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No one seems to talk honestly about succession. So Andrew and Elisa will. This week they dive deep into the often-neglected world of board succession planning. Brace yourself for a no-holds-barred discussion as these governance gurus challenge common misconceptions and offer practical insights. From debunking the "warm body" effect to exploring the selfish motivations behind volunteering, Andrew and Elisa leave no stone unturned. They tackle thorny issues like term limits, the role of nominating committees, and the delicate balance between experience and fresh perspectives. Whether you're a seasoned board member or an association executive, this episode is your roadmap to building a robust leadership pipeline and ensuring your organization's future success. Don't miss this chance to transform your approach to board succession – your association's future depends on it!

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We welcome special guest Chris Huizenga, Director of Professional Development at the Chicago Association of Realtors and co-founder of Desklight. Building on the findings of our microlearning whitepaper, Chris challenges traditional notions of educational offerings and shares innovative strategies for creating member value. Learn why education should be at the core of your association's mission, how to compete in a crowded market, and why failure might be your best teacher. From rethinking curriculum design to leveraging technology, this episode offers practical insights for associations looking to transform their educational programs. Don't miss this chance to reimagine professional development and position your association for success in 2025 and beyond.

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In the latest episode of the Association Transformation Andrew and Elisa sit down with the renowned Mervyn Pilley, Co-Founder of the Society of Association Management (SAM). Mervyn shares SAM's mission and a new approach to promoting, protecting, and evangelizing the current and next generation of membership management professionals in their career development. With a rich history dating back to the 1930s, the modern-day SAM aims to fill the gap left by its predecessors by providing a strong career path, especially in smaller, more niche membership organizations. We talk member engagement, credentialing and nonprofit professional development. Associations of all types can learn from the re-emergence of SAM. Our in-depth conversation provides a reintroduction to SAM’s vision of support the next generation of membership professionals.

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These are uncertain times and all professional associations, irrespective of membership demographic, geographic focus, or financial strength, are striving to operate at peak efficiency and effectiveness, and to support their members in increasingly fragile socio-economic and political environments. Now, perhaps for the first time in generations, membership associations must be wholly pragmatic in ensuring they add durable value to their members’ professions, industries and communities. This is a reality that transcends borders. Given these mounting challenges and expectations, volunteer board members are increasingly required to support association staff by playing more decisive, strategic, and generative roles within the organisations. 

Within the voluntary environment of association governance, it can be difficult to find time, resources or suitable avenues for personal development, and yet for directors to be successful as effective leaders, a commitment from associations to their directors’ continual professional development is critical. To help us understand what makes real and effective board training we have invited 3 highly experienced guests.

Joining Elisa and Andrew on the podcast today is Shawn Burnam, Vice President of Operations at Performance Contracting Inc ., Chris Williams, Director of Membership at Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry and Steve Hayes, President at TOPRA.

This podcast is being released to coincide with the launch of IMPACT A signature program delivered in partnership by Brewer Pratt Solutions and Consort Strategy. To find out more about this unique and exciting program visit https://associationtransformation.org/about-1

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What does the loss of in-person events mean for associations? During 2020 some associations have been adept at diversifying their membership services and related income streams and have benefited from doing so. On the flip side, however, those associations that have failed to respond to circumstances and adapt accordingly have suffered financially. Our research demonstrates a definite economic impact on associations following the crash of the events industry but interestingly, that impact has not only been negative.

In this episode Andrew and Elisa have invited three events industry experts to discuss this intertwined relationship between events and associations. They welcome Rob Eveleigh, Managing Director at Brightelm, Ed Trantor, Managing Director at 73 Media and Director at the Association of Event Organisers and Jennifer Young, President, eVoque event management group ltd.

Visit our website to find out how you can make IMPACT.

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Coronavirus has brought many unprecedented challenges upon the association community, the most prominent being financial. Lots of associations have been forced to dip into their reserves to help keep them afloat; mitigate risks by forecasting near unforecastable futures; and demonstrate new ways of solving complex financial problems. Navigating this uncertain economic landscape successfully requires creativity and innovation which, in turn, requires strong and effective leadership. To help us with this conversation today, we have just that. Joining Andrew and Elisa is Kevin Madden, Chief Financial Officer at the National Apartment Association.

Find the National Apartment Associations here

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In today's episode, Andrew and Elisa "travel" (digitally, of course) all the way down to the southern hemisphere to Australia where they speak with Toni Brearley, Chief Executive Officer at the Australasian Society of Association Executives. 

To date, Association Transformation has remained a transatlantic conversation and so we are so excited to go totally global in this episode. The hosts and Toni take a deep dive into the issues surrounding associations in Australia and New Zealand and the creative and exciting solutions that they're implementing to overcome these issues. They talk international collaboration and innovation, experimental member content, hybrid events and much, much more. 

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Association governance is an integral part of running a successful organisation can often be perceived as a burden and is therefore overlooked as an opportunity. In today's episode Andrew and Elisa aim to start lifting the lid on governance and get people thinking of it in a much more positive and strategic light. 

In conversation today are Monica Million, Immediate Past President of the National Emergency Number Association, Nicola Rylett, Trustee of the Institute of Leadership & Management and Caroline Bovey, Chair of the British Dietetic Association.

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We all know starting a new position, no matter what it is, comes with its challenges. Becoming a c-suite executive for the first time is no different. Today, Andrew and Elisa chat to two first-time chief executives - Molly Georgakis, Executive Director at the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Mike Stark, Chief Executive at the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry - about what it has been like to lead an association for the first time, especially in these turbulent times. We chat about the greatest challenges that they have faced so far and what impact COVID has had on them and their organisations. We also talk about the opportunities and silver linings that come with the job; and we project forward through their aspirations for 2021.

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Given the engagement challenges and revenue disruptions brought by the pandemic, everyone is looking to do more with less. Does today’s environment make partnerships even more appealing? Whether partnerships, coalitions, or collaborations, what are the pros and cons of these cross-organization relationships? What does each side bring to the table and expect in return? Are there economies of scale and opportunities to share costs? How do you balance egos and measure impact? We get straight to the point with a master of powerful partnerships and CEO of the pet industry’s government affairs and advocacy arm, Mike Bober.

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Remember that connecting is universal. Connecting is a human necessity even in a time of pandemic. It spans industries, age groups, levels of career, and its need is even greater in a post-COVID world especially with in-person meetings on hold. So what are associations to do to serve their members and deliver the expected networking value? Networking is no longer a reception at the hotel bar during convention. But let's talk about more than just online communities. Consider member-driven networking engagement beyond just virtual happy hours, alternatives like mentoring programs, reverse mentoring programs, leadership development programs. Let’s discuss the changing needs of members as it relates to networking and maybe this is also a technology conversation. But we can’t ignore online community platforms. What is working in the new normal and how can we help nonprofits navigate it through case studies and best practices. What does it look like now and how do you keep the humanity in it? How do you put the human connection first in digital/virtual networking?

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In contrast to purposeful abandonment, how can association leaders use COVID to trigger, fast forward, or fast track innovation and initiatives. What are those things you wanted to do anyway or that were in progress or stalled and how did the impact of COVID help or allow associations to finally act and act quickly. Is COVID that opportunity to prototype, to beta, to experiment and to jump off that cliff? What do you need in order to get that green light – the board? Survey data? Financial impetus? Member call to action/member demand. Is it simply the fear of COVID and searching for new revenue streams that gets you there? What are people pulling the trigger on and how is it working out?

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As non-profits continue to cancel in-person meetings, virtual events are now a mainstay in the association space. Following the largest virtual conference yet (14K registrants, with nearly 8K attendees spending more than 10 hours on the platform over the course of 3 days), we discuss key takeaways, lessons learned, and “unmute” our very own event and digital production guru Andy Carrol, Creative Director at AM&C Media. Together we debate the potential of virtual experiences, dependence on engaging content, and the desperate need for quality production. Your virtual events don’t have to be apologetic replacements for the live experience. Not to miss, this timely and pertinent exchange will help you frame expectations and take your digital conference experience to the next level.

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Is there rhyme or reason, maybe even strategy behind where you choose to book your association’s major events. Join Elisa and Andrew as they delve into new research from conference match-maker Conferli. Special guest Bregje Frens, Conferli Co-Founder and CCO, explains the future of the RFP process for associations. Drawing on insights from recent research involving associations worldwide, this episode of lets us dive into how technology, automation, and a partnership approach can revolutionize the way nonprofits select destinations and venues for their conferences. Discover the key challenges with the current RFP model and explore innovative ideas to make the process more efficient, strategic, and tailored to the unique needs of associations. If you're involved in conference planning for an association, you won't want to miss this thought-provoking discussion!

Download Conferli's white paper "Shaping Tomorrow's RFP".

Listen to Conferli's podcast on Spotify. 

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For the first time in modern history, we have five generations working together but Baby Boomers are leaving, focusing on their retirement, taking years of experience with them. Generation X are replacing them, moving up the hierarchy but the majority of the workforce are Millennials or Generation Y, and by 2025 75% of the workforce will be Millennial.  By 2030, just 10 years from now, Generation Z will start to occupy senior leadership roles and indeed, Generation Alpha will be leaving school and starting their careers! So, who is your member in 2030? What is your recruitment and retention strategy? What is your value proposition? What is your business model? We spend some time exploring these questions with one of the UK sector’s most entrepreneurial CEOs, Sarah Poulter.

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Given the disruption to global travel and consequently to the convention, conference and business meeting experience, we want to better understand the impact of these events on the sponsors and vendors. From their perspectives, what has been the shift in focus and the impact on their ability to get in front of and serve their clients in the non-profit space.

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We’ve all heard the quote “never let a good crisis go to waste.” Has the current crisis provided your association an opportunity to sunset an expensive, out of date, or burdensome product, program, or service? Have you been able to leverage these challenging circumstances to discontinue that pet project or stale committee? What have you been able to stop doing thanks to recent disruptions? Together with two seasoned CEOs, we explore what the COVID-19 pandemic has meant for associations’ business development.

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Not everyone is cut out for it! It’s the top job for a reason! It’s supposed to be hard! Let’s get real and talk about the good, bad, and unspoken realities of the Chief Executive position! Join Elisa and @Andrew for this insightful episode of Association Transformation as we delve into the complex world of applying, interviewing, onboarding, and succeeding as a CEO in this new era. Drawing from personal anecdotes and years of consulting experience, we explore the challenges faced by first-time and seasoned CEOs alike as they navigate their transitions. From the importance of asking the right questions during the interview process to the critical need for listening and building relationships, this episode sheds light on the often-isolating nature of the top job. We discuss the evolving skill sets required of association executives, uncovering organizational skeletons, managing expectations, and the value of seeking support from peers and mentors. Whether you're an aspiring CEO or a current executive looking for guidance, this episode offers valuable insights and practical, actionable advice for succeeding in the demanding role of association leadership.

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Join us for a momentous milestone as the Association Transformation podcast reaches its 100th episode! From pivoting to provocative,@Elisa Pratt and Andrew Chamberlain have been at the forefront of driving the most crucial conversations in the nonprofit and association space. In this special episode, we reflect on what nonprofits truly mean to us, revisit our favorite guests and the most impactful discussions, and share our aspirations for the future. Prepare for an unforgettable journey as Elisa and Andrew take you on a captivating field trip around Washington DC, delving into the heart of the association community. Each week, our hosts have the privilege of engaging with a diverse array of global experts in association leadership, fostering a transatlantic dialogue that propels the impact and evolution of nonprofit organizations. Through in-depth explorations of the issues, topics, challenges, and opportunities facing associations, the Association Transformation podcast has become an indispensable resource for industry professionals. Don't miss this landmark episode as we celebrate 100 episodes of transformative conversations!

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Welcome to Episode 99! Once again we’re talking about the Climate Crisis and this week are joined by Kev Couling, MD of sustainability specialists Hut22 Ltd to further explore the role of associations in tackling the climate emergency. As associations continue to come to terms with and embrace their opportunities to address the climate emergency, we look at some of the pragmatic ways in which they can take proactive climate action, both as corporate entities and as the conduits for members to access the tools and resources they need to fulfil their climate obligations. 

Kev has made available the following free carbon management tools for associations and their members:

1. Gap Analysis Tool: subscribepage.io/Fh42eE
2. Carbon Management Governance Hackbook: subscribepage.io/lIxvc6

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DFWAE's Association Day is the society's flagship education and networking event and this year Andrew had the privilege of delivering a session on effective strategic planning. As always, Association Day contained an exceptional roster of speakers and delivered an education program that reflects the rich diversity of issues on which associations lead. Join Andrew, Vicki Reece (Professional Insurance Agents Texas) and Kevin Korenthal (National Association of Park Foundations) as they reflect on the day's learnings, including the necessity of data-informed associations, the developing role of AI, and culture change that drives performance and impact. 

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Dive into the future of strategic planning and explore the fascinating intersection of human expertise and AI capabilities. Join Elisa and Andrew as delve into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence. They unpack the release of their groundbreaking Association Transformation white paper on AI in Strategic Planning. Discover how AI can revolutionize data gathering, analysis, and progress tracking. Learn why data quality is paramount and how AI can supercharge analysis and execution, enabling you to make more informed decisions and streamline your workflows. But beware of the dangers of relying solely on AI for decision-making. AI should complement, not replace, the critical human elements of strategic thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving. Tune in to learn how to harness AI's capabilities while maintaining the essential human touch in ever-necessary strategic planning endeavors.

Check out the white paper here: https://associationtransformation.org/white-paper

P.S. Plus, in the episode you’ll get some early intel on our upcoming 100th episode celebration (Thursday, May 2) and our next big white paper announcement

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Embrace the spirit of April Fool's Day in this 96th episode of Association Transformation. Hosts Elisa Pratt and Andrew Chamberlain playfully explore the little white lies and falsehoods we tell ourselves as association professionals. From blaming governance structures to touting inflated retention rates, they dissect common self-deceptions that hinder progress. With humor and insight, they delve into the dangers of optimism bias, the illusion of member engagement, and the denial of staff burnout. Get ready for an honest, thought-provoking discussion that challenges you to confront the fibs holding your nonprofit organization back. Tune in for a dose of truth amid the pranks!

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Join Elisa as she welcomes Olena Lima, Founder of MemberBoat to the Association Transformation family to discuss the ever-evolving digital engagement dance. We debunked the myth of email's demise, explore innovative ideas for global #memberengagement, highlight methods to tailor content for multigenerational audiences, and emphasize the importance of aligning marketing and membership teams to ensure a seamless member experience. Check out episode 95 for actionable insights to elevate your association's digital engagement strategies.

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How to help volunteers and leadership from damaging your association
Andrew Chamberlain is truly one of a kind. With a robust background as a former association CEO, he boasts an impressive 15-year tenure in executive roles within professional membership bodies across the UK. Since 2016, he has expanded his expertise globally as a renowned consultant in non-profit business development, leadership, strategic planning, and effective governance. Andrew brings a unique passion and fire to the association world, on a mission to address the challenges faced by boards of directors and volunteers who are set up to fail in their associations. While volunteers are the lifeblood of associations, there are many ways they can inadvertently damage their association when set up for failure. As the Chief Development Officer & Co-Founder of Elevated, an international consulting firm dedicated to supporting non-profit and association business growth, Andrew is at the forefront of driving positive change. Other themes explored in today’s episode include how groupthink can crush institutions, education being at the heart of successful associations and board governance, and the unique (and untapped) position associations are in to literally change the world, one community at a time.

Welcome to the 6 Degrees of Associations Podcast: Presented by Core Adventures. Core Adventures (formerly Core Affinity) works tirelessly to advance the value of affinity by working with association leaders to strengthen the connection with their members and increase the overall benefits of membership. When you win, we win. On this channel you can be sure to get connected to relevant news, best practices, and other important information for the association management industry and the larger business of marketing and revenue generation. Check back every week for a new episode featuring the best in the business as we feature guests from across the sector to include association leadership, world class marketers, affinity partner organization leadership, and much more! Learn More: ⁠https://coreadventures.com/⁠ 

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Join Elisa and Andrew for the 111th episode of Association Transformation as they welcome podcasting guru Mike McAllen, founder of Podcasting4Associations. Discover how podcasts can revolutionize member engagement, provide value, and become a powerful tool for your association. From content strategies to production tips, Mike shares invaluable insights gained from years of experience in the industry. Whether you're considering starting a podcast or looking to improve your existing one, this episode offers practical advice and inspiration for associations of all sizes. Tune in to learn how you can harness the intimate medium of podcasting to connect with your members and become the voice of your industry.

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You know we love alliterations, but not as much as we love the intricacies of the volunteer-staff partnership within associations. Elisa and Andrew dive in with Amy Biedenharn, Director of Client Experience with Innovatis Group, to discuss the dynamics, challenges, and strategies involved in fostering a positive and productive collaboration. This sometimes complex relationship between member-leaders and paid staff can have a great impact and can also present poisonous pitfalls (sorry, we’ll stop). Drawing from diverse experiences, we explore the significance of setting clear expectations, establishing boundaries, and providing training for both volunteers and staff, and we emphasize the ongoing commitment required to navigate and nurture this essential aspect of association management.

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Why so many fail at strategic planning (and how to fix that)
Join us in the latest episode of the 6 Degrees of Associations podcast for insightful conversation with Elisa Brewer Pratt, MA, CAE, the CEO and founder of Brewer Pratt Solutions LLC. With a background as a senior staff member in various trade and individual membership associations, Elisa shares her journey from the staff side to becoming a consultant. She delves into her passion for strategic planning, the challenges associations face, and the importance of authentic leadership. In this candid discussion, Elisa opens up about her mission to be the consultant she wished she had, highlighting the significance of being a guiding force for her clients. While exploring the nuances of strategic planning, uncovering why it's often met with skepticism and how Elisa is reshaping it to be relevant, engaging, and actionable.

Welcome to the 6 Degrees of Associations Podcast: Presented by Core Adventures. Core Adventures (formerly Core Affinity) works tirelessly to advance the value of affinity by working with association leaders to strengthen the connection with their members and increase the overall benefits of membership. When you win, we win. On this channel you can be sure to get connected to relevant news, best practices, and other important information for the association management industry and the larger business of marketing and revenue generation. Check back every week for a new episode featuring the best in the business as we feature guests from across the sector to include association leadership, world class marketers, affinity partner organization leadership, and much more! Learn More: ⁠https://coreadventures.com/⁠

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Rejoin hosts Andrew and Elisa for an insightful follow-up with Allison Marrero, Chief Brand Experience Officer at the American Society of Interior Designers, one year after overhauling their membership and engagement operations. Allison brings to Association Transformation her reflections on changes like revamped and expanded member categories, getting components onboard, and the pace of nonprofit decision-making. We go beyond the surface and explore the need to continually communicate ongoing transformations, and how to navigate change overall. Whether you work in associations, branding, change management, or another domain, don’t miss this candid insider perspective on facilitating a significant yet thoughtful evolution.

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Strategy is in no way exclusive to any one industry, organization, or tax status; in fact, it originates in the planning of warfare. So what can associations learn from military strategy? Elisa picks the brain of the amazing Robert Plante, US Army Special Forces Officer, former BrewerPrattSolutions intern, and now Director of Transformation and Restructuring at the Swaney Group. Bo shares the seven steps to military decision-making with us and reminds us to embrace agility because “no plan survives first contact with the enemy.” We also learn the definition of “ground truth” and how to apply the pareto principle to association strategy. We're ready for battle – a strategic battle!

More on applying military strategy: https://www.army.mil/article/248339/applying_the_principles_of_war_to_business_transformation

More on the Pareto Principle: https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/paretoprinciple.asp

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Association Transformation kicks off the new year with a commitment to action! Join Andrew and Elisa as they welcome Jay Daughtry of Fonteva Protect to plead with associations to adapt and engage with their younger members differently than their core group. We chat breaking down silos and creating a sincere and inclusive environment. In 2024 just do one thing: listen to your members, shorten communication channels, and explore new technologies to connect with new demographics effectively. The group also touches on the significance of supporting industries and professions in workforce development and talent acquisition (engaging the next generation isn’t just about membership).

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🎙️ New year, new episode! Join Andrew and Elisa as they ring in 2024 with reflections on 2023 learnings. Leadership pipelines and succession planning, staff burnout, AI adoption, value propositions, leveraging governance, and strategic implementation. What can associations control, improve, and achieve in service to their members this year? As Association Transformation approaches its 100th episode milestone, we’re excited to continue exploring trends and providing ideas to put your members and missions first in 2024 and beyond!

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How did you find your way to the nonprofit profession? Are you passionate about working for a mission-driven organization and serving your association's members? On this episode of Association Transformation, Andrew and Elisa are joined by up-and-coming association superstar Allison Read, who has recently joined the team at the American Institute of Architects. Together, they discuss successfully navigating your nonprofit career, how to discover what you are good at and find that path to the executive level. There may even be a call for everyone in association management to have a degree in psychology 😊. Let’s stay curious, be life-long learners and find our “life balance.”

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We’re thankful for our #boardofdirectors . . . aren’t we?? Welcome back from your holiday, let’s jump right in and talk about the challenges and complexities of board culture in #associations. Join Andrew and Elisa for this real and necessary Association Transformation episode where they share their hopes and concerns about professionalism on #nonprofit boards and historical approaches to leadership. Maybe you can put board education, training, qualification criteria, and a focus on organizational interests (rather than individual roles) on your Christmas list 😊

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What ghoulish goings-on or spine-chilling events have kept you awake at night? Does history haunt you or ghosts of associations-past give you the creeps? This week Elisa and Andrew dig up some graves, dust off the cobwebs, and stir up a witches brew of scary true stories, monstrous mistakes, and ghastly howlers that have landed associations in frightful trouble. Broomsticks at the ready as we tell our gruesome tales of horror. Nightmares guaranteed. 

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Is your association relying on only 2-3 sources of revenue? Are you getting nervous about declining dues or loss of publication revenue? Join Elisa and Andrew for a deep dive into the world of revenue diversification with Deanna Varga, Founder and CEO of Mayvin Global. In this thought-provoking episode, we discuss the importance of embracing commercial thinking and the need for nimbleness in the association sector. Let’s explore new revenue streams, manage partnerships effectively, and leverage data for mission-aligned growth. Deanna's insights challenge the status quo and shed light on how associations can adapt to a rapidly changing environment.

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Join Elisa and Andrew as they tackle the challenging topic of difficult conversations in the association space. This candid discussion explores why people avoid tough talks, how to approach them constructively, and the importance of data-driven communication. Whether you're dealing with board evaluations, staff issues, or member concerns, our hosts offer practical insights on maintaining professionalism, ensuring psychological safety, and fostering a culture of open dialogue. Don't miss this valuable episode that will help you transform challenging interactions into opportunities for growth and improvement in your association.

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It feels like we all have a seemingly infinite number of digital connections but what do we do with them and how can associations use their digital platforms to generate genuine value for their communities? This week Andrew is joined by Angela Shelton, CEO of Answers for Associations to discuss how associations and members can utilise their online tools to create and experience authentic digital connections. 

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“We’ve had hierarchies since caveman days when we deferred to the elders.” On this episode of Association Transformation, global generational strategist Sarah Sladek reminds Andrew and Elisa that times have definitely changed. Boards can no longer write-off younger members or next-gen prospects as “high-maintenance, non-joiners, lazy, or entitled.” Following the release of her latest book, Sladek reiterates that “...young people are your only succession plan!” Check out this nonprofit nerdfest all about association ageism, opportunities for sincere engagement, and the generation shift in membership, and be sure to get your copy of MemberShift: Why Members Leave and the Strategies Proven to Bring Them Back here https://a.co/d/9XRG6t6

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Some say consulting is the dark side. We take offense! Elisa and Andrew are the good guys! Heck, we’re association superheroes and have been consulting and advising #nonprofits and #membership organizations for quite a while now. Today, we pull back the curtain to discuss, vent, tease, and explore the good and the bad of the consultant/client relationship. How do you get the most out of the engagement? Are there credentials for consultants? Who makes up the current field of consultants? Does your RFP communicate your needs? Join us for this “off the record” episode of Association Transformation.

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She makes change fun and elevates innovation. Join Elisa as she chats with a true association renaissance woman, Belinda Moore of Strategic Membership Solutions. Accept and adapt - We know associations have to fundamentally transform, given the incredible pace of change and the opportunities presented by technology, but Belinda reminds us that everything is interconnected! We preview the 2024 Associations Evolve Journal and chat a little AI. Don’t miss this #internationalconversation and meet #AssociationAnnie.

Get a free download of Belinda’s tongue-in-cheek look at the world of associations through cartoons. Association Annie – Herding Cats:https://smsonline.net.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Association-Annie-Full-Book-compiled.pdf

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What’s your “Happy Meal KPI”? Elisa and Andrew go on a quest and data treasure hunt with Marion Short, CEO of the International Association for Public Participation. Growing from 3,000 to 14,000 members in just six years, Marion shares the true power of data. By spotlighting the important data versus distracting data, your association can achieve growth, deliver value, and enable transformation.

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We admit it! We’re intimidated by all the digital possibilities presented by AI and automation, especially when it comes to composing the perfect newsletter. So Elisa and Andrew called in an expert for Episode 80 of Association Transformation. Erica Salm Rench, COO of rasa.io helps us navigate content curation best practices, personalization strategies, and ensuring reliable sources. This episode will bring you up to speed on the new normal for open rates, ways to save time building newsletters, and the realities of data decay. Now we get it!  

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From “Toxic Tech” to continuous performance improvement, Elisa visits with the tech doctor Troy Stenback, CAPIA, Director, Client Performance Improvement with Advanced Solutions International (ASI), the developers of iMIS. This episode of Association Transformation takes us on a search for tech health and forces us to face the truth - tech is usually only a small part of the problem we face. Most tech issues are due to your association's tech culture. Does your staff complain about or just not use the software and systems in place? Do you have duplicative programs because departments don’t communicate? Has anyone been recently trained on the tools you have? If these are symptoms you see, it may be time to look in the mirror. Stenback walks us through the journey to tech health and shares some great client best practices you can implement now to improve your #nonprofits tech culture!

Advanced Solutions International (ASI) is a leading global provider of cloud software and services for associations and non-profits. They help clients digitally transform, streamline operations, and grow revenue through industry expertise, best-practice advice, and high-quality solutions. Their portfolio of solutions includes iMIS for association and non-profit management, TopClass LMS for learning management, and OpenWater for application and review management. 

ASI helps people achieve great things through innovative solutions.

For more information visit imis.com/digitaltransformation.

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The band is back together as Andrew and Elisa chat with digital strategist and social learning expert Joanne Jacobs of Disruptor Co. After exploring “Why Most Webinars Suck” in Associations Evolve 2023, we discuss the future of online learning and tools to engage in a sincere and memorable way. Did you know that depth perception impacts memory, making it harder to remember the information we receive digitally? In this episode, we explore ways to make digital experiences dynamic, including recommended platforms, the power of cohorts, and “top and tailing” strategies. Dive in and share with us what’s working for you!

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Are you debating the pros and cons for sunsetting a program or an element of a program? It's not just a simple question of timing - you need to factor into your decision-making costs, financial impacts, reputational risks, resource implications, and of course, the age-old "sense of ownership" that underpins so many association endeavours. Andrew is joined by Dr Michael Tatonetti, CAE , founder of Pricing for Associations to discuss the key considerations you should explore when redefining your value proposition.

You can read Michael's Associations Evolve article here.

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For associations and other non-profits, one of the key issues is finding a balance between resources required and funds available. This week Andrew is joined by Julie Krieger, founder of Onsomble to explore the various options for optimising our human capital, from volunteering to outsourcing to in-house teams.

You can read Julie's Association's Evolve article here.

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Join hosts Elisa and Andrew as they dive into the world of association globalization with guest expert Sylvia Gonner from CultureWiz. In this eye-opening episode, Sylvia shares invaluable insights from ASAE's new Going Global Toolkit, discussing how associations can strategically expand their global reach. Learn about the five A's test for global appeal, the importance of developing a global mindset, and practical tips for overcoming cultural and logistical challenges. Whether you're considering international expansion or looking to refine your existing global strategy, this episode offers essential guidance for association leaders navigating the complexities of the global marketplace.

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People come together in associations to tackle a problem and make a difference, right? What is more urgent than climate change? Elizabeth Engel of Spark Consulting and Shelly Alcorn of Michelle Alcorn & Associates join Elisa and Association Transformation to help associations understand the impact of climate change on their operations, events, and membership. These powerhouse women unpack the economic impacts and encourage association executives not to wait for the board, but instead provide information and help volunteer leaderships to ask the hard questions about impact, sustainability, and value-based choices. It’s heavy, but we have fun! Don’t miss this timely and important conversation

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Is your association on the verge of a surge in participation? The king of association membership research, Tony Rossell, Senior VP of Marketing General Incorporated,  joins Association Transformation to discuss all things recruitment, retention, and member engagement! Without her trusty co-host, Elisa and Tony celebrate the power and potential of membership, affirming their shared belief that membership still works for associations! Check out episode 74 to learn more about ready, aim, fire strategies, and how to avoid analysis paralysis. Andrew – we missed you and the accent! 

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