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Law

Associations Next: Attorney Check-In

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In this episode, we talk to Heidi Christianson, an attorney who works with associations. She tells us what we need to know about contracts with conference venues this year and what we should consider when planning an in-person event in 2021.

Takeaways:

  1. Don’t count on a force majeure term to get you out of your contract for COVID-related issues in 2021. Heidi explains that in order for force majeure to be invoked, venues must not have any way to host your event. Most venues will argue that there is some way to still hold your event, thus eliminating the possibility of force majeure.
  2. If you end up needing to cancel your contract, consider whether or not you would be willing to hold your event at the same venue the following year or within a few years. Many venues have been postponing contracts in order to hold on to revenue. This could save you cancellation fees if you are willing to be locked in early.
  3. Be in close communication with your board and your members. If you are moving forward with an in-person event, make sure you can count on in-person attendance.

Listen to the episode: Attorney Check-In

2021

Associations Next: New Year, New Approach to Events

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In our first episode of 2021, Jill Tichy, Amanda Maw, and Sarah Ewald from our events department come on the podcast to give us a look at what events might look like this year as vaccines emerge for the continuing pandemic.

Takeaways:

  1. Events may still be virtual. Even though vaccines are being distributed worldwide, associations found that virtual/hybrid conferences allow for greater accessibility than exclusively in-person conferences.
  2. Associations will need to be flexible. We are going into the year only knowing that we will not know what to expect. But after a year of constant change, we are much better positioned to take on this year.
  3. Consider spreading your content out throughout the year via webinars and summer sessions rather than having it all in one conference. The widespread use of virtual platforms now allows for easier distribution of content, so do not be afraid to take advantage.

Listen to the episode: New Year, New Approach to Events

Next

Associations Next: What’s Next? With David Ewald

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In this episode, we are joined by our President, David Ewald, who gives us the rundown on what happened in 2020 and what we can look forward to in 2021.

Takeaways:

  1. Associations have suffered alongside individuals and businesses all around the world during the pandemic. Without in-person events, there have been unprecedented challenges to membership and engagement.
  2. We need to learn from how we have adapted during the pandemic. Many of us are now pros at virtual communication. This is a skill that should not be lost once we can be in person again. Use your new skills to your advantage.
  3. Do not expect things to be the same as they were pre-pandemic. Many organizations undergone significant changes during the pandemic. Even once there is a widely distributed vaccine, the world will not look the same as it did before.

Listen to the episode: What’s Next?

Government

Associations Next: The World of Government Relations

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In this episode, we got to sit down and discuss setting professional development goals with our Vice President of Human Resources and Staff Development, Becca Pryse.

Takeaways:

  1. Everyone has a lobbyist. From the Boy Scouts to golf courses, Phil explained that just about every area of your life has someone who represents you. It is easy to hear “lobbyist” and think of corrupt politicians, but the reality is many are out there to help everyday people and organizations.
  2. It is crucial to maintain relationships in the legislature. Allie conducts check-up meetings to make sure that everything is in order with each client.
  3. Call your representatives. Allie explained that many politicians, especially on the state level are everyday people. They are not experts on everything, so using your experiences and stories to help them understand their constituents helps them while also helping you.

Listen to the episode: The World of Government Relations

Goals

Associations Next: Setting Professional Development Goals

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In this episode, we got to sit down and discuss setting professional development goals with our Vice President of Human Resources and Staff Development, Becca Pryse.

Takeaways:

  1. Setting professional development goals with your staff shows your dedication to your employees’ long-term career goals by helping them engage in what they are curious about. By helping your employees become the best version of themselves, you are also helping your clients receive the best service.
  2. Measuring the progress of professional development goals is crucial. Becca explains that she does all she can to make sure goals are reached through positive reinforcement.
  3. Motivate. Motivate. Becca explained that sometimes she will help employees set higher goals because she knows they can accomplish more than they think. Be your teammates’ biggest cheerleader.

Listen to the episode: Setting Professional Development Goals

Inclusion

Associations Next: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Associations

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In this episode, we talk with two of Ewald Consulting’s account executives, Arzu Alimohd and Margaux Meyer about what diversity looks like in associations.

Takeaways:

  1. Associations serve people, so it is especially important that they dive into diversity practices. Take time to think about who you serve and how you could potentially be underserving some members.
  2. Take small steps. Diversity, equity and inclusion are so important, but it can be overwhelming to start making change. Start by thinking about things such as your bylaws that could be unintentionally harming certain groups of people.
  3. Be open. Take the time to listen to members about what you could be doing to be an even better organization.

Listen to the episode: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Associations

Goals

Setting Professional Development Goals: How to help you and your staff become the best version of yourselves

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Takeaways:

  1. Setting professional development goals with your staff shows your dedication to your employees’ long-term career goals by helping them engage in what they are curious about. By helping your employees become the best version of themselves, you are also helping your clients receive the best service. 
  2. Measuring the progress of professional development goals is crucial. Becca explains that she does all she can to make sure goals are reached through positive reinforcement. 
  3. Motivate. Motivate. Motivate. Becca explained that sometimes she will help employees set higher goals because she knows they can accomplish more than they think. Be your teammates’ biggest cheerleader. 
Professional Development

The New Frontier of Professional Development: How COVID-19 has shifted the way associations are conducting professional development

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Takeaways: 

  1. Covid-19 has provided significant challenges to the PD industry. As an industry that relies heavily on in person events such as conferences and certification exams, going virtual has pushed PD professionals to think critically and quickly. 
  2. Associations with certification exams are now finding creative ways to proctor exams virtually, such as using test takers’ laptop cameras and microphones to monitor the environment they are in. 
  3. Covid-19, while devastating and challenging for a multitude of reasons, has opened opportunities in professional development. Many newly virtual programs can be accessed by people all over the world, often at a more affordable price. These programs are also becoming more flexible, allowing participants to learn at their own pace. 

New

Associations Next: The New Frontier of Professional Development

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In this episode, we are joined by Julia Renner, Director of Professional Development at Ewald. She tells us how COVID-19 has challenged professional development, but also what opportunities it has provided as well.

Takeaways:

  1. Covid-19 has provided significant challenges to the PD industry. As an industry that relies heavily on in person events such as conferences and certification exams, going virtual has pushed PD professionals to think critically and quickly.
  2. Associations with certification exams are now finding creative ways to proctor exams virtually, such as using test takers’ laptop cameras and microphones to monitor the environment they are in.
  3. Covid-19, while devastating and challenging for a multitude of reasons, has opened opportunities in professional development. Many newly virtual programs can be accessed by people all over the world, often at a more affordable price. These programs are also becoming more flexible, allowing participants to learn at their own pace.

Listen to the episode: The New Frontier of Professional Development

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