associations – Page 6 – OnWrd & UpWrd

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

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:August 6, 2025
Post category:Podcast

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.

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

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:July 30, 2025
Post category:Podcast

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.

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

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:July 23, 2025
Post category:Podcast

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.

Relationships, Revenue & Reimagining the Exhibit Hall

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:July 9, 2025
Post category:Podcast

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.

Beyond the Logo: Rethinking Strategic Partnerships

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:July 2, 2025
Post category:Podcast

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.

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

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:June 18, 2025
Post category:Podcast

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.

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

Post author:Colleen Gallagher
Post published:May 30, 2025
Post category:Podcast

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.