In this special episode of the Association Chat Podcast, we hear from a group that helped solidify a new future for women in nonprofit tech as we speak with some of the founders of the Association of Women Technology Champions.

Learn more about AWTC: https://awtc.tech/

This week on Association Chat, host KiKi L’Italien sits down with Dana Freker Doody, owner of Inktide Solutions, and Shameka Jennings, principal and chief events officer of EventsNoire, to discuss outsourcing as a means of saving resources and preserving a strong culture and morale at associations and nonprofits. This interview explores what smart, effective outsourcing looks like in 2025 — from event strategy to marketing and operations — and how association leaders can incorporate consultants (on a part- or full-time basis) to breathe new life into their organizations with fresh perspectives and delegate tasks that are mission-critical. This isn’t just about cutting costs — it’s about amplifying impact.

How do we create a sense of belonging in a world that feels more disconnected than ever? For thousands of years, spiritual traditions have employed time-tested principles to bring people together, strengthen identities, and cultivate loyalty. But how can today’s associations and nonprofits apply these lessons to deepen connections and inspire lasting engagement? In this episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L’Italien sits down with Charles Vogl, best-selling author of The Art of Community, as well as a renowned keynote speaker and expert in leadership and community-building.

Sales, growth strategies, and taking calculated risks — it’s not just for those seeking a traditional quarterly profit in the business world. In this episode of the Association Chat Podcast, host KiKi L’Italien sits down with a serial entrepreneur in the association space, Lucas McCann, to talk all about it.

Currently, Lucas is at the helm of Core Adventures, a family of brands dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions for associations. Core Adventures offers services such as membership sales and recruiting, member retention strategies, engagement initiatives, affinity program management, and expert consulting. The company's portfolio includes Big Red M, specializing in association sales, research, and consulting, and Core Affinity, which focuses on affinity solutions to boost non-dues revenue and member engagement. Lucas also hosts the "6 Degrees of Associations" podcast, a platform that promotes industry connections and provides valuable insights into association management. Learn more: https://bigredm.com/.

Join Association Chat's KiKi L'Italien for a candid conversation exploring how associations can overcome the current challenges of keeping members engaged in our digital-first world. Mats Persson from Umbraco and Jake Toohey from Adage will discuss practical approaches to personalization that go far beyond the basics.

• Learn more about Umbraco: https://umbraco.com/
• More about Adage: https://adagetech.com/

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As we learn in this interview, it’s time to stop letting artificial intelligence overwhelm your association staff. Host KiKi L’Italien visits with Dan Chuparkoff, CEO of Reinvention Labs, to talk about AI and The Future of Work in this Association Chat Podcast episode. Analysis paralysis is real, and as Dan reminds us: sometimes it is best to keep things simple and start small when aiming to keep pace with the explosion in technology that could potentially benefit you and your association team. Dan Chuparkoff is an innovation expert who has worked at Google, McKinsey, and Atlassian, driving global teams to harness technology for growth. He isn’t just a speaker—he’s one of the world’s leading experts on AI, innovation, and the future of work. Dan is the perfect expert for those who feel overwhelmed by nonstop “A.I. clutter and noise in media” because he speaks in plain language and keeps his advice simple.

Association Chat Podcast host KiKi L'Italien goes one-on-one with Devon Montgomery Pasha, an expert on events and programming who wants to revolutionize how associations capture audience hearts and minds. As Chief Experience Officer at DMP Creative, her SPARK method has rescued countless events from the curse of mediocrity. In an era where member attention is your scarcest resource, the difference between forgettable conferences and transformative experiences often comes down to who's holding the microphone. Devon reveals how professional hosting delivers measurable ROI through increased member retention, elevated sponsorship value, and content that actually drives behavior change.

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As associations and nonprofits face explosive rates of cyberattacks, one thing is clear: human error is almost always the root cause. 😟

This week, the human element in nonprofit cyberattacks is explored in depth as Association Chat host KiKi L’Italien sits down with Brian Scott, a top cybersecurity strategist with 37 years of experience, to uncover the biggest threats facing associations—and how to protect our organizations.

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