Association Transformation

Send us Fan Mail In Episode 178 of Association Transformation, Elisa sits down with Brian Weiss (SVP of Society Programs at the American Chemical Society, with PMI, RMA, AMA, and NCMA behind him) for the globalization conversation most associations skip straight past. A few of the highlights: 🌍 Do the non-business case before the business case. Why is the board really asking? You can't meet an expectation nobody's named. 🌍 Your readiness assessment isn't a go/no-go. It's the calibration tool you'll keep coming back to for the next five years as the board turns over. 🌍 You don't need a big balance sheet. Partners, AMCs, and sister associations are all doors in. 🌍 The single biggest thing Brian's seen trip expansions up: HQ won't let go. Centralized brand, localized delivery, that tension makes or breaks it. If globalization is on your board agenda (or about to be) watch or listen before anyone spends a dollar. 🎧 Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT problem. It’s a leadership, governance, and organizational resilience issue! In Episode 178 of Association Transformation , Elisa and Andrew sit down with Mike Baker, VP, Global Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for DXC Technologies, to bring cybersecurity out of the server room and into the association boardroom. They explore what association leaders really need to understand about today’s cyber risks, where organizations may be more vulnerable than they realize, and how leaders can create a culture of security without becoming cybersecurity experts themselves. From protecting member and organizational data to managing human, technology, and third-party risk, this conversation offers a practical perspective on why cybersecurity belongs on every association leader’s agenda. CISA Free Cybersecurity Services & Tools — the US government's curated catalog of no-cost services, including vulnerability scanning for your organization. Global Cyber Alliance Cybersecurity Toolkit for Mission-Based Organizations — free tools and step-by-step guidance built specifically for nonprofits and associations. CIS Critical Security Controls — Implementation Group 1 — the 56 "essential cyber hygiene" safeguards for any small-staff organization. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail The Association Transformation summer hiatus is over early, and for good reason. Three-time guest Jay S. Daughtry, M.Ed., joins Andrew and Elisa for a timely preview of the 2026 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition. Jay just released his annual "What I'm Looking Forward to at ASAE Annual 2026" guide, built with input from voices across the association community, and he shares the highlights: The Classic at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the closing celebration at Lucas Oil Stadium, how to navigate a packed schedule, getting real value from the trade show floor, cracking the evening party circuit, and energy management tips for introverts. Elisa will be at #ASAE26 in Indianapolis, so say hello if you see her! Check out the podcast here: https://associationtransformation.org/latest-episodes and you can grab Jay's guide here: https://go.associationplatforms.com/asae26highlights/ Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Most associations are not short on ideas. The real struggle is moving from plan to progress. In episode 175 of Association Transformation , we dig into Project Management Paralysis - why association projects stall, how communication and culture get in the way, and what it takes to turn good intentions into real execution. Because plans do not execute themselves. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail This week on Association Transformation, we’re unpacking another UK controversy: members can ask hard questions about outcomes and value, but they don’t get to design the org chart. Instead of letting leadership lead, parts of the charity sector has jumped straight to a public “bun fight" with one of its membership organisations (the NCVO), including open letters, outside pressure, and a not-so-subtle attempt to dictate how the organization should staff itself. Elisa and Andrew get blunt about what’s really going on: member overreach. Accountability is fair game. Operational control is not. The CEO’s job is to design the structure, deploy talent, and run the business, without members trying to manage the org by petition. Listen in and weigh in: where does legitimate scrutiny end and governance-wrecking interference begin? Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Inspired by recent industry research, including member experience and membership marketing benchmark reports, this episode explores what “engagement” really means for associations, where organizations may be confusing communication with connection, and why success should be measured by more than clicks, attendance, and activity. Tune in for a thoughtful, practical conversation on member value, belonging, and retention. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What if the goal isn’t to bounce back… but to move forward stronger? In this latest episode of Association Transformation , co-hosts Elisa Pratt (Brewer Pratt Solutions) and Andrew Chamberlain (Elevated) unpack a bold idea: 👉 Stability isn’t success—and recovery may actually be holding associations back. Recorded (literally) from the road as Elisa drives home from the Pennsylvania Society of Association Executives conference, this conversation challenges leaders to rethink resilience, question “best practices,” and embrace disruption as a catalyst for growth, not something to survive. If your organization is: • Trying to “get back” to where it was • Playing it safe to avoid risk • Or measuring success by stability… …it might be time for a different approach. 🎧 Listen in and join the conversation. Are you building resilience… or becoming truly anti-fragile? Support the show

Send us Fan Mail March is National Ethics Awareness Month , which makes it the perfect time to talk about something every association faces, but few discuss honestly: ethics in leadership. In the newest episode of Association Transformation , co-hosts Elisa Pratt of Brewer Pratt Solutions and Andrew Chamberlain of Elevated unpack what ethical governance really looks like inside associations. Not just policies. Not just conflict-of-interest forms. And definitely not a once-a-year board training slide. Instead, they explore the real issues that surface in boardrooms every day: When does poor behavior cross the line into unethical conduct? Why do so many governance problems come down to structure and communication gaps? Who is actually responsible for enforcing ethical standards in an association And how do organizations build cultures where integrity is lived and not just written into policy? From volunteer pathways and board recruitment to risk management, accountability, and leadership culture, this conversation digs into the practical realities of ethics in association governance. 🎧 Listen to the latest episode and join the discussion: Where have you seen ethical leadership done well (or poorly) in associations? Support the show

Send us Fan Mail 🚨 Breaking news in the membership world. A new professional certification for membership leaders has just launched and we got the inside scoop first. In the newest episode of Association Transformation , co-hosts Elisa Pratt and Andrew Chamberlain sit down with Sarah Sladek to discuss the launch of the Membership Excellence Certification (MXC) . This conversation goes beyond the announcement. We dig into: 🔹 Why membership leadership deserves its own professional credential 🔹 What associations should be learning from this launch 🔹 The difference between certificate programs vs. true certifications 🔹 Why community and relationships are central to professional learning 🔹 What the future of membership strategy and engagement really looks like If membership drives your organization’s mission, revenue, and community — this conversation will challenge how you think about the profession. This is the first deep dive into MXC and what it could mean for the future of membership leadership. 🎧 Listen to the episode and join the conversation. What do you think, should membership leadership have its own certification? Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Membership dues feel maxed out. But the financial pressure on associations keeps rising. In the latest episode of Association Transformation , co-hosts Elisa Pratt and Andrew Chamberlain sit down with Dr. Michael Carr-Tatonetti, CPP, CAE , Certified Pricing Professional and CEO of Pricing for Associations, to unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface. This conversation explores: ▪️ Why dues increases are hitting resistance ▪️ How perception — not math — drives pricing success ▪️ When CPI helps (and when it hurts) ▪️ Why pricing needs to be treated as a governance discipline , not a reaction 🎧 Listen now, then weigh in: Where is the biggest gap between price and perceived value in your organization? Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In the latest episode of the Association Transformation Podcast , Elisa Pratt of Brewer Pratt Solutions and Andrew Chamberlain of Elevated tackle a tough question for association and nonprofit leaders: 👉 Are foundations advancing mission and impact, or quietly draining time, money, and focus? They dig into why foundations get created, why they’re so hard to unwind, and how leaders can honestly assess whether a foundation is truly adding value—or becoming a distraction. This episode isn’t about easy answers. It’s a call to the sector . 💬 Have you seen a foundation work really well? 💬 Have you inherited one that wasn’t worth the squeeze? 💬 What lessons (good or painful) would you share? 🎧 Listen in, then chime in with your own stories. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What happens when associations aggressively advocate for their members, while quietly shortchanging the professionals who make that advocacy possible? In Episode 167, Elisa Pratt and Andrew Chamberlain unpack a timely and uncomfortable case from the UK that exposes a deeper, sector-wide challenge: how perceived value, power, and authority shape decisions about association staff compensation, governance, and respect. Using the current British Medical Association staff dispute as a lens, this conversation goes far beyond one organization, exploring reserves, volunteer decision-making, executive authority, cultural hierarchy, and the real consequences of undervaluing professional expertise. This episode is a must-listen for CEOs, board chairs, finance committee members, and volunteer leaders who care about credibility, sustainability, and the future of association leadership. Because advocacy starts at home, and how we treat our staff says everything about the values we claim to represent. 🎧 Listen now. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Tired of expensive conferences with ten competing tracks, swag bags that collect dust, and exhibitors standing awkwardly behind tables? So is Gordon Glenister. In this episode, the CEO of Membership World joins Andrew and Elisa to share his upcoming UK road show—a bold experiment in intimate, regional events designed around one question: How do we actually engage members in an increasingly noisy world? Gordon breaks down what he's doing differently: → Four locations bringing content to members instead of making everyone trek to London → A pricing model that rewards participation (£60 if you commit to meeting with partners) → Repositioning suppliers as "experts" and embedding them in roundtables—not relegating them to the hallway → Capturing and sharing insights from every session so the learning doesn't die in your notebook Whether you're rethinking your own conference model or just fed up with the status quo, this conversation is packed with ideas worth stealing. P.S. 📣 Association Transformation is proud to be the official media partner for the Membership World Road Show. Dates run January 29 through February 10 across Birmingham, Manchester, London, and Glasgow. Details and registration at https://www.membershipworld.com/roadshow/ 🎧 Listen now and join the transformation. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail As associations head into 2026, the pressure to prove relevance, sharpen focus, and deliver measurable member value has never been greater. In Episode 165 of Association Transformation , Andrew Chamberlain and Elisa Pratt are joined by Grant Carpenter of Raybourn Group International for a candid conversation about what association leaders must stop doing, start doing, and seriously rethink. From moving beyond pre-COVID benchmarks and sunsetting “sacred cow” programs, to redefining membership value, strengthening volunteer leadership, navigating increased competition, and confronting the growing impact of AI on member industries, this episode challenges boards and executives to get lean, lead with courage, and stay relentlessly member-focused as they position their associations for the next decade, not the last one. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail In this special holiday episode of Association Transformation, host Elisa Pratt is joined by Brewer Pratt Solutions' Client Solutions Coordinator Jess Bellamy for a candid conversation about the current job market in the association space. Fresh from completing an employee search that received over 400 applications, they pull back the curtain on the hiring process and share practical, no-nonsense tips for job seekers. From crafting effective cover letters to perfecting your resume, preparing for interviews, and knowing when (and how) to follow up, Elisa and Jess offer insider insights that can help candidates stand out in a competitive market. They discuss common mistakes that trip up otherwise qualified candidates, share what really catches a hiring manager's attention, and provide actionable advice for anyone looking to launch or advance their career in the nonprofit and association sector. Whether you're actively job searching, considering a career transition into associations, or simply want to keep your application materials fresh, this episode delivers honest, practical guidance from two professionals who've just reviewed hundreds of applications and know exactly what works, and what doesn't. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Susan Avery, CAE, CEO of the Performance Plastics Association, joins us to expose why trade associations have become the "forgotten format" in association management. With 28 years spanning both sides of the association world, Susan reveals critical differences between serving companies versus individuals that most "best practices" completely miss. We discuss how the trade association CEO role has shifted from mission-driven to entrepreneurial, why governance models that work for professional societies fail for trade associations, and the unique challenges of industry consolidation and private equity. Susan challenges conventional wisdom, arguing we need to stop looking backward and start building governance and membership models for the future. Big announcement: We're making 2026 "The Year of the Trade Association" with targeted research addressing the gaps ASAE and others have overlooked. Essential listening for association executives ready to move beyond one-size-fits-all solutions. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What happens when seasoned industry leaders become first-time association CEOs? In this episode, we sit down with Sandy Moore (Pet Advocacy Network) and Melissa Loner (National Society of Compliance Professionals), two executives who’ve made the bold leap from the private sector into nonprofit leadership. From boardroom dynamics to member engagement, advocacy strategy to financial stewardship, they unpack the challenges, surprises, and superpowers that come from leading an association after serving as a member and board member, with perspective from the industry side of things . 🎤 Featuring candid reflections on: CEO expectations in nonprofit vs. industry Transitioning from peer to boss Building the right team for mission success Why passion and perspective matter ➡️ Tune in to hear how they're navigating the early days of the CEO role, and redefining what it means to be “qualified” to lead. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Trust is under attack; from misinformation, disinformation, and even unchecked AI “truths.” In this powerful new episode of Association Transformation , Elisa Pratt and Andrew Chamberlain revisit their white paper Restoring Trust in Expertise and discuss how associations can become the custodians of credibility that our fractured world needs. With ASAE’s new Trust in Associations campaign making headlines, the duo explores what it means to practice radical transparency, verify what’s real, and bring people together across divides. Listen in for a candid conversation about how associations can reassert their public purpose and rebuild confidence in expertise; one fact, one member, and one mission at a time. Support the show

Send us Fan Mail What if you could build an association from scratch? No inherited bylaws, no legacy structures, no forever committees, just purpose and potential. In this episode, Elisa and Andrew welcome Matt Ott , Executive Director of the Outsourced Professionals Association , to explore what it means to create a new kind of membership organization for a changing world of work. From fractional executives and freelancers to advocacy for independent professionals, the conversation dives into mental health, startup governance, and the stigma still attached to the “gig economy.” This is association innovation in real time. Don’t miss it! Support the show

Send us Fan Mail Dying for Relevance, Zombie Members, Toxic Boards & Other Association Nightmares From members who vanish into thin air, to boards behaving monstrously, to the creeping dread of dying for relevance, this year’s fright fest uncovers the real terrors haunting associations. 👻🧟‍♀️ Whether it’s zombie members shuffling along, toxic leaders spreading their curse, or the sector itself gasping for life, the horrors are all too real. Tune in if you dare as Association Transformation pulls back the cobwebs, resurrects bone-chilling stories from the field, and arms you with stakes, garlic, and just enough survival strategies to keep your mission alive. 💀🦇 Support the show