Suzanne Struglinski, PR Manager for Industry Dive, joined the A100 podcast to share her insights on earned media and what association comms professionals need to know to improve their media relations efforts.

She discusses the disconnect between what association leaders see as news and what reporters see as news, while emphasizing the importance of being a resource for reporters. She also shares thoughts on the unique relationship between PR professionals and journalists.

“Reporters want news,” she says. “You need to build those relationships, making sure you understand who you're pitching, why you’re pitching and keeping in mind that you want to be a resource to these journalists.”

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In this episode, OnWrd & UpWrd’s summer interns, Keaveny Hewitt and Grant Cragg, take over the A100 podcast to discuss all things internships– what makes good ones, what employers need to know about young professionals and what associations should keep in mind when developing their own internship programs.

Together, they discuss their experience as summer interns, sharing key takeaways, insights and reflections on the internship thus far. They provide perspective on how associations can maximize the potential of their own internship programs by focusing on networking, professional development and variety. Keaveny and Grant take their own experiences into a wider conversation about internships and the next generation of employees so association leaders from all industries can leave with insightful takeaways.

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In this episode, Colleen Gallagher and Meghan Henning of OnWrd & UpWrd Marketing & Communications discuss how the overturning of Roe v. Wade will impact event planning and decision making for associations.

Together, they discuss the role of politics within the association world, and how canceling/keeping events for political reasons brings up membership, legal and financial concerns. Gallagher and Henning share how associations can navigate these issues and they reflect on how social and political events have impacted their own work in the past by looking at data, articles and expert opinions. They pose some questions for associations to consider so they can work together with their members to make these key decisions.

If you want to read more about the Northstar Meetings Group article discussed on the podcast, you can view the full article here.

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Liz Huh, leading events consultant, shares her insights on how associations can create events that focus on members’ voices and interests.

She discusses how COVID has impacted event planning, and the importance of adjusting timelines and forming strong partnerships with vendors and venues. Liz takes a look at supply chain and food expenses and how these issues impact event coordinators and their budgets. She shares the overall value of events, both virtual and in-person, and how integral they are for bringing organizations together to elevate branding, increase revenue and empower members.

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Shantel Goodman-Luckett, Chief Experience Officer for the National Association for College Admission Counseling, shares her insights on how associations can empower their members and enhance the overall membership experience.

She discusses how NACAC implemented programs and resources to cater to all types of members, from the next generation of college admissions counselors to counselors that are retiring soon. Shantel shares what it was like to make the transition into this new role, and how she gained perspective after watching her daughter go through the college admission process. She highlighted how important it is for association professionals to speak directly with the membership to truly be able to serve them and understand their needs.

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Jeff Joseph, president of SIIA, the Software and Information Industry Association, joins the A100 podcast this week. He shares insights about how associations can take a thoughtful approach to DEI and promote better outcomes by looking at how you can differentiate yourself and provide truly helpful resources for your members rather than something duplicative of what they could already do on their own.

Associations need to ask themselves these questions: How can we make an impact? What’s going to be most valuable to our members? How do you make a business rationale out of this as well?

He also talks about looking inward first and walking the walk as an association as well as welcoming a diversity of viewpoints in the workforce as well so everyone feels comfortable bringing their full self to work.

Check out SIIA's newest member benefit: a brand new microsite dedicated to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI): siia.net/dei

Finally, we chat about some policy issues and get to know Jeff better including hearing about his famous (or infamous) Dad band. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

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Matt Cipriani, Associate Director of Knowledge Management & Member Engagement, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, shares his insights on how The Great Resignation is impacting associations and how associations can react to it.

He talks about how his background as a research librarian has served him well in the world of associations, how member engagement changed during COVID and what the return to in-person work and events means.

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Evan Sparks, SVP, Member Communications and Podcast Host at the American Bankers Association as well as Editor in Chief of the ABA Banking Journal shares his secrets with the A100 for producing a successful association podcast.

Having launched five years ago with a goal of 500 downloads to keep it going, he now expects to hit over 100,000 downloads in a year. Evan talks about why he prefers the audio-only format, how he plans out his editorial calendar, tackling tough subjects and how the podcast fits into the overall communications strategy.

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Intro/Outro Audio Credit:

Ketsa

Track: Poppin-Off

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Ketsa/ascendance/poppin-off

Get to know the publishers of The Association 100 in our inaugural podcast. Colleen Gallagher and Meghan Henning take you behind the scenes to learn about their backgrounds, what brought them to DC, and what to expect from the future of The A100.

They share their favorite memories, most interesting projects and toughest challenges from their association days while also discussing the changing nature of PR in today’s world.

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Intro/Outro Audio Credit: