and always a confidential sounding board. Where do you start? How do you find the right coach? Can a coach be affordable? Learn how coaching can benefit an individual, and establishing a connection with a coach can be one of the most rewarding professional relationships. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Speaker: Cynthia Mills, FASAE, CAE CMC, CPC, CCRC, Founder, President & CEO of The Leaders’ Haven
Thu 3/16 at 12 p.m. – March DES Expert Panel Q&A
Hear from our DES Experts Dahlia El Gazzar, Will Curran, and Sourabh Kothari and ask the questions you want answered, whether related directly to the course content, or a challenge you may be facing in your own work in the virtual/hybrid events world. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: PCMA
Thu 3/16 at 12 p.m. – The Community Check-In
A weekly community chat on Slack for black professionals working in the events industry. More info/register.
Host: Black In Events Network
Thu 3/16 at 12:30 p.m. – Nonprofit Organization Data Privacy and Security
With new privacy laws in multiple states—including most notably Colorado—and greater focus on privacy at the federal level, nonprofits need to develop policies and procedures to meet these emerging privacy obligations. Data security also remains a top compliance priority, and nonprofits must continue to ensure that their members’ and donors’ information is safeguarded. Learn about new data protection developments and best practices for addressing data breaches when they do occur. More info/register.
Host: Venable LLP
Speakers:
- Nana-Kwabena Abrefah, Associate, Privacy and Data Security Group, Venable LLP
- John Banghart, Senior Director for Cybersecurity Services, Technology and Innovation Group, Venable LLP
- Kelly DeMarchis Bastide, Partner & Co-Chair, Privacy and Data Security Group, Venable LLP
- George Constantine (moderator(, Partner & Co-Chair, Nonprofit Organizations, Venable LLP
Thu 3/16 at 2 p.m. – From Proposals to Policies: A Guide to the 2024 Federal Budget & Appropriations
As federal agencies, Congress, and the White House’s Office of Management and Budget work on an appropriations framework for the upcoming 2024 fiscal year, government affairs professionals must act quickly to stay ahead of the curve and make sure their issues are represented fairly. Hear about the ticking clock of the federal budget process and how to keep pace, how the debate over the debt limit will affect spending debates, timeline for the coming months—and all the ways those timelines can go awry, insiders’ perspectives on key disagreements and potential concessions, and implications of proposed revenue generators and cuts. More info/register.
Host: CQ
Speakers:
- Paul M. Krawzak, senior writer on the budget, appropriations and tax team at CQ and Roll Call
- Aidan Quigley, CQ and Roll Call’s budget and appropriations reporter
- Laura Weiss, CQ and Roll Call’s tax and economic policy reporter
- David Lerman (moderator), senior writer at CQ and Roll Call
Thu 3/16 at 4 p.m. – Your Members Are Mobile… Are You?
Learn how associations can use a mobile app and leverage their existing technologies to create a mobile strategy that will provide member retention, new memberships and added member benefit. Find out how to create an action plan for going mobile, identify existing technologies the association has to enhance its mobile strategy, and select a mobile technology partner. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Reston-Loudoun Idea Swap
Speaker: Mark Wallach, MBA, Director, Mobile Business Development, Results Direct
Thu 3/16 at 6:30 p.m. – Black Association Executives Monthly Meeting
Occurs on the third Thursday of each month. The agenda will be posted the week of. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Black Association Executives
Fri 3/17 at 4 p.m. – Career Coach Series: Mindful Leadership
Many organizations are in a state of disruption, transformation, and uncertainty. Join us as we explore how an approach of mindful leadership can assist with wellness, focus, clarity of vision, conflict resolution, and goal setting and achievement. You will leave with a plan for mindful leadership practice that will benefit you and your organization. More info/register.
Host: Fridays@4
Speaker: Dr. Lua Hancock
Tue 3/21 at 12 p.m. – CRVM March Crunch and Munch
Come prepared to engage, participate and listen as we discuss current topics. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Component Relations and Volunteer Management Council
Wed 3/22 at 11 a.m. – Code of Ethics: An Association’s North Star
A well-defined and articulated Code of Ethics can serve as both a governance tool and a strategic management tool. Learn how a Code of Ethics can enhance your organization and help you to become a more effective leader. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Linn Wheeling, MBA, CAE, Director Community Engagement
Wed 3/22 at 1 p.m. – Sneak Peek into Recent Association Web Projects
Have you ever wished you could be a fly on the wall in another organization’s office as they’re developing their digital strategy or making big decisions about which web technologies and platforms to use? Hear about recent projects, including the big-picture strategy behind each; implementation strategy, including the technology selected—or not selected; pain points and lessons learned along the way; and unique ways these associations are adapting their digital strategies to create more thoughtful and intentional member journeys. More info/register.
Host: Matrix Group
Thu 3/23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – LMS Demo Day
Watch presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer learning management system (LMS) platforms. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Thu 3/23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Spring Symposium (Washington DC)
Three dynamic sessions focused on management, accounting and finance: #1 – Economic Outlook: Recession 2023? Two Perspectives to Help You With Budget and Scenario Planning for Your Association/Nonprofit; #2 – Building an Effective Audit Committee; and #3 – CFO Panel Discussion: Future Proofing the Office of the Association/NonProfit CFO. 1 CAE credit. Location: Washington DC More info/register. (I’m making an exception to list this $25 event because lunch and happy hour are included in the price.)
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Travis A. Allen, Senior Investment Strategist, National Managing Director at Alliance Bernstein, and Santiago Alfredo Guzman, Head of Middle Market FI Sales at Santander Bank, N.A.
- Rob Eby, CPA, CGMA, Partner National Nonprofit Segment Leader, Aprio LLP
- Ilana Esterrich, CFO, Planned Parenthood, Brian Green, CFO, CHPA, and Mary Mohney, CFO, AGU
Thu 3/23 at 10 a.m. – Economic Outlook: Recession 2023? Two Perspectives to Help You with Budget and Scenario Planning for Your Association/Nonprofit
Learn what key factors will impact the economic outlook for 2023. Gain insight into two perspectives on the economy and how that might impact your organization and the industry you serve. Hear factors to consider as you develop your next budget and financial scenario plans. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Travis A. Allen, Senior Investment Strategist, National Managing Director at Alliance Bernstein
- Santiago Alfredo Guzman, Head of Middle Market FI Sales at Santander Bank, N.A.
Thu 3/23 at 11:15 a.m. – Building an Effective Audit Committee
Learn how to build and use the audit committee to protect and strengthen exempt organizations. Find out who should be on the committee, how to develop an audit committee charter, how to identify methods to assess risks, and how to engage the audit committee. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Rob Eby, CPA, CGMA, Partner National Nonprofit Segment Leader, Aprio LLP
Thu 3/23 at 1 p.m. – The Secret to Successful Member Retention: Year-Round Engagement
Host: Impexium
Thu 3/23 at 1 p.m. – CFO Panel Discussion: Future Proofing the Office of the Association/Nonprofit CFO
Learn about the evolving role of the CFO in transforming the organizations that they help to lead, how CFO’s are focusing on automation and innovation, and how CFOs are functioning as the Chief Transformation and Chief Risk Officer of the organization. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Ilana Esterrich, CFO, Planned Parenthood
- Brian Green, CFO, CHPA
- Mary Mohney, CFO, AGU
Thu 3/23 at 1 p.m. – Increase Registrations & Engagement by Leveraging Your Speakers and Exhibitors as Advocates
One often overlooked opportunity lies in leveraging your speakers and exhibitors to help make your event a success. Using these resources is a great way to build anticipation leading up to the event while also boosting participant engagement once they arrive–creating a win-win situation for both you and them! Hear our best tips that you can use to effectively leverage your speakers and exhibitors before, during, and after your events. 1 CAE/CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: EVA – Event Tech Hub
Speakers:
- Emily Golding, Group Director, Marketing Strategist, mdg
- Rusty Williams, Co-founder, AnswerStage
- Vinnu Deshetty, Founder and CEO, EVA – Event Tech Hub
Thu 3/23 at 2 p.m. – Choosing the Board’s Duty of Foresight
In this turbulent decade and beyond, the board’s ability to anticipate, prepare for, and shape the future is arguably more important than its fiduciary duties. By choosing the duty of foresight, boards can build their capacity to make future-focused decisions that leave their organizations better than how they found them. Learn how boards can choose the duty of foresight and integrate next practices to help them shape a different and better future. More info/register.
Host: OnBoard
Speaker: Jeff De Cagna FRSA FASAE, executive advisor, Foresight First 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 by Wednesday afternoon the week before it’s scheduled.
Creative Commons licensed photo of road in Canyon de Chelly by Angie Corbett-Kuiper via Unsplash
Association Brain Food 