Associations Now - May/June 2017

Features

Accelerate Your Web Analytics
By: Tim Ebner
Your website gives key stakeholders a doorway to information and resources—all while collecting valuable data about how they behave online. When used correctly, web analytics can provide insights into what your site visitors need from your association.
The State of Association Technology
By: Jenny Nelson
The ASAE Foundation's Technology Success and Readiness Study sheds light on where association technology stands today and where it needs to go to increase member satisfaction.
Associations Are Shaping the Future of Technology
By: Emily Bratcher
Associations are backing some of the hottest trends in tech, from the soaring popularity of apps to the strengthening market for robotics—and they're also helping to raise a future workforce that's more diverse.
A Recipe for Successful Teams
By: Mark Athitakis
Chef Jeff Henderson's unusual life path has taken him from drug dealing to prison to haute cuisine. Along the way, he's learned plenty about what makes good food and great teams. For both, the right mix of ingredients is essential.

Ask the CEO: New Jersey State Nurses Association
Judy Schmidt, president and CEO, New Jersey State Nurses Association, answers questions from NJSNA member Benjamin Evans.
Meeting Attendees Provide Free Hearing Screenings
By: Alex Beall
Attendees at American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery's Annual Meeting helped kids keep their hearing healthy with free hearing screenings.
An Update on the China NGO Law
By: Emily Bratcher
As the implementation of the China NGO law gets underway, many particulars remain unclear for associations with operations in China.
Association Supports CPAs Through Online Learning
By: Alex Beall
The Indiana CPA Society gives members more education and learning options through its online CPA Center for Excellence.
Comings & Goings: May/June 2017
A roundup of new hires and other personnel moves in the association industry.

How to Build a Cyber-Savvy Board
By: Tim Ebner
Board members may be experts in finance, legal, or business management and operations, but far fewer say they feel confident to lead on cybersecurity policies and issues.
CEO to CEO: Difficult Tech Skills to Learn
Four association CEOs discussed what tech skill they had the most difficulty learning.
3 Lessons: Lead Without Fear
Heather Pownall, MBA, works to cultivate an ambitious attitude and the courage to grow.

The American Chemical Society Creates an Ad Agency Experience
By: Emily Bratcher
The American Chemical Society launches BrandLab, which offers advertisers an agency experience from the association. It also brings in some major nondues revenue.
Are Their Limits to Employees' Free Speech on Politics?
By: Patrick F. Jessee, CAE
Like everyone else, your employees have more platforms than ever for expressing their political opinions. Know what you can and can't do to limit their political speech to prevent their opinions being imputed to your organization.
The Down-Low on D&O Insurance
Eric Johnson of Aon Affinity, a provider of insurance solutions for nonprofits, outlines the latest developments in directors and officers insurance.
Idea Bank: Advocacy Program Connects Members and Lawmakers
By: Alex Beall
The American Bankers Association's "Bring Your Lawmaker to Work" program gives lawmakers a look into banks' daily operations.
More and More Americans Are Working Remotely
A new report from Gallup shows that Americans are increasingly working remotely. In fact, 43 percent of survey respondents worked remotely in 2016.
Associations USA: Wisconsin
Associations are everywhere. Here’s a snapshot from the Badger State.

Virtual Reality Shows Off Exhibitors' Products
By: Alex Beall
With the introduction of its Virtual Reality Showroom, the Food Processing Suppliers Association will give attendees an inside look into exhibitors' products at its September conference.
Moving Toward Digital Maturity
As members increasingly depend on new technologies, associations will have to adopt new methods of delivering member value. Divya Mathew, marketing and communications manager for digital agency Velir, offers insights on how organizations can achieve digital maturity and anticipate future advancements.
I Can't Live Without My … Microsoft OneNote
This standard Microsoft Office program keeps your notes and to-do lists all in one place.
Data: The Internet of Things Keeps Growing
A look at the number of connected "things" that will be in use worldwide in 2017, according to research firm Gartner.

Sponsorship Program Grows New Members
By: Tim Ebner
The US Composting Council created a sponsor-a-member program, where organizational members donate funds to underwrite the cost of associate-level memberships.
Livestreaming to Maximize Reach
By: Tim Ebner
Associations are experimenting with livestreaming to boost advocacy and fundraising and extend events to both members and wider audiences.

When Your Keynote Speaker Had a Different Viewpoint
By: Samantha Whitehorne
Magnet Schools of America invited Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to keynote its policy conference. Although she had a completely different viewpoint than attendees, MSA saw a potential opportunity.
Destination: Lansing, Michigan
Michigan's capital city will please both meeting planners and attendees.

How Machines Can Work With Humans
By: Kristin Clarke, CAE
Three new publications look at how to combine strengths for a powerful partnership, how to boost performance levels, and the secrets to beating stress.
Help Employees Reach Their Goals
Advice from Barbara Mitchell, management consultant, author, and blogger for ASAE's Association CareerHQ.
How I Got Here: Cate Brennan, MBA, CAE
A look at how Cate Brennan rose through the ranks from membership director to CEO.

Congress Refocuses Efforts on Tax Reform
By: Chris Vest, CAE
House Republicans have turned their attention to rewriting the tax code while cutting taxes. If proposed revenue sources fall through, other solutions could harm association activities.