The Association Podcast

In this year-end episode of The Association Podcast, we reflect on the key events and accomplishments of 2024, including our first annual partner sponsor, record-breaking downloads, and live podcasting at ASAE. We discuss  practical AI applications, effective automation tools, and the importance of showing up for each other in the association community. We also take our own spins with Mabel and talk about the evolving role of the CIO, the benefits of fractional roles, and successful leadership techniques in managing up and down. Join us as we celebrate a remarkable year and look forward to the exciting possibilities that 2025 will bring!

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome special guest Walter Bond, former NBA basketball player, CEO, and National Speakers Association Hall of Fame keynote speaker. Walter shares his incredible journey from the NBA to becoming a successful motivational speaker. He provides valuable insights into the importance of associations in personal and professional growth, the power of networking, and the fundamentals of hosting a successful conference. We also discuss the role of support networks and how associations have played a pivotal role in his career. Listen for actionable advice and inspiration for anyone looking to achieve excellence in their field and the transformative power of associations.

On this episode of The Association Podcast we welcome on Mark Dorsey, FASAE, CAE, CEO of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). We explore Mark's transformative leadership journey from his early career in radio sales and ski instruction to becoming a pivotal figure in association leadership. We learn how Mark navigated challenges such as organizational restructuring and declining membership, leading to significant revenue growth and revitalization at CSI. Learn about the importance of accountability, strategic governance, innovation, and fostering community within associations. Through personal anecdotes, professional insights, and discussions on evolving industry dynamics, we get valuable lessons on effective leadership, embracing change, and the future of trade shows and customer engagement.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we sit down with industry leader Brittany Carter, President and CEO of CBIS and leader of Association TRENDS, CEO Update, and Bumblebee Data. Brittany shares her extensive journey in the industry and the innovative approaches of the organizations she leads. We also talk about non-dues revenue and the importance of listening and storytelling in the association space. Brittany highlights her efforts to foster a community for female CEOs and the significant role of technology in advancing associations. 

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome back Michael Hoffman, CEO of Gather Voices. We discuss the evolution of Gather Voices from a startup to a leader in the association market and hear about the technology company's developments, including AI tools and introducing new functionalities to increase member engagement through video content. Michael shares insights on change management, the importance of practice through the 'seven-day video challenge,' and how discomfort in leaders can affect overall adoption. They also explore the current trends and innovations in association events, the impact of COVID-19 on business operations, and the challenges CEOs face today. Tune in to discover practical tips for leveraging video content within associations and the significance of maintaining a forward-thinking mindset.

On this special live episode of The Association Podcast, recorded at the ASAE Conference in Cleveland, OH, we discuss various topics related to association technology, practical applications of AI, and the evolving landscape of customer experience. The episode features guest appearances from industry experts like Patrick Dorsey from Impexium and Molly Lee from Adage Technologies, who share their insights on the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in the sector. Hear about practical AI implementations, cybersecurity discussions, and the importance of vendor collaboration to elevate technology in the association community. 

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we sit down with the dynamic Tori Miller Liu, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CIP, President and CEO at AIIM International. We have a lively discussion featuring Tori's background and impressive career in associations, from marketing to technology leadership. We get insights into AIIM International’s role in intelligent information management, the future of AI in information systems, and the challenges of managing unstructured data. Tori also shares her experiences as a CEO, including organizational strategies, the importance of data-driven decision-making, and simplifying processes for better efficiency.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome back Jose Segarra, Strategic Director & Senior Account executive at Bostrom and Co-founder of Association Latinos, along with Nicole from Dynamic Benchmarking. We get into the intricacies of benchmarking within associations, focusing on the collaborative work between Dynamic Benchmarking and Association Latinos. We learn about benchmarking and conducting studies in the association community to understand their members' needs. Jose shares insights into the Association Latinos' initiative to gather demographic data within associations, detailing their survey's development process and the valuable findings they hope to achieve. Whether you’re an association leader or simply interested in data-driven insights, this episode offers a comprehensive guide to the power of benchmarking in the association market.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we have return visitor Mark Wallach, MBA, CEO Emeritus of Engagement Mobile Strategies. Mark, a prominent figure in the association market and an advocate for ALS awareness, shares insights on accessibility. Diagnosed with ALS in April 2021, Mark discusses his slower-than-average progression and the subsequent challenges. He talks about starting Engagement Mobile Strategies, a company offering mobile engagement consultations and other services, after reducing his full-time work commitment. Mark emphasizes the importance of accessibility in technology, websites, and events, citing its benefits for everyone, including those with disabilities. He also highlights events and efforts to raise ALS awareness. Tune in for an inspiring and informative discussion covering strategies for better accessibility and inclusivity in associations.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we had the privilege of speaking with Morgan Roth, the Chief Marketing Officer of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Morgan shares her fascinating career journey from broadcasting to the nonprofit sector, emphasizing her personal connection to MDA's mission as she lives with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. The discussion highlights significant milestones, such as recent FAA legislation improving air travel accessibility for people with disabilities, the organization's comprehensive roles in research, multidisciplinary care, and advocacy, and their community outreach activities. We also touch on the importance of digital fluency, actionable data, and proactive decision-making in nonprofit leadership. Morgan shares her pride in MDA's achievements and her commitment to supporting and advancing the neuromuscular disease community.