Making Awareness Days Work: A Smart Strategy for Associations

In this solo episode of The Association Insights Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher, CEO of OnWrd & UpWrd, breaks down one of the most debated tactics in association PR: awareness days. While some call them overdone or ineffective, Colleen makes the case that, done right, awareness days can unlock real visibility, credibility, and media wins—especially for associations. With real client examples and a clear, strategic framework, this episode is packed with practical advice on how to tap into awareness days in a way that’s smart, localized, and aligned with your mission.

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A True Video Partner: Rethinking Storytelling at Your Association

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, O&U CEO and host Colleen Gallagher sits down with C. Dallas Golden, DES, founder and Chief Video Strategist of Pond Ripple Media, for an honest and energizing conversation about the power of authentic storytelling. Dallas has spent the last decade helping associations and nonprofits elevate their video strategies—not as a vendor, but as a true partner. From interviews that spark emotion to B-roll that brings conferences to life, Dallas shares how associations can use video to connect more deeply with members, sponsors, and mission—all without blowing the budget. Whether you’re just getting started with video or looking to grow your strategy across departments, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and fresh perspective on what it means to tell your story well.

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Communicating What Matters: A Roundtable Replay

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we’re bringing you a special replay of our summer LinkedIn Live panel: Communicating What Matters—How Associations Can Lead with Strategic Storytelling. Originally hosted by OnWrd & UpWrd CEO Colleen Gallagher, this roundtable features two communications leaders navigating some of the most complex issues facing associations today: Tim Ebner, Senior Director of Communications at the Can Manufacturers Institute Sean Luechtefeld, Ph.D., Senior Director of Communications at ANCOR From politicized narratives and media scrutiny to member trust and message discipline, this conversation offers honest, experience-driven advice for association pros navigating the intersection of policy, people, and purpose.

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Leading Across Borders: Lessons in Global Alignment, Agility, and Advocacy

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, host Meghan Henning sits down with Marilena Vrana, Vice President of Public Affairs and EU Operations at the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association (PPTA), to explore what it takes to lead a global association strategy with unity, speed, and impact. From Brussels to Washington, Marilena shares how her team navigates cultural, regulatory, and political complexity while keeping member needs and patient access front and center. With decades of experience in European health policy and a deep commitment to collaboration, she offers powerful lessons in stakeholder engagement, cross-border communication, and values-based leadership. Whether you’re managing regional offices or rethinking your global footprint, this episode delivers clear, thoughtful insight into how associations can stay aligned across continents—and stay ahead of change.

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Smart Starts, Big Impact: How One Small Association is Leading with AI

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we kick off our August series on artificial intelligence with a powerful real-world example of how small-staff associations can lead with strategy, innovation—and confidence. Host Meghan Henning sits down with Cathy Lada, D.Sc., CAE, Chief Marketing & Membership Officer at the American Alliance of Orthopaedic Executives (AAOE), to explore how her team is thoughtfully integrating AI to enhance member experience, streamline operations, and unlock time-saving value across the organization. 🎧 Whether you’re just starting to explore AI tools or ready to build your first custom GPT, this episode offers clear, practical insights from someone who’s been there—and is doing the work every day.

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Trust, Fit, and Follow-Through: Building Sponsor Relationships That Last

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we wrap up our July series on sponsorships, partnerships, and non-dues revenue with a candid conversation about the human side of corporate engagement. Host Meghan Henning sits down with Cindy Simpson, M.Ed., CAE, Corporate Relations Manager at the Urgent Care Association (UCA), who brings decades of experience across membership, meetings, and business development. With over 100 corporate partners in her portfolio, Cindy offers grounded, real-world advice on building trust, qualifying fit, and creating long-term value for both members and sponsors. 🎧 Whether you’re refining your sales approach or rethinking your entire partner strategy, this episode delivers fresh ideas and proven tactics you can apply right away.

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High Touch, High Value: The Art of Modern Association Partnerships

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we continue our July series on sponsorships, partnerships, and non-dues revenue with a fresh perspective from the higher education space. Host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Leah Lang, Senior Director of Partnerships and Corporate Engagement at EDUCAUSE, to explore how the organization moved beyond transactional sponsorships and built a high-impact partnership model that aligns with their mission—and delivers real value to both members and industry. 🎧 Whether you’re building a sponsor program from scratch or looking to deepen your existing relationships, this episode offers powerful takeaways on strategy, structure, and sustained success.

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