
The Association Podcast
Jake Toohey (Adage Technologies), Gretchen Steenstra (DelCor) and Ben Muscolino (Breezio and AMS Geek) bring you The Association Podcast. With a combined five decades of experience in the association tech space, they explore challenges facing associations and bring fresh ideas to address them using strategy, design, analytics, and technology.
Latest episodes

Oct 8, 2024 • 47min
Leading and Innovating Through Listening with Brittany Carter
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.

Sep 19, 2024 • 49min
Navigating Change Empowering Associations through Video with Michael Hoffman
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.

Aug 29, 2024 • 19min
Live from ASAE '24: AI, Cyber Security, and Customer Experience with Patrick Dorsey and Molly Lee
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.

Aug 8, 2024 • 51min
Balancing Innovation and Practicality in the Age of AI with Tori Miller Liu
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.

Aug 5, 2024 • 41min
Benchmarking in the Association Industry with Jose Segarra and Nicole Succop
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.

Jul 30, 2024 • 36min
The Intersection of Business and Accessibility with Mark Wallach
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.

May 24, 2024 • 42min
Advocacy, Impact and Empowerment: The Charge Against Neuromuscular Diseases with Morgan Roth
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.

May 21, 2024 • 1h 12min
Thriving in Associations and Life with Joanna Pineda
On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Joanna Pineda, CEO and Chief Troublemaker at Matrix Group International. We discuss her entrepreneurial journey, web design fundamentals, and reflections on the association management industry. Our conversation spans from the significance of company culture and accountability to practical strategies for project management and maintaining work-life balance in a remote environment, all intertwined with the need for continuous learning, adapting to market needs, and fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace culture.

May 6, 2024 • 53min
Empathy and Innovation: Transforming Associations with Ted Davis
On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Ted Davis, Director of Digital Experience and Strategy at the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) and an adjunct at NYU. Ted shares his journey from working in lifestyle magazines and beauty to embracing Digital Transformation in the association market. We discuss the strategic shift towards a digital-first organization at NACD, the value of education through Ted's lens of teaching digital marketing at NYU and adapting to associations' unique pacing and culture. We also explore the importance of empathy in marketing, the transition from a commercial to an association mindset, and how associations can benefit from corporate practices without losing their community focus. Mabel gets us into a deeper discussion on the future of marketing and keeping things simple within organizations.

May 1, 2024 • 1h
Navigating Waves of Change with Don Dea
Discover the remarkable journey of Don Dea, a key figure in the association industry, as he shares experiences ranging from corporate leadership at Xerox to impactful contributions in nonprofits like America's Vet Dogs. We discuss his perspectives on governance, technology, leveraging volunteers, insights on Digital Now, educational empowerment, community engagement, and leadership wisdom.