

The Association Podcast
Jake Toohey, Ben Muscolino, Gretchen Steenstra
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 12, 2024 • 35min
Private Equity & Venture Capital Process and Impact on the Association Tech Market with Tim McLoughlin
On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome seasoned venture capitalist, Tim McLoughlin, Managing Partner at Cofounders Capital to share his insights on software investment, particularly in the association market. We discuss the differences and resemblances between Private Equity (PE) and Venture Capital (VC). Tim explains the concept of 'fund size' and its implication in investment decisions and walks through his fundraising experience. We go on to address the surge in AI applications in business solutions and Tim's advice to entrepreneurs to focus on solving real-world problems and making a difference. Finally, we talk about trends in software procurement, investment cycles, and the importance of nurturing relationships.

Jan 30, 2024 • 59min
The Fusion of Technology and Association Services with Impexium's Patrick Dorsey
On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome repeat guest, Patrick Dorsey, Senior VP of Marketing at Impexium. We explore the transforming landscape of association technology. Discussions range from Impexium's significant growth and the role of AI, to customer service, marketing, and the importance of good client relationships. We get some insights into the company's journey from a startup to a mature organization, its management of acquisitions and resources, and highlight the ways they anticipate client needs. www.impexium.com

Jan 11, 2024 • 50min
Behind The Mic: Association Podcasters Unite To Discuss and Explain The “Why”
On this episode of The Association Podcast, our own Ben Muscolino, CEO of Breezio and Founder & CEO of AssociationWire, which includes AMS Geek, Data Sangria, and other industry brands, joins other Association Podcasters and industry thought leaders to discuss each other’s approach to their own association industry podcast, why they do it and much more. Stories of past episodes, past guests, and different podcast formats make this episode a little bit of a peak behind the mic of some of your favorite association industry podcasts and personalities. The episode is led by Dave Coriale, CAE and President at DelCor Technology Solutions, and joined by Dave Will, Co-Founder and CEO of PropFuel, Joanna Pineda, Founder, CEO and Chief Troublemaker at Matrix Group International and last but certainly not least, the “OG” of association podcasting, KiKi L’Italien, VP of Marketing & Community at Big Red M and Editor-In-Chief for the well-known brand, Association Chat.The Association Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-association-podcast/id1553363203 Ben Muscolino, CEO of Breezio and Founder & CEO of AssociationWire which includes AMS Geek, Data Sangria www.breezio.comwww.associationwire.comAssociation Chat Podcast:

Dec 14, 2023 • 57min
Embracing Change and Driving Innovation in the Association World with Alex Mouw, CAE
On this episode of The Association Podcast, we welcome Alex Mouw, CAE, Principal Strategic Advisor at AWS for Nonprofits. We discuss Alex's background, getting into the association market when she was six years old and the work she is doing at AWS. After learning about the onboarding and interview process at Amazon, we chat about the challenges of siloed organizations and data in associations and how to best centralize data for better engagement. We also cover the importance of diversifying revenue in the association space, the impact of AI and machine learning, and the use of voice technology in exhibits. AWS for Nonprofitswww.aws.amazon.com/npoAWS IMAGINE Grant Programwww.aws.amazon.com/government-education/nonprofits/aws-imagine-grant-program

Dec 1, 2023 • 1h 3min
Tech & Trust: Navigating Digital Transformation in Associations with Rob Katchen
On this episode of The Association Podcast, we talk with Rob Katchen, Senior Vice President of Information Technology at the American Academy of Pediatrics. We get Rob's perspective on the role of technology in associations, focusing on the continuous journey that is digital transformation. We discuss why he advocates for honesty and open communication with stakeholders, emphasizing trust and accountability. We also discuss his insights on the transition from the for-profit world to the non-profit world, how that shapes his role at the Academy and his expectations for vendors and partners.www.aap.orgwww.healthychildren.org

Nov 21, 2023 • 52min
Ensuring ADA Compliance and Accessibility at Conferences and Events with Dr. Rosemarie Rossetti
On this episode of The Association Podcast, Rosemarie Rossetti, Ph.D., a disability rights advocate and ADA compliance consultant, shares her insights on creating accessible environments. She discusses her work in disability inclusion, her experiences consulting on ADA compliance for large tradeshows, and the importance of attention to detail in planning accessible events. We also talk about the balance between security and usability in design, the significance of seemingly simple things like ramps, and the need for respectful language when interacting with individuals with disabilities. Rosemarie's Website with Free Resourceswww.rosemariespeaks.comUniversal Design Laboratorywww.udll.com

Nov 14, 2023 • 1h 6min
Associations and the Power of Personalization with Dave Will
On this episode of The Association Podcast, Co-founder and CEO of PropFuel, Dave Will, joins us to discuss enhancing association communication by listening to member needs and personalizing messaging. We highlight the importance of understanding member needs and expectations and the value of data collection in achieving this. The conversation also covers the challenges associations face in utilizing data and the role of automation. We also debate the complexity of associations, the importance of user experience, and the potential for associations to learn from other industries.

Oct 16, 2023 • 48min
Managing Enterprise Systems with a Small Staff with Angela Melle, CCUFC
On this episode of The Association Podcast, Angela Mell, Senior Director of Communications and Education at the Louisiana Credit Union League, shares her journey in the credit union space, the transition from Google Groups to a new community platform, and the challenges faced in adopting new technology. We also discuss the importance of listening to member needs, prioritizing technology initiatives, and delegating responsibilities.

Sep 25, 2023 • 38min
Part 2: A Discussion About Gaps in the Association Market with Wes Trochlil
The Association Podcast welcomes Wes Trochlil back to the show for a great conversation about holes in the association market. In part 2 of this conversation, we discuss the integration and fundraising challenges associations have. We look at difficulties in justifying investments in expensive technology for small fundraising efforts, the risks of straying from an association's mission, and the importance of integrating systems for efficient data management. We also get into topics such as credentialing, certifications, ecommerce, membership engines, and communication tools within associations.

Sep 19, 2023 • 42min
Part 1: A Discussion About Gaps in the Association Market with Wes Trochlil
The Association Podcast welcomes back Wes Trochlil to the show for a great conversation about holes in the association market. In part 1 of the conversation, we get into the importance of training and ongoing professional development in the association industry and the challenges of implementing new software. We also discuss the effectiveness of the "train the trainer" model, the importance of continuous improvement and investment in software systems, and the concept of "guardrails" in project management and budgeting, emphasizing the need for clear boundaries and effective communication.


