The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community…
Early-career microcredentials. If your association is looking for a sure-fire way to attract young professionals, TopClass LMS has the answer: early-career microcredentials. Microcredentials and digital badges help young professionals differentiate themselves from peers and acquire the skills they need to get hired and promoted.
Member connections. We need another word for networking because the word induces anxiety or eyerolls for many. The truth is, these events don’t always fulfill their purpose. At Sidecar, Amanda Kaiser and Amith Nagarajan describe another approach to helping members connect with each other: AI matching.
Print magazines. m3Magazines shares advice on transforming your magazine into a valuable asset members will love. They explain how to develop a content strategy, know when it’s time for a redesign, decrease costs and increase revenue. They start with the benefits of a well-crafted print magazine, just in case you have to make a case to your leadership team.
Generation Z. Accella encourages you to talk to Gen Z members and non-members so you can better understand what they need from an association and what they can afford. One of the most valuable things you can offer, they say, is the opportunity to network and build relationships in non-traditional ways—sounds like what Amanda and Amith are suggesting too.
Change management. I love the matrix shared in this post about the Knoster Model for Managing Complex Change by Jill Romford at AgilityPortal. It shows what happens when you don’t have all the requirements for change lined up.
Credit card processor. GrowthZone’s guide to selecting a credit card processor is perfect for those of you who need to understand the players and their roles, terminology, fees, rates, hard and soft costs, and security issues. They also suggest topics to discuss with vendors.
Accessibility. In 2022, SHRM paid $221k to settle a disability discrimination suit. I missed this story when it came out, but Samantha Evans linked to it recently on ASAE Collaborate in a discussion about making accommodations for deaf event attendees. SHRM was also dinged for not providing accessible online learning.
You never grow old at the table
The highlight of the week was Ina Garten’s chicken with dried morel mushrooms. I used sherry instead of Madeira because I can’t find Madeira in my local supermarkets, grr. Sadly, I had to use sour cream instead of crème fraîche because I bought vanilla crème fraîche by accident. Who knew there was such a thing! Not me. Figuring the sour cream would provide plenty of tang, I omitted the lemon. But despite all those changes, the chicken was swoony delicious served over egg noodles.
For sides, the ubiquitous roasted broccoli with red onion and garlic powder, and roasted butternut squash sprinkled with cinnamon, paprika and New Mexican ground chile.
I liked the idea of this Sicilian caper tomato salsa with mackerel, but on my terms. I wanted a warm accompaniment, so I sautéed the ingredients with onion and pan-fried the mackerel fillets. On the side, roasted Brussels sprouts and cauliflower with bacon, red onion, garlic powder and New Mexican ground chile.
The next night, blackened red drum with cheesy grits. My ‘blackened’ spice mix includes smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, ground ancho chile, cayenne, black pepper and salt.
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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 2/2 at 10 a.m.* – How to Amplify Your Team’s Power with Generative AI
Hear about practical, real-world applications of AI to enhance team efficiency and innovation. Tune in for an engaging blend of technology insights and personal stories, all aimed at leveraging AI for effective team empowerment. More info/register.
Host: KiKi L’Italien, Vice President, Marketing and Community Engagement, Big Red M
Guest: Liz Peuster, CAE, Director Of Communications & Public Relations, South Carolina Association of CPAs
*All events are online at Eastern Standard Time unless otherwise noted.
Fri 2/2 at 4 p.m. – Microaggression at Work
Microaggressions can be directed at members of any marginalized group and are broken down into three categories: microassaults, microinsults, and microinvalidations. Here, we’ll focus on those geared toward the Black community. Our panel will provide examples of microaggressions they have faced in the workplace. Learn why certain comments are offensive and how they make others feel. More info/register.
Host: Fridays@4
Speakers:
- Feborah Dixon, CMP, seasoned meetings professional
- Grace Dobson, SHRM-SCP, Human Resources Analyst at The City of Frederick
- Pamela Williams, MS, PHR, Founder and CEO of CorpEx, LLC
Mon 2/5 at 8 a.m. – Building the Business Case for Digital Transformation (Radio Free 501c, the podcast of Rogue Tulips Consulting)
Every week Rogue Tulips brings the nonprofit community intriguing guests discussing vital topics affecting nonprofit organizations around the world—and we have fun doing it! Episodes are published Monday mornings in both audio and video format, available on YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart Radio, Apple Podcast, and Google Podcast (to name a few!).
Host: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, CNP, principal and founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting
Guest: Robert Barnes, CAE, CEO, bettybot
Tue 2/6 at 12 p.m. – AI Powered Possibilities: Leading Your Association
From reducing manual burdens on staff and streamlining processes, to strengthening member engagement and retention with better utilization of member data, generative artificial intelligence (AI), like OpenAI’s ChatGPT, is changing the way associations work. Hear about the endless possibilities for adopting AI and how generative AI goes hand-in-hand with becoming a learning organization, one that learns from every member interaction leading you to a path of continuous performance improvement. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: iMIS by ASI
Speakers: Kristina Drosos, Director of Client Experience; Andrea Robertson, Director of Product Management; and Michael Weatherton, Software Architect, iMIS by ASI
Tue 2/6 at 12 p.m. – Generative AI and Analytics, Part 2 (Data Analytics Network)
Join association professionals for peer-led discussions on topics related to data and analytics. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Data Analytics Network
Tue 2/6 at 1 p.m. – AI Basics for Today’s Business Leaders
Learn about AI, its capabilities, potential impact on your organization, latest developments in AI technology and how they can benefit your organization. Find out how to avoid common misconceptions and pitfalls of implementing AI, and stay ahead of the competition by utilizing emerging AI strategies to improve your business operations. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers: Stacey Campbell, Director of Business Development, and Chris Rounds, Senior Solutions Architect, Express Info
Tue 2/6 at 1 p.m. – Ask the Nonprofit Attorney: Featuring Jeff Tenenbaum
Come armed with your questions, as we discuss pressing legal issues facing nonprofit organizations these days. In a Q&A-driven format, ask our speaker about topics such as: legal and other risks and opportunities facing nonprofits today, protections against fraud, mitigating legal risks, and when and how to engage outside legal counsel. 1 CPE credit. More info/register.
Host: CohnReznick
Speakers:
- Jeff Tenenbaum, Managing Partner, Tenenbaum Law Group PLLC
- John Alfonso, CPA, CGMA, Partner, Not-for-Profit & Education Industry Practice Leader, CohnReznick
- Patricia McGowen, CPA, Partner, Not-for-Profit Industry, CohnReznick
Wed 2/7 at 12 p.m. – Ask Me Anything: Content Strategy
Does “content strategy” mean the same thing to everyone in an association? Do associations have a common understanding of the content that staff and members create? What are the biggest challenges associations face in making their content more effective, and how can they overcome those challenges? Bring all your questions to the AMA. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Speaker: Hilary Marsh, Chief Strategist, Content Company, Inc.
Wed 2/7 at 12 p.m. – The Board’s Duty of Foresight: Ten Years Later
1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Association Insights in Old Town
Speaker: Jeff De Cagna, Executive Advisor, Foresight First LLC
Wed 2/7 at 12 p.m. – Why Do Your Members Need Your Association?
The answer is your unique value proposition, the reason they choose you over YouTube, LinkedIn, or the rest of the internet. Today, It’s not just your industry-leading info, your subject matter experts and your networking opportunities. It’s how you package them all together and serve them to your members that moves you from valuable to invaluable. Learn how to identify what’s valuable to your members, serve it to them in an attractive and engaging way, and get your stakeholders on board. More info/register.
Host: WorkerBee.TV
Speakers:
- Dana Otillio, vice president, marketing and communications, Society of Petroleum Engineers
- Marcus Leite, director of sales and marketing, WorkerBeeTV
Wed 2/7 at 1 p.m. – Project Success Is Up to You: Taking Your Project to the Next Level
I get it. You have a full-time job, and doing systems projects isn’t it. Yet, here you are. Don’t think it’s just up to your partner to get the job done. You (the client) have critical roles and responsibilities in a project, and I bet no one’s ever sat you down to explain them. Learn about these 10 essential roles and responsibilities and how to do them as efficiently and effectively as possible. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Andrea Hall, Customer Success Manager, Innovia Consulting
Thu 2/8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. – Event Tech Demo Day
Hear presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer event tech platforms: EVA Event Tech Hub, Higher Logic, Community Brands Event Technology, eventPower, A2Z Events by Personify, eShow, and Matchbox. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Thu 2/8 at 9:30 a.m. – Small Staff Percolator
An interactive online coffee break designed for you to discover more peers in our dispersed community, bring up a topic that’s brewing in the daily grind, and have a casual chat with others who know your lingo. More info/register.
Host: Qiqo
Thu 2/8 at 12 p.m. – Member Engagement: The Key to Association Sustainability?
Hear tips and practices to get members engaged in your association. More info/register.
Host: Zzeem
Thu 2/8 at 2 p.m. – AMS/CRM Software Selection Survey 2023: What People Really Think Now
If your association is planning or currently going through an AMS/CRM selection or implementation process, be the first to hear a summary of new data results from the 2023 AMS/CRM System Selection Survey. Get valuable feedback from those who have gone through the process. Gain insights from vendors and consultants who took part in the survey. Ask your questions to experts and peers about what the survey revealed and how it relates to your projects. More info/register.
Host: 501Works
Speaker: Olivia Wilkins, Business Analyst/Project Manager, PerByte
Thu 2/8 at 2 p.m. – No Data Left Behind: Strategies for Transforming Post-Event Data into 2024 Event Success
Learn how to translate insights gained from post-event data into concrete strategies and innovative approaches for 2024 events; use artificial intelligence tools to analyze large datasets, identify trends, and elevate your event plan; and how continuous learning from post-event data can create a cycle of improvement, ensuring events are adaptable and resilient. More info/register.
Host: Bizzabo
Speakers:
- Sarah E. Gannon, Director, North America Events and Executive Briefing Center, Dassault Systèmes
- Nicola Kastner, Founder, Nicola Kastner: The Event Strategist
- Jon Wolff, Global Events Manager, Lenovo
Thu 2/8 at 2 p.m. – How to Avoid Wellness-Washing
We all know incorporating wellness in our agendas is vital for effective events, but to be effective, healthy elements need to be at the forefront, rather than an afterthought. Learn the science behind adding healthy alternatives to events. Find out how to source for venues that promote wellness, empower attendees to pursue their definition of wellness, and harness the power of circadian rhythms to promote healthy sleep on the road. More info/register.
Host: Smart Meetings
Speaker: David T. Stevens, PMED, host of “Return on Wellness” podcast
Thu 2/8 at 3 p.m. – Zero-Based Budgeting: An Approach for 21st Century Financial Management
Learn the strategies of zero-based budgeting as a way to begin fiscal year budgeting. Practice implementing zero-based budgeting strategies in sample scenarios. Discuss the steps needed to consider financial planning based on future needs, not current realities. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Lawrence M. Paska, Ph.D., CAE, Executive Director, National Council for the Social Studies
Mon 2/12 at 12 p.m. – Membership Mondays
Host: ASAE
Tue 2/13 at 12 p.m. – Price Elasticity Uncovered: Insights from Data
How often are price increase/decrease decisions based on opinion and fear, hampering an association’s ability to extract maximum value from our products because we’re afraid of customer attrition? Using data science, we can model the future state and help make a more informed decision. Hear how the speaker’s team developed a price elasticity forecast. Share your own data modeling stories and learn from in-the-trenches experiences of fellow data scientists. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Speaker: Denali Carpenter of Inteleos
Tue 2/13 at 12 p.m.- Tech Tuesdays
Were you unable to participate in the recent ASAE AI Summit? Do you still have questions on how AI can help you move the needle with your members and other stakeholders? Whether you attended the summit on Jan 30-31 or not, you won’t want to miss this wrap-up conversation on the summit and all things generative AI. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Speakers: Reggie Henry, ASAE and Dave Coriale, DelCor
Tue 2/13 at 12 MST – Pop-Up Lunch in Denver, CO
These intimate, informal gatherings are designed to help you build your network and connect with the AWTC community. Location: Denver CO. More info/register.
Organizer: Association Women Technology Champions
Tue 2/13 at 2 p.m. – Buyer’s Guides Are Out: Marketplaces Are In
Are you spending a ton of time creating a static published buyer’s guide when you could be hosting a bustling dynamic marketplace instead? Find out how easy it can be to make the transition and earn even more non-dues revenue for your association. Learn how a thriving marketplace can contribute to your association through increased engagement. Hear about the financial benefits of integrating your industry partners into your community through a marketplace. Understand the mind shift change that supports developing you own marketplace. More info/register.
Host: QiqoChat
Speakers:
- Barbara Arango, CAE, Executive Director, Association Marketplace by QiqoChat
- Sandra Nam, CEO & Co-Founder, Qiqo Inc.
Tue 2/13 at 3 p.m. – Operation Efficiency: Streamlining Processes for Associations
Discover the key to success for associations in today’s fast-paced world by exploring strategies for optimizing operations and improving efficiency. Hear about common mistakes associations make that reduce efficiency, strategies and industry best practices for associations, and how associations can leverage technology. More info/register.
Host: NXUnite/Nexus Marketing Agency
Speakers:
- Michelle Brien, Vice President of Marketing at Matchbox Virtual Media
- Mark Prevost, SVP of Growth at Billhighway
- Todd Tolbert, Director of Associations and Nonprofits at UDig
Wed 2/14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Certifications: New Year, More Questions
Breakout group topics: #1: Learning Gaps – Leading up to a certification/assessment exam, what areas of learning would you like to see improved and what areas have been beneficial for your learners to utilize? #2: SMEs – What are the biggest challenges you are facing with your SMEs? #3: Value of Credential – How can we better market/promote the value of certification or other credentials, e.g. micro-credentials? #4: DEI – Are you aware of, and prepared to deal with, current and pending regulation and legislation that might affect your credentialing program? More info/register.
Host: Certification Network Group
Facilitators:
- Christine DePascale, Psychometrician at Professional Testing
- Mark Franco, Counsel at Whiteford, Taylor & Preston LLP
- Marybeth Kurland, Chief Executive Officer at Commission for Case Manager Certification
- Jake Schoch, Enterprise Account Executive at Benchprep
- Amy Scott, Certification Director at Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Wed 2/14 at 11 a.m. – Beyond Tradition: Association Transformation into Media Empires
Find out how your association’s unique knowledge, vast networks, and compelling stories can be leveraged to drive impactful narratives and shape public discourse. Learn the steps and best practices to transition your association from a traditional convener to a dynamic, content-producing powerhouse. Hear about the potential benefits and challenges of such a transformation, from increased reach and engagement to new revenue streams, while learning how to navigate potential obstacles. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Bill Mcglade, President, Community Leaders Institute & epIQ Creative Group
Wed 2/14 at 1 p.m. – Mastering Memorable Online Experiences: A Budget-Friendly Blueprint
Hear about effective strategies for delivering engaging and memorable online experiences, overcoming budgetary constraints and time limitations. Gain insights into adapting traditional activities such as career fairs, interactive events, and award presentations to the online environment. Learn practical tips and actionable steps to create unique, impactful virtual experiences that resonate with your audience and align with your association’s goals. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Barbara J. Armentrout, CAE, Founder & Key Principal, BJA Solutions for Associations
- Lucas Cioffi, CTO and Co-Founder, QiqoChat
- Sandra Nam, CEO and Co-Founder, QiqoChat
Thu 2/15 at 12 p.m. – How AI and Automation are Reshaping the Future for Associations
This educational leadership seminar is designed exclusively for the C-Suite and Director-level executives, seeking to understand the importance of new, emerging technologies and how to effectively weave them into their digital transformation strategy for their association. Learn about the transformative power of AI and automation, how to navigate the tech evolution and position your association for unparalleled success, and key strategies to consider when adjusting your digital roadmap. More info/register.
Host: iMIS by ASI
Speakers:
- Rob Wenger, CEO, Higher Logic
- Tim Clarke, Chief Revenue Officer, ASI
- Troy Stenback, Director of Client Performance Improvement & Client Success, ASI
Thu 2/15 at 2 p.m. – How Higher Logic Embraced AI While Mitigating Risk
Hear a case study example of how Higher Logic internally explored and adopted AI tools while maintaining security and privacy controls. Learn about the positive potential of AI for staff time-savings, our cautions when approaching AI use, and the goals, guidelines, and results of our staff “AI Month” challenge. Get ideas from what we did for strategies you can try out at your organization. More info/register.
Host: Higher Logic
Speakers: Rob Wenger, CEO and founder, and Daryl Dore, Director of IT, Higher Logic
Fri 2/16 at 3 p.m. – The Informal Consultants Networking Extravaganza
Organizer: Cecila Sepp, CAE, founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting
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 by Wednesday afternoon the week before it’s scheduled.
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Association Brain Food 