The Member Lounge Podcast: Unlocking Association Success

In This Episode, We’ll Explore:✅ The impact of AI on content creation and association engagement✅ Why fostering community is more crucial than ever✅ Practical strategies to strengthen member connections in the AI eraMeet the Guest: Jonathan MilneWe’re excited to welcome Jonathan Milne, VP of AI Services at Demand Spring, where he helps B2B marketing leaders implement AI strategies that drive real results. With over 20 years at the intersection of marketing and technology, Jonathan has led enterprise clients through complex MarTech implementations and data-driven marketing strategies. A recognized thought leader and Top 40 Under 40 honoree, he frequently speaks at industry events like MarketingProfs B2B Forum and B2B Marketing Exchange.Co-host: Bruce RosenthalJoining us as co-host is Bruce Rosenthal, a seasoned consultant specializing in association partnerships and sponsorships. Bruce has a rich history of developing successful non-dues revenue programs and is a recognized thought leader in the field. His expertise complements our discussion, providing practical insights into revenue strategies that drive member engagement.Your Host: Farhad KhanThis episode will be hosted by Farhad Khan, CEO of Member Lounge. As an expert in association technology and engagement, Farhad has worked with countless organizations to help them leverage AI, community-building, and innovative revenue strategies to drive long-term success. Passionate about helping associations grow, Farhad brings deep industry knowledge and insightful perspectives to the conversation.Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from industry leaders. Tune in and discover how associations can stay ahead by prioritizing community in the AI era! Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Follow our podcast for more free educational content.Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us. 

In This Episode, We’ll Cover:✅ Key insights from a national survey of Canadian associations and their current use of AI✅ The top roadblocks preventing meaningful adoption and how to overcome them✅ What association professionals are really worried about when it comes to AI✅ Actionable steps to bridge the gap between interest and implementationMeet the Guest: Gerald BrammGerald Bramm is the founder and principal of Bramm Research, where he has led hundreds of research projects across Canada and the U.S. for more than 20 years. His expertise spans the full spectrum of survey research: from large-scale online surveys to in-depth interviews and focus groups. Gerald brings a unique blend of data expertise and sector knowledge that makes him especially well-equipped to uncover and interpret the realities facing associations today.Your Host: Farhad KhanFarhad Khan, CEO of Member Lounge, brings his deep experience in association tech, community engagement, and AI implementation to guide the conversation. With a passion for practical innovation, Farhad helps associations cut through the noise and build future-ready strategies.If you’ve been wondering where your association stands or where to even begin, this episode is for you. Tune in to get the data, the context, and the clarity you need to take your next step with AI. Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Follow our podcast for more free educational content.Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us. 

What to expect:A behind-the-scenes look at Bruce's approach to customized, consultative partnerships reinforced with a marketing agency modelA discussion on how to increase and diversify revenue without compromising your association’s mission and valuesStrategies to create lasting value for both sponsors and membersReal-world lessons on navigating economic shifts and evolving sponsor expectationsThis book is already being called a game-changer by industry leaders. Don’t miss your chance to listen to the author and rethink what’s possible with corporate sponsorships.View the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F7FRB736 Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Follow our podcast for more free educational content.Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us. 

This episode brings a dynamic mix of tech expertise and sponsorship know-how, offering practical steps to make every conference a launchpad for deeper, ongoing relationships. Together with our host Farhad Khan, Bruce Rosenthal and Bob Vaez cover creative ways to use event data, session insights, and member behaviors to build smarter programming, targeted outreach, and stronger sponsor value. Tune in to get fresh ideas on:Why Conferences Are Just the BeginningAssociations often treat the annual conference as the finish line—but it should be the kickoff. Learn how to think of your conference as a tactic, not the end goal, and build a strategy that maximizes its value all year.Segmenting Smarter, Not HarderForget overcomplicated surveys. Bob shares how to segment your audience just by observing what they do—what sessions they attend, what content they engage with—so you can follow up with hyper-relevant programming, webinars, and more.Turning Engagement Signals into ActionYou already have the data you need. Whether it’s session check-ins, Q&A participation, or content downloads, learn how to use simple insights to fuel personalized outreach and better post-event experiences.Curated Connections That Actually WorkFrom topic lounges to post-event discussion groups, discover how to create intentional, topic-driven networking that beats random hallway encounters—and gives sponsors more meaningful exposure.Repurposing Content Like a ProMost breakout sessions vanish after the event. Not anymore. Get tips on how to record content with just a smartphone, generate transcripts with AI, and turn your best sessions into ongoing webinars, blog posts, and more.Breaking the Mental Blocks Around Year-Round EngagementThink it's too hard to engage members year-round? Think again. Farhad shares the mindset shifts—and modern tools—that make it easier than ever to keep delivering value beyond the three-day conference.About Our GuestsBob Vaez is the Founder and CEO of EventMobi, a leading event technology platform used by associations worldwide. With over 15 years of experience supporting mid-sized conferences, Bob is passionate about building tools that go beyond logistics and create lasting connections among members.Bruce Rosenthal is a seasoned sponsorship strategist who helps associations increase non-dues revenue while enhancing member value. With decades of experience both in-house and as a consultant, Bruce brings practical, results-driven insights to the world of partnerships and engagement.Don’t miss this energizing conversation that will change how you think about conferences—and what comes next. Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Follow our podcast for more free educational content.Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us. 

Join us as we: Discover Technology Trends: Learn about emerging trends, including AI's role in delivering timely, relevant content and its potential to solve key challenges faced by associations today. Explore AI-Powered Engagement: See how features like Expert Connections AI are transforming community interactions by connecting members with expertise in real time. Navigate Digital Transformation: Get practical tips for adopting tools like Grain for meeting summaries and Descript for effortless video editing to enhance your operations. Stay Ahead of the Curve: Understand how to identify opportunities and implement solutions that future-proof your organization, even with a lean team. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or just starting your digital transformation journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights tailored to your needs. 🤖 Tune in now to future-proof your association and supercharge member engagement!   Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Follow our podcast for more free educational content.Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us. 

Our host breaks down the key stages of the member journey—from prospecting to onboarding, active membership, renewals, and cancellations—and shares how associations can refine these phases to create memorable, value-driven interactions. You’ll learn about:Mapping Out Member Journeys for Better Engagement: Each interaction, from attending a webinar to navigating your association's website, contributes to a broader member journey. Learn how associations can map these touchpoints to ensure every experience is both valuable and enjoyable.The Role of Technology in Personalizing Engagement: Member Lounge’s innovative use of AI, like knowledge mapping and smart tagging, ensures content and resources are tailored to individual member interests. Discover how this approach minimizes content overload while maximizing relevance.Keeping Busy Members Engaged: Time constraints don’t have to mean disengagement. Explore practical solutions such as offering on-demand content, summarizing key events, and fostering small, focused special interest groups to keep members connected.Using Data and Machine Learning to Understand Member Behavior: Machine learning isn't just a buzzword; it's a tool to analyze member activity, predict needs, and provide proactive solutions. Find out how data-driven strategies can transform member interactions.Unconventional Engagement Tactics That Work: From gamified experiences to pop-up challenges and breakout discussions during webinars, these creative approaches help associations stand out while fostering deeper member relationships.Whether you’re looking to streamline member journeys, leverage AI for smarter engagement, or try fresh engagement strategies, this episode is packed with actionable insights for association professionals. Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Follow our podcast for more free educational content.Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us. 

Farra shares her wealth of experience in nonprofit communications, offering practical advice on how to prioritize audiences, craft impactful strategies, and use data to guide decision-making. Discover how these approaches can help you strengthen your messaging, drive member retention, and foster lasting connections with your community. Get insights into:Why Communication Goals Matter: Every communication strategy should start with a clear goal. Farra explains how understanding your organizational needs, such as increasing retention or improving brand awareness, provides a crucial foundation for success.The Importance of Audience Prioritization: Not all audiences are the same. Learn how to categorize your audience into groups you must engage, should engage, and could engage, and how to tailor your communication tactics to meet their needs effectively.Channel Optimization for Maximum Impact: Whether it’s newsletters, social media, or a member portal, Farra emphasizes the importance of choosing the right channels for your audience and ensuring your efforts are both focused and sustainable.Creating Data-Informed Strategies: Good data doesn’t just tell you what happened—it guides your next steps. Discover how to gather and analyze feedback from your members to refine your communication approach and improve outcomes.Building Evergreen Communication Practices: Farra highlights the importance of developing timeless strategies and tools that can adapt to changing contexts while maintaining consistent engagement and support for your members.About Our GuestFarra Trompeter is the Co-Director of Big Duck Agency, where she has spent over 17 years helping nonprofits and membership organizations build stronger brands and communication strategies. As a worker-owner at Big Duck, Farra is deeply committed to using communications as a tool for mission-driven success, addressing areas such as fundraising, community engagement, and organizational growth.A frequent speaker and podcast host herself, Farra brings a wealth of experience and insight to the Member Lounge podcast. Based in New York, Big Duck has become a virtual company, emphasizing collaboration and innovation in nonprofit communications. Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Follow our podcast for more free educational content.Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us. 

Highlights of this EpisodeUnique Cybersecurity Challenges for Associations: Discover the specific risks associations face when handling sensitive member data. Learn how outdated processes and inadequate security measures can expose your organization to breaches.Leveraging Training for Cybersecurity Preparedness: Explore the importance of baseline and refresher courses for staff and members to recognize phishing scams and data vulnerabilities. Understand why training is crucial to fostering a culture of vigilance.Implementing Effective Security Policies: From enforcing password protection and multi-factor authentication to storing sensitive files online, learn best practices for safeguarding your organization’s data.Engaging Vendors for Cybersecurity Compliance: Understand how to assess and collaborate with third-party vendors to ensure they meet the latest security standards and contribute to your organization’s safety.Navigating Emerging AI Threats: Dive into the growing risks posed by AI technologies, including deepfake scams and identity fraud, and discover proactive measures to mitigate these threats.About Our GuestDan Giurescu is the Founder of Credivera and a seasoned expert in the tech industry, with over 20 years of experience building and scaling technology companies. Dan is passionate about giving back to the community and is dedicated to helping organizations understand and combat the unique challenges of cybersecurity. In this episode, he shares actionable insights on how associations can protect their members’ data and adapt to the evolving technological landscape. Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Follow our podcast for more free educational content.Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us. 

Get insights into:The Importance of Personalized Member Journeys: different member types require different kinds of interaction. Creating personalized experiences is crucial for engagement, and eventually retention. Learn more about a holistic member journey and discover the best practices to engage different membership types.The Role of Technology in Enhancing Member Journeys: It’s time to transition to Digital Experience Platforms (DXPs) from traditional Content Management Systems to build dynamic and personalized member experiences. Find out how DXPs make membership management a breeze while making the experience more relevant to each member.A Seamless Member Experience: Think Netflix for your membership website. Your members desire an experience where they can quickly find what they need. Discover the key engagement features for your member portal that can greatly improve member engagement.Benefits of Integrated Systems: Make it easier for your members to access the information they need without logging into multiple systems. Unlock a seamless member experience by integrating different systems like CRM, LMS and DXP. Unlock consistency and a unified experience through a connected ecosystem.Challenges in Implementing New Technologies: Adopting to technology changes is always hard. Getting your staff on board is challenging, especially those who may be resistant to change. Learn how you can encourage your team to adopt new platforms and simplify your membership management and engagement tactics. Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Follow our podcast for more free educational content.Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us. 

About the Episode:1. Strategic Planning and Data Utilization for Purposeful AbandonmentLearn how to effectively use data to identify when a project or offering has become more of a burden than benefit.  Leverage external information from studies, consultants, or your competitors to drive meaningful engagement within your association. 2. Adapt to Multigenerational Membership and Leadership for Consensus BuildingUnderstand the needs of segmenting membership to cater to different age groups within the association. Learn how you can build consensus on what initiatives to cut by considering the needs of both legacy and younger members. 3. Deliver Tangible Value and Benefits to Members Through Resource ReallocationMembers seek actionable and tangible benefits from their membership. Learn how to reallocate resources to initiatives that provide real value such as networking opportunities, mentoring programs, and other relationship-building activities. 4. Assess Program Effectiveness for Smooth SunsettingSecuring sponsors and fundraising is not enough to save a project. It’s important to address the core issues and evaluate the effectiveness and financial viability of initiatives. Learn how you can identify underperforming offerings for potential abandonment. 5. Balance Personal and Professional Dynamics in Decision-MakingNavigate the intersection of personal and professional dynamics for your association’s success. Remove personal bias and focus on objective, data-driven decision-making for your association’s best interests and strategic goals.________________________________________About the Guest:Elisa Pratt, CEO and Chief Strategist of Brewer Pratt Solutions, is an influential strategic specialist who served as an impactful senior staff member for several trade and individual membership associations, both domestic and international. She leverages a record of transformative success and specializes in strategic planning, leadership development, and engagement.As an association management executive for more than 20 years, she delivers strategic and actionable innovations, future-focused member engagement solutions, and tactical operational effectiveness solutions.With a unique background in components, Pratt is a Certified Association Executive (CAE), has earned her Certified Virtual Facilitator designation from the International Institute for Facilitation (INIFAC), and holds a MA in Government from Johns Hopkins University.________________________________________About the HostFarhad Khan is the CEO & Membership Strategist at Grype Digital. He has helped numerous associations automate member engagement and retention over his career of 15+ years.With his expertise in digital strategies and membership websites, he led Member Lounge to become one of Ottawa's Fastest Growing Companies in 2024.Farhad was awarded the Bootstrap Awards for Best Guerrilla Marketing, and an Entrepreneurial Rising Star by Invest Ottawa. He is also a 2016 Top Forty Under 40 award Honoree by Ottawa Business Journal and Ottawa Chamber of Commerce.  Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Follow our podcast for more free educational content.Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us. 

About the Episode:Deepen Your Understanding of Member Engagement: Engagement metrics often miss member expertise. Go beyond transactions, track member contributions. Learn how engagement data can align your member engagement with your association’s goals. Lowell shares how having deeper forms of engagement can foster deeper connections and a boost member experience.Unlock the Full Potential of Your Leadership: Partnership with experts to develop governance structures can fast track your success. Learn how you can empower leaders to foster collaboration and communication by using professional facilitation techniques. Achieve association excellence by strategically structuring your leadership.Explore Volunteerism Within Your Association: Discover best practices to encourage volunteer contributions within your association. Maximize their impact with clear strategies, while fostering engagement and leadership development. Drive your association’s success by offering meaningful opportunities to volunteers.Plan for Growth, Design for Engagement: Develop a strategic plan to drive engagement within your association that expands your membership. Design member journeys and experiences that cater to the needs of your members. “There is a myth that growth just happens organically… real growth happens by careful planning and design”Chart Vision & Action for Your Association’s Success: Crafting a clear strategic vision defining your association’s long-term goals is the key to your success. Uncover strategies to align your daily actions with your association’s roadmap. The focus will guarantee saving your time and resources.------------------------------------About the Guest:Lowell Aplebaum, CEO of Vista Cova, is an expert facilitator, vision & strategy catalyst. He has worked with hundreds of associations of all sizes guiding leaders, members, and staff through facilitation, keynoting, and collaboration.Lowell is an IAF Certified Professional Facilitator and currently studying to achieve his Doctorate of Education in Leadership. He is the former Chief   Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Follow our podcast for more free educational content.Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us. 

Improving Board Engagement and PerformanceFind out why it is important to set a higher standard of stewardship for navigating future challenges.Discover key strategies to keep board members engaged between meetings with technology for continuous communication.Ensure board meetings are productive and focused on strategic decisions rather than administrative details. Foresight and Future-Oriented GovernanceUnderstand the concept of the duty of foresight for board members. Learn why boards need to adapt and continuously rethink their purpose and approach to overcome emerging challenges.Learn to foster a culture of learning, and engage in continuous improvement practices for long-term success. Recruitment, Onboarding, and Board CompositionLearn how to assemble the board with the right mix of skills and perspectives.Explore strategies to maintain continuity and building a cohesive board culture despite changes in board composition.Encourage the use of technology, including AI, to streamline board operations and improve efficiency. Find out the ethical considerations in technology adoption board members should identify and resolve. Board’s Role in Membership Engagement and Technology AdoptionEnhance the role of the board in supporting strategies for member engagement, and leveraging membership management systems to automate and enhance engagement efforts.Why the board plays a critical role in ensuring aligning technology adoption with the organization’s mission and ethical standards. Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Follow our podcast for more free educational content.Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us. 

1. Crafting a Winning Member Engagement Strategy:Navigating Challenges: The landscape of member engagement is evolving, presenting new challenges. The solution lies in a dual focus on delivering value and implementing effective engagement strategies.Diverse Engagement Tactics: Acknowledge the diversity within your membership, including those not fully embracing technology. Initiate a volunteer journey, starting with smaller roles, to cultivate engagement.2. Corporate Sponsorship Unveiled:Strategic Approaches: Moving corporate members into sponsorship programs requires a nuanced strategy. Understand their unique goals, involve them in the decision-making process, and gradually progress sponsorship levels.Customization is Key: Recognize that corporate goals evolve. Tailor engagement for sponsors, offering customized opportunities that align with their shifting objectives.Inclusive Conversations: Break away from traditional sponsorship models. Engage sponsors in meaningful conversations, making them integral to strategic planning and committees.3. Unraveling Member and Sponsor Objectives:Qualitative Research for Members: Dive deep into member experiences through qualitative research. Understand their challenges, goals, and preferences to create tailored programs that add significant value.Strategic Business Alignment: For sponsors, inquire about their business objectives, marketing goals, and preferred outreach methods. Align association offerings with their unique needs.Beyond Traditional Models: Shift the conversation beyond traditional sponsorship. Explore innovative, customized opportunities that cater to sponsors' evolving goals.4. Navigating the Technology Landscape:Challenge Assumptions: Rethink assumptions about member technology use. Bridge gaps by meeting members where they are, and employ a multichannel approach.Seamless Multichannel Engagement: Utilize various channels such as SMS and email to engage members seamlessly, respecting their channel preferences and ensuring a cohesive experience.5. Elevating Conference Sponsorships:Personalized Engagement: Steer clear of a one-size-fits-all approach in conference sponsorships. Understand each sponsor's unique goals and objectives for a personalized experience.Value Beyond Logos: Go beyond logo placements; sponsors desire active involvement. Make them part of the conversation, provide tangible value, and involve them in strategic discussions.6. Evolution in Continuous Engagement:Sustaining Dialogue: Establish ongoing dialogues with both members and sponsors. Regularly reassess their needs to adapt programs and ensure continued success.Dynamic Reassessment: Continuously revisit conversations with sponsors. Understand changes in their initiatives and audience focus, allowing for dynamic adjustments.About our panel members:Amanda Kaiser is a sought-after member engagement strategist. She is the Keynote Speaker & Engagement Strategist at Kaiser Insights LLC and the author of “Elevating Engagement: Uncommon Strategies for Creating a Thriving Member Community”. Bruce Rosenthal is the Founder & Convener at Partnership Professionals Network. Bruce is a corporate partnership and sponsorship guru with more than two decades of experience as a strategic advisor, consultant and education for trade and professional associations. About our host:Farhad Khan is a thought leader in membership websites and digital strategies for associations. He is the CEO & Membership Strategist at Grype Digital. He has helped numerous associations automate member engagement and retention over his career of 12+ years. As you embark on your association's journey, remember that Member Lounge is your steadfast ally, ready to support the implementation of these strategic insights for unparalleled success! 🌐💬 #MemberEngagement #SponsorshipSuccess #AssociationStrategies #LearningPost Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Follow our podcast for more free educational content.Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us. 

Multi-Touch Recruitment StrategiesEmphasizes diverse communication channels.Focuses on personalized messaging to prospective members.Member Value DocumentationStresses the importance of understanding members' needs and values.Suggests regular updates and adaptations to these values.Technology in Member EngagementDiscusses leveraging digital platforms for enhanced member interaction.Highlights the use of data analytics for better engagement strategies.Creating Vibrant Member CommunitiesAdvocates for building active, engaging online and offline member communities.Emphasizes regular events and forums for member interaction.Tailored Communication for Different SegmentsAddresses the need to understand various member segments.Suggests customized communication strategies for each segment. About our panel members: Scott Oser is the President of Scott Oser Associates Inc. Scott has spent the past 25 years working with hundreds of associations. He is an accomplished speaker, writer, and respected authority in the membership communication space.  Farhad Khan is the CEO & Membership Strategist at Grype Digital. He is a thought leader in membership strategy and an expert in membership consultation helping associations automate member engagement and retention.  Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Follow our podcast for more free educational content.Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us. 

If you ever had second thoughts about your association management system,  you should follow your gut feeling. Here’s what we talked about in our super insightful session with association technology experts Jeff Horne and Farhad Khan - Adopting more modern and interconnected tools to create a seamless member journey and boost team efficiency.Strategic approach to technology selection in your association to ensure it meets the needs of your members.Empower your team by choosing technology systems that boost job satisfaction and productivity.Navigating association management software challenges to maintain a high-quality member experience.Current trends and future of association management technology to enrich your association’s experience About Our Guest:Co-Founder & CEO of Wicket, Jeff is a passionate advocate and change agent for software solutions available to member-driven organizations. He has been working with digital technologies for over 20 years and has helped numerous associations and nonprofits increase member acquisition and engagement. About Our Host:Farhad Khan is the CEO & Membership Strategist at Grype Digital. He is one of the thought leaders in digital strategy consultation, helping associations automate member engagement and retention.  Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Follow our podcast for more free educational content.Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us. 

About the panel discussion:  Explore creative financial strategies to generate revenue for your association through automated marketing. Get invaluable insights into the best practices to engage and retain your stakeholders! Learn how to attract sponsors whose goals align with your association's mission while maintaining member happiness with the power of state-of-the-art marketing tools. Meet the experts in sponsorship, business development and marketing:  Edward Byers is the Director of Membership at the Canadian Society of Association Executives. He is a passionate non-for-profit executive who has a significant role in boosting partnerships in the association realm.  Lydia Israel is the marketing manager at Grype Digital, who is also an expert in agile marketing and business development. She has led both local and international organizations to immeasurable success in her 20 years of career. Connect with the Experts! The Member Lounge Discussion Community is not just a platform, it’s a hub of innovation and collaboration. Connect with the brightest minds in the association world and explore game-changing strategies to boost your association’s success.  Engage in conversations to get the answers to your burning questions. Whether it’s pricing for your association or governance or technology planning, there’s a space for every topic! Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Follow our podcast for more free educational content.Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us. 

Do you find yourself asking "How can we create content that not only attracts new members, but also keeps them coming back for more?" If you want to keep your association members enchanted and engaged, content is the key to solve your retention woes! Discover the secret sauce to maximize your content to engage and retain members to make your association stand out from the crowd. About our GuestLeona Scott is a content connoisseur with passion and expertise in membership and content creation. She founded JEP Marketing Communication and has helped numerous member-based associations with content marketing needs.Leona has won the Dallas Fort Worth Association Executives (DFWAE) 2023 Award for her brilliant marketing and communication efforts in the association realm and the President's Award for her excellent skills in developing popular online monthly meetups that created incredible value for its members.  Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Follow our podcast for more free educational content.Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us. 

In a world where innovation thrives on fresh perspectives, we're diving headfirst into the realm of young professionals and their paramount role in driving association growth. Listen to our live podcast as we’re unveiling the master plan for associations to flourish with member engagement and generational shift expert Sarah L. Sladek! Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement.  Follow our podcast for more free educational content. Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us.

Technology is ever more important now for associations. The key is to approach technology planning the right way and using it to drive revenue. But here’s the secret sauce: it’s not just about the dollars and cents. It’s about creating an unforgettable user experience. Let’s discover the perfect blend of technology and user-centric strategies to take your association to new heights with CEO coach, speaker, and author Mary Byers and host Farhad Khan. Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement.  Follow our podcast for more free educational content. Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us.

About This EpisodeLooking to level up your fundraising game? Try creative sponsorship options into your fundraising plan and create new opportunities for growth and revenue. With our proven strategies and tips, you'll learn how to create a winning formula that works. It's all about leveraging their content and tapping into their expertise to create even more value for your association and grow your membership.Don't miss out on the chance to take your fundraising to new heights!About Our Guest Bruce Rosenthal is a highly sought-after corporate partnerships strategic advisor, consultant, and educator who has been advancing corporate partnership programs for more than two decades.He is the co-convener of the Partnership Professionals Network (PPN), a national sponsorship/partnership organization, where he demonstrates leadership in identifying and cultivating partnership best practices, opportunities, and solutions. Bruce helps organizations develop customized corporate partnership programs that increase revenue, add member value, and foster organizational sustainability. We talked aboutHow do I get started when my group has really not had a sponsorship program?What are sponsors looking for?What are some unique sponsorship ideas at events?How do we design win-win sponsorship packages?What would be some best practices to follow when creating sponsorship packages?How to differentiate, especially from the sponsor's perspective, the difference between sponsorship and advertising?What are some ways to attract sponsors outside of events and in just the day to day of operations?What other ways can you include corporate partnerships to better serve members?How to best use partner services to provide member benefits beyond just providing discounts?How to include corporate partners in the online community?How to include sponsors to engage and create value?How to Leverage content from your corporate sponsors to grow your membership?Is there a general rule on the maximum value of sponsorship revenues that an NFP should strive for? E.g., When seeking sponsorships for a particular event, should the sponsorships sought not exceed X% of the anticipated event cost?What are the first three steps to set up a sponsorship program?How to ensure your sponsorship levels or offerings are revenue positive?How do you avoid burning out your regular sponsors?How to differentiate, especially from the sponsor's perspective, the difference between sponsorship and advertising?Affinity partners (discounts to members) vs. sponsors. Is there a difference besides sponsorship is paid and affinity partnership is no cost? Is it recommended to maintain both? How do you get the Board in line with incorporating sponsorships? RegisterRegister for our upcoming live podcast episodes! Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement. Follow our podcast for more free educational content.Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us.