Read more about the article Relationships, Revenue & Reimagining the Exhibit Hall

Relationships, Revenue & Reimagining the Exhibit Hall

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we continue our July series on sponsorships, partnerships, and non-dues revenue with a behind-the-scenes look at how one major association is building long-term value through strategic partnerships and innovative fulfillment models. Host Meghan Henning sits down with John Buckley, Senior Director of Business Partnerships and Expo Operations at the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), to explore how IDWeek has evolved into a flagship experience that delivers for both members and industry partners. 🎧 Whether you’re managing a massive expo floor or just getting started with industry partnerships, this episode offers tactical takeaways and real-world ideas to scale your success.

Continue ReadingRelationships, Revenue & Reimagining the Exhibit Hall
Read more about the article Beyond the Logo: Rethinking Strategic Partnerships

Beyond the Logo: Rethinking Strategic Partnerships

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we kick off our July series on sponsorships, partnerships, and non-dues revenue with a powerful conversation featuring Edessa Polzin, PCM, Director of Strategic Partnerships at the American Marketing Association (AMA). Host Meghan Henning sits down with Edessa to explore how AMA is transforming partnerships from transactional to transformational. With a background in B2B growth strategy and partner-led innovation, Edessa shares a bold, mission-centered approach to corporate engagement—one that prioritizes impact, alignment, and long-term value over one-off logos and short-term dollars. 🎧 Whether you're rethinking your sponsor packages or looking to deepen your existing partner relationships, this episode offers practical frameworks and fresh inspiration.

Continue ReadingBeyond the Logo: Rethinking Strategic Partnerships
Read more about the article Reading the Signs: Recession, Resilience & What’s Ahead for Associations

Reading the Signs: Recession, Resilience & What’s Ahead for Associations

In this encore episode of The Association Insights Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher welcomes back Dr. Bill Conerly, economist, Forbes contributor, and author of The Flexible Stance: Thriving in a Boom/Bust Economy. Almost two years to the day since his last appearance, Bill returns with a timely update on the economic landscape—and what it means for associations navigating uncertainty in 2025.

Continue ReadingReading the Signs: Recession, Resilience & What’s Ahead for Associations
Read more about the article Truth, Trust & Telling the Story: A Masterclass in Ethical Communication

Truth, Trust & Telling the Story: A Masterclass in Ethical Communication

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Leonard Steinhorn, Professor of Communication and Affiliate Professor of History at American University, for a dynamic, deeply relevant conversation on how associations can lead with clarity, ethics, and impact in today’s fragmented media environment. If you’re navigating polarization, disinformation, or simply trying to get your association’s message to stick, this episode is a must-listen.

Continue ReadingTruth, Trust & Telling the Story: A Masterclass in Ethical Communication
Read more about the article Communicating What Matters: Strategic Communications for Association Leaders

Communicating What Matters: Strategic Communications for Association Leaders

In this short solocast episode of The Association Insights Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher, CEO of OnWrd & UpWrd, dives into one of the most essential, and often most underleveraged, tools in any association’s toolbox: communication. From navigating complex topics to telling stories that resonate, Colleen shares how associations can move beyond the buzzwords and show up with clarity, courage, and strategy in their communications.

Continue ReadingCommunicating What Matters: Strategic Communications for Association Leaders
Read more about the article Designing with Intention: Gen Z on Web Strategy, Creativity & Belonging

Designing with Intention: Gen Z on Web Strategy, Creativity & Belonging

In this bonus episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we wrap up our Gen Z Insights Series—spotlighting rising professionals shaping the future of associations from the inside out. This special series is made possible by our partners at Highland. Host Keaveny Hewitt from OnWrd & UpWrd sits down with Alyssa Garcia, Web Project Manager, Master Juggler, and Cat Herder at Matrix Group International, whose journey from audio engineer to association tech partner is anything but traditional. Alyssa brings a refreshing blend of creative storytelling, strategic thinking, and deep curiosity to the conversation—offering insights on everything from website design to DEI, mentorship, and what it means to take up space. 🎧 It’s the perfect finale to our Gen Z series—filled with purpose, candor, and big-picture thinking about where associations go from here.

Continue ReadingDesigning with Intention: Gen Z on Web Strategy, Creativity & Belonging