A True Video Partner: Rethinking Storytelling at Your Association

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, O&U CEO and host Colleen Gallagher sits down with C. Dallas Golden, DES, founder and Chief Video Strategist of Pond Ripple Media, for an honest and energizing conversation about the power of authentic storytelling. Dallas has spent the last decade helping associations and nonprofits elevate their video strategies—not as a vendor, but as a true partner.

From interviews that spark emotion to B-roll that brings conferences to life, Dallas shares how associations can use video to connect more deeply with members, sponsors, and mission—all without blowing the budget.

🎧 Whether you’re just getting started with video or looking to grow your strategy across departments, this episode is packed with practical takeaways and fresh perspective on what it means to tell your story well.

Key Highlights:

Authenticity Above All: Dallas shares his origin story—from actor to documentarian to video strategist—and explains why authenticity, not polish, is the secret to compelling content.

Beyond the Marketing Budget: Associations often limit video to the marketing line item, but Dallas breaks down how to stretch investment across membership, sponsorship, conference, and education budgets—and why spreading ownership builds greater buy-in.

From One Conference, 60 Videos:  Using his ongoing work with the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) as a case study, Dallas outlines how 20 interviews can yield 40+ pieces of evergreen video content that fuel engagement all year long.

Video as a Sponsorship Opportunity: Don’t just spend on video—monetize it. Dallas shares how associations are incorporating interview segments into sponsorship packages and helping their corporate partners tell their own stories of impact and alignment.

Partnership Over Production: It’s not just about being behind the camera—it’s about listening, aligning, and strategizing together. Dallas explains why being treated as a partner, not a vendor, is key to meaningful results.

Fast Turnaround, High ROI: Learn how a 45-second thank you video from an ED (produced on-site and turned around in 48 hours) helped one client generate over 6,300 impressions and more than 100 click-throughs—in just one day.

Metrics That Matter: From impressions to engagement to click-through rates, Dallas explains what data points help show the ROI of video and how associations can better track results to make the case for continued investment.

🎧 Tune in for a real-world, results-driven conversation about how associations can create video content that resonates, gets seen, and makes a difference.

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Coming Soon: We’re continuing to sit down with top association leaders and industry experts for real-world insights on what’s working, what’s changing, and how to navigate the challenges—and opportunities—ahead. Stay tuned!