100th Episode Special: Reflecting on 5 Years of Association Insights

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Laura Sparks, Director of Marketing and Communications at the American Society of Appraisers. We dive into Laura’s journey into the association space, exploring her eclectic background and approach to marketing and leadership. We also discuss the importance of member engagement, the integration of AI in association marketing, and the critical role of content quality. Laura highlights the significance of marketing’s seat at the table and the need for collaborative planning to enhance member experiences and drive growth. Additionally, we explore volunteer engagement strategies and the value of feedback in refining marketing efforts. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:37 Rapid Fire Questions 02:23 Laura's Journey into Associations 05:40 Marketing and Sales Synergy 05:56 Content Marketing and AI 08:59 Tagging and Data Management 15:50 Member Experience and Feedback 26:01 The Role of Marketing in Associations 27:58 Marketing vs. Promotion: Understanding the Difference 29:55 The Importance of Marketing's Seat at the Table31:02 Gender Dynamics in Marketing 32:29 Engaging Volunteers Effectively 35:28 Marketing Volunteer Opportunities 38:16 The Challenges of Committee Work 43:49 Planning and Ideation in Marketing 50:24 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Welcome to the 100th episode of The Association Podcast! We reflect on the evolution of topics and themes over the past five years, discuss our key takeaways, and acknowledge many of our influential guests. We cover themes like leadership and governance, digital strategy, data and analytics, culture, marketing and brand, community and engagement, education and learning, DEI, association strategy, and the impact of AI. You'll hear our personal anecdotes, audience insights, and future predictions.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome repeat guest Jeff De Cagna, AIMP, FRSA, FASAE, and Executive Advisor at Foresight First LLC,  for a deep dive into the challenges and considerations involving AI and association boards. We discuss the Future of Association Boards (FAB) Report, which De Cagna curated and edited, touching on the importance of creating a better future for association boards. Jeff stresses the need for ethical reflection in adopting AI, the concept of stewardship over traditional leadership, and fostering humanity within organizational purposes. The conversation also covers practical approaches for boards, board readiness, and actions association leaders can take to effectively navigate the evolving landscape.FAB Report

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome back Alex Mouw, Principal Strategic Advisor at AWS for Nonprofits. Highlighting the importance of strategic alignment and the value of diverse stakeholder involvement, Alex provides insightful guidance on implementing AI solutions sustainably and effectively. The discussion touches on the evolving role of technology in nonprofits, the necessity of a culture that supports experimentation, and how to decide between building or buying technology solutions. We also discuss the Imagine Grant, AWS resources for nonprofit organizations, and what skills are essential for today's tech landscape. 

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Jessica Irizarry, Component Relations Director at Shriners International, for an insightful discussion about association management and member engagement. Jessica shares her journey into the association sector, highlighting the importance of adaptability, volunteer management, and the evolving concept of 'components' in associations. The discussion explores the challenges and strategies for engaging multi-generational members, the role of technology in creating impactful work environments, and the importance of recognizing member contributions. Jessica also offers perspectives on giving constructive feedback, leveraging personal interests for better work-life balance, and staying intentional about recognizing and valuing volunteer efforts. 

On this special edition of The Association Podcast, Artesha Moore, FASAE, CAE, CEO of Association Forum, joins us live from Chicago. Moore shares her journey of leading Forum since 2022, from her early days in not-for-profit sectors and association management to successfully integrating AI and technology in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. From discussing her keynote at AWTC Advance to her philosophy on community and mentorship, this episode highlights her disruptive approach to leadership, her focus on empowerment, and her vision for the future of associations. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on leveraging technology to advance and foster meaningful connections within the association community.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Justin Scott, PhD, CAE, and Vice President of Innovation and Analytics at the Metal Service Center Institute. Get ready for an in-depth discussion about the nuanced differences between data-driven and data-informed decision-making approaches, and the pivotal role of clear communication and collaboration in making data-driven decisions. Justin shares valuable insights from his experience, including the transition from a think tank to the association world and the importance of community and shared knowledge within the association industry.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Alex Skinner, CEO of Pixl8 Group, ReadyMembership, and ReadyIntelligence. Alex shares his journey from founding Pixl8 to becoming a key player in the association space. He discusses the evolution of his company, growth strategies, and the critical role of user experience in developing digital platforms. We discuss the integration of AI in workflows, the importance of not using AI when simpler tools can suffice, and the ethical considerations of AI applications. He also offers insights on navigating complex projects, balancing innovation with practicality, and fostering partnerships in the US and UK markets. www.pixl8.comwww.readymembership.comwww.readyintelligence.com

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome back Bill Conerly, a senior contributor at Forbes, speaker, writer, and consultant. We discuss economic outlooks, the impact of AI on the labor market, workforce demographics, and the effects of mergers and acquisitions on associations and their members. Bill also highlights the Federal Reserve's recent actions on interest rates and the importance of flexible, adaptive strategies for navigating economic uncertainties.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we're joined by Wade Tetsuka, President of US Transactions Corp, and Kate Coffey-Bacon, SVP of Marketing and Strategy. We hear about Wade's journey from CPA to founding US Transactions Corp, and Kate's innovative marketing strategies. We discuss the significance of creating a community through educational programs like UST Education, offering free webinars and thought leadership opportunities. We also get into the evolution of professional education, marketing trends like microlearning and video content, and the impact of social media, especially the integration of Instagram indexing by Google. Finally, we explore the complexities that associations face with payment processing and the importance of maintaining flexibility and choice in payment providers.