Education Sessions

Automate the Mundane to Unleash Your Creative Potential

Is your team bogged down by repetitive tasks, leaving little time for innovation? Join us to discover how AI and automation can be your secret weapon in banishing busywork and igniting creativity! Explore practical ways to automate routine processes, freeing up your team to focus on what they do best - thinking strategically and delivering exceptional value to members. Through interactive discussions and relatable case studies, you'll leave equipped with an action plan to leverage AI in transforming tedious tasks into opportunities for innovation. Get ready to reimagine your association's potential and empower your team to do their most impactful work!

Joseph Burak, MBA, AI Strategist, TRANSiT Strategy & Analytics

 

Cocktail Napkin Networking: Make Meaningful Connections Anywhere, Anytime, with Anyone

Get ready to revolutionize the way you network! In this dynamic program, discover a fun and effective approach to introducing yourself, making lasting impressions, and keeping the energy alive for future collaborations. This energizing, interactive session promises to turn every networking opportunity into a chance to connect authentically, highlight your gifts and talents, and leave a memorable mark well after the event has concluded. Join us for an engaging and informative session that promises to transform your networking approach, equipping you with the skills you need to create true connections.

Theresa Rose, Strategic Co-Creator and Award-winning Author, Theresa Rose Presents, LLC

 

The To-Do List Solution: Mastering Productivity

If your to-do list feels endless, and you struggle to prioritize or find a starting point, this one-hour workshop is for you. Discover the three common mistakes that undermine productivity and learn a simple, brain-science-backed, three-step framework to transform how you work. This session goes beyond theory, guiding you to implement these strategies on the spot, helping you shift from constantly putting out fires to focusing on what truly matters. You will leave equipped with tools to work smarter, not harder. HOMEWORK! To maximize your experience, please bring your own to-do list in order to apply these valueable techniques in real time. The workshop concludes with an interactive Q&A, ensuring you leave with personalized insights to supercharge your productivity. 

Alegre Ramos, MBA, DTM, LEED AP, Bestselling author, Podcast Host, and co-Founder, BYWD

 

What Constitutes a Remarkable Association Today: Rethinking the Seven Measures

In 2024, ASAE announced a national movement to reevaluate The Seven Measures of Success: What Remarkable Associations Do That Others Don't, the iconic guidebook inspired by Jim Collins and published in 2006. Discover what sets remarkable associations apart in this engaging session. Explore the seven measures of success that define high-performing organizations and evaluate their own associations through a self-assessment. Engage in thought-provoking discussions as fellow attendees share their perspectives on the evolving benchmarks for success in today’s association landscape. Whether you’re looking for actionable insights or inspiration, this session provides practical tools and fresh perspectives to elevate your organization’s impact and performance. 

Shaun Rundle, CAE, Executive Director, California Peace Officers Association
Shannan Young, RDN, SNS, Partnerships and Programs Officer, Dairy Council of California

Ask the Association Attorney: Everything You Want to Know 

From one of the country’s most experienced and notable association attorneys, come armed with your questions as we explore the most pressing legal issues facing trade and professional association these days. In a Q&A-driven format, this is your opportunity to ask our speaker about any association legal topic on your mind. Explore some of the hottest topics and legal risks creating buzz in the association community. In plain English and a very interactive format, learn the key red flags you need to be able to spot, what you should do when you spot them, and practical tips and suggestions for protecting your association and mitigating legal risk. 

Jeffrey S. Tenenbaum, Esq., Managing Partner, Tenenbaum Law
   Group PLLC
 

From Coexisting to Co-Creating: Unlocking the Exponential Power of Partnerships 

In an era of shrinking budgets and rising demands, success lies in building exponential relationships that amplify resources and unlock new possibilities. This interactive session introduces the concept of moving beyond competition and coexistence to create co-creative partnerships that deliver transformational results. Through engaging storytelling and reflective exercises, participants will explore practical strategies to identify and nurture high-impact connections within and beyond their organizations. By focusing on the "who" rather than the "how," attendees will learn how to expand their team’s capacity, bridge silos, and foster trust, creativity, and collaboration. Walk away with actionable insights to energize your team, inspire innovation, and tackle challenges with renewed confidence.

Chris Failla, Founder and Lead Facilitator, See the Human, LLC

Transforming Team Meetings: From Mundane to Must-Attend

How often do we hold a team meeting, just because it’s a standing meeting, or we feel we need one? Discover the art of turning your team meetings into compelling and highly productive gatherings. In this session, we delve into the world of facilitation skills, providing you with the tools and techniques needed to revitalize your meetings. Learn how to captivate your team's attention, ensuring active participation and genuine enthusiasm; and walk away from your meetings with decisions made. Explore proven strategies for problem-solving and decision-making within the meeting room, making every session an opportunity to drive actionable results. Join us and revolutionize the way you lead and participate in team meetings for improved collaboration, creativity, and productivity.

Megan MacNee, CAE, MPA, Senior Association Executive, Advocacy & Management Group

 

What a New Pair of Sneakers Revealed About Inclusion

It was a simple unexpected line, in fact a p.s., in an email about my new custom Nike Air Force 1’s that widened my view on inclusivity. Granted, it also fueled the return of my sneaker obsession, but that’s another story. When you create welcoming spaces for people of all backgrounds and abilities, it can lead to more productivity, creativity and innovation. People are likely to be more engaged and collaborative. It can expand your talent pool for hiring or reveal hidden talents among existing staff. At the end of the day, inclusion is the gateway to diversity and equity where more people can reach their full potential and make your association stronger. How are you modeling inclusivity? How is your association or your association events demonstrating belonging and welcoming. Let’s explore ways to walk the walk and not just talk the talk about inclusion, diversity and equity. 

Sonya Bradley, Chief Inclusion and Community Engagement Officer, Visit Sacramento

Ethics Live! Roleplay and Practice in Responding to Real Violations  

Responding to reports of an ethics violation can be challenging for the association professional. Many factors influence how organizations approach these reported violations, including association size, culture, governance structure, and established policies. Developing skills to navigate these factors and effectively handle reported violations is crucial for association leaders. We will go through a guided, interactive case evaluation of reported ethics violations and a discussion of best practices. Variously-sized organizations will provide diverse perspectives on handling these challenging cases. Gain insights on analyzing reported violations within an established decision matrix and code of ethics, critiquing the process and policies, and applying sound ethical principles in these situations.

Eileen Murray, MM, CAE, CEO, American Epilepsy Society

Shawna Strickland, PhD, CAE, Associate Executive Director, American Epilepsy Society

Peer Mentoring for Engagement and Retention:  Strengthening Association Communities

Peer mentoring offers association executives a powerful strategy to enhance member engagement and retention by fostering authentic connections, creating community and meaningful learning opportunities. In this session, participants will explore how to create a thriving peer mentoring culture that not only helps attract new members but also sustains long-term commitment. We will cover key strategies for implementing effective mentoring programs tailored to different member demographics, providing tools for attendees to design initiatives that yield meaningful relationships. With peer mentoring as a foundation, associations can nurture both individual growth and organizational resilience. Leave equipped to leverage mentoring as a sustainable, cost-effective tool for member engagement and retention, driving both personal and professional development across their membership base.

Lisa Fain, JD, CEO, Center for Mentoring Excellence

The Road Ahead: Innovating & Transforming Association Business Models for Long-Term Success

Explore how associations can modernize their business models and thrive in a rapidly evolving environment in this forward-thinking panel discussion. Industry leaders will share strategies for transitioning from traditional approaches to innovative models that drive sustainable growth. Learn how to adapt business practices, leverage AI and emerging technologies, and implement forward-thinking strategies to remain competitive. Discover actionable methods for diversifying revenue streams, enhancing member engagement, and staying ahead of emerging trends. Gain insights into how AI can optimize operations, personalize member experiences, and uncover new opportunities for growth. This session equips you with the tools and transformative ideas needed to reshape your association’s approach, ensuring resilience and long-term success in an increasingly dynamic landscape. 

Patricia Montague, CAE, CEO, School Nutrition Association

Bill Sheehan, Global Head, Association Strategy, D2L

Mastering the Art of Executive Presence

Discover the transformative power of executive presence in this dynamic session designed to help you embody authentic confidence and show up poised, polished, and prepared. Far beyond a set of skills or techniques, executive presence is a way of being that inspires trust, engages hearts, and moves people to action. Gain actionable insights to enhance your impact, build lasting connections, and lead from your truest self. Whether you’re in a leadership role or seeking to amplify your influence, this session equips you with the tools to elevate your presence and navigate every interaction with intention and grace.

Amy Eliza Wong, Founder, Always On Purpose