In this special encore episode of The Association Insights Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher welcomes back David Whited, Principal of Design Research & Strategy at Highland, to walk us through fresh insights from the newly released 2025 Young Professional Membership Index (YPMI)—dropping the same day this episode airs.

Earlier this year, David helped us kick off our Gen Z series with data-backed insights and practical frameworks for attracting and retaining younger members. That episode sparked major interest—and now he’s back to unpack what’s shifted, what’s holding steady, and how associations can take the next step in their engagement strategy for Gen Zs and young Millennials.

🎧 Whether you’re leading a young professionals committee or setting strategy at the board level, this episode will help you benchmark your efforts, spot gaps, and find your next move.

Key Highlights:

Leadership Focus Still Leads – Why leadership alignment remains the single most important driver of young professional retention.

What Tier Are You In? – How Highland’s four-tier maturity model helps associations understand where they stand—and what to do next.

The Power of Bridge Experiences – Only 19% of associations are using them, yet they can drive up to a 50% boost in first-year retention.

Getting Unstuck – Why most organizations stall between good intentions and meaningful action, and how to move from talk to traction.

AI & Innovation Readiness – What the 2025 data reveals about AI experimentation in associations, and where the biggest gaps remain.

One Priority to Focus On – Why prototyping, not perfection, is the best path forward for associations ready to engage the next generation.

🎧 Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that blends reflection, real data, and practical next steps for associations of all sizes.

Resources:

📊 Download the 2025 Young Professional Membership Index (YPMI) National Report: https://www.highlandsolutions.com/member-index/national-report-2025 

🧠 Learn more about Highland: www.highlandsolutions.com

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Coming Soon: We’re heading back into our July series on sponsorships, partnerships, and non-dues revenue—featuring fresh perspectives and bold new models that are helping associations unlock value beyond dues. Stay tuned!

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we continue our July series on sponsorships, partnerships, and non-dues revenue with a behind-the-scenes look at how one major association is building long-term value through strategic partnerships and innovative fulfillment models.

Host Meghan Henning sits down with John Buckley, Senior Director of Business Partnerships and Expo Operations at the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), to explore how IDWeek has evolved into a flagship experience that delivers for both members and industry partners.

With nearly 20 years of experience in nonprofit event strategy, John shares how trust, creativity, and a long-game mindset have transformed IDSA’s non-dues revenue approach—from tailored sponsorships to citywide visibility campaigns.

🎧 Whether you’re managing a massive expo floor or just getting started with industry partnerships, this episode offers tactical takeaways and real-world ideas to scale your success.

Key Highlights:

• Relationships First – Why IDSA calls sponsors “industry partners” and how ongoing dialogue helps drive alignment and renewal.
  

• Beyond the Booth – How one full-access exhibitor registration created new value for partners—and enhanced the attendee experience.
  

• Fulfillment That Works – The case for outsourcing logistics and how it freed up IDSA’s team to get more creative and strategic.
  

• Location, Location, Location – Using citywide marketing and hotel-based placements to elevate brand visibility across every touchpoint.
  

• The ID Exchange – A live, NFL-draft-style experience that brings partners together to claim high-impact sponsorship opportunities—months before the show.
  

• Creativity in Action – From puppy lounges to Amazon Prime Day-style flash sales, John shares innovative ideas that keep IDWeek fresh and fun.
  

• Start Small, Scale Smart – Advice for associations with limited resources on how to test, adapt, and grow their non-dues revenue programs over time.
  

🎧 This episode is a must-listen for any association looking to build stronger sponsor relationships, streamline operations, and rethink what’s possible in partnership strategy.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Coming Soon:We’ll continue our July series with even more examples of how associations are moving beyond traditional sponsor models to unlock new revenue—and new value. Stay tuned!

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we kick off our July series on sponsorships, partnerships, and non-dues revenue with a powerful conversation featuring Edessa Polzin, PCM, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the American Marketing Association (AMA).

Host Meghan Henning sits down with Edessa to explore how AMA is transforming partnerships from transactional to transformational. With a background in B2B growth strategy and partner-led innovation, Edessa shares a bold, mission-centered approach to corporate engagement—one that prioritizes impact, alignment, and long-term value over one-off logos and short-term dollars.

🎧 Whether you're rethinking your sponsor packages or looking to deepen your existing partner relationships, this episode offers practical frameworks and fresh inspiration.

Key Highlights:

Beyond the Booth – Why AMA moved away from transactional sponsorships—and how mission alignment led to deeper value for members and partners alike.

Bigger, Better, Faster – Edessa’s go-to framework for evaluating partnerships—and how associations can apply it to scale smarter and move faster.

The Enterprise Shift – How AMA is designing bundled, multi-touchpoint partnerships that deliver year-round engagement and sustained revenue.

Breaking the Silos – Why cross-functional collaboration has been critical to AMA’s success—and how one biweekly meeting changed everything.

Stretching the Mission – A real-world case study in partnering outside your traditional audience to expand impact (and build a future pipeline).

Saying No with Strategy – What Edessa looks for before saying yes—and why “dollars without depth” isn’t worth the trade.

Testing, Quietly – How a “start small and validate” approach has helped AMA experiment, learn, and grow without institutional friction.

🎧 This episode is a must-listen for associations looking to elevate their partner strategy, build meaningful relationships, and drive non-dues revenue that actually advances the mission.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Coming Soon: This July, we’re spotlighting how associations are innovating in sponsorships, partnerships, and non-dues revenue—from bold new models to tactical lessons that will help you get unstuck. Tune in weekly for fresh insights and real-world stories from leaders making it work.

In this short solo episode of The Association Insights Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher delivers a high-energy dose of practical advice for busy association leaders—one quick-hit insight at a time.

With more than a dozen rapid-fire questions, Colleen tackles everything from member engagement and strategic planning to board dynamics, advocacy messaging, and internal communication. If you’ve ever wished for a pocket-sized playbook of smart, actionable association strategies—you’re in the right place.

🎧 Whether you're running a team, advising a board, or just trying to get your next member email out the door, this episode is packed with ideas you can implement right away.

Key Highlights:

🔥 Messaging Mistakes – Why starting with your members is the fix you’ve been looking for.

📞 Dashboard Drop-Off? – The first thing to do when engagement tanks—and it’s not another email.

🎉 Retention That Works – Why milestone celebrations can matter more than discounts.

📣 Advocacy That Moves People – How to make policy feel personal—and mobilize support.

🧠 Board Strategy – One small agenda item that keeps meetings focused and mission-aligned.

✍️ Smart Comms Tip – How one great message can live a dozen lives across your channels.

🚨 When It’s Political – Why values-based communication matters more than ever.

📊 Talk to the Quiet Ones – Why your “sometimes show” members may have your smartest insights.

🎯 The Pilot Mindset – How associations can innovate without blowing up the budget.

🌱 Burnout Tip – What to do when it all feels like too much.

🎧 Tune in now for a fast-paced, no-fluff episode full of real-world advice—and the kind of encouragement association pros need right now.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Coming Soon: In July, we’re diving deep into sponsorships, partnerships, and non-dues revenue—from new models to internal collaboration, to what top associations are doing to create lasting value. Don't miss the ideas (and case studies) that could help future-proof your bottom line.

In this encore episode of The Association Insights Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher welcomes back Dr. Bill Conerly, economist, Forbes contributor, and author of The Flexible Stance: Thriving in a Boom/Bust Economy. Almost two years to the day since his last appearance, Bill returns with a timely update on the economic landscape—and what it means for associations navigating uncertainty in 2025.

With political changes underway, persistent inflation concerns, and tariff decisions looming large, Bill breaks down the outlook for recession, how to plan when the data is murky, and why acting quickly and smartly still sets resilient associations apart. From contingency planning to member engagement and policy positioning, this conversation is a must-listen for association leaders seeking clarity—and calm—in the face of complex signals.

🎧 Whether you’re leading through growth, bracing for downturn, or somewhere in between, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to guide your next board conversation or budget draft.

Key Highlights:

Recession or Just Risk? – Why uncertainty is the real threat right now—and what associations should watch for.

Planning with Purpose – How a one-page contingency plan can help associations respond faster and smarter.

Navigating Hot Topics – What to say (and what to avoid) when it comes to tariffs, immigration, and tax reform.

Member-Centered Messaging – Why knowing what your members are really facing is your biggest communications asset.

AI, Aging & Workforce Shifts – How associations can prepare for two massive forces reshaping the economy.

What Resilience Looks Like Now – Lessons from COVID and how to double down on what actually worked.

Just Pick Up the Phone – Why talking to your members—especially the quiet ones—might be your smartest move all year.

Resources:

📘 The Flexible Stance: Thriving in a Boom/Bust Economy by Bill Conerly: Buy on Amazon

🗞️ Bill’s Free Monthly Newsletter: Subscribe here

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Coming Soon: Tune in weekly as we share practical insights and powerful conversations with association leaders navigating change, building community, and shaping what’s next.

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Leonard Steinhorn, Professor of Communication and Affiliate Professor of History at American University, for a dynamic, deeply relevant conversation on how associations can lead with clarity, ethics, and impact in today’s fragmented media environment.

A former broadcast commentator, prolific writer, and award-winning educator, Professor Steinhorn offers timeless principles and timely advice on what’s changed in media—and what never should.

🎧 If you’re navigating polarization, disinformation, or simply trying to get your association’s message to stick, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Highlights:

🎧 Tune in now for a thought-provoking conversation that blends media literacy, strategic communication, and practical storytelling advice for every association leader.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

  
  

Coming Soon: We’ll continue exploring how associations can communicate what matters—with fresh perspectives from leaders navigating crisis, complexity, and cultural change through smart, values-driven communication. Don’t miss what’s ahead.

In this solocast episode of The Association Insights Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher, CEO of OnWrd & UpWrd, dives into one of the most essential, and often most underleveraged, tools in any association’s toolbox: communication.

From navigating complex topics to telling stories that resonate, Colleen shares how associations can move beyond the buzzwords and show up with clarity, courage, and strategy in their communications.

🎧 If you’ve ever struggled to get the right message to the right people—or felt stuck between saying something and saying nothing—this episode is for you.

Key Highlights:

What Strategic Really Means: Why communications shouldn’t be a bolt-on and how to embed intention, not just information.

Navigating Complexity: What to say (and when) when your members are divided or the topic is politically charged.

Storytelling that Connects: How to surface and share stories that drive engagement and reflect your values.

Crisis or Opportunity?: How to prepare before a crisis hits—and why trust can be built even in tough moments.

Takeaway Framework: Colleen’s three-point checklist to strengthen your communications muscle and lead with impact.

🎧 Tune in now for a candid, tactical look at how to communicate what matters—especially when it matters most.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Coming Soon: In June, we’re exploring what it means to Communicate What Matters—with guests sharing how they’re driving engagement, understanding media and messaging, managing reputational risk, and telling their stories with purpose and precision. Don’t miss what’s ahead.

In this bonus episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we wrap up our Gen Z Insights Series—spotlighting rising professionals shaping the future of associations from the inside out. This special series is made possible by our partners at Highland.

Host Keaveny Hewitt from OnWrd & UpWrd sits down with Alyssa Garcia, Web Project Manager, Master Juggler, and Cat Herder at Matrix Group International, whose journey from audio engineer to association tech partner is anything but traditional. Alyssa brings a refreshing blend of creative storytelling, strategic thinking, and deep curiosity to the conversation—offering insights on everything from website design to DEI, mentorship, and what it means to take up space.

🎧 It’s the perfect finale to our Gen Z series—filled with purpose, candor, and big-picture thinking about where associations go from here.

Key Highlights:

From Studio to Strategy: How a music industry background led Alyssa to association tech—and what storytelling and design have in common.

Websites That Work: Why redesigns are about more than navigation—and how intentional digital experiences can signal inclusion, trust, and clarity to members.

Take Up Space: What it’s like to be a woman of color in leadership—and why Alyssa believes young professionals shouldn’t wait to be invited to the table.

Mentorship That Matters: How one CEO's representation and generosity changed Alyssa’s perspective—and what that tells us about the power of seeing yourself in leadership.

Creatives Belong Here: Why associations need to rethink what "professional" looks like—and embrace the diverse talents and perspectives Gen Z brings to the table.

AANHPI Heritage Month Reflections: Alyssa shares what this month means to her as a Filipino American—and why representation, especially in leadership, still matters deeply.

Real Over Rigid: Whether it’s website copy, social media, or advocacy campaigns—authentic storytelling builds trust faster than polish ever could.

🎧 Tune in now for a smart, thoughtful, and inspiring send-off to our Gen Z Insights Series.

Resources:🌐 Learn more about our series partner Highland: www.highlandsolutions.com📊 Explore the Young Professional Membership Index: http://ypmi.reportThe YPMI offers a quick, 15-minute organizational snapshot that helps association leaders identify gaps in young professional engagement and benchmark their performance against peers. It’s free to take—and packed with immediately actionable insights.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Coming Soon:🎙️ In June, we’re shifting focus to Communicating What Matters—a month-long look at how associations are navigating complexity, managing crises, and telling their stories with purpose and impact. From communications strategy to crisis response, we’re diving into what works—and what leaders need now. Don’t miss it.

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we continue our Gen Z Insights Series—spotlighting rising professionals shaping the future of associations from the inside out. This special series is made possible by our partners at Highland.

Host Keaveny Hewitt from OnWrd & UpWrd welcomes two dynamic Gen Z/young Millennial leaders to the mic: Anastacia Barbosa-McBride, Content Marketing Manager at Bostrom, and Taylor Barnett, Events Coordinator at NIRSA. Together, they dive into what it means to work—and lead—as early-career professionals in a multigenerational industry.

From digital engagement and workplace culture to intergenerational dynamics and professional purpose, this conversation is equal parts energizing and eye-opening. Whether you're rethinking your member engagement strategy or mentoring your youngest team member, this episode offers candid insights and practical takeaways you won’t want to miss.

Key Highlights:

The Power of Mission-Driven Work: Why Gen Z finds purpose in associations—and how that fuels creativity, resilience, and connection across the board.

Digital Expectations, Real Engagement: From AI tools to short-form reels, learn how Gen Z wants to be reached—and what associations can stop doing now.

Beyond the Brochure: Why long emails, printed flyers, and overly scripted content are missing the mark—and how associations can meet younger audiences where they are.

Trust & Leadership Pipelines: How associations can empower Gen Z employees by creating clear leadership pathways, embracing experimentation, and trusting younger professionals to lead.

Authenticity Over Optics: Why real, behind-the-scenes content performs best—and how an on-the-ground approach to Instagram is helping members feel seen, included, and valued.

Bridging the Generational Gap: From imposter syndrome to earned trust, hear what it’s like to be the youngest person in the room—and how colleagues can better support rising talent.

What Gen Z Really Wants: Hint: It’s not free pizza. It’s feedback, transparency, meaningful recognition, and a chance to shape what’s next.

🎧 Tune in now for a real-talk conversation about connection, communication, and what it means to grow up—and lead—in today’s association world.

Resources:🌐 Learn more about our series partner Highland: www.highlandsolutions.com📊 Explore the Young Professional Membership Index: http://ypmi.reportThe YPMI offers a quick, 15-minute organizational snapshot that helps association leaders identify gaps in young professional engagement and benchmark their performance against peers. It’s free to take—and packed with immediately actionable insights.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Coming Soon:One more Gen Z bonus episode is dropping this Friday! We’re wrapping our series with a powerful finale featuring more bold ideas and honest reflections from young professionals driving change across the association sector. Don’t miss it.

This special series is brought to you by our friends at Highland, where strategy meets research meets action.

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we continue our Gen Z Insights Series—spotlighting rising professionals shaping the future of associations from the inside out. This special series is made possible by our partners at Highland.

Host Keaveny Hewitt from OnWrd & UpWrd sits down with Rachel Grace Leman, Specialist, Program Development at the Association of Corporate Counsel. With honesty, energy, and thoughtfulness, Rachel shares how her Gen Z perspective is helping reshape the way associations think about meaning, engagement, and professional growth—from mission alignment to mental health to making room for vulnerability at work.

If you care about cultivating next-generation leadership, creating healthier work cultures, or just want to better understand what Gen Z really values—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.

Key Highlights:

More Than a Job: Why values alignment and workplace transparency are non-negotiables for Gen Z.

Mental Health & Meaningful Work: How Rachel’s professional journey has been shaped by her experiences with burnout, identity, and mental well-being—and how associations can show up better for their people.

Safe to Grow: What it takes to create a culture where younger professionals feel safe enough to ask questions, take risks, and speak up.

Inside the Legal World: How Rachel’s work at ACC offers a unique lens into one of the most tradition-bound professions—and what Gen Z is bringing to the table.

The Power of Vulnerability: Why authenticity matters, and how Rachel is redefining what professionalism can look like in today’s workplace.

Advice for Association Leaders: Practical ways to support and retain younger team members—starting with listening, investing, and letting them lead.

🎧 Tune in now for a smart, heartfelt, and hopeful conversation that bridges generations and reimagines what a career in associations can be.

Resources:

🌐 Learn more about our series partner Highland: www.highlandsolutions.com

📊 Explore the Young Professional Membership Index: http://ypmi.report

The YPMI offers a quick, 15-minute organizational snapshot that helps association leaders identify gaps in young professional engagement and benchmark their performance against peers. It’s free to take—and packed with immediately actionable insights.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Coming Soon:This May, we’re continuing the conversation with Gen Z professionals who are shaping the future of associations. From redesigning membership models to rethinking workplace culture, our Gen Z Insights series highlights the real stories, bold ideas, and fresh perspectives that are driving innovation across the association sector. These episodes offer an inside look at what’s next—straight from the generation leading the charge.

This special series is brought to you by our friends at Highland, where strategy meets research meets action.