Afleveringen

  • Welcome to another episode of The Association 100 podcast. Today, we're delighted to host Sharon Pare, Senior Partnership Program Manager at HighRoad Solutions. With a wealth of experience in MarTech and business development within the association space, Sharon brings insightful perspectives on building successful vendor partnerships and driving innovation through technology.

    Key Highlights:

    About HighRoad Solutions: Sharon introduces HighRoad Solutions, highlighting its evolution from email marketing to a robust MarTech leader, emphasizing its role in integrating cutting-edge marketing technologies with association management systems.

    Keys to Successful Partnerships: Drawing on her extensive background, Sharon outlines essential elements for fruitful collaborations between tech vendors and associations, such as transparency, alignment and mutual value, ensuring both parties thrive.

    Strategic Partnership Building: Sharon discusses her approach to developing strategic partnerships that enhance both service quality and revenue streams, sharing practical tips for associations looking to leverage technology partnerships effectively.

    Integrating Tech Innovations: Learn how Sharon and her team integrate innovative solutions like HubSpot to both enhance lead generation and also partner with Hubspot to help them better understand the needs of associations, bridging the gaps between the way tech companies and associations think and speak.

    Join us as Sharon Pare shares her expertise on leveraging technology to foster growth and innovation in the association sector. Whether you're navigating existing tech partnerships or exploring new ones, this episode is packed with actionable insights to enhance your strategic approach.

    Stay Connected:

    Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

    Keep tuning in for more episodes that delve into the strategies and insights powering successful associations.

  • Welcome to another engaging episode of The Association 100 podcast. Today, we are thrilled to host Kara Dickerson, Founder and Principal of Content With Impact LLC, and former head of CES Keynote Stage and Conference. Drawing from her extensive experience, Kara shares invaluable strategies for enhancing event content to captivate new audiences and unlock new revenue streams.

    Key Highlights:

    Content Strategy Insights: Kara delves into how data-driven strategies can reshape event content, tailoring experiences to engage diverse industries and expand audience bases.

    Championing Diversity: Reflecting on her leadership at CES, Kara discusses her proactive approach to ensuring diversity in event programming, setting standards that champion inclusivity.

    Bridging Organizational Silos: Kara offers practical advice for aligning event content with membership goals, emphasizing the importance of breaking down silos between event and membership teams to amplify impact.

    Global Event Experience: With a backdrop of launching events across continents, Kara provides a look into creating dynamic and impactful global conferences that resonate across diverse cultures and industries.

    Join host Colleen Gallagher as we explore Kara's journey from leading the CES stage to empowering associations through her consultancy, providing a roadmap for transforming events into powerful engagement platforms. Whether you're an event planner, association executive or industry leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights that can revolutionize how you approach event content and engagement.

    Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us for the latest in association trends and strategies.

    Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd.

    Stay tuned for more episodes that delve into the strategies and insights powering successful associations.

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  • Welcome back to another engaging episode of The Association 100 podcast. Today, O&U co-hosts, Colleen Gallagher, Meghan Henning and Christine Stay delve into the crucial topics of leadership development and succession planning. This episode is vital for any association aiming to ensure long-term success and sustainability through effective leadership transition strategies.

    Key Highlights:

    The Importance of Leadership Development: We kick off the discussion by exploring why leadership development is essential for associations. Leadership isn't just about managing current challenges but preparing to thrive in the future. Effective leaders inspire, motivate, and foster innovation, which is crucial for navigating changing environments.

    Identifying and Nurturing Future Leaders: Christine discusses various strategies for spotting potential leaders within your association. From talent assessments and leadership training initiatives to creating mentorship opportunities, we cover how to recognize and nurture emerging talent, ensuring a robust pipeline of capable leaders.

    The Role of Mentorship in Leadership Development: Meghan elaborates on how associations can cultivate a mentorship culture that supports leadership growth. We talk about the benefits of pairing experienced leaders with emerging talent and how formal and informal mentorship programs can facilitate knowledge transfer and leadership skills.

    Smooth Leadership Transitions: Colleen leads the conversation on ensuring seamless leadership transitions. We discuss the importance of effective communication, detailed knowledge transfer and thoughtful succession planning. These elements are crucial for minimizing disruptions and maintaining organizational continuity during leadership changes.

    Join us as we provide actionable insights and strategies for fostering a culture of effective leadership within associations. Whether you're currently a leader or looking to step into a leadership role, this episode offers valuable guidance on developing and executing successful leadership development and succession planning initiatives.

    Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us for the latest in association trends and strategies.

    Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd.

    Stay tuned for more episodes that delve into the strategies and insights powering successful associations.

  • Welcome back to The A100 podcast. In this week’s episode, host Colleen Gallagher goes solo to dive deep into the essential world of PR and media relations tailored for associations. She peels back the layers on how to elevate your association's PR and media game to not just amplify your voice but to ensure it echoes through the corridors of your industry and beyond.

    Key Highlights:

    Demystifying Media Relations: Colleen breaks down what makes content compelling enough to be considered newsworthy, focusing on timeliness, relevance, significance and uniqueness. This segment is all about crafting messages that not only get attention but also get you the right kind of attention.

    Strategic Press List Management: Learn the art of building a press list that's not just a collection of contacts, but a well-curated network of media relationships. It's about quality over quantity and ensuring your stories reach the right ears.

    Recipe for National Media Coverage: Discover our secret ingredients for securing that coveted national spotlight. From establishing authority and leveraging current trends to the power of persistence, she shares strategies that have propelled associations onto the national stage.

    Nurturing Lasting Media Relationships: Colleen delves into the long-term commitment of maintaining healthy press relationships, emphasizing understanding, value exchange and reliability as key components of a robust media strategy.

    In this episode, we're not just sharing tips; we're providing a roadmap to transform your association's approach to PR and media relations. It's about moving from merely participating in the conversation to leading it. So whether you're looking to position your experts as industry leaders or aiming to highlight your association's achievements in a crowded marketplace, this episode is packed with insights to guide you.

    Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us for the latest in association trends and strategies.

    Resources:

    Download O&U’s Five Steps to Mastering Earned Media for Your Association eBook today!

    Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd.

    Stay tuned for more episodes packed with insights into making your association excel.

  • Welcome to an enlightening episode of The Association 100 podcast. Today's discussion is unique as we dive into a crucial topic with our very own O&U team – Colleen Gallagher, Meghan Henning and Christine Stay. We tackle the vital role of communications within associations and share strategies to not only get your board to prioritize communications, but also to leave a lasting impression through your media efforts.

    Key Highlights:

    The Critical Role of Communications: Colleen opens the conversation with a deep dive into why effective communications and PR are indispensable for associations. From building trust and managing reputation to engaging members, we explore the foundation of a robust communications strategy.

    Educating the Board: The team discusses the challenges and solutions in making the board understand the importance of communications. We emphasize the need for strategic planning, setting clear goals and showcasing tangible benefits to foster board support.

    Demonstrating Value through Metrics: We dissect the significance of utilizing metrics to illustrate the ROI of communications efforts. From media ad value equivalency to website traffic and engagement, we detail how these measures can make the case for communications investment to your board.

    Navigating Crisis Communications: Meghan shares compelling examples of crisis communications done right, highlighting the Tylenol crisis as a textbook case of effective crisis management. The discussion reinforces the importance of preparation, transparency and strategic response in safeguarding your association's reputation.

    Innovative Campaigns for Impact: We celebrate successful communication campaigns that have made significant impacts within their industries. From thought leadership initiatives that influence legislative actions to member engagement efforts that foster industry-wide appreciation, these examples serve as inspiration for any association looking to make a difference.

    Join the O&U team as we provide actionable insights and lessons on elevating your association's communications strategy. Whether you're looking to gain board support or impress them with your media prowess, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for association professionals eager to enhance their communications efforts.

    Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us for the latest in association trends and strategies.

    Resources:

    Discover more about effective communication strategies and other association insights here: https://onwrdupwrd.com/communications-and-marketing-resources-for-associations/

    Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd.

    Stay tuned for more episodes that delve into the strategies and insights powering successful associations.

  • Welcome to another insightful episode of The Association 100 podcast. In this engaging discussion, we're joined by Ellen Savage, Senior Director of Membership at the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). With a storied career in the association space, Ellen shares her path to TIA and the organization's ambitious Broadband Nation program, aimed at addressing America's digital divide.

    Key Highlights:

    Career Journey: Ellen traces her journey from her early days in the tech industry to pivotal roles at the Consumer Technology Association and Manufactured Housing Institute, leading up to her impactful work just underway at TIA.

    Broadband Nation: Tackling the challenge of reliable internet access, TIA's Broadband Nation program stands out as a concerted effort to ensure broadband for all, highlighting the critical need for a skilled workforce to achieve this goal.

    Workforce Development: With over $42 billion earmarked by Congress for broadband expansion, Ellen emphasizes the urgency of workforce development to meet the ambitious targets of deploying networks by the decade's end.

    Innovative Partnerships: Ellen discusses TIA's innovative collaborations, including a partnership with Questex to launch a jobs portal and expo, aiming to attract talent to the telecom industry.

    Navigating Change: From addressing workforce shortages to fostering state-level partnerships, Ellen offers a deep dive into TIA's strategies for overcoming industry challenges and shaping a more connected future.

    Join us as Ellen Savage provides a compelling look into how TIA is not just navigating but leading the charge in telecommunications, ensuring that advancements in technology translate into tangible benefits for all. Her insights offer invaluable lessons for association professionals striving to make a difference in their sectors.

    Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us for the latest in association trends and strategies.

    Resources:Learn more about TIA’s Broadband Nation program here: https://tiaonline.org/what-we-do/technology-programs/broadband-nation/

    LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100

    Stay tuned for more episodes exploring innovative solutions and leadership insights within the association world.

  • Welcome to another engaging episode of The Association 100 podcast. Today, we're thrilled to have Anita Brikman, the dynamic President and CEO of the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA). With a rich history in healthcare communications and advocacy, Anita shares her journey into the heart of the plasma protein therapy world and her pivotal first year at PPTA.

    Key Highlights:

    Transitioning Leadership: Anita discusses her approach to understanding PPTA's unique culture and the importance of connecting with each team member. Her focus on bridging the gap between the U.S. and European teams underlines her commitment to a cohesive global strategy.

    Industry Deep Dive: Understanding the critical role of plasma collection centers and the production of lifesaving therapies for rare diseases was a priority for Anita. She emphasizes the significance of educating the public and stakeholders about plasma-derived therapies.

    Effective Communication and Strategy: Drawing from her extensive background in journalism and communications, Anita stresses the importance of communication, not just for messaging, but for inspiring action and fostering a culture of active listening and strategic thinking within the organization.

    Board Collaboration: Navigating PPTA’s unique governance structure, Anita has worked closely with various boards to align on shared goals and strategies, emphasizing the importance of one-on-one interactions and strategic planning.

    Navigating Change: Whether it’s the transition to a more Washington, D.C.-centric location or adapting to a hybrid work model, Anita shares how transparency and strategic planning are key to managing change effectively.

    Anita's story is a testament to the power of strategic communication and leadership in driving an organization forward. Her vision for PPTA not only aims at advancing plasma protein therapies but also at ensuring these critical medicines reach those in need. Join us as Anita Brickman offers a glimpse into the future of plasma protein therapeutics and her role in shaping this vital industry.

    Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us for the latest best practices, trends and strategies making waves in the association world.

    LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100

    Stay tuned for more episodes that bring you insights from the front lines of association leadership.

  • Welcome to a pivotal episode of The Association 100 podcast, where we delve into the essence of association impact and innovation. Join us as co-hosts Colleen Gallagher and Meghan Henning embark on a mission to demystify PR services for associations, a topic shrouded in mystery for many.

    This discussion is more than just an exploration; it's an invitation to reimagine the potential of your association through strategic PR investment. As leaders in the association space, Colleen and Meghan bring to light the real costs and substantial benefits of investing in PR. This episode aims to shed light on the often-misunderstood realm of PR investment, highlighting why it's critical for elevating your association and the extensive work involved behind the scenes.

    Key Highlights:

    The Value of PR: Understanding the strategic positioning PR offers to associations, beyond mere visibility.

    Our Offerings Explained: A breakdown of OnWrd & UpWrd's tailored PR packages - Industry Trade Titan, Momentum Builder, and Go-to-Source, each designed to meet associations where they are on their PR journey.

    Investment Insights: Transparency about the costs associated with quality PR services and the long-term value they provide to associations.

    First 30 and 90 Days: Setting realistic expectations for the initial phases of PR engagement, detailing the sprint of activities that lay the groundwork for success.

    As Colleen and Meghan highlight, PR is an investment in your association's future, essential for member recruitment, retention and establishing industry leadership. This episode is a must-listen for association professionals seeking clarity on PR investments and eager to amplify their association's voice effectively.

    Stay tuned for more episodes that connect you with the strategies and insights shaping the association world. Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us on LinkedIn for the latest best practices and trends.

  • Welcome to the latest episode of The A100 podcast, where hosts Colleen Gallagher and Christine Stay engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Wendy-Jo Toyama, MBA CAE FASAE, CEO of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, an Association Management Center client. As the honoree of the 2024 Woman of Influence at the Association Forum's upcoming Women's Executive Forum, Toyama shares her journey of leadership, her unwavering commitment to DEI and her role in shaping a future that celebrates diversity and inclusion within the association community and beyond.

    Toyama emphasizes the significance of small, consistent actions in advancing DEI, the need for organizations to start their DEI journey with concrete steps and how events like the Women's Executive Forum foster a supportive community for women in the sector.

    Key Highlights:

    Woman of Influence: Toyama reflects on the significance of her recognition and the importance of peer recognition in her career.

    DEI Initiatives: From addressing the bamboo ceiling for AANHPI professionals to systemic changes within associations, Toyama discusses her comprehensive approach to DEI.

    Advice for Aspiring Leaders: Emphasizing persistence, the value of feedback, and the courage to stretch beyond comfort zones, Toyama offers advice to women aiming for leadership roles.

    Power of Community: Highlighting the transformative impact of the Women's Executive Forum, Toyama speaks on the importance of supportive networks for women in the association sector.

    Looking Ahead: Toyama shares her vision for the future of DEI in associations, including a focus on disability inclusion, neurodiversity and ensuring representation for all communities.

    Join us for this inspiring episode, packed with actionable insights, personal reflections, and an engaging "Just for Fun" lightning round that offers a closer look at Toyama's personal interests, including her passion for reading. We’re certain you’ll end up with a few books for your must-read list. Don't miss Wendy-Jo Toyama's compelling narrative on leadership, DEI and the power of influence in the association world.

    Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us for the latest best practices, trends and strategies making waves in the association world.

    LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100

    Stay tuned for more episodes that connect you with the leaders and changemakers shaping the association world.

  • In this episode of The Association 100 podcast, Colleen Gallagher, Meghan Henning, and Christine Stay from OnWrd & UpWrd delve into the critical role of professional development within associations. They explore how continuing education not only serves as a top priority for members, but has also become crucial for employee development, recruitment and retention.

    Drawing from various studies, they highlight that a significant percentage of professionals would prefer working for organizations that invest in their education and professional growth.

    Key Highlights:

    The necessity of professional development for both member services and employee engagement.

    Insights on how professional development influences recruitment and retention, with statistics showing a strong preference among professionals for organizations that prioritize learning opportunities.

    Personal experiences from the hosts on the varied approaches associations have towards professional development, emphasizing the need for a balanced and strategic approach.

    The importance of leadership buy-in and creating a culture that values learning and growth, ensuring that professional development is seen as a partnership between employer and employee.

    Tips for incorporating professional development into the workplace, including effective onboarding, career pathing and creating a brand culture that attracts and retains top talent.

    Join us for a thoughtful discussion on making professional development a cornerstone of your association’s strategy to foster a dynamic and thriving workplace.

    Thanks for tuning in to the Association 100 podcast, brought to you by the A100 publishing team at O&U. Don’t miss our insights on association trends and strategies by subscribing on Spotify or visiting our website.

    Follow us on LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100



  • Welcome to an exciting episode of The Association 100 podcast, where we spotlight the transformative role of associations in today’s industries. In this episode, we're joined by Gregg Lewis, Chief Communications Officer for the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA), who brings a wealth of knowledge from his unique background as an award-winning architect and now a leader in promoting sustainable building practices.

    Gregg shares his journey at NRMCA and how the association is leading the charge in advancing the concrete industry through strategic storytelling, education and advocacy. We take a deep dive into how NRMCA is shaping a more sustainable, efficient future for the built environment.

    Key Highlights:

    Gregg's Role at NRMCA: With a rich background in architecture and a focus on sustainability, Gregg discusses his dynamic role in promoting the concrete industry's successes and the importance of storytelling in advancing NRMCA's mission.

    Build with Strength: This initiative is a cornerstone of NRMCA's efforts to educate the building and design communities about the benefits of ready-mixed concrete. Gregg explains how "Build with Strength" is driving value for NRMCA members and influencing the broader industry.

    The Pave Ahead Program: Gregg outlines this forward-thinking program aimed at optimizing concrete use in paving. Through educational outreach and advocacy, "Pave Ahead" is redefining perceptions of concrete's role in sustainable infrastructure.

    Collaboration and Partnerships: Success in industry-wide initiatives often hinges on effective collaboration. Gregg highlights how NRMCA fosters relationships with stakeholders across the construction ecosystem to promote concrete as the material of choice.

    Looking Ahead: As the concrete industry evolves, NRMCA is committed to meeting changing demands and ensuring concrete’s role in a sustainable future. Gregg shares insights into upcoming initiatives and the association's roadmap to carbon neutrality by 2050.

    Join us as Gregg Lewis offers a glimpse into the innovative world of concrete, emphasizing the material's pivotal role in sustainable development and how NRMCA is paving the way for a greener, more resilient future.

    Resources:

    Learn more about NRMCA's initiatives and programs here.

    Explore the sustainability and innovation in the concrete industry with Build with Strength.

    Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify to stay updated on the latest association trends, and follow us for more episodes that delve into the heart of industry leadership and innovation.

    LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100

    Stay tuned for more insightful conversations with leaders making a significant impact in their fields.

  • Welcome to another enlightening episode of The Association 100 podcast, where we delve into the essence of association impact and innovation. We are thrilled to host Dr. Alexis McKittrick, the esteemed president of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), during a pivotal time—Engineers Week.

    Alexis, with over 20 years of dedication to SWE, shares her insights and the organization's efforts to spotlight women's achievements and opportunities in engineering. This episode comes at a perfect time as Engineers Week is in full swing, celebrating the contributions and potential of women engineers.

    Key Highlights:

    Engineers Week Initiatives: Alexis outlines SWE's exciting lineup for Engineers Week, including a CBS's Mission Unstoppable segment and the impactful 50K coalition aiming for 50,000 diverse engineering graduates by 2025. "It's been going for a number of years and just concluded its work," Alexis notes, emphasizing the ongoing need to foster diversity in engineering.

    Challenges Facing Women Engineers: Despite progress, Alexis points to concerning statistics: women earn only about 13% of engineering degrees, with an even smaller percentage for women of color. She also addresses the persistent pay gap and the 'leaky pipeline' phenomenon where mid-career women leave the field at higher rates.

    Technology's Role and SWE's Initiatives: Discussing new technologies, Alexis stresses the importance of diverse perspectives for innovation and highlights SWE's efforts, like the SWENext program and Invent It, Build It event, to engage young women and girls in STEM.

    Public Policy and Engineering: With a background in both engineering and policy, Alexis advocates for engineers' involvement in public policy decision-making, emphasizing their crucial role in data-driven governance.

    SWE's Internal Focus on DEIB: Proudly reflecting on SWE's adaptation during the pandemic and its emphasis on diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), Alexis shares initiatives aimed at ensuring a sense of belonging within SWE and its broader impact on the engineering community.

    Global Expansion and Future Goals: Alexis celebrates SWE's global growth, with a record number of global ambassadors and affiliates worldwide, as a testament to the organization's commitment to creating gender parity in engineering globally.

    Join us in this inspiring episode as we explore how SWE champions women engineers during Engineers Week and beyond, paving the way for a more inclusive and innovative future in engineering.

    Resources:

    Check out SWE’s latest DEIB Report from October of 2023.

    Statistics on Employment of Women in Engineering

    State of Women in Engineering

    Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us for the latest best practices, trends and strategies making waves in the association world.

    LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100

    Stay tuned for more episodes that connect you with the leaders and changemakers shaping the association world.

  • Welcome to another episode of The Association 100 podcast, where we dive into the world of associations to bring you the best practices, top trends and smart strategies that make a difference. Today, hosts Colleen Gallagher and Meghan Henning of OnWrd & UpWrd are joined by Song Heo, the SVP of Media Strategy and Client Partnerships at EMC Outdoor, to explore the transformative power of Out of Home (OOH) advertising for associations.

    Song brings over 24 years of experience at EMC Outdoor, a certified woman-owned business dedicated to driving business growth through strategic OOH media use. She shares insights into how OOH advertising, ranging from billboards to digital screens in coffee shops, can significantly impact audience engagement and association revenue.

    Key Highlights:

    What is Out of Home Advertising?: Song defines OOH as any advertising that occurs outside of the residential home, offering a unique channel to reach audiences en masse and engage them in the physical world.

    Importance for Association Professionals: Associations should leverage OOH advertising to enhance attendee engagement and provide effective solutions for exhibitors. This not only supports exhibitor success but also opens up new sponsorship and revenue opportunities for the association itself.

    Successful Outcomes: Song shares examples of how EMC Outdoor has helped associations generate significant revenue through targeted OOH campaigns, emphasizing the scalability and customizability of OOH to meet different exhibitors' needs and budgets.

    Beyond the Booth Survey Insights: The discussion also covers insights from EMC Outdoor's survey on exhibitors' attitudes towards sponsorships. Focusing on the "struggling" segment, Song discusses how associations can support these exhibitors to overcome challenges and achieve success at events.

    Innovative Campaigns and Experiential Activations: From chalk art campaigns to mobile billboards, Song highlights some of the most memorable and innovative OOH campaigns EMC Outdoor has executed, demonstrating the power of personalized, one-on-one engagements to amplify an exhibitor's presence and connect with audiences.

    Getting Started with OOH for Associations: For associations looking to explore OOH advertising, Song advises focusing on audience-first strategies and considering how to create valuable solutions for exhibitors while generating additional revenue for the association.

    The conversation wraps up with some fun, personal questions, giving listeners a glimpse into Song's background, her love for matcha lattes, and her bucket list travel destinations.

    For more insights and innovative ideas on leveraging OOH advertising for your association, check out EMC Outdoor's website and find their survey results here.

    Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us for the latest best practices, trends and strategies making waves in the association world.

    LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100

    Stay tuned for more episodes that bring you closer to the experts and innovators transforming the association industry.

    View the full transcript here (auto-generated).

  • [⁠View the full transcript here.⁠]

    Welcome to a compelling new episode of The Association 100 podcast, where we're kicking off 2024 with a focus on enhancing accessibility within the association community. Our guest, Rosemarie Rossetti, PhD, a renowned accessibility expert and consultant, joins co-hosts Colleen Gallagher and Meghan Henning of OnWrd & UpWrd to share invaluable insights on accommodating people with disabilities at meetings and events.

    In this episode, Rosemarie delves into her personal journey to becoming an advocate for disability inclusion, sparked by her own life-changing accident in 1998. With a career spanning over 27 years, she explains how her company evolved to specialize in assisting associations to create more inclusive environments for all attendees.

    Rosemarie emphasizes the importance of proactive planning, from initial announcements to detailed registration processes, ensuring that every participant's needs are anticipated and met. She offers practical advice for associations venturing into accessibility improvements, suggesting partnerships with experienced consultants to navigate the intricate process effectively.

    Listeners will learn about the key factors to consider for accessible event planning, including venue selection, communication strategies and budgeting for inclusivity. Rosemarie shares her recent experience consulting for a major association's annual meeting, highlighting the impact of thoughtful accommodations like complimentary scooters for attendees.

    This episode also explores the transition to virtual events, where Rosemarie recommends simple yet significant adjustments to make online gatherings more accessible. She underscores the need for clear communication and the integration of accessibility features, such as captioning and sign language interpretation, from the outset.

    As associations strive to be more inclusive, Rosemarie points out common challenges they face, including financial constraints and the necessity for leadership support. She concludes with optimistic reflections on the future of accessibility in the association space, envisioning a year marked by widespread adoption of best practices and a genuine commitment to inclusivity.

    Join us for this enlightening discussion on making accessibility a cornerstone of association event planning. Whether you're new to the topic or seeking to enhance your organization's efforts, Rosemarie's expertise and passion will inspire and guide you towards creating more welcoming and accommodating events for everyone.

    Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify to ensure you never miss an episode, and follow us for the latest best practices, trends, and strategies making waves in the association world.

    LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100

    Stay tuned for more episodes that bring you closer to the experts and innovators transforming the association industry.



  • The latest episode of The A100 podcast features Lisa Sands of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing alongside show co-hosts, OnWrd & UpWrd’s Colleen Gallagher and Keaveny Hewitt. Broadcast live from the ASAE annual conference, Lisa shared her story of taking a break from the work force and reentering it stronger than ever.

    Feeling burnt out at her job, Lisa decided it was time for a reset. Her initial plan was to take a few months off, but not feeling ready to go back after a few months, she found the months turning into years. Lisa found her age and the gap in her resume made the job search particularly challenging. After eight years in “the hinterlands” she made the move to re-enter the workforce and secured a full-time position.

    Despite the difficulties she encountered, Lisa's career break shaped her into a stronger, more self-reflective individual. She experienced low moments, but her determination to overcome them pushed her forward. She realized that sometimes, to move forward, one must clear the clutter from their mind. Her career break was a mental transformation.

    One of the most significant challenges during a career break is maintaining and improving one's skill set. Lisa's approach was to embrace opportunities to learn and grow. While temping, she acquired new skills, including software proficiency, editing, and association management. She also explored various roles at the University of Chicago, which allowed her to diversify her skillset, including contract management and meeting coordination.

    Reentering the workforce wasn't without its challenges, particularly for someone who felt like a "bad interviewee." Lisa addressed this issue by focusing on what she truly wanted in a job. She recognized that COVID-19 had created space for job gaps, but she worked on improving her interviewing skills, nonetheless.

    Lisa offers invaluable advice to those contemplating a career break. First and foremost, have a plan in place. She acknowledges that not being in the right mental space to create a plan can be challenging. Also, she emphasizes the significance of reaching out to mentors for guidance and support.

    Beyond her personal journey, Lisa Sands is also an advocate for change in the healthcare industry. She discusses the Nurse Licensure Compact, which allows nurses to practice across state borders with ease. This compact has become increasingly crucial, especially for travel nurses and telehealth professionals, in a time when high-quality medical professionals are in high demand.

    The Nurse Licensure Compact success is based on education, especially to dispel misconceptions and spread awareness about vital healthcare initiatives. Her involvement in conferences and educational initiatives aims to clear up misunderstandings surrounding the Nurse Licensure Compact, ensuring that these crucial measures are adopted nationwide.

    Lisa’s journey from a career break to reentering the workforce offers inspiration to anyone facing similar challenges. Her story serves as a testament to the idea that with the right mindset and support, one can overcome obstacles and come back even stronger.

    Subscribe today so you never miss out on future episodes.

    Follow along for best practices, top trends, helpful ideas and smart strategies and tactics that work in the world of associations.

    LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100

  • This episode of The A100 podcast dives deep into the heart of healthcare in the Bluegrass State. Host Colleen Gallagher interviews Drilon Gojani, Senior Director of Member Services, about the work being done by the Kentucky Primary Care Association (KPCA) to promote access to comprehensive, community-oriented healthcare for underserved populations.

    The two discuss the challenges faced by Kentucky, historically not the healthiest state, and how KPCA is providing essential resources and training to primary care providers. The association supports its members through advocacy work, conferences, webinars, and a newly-developed online community that is accessible 24/7. Drilon highlights how the introduction of the online community has provided members with touchpoints throughout the year, extending beyond in-person conferences.

    He speaks about initiatives like the Clinically Integrated Network, which is designed to simplify credentialing and insurance issues for KPCA members. The association also plans to launch a leadership program aimed at developing the next generation of healthcare leaders in Kentucky.

    Tune in to this episode for insights into the challenges, opportunities, and stories behind this fascinating association.

    Subscribe today so you never miss out on future episodes.

    Follow along for best practices, top trends, helpful ideas and smart strategies and tactics that work in the world of associations.

    LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100



  • In the latest episode of The A100 Podcast, we sit down with Carter Alleman, the Director of Government Affairs & Science Policy at the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET). Show co-hosts, OnWrd & UpWrd’s Meghan Henning and Keaveny Hewitt dive into the intersection of advocacy and storytelling with Carter, exploring its profound impact on scientific progress.

    ASPET, a renowned association with approximately 6,000 dedicated members, occupies a prominent position in research. Their primary focus centers on unraveling the intricate interactions between drug compounds and the human body. Their work serves as the vital first steps in pioneering treatments and drugs destined for the market, as well as contributing to the development of life-changing medications.

    However, despite their pivotal role in healthcare advancements, ASPET continually grapples with a recurring challenge – securing funding for their work. Often heralded as the true incubators of discovery in the United States, they heavily depend on funding from sources such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the National Science Foundation. Unfortunately, their funding is all too frequently subject to budget cuts during the appropriations process, posing a substantial obstacle to their mission.

    As a way to combat that, Carter shares that ASPET actively engages its members in the advocacy process. He acknowledges that scientists may not inherently gravitate toward advocacy, given its perceived political nature. Therefore, ASPET underscores the power of storytelling as a formidable tool in their advocacy efforts.

    Carter talks through one of their initiatives, the Washington Fellows program, which is an innovative program that escorts 10 early-career scientists to Capitol Hill, where they share their research and forge direct connections with policymakers. These personal interactions bridge the gap between science and policy. This program is an integral part of a broader strategy aimed at preparing members to become active participants in shaping policy discussions, rather than passive observers.

    ASPET is keenly aware that effective advocacy extends beyond mere congressional testimony; it hinges on active engagement with elected officials who share common interests and concerns.

    In an era where science has become increasingly entwined with politics, ASPET acknowledges the inseparable nature of these two realms. While government funding and support are indispensable for scientific progress, they also recognize the necessity of navigating the intricate political landscape while steadfastly remaining committed to their overarching mission of advancing public health.

    To gain further insights into the ever-evolving relationship between science, advocacy, and policy, be sure to tune in to this episode of The A100 podcast.

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  • In this episode of The A100 podcast, hosts Keaveny Hewitt and Meghan Henning are joined by guest Gail Kulp, Executive Director of the Sea Tow Foundation. Broadcast live from ASAE, the group discusses the organization's Life Jacket Challenge initiative in addition to tips for operating as a two-person team with limited resources.

    Gail introduces the Life Jacket Challenge, which tests participants’ ability to locate and put on a life jacket in less than 30 seconds. She explains that most boaters refrain from wearing life jackets, often keeping them underneath seats or in lockers. The initiative is intended to simulate real-life, water-based boating emergencies, emphasizing the difficulty of putting a life jacket on in such situations.

    Keaveny draws an analogy between wearing life jackets and fastening seat belts during a car crash, emphasizing the importance of being prepared and taking proactive measures before emergencies happen.

    “Life jackets save lives, but really only if they’re worn.” Gail shares statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard, citing 75% of boating incident victims drowned, and of those drowning victims, a shocking 85% were not wearing a life jacket. She adds that most people only wear a life jacket on board when it’s required.

    Hit play now to discover how the Sea Tow Foundation, operating as a two-person team, manages to stay creative and innovative with limited resources.

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  • Join OnWrd & UpWrd co-hosts Meghan Henning and Keaveny Hewitt as they talk retention, open access to research, and effective engagement strategies with Shannon Reed, Director of Community Engagement at The Electrochemical Society (ECS). The organization plays a critical role in powering the sustainability of the future by publishing foundational research around things like corrosion and lithium ion batteries.

    Shannon discusses their groundbreaking “Free the Science” program initiated in 2014. The program has a simple mission: make published research freely accessible to everyone since having open access to science contributes to the advancement of the field. ECS has fully embraced this, by making all of the research in their highly peer-reviewed journal available for free. He also stresses the importance of developing transformative agreements with their publishing partners to make the research free and accessible.

    “Imagine you are in a library and you’re doing your research and you can only read an abstract. You can’t access an article because the library doesn’t have a subscription to the journal,” Shannon noted. “Especially in underrepresented communities or underrepresented countries- not having to have a subscription allows people to access that content, so that allows for advancement.”

    The group also discusses ECS’ Battery Workforce Development Program, an initiative to prepare students at the master’s or doctoral level with the knowledge and skills of electrochemists. Shannon’s vision for the program goes further, with plans to expand it to community colleges and undergraduate levels, ensuring that a wide range of people can access the education. He envisions partnerships with governmental organizations and industry titans like Ford and Tesla to expand the program.

    Discover the most impactful engagement strategies Shannon has encountered, from tailored membership options for early career professionals to creating more networking opportunities at technical meetings. Don’t miss this chat that explores the power of science, education, and collaboration in driving change.

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  • On this episode of the A100, OnWrd & UpWrd host Colleen Gallagher talks with Lakisha Barclay, Executive Director & CEO of the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS). With over a century of history, the Rubber Division, ACS is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of their membership and the industry.

    Lakisha explains that the Division’s key to success is actively listening to its members and the industry as a whole. By understanding what their community needs and desires, they can develop and provide relevant initiatives and programs. The pair emphasize the importance of creating a sense of belonging and providing opportunities for members to be heard and to build relationships with others in the industry.

    One significant achievement she highlights is the organization’s focus on engaging students. They instituted student-focused initiatives to attract and support students in the industry, resulting in a more than 50% growth in student membership. This includes asking undergraduate and graduate programs to help fund students’ attendance at events like annual conferences, where they can witness first-hand the breadth and nature of the industry.

    During the podcast, they also discuss how the Rubber Division has a technical program that bridges academia with industry professionals. The program allows for collaboration between the two groups, ensuring that “academia can hear from industry on what’s important
 so they know where to drive their research.”

    Lakisha also emphasizes the importance of creating networking opportunities that allow members to connect and foster relationships. She recognizes that members want more than just technical sessions; they seek opportunities to connect and need breaks during jam-packed conferences and events.

    Towards the end, Lakisha shares her vision for the future, which includes growing the organization’s women’s program and empowering younger generations to take on leadership roles. Hit play for valuable insights on how to improve your association’s approach to community building and leadership.

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    LinkedIn: /company/the-association-100