Author
Mark Athitakis
Mark Athitakis, a contributing editor for Associations Now, has written on nonprofits, the arts, and leadership for a variety of publications. He is a coauthor of The Dumbest Moments in Business History and hopes you never qualify for the sequel.
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Three Takeaways From #ASAE26
Mark Athitakis ·
ASAE Annual Meeting takeaways: why AI strategy, board-CEO trust, and human connection matter more than tech hype for…
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An #ASAE26 Survival Guide
Mark Athitakis ·
The ASAE Annual Meeting can be a lot. But there are a lot of ways to make the…
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Keys to a Successful Succession
Mark Athitakis ·
When a publishing association’s executive director decided to leave, he gave its board something it had lacked: a…
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Why Leaders Should Embrace Imperfection
Mark Athitakis ·
AI and the economy are pushing organizations toward streamlining and efficiency, but success often comes from a messy…
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Report: Attendees Want Unconventional Learning
Mark Athitakis ·
Freeman’s latest survey finds that conference-goers are eager to learn outside of the traditional session room—and if they…
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Why Board-CEO Trust Is Eroding
Mark Athitakis ·
The C-suite is increasingly expected to deliver smart guidance fast around today’s challenges. A longer-term discussion may be…
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Survey: Trust in Nonprofits Remains Strong
Mark Athitakis ·
Independent Sector’s 2025 report shows nonprofit trust holds steady at 56%, while trust in philanthropy dips to 29%.…
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The New Meeting VIP Experience
Mark Athitakis ·
Upscale perks bring event revenue, but can alienate the rank and file. How some pros avoid breaking the…
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Report: AI, Cybersecurity Top Board Concerns
Mark Athitakis ·
Directors see AI woven into broader worries about cybersecurity and geopolitical challenges.
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How Leaders Can Combat Burnout
Mark Athitakis ·
Different personalities handle crises in different ways. It’s worthwhile to mix up your tactics.
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Report: Events Pros Slower to Expand
Mark Athitakis ·
As economic and geopolitical challenges persist, a new survey finds meetings leaders are looking for more value in…
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Keys to Member Engagement
Mark Athitakis ·
MGI’s latest report shows soft membership numbers, but also suggests a few paths for improvement.
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The Skills That Mean More Than AI
Mark Athitakis ·
Leaders want people who know their way around prompts. But old-school analytical skills have plenty of value.
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Marketing / CommunicationsArticle
Real-Estate Group Changes Name, Rebrands
Mark Athitakis ·
CREDA, formerly NAIOP, sees the shift as a clearer reflection of its goals and membership.
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Inside a Revamped Poster-Session System
Mark Athitakis ·
A lot of research was shared at an anesthesiologists’ conference. Technology helped ensure it reached the people it…
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How to Manage Meetings Chaos
Mark Athitakis ·
Attendees are more demanding than ever. Some straight talk, and a willingness to listen, can help.
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Report: Economy and AI Disrupting Business Travel
Mark Athitakis ·
A new survey shows travelers are anxious about safety and expenses, and managers worry about rogue AI use.
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How to Close the Empathy Gender Gap
Mark Athitakis ·
Researchers found that women leaders disproportionately manage “caring tasks.” Setting boundaries, along with a culture shift, can help.
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Animal-Rescue Pros Launch Association
Mark Athitakis ·
As demand grows and federal funding becomes uncertain, those who save stranded marine mammals look to bond.
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How Associations Can Assist Young Professionals
Mark Athitakis ·
A new survey finds that Gen Z values skills and stability above simply climbing the ladder. Associations are…
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Inside a VIP Experience
Mark Athitakis ·
Associations looking for revenue and engagement should experiment more with bespoke experiences, planners say. Just don’t lose a…
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A Meeting Expert’s Need-to-Knows
Mark Athitakis ·
Conferences have put increasing demands on planners’ tech savvy. But people and negotiating skills still matter most.
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Meetings Made for Everybody
Mark Athitakis ·
Planners need to think about accommodating more generations than ever. Understanding attention spans is just the start.
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Heart Association Launches Transplant Data Initiative
Mark Athitakis ·
AHA says a more robust database can accelerate innovation and address post-surgery complications faster.