Author: Colleen Gallagher

This author has written 162 articles
Read more about the article Fighting Misinformation with Trust: How Associations Can Leverage Influencer Marketing

Fighting Misinformation with Trust: How Associations Can Leverage Influencer Marketing

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Candice Warltier, CEO & Founding Partner of CS-Effect, to explore how associations can use trusted voices to combat misinformation, educate new audiences, and strengthen their credibility in an increasingly noisy digital landscape. Drawing from CS-Effect's award-winning work with the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), Candice shares how a strategic influencer campaign helped counter myths about root canals by partnering with respected physicians, pediatricians, and healthcare content creators—not to promote products, but to deliver science-based education people could trust. Whether you're leading communications, marketing, membership, or advocacy, this episode offers practical insights into how associations can thoughtfully incorporate influencer marketing to expand their reach, build trust, and engage the next generation.

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Read more about the article WWPR Panel: How Associations Lead with Strategic Storytelling

WWPR Panel: How Associations Lead with Strategic Storytelling

In this special episode of the Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher shares a live panel discussion from Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) on how associations can use strategic storytelling to build trust, strengthen member engagement, and drive organizational results. Joining Colleen are: Courtney Rhodes, Head of News Media Relations, U.S. Travel Association; Jeanne Metzger, Vice President, Membership, Marketing & Analytics, Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA); and Alexandra Bradley, Director of Communications & Marketing, American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR). Together, they share practical strategies for helping associations move beyond promoting programs to becoming trusted, strategic voices during times of uncertainty, rapid technological change, and shifting member expectations. Whether you lead communications, marketing, membership, or strategy, this episode offers actionable ideas for building trust, creating stories that resonate, and positioning communications as a driver of organizational success.

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Read more about the article Trust, Change, and the Future of Association Leadership

Trust, Change, and the Future of Association Leadership

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Meghan Henning sits down with Tara Puckey, MBA, FASAE, CAE, CMP, President & CEO of the Radio Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), for a thoughtful conversation on trust, leadership, organizational culture, and the evolving information landscape. Drawing on her unique background in both journalism and association leadership, Tara explores why trust has become one of the defining challenges of our time—and what association leaders can do to build resilient organizations in an era of rapid technological change, increasing polarization, and rising expectations around transparency and wellbeing. Whether you're leading through uncertainty, strengthening organizational culture, or preparing your association for what's next, this episode offers timely insights into the leadership skills today's association executives need most.

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Read more about the article Leading a Global Association: Data, Innovation, and Member Value in a Changing Energy Landscape

Leading a Global Association: Data, Innovation, and Member Value in a Changing Energy Landscape

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Stuart Broadley, CEO of the Energy Industries Council (EIC), for a conversation about leading one of the world's largest trade associations serving the energy supply chain. Representing more than 950 member companies across 120+ countries, EIC has built its reputation by helping organizations navigate global markets through market intelligence, advocacy, networking, and strategic insights. Whether you're leading a global association, thinking about member value, or looking for new ways to innovate, this episode offers practical lessons on leadership, strategy, and building an organization that stays relevant through disruption.

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Read more about the article Beyond the Keynote: Building Conference Experiences That Last

Beyond the Keynote: Building Conference Experiences That Last

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher welcomes back Kara Dickerson, Founder of Content With Impact, LLC, to explore how associations can transform keynote programs into powerful storytelling platforms that create value before, during, and long after an event. Drawing on her experience leading the keynote strategy for InfoComm 2026 and previously curating executive stages for CES, Kara shares practical strategies for designing keynote experiences that inspire attendees, strengthen industry leadership, and extend far beyond the conference stage. Whether you're planning a conference, refreshing your keynote program, or looking to create greater value for attendees and sponsors, this episode offers actionable insights for building keynote experiences with lasting impact.

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Read more about the article Why Great Association Communications Start With Business Goals

Why Great Association Communications Start With Business Goals

In this solo episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher explores a simple but often overlooked truth: effective association communications don't start with content—they start with organizational goals. Too often, communications teams get caught in a cycle of emails, social media posts, event promotions, and campaign execution without stepping back to ask what those efforts are actually meant to achieve. Whether the goal is member retention, event attendance, sponsorship growth, advocacy impact, or industry awareness, communications should serve as a strategic driver—not just a tactical function. Colleen shares how association communicators can move beyond measuring activity and start demonstrating impact by aligning campaigns, messaging, and metrics with broader organizational priorities.

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Read more about the article Governance That Builds Trust, Engagement, and Stronger Associations

Governance That Builds Trust, Engagement, and Stronger Associations

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Mark Fernando, Director of Governance and Administration at the American Sociological Association (ASA), to explore what it takes to build trust, transparency, and engagement within a complex member-driven organization. Managing governance, elections, volunteer leadership, and organizational operations, Mark shares practical lessons on balancing structure with member voice, creating inclusive leadership pathways, and preparing associations for the challenges ahead. Whether you're modernizing governance, strengthening member trust, or thinking about the future of association leadership, this conversation offers valuable insights for association professionals.

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