In this insightful session, Christina Lewellen, MBA, CAE, Executive Director of ATLIS, and Lindsay Currie, Executive Officer of the Council on Undergraduate Research, share their proven strategies for organizing successful, high-impact events. Designed for both solo staff and teams of all sizes, this presentation dives into best practices that foster community, engage members, and create lasting value.

What You'll Learn:
- Real-world success stories showcasing impactful events
- Strategies to overcome challenges and maximize resources
- Insights on collaboration and team synergy
- Practical ideas for boosting member engagement and creating meaningful experiences

Discover actionable insights to elevate your organization’s gatherings and deliver unparalleled value to your members.

#AssociationLeadership #EventStrategies #MemberEngagement #NonprofitSuccess

Host and Founder: Lowell Aplebaum - CEO & Strategy Catalyst at Vista Cova 
Producer and Operations: Amy Hager - Strategy Advisor at Vista Cova
Video and Audio Editing: Savannah Bragg
Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

In this video, Matt Gruhn - President of the Marine Retailers Association, and Lowell Aplebaum - CEO & Strategy Catalyst at Vista Cova, dive into a straightforward approach to enhancing member engagement by focusing on what truly matters: building better relationships. Discover how a few simple changes can lead to stronger connections and greater satisfaction among your members.

Key Highlights:

Ease of Implementation: Learn how small, easy-to-implement strategies can make a big difference in how your members feel connected to your organization.
Fostering Genuine Connections: Explore methods that prioritize meaningful interactions, helping you create deeper, more authentic relationships with your members.
Success Stories: Hear how these simple strategies have helped organizations strengthen their bonds with members, leading to increased loyalty and engagement.
Why Watch? If you’re looking for practical ways to enhance member relationships and boost engagement, this video offers valuable insights that are both easy to implement and highly effective.


Host and Founder: Lowell Aplebaum - CEO & Strategy Catalyst at Vista Cova
Producer and Operations: Amy Hager - Strategy Advisor at Vista Cova
Video and Audio Editing: Savannah Bragg
Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

We have turned the tables and our host, Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF is in the guest seat today.

Rita Chen Fujisawa, MBA, CAE is the Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer at the California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF). As the Executive Vice President/Chief Operating Officer, she oversees day-to-day administrative activities, operations, and management of the association.

Rita has spent 20+ years in the association industry and is an active member of both the American Society of Association Executives
(ASAE) and the California Society of Association Executives.


Host and Founder: Lowell Aplebaum - CEO & Strategy Catalyst at Vista Cova
Producer and Operations: Amy Hager - Strategy Advisor at Vista Cova
Video and Audio Editing: Savannah Bragg
Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

Samyuktha Neeraja, MPH, CAE, has been working in the association
industry for over 8 years. Currently, she is the State Association Relations Manager II at the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology. In this role, Samyuktha offers consulting services to state associations and helps them with their governance, leadership, and infrastructure-
related needs.

Outside of her leadership and advocacy efforts, Samyuktha is a recipient of the 2023 Rising Star Alumni Award from Benedictine University, the Association Forum Forty Under 40 Award in 2021, and is an ASAE Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP) Scholar for the Class of 2023-2025.


Host and Founder: Lowell Aplebaum - CEO & Strategy Catalyst at Vista Cova
Producer and Operations: Amy Hager - Strategy Advisor at Vista Cova
Video and Audio Editing: Savannah Bragg
Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

Joanna Pineda is the CEO of Matrix Group, which she founded in 1999. In addition to Matrix Group, Joana has led the company to develop MatrixMaxx, a web-based Association Management Software, and BeSpeake, a virtual meeting platform

Before becoming CEO of Matrix Group, Joana was President of Business Information Network after receiving her Master's from Johns Hopkins University.

Host and Founder: Lowell Aplebaum - CEO & Strategy Catalyst at Vista Cova
Producer and Operations: Amy Hager - Strategy Advisor at Vista Cova
Video and Audio Editing: Savannah Bragg
Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

Hester Ndoja, CAE joined the Florida Society of Association Executives in January 2008 and recently, she was named President and CEO in February 2024.  Hester has gained experience in just about every area of association management while at FSAE and earned the Certified Association Executive designation (CAE) in 2009. Hester has a passion for salesmanship and discusses the significance of attentive listening and its transformative impact on her professional trajectory. She believes that the key to selling lies in the art of listening intently, empathetically grasping the needs of the customer, and fostering personalized connections to cultivate lasting relationships.

Host and Founder: Lowell Aplebaum - CEO & Strategy Catalyst at Vista Cova 
Producer and Operations: Amy Hager - Strategy Advisor at Vista Cova
Video and Audio Editing: Savannah Bragg
Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

Jeff De Cagna AIMP FRSA FASAE is an executive advisor for Foresight First LLC in Reston, Virginia, and an association contrarian, foresight practitioner, governing designer, stakeholder/successor advocate, and stewardship catalyst. Jeff shares the importance of intentional learning and challenging your orthodoxy in creating success for the future of your association.

Host and Founder: Lowell Aplebaum - CEO & Strategy Catalyst at Vista Cova 
Producer and Operations: Amy Hager - Strategy Advisor at Vista Cova
Video and Audio Editing: Savannah Bragg
Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

Kayla Waller is President / CEO at the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce. She was appointed CEO a year and a half after graduating from Virginia Tech. Kayla shares her experience as a younger CEO and how they have overcome technology challenges and tough conversations in her time at the Chamber. 

Host and Founder: Lowell Aplebaum - CEO & Strategy Catalyst at Vista Cova 
Producer and Operations: Amy Hager - Strategy Advisor at Vista Cova
Video and Audio Editing: Savannah Bragg
Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song...
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/b...

Listen in as Lowell M. Aplebaum interviews a panel of Association Rockstars from the 2023 season as they reflect on the past year and look forward to 2024. 

Host and Founder: Lowell Aplebaum - CEO & Strategy Catalyst at Vista Cova 

Producer and Operations: Amy Hager - Strategy Advisor at Vista Cova
Video and Audio Editing: Kaelyn Sanders

Music: Slow Burn by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4372-slow-burn

License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/