The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community…
A month from now, many of us will be at ASAE Annual in Atlanta. Two months from now, I hope to see some of you at Non-Dues-a-Palooza in Denver too. Check out the content lineup if you haven’t already. Teri Carden—the mastermind behind AMS Fest before selling it to Association Trends—and her team are known for creating enjoyable educational experiences.
Self-paced online courses. Creating effective, engaging live instruction is challenging enough. Designing asynchronous (self-paced, on-demand) online courses is even tougher, but WBT Systems gives you a head start. They share 19 activities to build into your asynchronous courses that will make them more effective and enjoyable.
Association leadership. At ASAE, Jeff De Cagna of Foresight First describes three critical considerations for boards and CEOs to keep in mind when leading during a polycrisis. A polycrisis is the increasing entanglement of multiple simultaneous crises that further deepens and exacerbates their collective negative impact on humanity. Fascinating times, right?
CMS/website RFP. If your association has a website redesign project on the horizon, there’s no need to ask ASAE Collaborate about RFP samples. Get everything you need in this RFP template for CMS and website redesign projects from Brightfind. You can also use parts of the template for other technology selection projects since prospective vendors will need much of the same information.
Humans and AI. Make every effort to remain human in a world of AI, says David Meerman Scott. Because “people will continue to crave true and honest connection with actual living and breathing people,” you should resolve to keep the human aspects of your marketing intact. Offer what AI cannot: “curiosity, creativity, empathy, emotion, intuition, and maybe most of all, imagination.”
AI and event planning. Michelle Bruno at DAHLIA+ Agency gathers advice from several event and association consultants on how AI can help event planners. The list is long but includes competitive intelligence gathering and data analytics, collating information in different formats from content-heavy websites, session topic ideation, attendee engagement and personalization, and networking and matchmaking. She also shares guidance on how event planners can start using AI.
Mentoring in healthcare associations. Art of Mentoring explains why mentoring is so critical for the healthcare workforce. They describe the benefits of a mentoring program for participants and healthcare associations. For example, researchers found that people with mentors achieve more, are better equipped to handle the stress of their position and are prepared to mentor others.
Quick hits
40 life lessons from 90-year-olds: If you could speak to your 32-year-old self, what advice would you give? (Sahil Bloom)
4 surprising ways to maintain a youthful brain. (Scott C. Anderson, Psychology Today)
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 7/7 at 10 a.m.* – Association Products | Coffee with Innovators: Association Design Circle
Every month, an association leader leads a conversation on an association innovation topic. Our topic this month is product development. More info/register.
Host: Product Design Community
Facilitator: James Young, founder of the Product Community
*All events are online at Eastern Daylight Time unless otherwise noted.
Fri 7/7 at 4 p.m. – Diversity Discussion Series: The Future of Leadership
Join a conversation on the future of leadership in associations with discussion of trends, challenges, and personal experiences of association leaders on the rise. More info/register.
Host: Fridays@4
Speakers:
- Michael Pereira, Associate Director of Learning and Development, NAFSA: Association for International Educators
- Eboni Russell
- Kristen Truong, Director of Public Affairs, Association of Schools Advancing Health Professions
- Cammela Teel (moderator), Sr. Director, Organizational Development & Training, World Wildlife Fund
Mon 7/10 at 8 a.m. – Association Product Maturity Model (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: Jim Young, founder of the Product Community
Tue 7/11 at 11:30 a.m. – Ascend Author Talk: A Conversation with Amith Nagarajan (Washington DC)
Let’s get together to talk about AI for Associations specifically through the lens of Amith Nagarajan’s new book, Ascend: Unlocking the Power of AI for Associations? Join us for lunch to discuss concepts from the book with the author himself and connect with other AI enthusiasts. Location: Washington DC. More info/register.
Host: Sidecar
Speaker: Amith Nagarajan, CEO, Blue Cypress
Tue 7/11 at 12 p.m. – ASAE Tech Tuesday
The description and registration link aren’t on the Collaborate Events webpage yet, but it’s usually scheduled for this day/time.
Host: ASAE
Tue 7/11 at 12 p.m. – Mastering the Event App: Power Up Your Engagement and User Experience
Learn about powerful strategies and game-changing features that boost the adoption and usage of event mobile apps, common challenges and pitfalls that stand in the way of widespread mobile app adoption at events, and best practices to optimize the user experience of event mobile apps. More info/register.
Host: Grip
Speakers:
- Ruben Onderdelinden, Founder, Lively
- James Tucker, Chief Executive Officer, GovNet
- Abi Cannons, Senior Product Marketing Manager, Grip
Tue 7/11 at 12 p.m. – LGBTQIA2+ Community Call
Please join us for this opportunity for association professionals (of all career levels) to come together to share lunch time and discuss topics that are relevant and timely. Come prepared to join this judgment-free group with questions and issues that are top of mind for you in the LGBTQIA2+ association community. More info/register.
Host: ASAE LGBTQ Association Executives and Supporters
Tue 7/11 at 1 p.m. – 15 Ways To Take Your Email Newsletter To The Next Level: Marketing Artificial Intelligence in Action
Learn how to use email newsletter marketing to engage your members about current topics and industry trends. Hear about newsletter best practices to increase engagement and curate outside content. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Erica Salm Rench, MBA, COO, Rasa.io
Tue 7/11 at 2 p.m. – Discover What Your Members Truly Value
Get ready for an insightful journey into the world of ‘Belonging’ with bestselling author David Allison. Hear about the core values your community cherishes, paving the way for genuine engagement and lasting connections. Join us for a fresh perspective on membership value that can transform your understanding of what it truly means to ‘Belong’. More info/register.
Host: KiKi L’Italien, senior consultant, Tecker International
Wed 7/12 at 9 a.m. – PAR Member Meet-Up: Sales Tactics that Association Teams Use to Win
Email subject lines, purposeful outreach and unique follow-ups: join this PAR Member Meet-Up to learn and share how association revenue producers are managing customer engagement and guiding their clients to great investment choices. 0.5 CAE credit. More info/register (PAR members only).
Host: Professionals for Association Revenue
Wed 7/12 at 1 p.m. – Functional Expense Reporting
Functional expense reporting is one of the more complicated areas of nonprofit U.S. GAAP. Learn about the elements of the statement of functional expense, how to make it meaningful to your audience, and the difference between program services, supporting activities, and what expenses get allocated in accordance with U.S. GAAP. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Mark Robins, CPA, Partner, Aprio LLP
Wed 7/12 at 1 p.m. – Unlocking Business Intelligence through Effective Data Management
Learn about the importance of data governance in a data-driven world, the range of business intelligence options from low effort/low-cost efforts to building major and dashboards, common challenges faced by organizations when implementing best practices for data governance, tips to kickstart your data governance journey, and affordable tools to help you get started on the right foot. More info/register.
Host: Aplusify
Speakers:
- Daniel Elacqua, PMP, MBA, Founding Partner and ClO Consultant, Strategico Consultants
- Gwen E. Garrison, Founder & Principal Data Strategist, High Sierra Insights
- Neeraj Garg, Chief Operating Officer, Aplusify
Wed 7/12 at 2 p.m. – How to Build Audience-First Marketing Goals with Reliable, Actionable Data
Learn how nonprofit and association executives gather the central data points that help them steer their marketing ships straight toward the North Star of success. More info/register.
Host: Feathr
Wed 7/12 at 2 p.m. – Guide to Innovative Event Tech with Guest ChatGPT
Learn about the latest event technology trends and how to leverage them to create more engaging and impactful event experiences for your attendees; digital do’s and don’ts for each trend that will help you avoid common pitfalls and maximize the potential of each technology; finding the perfect balance between technology and human connection; and choosing the right tech to help you achieve your goals without driving you crazy. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: MeetingsNet
Speaker: Brooke Gracey, Marketing Director, Cvent
Wed 7/12 at 5 p.m. CDT – Ascend Author Talk: A Conversation with Amith Nagarajan (Chicago IL)
Let’s get together to talk about AI for Associations specifically through the lens of Amith Nagarajan’s new book, Ascend: Unlocking the Power of AI for Associations? Join us for lunch to discuss concepts from the book with the author himself and connect with other AI enthusiasts. Location: Chicago IL. More info/register.
Host: Sidecar
Speaker: Amith Nagarajan, CEO, Blue Cypress
Thu 7/13 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 7/13 at 11 a.m. – Next Generation, Networked-Based Marketing
With so many tools for email marketing, social media, CRM, graphic design and generative AI, marketing efforts are often frantic and scattered. That’s why marketing often falls prey to the classic spray and pray model. How can you begin to think holistically about taking your marketing strategies and focus on one marketplace in which to target your audience? Learn how an online, association-specific marketplace can allow you to stay relevant, target your audience, and continue to build awareness about your brand while deepening relationships over time. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers: Lucas Cioffi, CTO and Co-Founder, and Sandra Nam, CEO and Co-Founder, QiqoChat
Thu 7/13 at 11 a.m. – 2023 Appropriations: What You Need to Know & Top Issues to Watch
Between funding for disaster relief, Ukraine aid, cuts to DOJ funds, energy and climate, controversial policy riders, and more, all eyes are on the House and Senate Appropriations committees in this tumultuous political climate. Hear about potential appropriations decisions, what they could mean for your organization, and how to stay on top of the appropriations cycle. More info/register.
Host: CQ
Speakers:
- Paul M. Krawza, senior writer, budget, appropriations and taxes, CQ and Roll Call
- David Lerman, senior writer, CQ and Roll Call
- Aidan Quigley, budget and appropriations reporter, CQ and Roll Call
Thu 7/13 at 12 p.m. – Get Sponsored: How to Make 6-Figures in Digital Sponsorship for Your Association
Learn how to capitalize on the huge opportunities to grow digital revenues to 6-figures or more. Hear about strategies for consolidating your content, orchestrating packages to meet buyers’ needs, providing education and product/service information, bundling solutions, and controlling content for member experience. 0.5 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: .orgCommunity
Thu 7/13 at 12 p.m. – The AI Factor: Charting the Future of the Event Industry
AI is the most disruptive trend to impact the event industry over the past two decades. Learn about the key trends in AI, the crucial role of events in the AI landscape, the AI tools that matter, job security in the event industry, and leveraging AI to save money and time. Walk away with hands-on experience crafting effective prompts, a critical skill for maximizing AI’s potential in customizing and enhancing attendee engagement. 1 CMP credit. More info/register.
Host: Boldpush
Speakers:
- Jeremiah Owyang, entrepreneur and investor
- Chase Curtis, viral marketer and AI thought-leader
Thu 7/13 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 7/13 at 1 p.m. – A Walk Through Form 990
Get a high-level overview of Form 990, with a focus on the most common parts and sections, including compensation reporting, financial information, lobbying political activity, and more. Learn about common errors and misunderstandings surrounding Form 990. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Andrew Hassler, Senior Tax Associate, Johnson Lambert LLP
- Calvin Marks, CPA, Principal, Johnson Lambert LLP
Thu 7/13 at 1 p.m. – Brand Matters: How to Build a Personal Brand with Professional Impact
Learn how to establish a personal brand that increases your visibility and opportunities for professional growth; select ideal communication channels to reach your target audience; use your personal brand to help deliver positive, impactful results for your organization, and other useful considerations including maintaining personal privacy and handling controversy. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Speakers:
- Scott Conley, Vice President, Naylor Association Solutions
- Natasha Bethea Goodwin, MS, CAE, Senior Director, Marketing and Membership, Information Technology Industry Council
- Carol Vernon, Principal, Communication Matters: Executive Coaching and Training
- Camille Sanders (moderator), CAE, PCM, Senior Director, Career and Workforce Solutions, ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership
Thu 7/13 at 6 p.m. – Black Association Executives Monthly DMV Dinner
This exclusive gathering is designed to bring together accomplished Black association executives, aspiring executives, and those who serve the association industry to foster meaningful relationships and drive collective success. The Black Association Executives Dinner Networking Event offers a family-style atmosphere where like-minded individuals can engage in dynamic conversations, exchange ideas, and forge powerful alliances. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Black Association Executives
Fri 7/14 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: Cecilia Sepp, Rogue Tulips
Fri 7/14 at 4 p.m. – CEO’s First 90 Days: Breathing Tips for the Other End of the Fire Hose (Book Discussion)
Whether you’re considering applying for your first CEO job or have already signed a contract, preparing for your arrival is one of the most important things you can do. You only get one shot at doing it well and being perceived as masterful. Leading a new business, moving from a company CEO to a non-profit CEO, or vice versa, will call into demand differing skill sets and understanding nuances of how work gets done. Join a discussion of this free e-book (CEO’s First 90 Days) from Cynthia Mills. More info/register.
Host: Fridays@4
Mon 7/17 at 12 p.m. – ASAE Membership Monday
A poll will be sent to determine this month’s topic. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Tue 7/18 at 12 p.m. – Component Relations and Volunteer Management Crunch and Munch
Come prepared to engage, participate and listen as we discuss current topics. Anyone is welcome to participate. More info/register.
Host: ASAE Component Relations and Volunteer Management Professionals Community
Tue 7/18 at 12 p.m. – Marketing Artificial Intelligence in Action
Learn about low-lift, low-cost AI tools you can begin experimenting with right away at your organization, which are specific to the marketing, membership, and communications functions. Hear about AI marketing tools, such as SEO/search optimization tools that use NLP for semantic-powered inline optimization as well as search volume recommendations; email tools that leverage AI for content recommendation and send time optimization; content generation and inline editing tools; image and other content generation tools; and AI-powered audio editing tools. More info/register.
Host: American Marketing Association
Speaker: Rasa.io
Tue 7/18 at 1 p.m. – Fireside Chat: Getting Ready to Be Data Driven
Learn about NCARB’s journey to become a data-driven organization. Hear about organizational culture, getting comfortable with your data, ways to leverage data in your association, and the positive impacts of data-driven decision making. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Katherine Matthews, CAE, Assistant Vice President, Data & Analytics, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
- Alex Mouw, Principal Strategic Advisor, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Tue 7/18 at 3 p.m. – Preparing Your Association for AI
AI has been around for years. It’s the new generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Bard that have captured the attention—and imagination—of industry and associations alike. Hear about the importance of prompt engineering and creating successful prompts, how to use AI to increase member value and revenue streams, and what to do with your data for AI to work most effectively. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Conor Sibley, Chief Technology Officer, Association Analytics
Wed 7/19 from 9 a.m. to 3:20 p.m. – Engagement & Mobile Platforms Demo Day
Watch presentations from a limited number of industry partners that offer engagement and mobile platforms. More info/register.
Host: ASAE
Wed 7/19 at 12 p.m. – Drive Member Engagement through Revitalized Chapter Events
Delve into the art of planning chapter events that drive participation and cultivate a thriving community. Hear insights, best practices, and actionable tips to breathe new life into your chapter events. Learn strategies for engaging members and designing relevant events, techniques for crafting compelling event themes and agendas, how technology can enhance experiences and boost participation, tips for effective promotion and communication, and methods for measuring event success and continuous improvement. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Hosts: Billhighway and Mariner Management
Speaker: Peggy Hoffman, president and executive director, Mariner Management
Wed 7/19 at 12 p.m. – Are You in Touch with Your Data?
We’ve hit the halfway mark of the year, so measuring KPIs is key, but what is your data really saying? Should you continue as planned or course correct? Are you seeing any performance gains or does it all just look the same? Your data is always telling you something, but you might need to read between the lines to act on it. Learn how your data sets should be organized to support your goals, as well as how best to cross connect different sources to build a narrative that you can rely upon. More info/register.
Host: HighRoad Solutions
Speaker: Maneesha Manges, CXO, HighRoad Solutions
Wed 7/19 at 1 p.m. – The Executive’s Guide to Financial Fraud & Cybersecurity
Hear the cybersecurity information that association executives need to know without any fluff or scare-tactics. Get up to speed on the threats that are actively impacting your industry and learn how to prioritize critical action items. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers:
- Paul Hudson, CIO Consultant, Optimal Networks, Inc.
- Heinan Landa, Founder, Optimal Networks
Thu 7/20 at 11 a.m. – Leadership & Learning Series: Culture Change Made Easy: Part 3, Incomplete Innovation
Culture change is easier than you think and can result in meaningful improvement in both engagement and bottom-line results. The secret lies in uncovering your hidden culture patterns and then fixing the ones that are holding you back. In Part 3, we’ll dig into innovation, something most cultures say they need, yet few are fully implementing. Hear about concrete actions you can take that will improve your ability to unlock new value using sound innovation practices, and details from a case study organization that has turned this pattern around. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speakers: Maddie Grant, CAE, Culture Designer and Digital Strategist, and Jamie Notter, Co-Founder and Culture Strategist, PROPEL
Thu 7/20 at 1 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. Why? 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. 1 CAE credit. More info/register.
Host: UST Education
Speaker: Maneesha Manges, Director of Services, HighRoad Solutions
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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