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Welcome to the 9th Annual .orgCommunity Solutions Day 2024! As we embark on another year of innovation and collaboration, we invite you to join us for a day dedicated to empowering associations and inspiring solutions for the future.
Solutions Day is not just an event; it’s a dynamic platform where industry leaders, professionals, and solution providers come together to explore the latest trends, share insights, and unlock opportunities for success in the association and nonprofit sector. From engaging sessions led by thought leaders to networking opportunities that foster meaningful connections, Solutions Day offers a unique opportunity to gain actionable strategies and tools to drive your organization forward.
Don’t miss out on this transformative experience! Register now to secure your spot and be a part of this exciting journey towards association excellence.
If you’re asking questions like these join us!
How do we grab the attention of our members?
Are we using our data effectively?
How can we better automate our processes?
Can we use AI at our organization?
We have the tools but how do we get the most out of them?
Solutions Day provides a unique opportunity for immersive experiences and valuable networking opportunities that are unparalleled. The memorable atmosphere and professional development opportunities demonstrate a commitment to staying current in one's field and leave a lasting impact that extends beyond the event itself. Come join us and register today!
Need to make a hotel reservation?
The Courtyard Chicago Schaumburg/Woodfield Mall is .4 miles from ASA. Book HERE for our .orgCommunity Group Rate
Our Partners
Headliners
Keynote: Stephanie Hendrick
Vanilla is Iconic: Turning Your Ordinary into Extraordinary
Stephanie Hendrick is a former, self-proclaimed finance nerd turned international speaker & published author. Alongside her husband, they grew their first business in the mortgage lending industry from $5M in sales volume their first year to consistently over $120M annually before she replaced herself in the day-to-day to pursue additional business ventures. As a multi-business owner spanning various industries, she leverages her strategies and experiences from one business to the next. As you may have guessed from the title of her keynote, Vanilla is Iconic, she learned that regardless of industry, business size, past experience or prior success- the one common theme in any field is that mastering the mundane and embracing the art of simplicity is where personal and professional growth truly occurs.
Stephanie resides in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and two daughters. If she’s not on stage, you’ll find her on the sidelines cheering on her girls or exploring new places with her family.
9/18 Agenda
8:00 AM CT | 8:45 AM | Breakfast + RegistrationMeet Our Partners |
8:45 AM | 9:00 AM | Welcome + Program KickoffFuture of Associations – Association 4.0Sherry Budziak and Kevin Ordonez,Co-founders, .orgCommunity |
9:00 AM | 9:45 AM | Keynote Presentation: Vanilla is Iconic: Turning Your Ordinary Into ExtraordinaryWhat happens when professionals and executives wake up one day and feel burnt out? Overlooked? Monotonous?Turnover. Cultural shift. Productivity decline. Disengagement.Now, more than ever, we’re bombarded with the allure of needing to be vastly different in order to rise to the top.But… Organizations thrive off simplicity. Professionals are indispensable when they master the mundane. Clients are attracted to what they can relate to. Vanilla is iconic for a reason. We just need to help you find it, hone it and leverage it.Takeaways:The Art of Seeing Potential: Discovering opportunities for innovation in the seemingly mundane.Embracing Simplicity: How stripping away complexity can lead to greater impact and clarity of vision.Cultivating a Culture of Creativity: Nurturing an environment that encourages bold ideas and unconventional thinking.Leveraging Constraints: Turning limitations into catalysts for innovation and growth. |
9:50 AM | 10:10 AM | Rethinking Work: Driving Change and Embracing AutomationAutomation is not just a powerful tool for enhancing efficiency within associations—it’s a catalyst for transformational change. Join Auto Care Association and Impexium as we explore how embracing automation can empower teams to focus on strategic and impactful work, leaving mundane tasks behind.Discover insights from the Auto Care Association’s automation adoption journey. Learn how this initiative liberated teams across the organization to channel their energies toward higher-value projects. We’ll share practical strategies and real-world examples that will help you create a forward-thinking culture and fully leverage automation, driving significant transformation in your association.Speakers: Danielle Thomas Pollard (DTP), PMP, Auto Care Association and Lauren Janik, Marketing Lead, ImpexiumSponsored by: Impexium |
10:15 AM | 10:35 AM | What’s Working Now: ISHLT’s “Member-First” ExperienceISHLT successfully redesigned its outdated website to provide a superior “member-first” experience – and has received a stellar response from members and leadership. Combined with a new mobile app, ISHLT is delivering more value to members including quick access to content, resources, and personalized experiences.Hear how ISHLT’s small team delivered a successful outcome:
Speaker: Jess Burke, CAE, Director of Marketing & Communications, International Society for Heart & Lung Transplantation and Laura Graham, Sr. Solutions Consultant, Results DirectSponsored by: Results Direct |
10:35 AM | 10:55 AM | BreakSponsored by: The Joy of Membership |
11:00 AM | 11:20 AM | Micro-Solutions: Putting AI to Work in Your Everyday TasksAI tools have the potential to revolutionize how we approach our daily tasks, but their effectiveness hinges on how we interact with them. It can be tempting to give AI the wheel but only you know where you want your association to go. In this session we will discuss how associations can harness the power of AI to transform day-to-day operations. |
11:25 AM | 11:45 AM | Leverage Data to Inform Key Business DecisionsAssociation professionals are inundated with data everyday – from their AMS, their email marketing platform, their member community conversations, their event systems and the list goes on. In this session we will review a client case study to demonstrate how organizations strategically leverage their data to inform key business decisions.Speaker: Jessica Vazquez, Membership Manager, American Nuclear Society and Rachel Mace, CAE Director – Customer Experience, Association AnalyticsSponsored by: Association Analytics |
11:50AM | 12:10 PM | How the American College of Cardiology increased member engagement and non-dues revenueAmerican College of Cardiology (ACC) was looking to grow their member engagement, career resources and non-dues revenue. In this case study, we’ll show you how ACC made this happen with the support of YM Careers and increased their engagement to their career center by 39%, resume uploads by 55%, while increasing non-dues revenue by 15% in the first year.Speaker: Tatyana Kelmanson, Program & Product Manager, American College of Cardiology and Michael Kumpf, Director of Enterprise Sales, YM CareersSponsored by: Community Brands – YM Careers |
12:15 PM | 1:15 PM | Lunch Break & Case Study PresentationIntroducing an AI LLM to your organization – ISA’s content mascot MimoVirtual Speaker: Jason Wampler, CAE, Managing Director of Information Technology, International Society of AutomationPractical applications of AI in streamlining customer service and reducing costs. Jason will be presenting virtually. In person attendees will be able to view the live stream in the main auditorium.Sponsored by Multiview |
1:15 PM | 2:00 PM | Association Executive Discussion PanelLeveraging AI: Best Practices and Transformative Strategies for Associations – A Panel DiscussionIn today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) offers unprecedented opportunities for associations to enhance service delivery, member engagement, and operational efficiency. This panel discussion is designed to delve into the practical applications of AI within associations, illustrating how this transformative technology can be seamlessly integrated into their daily operations and long-term strategic initiatives.Join us as we explore our panelists’ involvement in changes that are harnessing AI to, among other things, optimize member services, automate administrative tasks, and drive personalized marketing campaigns. Our expert speakers will provide insights into the latest AI tools and technologies that are reshaping the way association’s function, from predictive analytics improving decision-making processes to natural language processing enhancing customer service interactions. There will be plenty of time for attendees to engage with panelists and have questions answered throughout the session.Learning Objectives
Moderated by:Kevin Ordonez, President & Managing Director, Digital Strategy, .orgSourcePanelists:Manuel Alfaro, MBA, CIO and Senior Director, I&T, Digital Learning, and Membership, American College of Chest PhysiciansMike Lakas, Vice President of IT and Operations, American Foundry SocietyLaura Lewis, Director of Technology, Society of Critical Care MedicineEric O’Connor, Chief Innovation Officer, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology |
2:05 PM | 2:25 PM | A Crawl/Walk/Run Approach to Personalization and Gated ContentDigital transformation is no easy feat, which is why it is best to start slow before you take off running. Join us for an insightful exploration into how one of our clients tackled website personalization and content strategies through the crawl/walk/run approach.We’ll delve into effective personalization strategies, exploring how to tailor user experiences based on data-driven insights and user behavior to ensure your website optimally engages and converts visitors at every stage.Meanwhile, we will also break down the art of tiered content for your organization. Learn how to strategically position free content to attract a broad audience, seamlessly integrate freemium offerings for added value, and implement gated content to drive revenue and audience loyalty, all while balancing executive leadership stakeholder opinions on your content.Speaker: Theodore Davis, Director of Digital Experience & Strategy, National Association Of Corporate Directors and Jake Toohey, Director, Association Practice, Adage TechnologiesSponsored by: Adage |
2:30 PM | 2:50 PM | A Home Run for AOSSM: Aligning Organizational Goals with Predictive AnalyticsThe American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) set aggressive organizational goals for 2024 including member retention and growth and looked to leverage innovative tools to hit their goals. AOSSM was aware of Einstein Prediction Builder and learned more about its capabilities from the Nimble AMS team. Join us to learn the bases that AOSSM has covered to leverage AI and predicative analytics to align with their organizational goals.Speaker: James Jankovec, Director of IT at the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine and Collier Faubion, Senior Sales Engineer, Nimble AMSSponsored by: Community Brands – Nimble AMS |
2:50 PM | 3:05 PM | BreakSponsored By Ian Ryan |
3:10 PM | 3:30 PM | Transforming Member Services with Generative AIWondering if and how associations are using AI to enhance member services and experiences? Over the course of the last year, FMI has been experimenting with AI in different areas. Using GenAI as a starting point for content creation was a given. Then FMI moved on to using AI translation to make one of their websites available in 9 languages. And today, FMI is exploring whether and how GenAI can respond to customer service requests, help staff or even members traverse FMI research and pull out trends, and increase customer conversions. Join us for a session on FMI’s AI journey, lessons learned and the tech being used.Speaker: Kelli Windsor, Senior Director, Digital Communications, FMI – The Food Industry Association and Ray Stankiewicz, Director of Client Solutions, Matrix Group InternationalSponsored by: Matrix Group – BeSpeake |
3:35 PM | 4:10 PM | Dive into Digital TrendsIf you’re sitting with your head in the sand as your association peers are navigating the digital landscape with ease, then you need to wade into the water with us. During this interactive and engaging session we’ll dive into the results of the .orgSource Digital Trends Survey. You’ll be the first to hear the findings and learn how your association can keep up with the rapidly evolving digital landscape.Sherry Budziak, Founder & CEO, .orgSource and Kevin Ordonez, President and Managing Director, .orgSource |
4:10 PM | 4:30 PM | Essential Takeaways for Empowering Your Association for the FutureJoin Kevin for a wrap-up session focused on the day’s discussions and discoveries. He’ll highlight the key insights; help identify actionable strategies and share ways you can leverage your learnings to fuel your association’s growth and innovation.Kevin Ordonez, President & Managing Director, Digital Strategy, .orgSource |
4:35 PM | 6:30 PM CT | ClosingCocktail Reception & Meet Our PartnersSponsored By: Graystone Consulting |
JUST ADDED: EXTEND YOUR EXPERIENCE
Extend Your Experience with a Collaborative Learning Opportunity!
We’re thrilled to announce an exclusive “add-on” day (in-person only) to our highly anticipated Solutions Day Conference: Join us on September 19th for “AI Initiatives in Associations: From Vision to Reality.”
This unique program offers an unparalleled opportunity for you to dive deeper into the transformative power of AI in the association sector.
Why Attend?
- Collaborative Environment: Engage with peers, share knowledge, and learn from each other’s experiences.
- Real-World Insights: Hear from industry leaders presenting case studies on successful AI initiatives in associations.
- Interactive Sessions: Participate in discussions to brainstorm and develop innovative AI solutions for your organization.
- Networking Opportunities: Build lasting connections with fellow association professionals.
Event Highlights:
- Keynote Presentation: Understand the role of AI in transforming associations.
- Case Studies: Learn from five insightful presentations on AI-driven member engagement, decision-making, operational efficiency, marketing, and learning & development.
- Fireside Chats: Discuss ethical considerations and challenges in AI adoption with industry experts.
- Expert Panels: Gain insights into the future of AI in associations and explore emerging trends.
When & Where
Date: Thursday, September 19
Location: American Society of Anesthesiology, Schaumburg, IL
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to extend your learning experience and gain valuable insights into how AI can revolutionize your association. Secure your spot now and be part of a collaborative program designed to inspire innovation and foster knowledge sharing.
Registration Fee: $499 (Includes Solutions Day 9/18 Registration) Price increases to $544 after August 1st
Limited to 60 attendees – REGISTER TODAY
9/19 Agenda
8:00 AM CT | 8:30 AM | Registration and Networking BreakfastEnjoy light refreshments and connect with fellow attendees. |
8:30 AM | 8:45 AM | Opening RemarksWelcome Address by Sherry Budziak, Founder & CEO, .orgSource and Kevin Ordonez, President and Managing Director, .orgSource |
8:45 AM | 9:45 AM | Navigating the Future with AI: A Conversation with Jack King, MBA, CIO, American College of SurgeonsJoin us for a dynamic and insightful conversation as Sherry Whitaker Budziak interviews Jack King, MBA, Chief Information Officer at the American College of Surgeons, on the transformative potential of AI within associations. This session will explore the critical aspects of creating a culture conducive to AI integration, the essential building blocks for AI adoption, and the importance of training. They will also address the challenges and opportunities that come with AI implementation and discuss strategies for preparing your workforce to be AI-ready.Designed to be interactive and thought-provoking, this session will feature real-world experiences and actionable insights on how to successfully incorporate AI into your association’s strategy, ensuring it aligns with your organization’s values and mission. Participants will leave equipped with practical strategies to embrace AI and drive meaningful change within their organizations.Speakers: Sherry Budziak, Founder & CEO, .orgSourceJack King, MBA, Chief Information Officer, American College of Surgeons |
9:45 AM | 10:15 AM | Cultivating Innovation: AI-Driven Decision Making in AssociationsIn this session, Bill Bruce and Eric O’Conner will delve into how AI can be a catalyst for creating a culture of innovation within associations. They will discuss the essential steps for preparing your organization to embrace AI, focusing on fostering an environment where innovation thrives, and AI-driven decision-making becomes a core part of your strategic approach.The conversation will highlight how to cultivate a mindset that welcomes change, encourages experimentation, and values continuous learning. Participants will discover how to build a culture that not only integrates AI into decision-making processes but also leverages it to inspire creativity, enhance collaboration, and drive long-term success. This session will provide actionable strategies for aligning your organization’s culture with the opportunities AI offers, ensuring a future-ready, innovative approach to leadership and decision-making.Speakers: Bill Bruce, CEO, and Eric O’Conner, Chief Innovation Officer, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology |
10:15 AM | 10:30 AM | Networking Break |
10:30 AM | 11:30 AM | Creating Unmatched Member Value and Engagement with AI and NLPJoin Thad Lurie as he presents a compelling case study on how AI is revolutionizing research collaboration. In this session, Thad will share how the American Geophysical Union is leveraging Natural Language Processing (NLP) to drive remarkably relevant and valuable content and connection recommendations. He will go into specificity around the practical aspects of implementing an AI-driven platform that facilitates learning, connection, and collaboration.Participants will gain insights into the strategic decisions and practical impacts that can make AI/NLP an invaluable asset for advancing research efforts. This session is designed for association leaders who are looking to harness the power of AI to drive meaningful impact in their fields, offering actionable takeaways and a specific path forward on how to replicate this success in their own organizations.Speaker: Thad Lurie, SVP, Digital and Technology, American Geophysical Union |
11:30 AM | 12:30 PM | Leveraging AI for Operational Enhancements Panel DiscussionModerator: Kevin Ordonez, President and Managing Director, .orgSourcePanelists: Manuel Alfaro, CIO and Senior Director, I&T, Digital Learning, and Membership, American College of Chest PhysiciansLuke Vidacovich, Director, Digital Strategy and IT, American Animal Hospital AssociationDean Comber, MBA, PMP, CSM, LSSGB,Vice President of Information Technology, Illinois Health and Hospital AssociationJoin us for an insightful panel discussion moderated by Kevin, where industry leaders will explore how AI can be strategically leveraged to enhance operational efficiency within associations. Manuel, Luke, and Dean will share their experiences and perspectives on the practical application of AI to streamline processes, optimize resources, and drive innovation in their respective organizations. |
12:30 PM | 1:30 PM | Lunch Break Sponsored by Blue CypressEnjoy lunch and network with peers. |
1:30 PM | 2:00 PM | Harnessing AI for Next-Generation Knowledge ManagementDive into the transformative world of AI with Mike Lakas as he unveils how one forward-thinking Association is pioneering the application of artificial intelligence to revolutionize data interaction and member engagement. In this session, Mike will take you behind the scenes of an innovative AI-driven system currently in development, designed to harness existing data and turn it into a powerful, searchable content repository.Discover how this cutting-edge technology is set to reshape knowledge management by enhancing information accessibility and fostering a more collaborative environment. Mike will showcase how AI tools are being deployed to streamline the way organizations interact with their data, making it easier for constituents to swiftly locate answers to technical questions and share valuable insights with their peers.Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how AI can drive significant improvements in data interaction, from simplifying information retrieval to boosting organizational efficiency. This session will also outline the future roadmap for this AI initiative, providing a glimpse into how it will continue to evolve and impact the way organizations engage with their members and manage their knowledge resources.Join us to explore the potential of AI in transforming knowledge management and discover actionable strategies to leverage these advancements for greater organizational success and member satisfaction.Speaker: Mike Lakas, VP of IT and Operations, American Foundry Society |
2:00 PM | 2:30 PM | Transforming quality improvement and clinical research using a collaborative AI approachSpeaker: Caryn D. Etkin, PhD, MPH, Director, Clinical Registries and Quality Sciences, American Academy of DermatologyThe American Academy of Dermatology’s (AADs) clinical data registry, DataDerm™ is working with a data analytics partner, OM1, to provide quality data and share essential educational derivatives on dermatological conditions. Using innovative AI approaches, collaborative projects are leveraging predictive analytics and subject matter experts to create phenotypic profiles for all dermatologists to better understand patients and their treatment pathways. This session will discuss our project development and implementation which is designed to utilize registry data and AI to increase physician competence with clinical evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disease. |
2:30 PM | 3:30 PM | Interactive WorkshopThe Role of AI in Transforming AssociationsThis session is designed for association executives eager to explore how AI can be a transformative force within their organizations. Moderated by Jennifer Proctor, these interactive table discussions will provide a collaborative environment where participants can share insights and brainstorm innovative AI-driven solutions.Attendees will engage in focused group discussions, reflecting on key learnings and exploring practical applications of AI to enhance operations, develop new products, and drive innovation. This format offers a unique opportunity to tap into collective knowledge, generate actionable ideas, and devise strategies that can position associations for success in a rapidly evolving landscape.Speaker: Jennifer Proctor, Senior Consultant, .orgSource |
3:30 PM | 4:30 PM CT | Sherry’s AI Hotlist: Top 10 AI Tools You Need to Use TodayAre you ready to start using AI tools but feeling overwhelmed with all of the choices? Do you want to clear the clutter and get to what’s on-fire today? Are you looking for AI tools that have your association standing out from the crowd? Get ready for an interactive discussion with as Sherry takes you through her list of Top 10 AI Tools that will have leave you excited about what you can do for your association today.Sherry will explore her Top 10 game-changing tools you need to be using right now to boost productivity, fuel innovation, personalize interactions with your members and drive growth. From graphics and video creation to online learning, find out what tools are electrifying AI now and see them in action. Return to the office ready to wow your colleagues as you unleash the power of AI on your association. |
Participants will earn up to 5.25 CAE Credits on September 18th and up to 5.75 CAE credits on September 19th
.orgCommunity is a CAE Approved Provider. Solutions Day meets the requirements for fulfilling the professional development requirements to earn or maintain the Certified Association Executive credential. Every program that we offer that has been approved for CAE credit will clearly identify the number of CAE credits granted for full participation. We will maintain records of your participation in accordance with CAE policies. For more information about the CAE credential or Registered Provider program, please visit www.asaecenter.org/cae.
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Register today to attend our 9th annual Solutions Day in person or virtually on 9/18 and our add-on AI Initiatives Conference on 9/19