Engaging in the Next

Ep 39 - Branding with Heart: Guiding Associations with Vision and Values

In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting two inspiring leaders in the association world—Ellen and Walter Kim, the husband-and-wife team behind GRAPHEK, a creative agency dedicated to serving mission-driven organizations. In this episode, Ellen and Walter share their journey of building a firm rooted in purpose, collaboration, and community impact. We explore the powerful role of intentional design in advancing an organization’s mission, the difference between a brand refresh and a full rebrand, and why strategic creativity is key to long-term success. The Kims also offer insight into how they balance their professional and personal partnership, the importance of stakeholder engagement, and the emotional, human-centered approach that drives their work. It's a thoughtful conversation about branding, purpose, and the people at the heart of every mission.

Ep 38 - The Assistant Will See You Now: AI's Role in Smarter Member Engagement

In this episode, we chat with Rob Barnes and Johanna Byrne from Betty.ai, a company that’s built an AI platform tailored specifically for associations. They explore how associations can strategically harness AI to boost efficiency, strengthen member engagement, and unlock the full value of their institutional knowledge. From advocacy wins to smarter certification support, Rob and Johanna share real-world examples of how Betty.ai is making an impact. We also dive into common roadblocks to AI adoption—and why waiting to act could leave associations behind.

Ep 37 - Knives Out: Cutting Through Tax Reform in the Association Space

In this episode, we sit down with Jarrod A. Clabaugh, CAE, president and CEO of the Ohio Society of Association Professionals, to unpack the complex world of tax reform and what it means for associations. Jarrod shares his nonprofit journey and offers a candid look at the challenges small and mid-sized associations are facing as proposed tax changes loom. We dive into the potential impact of legislation like HR 9495, the importance of UBIT compliance, and why now is a critical time for associations to step up their advocacy efforts. From policy fly-ins to practical steps leaders can take today, Jarrod brings clarity and urgency to an issue that deserves every association’s attention.

Ep 36 - March Madness: Full-Court Leadership in the Association Space

In this episode, we talk with Shasta Foy, executive director of the Association for Christian Fundraising, about her dedication to making a meaningful impact through association work. She shares insights from her career journey, including the challenges she navigated while earning her CAE credential. Shasta also discusses the vital role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in associations and offers a personal perspective on mentoring the next generation—including her own daughter—into the association space. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, growth, and the power of lifting others up.

Ep 35 - A Membership Love Story: Valuing Human-to-Human Connections

In this episode, we sit down with Ginger Johnson, a dynamic speaker and champion of human connection, to explore the power of relationships in associations. Ginger shares her journey across various professions and how it led her to advocate for deeper, more purposeful connections. She discusses why retention matters more than recruitment, the role of storytelling and fun in building strong associations, and practical tips for hosting events that leave a lasting impact. Plus, she offers strategies for keeping members engaged long after the event ends.

Ep 34 - Don't 'Waste' New Opportunities: Rethinking NDR Strategies

In this episode, we chat with Amy Burke, MA, FASAE, CAE, executive director and CEO of the Solid Waste Association of North America (SWANA), about effective non-dues revenue strategies. Amy shares insights on aligning revenue initiatives with an association's mission and vision, leveraging successful partnerships, and creating impactful sponsorship opportunities. She also highlights innovative approaches, such as incorporating unique event activities and staying ahead of industry trends. Additionally, Amy discusses SWANA’s revamped and rebranded event and the new non-dues revenue opportunities it has unlocked.

Ep 33 - Unwrapping Non-Dues Revenue Success

In this episode, we sit down with John Bacon, MBA, Vice President of Enterprise Sales at the American Society of Association Executives, to explore the art and science of growing non-dues revenue. John shares insights from his career journey in the association space, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation, and leveraging both internal and external stakeholders to create impactful solutions. He discusses the evolving role of sponsorships and partnerships beyond logo placement, strategies for small associations to monetize existing resources, the critical balance between revenue growth and delivering member value, and why “doing simple better” is the foundation for success.

Ep 32 - 'Big Foot'prints: How Associations Are Becoming More Sustainable

In this episode, we talk with Elizabeth Weaver Engel, M.A., CAE, chief strategist at Spark Consulting, about why it's crucial for associations to take action on climate change and sustainability. Elizabeth highlights the importance of measuring and actively reducing carbon footprints, urging associations to move beyond relying on carbon offsets. She shares examples of innovative practices within the association space and encourages organizations to set small, attainable goals while leveraging their collective power to advocate for impactful environmental policy changes.
 
Show notes
Download Engel's whitepaper "The Time Is Now: Association Resilience andAdaptation and the Anthropocene Climate Disruption" here: https://associationclimateactioncoalition.com/#a7ae98d1-c60d-498b-a24a-ffba1d37c821

Ep 31 - Balance of Power: The Magic of Multi-Channel Communication

In this episode, we chat with Debbie Stadtler, CAE, Editor-in-Chief at the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living, about the evolution of print publications in a multi-channel communications strategy. Debbie highlights how storytelling plays a pivotal role in building trust and member engagement while discussing the ongoing balance between print and digital media and the enduring value of print publications in the association space.

Ep 30 - A Front Row Seat to Networking

In this episode, we chat with Sharon Pare, senior partnership program manager at HighRoad Solutions, about the power of networking at association conferences. Sharon emphasizes the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone to build meaningful relationships and highlights how conferences offer more than just professional development—they’re a gateway to valuable connections and growth opportunities. She also shares tips on maximizing your experience at the ASAE Annual Conference, from prioritizing sessions to making the most of networking and after-hours events.