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Association Brain Food: 4.4.25

Reid All About it

The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls. Pablo Picasso Membership requirement for certification. Many association professionals believe its okay to require membership for certification programs , but, as Apti points out, its definitely not.

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Beginner’s Guide to Understanding a Nonprofit Balance Sheet

NXUnite

While the process can be tedious, compiling nonprofit financial statements allows your organization to evaluate its financial standing and stay accountable to stakeholders. These documents help you use resources effectively to fulfill your nonprofits mission. One of the main financial statements nonprofits develop is a nonprofit balance sheet. To get you up to speed, well review the basics of this report, why its important, and how to interpret it so your organization can maximize this data.

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Can I Trust You?

Spark Consulting

I was recently thinking about something my very smart friend Jamie Notter is fond of saying: Trust and risk are correlated. As trust goes up, risk goes up. In order to lower risk, we also end up lowering trust. Ever wondered why staff members have such strong reactions to new policies at your association? Voil. That reads, on some level, like you don’t trust them.

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Pitching to national media: what works

The Association 100

In this Association Insights video , I break down how to effectively pitch your associations story to national media. Success starts with understanding what national outlets want: stories with wide relevance or impact. Research journalists’ beats and personalize your pitch accordingly. Use a compelling subject line, a strong first sentence and clearly state why your story matters now.

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Forecasting Failures Are Costly: Heres How To Fix Them

Speaker: Dave Sackett

Traditional budgeting and forecasting methods can no longer keep pace with today’s rapidly evolving business environment. Static budgets, rigid annual forecasts, and outdated financial models limit an organization’s ability to adapt to market shifts and economic uncertainty. To stay ahead, finance leaders must leverage a future-forward approach—one that leverages real-time data, predictive analytics, and continuous planning to drive smarter financial decisions.

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A Text-to-Give Fundraising Guide: Overview + Top 5 Platforms

Wild Apricot

Text-to-give fundraising is an easy way to boost donations. This guide covers the basics of text-to-give fundraising and the top 5 platforms.

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She Tells Two Friends…And They Tell Two Friends…

Spark Consulting

Remember that old Faberge shampoo commercial, where the hook was that the shampoo was SO amazing that a woman told two friends about it, and then they each told two friends, etc., until the screen was covered with little boxes containing pictures of female heads with awesomely feathered hair? Witness word of mouth at work. The exact number offered differs, but we’ve all heard the old trope that someone who has a good experience tells a small number of other people, while someone who has a

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4 Tips for Hosting a Successful Event for Small Businesses

NXUnite

Picture this: Your small business has been operating online only, but now youre ready to open a physical storefront. To generate excitement and attract new customers, you host a grand opening event with drinks, snacks, and a 10% discount on every purchase. At the end of the day, youve had your most successful day of sales yet and positive feedback from community members who are excited to come back.

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Crafting op-eds that get published

The Association 100

In this Association Insights video , I share best practices for writing op-eds that elevate your associations voice and increase your chances of publication. Bold ideas deserve bold platforms. Start with a timely, relevant topic that ties into current events or pressing industry challenges. Hook readers with a strong opening and keep your message focused and persuasive.

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Science Groups’ Meeting Abruptly Canceled by University

Associations Now

An annual conference led by two nonprofits serving science journalists had the support of the University of Pittsburgh. Last month it pulled funding, citing changing circumstances. Two organizations representing science journalists are scrambling to find a new home for their annual conference after its original academic sponsor withdrew its support.

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The Everyday Donor: Unlocking Prospecting Segments Through Behavior Analysis

Speaker: Tim Sarrantonio, Director of Corporate Brand

Do you really know your donors? Not just what they give, but who they are? 👥 In this interactive session, we’ll break down how nonprofits can use behavioral indicators (affinity, recency, frequency, and monetary value) to build prospecting segments that go beyond wealth screening and actually align with donor identity. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to move beyond basic demographics and cultivate supporters based on how they already engage with you!

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The Future of Associations: Key Takeaways from Association 4.0™ 

.orgSource

The association industry is at a crossroads. The rapid pace of digital transformation, changing member expectations, and economic uncertainty require associations to rethink their business models and adapt to new realities. Association 4.0 : Positioning for Success in an Era of Disruption provides a roadmap for associations to thrive in this evolving landscape.

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Why Data Governance Matters for Associations 

Achurch

Associations juggle tons of member and operational data across multiple platforms. If its not well-managed, youll run into messy, inconsistent, and even risky data situations. Data governance (DG) isnt about overcomplicating things its about making sure your data actually works for you. Common Data Headaches for Associations Unclear Purpose: Some data is collected out of habit, not because its useful.

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Rebuilding nonprofit resilience through mergers and partnerships 

Candid

Nonprofits in the international development subsectorand those that have relied on U.S. government funding in particularare facing the impacts of USAID stop-work orders and subsequent funding cancellations. The possibility of those organizations being forced to close means programs ending , putting communities around the world at risk. While few organizations have publicly discussed the difficulties theyre facing, some have announced closures or the furlough of a majority of staff , signaling s

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How leaders cultivate innovation & drive transformation

The Association 100

The latest Association Insights Podcast features Joanna Pineda, CEO and chief troublemaker at Matrix Group, for a compelling conversation on leadership, digital transformation and fostering a culture of innovation. Pineda shares how she has led Matrix Group for 25+ years, evolving and embracing intentional change every three to four years to stay ahead.

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Turn Messy Data into a Strategic Asset with This Essential Guide

Is messy, outdated, or duplicate data making it harder to track engagement, revenue, and performance? Poor data quality can slow your organization down and prevent you from making informed decisions. With The Dirty Data Guide , you'll discover: Practical steps to clean your data and maintain accuracy over time. A checklist to help your team implement data hygiene best practices.

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How to avoid common AMS implementation pitfalls and ensure a smooth transition

Nimble AMS

When you consider implementing association management software (AMS), do you think of long timelines, unexpected costs, or unpredictable challenges? What if we told you an AMS implementation didnt have to be this way ? While many associations struggle during an AMS implementation, your organization can have a smooth, predictable, and cost-effective impl eme ntation.

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Aligning People. Building Culture. Driving Change. 

.orgSource

What do the most successful associations have in common? Its not the size of their staff, their budget, or even the latest tech. Its the ability to bring people together around a shared vision, foster a culture that empowers them, and take meaningful action when it matters most. In a world where complexity is the norm and expectations are constantly evolving, association leaders face a critical challenge: how to remain relevant, mission-driven, and impactful while navigating ongoing transformati

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Thinking Bigger Picture: AI Policy & Integration 

Achurch

The key to AI success isnt adopting the flashiest system its ensuring the solution genuinely enhances your work, integrates smoothly with your existing tech stack, and aligns with your mission. Our team is exploring the growing number of options to use with clients and on our own daily to-do list. Weve assembled some practical AI applications for associations, along with essential considerations to make AI work for you.

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Women in the nonprofit sector: Underrepresented, underpaid, underfunded, but making progress 

Candid

Despite comprising the majority of the nonprofit workforce, women in the sector still face gender disparities and challenges, including unequal pay, lack of access to funding sources, and expectations to do more with less. For Womens History Month, weve curated a list of articles highlighting the progress women in the nonprofit sector have made, the gaps they still face, and how theyre working to dismantle barriers.

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2025 Association Survey Results Report

GrowthZone’s 11th annual survey highlights trends, challenges, and strategies shaping the membership industry through insights from U.S. and Canadian association professionals. Get your copy of the 2025 Association Survey Results Report to see how your organization measures up: The biggest challenges associations are facing Membership retention trends and non-renewal insights Strategies for automatic renewals and reinstatements Shifts in member engagement tactics Why members are joining (and sta

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How leaders build influence & drive change

The Association 100

On The Association Insights Podcast , co-host Meghan Henning and I sat down with Anne Reinke, president & CEO of the Intermodal Association of North America, for a dynamic conversation on leadership, visibility and advocacy. Reinke shares her leadership journey to a new CEO role and how shes amplifying IANAs presence in Washington and beyond by uniting diverse stakeholders under a common mission.

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A Perfect Blend – The Barista and FFAIR Partner to Enhance Exhibitor Experiences

Event Industry News

FFAIR, the award-winning exhibitor and sponsor management platform, has announced that The Barista, a leading events coffee supplier, has joined its Recommended Supplier programme.

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4 Ways Association Events Can Boost Member Retention

Sequence Consulting

Author: Daria Knupp Its no secret that keeping existing members engaged is more cost-effective than constantly acquiring new ones. One of the most powerful ways to boost retention is through association events. Well-planned events create opportunities for members to connect, learn, and find value in their membership, making them more likely to stay involved long-term.

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10 Ways Artificial Intelligence Can Help Associations Thrive 

Achurch

Its no secret that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are transforming the way associations operate by making processes more efficient, improving member engagement, and unlocking new insights. But before jumping on the AI bandwagon, its crucial to ask: Why are we using this tool? How does it fit into our strategy? What problem does it solve? Without clear answers, associations wont reap value. 1.

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Navigating Payroll Compliance: Future-Proofing Payroll in an Evolving Regulatory Landscape

Speaker: Jennifer Hill

Payroll compliance is a cornerstone of business success, yet for small and midsize businesses, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of federal, state, and local regulations. Mistakes can lead to costly penalties and operational disruptions, making it essential to adopt advanced solutions that ensure accuracy and efficiency.

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Sustainable community-led solutions shaping disaster philanthropy 

Candid

The field of disaster philanthropy is facing a perfect storm of global crisesconflicts, climate disasters, economic instability, and growing humanitarian needsas disaster relief and humanitarian aid organizations face a changing funding landscape. Abrupt halts in foreign aid and heightened scrutiny of federal funding have created widespread uncertainty.

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Event Marketing Strategy 101: A Step-by-Step Guide

A2Z Events

Planning an event requires carefully coordinating with countless people to ensure that your speakers, food, venue, and activities create a memorable experience. After you go through all this effort, however, you want to make sure that you build an effective occasion that will align with your brand goals and help drive leads for your business. The key to achieving this objective is having an effective event marketing strategy.

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How to Run a Membership Committee: Your Jump Start Guide for Success

Wild Apricot

Build a successful membership committee for your organization, no matter the size in this step-by-step guide - best practices included.

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A Brief Beginner’s Guide to Using AI for Associations

Sequence Consulting

Author: Debbie Willis Is your association thriving? According to recent surveys , association executives feel more confident than ever, with 67% optimistic about their organizations future growth and stability. While the reasons for this optimism vary, theres no doubt that now is a promising time for associations to try experimental strategies, test out innovative tools, and explore new opportunities.

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How To Build an Exceptional Member Experience | Weds, Dec 11th, 3PM EDT

Speaker: Jessica Bonney from VICA and Jeff Horne from Wicket

What does delivering an exceptional member experience mean in today's world? With the right insights, tools, and strategies, you can identify what truly matters to your members, drive meaningful engagement at scale, and continue to meet the ever-evolving needs of your members. Join association experts Jessica Bonney from VICA and Jeff Horne from Wicket who will share practical insights on how to build an exceptional member-driven experience by gaining a deeper understanding of your members and d

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Is Data Governance on Your Mind? Start Here. 

Achurch

Data governance might sound technical, but at its core, its just about keeping your data clean, organized, and useful. Without it, you risk inconsistent information, wasted time, and costly mistakes. Whether youre wondering where to start or considering our services , this quick guide will help you figure out whats next. Data Governance Check-Up: Is Your Association Struggling with These?

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How to avoid common AMS implementation pitfalls and ensure a smooth transition

Nimble AMS

When you consider implementing association management software (AMS), do you think of long timelines, unexpected costs, or unpredictable challenges? What if we told you an AMS implementation didnt have to be this way ? While many associations struggle during an AMS implementation, your organization can have a smooth, predictable, and cost-effective impl eme ntation.

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RefTech appointed to deliver onsite badging for The Business of Events: Global Policy Forum

Event Industry News

RefTech, a long-established and highly regarded provider of event registration, badging and scanning solutions has been appointed to provide badging for The Business of Events: Global Policy Forum, taking place at IET London: Savoy Place on Tuesday 1st April 2025. RefTech will be delivering its award-winning badging solution to ensure a seamless, professional experience for attendees.

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