The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community…
Reflection. “To navigate change, companies need fear-free cultures of diverse people and mindsets led by leaders who continuously learn, incentivize and train for change and worship no sacred cows.” ―Rishad Tobaccowala
Competing for members’ time. Good intentions are nice, but they mean nothing if they don’t turn into action. WBT Systems shares strategies for convincing people to commit time to their own professional development.
501Works acquires ReviewMyAMS. Big news! Teri Carden, founder of Non-Dues-A-Palooza, sold the AMS review site ReviewMyAMS to 501Works. “Through this acquisition, 501Works will leverage and re-energize the ReviewMyAMS experience and extend the existing platform with new tools and resources that will help associations through the challenging task of selecting, implementing, and adopting AMS solutions.”
In other news, Forj acquired community platform Mobilize after gobbling up LMS platform Web Courseworks earlier in the year.
Websites. Brightfind’s guide to association websites is loaded like a baked potato with advice on essential web elements for acquiring, engaging, retaining and converting users into loyal website visitors and members.
Education. Rex Woodbury looks at the shortcomings of the U.S. educational system—”still designed for an Industrial Revolution-era world,” not an AI-empowered one. He sees potential in educational trends such as edutainment, reskilling and upskilling; skill-based learning outside of the university system—hello, associations; and personalized learning.
ChatGPT. Jose Triana at Sidecar describes concerns with ChatGPT as well as ways associations can use this tool.
Conference/abstract management. Ex Ordo takes you through the steps of implementing conference and abstract management software for medical, technical, scientific, and academic events. They discuss configuring software for abstract submission and peer review, issuing the call for papers, designing the conference program and more.
Good listens
Sean Soth, chair of the Leadership Advisory Board for Professionals for Association Revenue (PAR), talks with Jeff Cobb, co-host of the Leading Learning podcast, about revenue issues, the need for a business development role in associations, and why people join PAR.
Dave Coriale, president of DelCor and host of the Reboot IT podcast, says a fired-up Jeff De Cagna is his favorite Jeff De Cagna. That’s what we get in Revisiting AI parts 1 and 2 (March 16 and April 4) as Jeff, executive advisor of Foresight First, talked about the very real limitations of and big picture concerns about ChatGPT.
I agree with Jeff that we’re at a crucial moment here. As representatives for the industries and professions they represent, associations (volunteer leaders, members and staff) should put the Power of A to work. Find mutual places of agreement and concern—and put a deadline on that. I can already imagine the jokes about slow deliberation. Then, be a collective voice for their millions of human employees and stakeholders.
If you’re a ChatGPT enthusiast, I get it. I’ve heard and read many stories about how it helps jumpstart tasks and comes up with creative feedback. But understand its limitations. For example, it lies (“hallucinates”). ChatGPT doesn’t “know” things, it just links likely word sequences together. Understand what you’re playing with and always provide the final human touch. Don’t let your intellectual muscles atrophy.
Quick hits on time wasters
Office brainstorms are a waste of time. Research says alone time could yield more innovation. (Callum Borchers, Wall Street Journal)
Meet context switching, the number one productivity killer in the workplace, and find out how to overcome it (Danielle Ezell, TechSmith)
Good eats
Skip down to the list of free educational events if you prefer takeout.
A simple fish recipe, like garlic parmesan crusted sheepshead, never disappoints as long as your fish is fresh. Garlic powder works just fine.
We enjoy Taco Fridays on occasion in this house—not Tuesdays so no trademark concerns there. I dredge chunks of monkfish in a mix of spices: ground ancho chile pepper, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder and onion powder. Top each taco with coleslaw (made with slaw mix, sweet onion, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, rice wine vinegar and grapeseed oil), salsa verde and avocado. So good.
For a Sunday potluck dinner, I brought over a veggie and pearl couscous pesto dish. Make it with sautéed zucchini, broccoli stems and florets, carrot, onion, and red bell pepper tossed with pearl couscous, homemade basil pesto and extra parmesan cheese.
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 5/26 at 12:00 p.m.* – Exam Development Session-II
Learn how to design and administer exams that are valid and reliable, while incorporating best practices in assessment design. Hear about good test construction, types of exams, item analysis, the role of feedback in exam development, and test security. Get hands-on experience in constructing exams. More info/register.
Host: Leverage Assessments, Inc.
*All events are online at Eastern Daylight Time unless otherwise noted.
Tue 5/30 at 12 p.m. – How to Contract with and Manage State Lobbyists
Does your organization have a strong grassroots presence or is your board a team of grasstops influencers? Do you work in a state, a region or across the country? Learn the right questions to ask and the best practices to put in place to set your association up for success. Hear the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them. Find out how to identify, hire and manage the professional lobbying presence that works best for your association. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Government Relations and Advocacy Professionals Community
Speakers:
- Jim Leahy, CAE, Managing Director, Regional & Federal Programs for Liberty Square Group
- Lorrie Trogden, CAE, President/CEO of the Arkansas Bankers Association
- David Lusk (moderator), Founder of Key Advocacy
Thu 6/1 at 7:30 a.m. – Leading with Inclusion: How to Build Impactful & Resilient Associations | Global Virtual CollabSphere
Hear the insights of leaders, trailblazers, and change-makers who champion diversity, equity, and inclusion through their daily work. Start building on our shared know-how in one of four break-out sessions focusing on: inclusive secretariats, inclusive member engagement, inclusive governance, or inclusive advocacy and outreach. More info/register.
Host: DGA Association Labs
Thu 6/1 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 6/1 at 1 p.m. – Leadership & Learning: Leadership Development at the Executive Level
While many organizations have leadership development programs for their staff or partners, few have dared to venture into the world of executive-level leadership. And even fewer have succeeded in a program that enlightens and empowers executive-level leaders. Drawing from our experience developing and implementing our new Executive Leaders Academy, we will share the lessons we’ve uncovered, insights and practical strategies for connecting with these leaders exactly where they are and uncover what to look for when creating or participating in high-level leadership. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers: Ryan MacTaggart, PhD, Associate Director, Professional Learning, and Sarah Brinker-Good, Manager, Professional Learning, EDUCAUSE
Thu 6/1 at 2 p.m. – AMS or CRM: A Candid Conversation
Hear about the different approaches between platforms, key features that all associations need in their AMS/CRM and tips for a successful selection regardless of the platform you choose. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: 501Works, LLC
Speakers:
- Moira Edwards, President, Ellipsis Partners
- Jennie Koss, Senior Consultant, Cooper Consulting
- Wes Trochlil, Founder, EDM – Effective Database Management
Fri 6/2 at 10 a.m. – Association Chapters | Coffee with Innovators: Association Design Circle
Every month, an association leader leads a conversation on an association innovation topic. Our topic this month is association chapters. More info/register.
Host: Product Design Community
Facilitator: Mike Liddy, Global Chapter Platform Lead for the Project Management Institute, with over 300 local chapters internationally
Fri 6/2 at 1 p.m. – Dissecting the Chat GPT/Generative AI Disruption: Use Cases, Concerns, Threats & Opportunities for Event Profs
Hear about the top AI use cases for event profs; broader shifts and implications for our industry; 25 smart ways event profs can use ChatGPT & other Generative AI tools; challenges, concerns, and opportunities; and an overview of the top platforms. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: PCMA
Speakers:
- Nick Borelli, Marketing Director, Zenus
- Matthias Clock, Marketing Director, RX
- Anh Nguyen, Founder, Spark Event Management
- Jen Santos, Founder & CEO, Smart Event Academy
- Howard Givner (moderator), SVP Knowledge & Innovation, PCMA | Founder, Event Leadership Institute
Fri 6/2 at 1 p.m. – Virtual Events 101 for Associations: A Guide to Choosing the Best Technology
Hear about the latest trends in virtual event technology, benefits and drawbacks of various platforms, how to choose the right tools to achieve your desired learning outcomes, how to navigate common challenges in virtual event planning, such as technical issues and learner engagement, and best practices for delivering memorable and engaging virtual experiences. 0.75 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Blue Sky eLearn
Speakers: Ronnie Dudek, Director of Streaming & Production Services; Jesse Pitzler, Senior Virtual Events Producer; and Robbie Shedd, Director of Live Events, Blue Sky eLearn
Fri 6/2 at 4 p.m. – Diversity Discussion Series: Pride Panel
Join us as we celebrate Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month with a moderated diversity panel discussion. More info/register.
Host: Fridays@4
Tue 6/6 from 10 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. – SURGE Ignite
The only virtual conference for fearless association pros, the goal of SURGE 2023 is to learn from the unfamiliar and go beyond the boundaries of what we think is possible. With lessons learned from two years of a pandemic, the Great Resignation and plenty of new technologies changing the way we work, you’ll be prepared for what comes next. Instead of listening to speakers for hours, you’ll be chatting with our keynotes in Q&As or networking with like-minded association pros—our live chat is known to be a hotbed for new ideas. 4 CAE credits. More info/register.
Host: Sidecar
Tue 6/6 at 12 p.m. – DIY Engagement Modeling (Association Analytics Network)
Join association professionals for peer-led discussions on topics related to data and analytics. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Association Analytics
Wed 6/7 from 10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. – SURGE Ignite
The only virtual conference for fearless association pros, the goal of SURGE 2023 is to learn from the unfamiliar and go beyond the boundaries of what we think is possible. With lessons learned from two years of a pandemic, the Great Resignation and plenty of new technologies changing the way we work, you’ll be prepared for what comes next. Instead of listening to speakers for hours, you’ll be chatting with our keynotes in Q&As or networking with like-minded association pros—our live chat is known to be a hotbed for new ideas. 3.5 CAE credits. More info/register.
Host: Sidecar
Wed 6/7 at 12 p.m. – AI in Action for Professional Development Products in Associations
Learn how your peers are harnessing the power of generative AI to transform their association learning products. See examples of how this technology is revolutionizing the creation and editing of audio, writing compelling marketing copy, transcribing and summarizing meetings, and providing AI-generated feedback to learners. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Professional Development Advisory Council
Wed 6/7 at 12 p.m. – The Chicken or the Egg? Which Is First: Technology or Content?
Which comes first—the chicken or egg is a metaphor for which comes first in associations–content or technology? In this session, a seasoned mar/comm pro and an IT expert debate how both components need to work together strategically to deliver the best communications to its target audiences. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Association Insights in Old Town
Speakers:
- Adam Hostetter, CEO of FuseSearch
- Sheri Singer, president of Singer Communications
Wed 6/7 at 2 p.m. – Powerful Negotiating Techniques for Engaging Your Counterpart
Association professionals negotiate on a daily basis—externally with customers, internally with colleagues, in the room, on a call and over video. But when negotiating with counterparts in real life, how do you use your preparation to the best effect? Learn how to leverage authentic curiosity to create maximum value for you and your counterpart, know where to place focus in a negotiation, specific techniques for engaging more effectively with your counterpart, and how to develop a practice plan to transform concepts into habits. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Professionals for Association Revenue
Speaker: Susan Borke, Principal, BorkeWorks
Thu 6/8 at 9:30 a.m. – Small Staff Percolator
A new interactive online coffee break format 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 6/8 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Summer Symposium: Innovations | Insights | Trends (Washington DC)
Sessions include (see descriptions in online events below): The Future of Associations: 4 Ways to Adapt and Thrive; From Legacy to Modern: Updating Systems for New Technology and AI; The Ultimate Guide to Salesforce for Association Management: Implement, Enable and Engage; Yours, Mine and Ours: Exploring the Many Facets of Cybersecurity Awareness. Location: Washington DC. 4 CAE credits. 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:
- Bill Sheehan, VP, Strategic Partnerships, Multiview
- Ali Niroo, Managing Partner, Bridgepointe Technologies and George Breeden, CAE, MBA, NREMT, CIO, Investment Company Institute
- Sarah Irwin, Solutions Director, Fionta
- Andrew Leggett, CEH, CSSA, CISSP, Director of Cybersecurity Operations, DelCor
Thu 6/8 at 10 a.m. – The Future of Associations: 4 Ways to Adapt and Thrive
How do you grab the attention of your members in a world of decreasing attention span? Learn about the attention economy and how to benefit from integrated media plans; how media companies engage, and how it can benefit your association; and how to change your mindset to always think boldly and evolve with your industry, including members and vendors. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Bill Sheehan, VP, Strategic Partnerships, Multiview
Thu 6/8 at 11 a.m. – Developing International Markets: ASAE World Cafe Panel 1
While no association pursues international growth following the exact same pathway, there are some strategic and tactical considerations each one should consider. Members of the ASAE International Associations Advisory Council will share their experience and lessons learned in what worked and what didn’t when they developed international markets for their associations. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE International Associations Advisory Council
Speakers:
- Jakub Konysz (host), Global Navigators
- Kristin Hodgson (moderator), Project Management Institute
- Sylvia Gonner, CAE (moderator), CultureWiz
- Joanne H Joham, CMP, CMM, DES (moderator), J Joham Associates
- Pietro Macchiarella, Young Presidents’ Organization
- Jim Piechowski, HOCK International
Thu 6/8 at 11:15 a.m. – From Legacy to Modern: Updating Systems for New Technology and AI
By utilizing modern technology and AI, you can take your organization from Legacy to Modern with the results of cost savings, increased efficiency and enablement so that you have more time for tasks at hand. Learn how AI/Machine Learning can do more with less and help move your organization from Legacy to Modern, how to transition from legacy systems while remaining cost efficient and increasing productivity, and how to create efficiencies and demystify your options in modernizing legacy platforms. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Ali Niroo, Managing Partner, Bridgepointe Technologies
- George Breeden, CAE, MBA, NREMT, CIO, Investment Company Institute
Thu 6/8 at 1 p.m. – Legal Aspects of Associations Working Internationally : ASAE World Cafe Panel 2
From intellectual property to taxation laws, associations working internationally can face much more complicated legal issues than in a purely domestic operation. Learn about strategic and tactical legal considerations associations working internationally should consider. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE International Associations Advisory Council
Speakers:
- Jakub Konysz (host), Global Navigators
- Matt Riley (moderator), ICS International Conference Services
- Sylvia Gonner, CAE (moderator), CultureWiz
- Joanne H Joham, CMP, CMM, DES (moderator), J Joham Associates
- Kerry Cosby, American Association for Clinical Chemistry
- Jefferson C. Glassie, FASAE, Partner, Whiteford Law
Thu 6/8 at 1 p.m. – Become Future Ready (and How Your AMS Can Help)
Learn how to harness data to deliver exceptional value to your members, how your AMS can be a driving force for simplifying complex tasks and streamlining operations, how to unlock the power of a growth mindset, and how to prepare for what’s next—whatever that may be. More info/register.
Host: Impexium
Thu 6/8 from 2 to 4 p.m. – Evolve 23
A space for B2B marketers to come together, prepare, and navigate this monumental shift and a new era with confidence. Industry titans like April Dunford, Rand Fishkin, and Melissa Rosenthal will share relevant insights and strategies on positioning, creative, and content, helping you transform your marketing approach and stay ahead of the curve. Connect with fellow marketers, exchange ideas, and learn how to embrace change and adapt to the evolving B2B landscape. More info/register.
Host: Welcome
Thu 6/8 at 2:30 p.m. – Yours, Mine and Ours: Exploring the Many Facets of Cybersecurity Awareness
Are you feeling paralyzed by all of the cybersecurity buzz in the industry? Hear the nerd word demystified and practical strategies to mitigate, transfer or accept cybersecurity risks. Learn how to evaluate your current security architecture against industry standards, possible next steps in advancing your organization’s IT security, and “IT Tradeoffs” to reduce technical management in exchange for vendor management. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Andrew Leggett, CEH, CSSA, CISSP, Director of Cybersecurity Operations, DelCor
Fri 6/9 at 12:30 p.m. – 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: Nicole Araujo, CAE, Client Engagement Director, Mighty Citizen
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, Twitter or LinkedIn by Wednesday afternoon the week before it’s scheduled.
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