Insights – Page 4 – OnWrd & UpWrd

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

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:December 31, 2025
Post category:Uncategorized

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.

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

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:December 24, 2025
Post category:Podcast

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.

Raising the Bar: Celebrating the 2025 Association Insights CommImpact Award Winners

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:December 17, 2025
Post category:Podcast

Raising the Bar: Celebrating the 2025 Association Insights CommImpact Award Winners In this special year-end episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we’re re-airing the live broadcast of the 2025 Association…

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

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:December 10, 2025
Post category:Podcast

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.

2025 Association Insights CommImpact Award Winners Announced

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:December 10, 2025
Post category:Advocacy Communications Strategy Event Communications Media Social Media

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.

Lean at 10: Culture, Risk, and Smarter Innovation for Associations

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:December 3, 2025
Post category:Podcast

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher kicks off our Big Ideas & Trends Series with a candid conversation about what it really takes for associations to innovate. Colleen is joined by Elizabeth Weaver Engel, M.A., CAE, Chief Strategist, Spark Consulting; Jamie Notter, Culture Scientist; and Chrissy Bagby, CAE, PMP, Chief Strategy Officer, American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB). They unpack the new white paper Lean at 10: Culture Eats Methodology for Lunch and share how Lean Startup thinking, paired with culture change, can help associations test ideas, reduce risk, and stop “we’ve always done it this way” from running the show.

Beyond Swag: Strategic Gifting and Emotional Loyalty for Associations

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:November 26, 2025
Post category:General Podcast

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Jamie Shibley, Co-Founder & CEO of The Expressory, to talk about how thoughtful appreciation can become a real strategy for retention, sponsorship loyalty, and long-term trust—not just a year-end “nice to have.” Drawing on her roots in her grandfather’s relationship-driven flower shop and years in corporate and e-commerce, Jamie shares how associations can use simple, intentional touchpoints to make members, sponsors, and donors feel genuinely seen. Whether you’re behind on holiday planning, rethinking how you thank sponsors and donors, or looking for new ways to support member renewals in 2026, this conversation will help you move beyond generic swag to meaningful, strategic engagement.