The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community…
Must-read newsletters. I was happy to see Association Brain Food in Lead Marvel’s list of eight must-read newsletters for association professionals. Curated reading lists are the best, right? So, let’s move on to the rest of your weekend reading.
Credentialing support. TopClass LMS wants you to know about the coalition supporting legislation to extend the use of tax-exempt 529 savings plans to association credentialing programs. Add your association’s name to the sign-on letter before they present it to Congress next week.
Boring conferences. Dean West at Association Laboratory bemoans the state of association conferences because “nothing is different” despite associations knowing the same ol’ same ol’ is boring the hell out of attendees. I agree, which is part of the reason I only registered for the trade show at ASAE Annual—the ridiculously high fee for consultants (the membership category for this odd duck) was another reason. The problem, Dean says, is most meeting planners are expected to focus on logistics, not education and experiences, so we get the same design year after year. Yawn.
AMS implementation. Impexium describes three crucial principles that most associations and vendors overlook during an AMS implementation—things that will make your project much more difficult. They explain why and how to get buy-in from staff and executives, how to manage an implementation when you barely have time for your real job, and why you should focus on business outcomes, not processes.
Open Space events. Here’s a cure for boring conferences. Watch how the members of the International Bridge Tunnel & Turnpike Association used the Open Space concept at a recent meeting—and hear why loved it. Thanks to the CEO Patrick Jones who shared this recently in an incredibly informative ASAE Collaborate discussion.
Financial statements. Hat tip to Tip Tucker Kendall, CAE who, also on Collaborate, recommended nonprofitready.org as a primer on accounting and financial statements for nonprofits.
Microcredentials. If you feel like you’ve been seeing more press about microcredentials lately, it’s because researchers see growing support from employers and learners, and higher education sees the potential for revenue and renewed relevance. WBT Systems explains why it might be time for your association to get into the microcredentials business.
Credit card processors. 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 you should ask about during your discussions with vendors.
Data strategy. Katherine Matthews, CAE, talks to Alexandra Mouw, CAE, about the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards’ journey to becoming a data-driven organization.
Also worth your time
The right marketing question—an intriguing way to approach a marketing campaign. (Seth Godin)
The people, environment, and media around you shape your mindset: three steps to shape an abundance mindset. (Peter Diamandis)
My summer with Leo Tolstoy and his War and Peace. Like Noonan, I also had a wonderful season (winter) with Tolstoy’s War and Peace. (Peggy Noonan, Wall Street Journal—gift link)
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 9/15 at 4 p.m.* – Diversity Discussion Series: Hispanic Heritage Month Panel
Join Fridays@4 as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a moderated panel discussion. More info/register.
Host: Fridays@4
Speakers:
- Diana L. Dabdub, Director for Admissions and Recruitment Affairs at the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges
- Josie Hernandez, IOM, Account Executive with Bostrom and President of Association Latinos
- Carol Martinez, Manager of Community Impact at Project Management Institute
- Ben Yzaguirre, M.Ed., CAE (moderator), Senior Director of Faculty Development and e-Learning at the American Dental Education Association
*All events are online at Eastern Daylight Time unless otherwise noted.
Mon 9/18 at 8 a.m. – Neurodiversity: It’s an Asset! (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: Cynthia Lockrey, Lockrey Communications
Mon 9/18 at 4 p.m. – A Transatlantic Look at Sustainability Legislation: From the Green Deal to the Inflation Reduction Act
The U.S. and the EU prioritize sustainability through differing legislation such as the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act and the E.U. Green Deal. Hear about the possible progress for associations, potential challenges related to U.S.-EU collaboration and trade, and how associations can move forward as change agents for their industries and professions with an open mind. More info/register.
Hosts: ASAE and ESAE
Speakers:
- Paolo Falcioni, Director General, APPLiA
- Eric Holdsworth, Managing Director, Clean Energy and Environmental Policy, EEI
Tue 9/19 at 11 a.m. – Boost Your Rankings: A Definitive 14-Step Guide to Performing an SEO Audit
Equip yourself with the tools and know-how to ensure your website reaches the top of search engine results. Learn how to decode the mysteries of search engine algorithms, identify overlooked opportunities and hurdles on your quest for peak visibility, acquire actionable insights and expert tips to elevate your website’s ranking performance, and execute a comprehensive SEO audit. Get a roadmap of 14 essential steps, each guiding you closer to ranking higher on search engines. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Jon Rivers, COO, Marketeery
Tue 9/19 at 12 p.m. – ASAE CRVM September Crunch and Munch
This month’s topic: policies and procedures for disbanding inactive chapters and the updating of chapter polices. Join this free flowing and fun discussion. And yes, fun even when discussing policies! We’ll share our experiences but more importantly we want to hear yours as we all learn from one another. And if there are some other topics you would like to ask members of the CRVM community about, please join us and ask away! More info/register.
Host: ASAE Component Relations and Volunteer Management (CRVM) Council
Facilitators: Sara Bustard, CAE, and Scott Brody, CAE
Tue 9/19 at 2 p.m. – Behind the Scenes: How We Built a Webinar Using ChatGPT
Learn how AI can be used to ideate webinar topics, build the abstract, and write the content outline and script. Hear about ways AI can be used to help promote a webinar. Find out if audiences can distinguish between AI and human input and whether using AI actually saves time or adds to the workload. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: MeetingsNet
Speaker: Brooke Gracey, Marketing Director, Cvent
Tue 9/19 at 2 p.m. – How to Master the New Green RFP
Partnering with destinations to put sustainability front-and-center is the best way to ensure an event that cares for attendees and planet. Learn how meeting professionals are prioritizing everything from energy efficiency to waste management in the sourcing process, what to ask for when considering a destination/venue, what measures actually have the biggest impact, and how to craft win-win events that leave a place better than when your group arrived. More info/register.
Host: Smart Meetings
Speakers:
- Rory G. Archibald, Senior Business Events Manager, Visit Scotland
- Michelle Moore, CDME, CMP, HMCC, CHIA, Senior Director of Meeting Sales & Services, Experience Kissimmee
- Emily Scheiderer, Senior Director of Education, Sales and Services, Destinations International
Tue 9/19 at 3 p.m. – Letting Go! Creating Room for Innovation by Letting Go of Legacy Programs
Whether it’s a magazine that no longer makes sense, a pet project of a former chief elected officer, or a program that has significant for-profit competition, it is up to the chief staff executive to keep these programs alive or build support for making necessary changes. Hear a panel of EMAC members and other association leaders discuss how they faced, or are facing, these challenges and share their advice for chief staff executives dealing with similar situations. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Executive Management Professionals Advisory Council (EMAC)
Speakers:
- Kelli Baxter, Executive Director, American Translators Association
- Bob Moore, MA, MS, FASAE, CAE, Executive Director, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians
- Abigail Young, CAE, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association
- Cynthia Young, CAE, Executive Director, American Art Therapy Association
- Bob Voltmann, CAE (moderator)
Wed 9/20 at 8:30 a.m. – Consultants In Person Meet Up for DC/MD/VA (Washington DC)
See agenda attachment in this ASAE Collaborate discussion. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.
Organizer: Cecilia Sepp, CAE, Rogue Tulips and other DMV consultants
Wed 9/20 from 9:30 to 11:45 a.m. – Legal Analysis of AI and Beyond (Arlington VA)
Each member of the panel will provide an update on important legal issues in testing, including AI updates, BNSF biometric ruling, states with data protection acts that go into effect in 2023/2024, ADA accommodations, pitfalls of incorporating AI into a remote proctoring program, content creation, intellectual property rights, liability protections, and other key legal issues to note in certification organization contracts. Location: Arlington VA. More info/register.
Host: Certification Network Group
Speakers:
- Dawn Crowell Murphy, Special Counsel, Nonprofit Organizations practice, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
- Allison M. Mulford, Esq., MBA, CIPP-E, Mulford & Associates, LLC
- Julia Judish, Special Counsel, Nonprofit Organizations practice, Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP
Wed 9/20 at 11 a.m. – Winning the Talent War: It’s All About Your Brand, Culture, and Benefits
The talent market has been fierce post pandemic and it doesn’t seem to be changing anytime soon. Learn why your brand matters more than you might realize in terms of attracting the right people, why your culture is really what retains talent and fosters their growth, and how to make the benefits you offer to your employees an extension of your value proposition and a reinforcement of the good decision to work there. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Brian Haney, Founder and CEO, The Haney Company
Wed 9/20 at 12 p.m. – Revamping Chapter Structures & Processes: Embracing Change for a Stronger Future
According to our Chapter Performance & Benchmarking Report, 37% of associations have made substantial chapter structure changes, while 37% consider implementing changes. Explore ways to adapt your chapters to meet the evolving needs of your members. Hear about various approaches, from small incremental adjustments to bold, transformative measures, so you have a roadmap to embark on the journey of change. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Hosts: Billhighway and Mariner Management
Speakers:
- Peggy Hoffman, President & Executive Director at Mariner Management
- Sarah Robertson, Marketing Lead, Billhighway
Wed 9/20 at 12 p.m. – Sales Enablement for Associations
Associations need marketing, membership and sales working as one unit with a drive towards shared goals. While this sounds like a no-brainer statement, it’s often not the reality at many organizations because legacy strategies and mindsets have aligned sales teams with traditional sponsorship and advertising goals, leaving membership acquisition and other programs out of the sales function altogether. Learn how to use the right marketing technology to collect insights and develop strategies to power up your sales capabilities, all while aligning your membership, marketing and sales to work together. More info/register.
Host: HighRoad Solution
Speakers: Cynthia DeJesus, Sr Account Executive, and Maneesha Manges, Chief Experience Officer, HighRoad Solutions
Wed 9/20 at 1 p.m. – Top 5 Pitfalls of IT Budgeting
Trapped in a cycle of painstakingly crafting your IT budget only to feel blindsided by your actual spend? Between all the different vendor contract terms, pricing structures, support expiration dates, license renewals, hardware upgrades, infrastructure changes, it’s easy (and common!) to make at least a few missteps with your budget. Learn how to avoid common IT budgeting pitfalls and a tried-and-true approach to successful IT budgeting. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Heinan Landa, Founder, Optimal Networks
Wed 9/20 at 1 p.m. – The Science of Executive Leadership: Training That Drives Organizational Results
Neuroscience reveals that power changes the brain in surprising ways. Executive training counterbalances this tendency and gives leaders the critical skills leaders need to solve complex challenges. Discover and apply new techniques to build a science-based program that your executives will attend, value, and use to drive positive organizational results. More info/register.
Host/speaker: Britt Andreatta, CEO, Brain Aware Training
Wed 9/20 at 1 p.m. – The Future of the Attendee Experience
Explore the latest trends in how people are consuming content, how to blend physical and digital experiences for your events, ways to use events to engage and build community, best practices for extending event engagement, and strategies to deliver amazing attendee experiences. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Meetings Today
Speaker: Alyssa Peltier, Senior Manager of Event Marketing, Cvent
Wed 9/20 at 2 p.m. – Looking to Engage Gen Z? Harness the Power of Video on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok
Gen Z wants exactly what associations offer. But associations are no longer the “default” resource when they enter the workforce. You’ve got a LOT of competition from a variety of industry sources. And Gen Z is finding this information (and using it to build skills, knowledge, and connections) on many of the platforms associations DON’T readily use. Learn how associations can leverage video storytelling on social media to capture the attention of young professionals in a relatable, authentic, and compelling way. More info/register.
Host: Omnipress
Speakers:
- Rusty Williams, founder, AnswerStage
- Tracy Grzybowski, Director of Marketing, Omnipress
Wed 9/20 at 2 p.m. – Creating Memorable Event Activities
Hear from industry professionals creating energizing team-building exercises, networking opportunities, corporate social responsibility programs and more outside the meeting room. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Northstar Meetings Group
Speakers:
- Shannon Lane DuPont, Director of Program Development, TeamBonding
- Michelle Flowers, Senior Director, Event Management, Maritz Global Events
- Hillary Smith, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Creative, PRA Business Events
- Lizzie Wilcox (moderator), Associate Editor, Northstar Meetings Group
Wed 9/20 at 2 p.m. – Determine if It’s Time to Throw Your Association Program a Farewell Party
Are your member, sponsor or industry programs stale? Do you have a few good ideas that lose momentum without the right support and strategy? Learn about a blueprint for successful programs. Explore how to determine the shelf-life and market tolerance of your programs using a product lifecycle model. Get a better understanding of when it’s time to build, refresh, or sunset programs to support revenue growth. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Professionals for Association Revenue
Speakers:
- Jay Blankenship, Director, Revenue Consultancy & Advisory, MCI Group
- Brittany Shoul, SVP, Revenue Strategy & Operations, MCI USA
Wed 9/20 at 3 p.m. – The Importance and Effects of Creating a Culture of Inclusivity Regarding Accessibility in Your Organization
Explore the importance of accessibility in the workplace and how it can benefit employees and the organization as a whole. Hear about the moral and ethical obligations surrounding accessibility, the business advantages of an accessible workplace (such as increased productivity, better employee retention, and improved customer satisfaction), and strategies for promoting accessibility in the workplace including training, resources, and technology. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Taylor Dorward, Life Hacks365
Thu 9/21 at 11 a.m. – Attention! Catch Your New Members’ Attention
Research shows that catching your new members’ attention within the first three days to three weeks of joining gives you a much better chance of getting them on the path to lifelong engagement. Learn about the critical go and no/go decisions new members make at this stage of the member journey, many no- and low-cost solutions to early member engagement, and the keys to gaining attention in a cluttered environment. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Amanda Lea Kaiser, MBA, Keynote Speaker & Author, Kaiser Insights LLC
Thu 9/21 at 11:30 a.m. – September Tapas Talks in the Small Staff Association Marketplace
Conversational and lively, a mixture of planned content and virtual f2f discussions with subject matter experts—plus the serendipity of talking through challenges with your peers. The program opens with a short presentation by Molly Georgakis, CAE, executive director of Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics. Molly also chairs the ASAE Small Staff Associations Advisory Committee. She will update us on SSAAC’s plans and goals as well as how her association is prepping for 2024. Then you will meet our subject matter experts who will briefly describe their breakout room topics. More info/register.
Host: Qiqo Chat
Speakers:
- Molly Georgakis, CAE, executive director of Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics
- Adam Hostetter and Johnny Clayton of FUSE Search
- Sean Soth and Rita Nabhan of PAR (Professionals for Association Revenue)
- Rich Lawson of SALA (Small Association Leadership Alliance)
- Dawn Tedesco of Career Compliance Solutions
- Karin Fitzgerald of AMC Institute
Thu 9/21 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 9/21 at 1 p.m. – Why and How to Make Practice (a Bigger) Part of Your Portfolio
Many learning portfolios are short on practice options, even though practice is pivotal in reinforcing learning and effective in all situations from preparing for high-stakes credentialing exams to implementing new procedures on the job. Learn why adding more practice opportunities to your portfolio is good for your learners and for your bottom line. Hear about specific approaches to building more practice opportunities into your offerings. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Tagoras/Leading Learning
Speakers: Jeff Cobb and Celisa Steele, co-founders of Tagoras and Leading Learning
Thu 9/21 at 1 p.m. – Association Creative Marketing Masterclass
Taught live by leading association heads of marketing, this course provides a framework for evaluating creative copy and design and leads students through practical collateral critiques. Master instructors explain how they follow brand standards while ensuring marketing performance. Each class features a live review of real association marketing collateral with a professional evaluation and change recommendations. 4 CAE credits for 4-week course. More info/register.
Host: Chris Gloede, Chief Consultant, Ricochet
Thu 9/21 at 1 p.m. – 10 Tips for Creating Great Webinar Content That Drives Engagement
Hear about ten best practices you can start using today to deliver content virtually that drives engagement and keeps your audience’s attention. Learn how to source and prioritize content themes, use AI to find inspiration and build content, turn content themes into compelling narratives, and architect audience engagement. More info/register.
Host: American Marketing Association
Speaker: Mark Bornstein, VP, Marketing, ON24
Thu 9/21 at 4 p.m. – Attention and Connection: Communications Strategies for a Digital World
By following data and embracing the unpredictable trends, memes, and viral content of our digital world, any organization can more successfully communicate and build connections with their target audience, whether those people are customers, members, or legislators. Learn about the three main ingredients for a successful digital strategy, how your organization can craft a message that resonates with your members, and how to connect with your target audience on their turf. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Reston Loudon Swap
Speaker: Steve Lerch, Story Arc Consulting
Fri 9/22 at 4 p.m. – Career Management Toolkit: Using Data to Chart Your Course, Measure Your Impact, & Further Your Career
Learn how to collect and use qualitative and quantitative data to focus your work, capture your results, and propel your career forward. Our speakers will share their knowledge and experiences using data to bring strategy and structure to career management. More info/register.
Host: Fridays@4
Speakers: Tom Aley, Jennifer Baker, MSW, CAE, and Ted Miller
Tue 9/26 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – LMS Demo Days
Watch presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer LMS platforms. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Tue 9/26 at 1 p.m. – SEO Crash Course: It’s Not Just Keywords
Many believe SEO is all about choosing the right keywords and hoping for the best. However, it’s far more complex than that. To properly optimize your website, you must also focus on technical SEO, on-page SEO, and off-page SEO (link building). Conducting thorough keyword research is essential, but it’s just the beginning. Technical SEO ensures your website is optimized for search engine crawlers, while on-page SEO focuses on content and website structure. Off-page SEO involves building relationships with other websites through backlinks to increase your page authority. Learn how to give your website the best chance of appearing at the top of search engine results by taking a well-rounded approach to SEO. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Chris Rodriguez, CEO, iExcel
Wed 9/27 from 9 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. – LMS Demo Days
Watch presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer LMS platforms. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Wed 9/27 at 12 p.m. – PAR Member Meet-Up: How Unique is your Unique Value Proposition?
Do your potential members, exhibitors, advertisers or sponsors understand how your association programs can create value around their investment? Join the PAR community as we share unique value propositions and explore how other members position and deliver throughout their work. 0.5 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Professionals for Association Revenue
Wed 9/27 at 2 p.m. – Expert Series Session: Unleashing New Revenue Potential with Association Job Boards: A Comprehensive Guide for Association Executives
Association job boards are a powerful tool to attract new members, unlock fresh revenue streams, and enhance member engagement. What’s more, most members now expect a career center as part of their membership benefits. Learn about the specific revenue associations can generate from a job board, why the current economic climate is ripe for launching a job board, the distinct advantages associations hold over general job boards like Indeed or LinkedIn, pricing and marketing strategies tailored for association job boards, and the remarkable results that can be achieved. More info/register.
Host: Non-Dues-A-Palooza
Speaker: Rodion Telpizov, founder and CEO, SmartJobBoard
Thu 9/28 at 12 p.m. – Is Your Association Meeting the Needs of the 15% of Neurodiverse Members?
Neurodiversity describes the unique way people’s brains work. From ADHD and autism to dyslexia and dyspraxia, neurodiversity may affect up to 15% of your association’s members, attendees, learners and staff. One in seven people in your association’s target audience may process information differently from the way society often expects. Learn what associations must do differently, additionally, and intentionally to serve their neurodiverse members. Get tools to re-examine your education, training, networking, and other offerings with an eye toward meeting your neurodiverse professionals’ needs and expectations. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Association Xchange
Speaker: Holly Martinson, M.ED., Executive Function Coach, and owner of Patient Minds
Thu 9/28 at 1 p.m. – From Data to Decisions: Analytics for Associations
You don’t need a data science degree or coding certificate to understand your data. In fact, every level of your organization should be able to make confident decisions using up-to-the-minute (yes, minute) analytics. Learn how to transform raw data into interactive reports and dashboards, predict and manage forecasts, and analyze data from a variety of sources. Discover how to enhance engagement, increase membership, and make confident decisions with real-time data insights. More info/register.
Host: Impexium
Thu 9/28 at 1 p.m. – Generative AI and ChatGPT: Uses, Pros, and Cons for Associations
Get up to speed on the current and future uses of generative AI and ChatGPT for associations. Learn how to efficiently assess business value across all association processes. Discover the advantages associated with applying generative AI technology to streamline workflows and keep your association ahead of the curve by learning about potential risks and challenges. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Lisa Rau, PhD, Founder, Fíonta
Thu 9/28 at 1 p.m. – How to Set Yourself Apart When Contacting Corporate Sponsors
Outreach emails to potential corporate sponsors/funders going unanswered? Not sure what and how much to say? Wondering what if anything to send along with your email messages? Learn how non-profits can set themselves apart when contacting corporate sponsors. More info/register.
Host/speaker: Lori Zoss Kraska, MBA, CFRE, founder/CEO, Growth Owl
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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