Archive for the 'Professional Development' Category

18
Jun
13

Rolling out the ORGPRO 2013 welcome mat

By Kristen Parker Leave a Comment
Categories: Associations, Meetings and Professional Development
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Shana Killips, sales manager for the James B. Henry Center for Executive Development at Michigan State University, and Aaron Wolowiec, founder and president of Event Garde.

Shana Killips, sales manager for the James B. Henry Center for Executive Development at Michigan State University, and Aaron Wolowiec, founder and president of Event Garde.

From the editor: Considered Michigan’s premier education and networking event for professionals in the nonprofit sector, ORGPRO 2013 will be held from July 8 to July 10 at the Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center. So why should you attend? This week, Shana Killips, chairperson of ORGPRO’s Community Engagement Subcommittee, will give us a sneak peek of what’s in store.

The ORGPRO Task Force created a Community Engagement Subcommittee in 2012 to support three areas of need:

1. Help new and less experienced participants feel welcome
2. Encourage all participants to get acquainted
3. Plan networking activities

The 2012 volunteers successfully launched an ORGPRO mentoring program with 24 participants and hosted a community engagement reception on the opening night of the conference last year. This year, we’re excited to offer two additional services. We believe participation in these programs will create a comfortable environment for participants, allowing them to maximize their learning and networking opportunities throughout ORGPRO.

1. ORGPRO ambassadors

Have you ever seen someone with an “Ask Me?” button at a conference? We’re providing a new service this year based on that concept, which will create a more comfortable experience for every ORGPRO participant. An army of volunteers will be present throughout the conference at general session entrances, in myLounge, at all transportation drop-off and pick-up sites and at networking events. The ambassadors will serve as the welcome parties of each event. We still need volunteers to participate in this program, so if you can commit 15 to 30 minutes of your time during the conference, please consider this opportunity. To volunteer, please designate your interest on your ORGPRO registration form or e-mail louttit@msae.org.

2. ORGPRO tips and tricks webinar

Created specifically for first- and second-year ORGPRO attendees, the tips and tricks webinar will teach participants how to network at ORGPRO; suggest the best business supplies to pack and the proper attire to wear during the conference; how to get the most from education sessions; and what to do at Marketplace, a speed networking event. Facilitators Cassandra Jorae, from the Michigan Economic Development Corp., and Dawn Dye, from the Calhoun County Convention and Visitors Bureau, represent both the association professional and supplier perspective of ORGPRO.  Based on the positive response from our June 5 participants, we will host a second session from 2 to 2:30 p.m. on June 27. To register, please e-mail Michigan Society of Association Executives (MSAE) at louttit@msae.org. All webinar participants will receive an invitation to the private ORGPRO member engagement reception (see below).

3. Mentoring program

We’ll offer the mentoring program again this year. The program will provide mentees with a direct contact to help them prepare for ORGPRO; discuss how to maximize their learning experiences; and introduce them to new contacts throughout the conference. Participants who request a mentor during the registration process will be paired with a volunteer mentor prior to arrival.  The private member engagement reception on July 8 will provide mentors and mentees with an opportunity to meet face-to-face upon arrival at the hotel. To request a mentor, or to volunteer as one, please indicate your interest when you register or e-mail louttit@msae.org.

4. Member engagement reception

We’ll welcome new members, first-time participants and volunteers for each of our engagement programs during the member engagement reception, where there will be a concierge desk to help mentors and mentees find their partners. Member Insurance Solutions and the Community Engagement Subcommittee will host guests from 6 to 7 p.m. on July 8 at Weber’s Prime Steak House in the hotel.

Our goal is to help you feel welcome and comfortable in a learning environment that fosters ideas and creativity. But if you’re new to ORGPRO, we know you’ve got questions. So ask away. What would you like to know? For those who’ve attend before, why should newbies join us?


Shana Killips, CMP, is a sales and marketing professional with a commitment to loyalty, community and balance. For the past 12 years, she has served as the sales manager for the James B. Henry Center for Executive Development at Michigan State University, an award-winning conference center. Killips is currently the chairperson of MSAE’s Emerging Professionals Committee.

11
Jun
13

ORGPRO 2013: Learning and networking just like Apple

By Aaron Wolowiec 2 Comments
Categories: Associations, Meetings and Professional Development
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Donna Oser, founder of Vital Associations and chair of the ORGPRO Task Force

Donna Oser, founder of Vital Associations and chair of the ORGPRO Task Force

It’s no secret Michigan’s economy is suffering. In fact, nearly every industry feels the effects. Yes. Even associations.  With leaner staffs, associations are working harder to serve members – those same members who may decide association fees just aren’t in the budget.

But what if associations took a risk? What if they thought out of the box a bit more? What if leaders granted more empowerment and flexibility to their staffs?

What if…

The first step to answering the “what ifs” is to attend ORGRPO 2013, said Donna Oser, founder of Vital Associations, and chair of the ORGPRO Task Force. Considered Michigan’s premier education and networking event for professionals in the nonprofit sector, the conference will be held from July 8 to July 10 at the Kalamazoo Radisson.

“Knowledge is the most significant competitive edge and sharpening our skills and learning about new trends are important strategies for building relevant, vital associations,” she said.

ORGPRO 2013 will offer two full days of educational programming for all levels of the employment spectrum. So who should attend? Everyone from top executives to volunteers to vendors.

Of course there will be networking opportunities. Lots of them. The first day, attendees will choose among Golf at Yarrow, a Kalamazoo Beer and Wine Tour or a tour of some of Kalamazoo’s best treasures, including the cottage of W.K. Kellogg and a backstage tour of Miller Auditorium. And for the first time, ORGPRO will offer myLounge, the ultimate place to connect, create and collaborate.

Education
The second and third days of ORGRPO will feature three keynote presentations, 23 education sessions, two deep-dive learning sessions, three themed “Genius Bars” and a chief staff executive conference, Oser said. Education sessions cover eight tracks and are based on the Michigan Society of Association Executives’ (MSAE) new professional development model, ELEVANCE, which aims to increase competency in the areas of knowledge, relationships and perspectives.

C.R. Conant, of Consultant Executives in Action and CRC Creative Consulting Services, will kick off the keynotes. Speaking about empowerment, he’ll discuss how employees can become accountable for their own learning and professional development to achieve success.

Michael Gallery, president and founder of OPIS, LLC, will help conference attendees define outputs and performance while answering the tough questions that often seem to have no answers.

Finally, Cheryl Ronk, president of MSAE, and Susan Robertson, executive vice president of American Society for Association Executives (ASAE) and the president of the ASAE Foundation, will discuss trends in association management, technology, government and demographics – on a state and national level.

myLounge
Some of the best learning stems from conversations outside the classroom and the blending of brainpower among colleagues. Thus, myLounge was born. For the first time, ORGPRO will offer a comfortable place for informal learning and idea exchange. Attendees can grab a coffee, sit back and watch the creativity unfold.

“This is particularly important because, in the digital age, anyone can learn anytime. Value can be added to face-to-face meetings,” Oser said. “Learning, relationship development and business can flow quite naturally in the right face-to-face environments, and this is reflective of the type of dynamic learning experiences organizations need to create for their customers and members if they’re going to succeed.”

MSAE’s silent auction will also take  place in myLounge. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Kevin A. Kelly Scholarship Fund, the MSAE Building Fund and Gryphon Place, a local dispute-resolution service provider.

Genius Bars
Modeled after Apple’s innovative approach to customer service, myLounge will host Genius Bars, where industry experts will provide counsel on everything from technology to meeting planning. Association and supplier leaders will staff the Genius Bars during refreshment breaks. And the best part: It’s noncommercial. Nothing is for sale and advice is free.

For example, at the technology Genius Bar, an expert could discuss the importance of a mobile responsive website. Or a mid-career meeting professional could learn more about convention and visitors bureaus at the meeting management Genius Bar, Oser said.

In other words, it’s hybrid learning and networking at their best, and ORGPRO is the perfect platform for the launch.

Fun
With all the buzz and excitement, Oser hopes conference attendees enjoy some downtime exploring Kalamazoo.

“Kalamazoo is a gem of a destination,” she said. “One of the neatest parts about attending ORGPRO is that participants get to experience the very best of a city in a very intimate, behind-the-scenes kind of way.”

In fact, the city has put together a guide called “269 cool things to do in in the area code 269.” It’s a perfect guide for children and/or spouses who attend the conference.

When all is said and done, conference attendees will leave ORGRPO rejuvenated. With pages of notes in their hands or on their laptops, they’ll walk away ready to challenge the norm. They’ll have a strong network of colleagues with whom they’ll exchange stories of success and challenges.

Registration fees will increase after June 24, so attendees are encouraged to register as soon as possible. Questions about all things ORGRPO can be directed to MSAE at (517) 332-6723 or info@msae.org.

But why go really? Because, “Together we can create better outcomes than we can individually – this is the real magic of associations,” Oser said.

What do you think? Tell us what you’re most excited about.

Kristen Parker is digital content manager for Event Garde. She’s the former editor of an international trade publication and the former communications director for a nonprofit long-term care association. A loyal Spartan, Kristen graduated from Michigan State University’s journalism program in 2000, and now works as a media communications manager for the university’s public relations office. Follow her on Twitter.

04
Jun
13

A new face, a new format and all things ORGPRO

By Aaron Wolowiec Leave a Comment
Categories: Associations, Meetings and Professional Development
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Kristen Parker Digital Communications Manager

Kristen Parker
Digital Communications Manager

It’s every blogger’s worst nightmare. You have the ideas, the insights and the expertise to share, but your “day job” prevents you the necessary time to sit down and actually write the posts. And, as we know all too well, the world around us isn’t so forgiving. Regardless of our busy schedules, each news cycle is filled with countless stories and events that both inspire and influence our work.

Therefore, the time has come to make a deliberate and exciting change to the Event Garde blog. I’m pleased and humbled to introduce to you today both a new face and a new format.

First, I’m delighted to announce that Kristen Parker has joined the Event Garde team as our digital communications manager. Since 2008, Kristen has worked as a communications manager for Michigan State University, serving in the university’s central public relations office. Prior to her current role, she was the alumni relations director for the MSU College of Education.

Kristen is experienced in several key communication disciplines, including publications, print media, media relations and issues communications. She is the former editor of an international trade publication and the former communications director for a nonprofit health care association. Likewise, Kristen is a 2000 graduate of MSU’s journalism program. Go green!

But far more pertinent to you is this: Kristen is a storyteller by trade – in fact, she’s been writing and editing professionally for 13 years. She looks forward to keeping you abreast of the issues, trends and must-knows that define our profession. Together, we hope that you’ll find some words of wisdom in the blogs we post, and we also hope that you’ll share with us ideas about what you’d like us to explore.

Second, it’s all about the format. Moving forward, we’ll select a new theme each month. This will allow us the time and the space to focus on the issues of importance to you. Assuming everything goes according to plan, we’ll share a new post with you each Tuesday. And the posts themselves will also get a facelift (just in time for spring). In practice, following is what the new format will mean to you:

  • An original post from me introducing each month’s theme
  • Two posts from Kristen based on interviews with industry leaders
  • A behind-the-scenes guest post from someone “in the know”

So, as we prepared to jump-start the blog with a new purpose and a new approach, it was clear this launch should focus on ORGPRO. As you likely know, I’ve served as the chair of the ORGPRO 2013 Program Committee for the last year. I’m particularly excited about next month’s event because of the renewed focus on quality learning opportunities during both the keynote and the breakout sessions.

Therefore, here’s what you can expect for the balance of this month on the Event Garde blog:

Finally, we want to engage with you even more in the coming months. So, please don’t be shy; be sure to tell us what you think. If you have a recommendation for a topic we should tackle or an interview we should schedule, let us know via your comments or shoot us an email at info@eventgarde.com. Likewise, don’t be afraid to sound off – good, bad or indifferent. We want to hear from you.

And should you ever wish to serve as a guest blogger, we welcome both your interest and your enthusiasm. Above all, the Event Garde blog hopes to earn your confidence as a trusted source for reliable industry news and information affecting the association, professional development and meetings communities. We hope you’ll join us on this exciting journey.

01
Apr
13

Enhance your online education strategy in 90 days

By Aaron Wolowiec 2 Comments
Categories: Marketing, Meetings and Professional Development
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Webinar Poll Questions

Webinar Poll Questions

It’s no surprise to discover that most associations are guided by a strategic plan carefully crafted by key leaders and stakeholders. This plan often does not drill down, however, into the specifics of education strategy (and the chances it extends to digital learning are equally shaky). This is despite the prominence of professional development in both the organization’s mission statement and annual budget projections.

On Feb. 28, I had the opportunity to deliver a Wit and Wisdom webinar for my friends at CommPartners. During this session, I shared a more intentional approach to meeting the unique needs of association constituents. We discussed simple, but effective tactics for evaluating and developing relevant content, effectively marketing programs, and leveraging innovative instructional strategies to pique member interest.

At right, you’ll find the results to two different poll questions on the topic of education strategy. The first queried participants about “a separate strategic education plan.” Those answering “yes” have a strategic education blueprint separate from the organization’s comprehensive strategic plan. The second question asked participants about “a separate online education strategy.” Not surprisingly, the breakdown of responses was similar.

Should you be interested, the webinar is available on-demand. Likewise, the worksheets and presentation slides are also available for download. I’ve also curated the stream of participant comments shared in this program’s chat feature. Organized by topic, following are the lightly edited participant insights I think you’ll find invaluable:

Identifying relevant content

  • We use an advisory committee of member experts to help identify topics and speakers.
  • I do an annual education survey via email. The subject line reads “15 second education survey” and I ask for their top three education topics. Our response rate is overwhelming.

Effectively marketing programs

  • I gather emails for all education attendees and do a lot of contact via email.
  • We have done a member email swap with other associations for one-time use to advertise. We don’t do it consistently, but strategically.
  • We offer team discounts for groups of five or more.
  • We ask attendees for referrals (e.g., names, emails and phone numbers) for those in their company or other peers who might be interested in the course they just completed.
  • We actively engage our speakers and have them leverage their relationships in trade magazines to announce their presence on a webcast.
  • We offer snippet previews of past webinars. We also select older recordings that have broad appeal and offer them as a free benefit to show the target audience what we offer.
  • We have the luxury of on-air talent for our radio webcasts, so we aim to get one popular on-air personality per webcast to address the topic in a five minute promotional video.
  • Find the stars in your industry and try to feature them in a way that’s easy for them, good content and easily promoted.
  • Marketing and education departments should work hand-in-hand because the marketing department is the one responsible for getting the event or education offerings out there. The main goal should be the bottom line.

Competition

  • Our association has to compete with companies in our industry that offer free CE. This makes it more difficult to offer quality at low rates.
  • It’s hard to beat free. Try stressing that the CE you offer is a true *investment*, where free CE might lack quality.
  • Try to ensure your program is a lot more robust than what your competitors offer for free.
  • We had to stop trying to compete with others and simply offer the best education out there in our industry. People return to our programs because of the background and expertise of the instructors/speakers, as well as the ability to interact with the other attendees. Interaction matters.
  • We don’t address the “free” aspect because it puts us on the defensive. Offer a quality product and those that are looking for “real” professional development from quality speakers are your target audience.
  • Make your program more interactive, and provide tools and resources your competitors cannot provide with free CE programs.
  • A quality product is the key. There are members willing to pay for quality. It’s also important to know who’s doing the speaking or the teaching.
  • Both collaboration and communication are necessary to ensure you’re not competing with other departments within your own association in promoting events.

Innovative instructional strategies

  • Providing a constant stream of content outside of the webcasts helps.
  • We encourage live tweeting during our conferences, and are evaluating the live tweeting during our education courses. However, social learning is difficult to explain up the chain.
  • Our association offers live tweeting, but it is still not completely catching on. We are engaging content experts to do the tweeting.
  • We’re exploring gamification, such as offering “badges.”
  • We do promote live tweeting during our live annual meeting; however, not many members participate yet.

Economies of scale

  • One association I’m aware of gets the top people to do live webinars in one room over the course of a day, such as at their annual meetings where the speakers are already onsite. This is a great way to capitalize on having people accessible and to record the webinars for later delivery.
  • We actually do webcasts with multiple people live in a studio at once. And taking advantage of travel schedules is paramount to maintaining a shoestring budget.

So, my question to you is this: Does your organization have a separate strategic education plan? What about a separate online education strategy? How have these documents elevated the quality and sophistication of your programs, built the reputation of your meetings department and/or improved your organization’s bottom line? Likewise, how did you convince your organization’s leadership (staff and board) to expend more resources/time on creating these documents?

07
Jan
13

How to publish a book and why you should care

By Aaron Wolowiec Leave a Comment
Categories: Associations, Leadership and Professional Development
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

ape-1667x2500As a featured association management blogger on Alltop, I was recently given the opportunity to receive and review an advance copy of a new book written by Guy Kawasaki and Shawn Welch titled, APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur—How to Publish a Book.

For those that don’t know, Kawasaki is the author of 11 previous books, including What the Plus!, Enchantment, and The Art of the Start. He is also the cofounder of Alltop.com and the former chief evangelist of Apple.

Likewise, Welch is the author of From Idea to App, iOS 5 Core Frameworks, and iOS 6 for Developers, and is also the developer of several iOS apps. Previ­ously he worked as a senior media editor for Pearson Education. He also helped pioneer many of Pearson’s earliest efforts in iPad solutions.

But enough about them, what did I think of the book?

The short version: Pick up a copy today. It’s totally worth it. The Kindle ebook is now available for just $9.99 (with other versions hitting the market soon) and you’re bound to stumble upon something interesting or helpful that’s sure to support or otherwise enhance your work.

The book is broken down into three distinct sections: author, publisher and entrepreneur. As a blogger (and someone who’s dabbled more in professional writing as of late), I found the author section chock-full of tips, tricks, tools and techniques for further refining my approach to this craft.

Likewise, I secretly (or not-so-secretly) hope to write at least one book in my lifetime. Without even the slightest clue of where to start, this book (given the experiences of both Kawasaki and Welch) provided me the foundation to do so confidently (when the time is right).

The second section focuses on the reader’s role as publisher. Regardless of whether you ever plan on publishing a book, those even remotely interested in writing will find this section interesting. From editing to book cover design, distribution, sales, file conversions, pricing and everything in between, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at what makes the publishing world tick.

Finally, the book closes with a section on entrepreneurship. Again, whether or not you ever plan to author or publish a book, this section is relevant to anyone reading this review. It includes information on marketing, branding, social media and blogging – from the perspective of a little fish in a big pond. These are lessons we can all apply to our development as both leaders and professionals.

Other than content, what else makes this book a must-read? Well, the approach is conversational and neither Kawasaki nor Welch takes themselves too seriously. It’s also an easy and quick read. In fact, I recommend getting through it once without stopping and then returning, as necessary, to reference specific sections or passages of the book.

Likewise, the text contains approximately 400 hyper­links. It’s the modern-day choose your own adventure. If you’re reading the ebook version, you can simply click on the links. If you’re reading the print version, you can visit the book’s dedicated website. Here you can also access a variety of free downloads, tests, templates and sample contracts.

But what’s the connection to the association community? That, my friends, is simple. The role of professional writing (particularly when it comes to curating industry content and publishing original research) continues to grow. As associations strive to remain both relevant and valuable, the author-publisher-entrepreneur model provides tremendous opportunity in the pursuit of this vision.

So, my question to you is this: Of the author, publisher and entrepreneur roles, which does your organization currently fill? Do opportunities for growth exist in these areas? If your organization doesn’t currently dedicate resources to each of these three roles, what might change if it did?

02
Jan
13

The Meetings Report: Five game-changing tactics redefining education strategy and success

By Aaron Wolowiec Leave a Comment
Categories: Best Practices, Meetings and Professional Development
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

MeetingsIn December 2012, I was pleased to finally release Event Garde’s first research project. In a nutshell, The Meetings Report strives to describe the state of the Michigan association meetings industry.

Alex Kontras, a data manager for the City of Grand Rapids, and I were delighted to author this report. Likewise, it was edited by Kristen Parker, a media communications manager for Michigan State University. Finally, the finished product was jointly published by the Michigan Society of Association Executives (MSAE) and my Grand Rapids-based consulting firm Event Garde.

The 16-page research report represents the first-ever Michigan association meetings industry survey and key recommendations examining the characteristics of senior education/professional development staff, characteristics of association meetings, professional speaker hiring practices, industry speaker preparation and compensation, and meeting evaluation practices.

While respondents primarily represented statewide trade associations (meaning the resultant benchmarking data is largely Michigan-specific), the five key recommendations precipitating from this 65-question survey and follow-on analysis are not only instructive and actionable, but remarkably universal across state lines. In fact, when applied to any association’s annual education strategy, these simple but effective tactics can substantively redefine how success is measured.

And the report is equally valuable to suppliers.

Whether you’re representing a CVB, a hotel, a consulting firm or a product/service provider, you’re bound to find the report – and its data, trends, tables and figures – incredibly helpful. Key findings and statistics include annual budgets, meeting revenue, fiscal year comparisons, meeting types, exhibits and cancellations, outsourcing, speaker bureaus, decision-making, contracting, room pick-up, funds/contracts, site selection and much more.

A copy of the report may be ordered via MSAE’s website. This invaluable resource is free to contributors, $59 for MSAE members and $99 for non-members.

Additionally, I’ll be speaking about the five key recommendations precipitating from this research throughout 2013. Following are select dates in February and March representing the launch of this series:

Feb. 13
The Meetings Report Seminar
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Okemos, MI

Become one of the first to hear the results from the first-ever meeting practices research conducted in Michigan. Core content with include report findings, organizational and meeting professional demographics, professional and industry speaker best practices, and evaluation trends. Expect a highly engaging and discussion-filled seminar that drills down into each key recommendation. Register here.

Feb. 20
The Meetings Report: Five Game-changing Tactics Redefining Education Strategy & Success
12 – 1:30 p.m.
Atlanta, GA

Join me as I reveal each of the five game-changing recommendations guaranteed to transform your organization’s programs and events into dynamic (and profitable) professional development experiences your members will value. Register here.

Feb. 20
From Theory to Practice: Applying Game-changing Tactics to Your Association’s Education Strategy
1:45 – 3:30 p.m.
Atlanta, GA

In this highly interactive follow-on session, evaluate your organization’s current education strategies and develop actionable next steps to operationalize The Meeting Report’s key recommendations. Focus on ways your association can elevate the quality and sophistication of its events, build the reputation of its meetings department and improve the association’s bottom line. Register here.

March 19
The Next Generation of Meetings
9:15 – 10:45 a.m.
Troy, NY

Learn about the five game-changing recommendations guaranteed to transform organization programs and events into dynamic (and profitable) professional development experiences. Likewise, evaluate current education strategies and develop actionable next steps designed to operationalize the report’s findings. Register here.

In the meantime, you’re ready for that list – aren’t you? Following are the five key recommendations discussed in this report:

  • Tactic 1: Diversify revenue
  • Tactic 2: Reward difference
  • Tactic 3: Value context
  • Tactic 4: Maximize opportunities
  • Tactic 5: Prioritize learning

Together, these key recommendations are intended to provide the executive summary for this study’s research findings. Should your organization wish to further explore the intricacies of this study’s data, including the application of these game-changing tactics to your organization’s current practices, I recommend purchasing the report, attending a program (or two) and exploring one-on-one consultation.

So, my question to you is this: Which of these five key recommendations represents the single-most important action your organization could take in 2013 to make your education department even more successful?

21
Dec
12

Adopting education strategy to jump-start member engagement

By Aaron Wolowiec 2 Comments
Categories: Best Practices, Membership and Professional Development
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On Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013 – Did another year just pass us by? – at 2 p.m. ET, I’ll have the pleasure of delivering a webinar titled, “Adopting Education Strategy to Jump-Start Member Engagement.” This session is presented by Young Association Professionals, Aggregage, Association Universe and Infinite Conferencing as part of The New World of Member Engagement Webinar Series. 

If you’ve not yet participated in one or more of the programs broadcast as part of this free series, you can view the full lineup here to register. In a nutshell, the interactive webinars help association professionals think differently to drive member engagement. The world has changed – and continues to do so. Various thought leaders, from a wide variety of perspectives, have been assembled to share tangible strategies for dealing with this new environment. The series runs now through February 2013.

Past presentations have included:

  • “What Does Member Engagement Mean to You?” with Eric Lanke, CEO, National Fluid Power Association
  • “Membership Engagement… How to Maximize Your Value Proposition to Grow 10 Times in 10 Years” with Tom Morrison, CEO, Metal Treating Institute
  • “Building a Spirit of Engagement: The New Volunteerism” with Peggy M. Hoffman, CAE, president and association manager, Mariner Management and Marketing
  • “Beer and Bar-B-Que is a Membership Strategy” with Shelly Alcorn, CAE, principal, Alcorn Associates Management Consulting

Future presentations will include:

  • Jan. 9: “Diagnosing and Solving Your Membership Marketing Challenges” with Tony Rossell, senior vice president, Marketing General Incorporated
  • Jan. 23: “Fierce Membership: 7 Ways to Keep from Losing Your Most Engaged Members” with KiKi L’Italien, president and CEO, Amplified Growth Inc.
  • Jan. 30: “Engagement Strategies for a Social World” with Andy Steggles, president, Higher Logic
  • Feb. 6: “The New Rules of Engagement: Understanding and Using Member Value to Drive Engagement” with Andrea Pellegrino, principal, The Maia Marketing Group LLC

And, of course, I’m excited to share my presentation on “Adopting Education Strategy to Jump-Start Member Engagement” on Jan. 16. So, what do I have in store for you?

It’s no surprise to discover that most associations are guided by a carefully crafted strategic plan developed by key stakeholders. However, this plan often does not drill down into the specifics of education strategy despite the prominence of professional development in both the organization’s mission statement and annual budget.

While the education equation is simple (Education = Engagement = Loyalty = Retention = Revenue), transforming this theory into action requires intentional planning.

During this program, learn more about the education equation (Incidentally, this is an Aaron original. You won’t find it presented in the Professional Practices in Association Management.), explore considerations for developing your association’s very own education strategy, and identify actionable next steps.

Ultimately, my goal is to help the association community work smarter (not harder!) to leverage current education offerings and content to jump-start member engagement.

So, my question to you is this: What engagement best practices do you employ in your own organization that I should mention during this program? What resources would you recommend I share with participants? If you plan on attending this program, what questions would you like answered as part of my presentation?

05
Nov
12

What is the key to a successful event? (Hint: Engagement.)

By Aaron Wolowiec Leave a Comment
Categories: Learning, Meetings and Professional Development
Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Jennifer Sweet, CMP

This post is authored by guest blogger Jennifer Sweet, CMP. Jennifer is owner and lead coordinator of JS Event Consulting. Email: jseventconsulting.com

Throughout my years of event coordinating, that is a question I have been asked time and time again: “What is the key to a successful event?” A successful event? How do you really know what ratio of components equals a success? Many obvious things come to mind, such as the facility, speakers and proper equipment. However, the one element that stands out, leaves participants satisfied and turns an event into a real success is (drum roll please) engagement!

A couple years back, I attended a conference where the following statistics were presented: Attendees remember 25 percent of what they hear, 50 percent of what they write down and 75 percent or more of what they actively participate in. Think of it in terms of trying to learn a card game. If someone tells you the rules, you may remember bits and pieces. If you write down the instructions, they will sink in a bit more. However, if you actually play the game, you become involved. This helps you to remember the rules the next time you pull out the deck!

This idea works very much the same for attendees, legislators and members. The more active of a role they have in your organization, the better they are able to remember who you are, what you do and why your work is so important.

While so many components make up a truly successful event, engagement is particularly effective in providing individuals with a worthwhile experience. There are many innovative ways in which to engage your audience to ensure an experience that propels one’s desire to be actively involved. Involvement turns to investment and investment leads to the support of the continuous efforts made within your organization. This is, indeed, a true success!

So, what are you doing to engage attendees, legislators and members during your events?

17
Oct
12

25 instructional strategies guaranteed to refresh your signature programs

By Aaron Wolowiec 1 Comment
Categories: Learning, Meetings and Professional Development
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: People are busy these days. They’re also moving at a faster pace and have limited dollars to spend on professional development. Period. Combine this competition for time and resources with the endless access to information and content available online and you have a long list of continuing education providers competing for market share. (Not to mention the countless organizations now offering education opportunities at competitive rates—even free!)

That’s why we – the collective association community – need to up our game when it comes to the instructional strategies we employ at each of our signature education programs. The number one question I’m asked by association staff, subject matter experts and the media has to do with innovative, engaging and creative instructional strategies. So, here are 25 I’ve collected and curated (and, in some cases, facilitated) within the last year.

Note: I could never credit every individual or organization that’s had a hand in developing and shaping these instructional strategies. I will, however, say that this list has been influenced by the likes of ASAE, MSAE, NACE, Segar Consulting, TSAE and Velvet Chainsaw Consulting. Of course, some are also my own creations.

1. Behind the Scenes

Attendees have the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at how the host venue delivers exceptional customer service. Stops during the tour may include the kitchen, sales, housekeeping, A/V and more. At each stop, attendees meet and interact with key personnel, have the ability to ask questions and walk away with a new-found appreciation for hotel/conference center operations.

2. Conversations That Matter

Participate in engaging, facilitated conversations that explore industry questions/issues that truly matter. Conversations may be tailored to any member segments/topics.

3. Deep Dive Sessions

These are interactive education sessions on a given topic that span approximately three hours or longer. Content is more detailed than what can typically be covered in a traditional 75-minute breakout session and engaging learning activities tend to necessitate the additional time.

4. Executive Learning Experience for CEOs

This intensive workshop (half-day, full-day or longer) will cater to CEOs (and sometimes other top staff leaders) who are serious about a specific subject affecting their industry. Often, these individuals find that the safe space (apart from their staffs) allows them to effectively leverage the collective wisdom of their peers and work through possible solutions.

5. Fish Bowl

Attendees, armed with questions and concerns based on a predetermined issue, stand facing each other in two concentric circles. Those in the outer circle pose a question to their counterparts in the inner circle, who then provide feedback based on their personal experiences. After five minutes, the two circles shift to the right or left and the process repeats.

6. Flash Learning Room

When attendees don’t see the content they’re looking for on the program agenda, allow them to claim a specified meeting room onsite and conduct a session of their choosing. It will be their responsibility to promote the session through the various social media channels available during the conference.

7. Game Changer Sessions

Get a compelling look into the minds of today’s most influential leaders in business, innovation and finance. See how these “game changers” redefined their industry and, at times, the world through engaging lectures, stories and real-world examples.

8. General Sessions

Traditional plenary sessions focused on topics of interest to a majority of conference attendees. Often, these may be combined with brief interludes of association business, speeches, entertainment or multimedia presentations – or are facilitated in an engaging way (e.g., talk show-style).

9. Genius Bars

These are modeled after the Genius Bars found in Apple stores. They may be set up between education sessions and during longer break times. “Geniuses” have extensive knowledge about the industry, and they work with you face-to-face to provide technical support and troubleshoot any problems you may be experiencing.

10. Idea Swaps

One predetermined topic is assigned per table and each table is assigned a facilitator who poses questions, synthesizes discussions and encourages participation. Each idea swap lasts 20-30 minutes. Participants have the opportunity to visit three to four different idea swaps throughout the allotted time.

11. Ignite

Presenters are given just five minutes to speak about their ideas and personal or professional passions, accompanied by 20 slides. Each slide is displayed for just 15 seconds, and slides are automatically advanced. The presentations are meant to generate awareness and to stimulate thought and action on the subjects presented.

12. Jam Sessions

A jam session is typically scheduled at the end of each day and members are grouped by area of expertise. Initially, attendees sit in rounds with a discussion initiated by a facilitator who provides leading questions to help reinforce key concepts and recurring themes. Participants are then regrouped based on their biggest takeaway, allowing them to engage in highly targeted conversations specific to their priorities.

13. Keynote Alternative

The organization identifies four to five industry trends and selects volunteer/industry speakers to develop mini-presentations (one for each hot topic). Each individual is then allotted a maximum of 10 minutes to share the most relevant information about his/her trend. Time for questions and answers – or interaction among the experts – adds additional dynamics.

14. Learning Groups

A learning group functions in 15-20 minute sessions held several times throughout the day. Attendees are assigned to groups of three, tailored to their levels of experience and areas of expertise. For the duration of the conference, members disperse for sessions then reconvene at prearranged times, bringing with them questions, concerns and potential topics of interest for further discussion.

15. Learning Labs

Take part in these 75-minute learning labs for tried and true education led by your peers.  Sessions may focus on every functional area of your industry – and are the closest to a traditional breakout session. Often, these are well-received by the Boomer and Silent generations.

16. Lunch for 6

Each table for six (a distinction that’s important for meaningful dialogue) has on it both a tent card indicating a broad topic and several index cards listing various question prompts or challenges related to the table’s theme. Participants roam the room, identify a topic they are interested in, sit at that table and informally converse with others also interested in that topic over lunch.

17. Mobile Playground

This showcase of mobile-driven sessions immerses participants in activities and experiences designed to maximize their productivity. From an App Boutique featuring an App Mixologist, to hands-on iPad training, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

18. Open-space Technology

This approach is most distinctive for its initial lack of an agenda. As participants create the agenda, they post issues in bulletin board-style. Each individual “convener” of a breakout session then takes responsibility for naming the issue, posting it on the bulletin board, assigning it a space and time to meet, and then later showing up at that space and time, kicking off the conversation, and taking notes.

19. Rolestorming

Participants take on another identity during the brainstorming process, viewing an identified industry problem or challenge from a very different perspective. By using an assumed identity, unusual or radical ideas are not only welcomed and encouraged, but serve as the foundation for real-world solutions. 

20. Self-directed Learning

According to Malcolm Knowles, self-directed learning describes a process by which individuals take the initiative, with or without the assistance of others, in diagnosing their learning needs, formulating learning goals, identifying human and material resources for learning, choosing and implementing appropriate learning strategies, and evaluating learning outcomes.

21. Smart Talks

High-energy, fast-paced events that combine 20-minute presentations with 40-minute interactive group discussions. 

22. Solution Room

This innovative learning concept provides conference participants with an opportunity to unpack and make meaning out of information presented during a general session. Small teams identify personal opportunities for change and brainstorm a variety of strategies for growth. Each attendee then commits to an actionable objective to be completed within a specified period of time.

23. Story Slam/Coaching Jam

Explore the art of good storytelling in a fun and exciting format. Each presenter has five minutes to tell a story based on a theme. Presentations are not predetermined. Participants are selected onsite and receive immediate feedback on how to make their story more engaging.

24. Wisdom While You Walk

Who would’ve thought you could actually learn something outside of a meeting room? In this exploratory learning format, attendees pair off with a colleague and go for a short walk while examining a predetermined topic. Findings are then shared and debriefed with the rest of the group.

25. World Café

The process begins with a brief introduction and leading question about an industry problem.  Attendees, seated at tables of four to encourage an informal café-style meeting, are asked to discuss the topic for 20 minutes. Once time is up, three participants from each table move to a different table and repeat the process. One participant at each table stays put to function as “table host” and reviews what concepts were discussed during the previous rounds.

So, my question to you is this: Which of these instructional strategies have you tried? Were they successful in meeting program objectives/learner outcomes? What could have been improved? Also, what innovative, engaging and creative instructional strategies not on this list would you add?

11
Oct
12

10 tactics to ensure your strategic plan addresses member learning

By Aaron Wolowiec Leave a Comment
Categories: Learning, Meetings and Professional Development
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Whether your association has just recently penned a new strategic plan or you’re three or more years into a long-term strategic planning cycle (however impractical that may be given today’s environment), do me a favor and locate this document.  Whether in hard copy or (preferably) electronically, open it up and conduct a simple search of the following key words:

  • Education
  • Learning
  • Professional Development
  • Conference
  • Meeting

Record the number of times each of these key words appears throughout this document specifically related to member learning (as opposed to the professional development of staff members, board members and volunteer leaders or any other possible reference). Obviously, conducting the search electronically will save you some time and energy – so what are you waiting for? (And, by all means, feel free to conduct a more comprehensive review of your strategic plan should you feel compelled.)

[Insert Jeopardy "Think Music" here.]

Finished? Good. What did you discover? In my mind, there are really only two possible outcomes:

  • Member learning is well-represented in the strategic plan, both as a core service of the organization and as an important revenue stream. Adequate time, money and other resources (including a talented and knowledgeable complement of staff) have been allocated to this essential association function.
  • Member learning is not well-represented in the strategic plan. And this could be true for any number of reasons. For example, perhaps it’s just not a part of the association’s mission, vision and values statements and, therefore, has no real place in the strategic plan. Likewise, it’s entirely possible the organization has created a separate strategic education plan.

Or, perhaps, the less desirable alternative is true: Member learning is important to the organization (maybe it’s even specifically cited in the association’s mission statement), but it’s just missing from the strategic plan, inadvertently left out or somehow taken for granted.  Whatever the case, following are 10 tactics your organization can immediately implement to right this wrong:

  1. Convene a representative stakeholder group to set strategic education goals and measurable learning objectives for your organization.
  2. Identify current (and optimal) engagement levels for the organization’s signature programs.
  3. Launch a survey to determine satisfaction of current education program offerings, member needs, opportunities for improvement and communication/technology preferences.
  4. Conduct a full SWOT analysis to identify learning gaps and priorities, environmental cues and organizational capacity.
  5. Research the organizations in your industry offering competing education programs and identify opportunities that exist within the marketplace for the addition of unique program offerings.
  6. Identify core member competencies, including job tasks performed, knowledge needed and skills required. Develop an optimal annual meetings calendar aligned with these knowledge domains.
  7. Explore opportunities for the application of web-based, virtual and hybrid programs based on survey analysis and market research.
  8. Create a comprehensive plan to sunset legacy programs and develop new programs based on current learning gaps.
  9. Develop a plan to more deliberately and timely cross-promote education program offerings and more effectively communicate program value to members.
  10. Review adult learning principles with professional development staff, subject matter experts and industry speakers as a first step toward developing more innovative and engaging learning opportunities.

So, my question to you is this: Which organization are you? Is member learning well-represented in your strategic plan or not? If not, which of the aforementioned 10 tactics do you think will be most helpful and valuable in refocusing the association’s available resources on member learning?

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meet aaron

Meetings innovator & professional development trailblazer. Founder & president of Event Garde. Passionate about The Food Network, hot yoga, blogging, old homes & unclehood.

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