The Association 100 Podcast
By The Association 100
The podcast will feature meaningful conversations with association professionals across the country taking a deeper dive into trending topics, offering insights that both inform and inspire.
theassociation100.com/
The Association 100 PodcastAug 08, 2022
Crafting the Future: Next-Level Event Content Strategies
Welcome to another engaging episode of The Association 100 podcast. Today, we are thrilled to host Kara Dickerson, Founder and Principal of Content With Impact LLC, and former head of CES Keynote Stage and Conference. Drawing from her extensive experience, Kara shares invaluable strategies for enhancing event content to captivate new audiences and unlock new revenue streams.
Key Highlights:
Content Strategy Insights: Kara delves into how data-driven strategies can reshape event content, tailoring experiences to engage diverse industries and expand audience bases.
Championing Diversity: Reflecting on her leadership at CES, Kara discusses her proactive approach to ensuring diversity in event programming, setting standards that champion inclusivity.
Bridging Organizational Silos: Kara offers practical advice for aligning event content with membership goals, emphasizing the importance of breaking down silos between event and membership teams to amplify impact.
Global Event Experience: With a backdrop of launching events across continents, Kara provides a look into creating dynamic and impactful global conferences that resonate across diverse cultures and industries.
Join host Colleen Gallagher as we explore Kara's journey from leading the CES stage to empowering associations through her consultancy, providing a roadmap for transforming events into powerful engagement platforms. Whether you're an event planner, association executive or industry leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights that can revolutionize how you approach event content and engagement.
Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us for the latest in association trends and strategies.
Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd.
Stay tuned for more episodes that delve into the strategies and insights powering successful associations.
Leadership Development and Succession Planning: Essential Strategies for Association Sustainability
Welcome back to another engaging episode of The Association 100 podcast. Today, O&U co-hosts, Colleen Gallagher, Meghan Henning and Christine Stay delve into the crucial topics of leadership development and succession planning. This episode is vital for any association aiming to ensure long-term success and sustainability through effective leadership transition strategies.
Key Highlights:
The Importance of Leadership Development: We kick off the discussion by exploring why leadership development is essential for associations. Leadership isn't just about managing current challenges but preparing to thrive in the future. Effective leaders inspire, motivate, and foster innovation, which is crucial for navigating changing environments.
Identifying and Nurturing Future Leaders: Christine discusses various strategies for spotting potential leaders within your association. From talent assessments and leadership training initiatives to creating mentorship opportunities, we cover how to recognize and nurture emerging talent, ensuring a robust pipeline of capable leaders.
The Role of Mentorship in Leadership Development: Meghan elaborates on how associations can cultivate a mentorship culture that supports leadership growth. We talk about the benefits of pairing experienced leaders with emerging talent and how formal and informal mentorship programs can facilitate knowledge transfer and leadership skills.
Smooth Leadership Transitions: Colleen leads the conversation on ensuring seamless leadership transitions. We discuss the importance of effective communication, detailed knowledge transfer and thoughtful succession planning. These elements are crucial for minimizing disruptions and maintaining organizational continuity during leadership changes.
Join us as we provide actionable insights and strategies for fostering a culture of effective leadership within associations. Whether you're currently a leader or looking to step into a leadership role, this episode offers valuable guidance on developing and executing successful leadership development and succession planning initiatives.
Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us for the latest in association trends and strategies.
Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd.
Stay tuned for more episodes that delve into the strategies and insights powering successful associations.
Unlocking PR and Media Relations Mastery for Associations
Welcome back to The A100 podcast. In this week’s episode, host Colleen Gallagher goes solo to dive deep into the essential world of PR and media relations tailored for associations. She peels back the layers on how to elevate your association's PR and media game to not just amplify your voice but to ensure it echoes through the corridors of your industry and beyond.
Key Highlights:
Demystifying Media Relations: Colleen breaks down what makes content compelling enough to be considered newsworthy, focusing on timeliness, relevance, significance and uniqueness. This segment is all about crafting messages that not only get attention but also get you the right kind of attention.
Strategic Press List Management: Learn the art of building a press list that's not just a collection of contacts, but a well-curated network of media relationships. It's about quality over quantity and ensuring your stories reach the right ears.
Recipe for National Media Coverage: Discover our secret ingredients for securing that coveted national spotlight. From establishing authority and leveraging current trends to the power of persistence, she shares strategies that have propelled associations onto the national stage.
Nurturing Lasting Media Relationships: Colleen delves into the long-term commitment of maintaining healthy press relationships, emphasizing understanding, value exchange and reliability as key components of a robust media strategy.
In this episode, we're not just sharing tips; we're providing a roadmap to transform your association's approach to PR and media relations. It's about moving from merely participating in the conversation to leading it. So whether you're looking to position your experts as industry leaders or aiming to highlight your association's achievements in a crowded marketplace, this episode is packed with insights to guide you.
Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us for the latest in association trends and strategies.
Resources:
Download O&U’s Five Steps to Mastering Earned Media for Your Association eBook today!
Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd.
Stay tuned for more episodes packed with insights into making your association excel.
Board Buy-In: Making the Case for Strategic Comms
Welcome to an enlightening episode of The Association 100 podcast. Today's discussion is unique as we dive into a crucial topic with our very own O&U team – Colleen Gallagher, Meghan Henning and Christine Stay. We tackle the vital role of communications within associations and share strategies to not only get your board to prioritize communications, but also to leave a lasting impression through your media efforts.
Key Highlights:
The Critical Role of Communications: Colleen opens the conversation with a deep dive into why effective communications and PR are indispensable for associations. From building trust and managing reputation to engaging members, we explore the foundation of a robust communications strategy.
Educating the Board: The team discusses the challenges and solutions in making the board understand the importance of communications. We emphasize the need for strategic planning, setting clear goals and showcasing tangible benefits to foster board support.
Demonstrating Value through Metrics: We dissect the significance of utilizing metrics to illustrate the ROI of communications efforts. From media ad value equivalency to website traffic and engagement, we detail how these measures can make the case for communications investment to your board.
Navigating Crisis Communications: Meghan shares compelling examples of crisis communications done right, highlighting the Tylenol crisis as a textbook case of effective crisis management. The discussion reinforces the importance of preparation, transparency and strategic response in safeguarding your association's reputation.
Innovative Campaigns for Impact: We celebrate successful communication campaigns that have made significant impacts within their industries. From thought leadership initiatives that influence legislative actions to member engagement efforts that foster industry-wide appreciation, these examples serve as inspiration for any association looking to make a difference.
Join the O&U team as we provide actionable insights and lessons on elevating your association's communications strategy. Whether you're looking to gain board support or impress them with your media prowess, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for association professionals eager to enhance their communications efforts.
Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us for the latest in association trends and strategies.
Resources:
Discover more about effective communication strategies and other association insights here: https://onwrdupwrd.com/communications-and-marketing-resources-for-associations/
Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd.
Stay tuned for more episodes that delve into the strategies and insights powering successful associations.
Bridging the Digital Divide: TIA's Vision for an Equitable Future
Welcome to another insightful episode of The Association 100 podcast. In this engaging discussion, we're joined by Ellen Savage, Senior Director of Membership at the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). With a storied career in the association space, Ellen shares her path to TIA and the organization's ambitious Broadband Nation program, aimed at addressing America's digital divide.
Key Highlights:
Career Journey: Ellen traces her journey from her early days in the tech industry to pivotal roles at the Consumer Technology Association and Manufactured Housing Institute, leading up to her impactful work just underway at TIA.
Broadband Nation: Tackling the challenge of reliable internet access, TIA's Broadband Nation program stands out as a concerted effort to ensure broadband for all, highlighting the critical need for a skilled workforce to achieve this goal.
Workforce Development: With over $42 billion earmarked by Congress for broadband expansion, Ellen emphasizes the urgency of workforce development to meet the ambitious targets of deploying networks by the decade's end.
Innovative Partnerships: Ellen discusses TIA's innovative collaborations, including a partnership with Questex to launch a jobs portal and expo, aiming to attract talent to the telecom industry.
Navigating Change: From addressing workforce shortages to fostering state-level partnerships, Ellen offers a deep dive into TIA's strategies for overcoming industry challenges and shaping a more connected future.
Join us as Ellen Savage provides a compelling look into how TIA is not just navigating but leading the charge in telecommunications, ensuring that advancements in technology translate into tangible benefits for all. Her insights offer invaluable lessons for association professionals striving to make a difference in their sectors.
Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us for the latest in association trends and strategies.
Resources:Learn more about TIA’s Broadband Nation program here: https://tiaonline.org/what-we-do/technology-programs/broadband-nation/
LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100
Stay tuned for more episodes exploring innovative solutions and leadership insights within the association world.
From News Desk to CEO: Deep Dive into the PPTA Vision
Welcome to another engaging episode of The Association 100 podcast. Today, we're thrilled to have Anita Brikman, the dynamic President and CEO of the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA). With a rich history in healthcare communications and advocacy, Anita shares her journey into the heart of the plasma protein therapy world and her pivotal first year at PPTA.
Key Highlights:
Transitioning Leadership: Anita discusses her approach to understanding PPTA's unique culture and the importance of connecting with each team member. Her focus on bridging the gap between the U.S. and European teams underlines her commitment to a cohesive global strategy.
Industry Deep Dive: Understanding the critical role of plasma collection centers and the production of lifesaving therapies for rare diseases was a priority for Anita. She emphasizes the significance of educating the public and stakeholders about plasma-derived therapies.
Effective Communication and Strategy: Drawing from her extensive background in journalism and communications, Anita stresses the importance of communication, not just for messaging, but for inspiring action and fostering a culture of active listening and strategic thinking within the organization.
Board Collaboration: Navigating PPTA’s unique governance structure, Anita has worked closely with various boards to align on shared goals and strategies, emphasizing the importance of one-on-one interactions and strategic planning.
Navigating Change: Whether it’s the transition to a more Washington, D.C.-centric location or adapting to a hybrid work model, Anita shares how transparency and strategic planning are key to managing change effectively.
Anita's story is a testament to the power of strategic communication and leadership in driving an organization forward. Her vision for PPTA not only aims at advancing plasma protein therapies but also at ensuring these critical medicines reach those in need. Join us as Anita Brickman offers a glimpse into the future of plasma protein therapeutics and her role in shaping this vital industry.
Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us for the latest best practices, trends and strategies making waves in the association world.
LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100
Stay tuned for more episodes that bring you insights from the front lines of association leadership.
Demystifying PR Investment: Insights for Associations
Welcome to a pivotal episode of The Association 100 podcast, where we delve into the essence of association impact and innovation. Join us as co-hosts Colleen Gallagher and Meghan Henning embark on a mission to demystify PR services for associations, a topic shrouded in mystery for many.
This discussion is more than just an exploration; it's an invitation to reimagine the potential of your association through strategic PR investment. As leaders in the association space, Colleen and Meghan bring to light the real costs and substantial benefits of investing in PR. This episode aims to shed light on the often-misunderstood realm of PR investment, highlighting why it's critical for elevating your association and the extensive work involved behind the scenes.
Key Highlights:
The Value of PR: Understanding the strategic positioning PR offers to associations, beyond mere visibility.
Our Offerings Explained: A breakdown of OnWrd & UpWrd's tailored PR packages - Industry Trade Titan, Momentum Builder, and Go-to-Source, each designed to meet associations where they are on their PR journey.
Investment Insights: Transparency about the costs associated with quality PR services and the long-term value they provide to associations.
First 30 and 90 Days: Setting realistic expectations for the initial phases of PR engagement, detailing the sprint of activities that lay the groundwork for success.
As Colleen and Meghan highlight, PR is an investment in your association's future, essential for member recruitment, retention and establishing industry leadership. This episode is a must-listen for association professionals seeking clarity on PR investments and eager to amplify their association's voice effectively.
Stay tuned for more episodes that connect you with the strategies and insights shaping the association world. Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us on LinkedIn for the latest best practices and trends.
Celebrating Influence and Innovation: A Vision for a More Inclusive Future
Welcome to the latest episode of The A100 podcast, where hosts Colleen Gallagher and Christine Stay engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Wendy-Jo Toyama, MBA CAE FASAE, CEO of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, an Association Management Center client. As the honoree of the 2024 Woman of Influence at the Association Forum's upcoming Women's Executive Forum, Toyama shares her journey of leadership, her unwavering commitment to DEI and her role in shaping a future that celebrates diversity and inclusion within the association community and beyond.
Toyama emphasizes the significance of small, consistent actions in advancing DEI, the need for organizations to start their DEI journey with concrete steps and how events like the Women's Executive Forum foster a supportive community for women in the sector.
Key Highlights:
Woman of Influence: Toyama reflects on the significance of her recognition and the importance of peer recognition in her career.
DEI Initiatives: From addressing the bamboo ceiling for AANHPI professionals to systemic changes within associations, Toyama discusses her comprehensive approach to DEI.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders: Emphasizing persistence, the value of feedback, and the courage to stretch beyond comfort zones, Toyama offers advice to women aiming for leadership roles.
Power of Community: Highlighting the transformative impact of the Women's Executive Forum, Toyama speaks on the importance of supportive networks for women in the association sector.
Looking Ahead: Toyama shares her vision for the future of DEI in associations, including a focus on disability inclusion, neurodiversity and ensuring representation for all communities.
Join us for this inspiring episode, packed with actionable insights, personal reflections, and an engaging "Just for Fun" lightning round that offers a closer look at Toyama's personal interests, including her passion for reading. We’re certain you’ll end up with a few books for your must-read list. Don't miss Wendy-Jo Toyama's compelling narrative on leadership, DEI and the power of influence in the association world.
Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us for the latest best practices, trends and strategies making waves in the association world.
LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100
Stay tuned for more episodes that connect you with the leaders and changemakers shaping the association world.
Beyond the Basics: Cultivating Talent and Innovation in Associations
In this episode of The Association 100 podcast, Colleen Gallagher, Meghan Henning, and Christine Stay from OnWrd & UpWrd delve into the critical role of professional development within associations. They explore how continuing education not only serves as a top priority for members, but has also become crucial for employee development, recruitment and retention.
Drawing from various studies, they highlight that a significant percentage of professionals would prefer working for organizations that invest in their education and professional growth.
Key Highlights:
The necessity of professional development for both member services and employee engagement.
Insights on how professional development influences recruitment and retention, with statistics showing a strong preference among professionals for organizations that prioritize learning opportunities.
Personal experiences from the hosts on the varied approaches associations have towards professional development, emphasizing the need for a balanced and strategic approach.
The importance of leadership buy-in and creating a culture that values learning and growth, ensuring that professional development is seen as a partnership between employer and employee.
Tips for incorporating professional development into the workplace, including effective onboarding, career pathing and creating a brand culture that attracts and retains top talent.
Join us for a thoughtful discussion on making professional development a cornerstone of your association’s strategy to foster a dynamic and thriving workplace.
Thanks for tuning in to the Association 100 podcast, brought to you by the A100 publishing team at O&U. Don’t miss our insights on association trends and strategies by subscribing on Spotify or visiting our website.
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Paving the Future: NRMCA's Mission and Innovations
Welcome to an exciting episode of The Association 100 podcast, where we spotlight the transformative role of associations in today’s industries. In this episode, we're joined by Gregg Lewis, Chief Communications Officer for the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA), who brings a wealth of knowledge from his unique background as an award-winning architect and now a leader in promoting sustainable building practices.
Gregg shares his journey at NRMCA and how the association is leading the charge in advancing the concrete industry through strategic storytelling, education and advocacy. We take a deep dive into how NRMCA is shaping a more sustainable, efficient future for the built environment.
Key Highlights:
Gregg's Role at NRMCA: With a rich background in architecture and a focus on sustainability, Gregg discusses his dynamic role in promoting the concrete industry's successes and the importance of storytelling in advancing NRMCA's mission.
Build with Strength: This initiative is a cornerstone of NRMCA's efforts to educate the building and design communities about the benefits of ready-mixed concrete. Gregg explains how "Build with Strength" is driving value for NRMCA members and influencing the broader industry.
The Pave Ahead Program: Gregg outlines this forward-thinking program aimed at optimizing concrete use in paving. Through educational outreach and advocacy, "Pave Ahead" is redefining perceptions of concrete's role in sustainable infrastructure.
Collaboration and Partnerships: Success in industry-wide initiatives often hinges on effective collaboration. Gregg highlights how NRMCA fosters relationships with stakeholders across the construction ecosystem to promote concrete as the material of choice.
Looking Ahead: As the concrete industry evolves, NRMCA is committed to meeting changing demands and ensuring concrete’s role in a sustainable future. Gregg shares insights into upcoming initiatives and the association's roadmap to carbon neutrality by 2050.
Join us as Gregg Lewis offers a glimpse into the innovative world of concrete, emphasizing the material's pivotal role in sustainable development and how NRMCA is paving the way for a greener, more resilient future.
Resources:
Learn more about NRMCA's initiatives and programs here.
Explore the sustainability and innovation in the concrete industry with Build with Strength.
Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify to stay updated on the latest association trends, and follow us for more episodes that delve into the heart of industry leadership and innovation.
LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100
Stay tuned for more insightful conversations with leaders making a significant impact in their fields.
Empowering Women Engineers: SWE's Mission and Engineers Week Celebration
Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Association 100 podcast, where we delve into the essence of association impact and innovation. We are thrilled to host Dr. Alexis McKittrick, the esteemed president of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), during a pivotal time—Engineers Week.
Alexis, with over 20 years of dedication to SWE, shares her insights and the organization's efforts to spotlight women's achievements and opportunities in engineering. This episode comes at a perfect time as Engineers Week is in full swing, celebrating the contributions and potential of women engineers.
Key Highlights:
Engineers Week Initiatives: Alexis outlines SWE's exciting lineup for Engineers Week, including a CBS's Mission Unstoppable segment and the impactful 50K coalition aiming for 50,000 diverse engineering graduates by 2025. "It's been going for a number of years and just concluded its work," Alexis notes, emphasizing the ongoing need to foster diversity in engineering.
Challenges Facing Women Engineers: Despite progress, Alexis points to concerning statistics: women earn only about 13% of engineering degrees, with an even smaller percentage for women of color. She also addresses the persistent pay gap and the 'leaky pipeline' phenomenon where mid-career women leave the field at higher rates.
Technology's Role and SWE's Initiatives: Discussing new technologies, Alexis stresses the importance of diverse perspectives for innovation and highlights SWE's efforts, like the SWENext program and Invent It, Build It event, to engage young women and girls in STEM.
Public Policy and Engineering: With a background in both engineering and policy, Alexis advocates for engineers' involvement in public policy decision-making, emphasizing their crucial role in data-driven governance.
SWE's Internal Focus on DEIB: Proudly reflecting on SWE's adaptation during the pandemic and its emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), Alexis shares initiatives aimed at ensuring a sense of belonging within SWE and its broader impact on the engineering community.
Global Expansion and Future Goals: Alexis celebrates SWE's global growth, with a record number of global ambassadors and affiliates worldwide, as a testament to the organization's commitment to creating gender parity in engineering globally.
Join us in this inspiring episode as we explore how SWE champions women engineers during Engineers Week and beyond, paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative future in engineering.
Resources:
Check out SWE’s latest DEIB Report from October of 2023.
Statistics on Employment of Women in Engineering
Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us for the latest best practices, trends and strategies making waves in the association world.
LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100
Stay tuned for more episodes that connect you with the leaders and changemakers shaping the association world.
Uncovering New Revenue Streams with Out of Home Advertising
Welcome to another episode of The Association 100 podcast, where we dive into the world of associations to bring you the best practices, top trends and smart strategies that make a difference. Today, hosts Colleen Gallagher and Meghan Henning of OnWrd & UpWrd are joined by Song Heo, the SVP of Media Strategy and Client Partnerships at EMC Outdoor, to explore the transformative power of Out of Home (OOH) advertising for associations.
Song brings over 24 years of experience at EMC Outdoor, a certified woman-owned business dedicated to driving business growth through strategic OOH media use. She shares insights into how OOH advertising, ranging from billboards to digital screens in coffee shops, can significantly impact audience engagement and association revenue.
Key Highlights:
What is Out of Home Advertising?: Song defines OOH as any advertising that occurs outside of the residential home, offering a unique channel to reach audiences en masse and engage them in the physical world.
Importance for Association Professionals: Associations should leverage OOH advertising to enhance attendee engagement and provide effective solutions for exhibitors. This not only supports exhibitor success but also opens up new sponsorship and revenue opportunities for the association itself.
Successful Outcomes: Song shares examples of how EMC Outdoor has helped associations generate significant revenue through targeted OOH campaigns, emphasizing the scalability and customizability of OOH to meet different exhibitors' needs and budgets.
Beyond the Booth Survey Insights: The discussion also covers insights from EMC Outdoor's survey on exhibitors' attitudes towards sponsorships. Focusing on the "struggling" segment, Song discusses how associations can support these exhibitors to overcome challenges and achieve success at events.
Innovative Campaigns and Experiential Activations: From chalk art campaigns to mobile billboards, Song highlights some of the most memorable and innovative OOH campaigns EMC Outdoor has executed, demonstrating the power of personalized, one-on-one engagements to amplify an exhibitor's presence and connect with audiences.
Getting Started with OOH for Associations: For associations looking to explore OOH advertising, Song advises focusing on audience-first strategies and considering how to create valuable solutions for exhibitors while generating additional revenue for the association.
The conversation wraps up with some fun, personal questions, giving listeners a glimpse into Song's background, her love for matcha lattes, and her bucket list travel destinations.
For more insights and innovative ideas on leveraging OOH advertising for your association, check out EMC Outdoor's website and find their survey results here.
Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us for the latest best practices, trends and strategies making waves in the association world.
LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100
Stay tuned for more episodes that bring you closer to the experts and innovators transforming the association industry.
View the full transcript here (auto-generated).
Empowering Accessibility in Associations
[View the full transcript here.]
Welcome to a compelling new episode of The Association 100 podcast, where we're kicking off 2024 with a focus on enhancing accessibility within the association community. Our guest, Rosemarie Rossetti, PhD, a renowned accessibility expert and consultant, joins co-hosts Colleen Gallagher and Meghan Henning of OnWrd & UpWrd to share invaluable insights on accommodating people with disabilities at meetings and events.
In this episode, Rosemarie delves into her personal journey to becoming an advocate for disability inclusion, sparked by her own life-changing accident in 1998. With a career spanning over 27 years, she explains how her company evolved to specialize in assisting associations to create more inclusive environments for all attendees.
Rosemarie emphasizes the importance of proactive planning, from initial announcements to detailed registration processes, ensuring that every participant's needs are anticipated and met. She offers practical advice for associations venturing into accessibility improvements, suggesting partnerships with experienced consultants to navigate the intricate process effectively.
Listeners will learn about the key factors to consider for accessible event planning, including venue selection, communication strategies and budgeting for inclusivity. Rosemarie shares her recent experience consulting for a major association's annual meeting, highlighting the impact of thoughtful accommodations like complimentary scooters for attendees.
This episode also explores the transition to virtual events, where Rosemarie recommends simple yet significant adjustments to make online gatherings more accessible. She underscores the need for clear communication and the integration of accessibility features, such as captioning and sign language interpretation, from the outset.
As associations strive to be more inclusive, Rosemarie points out common challenges they face, including financial constraints and the necessity for leadership support. She concludes with optimistic reflections on the future of accessibility in the association space, envisioning a year marked by widespread adoption of best practices and a genuine commitment to inclusivity.
Join us for this enlightening discussion on making accessibility a cornerstone of association event planning. Whether you're new to the topic or seeking to enhance your organization's efforts, Rosemarie's expertise and passion will inspire and guide you towards creating more welcoming and accommodating events for everyone.
Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us for the latest best practices, trends, and strategies making waves in the association world.
LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100
Stay tuned for more episodes that bring you closer to the experts and innovators transforming the association industry.
Resilience and Reinvention: A Journey from Career Break to Professional Success
The latest episode of The A100 podcast features Lisa Sands of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing alongside show co-hosts, OnWrd & UpWrd’s Colleen Gallagher and Keaveny Hewitt. Broadcast live from the ASAE annual conference, Lisa shared her story of taking a break from the work force and reentering it stronger than ever.
Feeling burnt out at her job, Lisa decided it was time for a reset. Her initial plan was to take a few months off, but not feeling ready to go back after a few months, she found the months turning into years. Lisa found her age and the gap in her resume made the job search particularly challenging. After eight years in “the hinterlands” she made the move to re-enter the workforce and secured a full-time position.
Despite the difficulties she encountered, Lisa's career break shaped her into a stronger, more self-reflective individual. She experienced low moments, but her determination to overcome them pushed her forward. She realized that sometimes, to move forward, one must clear the clutter from their mind. Her career break was a mental transformation.
One of the most significant challenges during a career break is maintaining and improving one's skill set. Lisa's approach was to embrace opportunities to learn and grow. While temping, she acquired new skills, including software proficiency, editing, and association management. She also explored various roles at the University of Chicago, which allowed her to diversify her skillset, including contract management and meeting coordination.
Reentering the workforce wasn't without its challenges, particularly for someone who felt like a "bad interviewee." Lisa addressed this issue by focusing on what she truly wanted in a job. She recognized that COVID-19 had created space for job gaps, but she worked on improving her interviewing skills, nonetheless.
Lisa offers invaluable advice to those contemplating a career break. First and foremost, have a plan in place. She acknowledges that not being in the right mental space to create a plan can be challenging. Also, she emphasizes the significance of reaching out to mentors for guidance and support.
Beyond her personal journey, Lisa Sands is also an advocate for change in the healthcare industry. She discusses the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows nurses to practice across state borders with ease. This compact has become increasingly crucial, especially for travel nurses and telehealth professionals, in a time when high-quality medical professionals are in high demand.
The Nurse Licensure Compact success is based on education, especially to dispel misconceptions and spread awareness about vital healthcare initiatives. Her involvement in conferences and educational initiatives aims to clear up misunderstandings surrounding the Nurse Licensure Compact, ensuring that these crucial measures are adopted nationwide.
Lisa’s journey from a career break to reentering the workforce offers inspiration to anyone facing similar challenges. Her story serves as a testament to the idea that with the right mindset and support, one can overcome obstacles and come back even stronger.
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Follow along for best practices, top trends, helpful ideas and smart strategies and tactics that work in the world of associations.
LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100
Empowering Health Equity and the Next Generation of Primary Care Providers
This episode of The A100 podcast dives deep into the heart of healthcare in the Bluegrass State. Host Colleen Gallagher interviews Drilon Gojani, Senior Director of Member Services, about the work being done by the Kentucky Primary Care Association (KPCA) to promote access to comprehensive, community-oriented healthcare for underserved populations.
The two discuss the challenges faced by Kentucky, historically not the healthiest state, and how KPCA is providing essential resources and training to primary care providers. The association supports its members through advocacy work, conferences, webinars, and a newly-developed online community that is accessible 24/7. Drilon highlights how the introduction of the online community has provided members with touchpoints throughout the year, extending beyond in-person conferences.
He speaks about initiatives like the Clinically Integrated Network, which is designed to simplify credentialing and insurance issues for KPCA members. The association also plans to launch a leadership program aimed at developing the next generation of healthcare leaders in Kentucky.
Tune in to this episode for insights into the challenges, opportunities, and stories behind this fascinating association.
Subscribe today so you never miss out on future episodes.
Follow along for best practices, top trends, helpful ideas and smart strategies and tactics that work in the world of associations.
LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100
The Impact of Advocacy and Storytelling in Biomedical Research
In the latest episode of The A100 Podcast, we sit down with Carter Alleman, the Director of Government Affairs & Science Policy at the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET). Show co-hosts, OnWrd & UpWrd’s Meghan Henning and Keaveny Hewitt dive into the intersection of advocacy and storytelling with Carter, exploring its profound impact on scientific progress.
ASPET, a renowned association with approximately 6,000 dedicated members, occupies a prominent position in research. Their primary focus centers on unraveling the intricate interactions between drug compounds and the human body. Their work serves as the vital first steps in pioneering treatments and drugs destined for the market, as well as contributing to the development of life-changing medications.
However, despite their pivotal role in healthcare advancements, ASPET continually grapples with a recurring challenge – securing funding for their work. Often heralded as the true incubators of discovery in the United States, they heavily depend on funding from sources such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation. Unfortunately, their funding is all too frequently subject to budget cuts during the appropriations process, posing a substantial obstacle to their mission.
As a way to combat that, Carter shares that ASPET actively engages its members in the advocacy process. He acknowledges that scientists may not inherently gravitate toward advocacy, given its perceived political nature. Therefore, ASPET underscores the power of storytelling as a formidable tool in their advocacy efforts.
Carter talks through one of their initiatives, the Washington Fellows program, which is an innovative program that escorts 10 early-career scientists to Capitol Hill, where they share their research and forge direct connections with policymakers. These personal interactions bridge the gap between science and policy. This program is an integral part of a broader strategy aimed at preparing members to become active participants in shaping policy discussions, rather than passive observers.
ASPET is keenly aware that effective advocacy extends beyond mere congressional testimony; it hinges on active engagement with elected officials who share common interests and concerns.
In an era where science has become increasingly entwined with politics, ASPET acknowledges the inseparable nature of these two realms. While government funding and support are indispensable for scientific progress, they also recognize the necessity of navigating the intricate political landscape while steadfastly remaining committed to their overarching mission of advancing public health.
To gain further insights into the ever-evolving relationship between science, advocacy, and policy, be sure to tune in to this episode of The A100 podcast.
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Afloat on Innovation: The Sea Tow Foundation's Life-Saving Challenge
In this episode of The A100 podcast, hosts Keaveny Hewitt and Meghan Henning are joined by guest Gail Kulp, Executive Director of the Sea Tow Foundation. Broadcast live from ASAE, the group discusses the organization's Life Jacket Challenge initiative in addition to tips for operating as a two-person team with limited resources.
Gail introduces the Life Jacket Challenge, which tests participants’ ability to locate and put on a life jacket in less than 30 seconds. She explains that most boaters refrain from wearing life jackets, often keeping them underneath seats or in lockers. The initiative is intended to simulate real-life, water-based boating emergencies, emphasizing the difficulty of putting a life jacket on in such situations.
Keaveny draws an analogy between wearing life jackets and fastening seat belts during a car crash, emphasizing the importance of being prepared and taking proactive measures before emergencies happen.
“Life jackets save lives, but really only if they’re worn.” Gail shares statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard, citing 75% of boating incident victims drowned, and of those drowning victims, a shocking 85% were not wearing a life jacket. She adds that most people only wear a life jacket on board when it’s required.
Hit play now to discover how the Sea Tow Foundation, operating as a two-person team, manages to stay creative and innovative with limited resources.
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Breaking Barriers and Making Science Accessible to All
Join OnWrd & UpWrd co-hosts Meghan Henning and Keaveny Hewitt as they talk retention, open access to research, and effective engagement strategies with Shannon Reed, Director of Community Engagement at The Electrochemical Society (ECS). The organization plays a critical role in powering the sustainability of the future by publishing foundational research around things like corrosion and lithium ion batteries.
Shannon discusses their groundbreaking “Free the Science” program initiated in 2014. The program has a simple mission: make published research freely accessible to everyone since having open access to science contributes to the advancement of the field. ECS has fully embraced this, by making all of the research in their highly peer-reviewed journal available for free. He also stresses the importance of developing transformative agreements with their publishing partners to make the research free and accessible.
“Imagine you are in a library and you’re doing your research and you can only read an abstract. You can’t access an article because the library doesn’t have a subscription to the journal,” Shannon noted. “Especially in underrepresented communities or underrepresented countries- not having to have a subscription allows people to access that content, so that allows for advancement.”
The group also discusses ECS’ Battery Workforce Development Program, an initiative to prepare students at the master’s or doctoral level with the knowledge and skills of electrochemists. Shannon’s vision for the program goes further, with plans to expand it to community colleges and undergraduate levels, ensuring that a wide range of people can access the education. He envisions partnerships with governmental organizations and industry titans like Ford and Tesla to expand the program.
Discover the most impactful engagement strategies Shannon has encountered, from tailored membership options for early career professionals to creating more networking opportunities at technical meetings. Don’t miss this chat that explores the power of science, education, and collaboration in driving change.
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Where the Rubber Meets the Road – Bridging Gaps and Building Futures
On this episode of the A100, OnWrd & UpWrd host Colleen Gallagher talks with Lakisha Barclay, Executive Director & CEO of the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS). With over a century of history, the Rubber Division, ACS is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of their membership and the industry.
Lakisha explains that the Division’s key to success is actively listening to its members and the industry as a whole. By understanding what their community needs and desires, they can develop and provide relevant initiatives and programs. The pair emphasize the importance of creating a sense of belonging and providing opportunities for members to be heard and to build relationships with others in the industry.
One significant achievement she highlights is the organization’s focus on engaging students. They instituted student-focused initiatives to attract and support students in the industry, resulting in a more than 50% growth in student membership. This includes asking undergraduate and graduate programs to help fund students’ attendance at events like annual conferences, where they can witness first-hand the breadth and nature of the industry.
During the podcast, they also discuss how the Rubber Division has a technical program that bridges academia with industry professionals. The program allows for collaboration between the two groups, ensuring that “academia can hear from industry on what’s important… so they know where to drive their research.”
Lakisha also emphasizes the importance of creating networking opportunities that allow members to connect and foster relationships. She recognizes that members want more than just technical sessions; they seek opportunities to connect and need breaks during jam-packed conferences and events.
Towards the end, Lakisha shares her vision for the future, which includes growing the organization’s women’s program and empowering younger generations to take on leadership roles. Hit play for valuable insights on how to improve your association’s approach to community building and leadership.
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Mobilizing Members to Engage in Advocacy Efforts
Introducing the latest episode of the A100 Podcast with your OnWrd & UpWrd host Meghan Henning. Broadcast live from the ASAE conference in Atlanta this August, Meghan is joined by Sean Luechtefeld, the Vice President of Membership and Communication at ANCOR.
ANCOR is a community of over 2,100 organizations dedicated to delivering services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, empowering them to live independently. From providing virtual program services to job and employment training, ANCOR’s members operate a wide range of services united by a common goal: community inclusion for people with disabilities.
In this episode, Sean speaks to how the organization fosters collaboration, engages stakeholders, and tackles challenges faced by the disability services sector. The conversation focuses on ANCOR’s advocacy efforts and how they align with the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act. They also touch on how to encourage members to use their voice and advocate for important issues.
“How do we identify the right message for the right audience at the right time? But then how do we build the capacity of our members to advance that message?”
Tune in to this insightful episode to learn how to enhance your association’s advocacy efforts and mobilize members of your community.
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Investing in Diversity
Join us for the latest episode of The A100 as Jeanne Wolf, CEO at CFA Society Boston, delves into the world of investments and their ongoing efforts to foster inclusivity within the industry. Podcast co-hosts Meghan Henning and Keaveny Hewitt chat with Jeanne about key strategies to foster inclusivity, measuring the success of these campaigns, and collaborating with stakeholders to amplify DEI initiatives.
CFA Society Boston is a community of over 6,000 investment professionals, part of the broader global network of CFA Institute. Their members are primarily investment and asset managers, ranging from those overseeing 401K portfolios to institutional investments and university endowments. The discussion centers around CFA Society Boston’s efforts to promote inclusivity in a predominantly male-dominated industry.
Jeanne emphasizes that while the field doesn’t fully represent the diversity of our communities, change is underway. They draw inspiration from industries like law, accounting and medicine that have successfully diversified their ranks and associated membership organizations. In terms of assessing the impact and measuring the success of their efforts, the organization uses both qualitative and quantitative metrics. Qualitatively, they assess whether people feel included, and they gauge the representation of diverse leadership at events, board meetings, and the committee level.
She also touched on the undergraduate Women in Investment Management Internship, a partnership involving the society, its members, and local universities. It has grown substantially over the years, expanding beyond just women to include more diverse participants from underrepresented groups. The program provides a supportive environment for aspiring investment professionals and connects them with peers who share their journey.
Jeanne discusses how their organization gives back by providing financial literacy to underserved communities. One such example is partnerships with Massachusetts correctional institutions to bring financial education to prisoners.
Stream this episode to learn more about CFA Society Boston’s journey towards inclusivity, the impact of their initiatives, and how they’re shaping a more diverse and equitable investment profession through partnerships.
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Driving Innovation Through Diversity
Join us for the latest episode of The A100 as Eduardo Arabu, CEO of The National Hispanic Corporate Council, shares his insights on actionable steps associations can take to be more inclusive and the difference between mentorship and sponsorship. Podcast co-hosts Colleen Gallagher and Meghan Henning chat with Eduardo about key strategies for associations when it comes to DEI and driving member engagement among young professionals.
Eduardo advises associations who haven’t already embedded DEI into the way they operate to look inward first, review best practices and then bring someone on board to coach or guide you on these efforts. The why is clear – statistics show a more diverse workforce drives innovation and gives companies a competitive advantage over other organizations.
Diverse perspectives allow you to see the world differently and from that opportunity is born. Eduardo stresses the importance of being intentional about your DEI efforts – it won’t just happen unless you make a strategic effort to do it right.
The conversation shifts to growing leaders within your association and Eduardo discusses the difference between mentorship and sponsorship. A lot of organizations have mentorship programs that help individuals mobilize their career, but what isn’t always talked about is sponsorship. “Sponsorship is the individual who is talking about you when you’re not in the room,” says Eduardo.
The three move on to tackle a challenge for so many associations – engaging younger generations. They agree that it comes back to identifying the value proposition through the lens of these young professionals and then being able to tell the story of why they should be a part of this association.
This is a can’t miss episode that is not only packed with actionable insights, but will push you into self-reflection mode when it comes to thinking about how your association operates.
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The Power of Mission – Navigating Change and AI in Legacy Organizations
The latest episode of The A100 podcast features Barb Jones, CEO of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), alongside OnWrd & UpWrd’s Meghan Henning. Broadcast live from the ASAE annual conference, the two discuss artificial intelligence and how to manage change within a well-established organization.
CLSI boasts a history that spans five decades, with only three CEOs in charge throughout its existence. Barb says that navigating change within this legacy organization has been remarkably easy. When your mission is deeply ingrained, well-structured and widely understood, change is natural. It’s a testament to the power of a strong mission.
The pair also discussed the increasing popularity of artificial intelligence and how it could potentially impact the clinical and laboratory domain. Barb has a data scientist daughter who has shared insights into the intricacies of AI. She explains it as a computer program that is tirelessly learning from vast amounts of data, 24/7, more than we as humans could ever do in years. It never gets tired, and it never has to sleep. The challenge lies in the data itself, since biased or false information can influence artificial intelligence’s outcomes. As Barb puts it, “you can use these very powerful tools about 80 percent of the way, and then there’s a point at which you need to have humans come in and be a part of the process.”
Barb and Meghan agree that there are challenges, but also opportunities that come with the use of artificial intelligence. There needs to be a middle ground in terms of using it, and organizations that have determined effective use cases have a leg up.
Tune in to this episode for an in-depth look at how organizations can thrive by embracing change and harnessing the potential of artificial intelligence.
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Resilience in Action – Making Education and Collaboration the Cornerstones of Membership Success
On the latest episode of The A100, OnWrd & UpWrd co-hosts Colleen Gallagher and Christine Stay talk with Suzanne Bohle, executive vice president for the Council of State Restaurant Associations. Suzanne shares the challenges that state restaurant associations have faced in recent years as the pandemic had a massive impact on the restaurant industry, and talks about how it forced them to become more nimble and innovative.
She talks about the prominent role government affairs plays in their efforts at the national, state and local levels, and highlights the power of storytelling when they bring the restaurant operators themselves to meet with legislators.
CSRA works to make it easier for their state restaurant association members to empower their members to navigate changing consumer preferences, technology advancements and sustainability concerns along with workforce issues. It’s all about bringing members together to share industry best practices. She also talks about CSRA’s focus on professional development and information sharing, as the association offers both virtual and in-person opportunities to meet their members’ needs.
“At our restaurants and in our industry, you've got from baby boomers to millennials to Gen X to Gen Z. How do they work? What are their work traits? How do you motivate them?” Suzanne shares when talking about one of the ways CSRA provides value for their members through bringing in topical conference speakers. “So what we do is we educate our members. We plant the seeds. A lot of that they'll take back to their members. Some of it's to educate the associations, but some of this is to educate them so they can educate their members.”
If you’re looking for advice from an association excelling in providing ROI for its members, even through difficult times, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
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Communicating with Purpose: Expert Advice from a National Spokesperson
On the latest episode of The A100, OnWrd & UpWrd co-hosts Colleen Gallagher and Christine Stay talk with Frank Caliva, national spokesperson for the Retail Energy Supply Association (RESA). Frank is also the president of P.R. Quinlan, a B2B consulting firm focused on retail energy policy.
“How can you communicate the most important messages and do it the most effective way possible,” Frank shares. “That’s what our job is and that’s what we’re trying to do is make people care about something in the right way, for the right moment, to do the thing we need them to do while also recognizing they have competing interests and obligations and things they care about.”
Delving into his role as a national spokesperson, Frank provides valuable insights on engaging with state-focused journalists, delivering testimony to state legislatures, and crafting messaging for consumers and mass market audiences via social media, blogs, and other channels.
The discussion takes an intriguing turn, exploring the challenges of balancing the interests of individual association members while representing the industry as a whole. Frank highlights the importance of building consensus within RESA to articulate a unified organizational stance, distinct from the opinions of individual members.
On the preparation, cool factor and nerves that come with the opportunity to testify before a state legislature, Frank shares, “I think you need to be a little bit scared before you speak in public on a serious topic.” Be confident in your position, while staying flexible and consistent in messaging. He emphasizes the significance of obtaining buy-in from internal stakeholders to ensure a cohesive voice for the organization.
Navigating state-specific issues in 14 markets, Frank reveals the necessity of being swiftly informed on regional nuances to represent RESA effectively.
He also candidly shares an invaluable lesson—understanding that the audience may not be as invested in communications as the communicator themselves, stressing the importance of crafting messages that resonate and inspire action.
So what does success look like for a national spokesperson? While setting reasonable expectations, Frank believes success lies in delivering key messages to the right people at the right time ensuring RESA is the go-to-source for industry news.
Be sure to catch this episode for an illuminating conversation on association communications, industry representation and the strategic challenges faced by a national spokesperson.
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From Member Stories to AI Integration: Association Video Tips and Success Stories
On the latest episode of The A100, OnWrd & UpWrd co-hosts Colleen Gallagher and Christine Stay talk all things video with Jim Wacksman of Association Studios.
“Video truly is king. It’s multi-sensory, it’s very cost effective. It’s just important for any organization,” Jim shares.
The conversation centers on how much change has taken place in this space over the last decade as well as how associations can use video to communicate with their members, to market their events, to advocate for their key issues, to onboard their staff and so much more. Jim says he’s seeing an increase in the use of short-form video outside of the typical use cases for member stories or onboarding and other internal staff uses.
We talk about the typical mistakes associations make with video like trying to cram too much into one video or not understanding why you want a video to be a certain length.
Jim shares video success stories from associations highlighting one large expo that leveraged industry podcasters with strong followings. They produced videos with the various podcasters to help promote the show and in turn gave them their own podcast pavilions to record live from the show. Voices and messages were amplified all around, creating a win-win for everyone.
When it comes to videos for driving member engagement, Jim hits the nail on the head saying, “Nothing speaks to a member like a member.”
The conversation wraps with a focus on integrating AI into your video process. The advice: remember to have fun with it and embrace change to stay on top of emerging trends.
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Building a High-Performing Team: Strategies for Recruiting, Developing and Fostering a Culture of Dedication in Your Association
On the latest episode of The A100 podcast, OnWrd & UpWrd’s Colleen Gallagher, Meghan Henning and Christine Stay talk about the key strategies for building high-performing teams and cultivating dedicated employees.
Many associations have job roles in place because that’s the way they’ve always done it. It’s important, however, to regularly reassess what roles your team needs to succeed.
The three discuss four touch points to ensure you are building high-performing teams: redefining the hiring process, onboarding and professional development, creating a culture of dedication and overcoming challenges to sustain dedication.
The importance of trust and transparency come up time and again in this week’s conversation and the key to success here is understanding that cultivating a dedicated team is always a work in progress.
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Economy, Recessions and Associations: What You Need to Know
On the latest episode of The A100 podcast, OnWrd & UpWrd’s Colleen Gallagher and Meghan Henning welcomed Bill Conerly, an economist specializing in economic trends and writer for Forbes Magazine. They discuss how trade associations can survive tough times and how seriously they should take the threat of a looming recession.
A pressing question on every association executive’s mind should be: “can my association survive a recession?” The answer is yes, but it will take some planning. Bill recommends that associations should look back to 2008 and see how they weathered that recession or look at how they performed during the pandemic. What did they do to keep themselves going?
The discussion turned to whether resiliency gained during COVID will serve associations well when faced with future recessions and what steps associations can take to best handle a recession. Bill advised association executives to adopt proactive risk management strategies. Start with assessing your risk and then make sure you start contingency planning for various scenarios before they actually play out. It’s a lot like crisis communications strategy – it’s always better to plan in advance than in the middle of a crisis. Bill’s main takeaway here is that the companies who fared best during past recessions are the ones who act quickly.
Communicating your value proposition always matters for associations, but reminding your members that during a recession is when they need you most and telling them why will be key to your survival during a recession.
Listen to the full episode to hear more about how you can make sure your association is prepared should a recession hit later this year or next and be sure to check out Bill’s recent Forbes article about the impact of an impending recession on trade associations.
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Lights, Camera, Action: The Power of Video for Leveraging Your Association’s Greatest Asset
The latest episode of the A100 podcast features Rusty Willams, Co-Founder of AnswerStage alongside podcast co-hosts, OnWrd & UpWrd’s Colleen Gallagher and Meghan Henning. He shares valuable insights around the role of video in association marketing from member recruitment and retention to event marketing.
Rusty’s philosophy around video when it comes to associations starts with the thought that your most valuable marketing asset as an association is your members – you need to leverage the people who attend your events and really participate in your community.
The conversation turns to the importance of storytelling, especially when thinking about the role of video in driving member engagement. Get your members to tell the stories of why they joined, how your resources have helped them, how volunteering has been fulfilling – and more. The more you can leverage the voices, people and personalities of your association, the better.
It’s no surprise that video can play a huge role in event marketing as well. He encourages associations to showcase speakers providing a sneak preview, exhibitors sharing the products and services they are most excited about and attendees talking about what they’ll get out of the event. Not only can this drive registration, but it can get people geared up and ready to be active from the moment they walk in the doors to your event.
Rusty shares some great case studies and success stories, but perhaps most importantly encourages associations to have a plan, and make sure that plan fits into your overall content marketing and membership strategy. You also need someone to own that plan and finally, don’t forget to have a clear path for how a video gets shared and gets visibility.
Like most communications and marketing discussions these days, the conversation ultimately shifts to AI. There is no doubt AI will shift the landscape when it comes to video, but Rusty focuses on thinking of it as AI-assisted, rather than AI-created content for now. It can help you eliminate that blank paper syndrome, but work still needs to be done to get it to the finish line and maintain authenticity.
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Is there a right way to resign?
A Gallup poll said the number of people quiet quitting is higher than 50%.
91% of employees are willing to quit their job if it’s not what they thought it would be or if they don’t like it within the first month.
These are some powerful stats. The O&U team delve into the repercussions of resigning on this episode, chatting through concerns such as toxic work environments, the impact of a job on mental health and having tough conversations at work.
We also explore the key aspects of resigning gracefully and responsibly, considering the long-lasting effects on personal reputation and professional relationships. There is indeed a right way to resign. By navigating the process with tact and thoughtfulness, you can maintain your professional standing, minimize potential conflicts, and ensure a smooth transition for all parties involved.
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How an Association Can Bring an Industry Together
The latest episode of the A100 podcast features Steve Mister, Esq., CAE, President & CEO of the Council for Responsible Nutrition. Having been with CRN for almost 20 years and in the association space for over 30, you won’t want to miss his insights on leading an association and how associations can bring value to their members.
He talks about CRN’s mantra, “Responsible is our middle name,” and says that is something the association and its members truly try to live out. He highlights how they work with their members to create voluntary guidelines to ensure science-backed consumer safety. As an association you can bring all of your industry leaders together and they can develop a best practice and then everybody agrees to implement it. This isn’t something individual companies can just do on their own and it allows industry to lead the way rather than government regulations.
CRN is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Steve shares their plans to celebrate this huge milestone and reflects on how the industry and the association has evolved. He also shares best practices for both leading and working in the association world.
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Diversity and Support: A Conversation with NACAS CEO Matt Marcial
Join co-hosts Colleen Gallagher and Christine Stay on the A100 podcast this week as they speak with Matt Marcial, CEO of the National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS). Together, they delve into two of their recently launched initiatives: Diversity in Auxiliary Leadership Program and the Women in Higher-Ed Leadership Summit.
Having been at NACAS for just more than a year, Matt discusses the inspiration for launching the Diversity in Auxiliary Leadership Program, as well as NACAS' efforts to include DEI in everything that they do. He stresses that the program's key objective is to create a community of diverse leaders who can advance the mission of NACAS as well as advance their own careers as well.
They also discuss the upcoming Women in Higher-Ed Leadership Summit scheduled for September. Matt explains that the summit was created out of a senior executive event to address the industry challenges through the lens of issues women face in the higher education workforce including the pay gap, having a seat at the table and more.
The episode wraps up with Matt discussing the ways NACAS has supported its members throughout the pandemic, talking about the hybrid workforce and sharing his vision for the future.
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Connecting Passions: ASCA's Approach to Member Engagement and Professional Development
On the latest episode of the A100, co-hosts Colleen Gallagher and Meghan Henning are joined by Jill Cook, CAE, Executive Director and Eric Sparks, Ed.D., CAE, Deputy Executive Director, from the American School Counselor Association to discuss all things member engagement and what they are doing to meet the evolving needs of their members.
Jill and Eric discuss their use of traditional member engagement methods, such as committees, focus groups, and an annual event–but like all associations–they knew they had to find new ways to keep their members engaged on an ongoing basis. To do this they began providing more resources online and repurposing content from their annual conferences for webinars and other resource materials. And they hold two large virtual events in addition to the annual conference, which increases accessibility, bringing more information to even more members. They talk about how providing these resources in so many ways has really made a difference in terms of member engagement.
They discuss how their newish affinity groups continue to grow by participation and by topic as the issues confronting school counselors grows. The affinity groups allow members to come together on a particular topic they are passionate about and provide professional resources, networking, and best practices.
Jill and Eric also discuss ASCA’s national model and its contributions to professional advancement, and they share their expectations for what they can offer their membership this year, as well as their goals for the future.
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A Spark for Conversation: Insights from CoSN’s 2023 global Driving K-12 Innovation reports
Keith Krueger, MPA, CAE, CEO of The Consortium for School Networking, returns to the A100 - this time as a guest on podcast, hosted by Colleen Gallagher and Meghan Henning. The three of them explore the findings and highlights of CoSN’s 2023 global Driving K-12 Innovation reports.
They talk through the hurdles in the way of innovation in today’s school, the accelerators paving the way for teaching and innovation, and what the most important technology enablers are for schools to leverage this year. Keith shares insights around the problems technology can help solve, as well as the changing expectations in today’s world. He emphasizes that the report is “not intended to be tablets from heaven to tell you the answer, rather it’s a spark for conversation.”
The three delve into important resources that can assist districts in overcoming challenges and adopting new technologies, and of course the conversation turns to the integration of AI and ChatGPT technology.
The conversation wraps with Keith's vision for the future looking at what progress and changes he is most hopeful to witness by the time this report is released again next year.
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Engaging Volunteers and Cultivating a Culture of Caring
On the latest episode of the A100, co-hosts Colleen Gallagher and Chrstine Stay are joined by Phil Russo, CAE, Executive Director for Professional Management Associates, to discuss all things association and workforce. They dive into both driving the engagement you need from your volunteers and also building and cultivating a high achieving staff.
Drawing on his extensive experience in the association industry since his senior year in college, Phil highlighted the recruitment and engagement of volunteers as one of the most significant challenges facing associations today. He attributed this to both a lack of time and less desire to be as involved as they were before the pandemic. He talks about how to develop systems and processes that almost spoon-feed our volunteers to make things as simple and clear as possible for them with clear expectations around the amount of time involved.
Phils also provides valuable insights on using contractors to complement your staff's expertise and developing strategies for building a high-achieving team within your association.
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The Hybrid Workforce Dilemma: How to Keep Your Company Culture Alive
Christine Stay, Meghan Henning, and Colleen Gallagher of the OnWrd & UpWrd team take over the A100 podcast to talk about how to manage a hybrid workforce and how to keep your company culture alive. Their valuable insights cover a range of topics, including effective ways to keep your team connected, staying organized with project management tools, and ensuring that all team members understand their roles and responsibilities.
From there, the discussion moves on to ways of creating a comfortable working environment for employees. The conversation covers the significance of conducting regular check-ins with staff, organizing in person meetings or staff retreats at least once a quarter or year to bring everyone together, and the value of providing opportunities for professional development.
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The Power of Awards: Boosting Your Association’s Visibility and Credibility
It’s awards season, and hosts Colleen Gallagher and Meghan Henning take over the podcast this week to discuss how associations can leverage awards to boost visibility and credibility, plus show member ROI as well! The two bring a well rounded perspective to the awards conversation, with Colleen having judged and created many awards programs and Meghan having written awards applications for a variety of associations.
Colleen and Meghan answer all of your burning questions about awards from what’s out there to apply for to how associations can leverage an award win from a communications perspective.
When it comes to applications: both hosts highlight the importance of being concise, following directions closely and always coming back to your goals. Listeners will finish this episode with all of the knowledge needed to strategically take the awards application process in their own hands.
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How Associations Can Embrace Sustainability
The American Forest & Paper Association’s Jamie Tiralla, Director, Strategic Communications, and Jesse Levine, Senior Director, Energy and Environmental Policy, joined The A100 podcast to talk about the critical importance of sustainability. The two shared insights on creating sustainability goals and how other associations can begin to think about setting goals of their own.
Their recommendations: you must begin to think about sustainability goals and initiatives by assessing your operations and programs, identifying areas for improvement, and setting realistic and measurable goals. Doing this sends a message to the industry that associations are committed to a more sustainable future.
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Twitter: @association100
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Reflections and trends: what’s to come in 2023
On the latest episode of The A100, OnWrd & UpWrd co-founders Colleen Gallagher and Meghan Henning look back on 2022, discussing some of the most exciting and innovative association client projects over this past year. Highlights included a workforce campaign addressing a major membership challenge, a full rebrand, a multi-faceted year-long PR and digital campaign to promote a special journal issue and a recognition program focused on everyday people doing good things.
From there they shift gears to communications and marketing trends association professionals need to be thinking about in 2023. We hit on messaging, AI, pitching and the return of in-person events.
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Twitter: @association100
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Event Planning: Exposure, Recruitment and Retention
Chrisitine Stay, Marketing Project Manager for OnWrd & UpWrd, joined the A100 podcast to share her insights on what association professionals need to know to improve their event planning. She brings a different perspective than anything we’ve previously discussed around events by highlighting why associations should exhibit at a conference that isn’t their own – and also talks through the planning process.
She shares the three reasons why associations should participate in an expo at a conference: exposure, recruitment and retention. She also provides advice she has for associations when it comes to booth design, leave behinds and deadlines.
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Twitter: @association100
LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100
All Things Education: Strategizing, Developing and Maximizing Association Education Programs
Amanda Cecil, full-time professor and expert on association education programming, joins the A100 podcast to discuss how associations can create powerful programming. With over 20 years of experience as a professor in tourism and events management, and a decade of experience with associations, Amanda shares her insights on how associations can truly optimize their educational resources, content and curriculum design.
Amanda brings in her own lens as a parent of a college student to discuss how the narrative around four year degrees and education in associations is evolving. She walks through what challenges association leaders need to overcome, the importance of experiential learning and how membership plays a role in every step of the way.
Together, Amanda and the hosts stress how important collaboration, creativity and communication are when it comes to developing educational programming at any level.
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Twitter: @association100
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Earned Media: How You Can Be Better at Press Outreach
Suzanne Struglinski, PR Manager for Industry Dive, joined the A100 podcast to share her insights on earned media and what association comms professionals need to know to improve their media relations efforts.
She discusses the disconnect between what association leaders see as news and what reporters see as news, while emphasizing the importance of being a resource for reporters. She also shares thoughts on the unique relationship between PR professionals and journalists.
“Reporters want news,” she says. “You need to build those relationships, making sure you understand who you're pitching, why you’re pitching and keeping in mind that you want to be a resource to these journalists.”
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Twitter: @association100
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Follow Suzanne or reach out via email:
Twitter: @SuzanneStrug
LinkedIn: /in/suzannestruglinski/
Email: sstruglinski@industrydive.com
Intern Takeover Episode!
In this episode, OnWrd & UpWrd’s summer interns, Keaveny Hewitt and Grant Cragg, take over the A100 podcast to discuss all things internships– what makes good ones, what employers need to know about young professionals and what associations should keep in mind when developing their own internship programs.
Together, they discuss their experience as summer interns, sharing key takeaways, insights and reflections on the internship thus far. They provide perspective on how associations can maximize the potential of their own internship programs by focusing on networking, professional development and variety. Keaveny and Grant take their own experiences into a wider conversation about internships and the next generation of employees so association leaders from all industries can leave with insightful takeaways.
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Twitter: @association100
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How will abortion laws impact event planning and decision making for associations?
In this episode, Colleen Gallagher and Meghan Henning of OnWrd & UpWrd Marketing & Communications discuss how the overturning of Roe v. Wade will impact event planning and decision making for associations.
Together, they discuss the role of politics within the association world, and how canceling/keeping events for political reasons brings up membership, legal and financial concerns. Gallagher and Henning share how associations can navigate these issues and they reflect on how social and political events have impacted their own work in the past by looking at data, articles and expert opinions. They pose some questions for associations to consider so they can work together with their members to make these key decisions.
If you want to read more about the Northstar Meetings Group article discussed on the podcast, you can view the full article here.
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Twitter: @association100
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The Future of Events
Liz Huh, leading events consultant, shares her insights on how associations can create events that focus on members’ voices and interests.
She discusses how COVID has impacted event planning, and the importance of adjusting timelines and forming strong partnerships with vendors and venues. Liz takes a look at supply chain and food expenses and how these issues impact event coordinators and their budgets. She shares the overall value of events, both virtual and in-person, and how integral they are for bringing organizations together to elevate branding, increase revenue and empower members.
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Twitter: @association100
LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100
Building Meaningful Connections with Members
Shantel Goodman-Luckett, Chief Experience Officer for the National Association for College Admission Counseling, shares her insights on how associations can empower their members and enhance the overall membership experience.
She discusses how NACAC implemented programs and resources to cater to all types of members, from the next generation of college admissions counselors to counselors that are retiring soon. Shantel shares what it was like to make the transition into this new role, and how she gained perspective after watching her daughter go through the college admission process. She highlighted how important it is for association professionals to speak directly with the membership to truly be able to serve them and understand their needs.
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Twitter: @association100
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A Thoughtful Approach to DEI
Jeff Joseph, president of SIIA, the Software and Information Industry Association, joins the A100 podcast this week. He shares insights about how associations can take a thoughtful approach to DEI and promote better outcomes by looking at how you can differentiate yourself and provide truly helpful resources for your members rather than something duplicative of what they could already do on their own.
Associations need to ask themselves these questions: How can we make an impact? What’s going to be most valuable to our members? How do you make a business rationale out of this as well?
He also talks about looking inward first and walking the walk as an association as well as welcoming a diversity of viewpoints in the workforce as well so everyone feels comfortable bringing their full self to work.
Check out SIIA's newest member benefit: a brand new microsite dedicated to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI): siia.net/dei
Finally, we chat about some policy issues and get to know Jeff better including hearing about his famous (or infamous) Dad band. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!
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Twitter: @association100
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When Knowledge Walks Out the Door
Matt Cipriani, Associate Director of Knowledge Management & Member Engagement, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, shares his insights on how The Great Resignation is impacting associations and how associations can react to it.
He talks about how his background as a research librarian has served him well in the world of associations, how member engagement changed during COVID and what the return to in-person work and events means.
Subscribe today so you never miss out on future episodes. Follow along for best practices, top trends, helpful ideas and smart strategies and tactics that work in the world of associations:
Twitter: @association100
LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100
Podcast on Podcasting (at Associations!)
Evan Sparks, SVP, Member Communications and Podcast Host at the American Bankers Association as well as Editor in Chief of the ABA Banking Journal shares his secrets with the A100 for producing a successful association podcast.
Having launched five years ago with a goal of 500 downloads to keep it going, he now expects to hit over 100,000 downloads in a year. Evan talks about why he prefers the audio-only format, how he plans out his editorial calendar, tackling tough subjects and how the podcast fits into the overall communications strategy.
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Twitter: @association100
LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100
Intro/Outro Audio Credit:
Ketsa
Track: Poppin-Off
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/ascendance/poppin-off
Introducing the A100 Podcast
Get to know the publishers of The Association 100 in our inaugural podcast. Colleen Gallagher and Meghan Henning take you behind the scenes to learn about their backgrounds, what brought them to DC, and what to expect from the future of The A100.
They share their favorite memories, most interesting projects and toughest challenges from their association days while also discussing the changing nature of PR in today’s world.
Subscribe today so you never miss out on future episodes. Follow along with The Association 100 for best practices, top trends, helpful ideas and smart strategies and tactics that work in the world of associations:
Twitter: @association100
LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100
You can subscribe to The Association 100 newsletter here.
Intro/Outro Audio Credit:
Ketsa
Track: Poppin-Off
https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/ascendance/poppin-off