Read more about the article Leading Through Crisis, Advocacy, and Change: Inside TIA’s Fight Against Freight Fraud

Leading Through Crisis, Advocacy, and Change: Inside TIA’s Fight Against Freight Fraud

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, host Meghan Henning sits down with Chris Burroughs, President & CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association, for a candid conversation on leadership, advocacy, and how associations respond when an industry crisis hits. Chris reflects on stepping into the CEO role after nearly 15 years leading government affairs—and why that policy background translates into enterprise leadership, strategy, and member value. The discussion then turns to the logistics industry’s most urgent challenge: freight fraud—now more sophisticated, more organized, and more damaging than ever. If you lead an association team facing fast-moving risk, this episode offers practical insight into how to mobilize, communicate, and move the needle.

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Read more about the article State of Media & PR for Associations: What Matters Most Heading Into 2026

State of Media & PR for Associations: What Matters Most Heading Into 2026

In this New Year’s solocast episode of Association Insights, host Colleen Gallagher—CEO of OnWrd & UpWrd Marketing & Communications—takes a grounded, practical look at the evolving media and PR landscape for associations. With newsrooms shrinking, attention getting harder to earn, and AI reshaping how information is discovered and indexed, Colleen breaks down what’s changed, what hasn’t, and where associations have the clearest opportunity to build credibility and influence in 2026—through relationships, speed, and authentic storytelling.

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Read more about the article What 53 Conversations Taught Us About Associations—and What Comes Next

What 53 Conversations Taught Us About Associations—and What Comes Next

In this final episode of 2025, host Colleen Gallagher, CEO of OnWrd & UpWrd, reflects on a year of learning, listening, and leadership across 53 episodes of The Association Insights Podcast. From member value and communications to AI, advocacy, culture, and leadership, this solocast pulls together the most consistent themes that emerged across conversations with association CEOs, communicators, strategists, and builders navigating a year defined by uncertainty—and intentional change.

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Read more about the article Member Value Reimagined: How Associations Are Evolving to Meet Modern Expectations

Member Value Reimagined: How Associations Are Evolving to Meet Modern Expectations

In this holiday-week episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we’re re-airing our December LinkedIn Live roundtable, Member Value Reimagined—How Associations Are Evolving to Meet Modern Expectations. As member expectations continue to evolve, associations are rethinking what value truly means—beyond benefits to belonging, relevance, and impact. Hosted by Colleen Gallagher, President & CEO of OnWrd & UpWrd and publisher of Association Insights, this candid conversation features Stephanie Denvir of the Healthcare Financial Management Association, Kerri McGovern of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, and Brian Peters of The Adhesive & Sealant Council, sharing how they’re adapting engagement, personalization, and retention strategies heading into 2026. Whether you lead membership, communications, marketing, or strategy, this episode offers real-world insights you can apply heading into the new year.

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Read more about the article Transforming in Real Time: How AMLE Rebuilt Trust, Focus, and the Future of Middle Level Education

Transforming in Real Time: How AMLE Rebuilt Trust, Focus, and the Future of Middle Level Education

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast—and the next installment in our Big Ideas & Trends Series—host Meghan Henning sits down with Stephanie Simpson and Derek Neal, CAE to talk about what a real association turnaround looks like behind the scenes. Stephanie Simpson will conclude her tenure as CEO of the Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) this month to step into her new role as CEO of the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). Derek Neal serves as AMLE’s Chief Operating Officer. Together, they share how a legacy organization serving 10–15-year-olds and the educators who love them moved from years of financial losses and stagnation to renewed clarity, growth, and relevance. 🎧 Whether you’re facing your own version of a turnaround or simply rethinking your strategy for 2026, this conversation offers honest, practical perspective on leading change with mission—and people—at the center.

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Read more about the article 2025 Association Insights CommImpact Award Winners Announced

2025 Association Insights CommImpact Award Winners Announced

OnWrd & UpWrd Marketing and Communications, Inc., publisher of the Association Insights newsletter and podcast, is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Association Insights CommImpact Awards. These awards honor the outstanding achievements of associations across North America whose communications, storytelling, and engagement efforts set new standards of excellence. Winners were recognized today during a live virtual ceremony broadcast on O&U’s YouTube channel. The Association Insights CommImpact Awards celebrate excellence in eight core categories: Advocacy Excellence, Best Media Relations Campaign, Innovative Content Strategy, Thought Leadership & Research, Effective Member Engagement Initiative, Event Promotion, Outstanding Internal Communications and Leadership in Public Awareness Campaign.

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