The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community…
Association AI survey. Please participate in the ASAE 2024 Survey of Artificial Intelligence Awareness and Adoption. The survey report will benchmark key factors in AI adoption, including budgeting, training and hiring. It will also explore which business functions are leading the way, how leadership is supporting AI efforts, and how policies are affecting adoption.
Post-program campaigns. TopClass LMS explains why you should keep the conversation going and the community gathering after a course, conference or educational program ends. They also describe how your association can strengthen relationships with and between participants.
Membership. Dean West of Association Laboratory explores what dating apps can teach us about membership strategy. Another funny, personal post with life and association lessons along the way.
Membership, again. Your AMS is the utility player on your membership team. Nimble AMS explains how an AMS empowers your association’s recruitment, engagement and retention efforts by helping you better understand members, anticipate their needs, provide a better digital experience and deliver personalized emails and content.
Hybrid/remote teams. Jamie Notter of Propel explains how to make the most of your remote/hybrid team’s time together in person.
Event trends. Josh King of emc3 asked marketing and event leaders to share their event predictions and trends for 2024. I like looking beyond the association world to see what event planners and marketers for brands are thinking about.
Marketing to Gen Z and millennials. Here’s some help for marketing more effectively to younger generations. Mercury Creative Group explains how to build an association brand that attracts and builds the loyalty of young members.
Burnout. “If you burn out, relight the fire.” Clare Ansberry at the Wall Street Journal shares a foolproof formula for staving off burnout from women who are still working in their 80s and 100s, yes, 100s. (gift link)
You never grow old at the table
Man oh man, shrimp tacos are so good. I tossed shrimp with cumin, paprika, chile powder, cayenne, garlic powder and salt, then quickly sautéed them at medium-high heat. For accompaniments, I julienned green cabbage and radishes and tossed them with cilantro and lime juice, and warmed up corn and black beans with sautéed onion, red and orange bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, oregano, garlic powder and cumin.
Jim and I popped down to New Orleans for three days to see Elvis Costello since his tour wasn’t coming anywhere near us. We also enjoyed a few other bands in the bars of Frenchmen Street, a few museums, charbroiled oysters, corn-fried oysters, crawfish beignets, roast beef po-boys, muffulettas, red beans and rice, gumbo, jambalaya, alligator bites, hurricanes, frozen Irish coffees, Sazeracs, Ramos gin fizzes, Pimm’s Cups and more. Bon temps.
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 1/19 at 1 p.m.* – The Power of Federated Search: Supercharge Member Engagement
Many organizations are not feeling confident in their approach to distributing content and, as a result, are finding it increasingly more difficult to capture the attention of their members and create engagement online. Learn how associations like yours are aggregating their valuable content—whether it’s from your LMS, online community, publications, or any other outside data source—and distributing it in a curated way from a federated index. 0.75 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Blue Sky eLearn
Speakers: Johnny Clayton, Co-Founder, and Adam Hostetter, CEO, FUSE Search
*All events are online at Eastern Standard Time unless otherwise noted.
Fri 1/19 at 3 p.m. – The Informal Consultants Networking Extravaganza
An informal online networking event for the ASAE consultant community. More info/register (Consultant Members Community).
Organizer: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, CNP, principal and founder, Rogue Tulips Consulting
Fri 1/19 at 4 p.m. – Networking Session: How to Ask Someone to Be Your Mentor/Your Personal BOD
In this open networking session, participants will discuss how they have been successful in finding a mentor or mentors, how they have maintained their mentor relationships long-term, and how they may have changed mentors or added new mentors over time. We will also discuss the advantages of having a personal “board of directors” as a sounding board for professional career advice and how to create your own. More info/register.
Host: Fridays@4
Facilitator: Shelly Trent, CAE, Fridays@4 President
Mon 1/22 at 8 a.m. – Building Wagtown: A Passion Project (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: Beth Miller, Wagtown
Tue 1/23 at 11 a.m. – The United States of Associations
The United States of Associations seeks to assemble association professionals from across the country for a fast-paced exchange of ideas. Representatives from as many as all 50 states (and possibly US territories and other countries as well) will get up to 1 minute each to highlight a trend, resource, book, webinar series, podcast, or new product or conference. The focus will range from online communities to ways to recognize members and from creating engaging events to effective advocacy efforts. Join us and be prepared to take lots of notes and leave with new connections and fresh ideas. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Jay S. Daughtry, M.Ed., Chief Communications Officer/Owner, CQbd
Tue 1/23 at 1 p.m. – What to Consider When Your Association Is Considering a Merger or Acquisition (Part 2: Landing the Plane: From Pursuing M&A to Closing the Deal)
Once you and your association being exploring M&A options, things get complicated very quickly. Who needs to be in the room? What is the right role for outside advisors and legal counsel? How can you best involve your board? Walk through the M&A process and explore key considerations from kickoff through closing a transaction. 1 CAE credit. More info/register (Executive Management Professionals Community).
Host: ASAE Executive Management Advisory Council
Speakers:
- Dianna Steinbach, Chief Operations Officer, National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors
- Jeff Tenenbaum, Managing Partner, Tenenbaum Law Group
- Jay Younger, FASAE, President & CEO, McKinley Advisors
- Oyango Snell, CAE (moderator)
Tue 1/23 at 1 p.m. – Building Your 2024 Video Strategy: A Guide for Associations
To acquire and retain your membership and drive non-dues revenue, you need to include member-driven video in your strategy. Hear about video best practices and real-world examples from associations who are already putting these ideas into action. Learn how to assess your organization’s current campaigns to identify areas of opportunity to include more diverse voices and perspectives; and design an actionable strategic plan for creating and distributing member-driven video content. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Michael Hoffman, Co-Founder and CEO, Gather Voices
Wed 1/24 at 9 a.m. – PAR Member Meet-Up: Make Networking an Art, Not an Accident
Unlock the secrets of effective networking and transform it into an art form, not just a random encounter. Gain practical insights into making authentic and mutually beneficial connections. Learn the tools to seamlessly integrate networking into your daily routine to enhance your professional relationships and opportunities. More info/register (PAR members only).
Host: Professionals for Association Revenue
Speaker: Vern Schellenger, President and CEO of Contacts Count
Wed 1/24 at 12 p.m. – Beyond Budget Approval: Next Steps for Successful Software Selection
Taking the next step in acquiring your new software might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t need to. Learn how to build the right software evaluation team to meet your organization’s needs, create a project summary to identify your technology requirements, and connect with the right vendor to find the best software for your organization. More info/register.
Host: Community Brands
Wed 1/24 at 12 p.m. – Planning for Abundance and Fulfillment in the New Year
Learn more about the Association Executives Network. Hear practical strategies to navigate the challenges of 2024 and cultivate abundance and fulfillment. Discover actionable insights and transformative perspectives that can positively impact your journey in the coming year. More info/register.
Host: Lori Parrish
Wed 1/24 at 12 p.m. – Comms for Culture Types: Meet Your Workforce Where They Are
Find out how to effectively communicate with your deskless/hybrid workers and inspire increased engagement throughout the workforce. Learn how to identify chaos vs order tolerance in your teams, craft your comms and reach people the right way, why tailored internal communications create higher engagement, and how to work through change and challenges in a productive manner. More info/register.
Host: Lizabeth Wesely-Casella, Founder & CEO, L-12 Services Corp
Speaker: Dr. Rachel MK Headley, CEO of Rose Group Int’l and President of Helix
Wed 1/24 at 1 p.m. – The End of Expertise and How Associations Must Adapt
Associations have long been trusted organizations for knowledge, research, and yes, political advocacy. Learn how industries are being disrupted by the public’s lack of trust in our institutions, how associations are being affected by these same trends, how associations are modifying their services to maintain their credibility and retain members’ trust, and what organizations are doing to keep their organizations safe spaces for facts, open discussion, and expertise. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Melanie Gottlieb, Executive Director, The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers
- Joanna M. Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker, Matrix Group International
- Tara Puckey, Executive Director, The Radio Television Digital News Association
Wed 1/24 at 1 p.m. – Google Ad Grants for Associations: What, Why, and How
Learn about Google Ad Grants, eligibility requirements, application process, and how to use the Grant to supplement your association’s marketing. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Fonteva
Speakers:
- Jessica King, Business Lead, Getting Attention
- Erin Lemons, Vice President of Marketing, Association Solutions, Fonteva & Protech
Wed 1/24 at 1 p.m. – Planning Your Stakeholder Mapping Strategy
Mapping stakeholders is a vital strategy to kick off the year. Learn how to set yourself up with clean data and have a mechanism to measure your impact on your organization’s issues. We’ll share five strategies for mapping stakeholders. More info/register.
Host: Quorum
Wed 1/24 at 2 p.m. – 2024 Trends in Events: Innovations, Insights, and Strategies for Success
From confusing economic indicators and uneven growth across events to the explosion of AI and new threats, there is a reason why being in the events business is one of the world’s top 10 most stressful jobs. So, what do you need to consider in your strategic planning for 2024? Hear how the landscape is changing and what you should consider, what’s essential to all your audiences (exhibitors, sponsors and attendees), how AI will impact events in 2024, and how attendee acquisition and retention is taking center stage. More info/register.
Host: Personify
Speakers:
- Rich Vallaster, the Tradeshow Wonk
- Stephanie Selesnick, President of International Trade Information, Inc.
Wed 1/24 at 2 p.m. – 2024 Event Trends Forecast
There are still lingering questions about what the new year may bring. Will costs finally come down? Will budgets come out of the deep freeze? And how are successful teams navigating rising attendee expectations? Hear predictions on the importance of reimagining event engagement, the emerging role of AI, why sustainability and accessibility are essential, and how venues will support experience-first events. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Meetings Net
Speakers: Felicia Asiedu, Director, Europe Marketing, and Alex Platia, Director, Product Marketing, Cvent
Wed 1/24 at 2 p.m. – Hot Topics in Site-Selection Decisions
What site-selection considerations and concerns are event profs mulling over for 2024? Hear about trends and concerns that planners need to be aware of when choosing the locations and venues for their next meetings, such as: safety; political, diversity and ethical factors; market conditions, including the availability hotels and air travel, and rising costs; best destinations and venues for availability and affordability in 2024; and top resources for researching destinations, such as CVBs and AI. More info/register. 1 CMP credit.
Host: Northstar Meetings Group
Speakers:
- Michael Hudson, CEO, Site Search & Select
- Jennifer C. Squeglia, Owner, RLC Events
- Alexandra Zapple, CMP, CEM, DES, Senior Director of Meetings, American Society of Nephrology
- Lisa Grimaldi (moderator), Editor, Incentives and Destinations, Northstar Meetings Group
Thu 1/25 at 9:30 a.m. – Association 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 1/25 at 11 a.m. – The New Rules of Engagement
Hear from planners who have successfully adapted their tried-and-true programs and session formats to get (and keep) their audiences excited and engaged. Learn how to fuel anticipation (and early registrations) with pre-event promo that makes your speakers and sessions sizzle, develop a value-packed event program and amplify the impact of your onsite experiences, create networking experiences and moments that resonate with a younger audience, build upon your success instead of starting from scratch for every new event, and use event tech hacks so you can do more with the tools you already use. More info/register.
Host: EventMobi
Speakers:
- Karen Hill, Director, Meetings and Events & Engagement, Barcami Lane, Inc.
- Kelly Legris, Owner, KEL Consulting Services and Events Services Consultant
- Amenah Rizwan, Founder & Operations Director, Picnics Toronto
- Thorben Grosser, VP of Product Marketing, EventMobi
Thu 1/25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. – 4 Core Topics of Cutting-Edge Importance to Your Association
An innovative approach to provide essential learning content that is easily accessible to association management professionals in discreet components—come for one, come for all—4Core will be of interest to many associations and their staff, but particularly to those who may be struggling with the limited resources of time and staff. We’ll focus on the following topic areas: next-level event and community technology, the future for healthcare and disruptive approaches that are reshaping care and cost, rebranding, a taste and tour virtual FAM of Canada. More info/register.
Host: Small Association Leadership Alliance
Thu 1/25 at 11:30 p.m. – Why Do Your Members Need Your Association?
Your 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
Thu 1/25 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 1/25 at 12 p.m. – Mastering Revenue Growth: A Strategic Framework for Supporting the Lifetime Learning Journey
Learn about the exciting growth opportunity in the professional learning market. Explore how the framework will help you identify and prioritize growth opportunities. Delve into real-world examples of how organizations have effectively utilized this approach to transform their education programs into significant revenue drivers. More info/register.
Host: BenchPrep
Speaker: Ashish Rangnekar, CEO of BenchPrep
Thu 1/25 at 12:30 p.m. – AI Unleashed: Real-World Solutions and Results in Today’s Associations
Learn how contemporary associations are harnessing the power of AI to drive unprecedented change and efficiency. Hear a comprehensive overview of AI, its evolving role in associations, fundamental concepts and the latest trends. Learn how associations of various sizes and sectors have effectively implemented AI solutions, from membership engagement, personalized communication, to data-driven decision-making. 0.75 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: .orgCommunity
Speakers:
- Laura Lewis, Director, Technology Development, Society of Critical Care Medicine
- Luke Vidacovich, Director or Digital Strategy & IT, American Animal Hospital Association
- Brian Willard, CAE, MBA, Director of Information Technology, CCIM Institute
- Sherry Budziak (moderator), CEO, .orgSource & Co-Founder, .orgCommunity
Thu 1/25 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. – Member Engagement Lab: Engage Your New Members
Join us for a new series of three interactive virtual events, all focused on member engagement. New member engagement might be the most crucial stage because this is our opportunity to set members up for a successful member journey. In this session, we will explore tried and true strategies and tactics from the New Member Engagement Study AND play with some exciting new ideas so you can easily onboard. More info/register.
Hosts: Impexium and Billhighway
Facilitator: Amanda Lea Kaiser, keynote speaker and author of Elevating Engagement: Uncommon Strategies for Creating a Thriving Member Community
Fri 1/26 at 12:30 p.m. – Ask Me Anything: Data Analytics
What is data analytics? How can I make the most of the data I have? How can I help my organization be more data driven? Bring all your questions and join the AMA. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
Speaker: Vinnu Deshetty, CEO/Founder, EVA | Event Tech Hub
Fri 1/26 at 1 p.m. – Elevating New Member Engagement
How well are your new members joining and engaging in your community? Learn about the neuroscience behind impactful first impressions, ways to welcome new members and foster a sense of safety and belonging, and designing a culture that elevates new member engagement in your community. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Forj
Speaker: Amanda Lea Kaiser, keynote speaker and author of Elevating Engagement: Uncommon Strategies for Creating a Thriving Member Community
Tue 1/30 at 11 a.m. – Ascend: Unlocking the Power of AI for Nonprofits
Gain insight into the current AI landscape and how this concerns your nonprofit organization, the power of present AI and where this fast-paced revolution is heading, and how to begin utilizing AI to further your nonprofit’s mission and better serve your community. More info/register.
Host: Sidecar
Speaker: Matthew Van Cleave, author, Ascend: Unlocking the Power of AI for Nonprofits
Tue 1/30 at 12 p.m. – ASAE Component Relations and Volunteer Management Book Club
Join the ASAE CRVM Book Club to discuss The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. We’ll talk about self-limiting beliefs and how to overcome them. Read the book (or an online review) and join us with a cup of coffee and your opinions on the concepts in the book. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Component Relations and Volunteer Management Advisory Council
Facilitators: Vanita Murray and Rachel Grimes
Tue 1/30 at 1 p.m. – What to Consider When Your Association Is Considering a Merger or Acquisition (Part 3: Avoiding the Post-M&A Failure Trap)
70-90% of all M&A transactions ultimately fail. Why? Most organizations do not properly account for challenges such as post-merger integration, cultural fit, and more. Learn about the pitfalls associated with what happens after the deal is signed to help you ensure early- and long-term success. 1 CAE credit. More info/register (Executive Management Professionals Community).
Host: ASAE Executive Management Advisory Council
Speakers:
- Ellen Collins, Executive Director, Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy
- Sherrif Karamat, President & CEO, Professional Convention Management Association
- Pietro Macchiarella, Director, Center of Excellence, Young Presidents’ Organization
- Rhea Steele (moderator), Chief of Staff and Vice President of Strategy and Governance, School Nutrition Association
Tue 1/30 at 1 p.m. – Elevating Your Leadership: A Call to Learn from Your Team’s Wisdom (Part 1 of 2)
Explore why those being led are an often-overlooked source of invaluable leadership wisdom. Discover practical, low-maintenance methods for leaders to glean meaningful insights without resorting to burdensome practices (large 360 reviews, burdensome surveys, etc.). Uncover the untapped potential of learning from your team and preview key lessons for a more impactful leadership journey. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Ryan MacTaggart, PhD, Associate Director, Professional Learning, EDUCAUSE
Wed 1/31 at 12 p.m. – Revenue Revamp: 5 Game-Changing Fixes Help Chapters Increase Non-Dues Revenue in 2024
If sponsors, exhibitors, and advertisers believe your chapters can positively impact their bottom lines, chapters will convert more customers with less effort. But most chapters (and some associations) inadvertently turn off those buyers because of website navigation, collateral, and messaging that leaves prospects confused and unconvinced. Learn about simple changes that will help chapters attract and convert sponsors, exhibitors, and advertisers efficiently and effectively including: quickly creating a compelling case for investing money with your association, stats and stories that provide the most effective social proof of your value, and information buyers need at various stages of their buying journey. More info/register.
Hosts: Billhighway, Mariner Management and Impexium
Speaker: Carrie McIntyre, founder, Navigate
Wed 1/31 at 12 p.m. – Lead vs Member Scoring: How to Data Mine Effectively
What data points should you use to measure member engagement? More importantly, would your association align and agree upon those indicators across all business units and course-correct accordingly? How about if they were trying to identify candidates that are a good fit for membership? Measuring activity means understanding the customer journey and how audiences interact with all of your programming across all channels. Learn about potential data sets that can help you kick-start your ROE definition within your organization to build your own personalized engagement algorithm for leads as well as members. More info/register.
Host: HighRoad Solutions
Wed 1/31 at 3 p.m. – Navigating the Member Journey Part 1: Using Your Data to Create a Winning New Member Strategy
In the first session of this 6-part series, learn how to tap into the potential of your non-member audience by breaking down your engaged non-members by demographics and behavior to create targeted new member campaigns, finding individuals who align with your current member demographics but have not yet engaged with your association, understanding why and when converting non-members into members might not matter, and walking through a concrete example of one of these scenarios and seeing what kind of impact this approach can have on your association. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Association Analytics
Speakers: Bill Conforti, SVP of Strategy & Solutions, and Greg Pollack, SVP of Sales Enablement, Association Analytics
Thu 2/1 from 12 to 2 p.m. – Looking Forward 2024 Impact: First Look at Trends and Analysis
Hear about new research about economic, information and technology, workforce, government, global, and stakeholder perception factors affecting the association environment. Hear what associations are doing to strategically adapt and using this research data with their volunteer leaders and staff. 1.5 CAE credits. More info/register.
Host: Association Laboratory
Speakers: Nikki Golden, CAE, strategist; Felicia Kenan, JM, MPA, CAE, CMP, strategist; and Dean West, FASAE, founder and president, Association Laboratory
Thu 2/1 at 11 a.m. – Strategic Partnership Essentials: 7 Key Elements in High Demand by Corporate Sponsors
Gain insights into the evolving corporate sponsorship landscape and how these trends impact sponsorship strategies in 2024. Hear about the seven essential elements that corporate sponsors are seeking and the elements critical for successful sponsorship arrangements. Learn how to apply strategic insights to develop and enhance your own sponsorship strategies. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE, Founder and Chief Principal, Growth Owl, LLC
Thu 2/1 at 12 p.m. – Meeting Your Members: Tips for Conference Engagement
Struggling to stand out in a sea of faces? Hear the secrets for commanding attention and building lasting connections. Learn how to craft unforgettable introductions, project confidence, and leave a memorable impression.
Host: NXUnite / Nexus Marketing Agency
Speakers:
- Thorben Grosser, Vice President of Product Marketing at EventMobi
- Scott Oser, President at Scott Oser Associates
- Adam Robertson, Director of Digital – Marketing, Membership & Sales at Kellen Company
- Rusty Williams, Co-Founder at AnswerStage
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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