What does it take to become a homebrewer? Is it complicated, expensive, or time-consuming? How can an association thrive by making a bold move towards independence?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Julia Herz, Executive Director of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA). Julia discusses:

• How the American Homebrewers Association has been representing homebrewers since 1978 and played a crucial role in birthing the craft beer movement.
• The association’s membership base, which consists mostly of individual hobbyist brewers but also includes supplier partners.
• The accessibility of homebrewing: if you can make soup or bake bread, you can brew beer!
• The AHA’s transition to becoming an independent organization in 2025, incorporating in Colorado and working towards 501(c)(3) status.
• The strategic reasons for independence, including the need for dedicated staff and resources focused solely on homebrewing interests.
• The worldwide reach of homebrewing and how AHA supports homebrewers globally.
• The factors behind the large number of craft breweries in states like California, Colorado, and Pennsylvania.
• The importance of storytelling for the craft of homebrewing and how the AHA plays a vital role in promoting the hobby.
• AHA’s resources, including a database of over 1,400 homebrew recipes and the publication Zymergy Magazine.
• The association’s event strategy, including National Homebrew Day, Learn to Homebrew Day, and plans to bring back an in-person annual conference in 2026.

References:

• AHA website
• AHA’s Sense of Beer Style Podcast

What does it take to lead an association that represents thousands of architects in one of the largest economies in the world? How do you balance tradition with innovation in an industry that values tradition and longstanding practices?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Jennifer Briggs, EVP & CEO, of the Texas Society of Architects (TxA). Jennifer discusses:

• How TxA represents 8,000 architects across Texas, making it the third-largest component of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
• The three-tiered membership structure of AIA, which requires architects to be members at the local, state, and national levels.
• The importance of advocacy in protecting the licensing process and ensuring TxA is involved in key projects affecting public health, safety, and welfare.
• How TxA revamped its leadership development and nomination process to cast a wider net and better identify future leaders.
• The redesign of Texas Architect magazine after a decade, balancing bold new design with respect for the profession’s rich traditions.
• TxA’s partnership with the TV series "America by Design", which showcases architecture projects and highlights innovative products used by architects.
• The shift in Architect Day at the Capitol, expanding the event to better prepare members for meetings with legislators and provide valuable networking opportunities.
• The misguided perception of architecture as a luxury profession, and how TxA works to change that narrative by highlighting the everyday work of architects in designing schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
• Jennifer’s passion for change management, why she embraces it, and how she has implemented it throughout her career.
• The experience of transitioning from leading an accounting association to leading an architecture association, and her advice for other executives making similar industry jumps.

References:

• TxA Website
• America ByDesign: Architecture

How do we ensure that healthcare is accessible, effective, efficient, and affordable for all? How can a professional society shape global health policy while advancing scientific research?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Rob Abbott, CEO of ISPOR. Rob discusses:

• ISPOR’s role as the professional society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR), with a global reach spanning over 100 countries and 20,000 members.
• How ISPOR is a multi-stakeholder society that includes clinicians, researchers, policymakers, industry professionals, and investors, creating a broad and impactful membership base.
• The importance of health economics and outcomes research in informing healthcare policy and improving patient outcomes worldwide.
• ISPOR’s recent rebranding from the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research to ISPOR – The Professional Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research, making the organization more inclusive of healthcare professionals.
• The launch of ISPOR’s 2030 strategic plan, which features a bold vision for a world where healthcare is accessible, effective, efficient, and affordable for all.
• How ISPOR is shifting from primarily curating scientific research to actively engaging in health policy discussions and advocating for evidence-based decision-making.
• The upcoming launch of ISPOR’s Institute for Global Health in 2025, which will focus on emerging healthcare challenges and horizon scanning for high-impact policy interventions.
• How ISPOR is strengthening its global chapters and partnerships to ensure local expertise informs global policy.
• The evolution of ISPOR’s conferences, including record-breaking attendance and new events in Asia and Latin America to expand engagement in underserved regions.
• How ISPOR is working to redefine the concept of ‘value’ in healthcare, incorporating social determinants of health and a more holistic approach to decision-making.

References:

• ISPOR Website

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What role do state archives play in preserving history, ensuring government accountability, and providing vital records for the public? How can an association shift from an exclusive membership model to an inclusive, trade-based organization?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Joy Banks, Executive Director of the Council of State Archivists (CoSA). Joy discusses:

• What CoSA is and how it supports state and territorial government archives across the country.
• The role of state archivists in preserving government records and ensuring public access to critical historical and legal documents.
• The types of records that state archives manage, including gubernatorial documents, legislative records, judicial rulings, birth and death certificates, and even National Guard records.
• The increasing importance of digital records, retention policies, and the challenges of electronic archiving.
• How state archives ensure government transparency, aid disaster recovery efforts, and help with legal claims.
• The relationship between state archives and the National Archives, including jurisdictional negotiations over historical records.
• CoSA’s transformation from an exclusive 56-member professional organization to a trade association representing entire state archives institutions.
• How CoSA adapted its membership model to sustain the organization’s future, ensure knowledge transfer, and engage a wider professional audience.
• The shift in how CoSA supports its members, including launching a new membership platform to facilitate professional networking and discussions.
• The reimagining of CoSA’s in-person meetings, moving from co-located events to independent, immersive conferences that foster deeper engagement among members.

References:

• CoSA Website

How does a community health center support its patients beyond medical care? In times of crisis, communities rely on trusted institutions to provide essential services. But how can an association or nonprofit ensure they are prepared to meet the vast and varied needs of their members?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Eloisa Perard, President and CEO of Gracelight Community Health. Eloisa discusses:

• How Gracelight is a federally qualified community health center serving over 24,000 underserved, uninsured, and low-income patients in Los Angeles.
• The role of community health centers in providing care regardless of ability to pay or immigration status.
• The devastating impact of wildfires on their community and how Gracelight responded with a fire relief fund, mobile support units, and essential supplies like food, water, and masks.
• How their mobile health program ensures access to care, even for displaced individuals.
• The importance of community partnerships with food banks, shelters, and utility assistance programs to create a safety net for patients.
• Gracelight’s comprehensive care approach, including primary care, pediatrics, dentistry, optometry, OB-GYN, and pharmacy services—all within the same facility.
• The role of care coordinators in ensuring seamless, holistic healthcare and avoiding duplicate tests or unnecessary procedures.
• The expansion of Gracelight with a new health center in East Hollywood, funded through a capital campaign.
• How they address the challenges of homelessness and substance use disorders in Los Angeles, meeting people where they are to provide care and resources.
• The importance of proactive community outreach, including education campaigns, food demonstrations, and working with school officials to promote preventive care.

• Gracelight Community Health Website

How can we ensure that behavioral health is fully integrated into overall healthcare? How can associations lead the way in advocating for better mental health and substance use disorder policies?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Debbie Witchey, CEO of the Association for Behavioral Health and Wellness (ABHW). Debbie discusses:

• How ABHW represents health plans that provide behavioral health and substance use disorder benefits to over 200 million Americans.
• The disparities in behavioral health coverage across different health plans and why some plans choose not to offer these benefits.
• The need for better data and outcomes measurement in behavioral health programs to ensure effectiveness.
• The challenges in data sharing and interoperability, particularly due to the exclusion of behavioral health providers from federal electronic health record initiatives.
• The importance of the Mental Health Parity law and why implementation has been challenging over multiple administrations.
• The role of primary care physicians in behavioral health, as most patients first seek mental health treatment through their primary care doctors.
• ABHW’s advocacy efforts, including priorities like telehealth flexibility, workforce expansion, and improving access to coordinated care.
• The Behavioral Health 101 initiative to educate policymakers and ensure informed decision-making in Congress.
• Debbie’s top goals for 2025, including advancing coordinated care, advocating for value-based behavioral healthcare, and ensuring ABHW remains a thought leader in the field.

References:

• ABHW Website

How does an industry association create a tradeshow that transforms the industry? What does it take to balance the needs of large corporations and small family businesses within the same membership?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Larry Graham, former president of the National Confectioners Association (NCA). Larry discusses:

• How NCA represents about 500 candy companies, as well as brokers, machinery companies, and ingredient suppliers.
• The association’s history, dating back to 1884, and its move to Washington, DC, during the 1960s to better advocate for industry interests.
• The growth of NCA’s tradeshow, from a modest beginning to becoming a major industry event now known as the Sweets & Snacks Expo.
• How NCA’s tradeshow helped shape the U.S. candy market and attract international exhibitors.
• How "candy" is defined in the industry as chocolate, gum, and mints.
• NCA’s advocacy efforts, including challenges around sugar and health, child labor in cocoa farming in Africa, and food labeling regulations.
• How candy remains a recession-resistant industry due to its affordability and association with celebrations and indulgences.
• NCA’s role in promoting candy as an occasional treat and combating negative perceptions around sugar.
• Larry’s pride in fostering a strong team and mentoring future association executives, with several former staff members now leading major trade organizations.
• The creation of NCA’s in-office candy store, which delighted visitors and served as a fun and effective promotional tool.

Resources:

• NCA Website

International conferences are back and they’re bigger and better than ever! What do conferences and tradeshows of the future look like?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Sven Bossu, CEO, of the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC). Sven discusses:

• How AIPC represents 200 convention centers across 60 countries.
• AIPC’s membership growth in Africa, India, and Southeast Asia, which is driven by economic expansion and changing market dynamics.
• Sven’s journey to becoming CEO of AIPC in May of 2020 during the pandemic, when 95% of members were shut down.
• How during the pandemic, convention centers pivoted to support communities as hospitals, testing centers, vaccination hubs, and even creative spaces like drive-in cinemas.
• AIPC’s “Future Shapers” leadership program, focused on cultivating top talent through leadership training, mentorship, and real-world challenges. Participants present innovative solutions at the annual conference.
• AIPC’s “Regional Academies,” which are globally accessible, five-day boot camps for middle management, emphasizing practical skills like crisis management and conflict resolution.
• AIPC’s “Quality standards” certification program, which helps convention centers in developing regions overcome perceptions of being “inferior” markets.
• AIPC’s upcoming annual conference in Shenzhen, China will highlight cutting-edge technology and ambitious practices in the convention space. The conference will be held in the world’s largest conference center, covering 400,000 square meters, and with two separate subway stations underneath.
• How events are shifting from traditional formats to unique, immersive experiences with flexible layouts, natural light, and a focus on sustainability.

References:

• AIPC Website
• Future Shapers
• Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/zoo/clarity

The food service industry offers unparalleled opportunities for people looking for a creative, hands on career that doesn’t necessarily require a college degree. Learn how one nonprofit is promoting careers in food service through vocational training AND helping to address workforce shortages in the field.

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Catherine De Orio, Executive Director of the Foundation for Culinary Arts (F4CA). Catherine discusses:

• Her journey, transitioning from an attorney to a TV personality, and now an Executive Director.
• F4CA’s mission to support underserved communities in Chicago by providing educational opportunities in the culinary arts.
• The importance of vocational training and hands-on learning in many fields, including culinary careers.
• Even if students do not pursue culinary careers, they gain valuable life skills by learning how to cook for themselves and their families.
• F4CA’s YES Chef! Culinary Camp teaches students the fundamentals of culinary arts, cultural history of food, and practical skills.
• 75% of YES Chef! Culinary Camp campers go on to culinary school or careers in the field.
• F4CA programs are free for students, fully funded through donations and sponsorships.
• F4CA’s impact on the community, and the ripple effect of F4CA programs

References:

• F4CA Website

What do you do when your organization’s name is well known, but what you actually do is NOT well known or understood? How do you educate the public and the healthcare community for greater awareness and support?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Silvia Quevedo, Executive Director of Lamaze International. Silvia discusses: 

• That Lamaze is so much more than a breathing technique. Lamaze is a philosophy, education, advocacy, and practices that foster healthy labor, delivery and early parenting.
• The maternal health crisis in the US, especially among women of color and women in rural communities.
• The six healthy birth practices that are supported by the World Health Organization.
• How being an association executive is Silvia’s second career, and how being an executive director for the first time is like drinking from a fire hose.
• Her biggest piece of advice to other association CEOs: listen more and listen to what’s being said and NOT said.
• How Lamaze expanded membership categories so that anyone working with pregnancy and birthing can join.
• How Lamaze is a brand and the organization licenses its name to products, including clothing and toys. The processing for vetting licensees is very thorough.
• Lamaze’s advocacy work includes supporting the Medicaid expansion in states, and support for workforce development programs.
• The member toolkits and resources Lamaze has developed, enabling members to better communicate the organization's mission and services.

References:

• Lamaze International website