associations

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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Read more about the article Pricing with Purpose: Rethinking Value, Membership, and Revenue in Associations

Pricing with Purpose: Rethinking Value, Membership, and Revenue in Associations

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Dr. Michael Carr-Tatonetti, CPP, CAE, Founder & CEO of Pricing for Associations, to explore one of the most powerful—and often misunderstood—tools available to association leaders: pricing. From membership dues and event registrations to sponsorships and education programs, pricing decisions influence far more than revenue. Michael shares why associations often underprice their value, overcomplicate their offerings, and allow fear of member backlash to hold them back from making strategic decisions. Whether you're considering a dues increase, or looking to strengthen your organization's financial sustainability, this conversation offers practical guidance grounded in data, value, and member experience.

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Read more about the article Leading Transformation in the Age of AI: What Association Leaders Need to Know

Leading Transformation in the Age of AI: What Association Leaders Need to Know

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Adrienne Lerro, Partner at PwC, to discuss what it takes to successfully lead transformation in large organizations. Drawing on her experience leading global operational and technology transformations, Adrienne shares why the most successful organizations focus on solving business problems—not simply implementing new technology. The conversation explores how AI is accelerating change, where organizations are seeing the greatest returns, and why people, processes, and data remain critical to long-term success. Whether you're evaluating AI, managing organizational change, or looking to improve efficiency while strengthening member value, this episode offers practical insights for association leaders navigating a rapidly evolving landscape.

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Read more about the article Building Trust, Community, and Belonging: Inside Virginia REALTORS®

Building Trust, Community, and Belonging: Inside Virginia REALTORS®

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd & UpWrd, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Leslie Frazier, SVP of Community and Industry Relations at Virginia REALTORS®, for a thoughtful conversation on leadership, advocacy, housing, and the evolving role of associations in building stronger communities. With experience spanning political campaigns, state government, and association leadership, Leslie shares how relationship-building, data, and authentic communication help Virginia REALTORS® navigate complex issues like housing affordability, advocacy, and belonging in a rapidly changing environment. Whether you lead advocacy, membership, communications, or strategy, this episode offers practical insight into how associations can stay trusted, relevant, and member-focused during times of change.

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