
magazine

Creative Spark from Business Incubators
To be more than cheerleaders for innovation in their industries, associations can draw some inspiration from the successes of business incubators and coworking spaces.
Zoo Story: Behind the Scenes of a Wild Conference
Conventions and expos are hard work. But the people who perform these logistical miracles make it look easy. Welcome to three days in the life of one of the greatest shows on earth.
Editor's Note: Animal Magnetism
A behind-the-scenes look at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' annual meeting.
Zoo Story: Everyone Loves the Animals
On Day 3 of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' annual meeting, attendees took a stroll around the Phoenix Zoo. Check out the highlights from the event.
Zoo Story: Carpet Sweepers, Hurricanes and Bones
From interactive events to the people who keep things moving, check out these photographic highlights from Day 1 of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' annual meeting.
Collaborate to Advocate
How well do nonprofits stand up for themselves?
Think Big. Embrace Risk. Change the Rules.
Why Dan Pallotta wants the nonprofit industry to rewrite the way it does business.
Is Your Office Space Killing Collaboration?
The trends that have given rise to coworking spaces are changing the traditional workplace, too.
Social Snapshot: December 2012
What people are saying in association social spaces: Including issues of return on investment, making people feel wanted at a new job, and … uh, Lady Gaga.
The Power of a Fresh Start: International Franchise Association
The International Franchise Association gives returning vets a boost in business.
Comings and Goings: December 2012
A roundup of new hires and other personnel moves in the association industry.
Turning Points: Mission Refocused
Enid Borden left the Meals on Wheels Association of America to fulfill its vision—and her own.
Executive Summary: Larry Merrill
The Executive Director of the Michigan Township Association in Delta Township, Michigan, tells us his goals for the New Year On my desk right now August issue of Associations Now (keep intending to read the Carville/Rove interview but never seem to get to it). If I weren’t doing this, I’d … … do philanthropic work. […]
Ask the CEO: ACA's Richard Yep
Richard Yep, FASAE, CAE, executive director and CEO, American Counseling Association, answers questions from ACA member Chris Roseman.
My Workspace: Maddie Grant
Consultant-blogger Maddie Grant is hooked on her colorful office mate. Meet Jules. The bright-red betta fish keeps the mood relaxed and conducive to creativity in the office of Maddie Grant, CAE. “Most of my work is writing, so I believe that my workspace needs to be very zen,” says Grant, a social media strategy consultant […]
Shrink to Fit: Why One Board Cut Its Size in Half
Why the Association of YMCA Professionals cut the size of its board members in half.
CEO to CEO: December 2012
We ask association CEOs: What unique marketing tactics is your organization employing? Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D. CEO, New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc., Mercerville, New Jersey The best marketing has been, and remains, word of mouth. The New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc., catalogs positive feedback from […]
From Where I Sit: Switch Off
Spark Consulting's Elizabeth Weaver Engel, CAE explains why occasional unplugging from technology is a job requirement for association executives.
Good Counsel: Seal the Deal
A solid employment agreement should cover five key topics, says lawyer Eileen Morgan Johnson. No two employment agreements are exactly the same. But whether you’re the hiring organization or the candidate for an executive position, you’ll want the contract sealing the deal to include these five critical components. 1. A detailed position description should outline […]
Spread the Word: Use Longtime Exhibitors to Draw New Attendees
Have tradeshows? The Drug Information Association has valuable lessons about how to expand your reach, gain new members, and generate new revenue.
Idea Bank: Three's Company
Who says welcoming a new member has to be a one-time thing? What’s the great idea? Deliver your welcome-kit materials over three months instead of all at once, using different formats and points of contact. Who’s doing it? The Licensing Executives Society of USA and Canada. What’s involved? New LES members receive a welcome email […]
The Fix: A Question of Coverage
Should independent contractors working for your association be covered by your employment-practices liability insurance?
Talking Tech: Change Theory
DSK Solutions CEO Debbie King on how shifts in technology and business intelligence will affect IT staff roles.
I Can't Live Without My ... Snagit
A technology executive explains the value of Snagit, a tool he says makes his life much easier.
Tech Memo: Online Community Vendor Etiquette
Looking to build an online community for your association? Check out these dos and don'ts.
Membership Memo: Final Countdown
How the American Association of Museums completely relaunched its image, brand, logo and membership structure.
Social Snapshot: People Are Talking About Association Membership
What people are saying in social spaces about association membership topics.
Best Benefit Ever: Car-Buying Assistance
The National Education Association helps its members find the right car with its Auto Purchase Advantage Program.
Rules of Engagement: Sign-up Strategy
The National Council of University Research Administrators shows how clear roles and simple opportunities can boost a volunteer base.
Destination: Providence, Rhode Island
The perks of having an association conference in Providence, Rhode Island.
Meetings Memo: The Great Shirt Debate
Should association staff wear matching shirts to events? Pros and cons.
Career Coach: Master Workplace Conflict
Advice from Pegotty Cooper, IOM, MBA, FASAE, certified leadership and career strategy coach at Career Strategy Roadmap.
Learning: Meetings Makeover
Event strategist John Parke asks two questions to help a meeting rebranding effort.
Books: Skills Trump Passion
Georgetown University Assistant Professor Cal Newport offers four new rules that challenge common career-development assumptions.
Executive Planner: ASAE’s Upcoming Education Lineup
ASAE’s upcoming education lineup includes leadership, customer service and membership events.
Association Agenda: GSA Conference Scandal Fallout Continues
Last spring’s conference scandal still threatens public-private sector collaboration.
Association Inclusion Index Assesses Diversity
ASAE’s new interactive tool helps associations measure progress on D&I.
There's an Association for Everything: Ice
In sometimes surprising ways, associations play direct and indirect roles in bringing the products, services, and activities of daily life to people around the world. Each issue, find out how.