Podcast

Katrina Holland shares her experience as the first executive director of MedTech Color. She discusses the challenges of supporting a profession, the significance of diversity and inclusion, and the mission of MedTech Color. Katrina emphasizes the importance of a supportive team and self-care in growing a young organization.

Randy Townsend MPS highlights the importance of including patient voices in medical research, reshaping scholarly publications, and the need for adaptability in the digital landscape. Randy shares insights on mental health awareness and ethical considerations in publishing, while also addressing industry standards and the significance of authenticity and trust.

In this episode, Marsha Flanagan, MEd, CEM, President and CEO of the IAEE, discusses the importance of understanding member needs and delivering value. Marsha advocates for experiential engagement and personalized experiences, emphasizing that technology should enhance, not replace, face-to-face interactions.

Dean West, CEO of Association Laboratory, highlights the importance of understanding attendees’ motivations for event participation. His team focuses on eliminating unnecessary elements to deliver targeted programming that engages attendees, emphasizing active learning over logistics to create engaging experiences.

Deedre Daniel, founder of The Interesting Conversations Company, discusses overcoming digital distractions and fostering connections. Having left her corporate job, she emphasizes making life more engaging than cell phones. Deedre highlights the need for training on how to be more interesting and capturing people’s attention.

Dave Will, co-founder and CEO of PropFuel, addresses the importance of effective member communication on the 6 Degrees of Associations Podcast. He highlights that communication should focus on building relationships, rather than relying on one-way methods often used by associations through emails and social media. He encourages associations to prioritize listening.

Ioannis Pallas, Managing Director of ESAE, shares insights on association life in Europe and North America. He highlights best practices, strategies for attracting younger members, and reflections from the recent ASAE 2024 meeting. The conversation also addresses revenue diversification and the effectiveness of DEIA initiatives and sustainability efforts on both sides of the Atlantic.

Rich Vallaster III, CEM, DES, Senior Director at Personify, emphasizes technology’s role in enhancing member engagement and event experiences, especially for younger members seeking in-person interactions post-Covid. Rich highlights the value of data-driven insights for customizing events to meet diverse needs and is known for his innovative strategies.

John Bode, President & CEO of the Corn Refiners Association, emphasizes the role of associations in influencing policies. He highlights CRA’s efforts to address challenges in the corn refinement industry and his vision for growth in a changing landscape. Bode stresses the importance of anticipating emerging issues and building a knowledgeable team for success.