Engaging in the Next

In this episode, we sit down with Deedre Daniel, a seasoned industry expert, captivating keynote speaker, and creative game inventor. Together, we explore the art of networking, stepping outside your comfort zone, and dissecting the shifts in networking dynamics post-pandemic. From inventive strategies to foster networking before and during events to innovative approaches for generating non-dues r...

Live events play a pivotal role in the association community, serving as a powerful hub for networking, learning and fostering a sense of community. But what truly keeps attendees coming back year after year? In our season 3 premier, we talk to Chris Brown, executive vice president and managing director of the National Association of Broadcasters Global Connections and Events. We talk about the tr...

It's the time of year when organizations are looking for opportunities to secure funding for upcoming projects. In this episode, we talk to Shelli Vasser Gilliam, director of development for Community Lodgings. We talk about bringing storytelling elements into the grant writing process, how this narrative a significant role in securing grants, how grant writing has evolved over the past decade, an...

Every association is a community, and each has its own culture. And today, those cultures should have a driving element of inclusivity where everyone has a true sense of belonging. In this episode, we talk to Cameron Curtis, CMM, CAE, founder and chief innovator of C2 Association Strategies. We chat about prioritizing a people-first mindset, key strategies in creating a more inclusive and diverse...

Innovation comes with a price - a price many associations aren't always prepared for. In this episode, we talk to Josh Moore, senior director of operations and state partner services at LeadingAge. We chat about setting up an innovation fund for an association, the challenges of state associations and how national groups can help, and emerging technologies that could have significant impact on ass...

Behind every association's successful communication strategy, there’s a dedicated communications team working tirelessly to craft and deliver messages that resonate with their target audience. In this episode, we talk to Marli Hall, director of communications and member services at the National Motor Freight Traffic Association.  We chat about her career journey in the association space, communica...

Community organizing is a process by which members of an association come together to collectively address issues, solve problems, and create positive changes within their industries. In this episode, we talk to Molly Lewis, CEO of the Kentucky Primary Care Association. We chat about building relationships, mobilizing resources in times of need, and empowering association members to work collabora...

Podcasts serve as a prime engagement opportunity for associations ready to expand on their value propositions of being an industry thought leader. In this episode, we talk to Joanna Pineda, CEO and Chief Troublemaker for Matrix Group, and host of the popular Associations Thrive podcast.  We chat about her career journey in the association space, what it takes to launch and maintain a successful po...

Reaching out to elected officials only after a potentially harmful legislative or regulatory issue arises could put your or your members’ livelihoods in jeopardy. In this episode, we talk to Mike Bober, president and CEO of the Pet Advocacy Network.  We chat about the four Fs of effectively communicating with lawmakers, the role of technology in advocacy efforts, why advocacy should be more proact...

Coaches play an important role in grooming a child's self-confidence, discipline and overall skills. But they are equally as important for association leaders looking to improve their leadership capabilities, boost team performance, or strengthen their resiliency to change. In this episode, we talk to Dr. Lakeya Cherry, an executive leadership coach and former CEO of the Network for Social Work Ma...

In this episode, we talk to Amanda Lea Kaiser, association keynote speaker, researcher, innovator, and author of Elevating Engagement: Uncommon Strategies for Creating a Thriving Member Community. We chat about the importance and challenges of member engagement and what motivated her to write a book on the topic; the perceived value of an association; and our favorite parts of each chapter of the...

While every ship needs a captain, equally as important is having a cruise director – the one that connects people and finds new ways for them to collaborate. In this episode, we talk to Dante Preciado, vice president of Member Engagement & International Relations for the American Society for Nutrition and one of the best "cruise directors" in the association space. We chat about connecting members...

The struggle is real. Well-being at work isn't always easy to maintain.  But there are many strategies an association can implement to foster an environment of well-being in the workplace. In this episode, we talk to Gilda VanderHeyden, the founder of The Non-Profit Path, a well-being at work practice that helps professionals in the non-profit space find the balance they need to avoid burnout and...

As we enter 2023, more and more employers are asking employees to return to the office. Yet, workers are still demanding flexibility. So where do associations stand? In this episode, we talk to Mike Moss, president at the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), about the future of work in the association space and what he calls purposeful presence within his office.

Whether you're right out of college or a seasoned association executive, developing a personal brand is important in building relationships. advancing your career, or simply showing off what you are passionate about. In this episode, we talk to Allegra Tasaki, communications director with the National Association of Bond Lawyers, about ways to define and promote your personal brand, tactics to inv...

Moving away from a "one size fits all" membership model takes planning, dedication and the willingness to knock on doors and make personal connections with members and prospects. And that's a large goal of the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors. In this episode, we talk to Dan Schuberth, chief revenue officer at NAW, about creating personalized membership journeys, the importance of h...

An inactive community forum is like a quiet karaoke bar. Without engagement, why would anyone go? In this episode, we talk to Beth Arritt, marketing strategist and association evangelist, about the importance of an association's tech stack, advice on creating and maintaining a successful online community, the definition of an association influencer, and how online forums can help small staff assoc...

Because they represent such niche audiences, associations have a great opportunity to engage with their industries through creative storytelling. And data is a huge component of that narrative. In this episode, we talk to Audra Kruse, director of public affairs and digital engagement for AHIP, about the advantages of data storytelling, how to craft a compelling data narrative while avoiding some c...

Like most successful businesses, smart associations must look to diversify their revenue streams. That’s where non-dues revenue comes into play. In this episode, we talk to Teri Carden, association junkie, founder of ReviewMyAMS.com, 100Reviews and Non Dues-a-Palooza. We discuss re-engaging sponsors, creating a strong non-dues revenue plan, and what's coming up at this year's Non Dues-a-Palooza ev...

While an association's focus on member acquisition and retention seems to lie within the young professional segment, a successful organization can't forget about the mid- to late-career professionals.  In this episode, we talk to Dave Bowman, senior director of membership development at NARFE—The Association for Federal Employees and Retirees, about what's changed in the association space, the imp...

Associations understand that attracting and retaining young professionals within the organization is a must. So, in this episode, we explore ways to customize communication efforts, professional development and volunteer opportunities for these emerging professionals within your association. We talk to Manisha Bhaskar, senior director of communications and development for the American Academy of O...

The need to be a part of a like-minded community has never been more important to millions of industry professionals. In this episode, we talk about community – involving young professionals into your association’s community; planning events that bring together the entire community; and evolving the way we plan those events to create an inviting community. We're excited to chat with Marty Tatman,...

Let’s face it, the way associations acquire members has changed immensely in recent years. So, in this episode, we provide ways to boost acquisition and loyalty by letting members talk about their positive experiences. It's called user-generated content and it can create influencers out of your members, suppliers and exhibitors. We chat with Joel Resnik co-founder and chief revenue officer of Gath...

Open any business-focused publication and you’re going to see article after article discussing the Great Resignation and its impact on employers. But for forward-thinking associations, the Great Resignation can provide great opportunities - both internally and for the industries they serve. Join us as we chat with Kerri McGovern, CAE, senior director of membership for the Association of Corporate...

What better topic to start this podcast series than to talk about podcasting for associations. Our inaugural episode features Darrin Scheid, CAE, marketing director at the American College of Emergency Physicians. He talks about how podcasting can help organizations reach young professionals; the challenges associations face when starting a podcast and solutions to those challenges; different form...