Associations Next Podcast
Welcome to the Associations Next podcast from Ewald Consulting. Join us in our discussions about professional development, marketing, board management and more.
Do you have a topic suggestion? Would YOU like to be on the podcast? Email Ava at avae@ewald.com.
Engage First, Grow Further: Membership Strategies
Seasoned association leader Avi Olitzky joined us on Oct. 15, 2024, to share how membership engagement can lead to improved member retention and attraction. Focus on service Avi’s first message is that the goal of associations should be to serve members, especially in a post-COVID world. This focus helps us stay true to our association’s […]
Yearly Wrap-Up With David Ewald 2023
In this episode we welcome back David Ewald, CEO of Ewald Consulting, to review association trends of 2023 and discuss what we may see in 2024. Takeaways: Hybrid Events are (Still) Here to Stay Hybrid events, combining in-person and virtual components, have evolved into a significant and lasting trend. The adoption of virtual meetings, particularly […]
Associations Next: How Content Can Enhance Your Mission
In this episode, we welcome back Mike McIntee, Director of Content Development and Management at Ewald Consulting. We review why content is crucial for modern associations, and go over some of the projects the content team has completed in the past year. People are the most important part of what we’re doing as associations—and the […]
Associations Next: What Even Happens in a Board Meeting? With Laurie Krueger, CAE
In a recent conversation with Laurie Krueger, an account executive with Ewald Consulting and an Executive Director for multiple international associations, we learned about how to make the most of your board meetings. From preparation to execution, Laurie shared valuable insights on how to make these necessary gatherings more efficient and productive. Preparation is Key. […]
Who’s Got Your Back? Talking Sponsors with Lucas McCann
In this episode, we revisit a 2022 episode featuring Lucas McCann, President, and CEO of Big Red M, an association management firm based out of Virginia. We will discuss sponsorship sales in a volatile environment and how you can make the most of your sponsors.Takeaways:Sponsors are out there. Despite the disruption to live events, sponsors are […]
Associations Next: A Wild Ride
In this episode we are joined by Government Affairs Director Valerie Dosland, and Government Relations Specialist Alana Martinson, who take us through the wild ride of the 2023 Minnesota legislative session. They remind us of the importance of having a government relations strategy for your association. Despite the partisan dynamics, the legislative session saw instances […]
Associations Next: The Roof Over Your Head
In this episode, we are joined by Ewald’s Art Director, Nicki Brunner, who gives us insight into how to brand your association to reflect your identity and mission. Takeaways: Consistency is key: Strong branding is crucial for associations as it helps establish recognition. A cohesive and coherent brand allows both members and non-members to easily identify and […]
Associations Next: The Art of the Ask
In this episode, we are joined by Dave Sternberg, CFRM, author of Fearless Fundraising for Nonprofit Boards and founding partner of Loring, Sternberg and Associates. He walks us through the planning process of fundraising, best practices, and how to measure results. Takeaways: People want to make a difference. Dave reminds us that the United States is one […]
Associations Next: What’s Your Type?
In this episode, we are joined by board governance expert Michael Wyland of Sumption and Wyland. We discuss assessing your board members to help everyone on your board better communicate and understand each other so you can get things done as a group.Takeaways:No personality type is good or bad. Remember, this is simply a tool […]
Associations Next: Gen Z In The Boardroom
In this episode, Ewald associate account executive Liz Anderson and Think LA board member Celine Chai, previously featured on BBC, join us to discuss what it means to be a Gen Z board member.Takeaways:Gen Z is resourceful. This generation grew up on computers, tablets, and more. They have access to lots of information and know […]
Associations Next: Yearly Wrap-Up With David Ewald
In our third Associations Next annual wrap-up episode, we welcome back David Ewald to give us a rundown on 2022, and learn what he’s excited for in 2023. Takeaways: Hybrid is here to stay. After three years of the pandemic, it is clear that the way we live and work has changed. It is now […]
Associations Next: Meet Mike, Ewald’s Content Director
Mike McIntee, Director of Content Development and Management at Ewald, joins the podcast to give an overview of content and how associations can tell their stories best.Here are some takeaways:Get to know the technology that’s out there. You cannot start anything without knowing what it is. Mike suggests diving into new platforms like TikTok and […]
Associations Next: Tech Talk and TikTok
In this episode, we are joined by Kayte Hamilton, founder of The Social Question, and an active QRCA volunteer. She sits down with us to discuss new technology and social media and how it applies to associations.Takeaways:Younger generations use tools differently. Beyond just social media, there is a discrepancy in how generations approach tools like […]
Associations Next: Remember Your Members
In this episode, we are joined by Ewald Account Executive Veronica Crosier, Ewald Membership Strategy Manager Whitney Murray, and Portable Sanitation Association International (PSAI) board member Wendy Cross. In this discussion, you will hear about gaining and retaining members of your association. Takeaways: Place value on networking. Wendy described how challenging it was to network […]
Associations Next: Get the Word Out
In this episode, we are joined by Lucas McCann, President, and CEO of Big Red M, an association management firm based out of Virginia. We will discuss sponsorship sales in a volatile environment and how you can make the most of your sponsors. Takeaways: Sponsors are out there. Despite the disruption to live events, sponsors […]
Associations Next: ICRI’s Growth Story
We are joined by Eric Hauth, Executive Director of the International Concrete Repair Institute. In this episode, Eric will review why the association exists, and fill us in on its growth and where they are headed. The pandemic meant adapting and retooling some services that make ICRI even stronger for the future. Takeaways: Associations will […]
Associations Next: Ewald’s Book Club
In this episode, we are joined by Laurie Pumper, Communication Director at Ewald. Laurie is also a founding member of our DE&I Team, which includes a book club. In this episode, Laurie tells us about how the book club is helping our company learn more about diversity. Takeaways: Our book club was founded during a […]
Associations Next: Associations Abroad
Lee Helgen, Executive Vice President of IMA, joins us for this episode to discuss how international organizations like IMA handle global issues. Takeaways: International organizations have especially had to adapt in the past two years. Lee explains that volunteer forums have helped connect and inform volunteers all over the world. Particularly during the pandemic and […]
Associations Next: The Best of Both Worlds
On today’s episode, we are joined by Ewald Consulting Senior Marketing Specialist Rebecca Wegscheid. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of hybrid events and how to market them. Takeaways: Virtual events have amped up the competition. Now organizations’ events are accessible from anywhere and in many cases, much cheaper to attend. Rebecca suggests being clear […]
Associations Next: Getting the Team in Action
In this episode, Shannon Pfarr Thompson, one of Ewald’s Senior Account Executives, joins us to talk about how to motivate and engage volunteers. Takeaways: Think about why your volunteers may not be motivated. Shannon explains that there are a variety of reasons why you may need to give your team some extra encouragement. It may […]
Associations Next: Let’s Talk About Tech
In this episode, Reggie Henry, Chief Information and Engagement Officer at ASAE joins us to discuss the upcoming year and how technology plays into the new lives of associations.Takeaways:We are not going back to normal: Reggie explains that many refer to going “back to normal,” but this is not likely. Over the past two years, […]
Associations Next: Annual Wrap Up
In this episode, Ewald Consulting CEO David Ewald joins us to look back on 2021 and look ahead to what is to come in the new year.Takeaways:The pandemic is not over: As we enter our third year in a pandemic, David makes it clear that while we should continue to hope for the end of […]
Associations Next: Don’t Stop Engagin’
In this episode, we sit down with Christi Kokaisel, Senior Director of Membership and Amy Nostdahl, Associate Director of Member Leadership Development at American Academy of Neurology. They give us some valuable insight into how to engage your member base virtually. Overall, members seem to be more engaged despite the state of the country and […]
Associations Next: Here Comes a Regular (Structure)
In this episode, we talk to account executive Arzu Alimohd, who sits down to tell us about the importance of properly structuring your board meetings.Takeaways:Start your meetings off on the right foot by outlining what will happen. Have protocols in place if the meeting goes off track, such as a code word or a member […]
Associations Next: To Be or Not To Be (On a Board)
In this episode, we welcome back Eric Ewald, where he discusses considerations when thinking about joining a board. To learn more about board governance, check out our blog Ewald in Practice at Ewald.com.Takeaways:Do you have the time, energy and resources to dedicate to board service? Being invited to join a board may be flattering, but […]
Associations Next: Board Meetings 101
If you had to identify, in one word, the reason why the human race has not achieved, and never will achieve, its full potential, that word would be “meetings.” -Dave Barry Meetings have a bad rap. Many of us dread them—mostly because without the right preparation and care, they can be ineffective and time […]
Associations Next: Voice the Change
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Julie Gedro, Dean of the School of Business at State University of New York Empire State College. She tells us how to thoughtfully lead change by being empathetic and a good communicator.Takeaways:Communication takes time. It may seem like sending an email takes a minute or less, but […]
Associations Next: Stand Out With Dorie Clark
In this episode, we present a conversation with Dorie Clark, CEO of Park Strategic Communications and named one of 50 Top Business Thinkers in the world by Thinkers 50. This previously recorded conversation occurred during Ewald’s Vision 2021 Conference. Takeaways: Too often, innovation is something called upon only when needed. Dorie explains that’s not how […]
Associations Next: The Organizations Are A Changin’
In this episode we are joined by Founder and CEO of Creative Catalysts, Dr. Amy Batiste. She tells us all about how to thoughtfully create and navigate through change in your organization. To learn more, check out our blog, Ewald in Practice.Takeaways:We often have to push ourselves to embrace and push change. These major shifts […]
Associations Next: Tips For Your Hybrid Event
In this episode, we talk to Vicki Thein, Ewald Consulting’s Director of Events, Vicki Thein. In the episode, she tells us all about how to pull of an engaging an exciting virtual event. Takeaways: Find the platform that works best for you. Vicki explains that when you are looking for a platform to support your […]
Associations Next: Attorney Check-In
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: Don’t count on a force majeure term to get you out of your […]
Associations Next: New Year, New Approach to Events
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: Events may still be virtual. Even though vaccines are being distributed worldwide, associations […]
Associations Next: What’s Next? With David Ewald
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: 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 […]
Associations Next: The World of Government Relations
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: 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 […]
Associations Next: Setting Professional Development Goals
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: 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 […]
Associations Next: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Associations
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: 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 […]
Associations Next: The New Frontier of Professional Development
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: Covid-19 has provided significant challenges to the PD industry. As an industry that relies heavily on in person events such as […]
