The Association Podcast

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we talk with Rob Katchen, Senior Vice President of Information Technology at the American Academy of Pediatrics. We get Rob's perspective on the role of technology in associations, focusing on the continuous journey that is digital transformation. We discuss why he advocates for honesty and open communication with stakeholders, emphasizing trust and accountability. We also discuss his insights on the transition from the for-profit world to the non-profit world, how that shapes his role at the Academy and his expectations for vendors and partners.

www.aap.org
www.healthychildren.org

On this episode of The Association Podcast, Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D., a disability rights advocate and ADA compliance consultant, shares her insights on creating accessible environments. She discusses her work in disability inclusion, her experiences consulting on ADA compliance for large tradeshows, and the importance of attention to detail in planning accessible events. We also talk about the balance between security and usability in design, the significance of seemingly simple things like ramps, and the need for respectful language when interacting with individuals with disabilities.

Rosemarie's Website with Free Resources
www.rosemariespeaks.com

Universal Design Laboratory
www.udll.com

On this episode of The Association Podcast, Co-founder and CEO of PropFuel, Dave Will, joins us to discuss enhancing association communication by listening to member needs and personalizing messaging. We highlight the importance of understanding member needs and expectations and the value of data collection in achieving this. The conversation also covers the challenges associations face in utilizing data and the role of automation. We also debate the complexity of associations, the importance of user experience, and the potential for associations to learn from other industries. 

On this episode of The Association Podcast, Angela Mell, Senior Director of Communications and Education at the Louisiana Credit Union League, shares her journey in the credit union space, the transition from Google Groups to a new community platform, and the challenges faced in adopting new technology. We also discuss the importance of listening to member needs, prioritizing technology initiatives, and delegating responsibilities. 

The Association Podcast welcomes Wes Trochlil back to the show for a great conversation about holes in the association market. In part 2 of this conversation, we discuss the integration and fundraising challenges associations have. We look at difficulties in justifying investments in expensive technology for small fundraising efforts, the risks of straying from an association's mission, and the importance of integrating systems for efficient data management. We also get into topics such as credentialing, certifications, ecommerce, membership engines, and communication tools within associations. 

The Association Podcast welcomes back Wes Trochlil to the show for a great conversation about holes in the association market. In part 1 of the conversation, we get into the importance of training and ongoing professional development in the association industry and the challenges of implementing new software. We also discuss the effectiveness of the "train the trainer" model, the importance of continuous improvement and investment in software systems, and the concept of "guardrails" in project management and budgeting, emphasizing the need for clear boundaries and effective communication.  

Jake, Ben, and Gretchen discuss their experiences at ASAE Annual 2023 on this episode of The Association Podcast. We discuss the shift in focus from socializing to networking with prospects and customers and share our personal highlights and challenges from the conference, including the importance of creating a welcoming environment for new attendees. We also get into the evolving nature of the industry and the impact of new technologies, particularly AI. 

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we have Matthew Montoya, Senior Channel Marketing and Enablement Manager at Constant Contact. Matthew shares his background and how he got involved with Constant Contact through the association space and discusses the evolution of email marketing, including the use of generative AI. We talk about the importance of personalizing content and leveraging generative AI, particularly for smaller staff organizations, and discuss the value of relevancy in email marketing and the potential revenue tied to each contact. 

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we have an interview with Economist, Consultant, and Senior Contributor at Forbes, Bill Conerly, who has written about the impact of a recession on associations and trade shows. We discuss the challenges associations face in predicting revenue and staying in touch with members, particularly those who are not regular attendees. We also get into the importance of cultivating data around members and staying in touch with them to understand their business needs and potential impact on revenue. Our conversation also covers the potential impact of a recession on membership in associations, programming, AI, and hybrid events.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Ron Mark Moen, CIO of the American Society for Clinical Pathology. We discuss the role of CIOs in the association market, the qualities that make a good CIO, and how to bridge the gap between technical teams and the business side of an organization. We also get into the challenges of adopting new technology, the importance of empathy and expertise in serving customers, and the importance of feedback, integrity, and transparency in building high-performing teams.