In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we sit down with Rob Barnes, CAE, AAiP, CEO and co-founder of Betty—a groundbreaking AI knowledge assistant built specifically for associations.

With three decades of association leadership across three countries, Rob brings a global lens and deep passion for community innovation. He shares how Betty is helping associations safeguard institutional wisdom, deliver member value in real time, and unlock strategic insights through what he calls the Association Knowledge Cycle.

From preserving the expertise of retiring volunteers and staffers to enabling multilingual member support and accelerating certification design, Rob walks us through real-world use cases that show how AI—when deployed thoughtfully—can help associations work smarter, serve better, and build trust in new ways.

🎧 Whether you’re just starting to explore AI or already experimenting, this conversation is packed with eye-opening ideas and tangible takeaways.

Key Highlights:

From Vicious to Virtuous: How the Association Knowledge Cycle helps solve one of the most persistent challenges—getting the right knowledge to the right person at the right time.

AI with Boundaries: Why ethical guardrails, trust, and human oversight are critical—and how Betty is built with these values at the core.

Member Insights in Real Time: How organizations like the International Society of Automation (ISA) are using Betty to uncover surprising trends and improve content strategy.

The Anita Example: Why the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT)—an A100 Comm Impact Award winner—is integrating AI into both member engagement and certification development.

Productivity without Sacrificing Humanity: How Betty empowers member services teams, protects institutional knowledge, and lets staff focus on what humans do best.

What's Next for AI in Associations: Rob shares what’s on the horizon—from peer-to-peer matchmaking to deeper advocacy alignment and engagement.

🎧 Tune in now for a smart, energizing conversation that will change how you think about AI and your association’s future.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

  
  

Coming Soon: In May, we’re turning the spotlight on Gen Z in associations—exploring what it takes to recruit, retain, and engage this rising generation of professionals. From digital fluency to values-based connection, we’ll feature leaders and case studies making it work. This special series is made possible by our partners at Highland. Don’t miss it!

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we’re bringing you a special replay of one of our most engaging LinkedIn Live panels: The Future of Association Events. Originally hosted by OnWrd & UpWrd CEO Colleen Gallagher, this roundtable brings together an all-star lineup of association leaders, event strategists, and production experts to explore the biggest shifts shaping events in 2025 and beyond.

From immersive tech and content strategy to data-driven decision-making and reimagining hybrid, this candid conversation is packed with actionable ideas for making your next event smarter, more inclusive, and more impactful.

Panelists include:

• Lisa Astorga, CMP, DES, Director of Meetings, International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH)

• Sven Bossu, CEO, AIPC - The International Association of Convention Centres

• Phil Alongi, CEO, Alongi Media

• Kara Dickerson, Founder, Content with Impact, LLC

• Matt Weingarden, Executive Vice President, Communities & Journals, American Marketing Association

🎧 Listen in as these leaders share lessons learned, tech innovations, and what association pros must prioritize heading into 2025.

Key Highlights:

Return on Emotion (ROE) – Why personalization, emotion, and engagement matter just as much as ROI.

Hybrid Reimagined – How organizations are moving away from default hybrid and getting smarter about virtual engagement.

Data-Driven Strategy – The key to knowing what your audience really wants—and how to make content and community stick.

Innovative Event Tech – From AI-powered translations to podcast studios and immersive screen experiences, what’s working now.

Creative Revenue & Cost Savings – How partnerships, flexible venues, and sustainability strategies can drive impact without breaking the budget.

Lessons Learned – Favorite wins, big misses, and the future-forward thinking that today’s association planners can’t afford to ignore.

🎧 Tune in now for an energizing, future-focused conversation on what’s next for association events.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Coming Soon: New episodes weekly featuring powerful voices in association leadership, communications, and community building.

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we sit down with Matt Marcial, CAE, CMP, newly named Chief Executive Officer of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). With a deep background in association leadership and a passion for building stronger communities, Matt shares how he’s approaching his first months at the helm of PRSA—and what’s ahead for one of the industry’s most important professional organizations.

From aligning diverse stakeholders to elevating the role of ethical communication, Matt offers a transparent look into his leadership philosophy, the strategic vision guiding PRSA’s next chapter, and the responsibility associations have in shaping the future of the profession.

Key Highlights:

• A Leader’s Journey – How Matt’s experience across diverse associations shaped his collaborative, stakeholder-first approach.

• Strategic Momentum – Why PRSA’s new strategic plan was a major draw and how it’s driving early priorities.

• Listening First – Matt’s “open door” mindset in his first 30 days and what he’s hearing from members, volunteers, and staff.

• Actionable Support for Members – A look at how PRSA is responding to today’s challenges with nimble, practical resources.

• Growing Community, Broadening Impact – How PRSA plans to expand its reach and redefine what it means to be a communications professional.

• Elevating Ethics and the APR – Why ethics education and industry credentials remain core to PRSA’s mission.

• Doubling Down on DEI – How PRSA is reaffirming its values and supporting professionals amid a complex policy environment.

• Defining Success – Matt’s vision for what success looks like—and how PRSA can be the professional home for all communicators.

🎧 Listen now for thoughtful insights on association leadership, industry transformation, and the future of professional communications.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Coming Soon: Tune in weekly as we share practical insights and powerful conversations with association leaders navigating change, building community, and shaping what’s next.

In this special 100th episode of The Association Insights Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher reflects on the lessons, themes, and unforgettable guests that have shaped the show since its launch. From candid career conversations to powerful leadership insights, this milestone episode is both a celebration and a roadmap for the future of associations.

Colleen shares the big ideas that have come up time and again—from redefining member value to leading with curiosity—and highlights some of the most impactful episodes, guests, and moments that have stayed with her. She also offers a glimpse of what’s ahead for the podcast and for associations navigating a fast-changing world.

🎉 Whether you’ve been listening since day one or just joined us recently, thank you for being part of this growing community.

Key Highlights:

Recurring Themes – What 100 episodes have taught us about leadership, community, innovation, and value.

Unforgettable Guests – Reflections on standout conversations with Kirstin Garriss, Kinsey Fabrizio, Bennie Johnson, Brandie Thacker, and more.

Inside the Podcast – Why this show started, how it’s grown, and what it’s meant to our team.

What’s Next – Colleen’s take on the top three issues associations should be watching right now: AI & ethics, workforce transformation, and navigating polarization.

Bonus Giveaway – Colleen shares a special offer to mark this milestone for our most engaged listeners!

🎧 Listen now for heartfelt reflections, practical insights, and a toast to 100 episodes of learning and leading together.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Coming Soon: Fresh insights, fearless leaders, and more candid conversations as we kick off the next 100 episodes of Association Insights.

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we sit down with Jeanne Metzger, Vice President of Membership, Marketing & Communications at the Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals (ACCP). With more than 25 years of experience across multiple associations, Jeanne shares practical strategies for strengthening value propositions, engaging members, and leading communications in today’s shifting environment.

From rethinking DEI messaging to building powerful peer networks, Jeanne offers insight into what’s working now—and what association professionals need to prepare for next.

Key Highlights:

Multi-Hat Leadership – How Jeanne balances membership, marketing, communications, and fundraising—and where she’s focused most quarter by quarter.

The Power of Peer Communities – Why fostering trusted spaces for connection is one of the most valuable services associations can provide today.

Trends in Corporate Social Impact – How companies are adapting language and strategy while staying committed to social good.

Member-Led Recruitment – How ACCP is turning its members into natural ambassadors through referral campaigns and local events.

Engagement Data That Drives Retention – How Jeanne’s team uses integrated tech platforms to identify and re-engage at-risk members.

What Gen Z Expects – Why associations must evolve their user experience and communications approach to meet the needs of younger professionals.

Marketing as Strategy, Not Support – Jeanne’s advice to association leaders: bring comms in at the very beginning—not the end.

🎧 Listen now for smart, actionable strategies to improve membership, elevate communications, and create community in a rapidly changing landscape.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

  
  

Coming Soon:Tune in weekly as we share practical insights and powerful conversations on the challenges—and opportunities—shaping the future of associations.

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we close out our March Leadership Series with Annette Gregg, CMM, MBA, CIS, CEO of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE). Annette leads SITE’s 3,100 global members across 90 countries and brings deep expertise in business events, leadership, and community building.

Annette shares how she’s guided SITE through rapid growth post-pandemic, what it takes to lead a global and multigenerational membership, and how associations can stay grounded in their values during turbulent times.

Key Highlights:

Growing with Purpose – How SITE achieved 40% growth by focusing on core strengths and evolving with intention.

Leading a Global Membership – Annette’s approach to expanding brand awareness while respecting cultural and generational differences across 90 countries.

Navigating Disruption – Insights from Annette’s LinkedIn article on moving forward in uncertain times, and how association leaders can balance optimism with realism.

Staying Grounded in Your Values – Why SITE is doubling down on inclusion, community, and leadership development—and how associations can stay true to their missions even amid political or economic headwinds.

Protecting Your Mindset – How leaders can care for themselves and their communities to maintain focus, clarity, and connection.

The Stockdale Principle – Annette’s leadership north star and advice for staying hopeful while facing hard truths head-on.

🎧 Listen now for a candid, energizing conversation on resilience, values-based leadership, and finding calm in the chaos.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Coming Soon: Tune in weekly as we share practical insights, smart strategies, and powerful conversations with association leaders on the challenges—and opportunities—shaping our sector.

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, our March Leadership Series continues with Joanna Pineda, CEO and Chief Troublemaker of Matrix Group. A seasoned entrepreneur and technology leader, Joanna has spent over 25 years helping associations harness digital transformation, enhance member engagement, and drive organizational success. She also hosts the Associations Thrive Podcast, where she interviews top association leaders on what makes organizations truly thrive.

Key Highlights:

• Leading with a Growth Mindset – Joanna shares why she intentionally reinvents her company every 3-4 years to stay relevant and innovative.

• Curiosity as a Leadership Tool – How fostering a culture of curiosity fuels problem-solving, experimentation, and breakthrough ideas at Matrix Group.

• Staying Ahead of the Curve – How Matrix Group is carving out dedicated time for exploration and innovation.

• Member-Centric Digital Transformation – What sets successful association technology initiatives apart and how to ensure products resonate with members.

• What Makes Great Association Leaders – Insights from Joanna’s conversations with CEOs on governance, board relations, and articulating an association’s value proposition.

• Balancing Leadership & Passion Projects – How Joanna integrates personal passions like podcasting and travel into her leadership journey without burning out.

🎧 Listen now for actionable leadership insights on embracing change, driving digital transformation, and building thriving associations.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Fun Resources: Be sure to check out Joanna’s other podcast as well: K Drama Chat, which is all about Korean dramas

Coming Soon: Our March Leadership Series continues with more top association CEOs sharing their strategies for innovation, member engagement, and navigating today’s challenges.

In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we continue our March Leadership Series with Anne Reinke, President & CEO of the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA). With a dynamic career spanning government affairs, corporate leadership, and association management, Anne shares her approach to raising industry visibility, building advocacy efforts, and leading through change.

Key Highlights:

The Leadership Transition – Why Anne took the helm at IANA and her vision for its future.

Building Advocacy from the Ground Up – How IANA is strengthening its voice in Washington.

Strategic Growth & Industry Challenges – From freight market shifts to cargo theft, how the intermodal industry is evolving.

Lessons from Corporate & Government Leadership – How Anne’s experiences at CSX Corporation and the Department of Transportation shape her approach to running an association.

The Power of Team Empowerment – Why transparency, trust, and collaboration are the foundation of strong leadership.

🎧 Listen now for valuable leadership insights on navigating change, strengthening advocacy, and driving industry impact.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Coming Soon: Our March Leadership Series continues with more top association CEOs sharing strategies for growth, member engagement, and navigating today’s challenges.