The weekly list of free professional development events for the association community…
I’m excited and honored to be heading to Association Charrette today with 19 other association geeks for a weekend full of “insightful conversation about emerging trends and disruptions” in the association industry. As one of the organizers, Lowell Aplebaum, CAE, says in this article about the Charrette, we’re “committing to create outputs that will come back to the larger community, so that in learning and creating together we help not only ourselves but our colleagues and industry.” Stay tuned.
Association Charrette is, among other things, a learning community. The knowledge I take away will be ‘stickier’ because of the discussions and other activities Shelly Alcorn, CAE, (Lowell’s co-organizer) and Lowell have planned for us. A learning community can make online courses more engaging and enjoyable too, says WBT Systems in their latest post.
Anita Brearton believes the phrase “digital transformation” doesn’t quite capture an organization’s evolution. She sees digital transformation “as a series of interconnected foundational building blocks, rather than a linear path” which is why she prefers the term “cathedral thinking.” This historic yet contemporary approach requires “a far-reaching vision, a well thought-out blueprint, and a shared commitment to long-term implementation.”
One of the most fascinating technological developments is the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver a more meaningful and valuable customer and member experience. rasa.io explains the basics of AI (and its many cousins) and shows how AI can be used to help members develop an association habit. Exciting times!
And one of the more evil developments is the increase in cybersecurity hacks and breaches. Changing passwords is becoming a weekly exercise. Staff complacency is a huge danger right now since it’s so easy to click on or open the wrong thing. Russell McCullough at DelCor Technology Solutions shares several new approaches to security training that will make your staff sit up, pay attention, and actually enjoy learning how to be safe online.
That’s it for good reads, now it’s time for this week’s list of free professional development for the association community.
If your organization has a webinar scheduled in the near future, please send me the link. I’ll be happy to feature it as long as it’s not too product-centric.
Tue 10/17 at 8 a.m.* – From Puppet Master to Leader: Tools for Getting Things Done (Washington DC)
Technology decisions are rarely made in a silo and to make progress we often need to employ some amount of debate, convincing, and cajoling. Women technology champions use a toolbox of tactics to get things done. The key is to become well-versed in all the tools at your disposal and to know which tool to use and when based on context. In this interactive discussion, we’ll explore how to determine what tool to use and how to strengthen and develop underused tools. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.
Host: Association Women Technology Champions
*All times are Eastern Daylight Time unless otherwise noted.
Tue 10/17 at 8:30 a.m. – Partnership Professionals Network Idea Exchange (Annapolis MD)
Discuss how to structure your organization’s benefits for corporate partners; how to respond if one of your corporate partners says your association isn’t in their budget next year; and your corporate partnership questions and challenges. Location: Annapolis MD. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Partnership Professionals Network
Tue 10/17 at 11:30 a.m. – Using Marketing Automation for Greater Member Insight
Metrics are a key component of data-driven marketing as they provide a standard and consistent way to measure, understand, and track marketing data and results. Although very useful, metrics can pose great challenges to associations because the volume of data can be overwhelming. Not to fear however, you can compile the overwhelming amount of data into one place and allow your association to more deeply connect with users and gain member insight. Learn how associations can use metrics as a way to hyper-personalize content for users and members, all while gaining insight and turning metrics into something actionable. More info/register.
Host: C Systems Global
Presenter: Suzanne Carawan, Chief Marketing Officer, HighRoad Solution
Tue 10/17 at 12 p.m. – Small Staff Association Brown Bag Lunch (Washington DC)
This casual lunch group of association colleagues is specifically for those who work at small staff associations. Attendees share ideas and ask questions about other associations’ best practices. Location: Washington, DC. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Small Staff Association Professionals
Tue 10/17 at 1 p.m. – Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Membership Marketing but Were Afraid to Ask
Spend an hour clearing up a few membership marketing mysteries. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: Marketing General, Inc.
Presenters: MGI Senior Account Directors Harold Maurer and Elisa Joseph Anders
Tue 10/17 at 1 p.m. – Nonprofit Website Trends
What do you need to know so your next redesign isn’t outdated as soon as it goes live? Our panelists will bring examples and stories to help you see the trends and consider how your website can evolve in the future. Topics may include: platform strengths and weaknesses; AX or the administrator experience; integration; graphic design; content strategy and storytelling; plugins or add-ons; and low-cost “extras.” More info/register.
Hosts: Idealware and Bloomerang
Tue 10/17 at 1 p.m. – Master the First Impression: Modernize Your Reg Desk
Learn about new and emerging capabilities for today’s onsite registration tools, equipment needs for events of all sizes, buying vs renting equipment, and evaluating your options, from DIY solutions to full-service providers. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Meetings Today
Presenters:
- Kevin Yanushefski, Product Marketing Manager, Cvent
- Joe Skiados, Senior Manager for Onsite Solutions, Cvent
Tue 10/17 at 2 p.m. – Association Chat
Watch/participate live or view the recording.
Hosts: KiKi L’Italien, Tamela Blalock and Nabil Hassan El-Ghoroury
Tue 10/17 at 2 p.m. – New MedTech Regulations in Europe will Impact Sponsored Delegates at Events
MedTech Europe approved a new Code of Ethical Business Practice that goes into effect on January 1, 2018. Medical conferences should brace themselves for an impact as the code prohibits any member medical device company from sponsoring delegations of healthcare professionals attending educational medical conferences unless it is done in educational grant form. Understand the guidelines and the generic criteria for events, the impact of these changes on sponsorship and attendance, and the entities overseeing the process. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: PCMA
Presenters:
- Pat Schaumann, Director, Healthcare Compliance, Maritz Travel
- Simon Dufaur, owner, D4 Management Consulting
Tue 10/17 at 4 p.m. – Crisis Communications (Columbia MD Idea Swap)
How can your association be prepared before the next crisis occurs? Learn the dos and don’ts of crisis communications planning and actions. Hear the presenter’s crisis PR experience which includes dealing with allegations of sexual harassment against an organization’s leader, issues management in connection with Duke lacrosse case, and a tragic death at a national ski resort. Location: Columbia MD. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Greater Washington / National Capital Community
Presenter: Jeffrey Davis, APR, managing director, Van Eperen
Wed 10/18 at 10 a.m. – Keep Your Mission Moving Forward: Strategies for Succession Planning
Research shows that most associations have little or no succession planning in place and aren’t fully aware of how much the lack of it can cost their organization. Learn how to develop and document procedures to ensure your organization’s work doesn’t come to a screeching halt. More info/register.
Host: C Systems Global
Presenter: Keith Perigo, Account Manager, C Systems Global
Wed 10/18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – CMEpalooza
This free one-day virtual event feature a series of unique sessions focused on topics relevant to the broad CME community. More info/register.
Wed 10/18 at 11:30 a.m. – People: Finding, Retaining and Empowering Your One Competitive Advantage
Learn how you can find the right people for your organization, retain them and empower them to help grow and meet your organization’s mission. More info/register.
Host: C Systems Global
Presenter: Craig Dellorso, CEO and Co-Founder, Confluence Global
Wed 10/18 at 12 p.m. – ASAE Healthcare Community Committee October Book Club: The Checklist Manifesto
Do you love to read and have intense conversations about trends in management? This book club discusses books that will help us launch our associations into the future. Join us for the kickoff meeting to discuss Atul Gawande’s The Checklist Manifesto. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Healthcare Community Cafe
Wed 10/18 at 2 p.m. – Ask Outrageously! The Secret to Getting What You Really Want
Learn proven strategies to: ask for what you really want; show up powerfully so others will listen; reach winning results with integrity and confidence; improve your outcomes when the results really matter; and create significant connections with key people and attract support for your ideas. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Pathable
Presenter: Linda Swindling, JD, CSP
Wed 10/18 at 2 p.m. – Food Sensitivities & Allergies: Tried & True Event Options
In the US alone, more than 12 million people suffer from food allergies. How are you navigating the special dietary needs of your guests? Understand symptoms and treatments for top food allergens. Discover tried and true ideas for meal plans from top chefs in the country. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: PCMA
Presenter: Andrea Metcalf, owner, Health Inspired Events
Wed 10/18 at 2 p.m. – Tech Tools to Touch Points: Secrets of the Attendee Experience
We asked the industry’s leading organizers how they plan and deliver meaningful events, and we’re ready to divulge these astounding finds. Find out what attendees are really looking for—quality content versus networking opportunities, gamification versus live Q&A, and limited communication versus year-round connections. More info/register.
Host: BizBash
Presenter: Melissa Del Monte and Kerry J. Plowman, QuickMobile
Wed 10/18 at 2 p.m. – Bring Your Webinars Back from the Dead
After most organizations give a live webinar, it’s dead, never to be seen again. Learn how to breathe new life into old webinar content and hear about webinar best practices, including: syndicating webinar content across multiple channels; building an on-demand strategy for archived webinars; using webinar content to create new content; and ensuring that webinar content has a longer shelf life. More info/register.
Host: ON24
Presenter: Mark Bornstein, Vice President, Content Marketing, ON24
Wed 10/18 at 4 p.m. – What’s New in Office 365
Learn what’s new in Office 365, how to make the most of its features for your organization, training your staff to see the value of this platform, tips to save time and work efficiently and effectively, and the correct set up to keep your work accessible to your team while secure from hackers. More info/register.
Host: Community IT
Presenter: Matthew Eshleman, Chief Technology Officer, Community IT
Thu 10/19 at 12 p.m. – Five Powerful Practices to Take Control of Your Career
Learn five powerful practices you can start implementing today to position yourself for future career opportunities. Follow these practices, and you’ll not only be ready for the unexpected, you’ll be equipped to create a career that fits who you are and what you most want in life. More info/register.
Host: Association Career HQ
Presenter: author and career coach Alison Cardy
Thu 10/19 at 1 p.m. – Creating a Content Strategy for Your Nonprofit Website
Explore the benefits (which go far beyond content planning) of creating a clearly defined and documented website content strategy. Hear about why you need to develop your content strategy before you start any website design or development work; the elements to include in a website content strategy along with the steps involved in building one; and examples of nonprofits who have benefitted from this content-first approach. More info/register.
Host: Charity Village
Presenter: Marlene Oliveira, communications consultant, moflow, and founder, Nonprofit MarCommunity
Thu 10/19 at 2 p.m. – ABCs of Event ROI
Event organizers intuitively understand the importance of events, but often struggle to articulate that value to executive stakeholders. By embracing event technology, and utilizing the increased availability of data, you can capture the metrics that matter most, and prove the impact of your events throughout the organization. Learn how to uncover the disconnect between event teams and executive teams; discover tactics to close the gap and find common ground; simplify and demystify the concepts driving event ROI, and take actionable steps to start proving your event effectiveness. More info/register.
Host: Smart Meetings
Presenter: Kevin Yanushefski, Product Marketing Manager, Cvent
Thu 10/19 at 2 p.m. – Assessing Your Organization’s Sustainability
You may be trying to be all things to all people which leads to a proliferation of programs and services. They may have made sense when they were first created, but do they fit today’s reality? Learn the steps of an organizational sustainability audit, how to evaluate mission critical programs that drag on the bottom line, and four things to consider before you start a sustainability audit. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: iCohere
Presenter: Carol Hamilton, Principal, Grace Social Sector Consulting
Save the dates:
Tue 10/24 at 12 p.m. – Chapter Roundtable in Washington DC
Wed 10/25 at 12 p.m. – Chapter Roundtable in Alexandria VA
Thu 10/26 at 12 p.m. – Chapter Roundtable in Reston VA
Connect with fellow Component/Chapter Relations Professionals (CRPs) to network and discuss current chapter challenges, such as how to measure and increase the health of chapters; best practices for chapter operations (volunteer tools, processes, etc.); and how to get the right statistics to prevent national and chapter level members from leaving. Lunch provided. 1 CAE credit. Duration: 1 hour. Host: Billhighway
Location: Washington DC. More info/register.
Location: Alexandria VA. More info/register.
Location: Reston VA. More info/register.
That’s it for this week. If you can’t attend a live webinar, go ahead and register if the topic interests you. Most webinar hosts send registrants a link to the recording.
Association Brain Food Weekly is published Friday mornings. If your organization offers professional development for the association community, please send me the link via email or Twitter.
Creative Commons licensed photo by Filip Varga on Unsplash.
Association Brain Food 