The Association Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we have special guest Justin Bieganek, Creative Director & Founder of Mercury Creative Group. We discuss the journey and strategic work involved in brand building and management, especially for associations. Justin shares his experiences building Mercury Creative Group and also shares insights into the value of developing a singular brand focus, the client-side perspective, decision-making issues, maintaining brand relevance, and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing brand design and communications. We also get into the contrast between working with for-profit and non-profit organizations.

On this episode of The Association Podcase, we welcome Christine Nogal, Chief Operations & Business Development Officer at the Arthroscopy Association of North America. We discuss her unconventional path from music to association management, AANA's Think Tank for innovation, and the successful implementation of a Netflix-style subscription model for AANA's online learning. We also talk about the importance of simplicity in user experience and decision-making, the value of team input, and the surprising diversity of their subscription model's user base. Special thanks to Lauren Janik from Impexium for stepping in for Gretchen as our guest host!www.impexium.com

On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Rob Barnes, MBA, CAE, and the CEO of BettyBot. We discuss how his company's AI product enhances the accessibility and utility of knowledge repositories maintained by associations. We learn how BettyBot can ingest an entire knowledge base to provide precise, verified information to users instead of forcing them to navigate through traditional search results. We also get into the importance of associations considering their digital strategies, emphasizing how artificial intelligence technology allows for a more efficient, responsive service that addresses users' immediate needs. Finally, we touch on the changing paradigms in decision-making within associations and advocate for a user-based approach.