As a result of the cancellation of this year’s Technology Conference, we have enhanced our technology sessions and are offering a robust track of technology-related learning labs called The Business of Technology.
Sunday, August 22
1:30–2:45 p.m.
Enhanced Social Media and Engagement Strategies
What are the hottest areas in social technologies for associations and where has the most success been found? Join us for a lively session where panelists will discuss their biggest strategy mistakes as well as their biggest wins. Witness some of the emerging technologies and how associations can leverage them to increase member engagement. Hear what's next with the social web and how you can embrace these new advancements.
David DeLorenzo, CTO, National Association of College and University Business Officers; Mark Eichler, communications and web strategist, Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers; Andy Steggles, COO and social strategist, Higher Logic, LLC
Make Money Online! Unlock the Revenue Potential of Your Organization's Website
This fast-paced session will identify ways to maximize the revenue potential of your organization's website. Explore the most common revenue models for association websites, examine case studies of organizations that have achieved dramatic revenue results online, and leave with cutting edge ideas from around the Web that you can adapt. The top and bottom lines of any association, large or small, will benefit from the content in this session.
David Gammel, CAE, president, High Context Consulting LLC
What CEOs Need to Know about IT
Associations must strategically align IT with their organizations’ goals. Without a basic understanding of the components, management, and trends of IT, executives cannot expect to provide the seamless integration of tools that associations must provide to members. Learn what you need to know about IT as well as upcoming technology trends in the association community.
Cort Kane, COO, designDATA
3:15–4:30 p.m.
Cyber Liability Risks—Tackle the Top Insurance Exposures for Associations
Associations continue to rely more on technology to manage member information, develop communication channels, and educate members. With the increase in associations' reliance on cutting-edge technology, it is important to identify business risks that could harm your organization. A panel of experts will discuss cyber liability exposures regarding print material, e-communications, and websites and identify how insurance policies can address these cyber-related exposures. Real-life examples and ways to reduce risk will be provided.
Michael Born, VP claims, AxisPro; Michelle Evans, assistant VP, Aon Association Services; Michael Kosednar, assistant VP, Hartford Financial Products; Roberto Quinones, senior director, business enterprises, American Association of Museums
Digital Dynamics: The New Look of Publishing
Digital innovations, Web 2.0 tools, smart phones, and more are transforming the way we communicate. If the challenges and never-ending opportunities of the publishing revolution are keeping you up at night, join us for this interactive session. Explore how to leverage electronic media in your publications, identify tips for building a member-focused print/electronic strategy—without sacrificing ad revenue, and share examples of best practices.
Debra J. Stratton, president, Stratton Publishing & Marketing Inc.
Monday, August. 23
8:30–9:45 a.m.
Learning Made Portable
How do you engage members on the go? Learn how different devices (MP3 player, Smart Phone, Kindle) and tools can be effectively leveraged by your association to create engaging learning experiences. Explore different ways to offer professional development, training, and continuing education opportunities to your learners away from the desktop and classroom.
Alexandra Mouw, senior consultant, strategic web solutions, Results Direct
Quit Annoying Your Website Users!
Want to make your website even better? Create a strong user experience for your members and customers by enhancing what you already have. Get actionable tips on content strategy, usability tactics, and user testing tools that will help you continuously improve your organization’s website. And, if you’re brave enough to volunteer, you’ll walk away with live usability reviews of your site!
David Coriale, MBA, president, DelCor Technology Solutions; Dina Lewis, CAE, president, Distilled Logic LLC; Cecilia Satovich, director, business development, Results Direct
1:30–2:45 p.m.
Engage Your Members Using Mobile Devices
With the emergence of the Blackberry, Windows Mobile devices, iPhone, Droid, and Kindle, fingertip communication is essential to successful engagement with your members. Hear from associations that have successfully deployed mobile solutions to promote member activism and involvement, and deliver multimedia-rich information, education and more. Roll up your sleeves and collaborate with fellow attendees on how your organization can deliver value to members with this fast-growing communications medium.
Jeff De Cagna, chief strategist and founder, Principled Innovation LLC; Joe Rominiecki, managing editor, newsletters, ASAE & The Center; Renato Sogueco, CIO, Society of American Florists
Get Your Data Under Control
Data is the lifeblood of any organization, but keeping it clean and accurate requires keen, active, and effective data stewardship. Explore case studies that look at the processes and procedures necessary to achieve and maintain high levels of accurate data and learn dozens of tips and tricks to keep your data as useful as possible.
Kevin Conley, director of IT, National Recreation and Park Association; Denise Streszoff, CAE, director of membership and marketing,International Association for Dental Research; Wes Trochlil, president, Effective Database Management, LLC
Tweetups & Twestivals: How Social Media Can Engage New Donors
Discover how social media and traditional events can combine to create locally-hosted events that engage an expanded community of potential donors. Review current trends in twestivals, tweetups, and other similar events. Glean ideas from two new "twestival" case studies, learn the top 10 tips, techniques and lessons of Twitter-generated funding.
Steve Drake, MA, president, Drake & Company
Virtual Board Meetings: Transition from Onsite to Online
As travel becomes increasingly expensive, many associations are using online platforms to hold their board meetings. Discover how associations have moved their formal board meetings online, and discuss the benefits and challenges of transitioning to an online format. Examine the economics and benefits of onsite vs. online board meetings, the unique online requirements, and how virtual board meeting rooms must specifically accommodate those requirements. Learn the single biggest change associations must make before moving a board meeting online.
Mary Buszuwski , MBA, CAE, COO, American Nurses Association; Richard Finstein, president, CommPartners
Virtualization: The Business Justification
Join representatives from The Signature Group and other leaders in the virtualization space as they discuss the business value and financial benefits, risks and rewards of adopting a virtualization strategy.
Michael Perdue, president & CEO, The Signature Group
Tuesday, August 24
9:00–10:15 a.m.
It's a YouTube World: Using Video for Communication
Have you considered communicating your association’s message through video and other interactive outlets? Many associations are successfully using YouTube to connect with their members. Gather ideas and tactics for incorporating video into your communications plan for advocacy messaging, marketing, and education, and learn five procedures that you can implement immediately.
Jeff Lenard, vice president of communications, NACS (National Association of Convenience Stores); Wendy Mann, CAE, director of communications, National Telecommunications Cooperative Association
Selecting an AMS/CRM - Audience Issue Shootout For Medium to Large Associations
You define the topics that will be covered. A panel of association executives and expert consultants will answer your most pressing questions regarding the process of purchasing a new AMS/CRM. In this session, anything goes! Cover a wide range of topics from current system assessment and needs analysis to RFP generation and contract review. Gain real-life perspectives and hear frank feedback on the do's and don'ts of AMS/CRM selection in an energetic format.
Rebecca Achurch, project lead, American Chemical Society; Loretta Deluca, CEO, Delcor Technology Solutions; Jim Gibson, PHR, project manager, American Hospital Association; Cort Kane, COO, designDATA
How Google Analytics is Turning the Webstats World and Your Site Upside-Down
The latest generation of webstats packages, led by Google Analytics, helps you determine who your visitors are, how they interact with your content and exactly what they want. Walk through case studies of webstats conversion successes and failures and review advantages and disadvantages of Google Analytics, Webtrends, Clicktracks and some emerging trends that will shake things up even more.
Jim Kelly, CEO, Syscom Services
Weaving Great Technology into Operations on a Tight Budget
Does your organization have a technology philosophy? With the help of a quick attendee survey on current technical environments, determine which technologies have worked, the ongoing benefits, and which technologies have failed and why. Determine the hidden costs of NOT changing with technology. Walk away with helpful tools you can implement immediately, including cost analyses of several technologies and an outline of an efficient technical cost structure.
Jim Cooke, VP, Network Media Partners, Inc.
10:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Complex Technology Management for the Micro-Staff Association
How can a small association with a staff of five or fewer take advantage of the many technologies available? How can they find out which technologies are available and how much they cost? How does the small association know if a given technology is appropriate for them? What are the support ramifications? Join us to discover how one association implemented a complex maze of technology, what their challenges were, and how they approached those challenges.
Ted Udelson, president, Integrity Computing, Inc.; Jonathan Harrison, VP, Product Liability Advisory Council
Deconstructing Social Media Guidelines
What does it take to craft an effective social media policy for staff and volunteers? Join this open discussion session to deconstruct social media guidelines, determine the characteristics of a good policy, and create a template for creating policies designed to encourage engagement. No PowerPoints or podiums—this is your chance to speak openly with your fellow colleagues and find solutions.
Lindy Dreyer, chief social media marketer; and Maddie Grant, CAE, chief social media strategist, SocialFish, LLC; Leslie White, president, Croydon Consulting, LLC
IT Lightning Round: Four Hot Topics for the Price of One
Get four times the value in this 4-in-1 session. In lightning-quick style, subject matter experts will answer your most burning technology questions, moderated by a consultant and an association executive. Get and give straight-to-the-point insights, identify synergies, and leave feeling energized and informed!
David DeLorenzo, CTO, National Association of College and University Business Officers; Loretta DeLuca, CEO, DelCor Technology Solutions
Marketing vs. IT: Solutions to Minimize Conflict and Maximize Results
The relationship between IT and marketing can be a bit touchy, especially when expectations vary widely and understanding is at a minimum. Marketing and IT professionals will have the opportunity to battle it out before sitting down for a candid conversation about how the two teams can work better together. Learn key concepts that facilitate constructive, productive dialogue between the two departments. Discover how successfully communicating strategic marketing plans and technical solutions can lead to shared successes.
Brian Birch, assistant executive director, Snow and Ice Management Association; Karen Bresson, CAE. assistant executive director, marketing & membership, Radiological Society of North America, Inc.; Robert Kaighn, Jr., partnership manager, TMA Resources
