Menu

Ewald News

giorgio-trovato-5lFR1FK03Z4-unsplash

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. 

  1. Preparation is Key. Board meetings don’t just happen on their own; they require meticulous preparation. Laurie emphasized the importance of starting the process 3 to 4 weeks in advance. This includes drafting the agenda, working with officers to refine it, and collecting all necessary documents. Distributing this information at least a week ahead of time allows board members to review, ensuring a more meaningful discussion during the meeting. 
  1. Efficient Meetings Require Engagement. Laurie highlighted the significance of active engagement during board meetings. She encouraged board members to come prepared by reading reports and documents in advance. This not only saves valuable meeting time but also ensures that discussions are focused and productive. Furthermore, she stressed the need for respectful communication and steering the conversation back on track if it veers off course. 
  1. Post-Meeting Actions Matter. After the meeting adjourns, Laurie’s work is far from over. She compiles meeting minutes, tracks action items, and follows up with relevant parties promptly. Effective post-meeting actions ensure that decisions are implemented, and the organization continues to progress efficiently. 

Board meetings are a crucial aspect of organizational management. By following these tips from an experienced executive director like Laurie Krueger, you can transform these meetings from time-consuming ordeals into productive sessions that drive your organization forward. 

Ewald Consulting Expands Its Association Sales Services Through Acquisition of Pierre Productions & Promotions 

, , ,

September 28, 2023 – Ewald Consulting, a trusted leader in association management, proudly announces its acquisition of Pierre Productions & Promotions, a prominent player in association advertising, sponsorship, and booth sales solutions. This strategic acquisition signifies Ewald Consulting’s unwavering commitment to offering comprehensive support to associations and solidifies its position as a premier provider of association sales services.  

For more than two decades, Pierre Productions & Promotions, led by the accomplished Betsy Pierre, has been synonymous with top-notch association advertising, sponsorship, and booth sales solutions. This acquisition not only brings Betsy Pierre’s stellar reputation but also her extensive network of association relationships into the Ewald Consulting family. 

Ewald Consulting is excited about expanding its sales support offerings and is poised to provide even greater value to associations seeking to enhance their revenue and reach. The combined resources and expertise of Ewald Consulting and Pierre Productions & Promotions will enable Ewald Consulting to deliver an enhanced suite of services customized to meet the distinctive needs of associations. 

“With our already robust, experienced, and driven sales team, the addition of Betsy Pierre and her team from Pierre Productions & Promotions cements Ewald Consulting’s status as the preeminent choice for association sales services,” said CEO David Ewald. “We invite associations to explore our comprehensive services and encourage them to connect with us to discuss how we can collaborate to achieve their objectives.”  

For inquiries or further details regarding Ewald Consulting’s expanded services following the acquisition of Pierre Productions & Promotions, please contact Paul Hanscom, Ewald Consulting Chief Growth Officer.  

ASSOCIATIONS TRENDS TALK-2

Associations Trends Talk: No Roadmap, No Problem

, , , , ,

Ewald Consulting hosted Associations Trends Talk on September 21, 2023. No Roadmap, No Problem: Navigating the Terrain of DEIA features Valerie Dosland, Government Affairs Director at Ewald, Brian Haney of the Haney Company, and Rhea Steele of the School Nutrition Association. In this discussion, they give real life examples of how to make associations more accessible and inclusive.

Here are some of our key takeaways:

  • Each of us will define DEIA (diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility) in terms of our members and the field they work in. Different associations will have different areas of focus. Listening sessions with members can be a great way to get started on a DEIA journey.
  • It’s critical to have diversity of thought on an association’s board of directors; so much data reflects this reality. Board members need to hold each other accountable and to have the self-awareness to say that the right voices are not in the room when decisions are being made.
  • When we see something that could be uncomfortable for other members, we all need to become comfortable with speaking up; the burden should not always fall to marginalized people to say that a situation could be better.
  • You can’t avoid difficult conversations. If the person raising a challenge is still a member and they’re still engaged, that is good—even if they are bringing up a difficult issue. That shared connection of care can help to create an ally.
  • Both Brian and Rhea recognized the association community and ASAE as an excellent resource for help. We all represent different aspects of society — through different lenses. A sampling of useful DEIA resources: McKinsey, SHRM, Harvard Business Review, universities, Forbes, other state and national associations.

We will see you in November for our next installment of Associations Trends Talk featuring Laura Orr of Forward Governance Consulting.

pxclimateaction-4684217_1280

Associations Next: Ch-Ch-Changes

, , , , , ,

In this episode, we are joined by Genae Young, member of the Board of Trustees for the Organization Development Network, and CEO of 1 Extraordinary Life. Genae sat down with us to discuss change management, particularly when it comes to the ever-changing landscape of volunteer organizations. 

Takeaways: 

  • Change management is for the organization, but it is all about the people involved. Make sure they are taken care of, listened to and supported. 
  • Make change management part of your annual plan. Have solid systems in place that help you thoughtfully navigate your change. 
  • Associations are particularly used to change. Anchor your organization in your mission, vision, and values in order. 

 

Associations-Trends-Talk-July-2023

ATT: AI – The Untapped Potential For Associations

, , ,

AI: The Untapped Potential for Associations 

 

Ewald Consulting hosted an Associations Trends Talk on July 19, 2023 to discuss how associations can use Artificial Intelligence (AI). Our panelists — Shawn Petersen of Maple Lane Media, Erica Salm Rench of Rasa.io and Emily Youngblood of Mercury Creative Group — are all using various AI platforms to assist with routine tasks. They shared their experiences: 

  • Help with boring work: Various AI platforms can help your staff handle some tedious, time-consuming tasks. Examples provided by our panelists include creating images with DALL-E and/or Photoshop, using Fathom to make transcripts of webinars or meetings, using ChatGPT to draft a presentation outline or to create descriptions of silent auction items, and using BettyBot to respond to routine questions on a website. These and other AI platforms can free up your staff to work on providing the human touch to members.
  • Continual evolution: The large language models that AI platforms are based on continue to learn and evolve. You and your team need to carefully review any information that a platform like ChatGPT provides. Better yet, use ChatGPT to create an outline and then rely on your internal subject matter experts to provide the “meat and potatoes,” as Emily called it. Erica recommended that when exploring new platforms, associations should ask the tech companies to share the benefits and ROI of the platform, and to share how association data will be used. 
  • Be aware of legal issues: Copyright law around AI is evolving. Be careful about images produced by DALL-E that might use copyrighted work as the basis for a new design. Shawn recommends that if you’re streaming a live event, be aware that any music used could get you into trouble with YouTube or other video platforms.  
  • Work as a team: Emily stated that associations need to remain true to their brand and to their ideal members; maintain your brand standards when considering new technology. Create standard operating procedures for AI — and revisit them every 3–6 months as the situation warrants. Shawn suggested thinking about a project from inception through completion to consider all the people and resources needed; then, ask volunteers where they would like to be involved.  
  • Keep learning: Erica recommended reading one book a month on a topic that will help you stay abreast of continuing change. Use other resources to keep your knowledge updated. Shawn encouraged us to try new things, without being afraid of failure. 

 

It is likely that new AI platforms will come along, and existing platforms will evolve. What won’t change is the need for real people to ensure that the member experience remains true to an association’s mission and that members continue to engage in meaningful ways. 

Watch the webinar here!

DSC00292

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.

  1. Despite the partisan dynamics, the legislative session saw instances of collaboration and bipartisanship. Some bills and initiatives received support from both Democrats and Republicans, highlighting the potential for finding common ground on certain issues. This collaborative approach among the House, Senate and Governor’s office resulted in the successful passage of several bills, demonstrating that bipartisan cooperation can lead to effective governance and the achievement of shared objectives. 
  2. The session discussed had a historic budget surplus of over $17 billion, which provided opportunities advance priorities and accomplish goals for our association clients and for other lobbyists. 
  3. The session saw a DFL trifecta, with the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party controlling the governor’s office, the House, and surprisingly, the Senate. This contributed to the passage of many bills and the implementation of priorities such as paid family leave, labor provisions, tax changes, and investments in areas like education. 
  4. The session highlighted a surge of retirements among legislators before the 2022 elections, and an influx of new legislators with ambitions and high levels of activity. The increased number of bill introductions posed challenges in tracking and managing the legislative process. Furthermore, the session witnessed a diversification of representation in the legislature, with more legislators of color, the first African-American president of the Senate, and vocal caucuses advocating for specific priorities, such as the queer caucus. These factors demonstrated a generational change and its impact on legislative outcomes.  
  5. It’s extremely important for people from all parts of Minnesota (and from all walks of life) to provide information to legislators. Associations are a key resource to educate legislators and state agencies about positive and negative impacts of proposed legislation. 

architecture-ga53383d90_1280

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: 

  1. 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 recognize the association, enhancing its overall success. 
  2. Build thoughtfully: Associations should be cautious about creating too many offshoots or sub-brands that can overshadow the main brand. Maintaining a consistent voice and messaging throughout board turnovers and volunteer changes is essential to retain the association’s identity and mission. Additionally, inclusivity should be considered in branding to cater to potential audiences and avoid excluding potential members. 
  3. Evolving branding trends: With the rise of virtual events and technological advancements, branding has evolved to adapt to multiple platforms and electronic marketing. Associations need to ensure that their branding remains consistent across various channels, including webinars, podcasts, and websites, to maintain recognition and cohesiveness. AI tools and technologies can be explored to save time and personalize branding based on association or member data. 

ASSOCIATIONS-TRENDS-TALK-2

ATT: Growing Your Association with AI

,

On May 17, we were joined by Meredith Ellison, Executive Director of the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI), and Thomas Altman, co-founder of Tasio, for a conversation about how AI can and will help associations.

Takeaways:

  1. Conversations about what AI can do are important: Discussing and understanding the capabilities and potential of artificial intelligence (AI) are crucial as new capabilities develop. AI has the power to grow associations and make them more efficient. Engaging in conversations about AI helps raise awareness, promote understanding, and explore its possibilities and limitations. These discussions foster informed decision-making, guide policy development, and enable society to harness the benefits of AI while addressing any associated challenges. 
  2. Be thoughtful about how you prompt AI: When interacting with AI systems, you must be deliberate in the way prompts are formulated. The input provided to AI models directly influences the output they produce. Crafting clear and specific prompts helps ensure accurate and relevant responses. Ambiguous or biased prompts can lead to unintended or undesirable outcomes.  
  3. We’re used to AI. Think chat functions on shopping websites: AI has become increasingly integrated into our daily lives, and we often encounter it without even realizing it. Those shopping site chat functions, for example, utilize AI-powered chatbots to engage with customers, answer queries, and assist in the purchase process. Don’t let it intimidate you. You’ve been using it for years! 
  4. We have to think about how to make it work for everybody: Ensuring that AI systems are inclusive and accessible to everyone is crucial. It is important to consider factors such as diversity, equity, and inclusion during the development and deployment of AI technologies. AI systems should be designed to accommodate diverse user needs, including those with disabilities, language barriers, or limited technological literacy. This requires considering accessibility standards, providing multiple modes of interaction, and incorporating user feedback to improve usability and ensure equal access to AI-powered services for all individuals. 
Watch the webinar here!
 

mathieu-stern-1zO4O3Z0UJA-unsplash

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: 

  1. People want to make a difference. Dave reminds us that the United States is one of the most generous countries in terms of individual giving. Whether you’re a 501c(6) or 501c(3), there are donors or sponsors out there who want to give to you.
  2. Be sure to budget enough money to raise funds. Whether you use direct mail, email or other methods, ensure that you plan for all the expenses involved.
  3. Your donors are not ATMs. Raising funds is all about relationships. Individual donors and corporate sponsors are rarely a one-and-done deal. Foster these relationships by bringing them in on your mission and communicating often
  4. There are more ways to measure success than just the money. Dave recommends going to your donors and sponsors and asking about their experience in giving. Are they more engaged? Do they feel they made a difference? Are more people engaged in the work? Fundraising is so much more than just the dollars.
  5. You are not asking enough (measured in frequency and quantity). Dave says that you’ll know when you’ve tapped a sponsor or donor too much when they tell you so. Don’t hesitate to go back, explain why you’re asking, and see what they say. It’s all for a good cause. 

hrustall-qui1Ni2Avk8-unsplash

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:

  1. No personality type is good or bad. Remember, this is simply a tool to use to help your board communicate better rather than a test to see who has a “good” or “bad” personality. Having common language and awareness of our strengths and weaknesses helps everyone understand others better.
  2. This is a simple, but very effective exercise. You can simply have your board take the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test online and discuss as a group. The beauty is that you can make it as simple or complex as you like, upping your game to more sophisticated tests such as the MBTI, Gregorc, DISC, and Family Systems Theory tests.
  3. Use the information to adapt your communication style to those on your board. Board members are likely to process information in different ways. As a leader, you need to meet your members where they are. If your board member prefers email, use email. If they prefer texts, or phone calls, or Zoom, match their needs.
  4. Every time a board changes its membership, there is an opportunity to change the communication styles of the board overall. Assessing personality types and communication styles is an ongoing process.

 

Load More

Let's Get Started!
Loading...