The Association Podcast

On this episode of The Association Podcast, Monica Dillingham Pemberton, Vice President and CIO at the American Council on Education, joins the discussion! Monica shares her journey through the association industry, spanning 14 years, and highlights her experience from NACUBO to ACE. We touch on ACE's focus on higher education advocacy and Monica's extensive board involvement, particularly in STEM and women in technology. She emphasizes the importance of identifying and nurturing talent, inspired by her career experiences and mentors she has had along the way. We also cover topics like delegation, travel recommendations, and the importance of empathy and service in leadership. The episode concludes with a heartfelt mention of Loretta DeLuca's legacy in the association community.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we are joined by Mats Persson, CEO of Umbraco, one of the world's leading open-source content management systems. We hear about Mats' journey to becoming CEO, his past experiences in the software industry, and how they've shaped his vision for leading Umbraco. Mats discusses Umbraco's strategies for increasing brand recognition, particularly in the U.S. market, and the company's efforts to balance community-driven open source with commercial backing. We also reflect on the challenges and opportunities in educating people about open source and the importance of personalization in modern web solutions. Finally, we touch on scaling for growth, embracing simplicity in technology, and the role of AI in the future of content management.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we sit down with Christina Lewellen, MBA, CAE, CEO of the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS). Christina shares her journey from journalism to leading a fast-growing association, the power of starting with "yes," and why vendor partners should have a seat at the table. We also dive into the innovative ways ATLAS is driving efficiency, including a no-email policy and a four-day workweek, and how small staff associations can punch above their weight. Whether you're leading a large or small organization, this conversation is packed with insights on leadership, digital transformation, and creating real impact in the association world.Tune in to hear Christina's take on breaking traditional association norms, fostering collaboration, and why she believes in finding hidden talent in unexpected places.

On this episode of the Association Podcast, Karen Bernstein, Vice President of Learning and Development at the International Coaching Federation, sits down with us to discuss a variety of topics related to leadership, team building, and personal growth. We talk about how her experiences at summer camp helped shape her professional journey, including the importance of building confidence, fostering teamwork, integrating fun into work, and taking risks. Karen shares insights from her work with different age groups and emphasizes the value of authenticity and transparency in leadership. We also touch on balancing virtual work environments with team cohesion and the impact of personal experiences on professional development.

In the final The Association Podcast episode of 2024, we are thrilled to host Elena Dumitrascu, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer at Credivera. Join us as Elena shares her journey in the world of digital trust and innovations in credentialing. She dives deep into Credivera's mission of making digital credentials accessible, secure, and verifiable in real time. We also explore the adoption of digital solutions in the association world, their impact on healthcare and regulated industries, and Credivera's exciting growth phase. 

In this year-end episode of The Association Podcast, we reflect on the key events and accomplishments of 2024, including our first annual partner sponsor, record-breaking downloads, and live podcasting at ASAE. We discuss  practical AI applications, effective automation tools, and the importance of showing up for each other in the association community. We also take our own spins with Mabel and talk about the evolving role of the CIO, the benefits of fractional roles, and successful leadership techniques in managing up and down. Join us as we celebrate a remarkable year and look forward to the exciting possibilities that 2025 will bring!

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome special guest Walter Bond, former NBA basketball player, CEO, and National Speakers Association Hall of Fame keynote speaker. Walter shares his incredible journey from the NBA to becoming a successful motivational speaker. He provides valuable insights into the importance of associations in personal and professional growth, the power of networking, and the fundamentals of hosting a successful conference. We also discuss the role of support networks and how associations have played a pivotal role in his career. Listen for actionable advice and inspiration for anyone looking to achieve excellence in their field and the transformative power of associations.

On this episode of The Association Podcast we welcome on Mark Dorsey, FASAE, CAE, CEO of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). We explore Mark's transformative leadership journey from his early career in radio sales and ski instruction to becoming a pivotal figure in association leadership. We learn how Mark navigated challenges such as organizational restructuring and declining membership, leading to significant revenue growth and revitalization at CSI. Learn about the importance of accountability, strategic governance, innovation, and fostering community within associations. Through personal anecdotes, professional insights, and discussions on evolving industry dynamics, we get valuable lessons on effective leadership, embracing change, and the future of trade shows and customer engagement.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we sit down with industry leader Brittany Carter, President and CEO of CBIS and leader of Association TRENDS, CEO Update, and Bumblebee Data. Brittany shares her extensive journey in the industry and the innovative approaches of the organizations she leads. We also talk about non-dues revenue and the importance of listening and storytelling in the association space. Brittany highlights her efforts to foster a community for female CEOs and the significant role of technology in advancing associations. 

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome back Michael Hoffman, CEO of Gather Voices. We discuss the evolution of Gather Voices from a startup to a leader in the association market and hear about the technology company's developments, including AI tools and introducing new functionalities to increase member engagement through video content. Michael shares insights on change management, the importance of practice through the 'seven-day video challenge,' and how discomfort in leaders can affect overall adoption. They also explore the current trends and innovations in association events, the impact of COVID-19 on business operations, and the challenges CEOs face today. Tune in to discover practical tips for leveraging video content within associations and the significance of maintaining a forward-thinking mindset.

On this special live episode of The Association Podcast, recorded at the ASAE Conference in Cleveland, OH, we discuss various topics related to association technology, practical applications of AI, and the evolving landscape of customer experience. The episode features guest appearances from industry experts like Patrick Dorsey from Impexium and Molly Lee from Adage Technologies, who share their insights on the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in the sector. Hear about practical AI implementations, cybersecurity discussions, and the importance of vendor collaboration to elevate technology in the association community. 

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we sit down with the dynamic Tori Miller Liu, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CIP, President and CEO at AIIM International. We have a lively discussion featuring Tori's background and impressive career in associations, from marketing to technology leadership. We get insights into AIIM International's role in intelligent information management, the future of AI in information systems, and the challenges of managing unstructured data. Tori also shares her experiences as a CEO, including organizational strategies, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and simplifying processes for better efficiency.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome back Jose Segarra, Strategic Director & Senior Account executive at Bostrom and Co-founder of Association Latinos, along with Nicole from Dynamic Benchmarking. We get into the intricacies of benchmarking within associations, focusing on the collaborative work between Dynamic Benchmarking and Association Latinos. We learn about benchmarking and conducting studies in the association community to understand their members' needs. Jose shares insights into the Association Latinos' initiative to gather demographic data within associations, detailing their survey's development process and the valuable findings they hope to achieve. Whether you're an association leader or simply interested in data-driven insights, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to the power of benchmarking in the association market.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we have return visitor Mark Wallach, MBA, CEO Emeritus of Engagement Mobile Strategies. Mark, a prominent figure in the association market and an advocate for ALS awareness, shares insights on accessibility. Diagnosed with ALS in April 2021, Mark discusses his slower-than-average progression and the subsequent challenges. He talks about starting Engagement Mobile Strategies, a company offering mobile engagement consultations and other services, after reducing his full-time work commitment. Mark emphasizes the importance of accessibility in technology, websites, and events, citing its benefits for everyone, including those with disabilities. He also highlights events and efforts to raise ALS awareness. Tune in for an inspiring and informative discussion covering strategies for better accessibility and inclusivity in associations.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Morgan Roth, the Chief Marketing Officer of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Morgan shares her fascinating career journey from broadcasting to the nonprofit sector, emphasizing her personal connection to MDA's mission as she lives with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. The discussion highlights significant milestones, such as recent FAA legislation improving air travel accessibility for people with disabilities, the organization's comprehensive roles in research, multidisciplinary care, and advocacy, and their community outreach activities. We also touch on the importance of digital fluency, actionable data, and proactive decision-making in nonprofit leadership. Morgan shares her pride in MDA's achievements and her commitment to supporting and advancing the neuromuscular disease community.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Joanna Pineda, CEO and Chief Troublemaker at Matrix Group International. We discuss her entrepreneurial journey, web design fundamentals, and reflections on the association management industry. Our conversation spans from the significance of company culture and accountability to practical strategies for project management and maintaining work-life balance in a remote environment, all intertwined with the need for continuous learning, adapting to market needs, and fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace culture.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Ted Davis, Director of Digital Experience and Strategy at the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) and an adjunct at NYU. Ted shares his journey from working in lifestyle magazines and beauty to embracing Digital Transformation in the association market. We discuss the strategic shift towards a digital-first organization at NACD, the value of education through Ted's lens of teaching digital marketing at NYU and adapting to associations' unique pacing and culture. We also explore the importance of empathy in marketing, the transition from a commercial to an association mindset, and how associations can benefit from corporate practices without losing their community focus. Mabel gets us into a deeper discussion on the future of marketing and keeping things simple within organizations.

Discover the remarkable journey of Don Dea, a key figure in the association industry, as he shares experiences ranging from corporate leadership at Xerox to impactful contributions in nonprofits like America's Vet Dogs. We discuss his perspectives on governance, technology, leveraging volunteers, insights on Digital Now, educational empowerment, community engagement, and leadership wisdom.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we have special guest Justin Bieganek, Creative Director & Founder of Mercury Creative Group. We discuss the journey and strategic work involved in brand building and management, especially for associations. Justin shares his experiences building Mercury Creative Group and also shares insights into the value of developing a singular brand focus, the client-side perspective, decision-making issues, maintaining brand relevance, and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing brand design and communications. We also get into the contrast between working with for-profit and non-profit organizations.

On this episode of The Association Podcase, we welcome Christine Nogal, Chief Operations & Business Development Officer at the Arthroscopy Association of North America. We discuss her unconventional path from music to association management, AANA's Think Tank for innovation, and the successful implementation of a Netflix-style subscription model for AANA's online learning. We also talk about the importance of simplicity in user experience and decision-making, the value of team input, and the surprising diversity of their subscription model's user base. Special thanks to Lauren Janik from Impexium for stepping in for Gretchen as our guest host!www.impexium.com

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Rob Barnes, MBA, CAE, and the CEO of BettyBot. We discuss how his company's AI product enhances the accessibility and utility of knowledge repositories maintained by associations. We learn how BettyBot can ingest an entire knowledge base to provide precise, verified information to users instead of forcing them to navigate through traditional search results. We also get into the importance of associations considering their digital strategies, emphasizing how artificial intelligence technology allows for a more efficient, responsive service that addresses users' immediate needs. Finally, we touch on the changing paradigms in decision-making within associations and advocate for a user-based approach.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome seasoned venture capitalist, Tim McLoughlin, Managing Partner at Cofounders Capital to share his insights on software investment, particularly in the association market. We discuss the differences and resemblances between Private Equity (PE) and Venture Capital (VC). Tim explains the concept of 'fund size' and its implication in investment decisions and walks through his fundraising experience. We go on to address the surge in AI applications in business solutions and Tim's advice to entrepreneurs to focus on solving real-world problems and making a difference. Finally, we talk about trends in software procurement, investment cycles, and the importance of nurturing relationships.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome repeat guest, Patrick Dorsey, Senior VP of Marketing at Impexium. We explore the transforming landscape of association technology. Discussions range from Impexium's significant growth and the role of AI, to customer service, marketing, and the importance of good client relationships. We get some insights into the company's journey from a startup to a mature organization, its management of acquisitions and resources, and highlight the ways they anticipate client needs. www.impexium.com

On this episode of The Association Podcast, our own Ben Muscolino, CEO of Breezio and Founder & CEO of AssociationWire, which includes AMS Geek, Data Sangria, and other industry brands, joins other Association Podcasters and industry thought leaders to discuss each other's approach to their own association industry podcast, why they do it and much more. Stories of past episodes, past guests, and different podcast formats make this episode a little bit of a peak behind the mic of some of your favorite association industry podcasts and personalities. The episode is led by Dave Coriale, CAE and President at DelCor Technology Solutions, and joined by Dave Will, Co-Founder and CEO of PropFuel, Joanna Pineda, Founder, CEO and Chief Troublemaker at Matrix Group International and last but certainly not least, the “OG” of association podcasting, KiKi L'Italien, VP of Marketing & Community at Big Red M and Editor-In-Chief for the well-known brand, Association Chat.The Association Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-association-podcast/id1553363203            Ben Muscolino, CEO of Breezio and Founder & CEO of AssociationWire which includes AMS Geek, Data Sangria            www.breezio.comwww.associationwire.comAssociation Chat Podcast: 

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Alex Mouw, CAE, Principal Strategic Advisor at AWS for Nonprofits. We discuss Alex's background, getting into the association market when she was six years old and the work she is doing at AWS. After learning about the onboarding and interview process at Amazon, we chat about the challenges of siloed organizations and data in associations and how to best centralize data for better engagement. We also cover the importance of diversifying revenue in the association space, the impact of AI and machine learning, and the use of voice technology in exhibits. AWS for Nonprofitswww.aws.amazon.com/npoAWS IMAGINE Grant Programwww.aws.amazon.com/government-education/nonprofits/aws-imagine-grant-program    

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we talk with Rob Katchen, Senior Vice President of Information Technology at the American Academy of Pediatrics. We get Rob's perspective on the role of technology in associations, focusing on the continuous journey that is digital transformation. We discuss why he advocates for honesty and open communication with stakeholders, emphasizing trust and accountability. We also discuss his insights on the transition from the for-profit world to the non-profit world, how that shapes his role at the Academy and his expectations for vendors and partners.www.aap.orgwww.healthychildren.org

On this episode of The Association Podcast, Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D., a disability rights advocate and ADA compliance consultant, shares her insights on creating accessible environments. She discusses her work in disability inclusion, her experiences consulting on ADA compliance for large tradeshows, and the importance of attention to detail in planning accessible events. We also talk about the balance between security and usability in design, the significance of seemingly simple things like ramps, and the need for respectful language when interacting with individuals with disabilities. Rosemarie's Website with Free Resourceswww.rosemariespeaks.comUniversal Design Laboratorywww.udll.com

On this episode of The Association Podcast, Co-founder and CEO of PropFuel, Dave Will, joins us to discuss enhancing association communication by listening to member needs and personalizing messaging. We highlight the importance of understanding member needs and expectations and the value of data collection in achieving this. The conversation also covers the challenges associations face in utilizing data and the role of automation. We also debate the complexity of associations, the importance of user experience, and the potential for associations to learn from other industries. 

On this episode of The Association Podcast, Angela Mell, Senior Director of Communications and Education at the Louisiana Credit Union League, shares her journey in the credit union space, the transition from Google Groups to a new community platform, and the challenges faced in adopting new technology. We also discuss the importance of listening to member needs, prioritizing technology initiatives, and delegating responsibilities. 

The Association Podcast welcomes Wes Trochlil back to the show for a great conversation about holes in the association market. In part 2 of this conversation, we discuss the integration and fundraising challenges associations have. We look at difficulties in justifying investments in expensive technology for small fundraising efforts, the risks of straying from an association's mission, and the importance of integrating systems for efficient data management. We also get into topics such as credentialing, certifications, ecommerce, membership engines, and communication tools within associations. 

The Association Podcast welcomes back Wes Trochlil to the show for a great conversation about holes in the association market. We get into the importance of training and ongoing professional development in the association industry and the challenges of implementing new software. We also discuss the effectiveness of the "train the trainer" model, the importance of continuous improvement and investment in software systems, and the concept of "guardrails" in project management and budgeting, emphasizing the need for clear boundaries and effective communication.  

Jake, Ben, and Gretchen discuss their experiences at ASAE Annual 2023 on this episode of The Association Podcast. We discuss the shift in focus from socializing to networking with prospects and customers and share our personal highlights and challenges from the conference, including the importance of creating a welcoming environment for new attendees. We also get into the evolving nature of the industry and the impact of new technologies, particularly AI. 

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we have Matthew Montoya, Senior Channel Marketing and Enablement Manager at Constant Contact. Matthew shares his background and how he got involved with Constant Contact through the association space and discusses the evolution of email marketing, including the use of generative AI. We talk about the importance of personalizing content and leveraging generative AI, particularly for smaller staff organizations, and discuss the value of relevancy in email marketing and the potential revenue tied to each contact. 

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we have an interview with Economist, Consultant, and Senior Contributor at Forbes, Bill Conerly, who has written about the impact of a recession on associations and trade shows. We discuss the challenges associations face in predicting revenue and staying in touch with members, particularly those who are not regular attendees. We also get into the importance of cultivating data around members and staying in touch with them to understand their business needs and potential impact on revenue. Our conversation also covers the potential impact of a recession on membership in associations, programming, AI, and hybrid events.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Ron Mark Moen, CIO of the American Society for Clinical Pathology. We discuss the role of CIOs in the association market, the qualities that make a good CIO, and how to bridge the gap between technical teams and the business side of an organization. We also get into the challenges of adopting new technology, the importance of empathy and expertise in serving customers, and the importance of feedback, integrity, and transparency in building high-performing teams.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, governance expert Jeff De Cagna discusses the need for association boards to become more active and intentional in guiding their organizations into the future. We discuss the flaws in the current system of association boards and the need for them to adapt to changing circumstances. The conversation also touches on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on board decision-making and the introduction of generative AI into the system. Jeff emphasizes the importance of having a thoughtful conversation about the implications of technology use in associations and staying objective when exploring new technologies. Check out the links below for more from Jeff!Jeff's Articles on AuthoryJeff's LinkedIn ProfileJeff's April 4 Open Letter on Generative AIRegister for Jeff's May 10 session on Generative AI (Association staff only)

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Dave Caruso, Co-Founder, President, and CRO of HighRoad Solution, to hear about his background and the evolution of HighRoad from an email marketing provider to their current focus on marketing automation strategy and integrations. We discuss the importance of channel strategy, building integrations and partnerships with other companies in the industry, and the need for companies to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and trends to provide the best possible experience for their customers. We also touch on the concerns surrounding the rapid adoption of AI and the importance of human intervention in its use.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Colby Horton and Frank Humada from Association Briefings to discuss how your association can use podcasts to reach their specific audience segments. Colby and Frank share tips for creating a great podcast for your association to spread industry expertise and reach emerging professionals to help them learn and engage with your organization.www.associationbriefings.com 

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Tom Lyons, CIO of the American Society for Microbiology. We dive into the topic of leveraging investments in technology to drive organizational growth and success. Tom shares insights on how to use systems in a usable way, personalize experiences and increase engagement while still using data responsibly. We also discuss the AMS as the system of record and the importance of ensuring that it talks to other systems in a seamless manner to avoid silos. We also discuss the role of the CIO and how they can help organizations navigate data governance and make better use of technology to build a strong organizational culture.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Jenna Goins, MS, MBA, CAE, Director of Membership & Marketing at NACUFS, to discuss all things member experience. We dive into the importance of member onboarding, the nuances between trade and professional organizations, and how leaders can align their technologies to support member onboarding, engagement, and retention. We also discuss the challenges organizations face when it comes to engaging at-risk members and the strategies that have been successful in keeping them connected.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Chris Gloede, Chief Consultant at Ricochet. We dive into the topic of associations catching up with the latest technology and how they can stay ahead of the curve. We'll discuss the potential of using advanced language models like ChatGPT to enhance member engagement and streamline operations. We also cover strategies for securing budget from your board of directors and adjusting your technology roadmap to align with your organization's goals. https://ricochetadvice.com/ 

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome on the founders of Association Latinos! We discuss their journey from an Association Forum Conversation Circle to a registered non-profit organization that has been growing and thriving through the efforts of dedicated volunteers.From the beginning, Association Latinos has fostered a close-knit community where everyone is there to support and lift each other up. The group is also dedicated to advocating for the underrepresented LatinX community in the association space, providing resources to help their community grow and succeed in their careers. With the growing trend of non-profits popping up to support underrepresented groups in the association space, Association Latinos is leading the charge in creating a more inclusive and diverse industry.Join us as we dive deeper into the story of Association Latinos and learn about the power of friendship, trust, and community in driving success. Follow their LinkedIn page and help them reach their goal of 1,000 followers by the end of 2022!https://www.linkedin.com/company/association-latinos/ 

Thad Lurie, CAE, CIP, Chief Information and Engagement Officer at ISPOR, joins The Association Podcast to share his perspectives as a current association executive and former consultant on the role of the association CIO today and in the future. We get into approaches for budgeting projects, hiring, and different organizational personalities.

Brendan Wilson, International Marketing Program Manager at the Food Export Association of the Midwest joins The Association Podcast to talk about connecting members and constituents worldwide by segmenting their customer journeys,  match-making at events, and fulfilling their mission to help small businesses grow.

Norma Castrejon, CAE, joins us on TAP for an awesome conversation about her experiences as an association professional in IT and project management and what she's now doing as a Senior Consultant at DelCor.  We also hear the inspiring story of how she and others founded the non-profit, Association Latinos, to advance the Latino presence in associations. https://www.associationlatinos.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/association-latinos/  

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome our new resident co-host, Gretchen Steenstra of Delcor Solutions! We introduce a couple of new segments including a "spin the wheel" where we explore topics and experiences in the association market.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we are excited to be joined by Amber Winter, CEO of Web Courseworks.  Amber was recently promoted to CEO so we get to hear about that, what the current and future state of online learning looks like, and how Web Courseworks is innovating by looking at the corporate space and using AI and machine learning to make things easier for users.www.webcourseworks.com

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we're talking about brand messaging. We welcome Mark Hayes, Vice President of Communications from the Farm Credit Council. Despite being a small staff, Farm Credit Council is amazing at leveraging its communication and social channels to deliver targeted messaging to specific, intended audiences. We get to hear about how they differentiate themselves from similar organizations and how their members are the key to the authentic brand story when delivering targeted communications.

It is ASAE Annual week! We are so lucky to welcome Debra Zabloudil, Vice President of Learning at ASAE, to fill us in on the much anticipated Annual Meeting and ASAE learning initiatives moving into 2023.  We talk about what to expect this year, some of the things event planners have to consider in this post-Covid era of in-person events, and how ASAE has adapted its content to meet the needs of members and attendees after learning so much over the past couple of years.www.associationbriefings.com/podcasts

We are back from summer vacation, and we have a fantastic guest on TAP.  Sue Bertrand, former Deputy Executive Director & COO at Illinois Association of School Business Officials, joins The Association Podcast to talk about personas, marketing automation, and developing an atmosphere at your organization.

One of the best and most inspiring discussions we've had, to date. Chris Busky, CAE, CEO of the Infectious Diseases Society of America talks to us about a view from the front lines of the COVID 19 pandemic. We hear about how his staff's tireless effort and incredible collaboration with their members saved many lives.  Talk to our friends at Association Briefings to get started with your association's podcast!  Visit www.associationbriefings.com/podcasts!