Concurrent Sessions

Wednesday, February 11

3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Diversification in Action: How Associations Generate New Revenues Beyond the Norm
Presenters: Avital Rosen & Louise Gorringe, Kenes Group

In today’s unpredictable landscape, associations must evolve beyond relying solely on their annual meetings for revenue. This interactive session showcases real-world examples of organizations that have diversified income streams through creative year-round offerings—like micro-learning subscriptions, digital communities, and hybrid programs. Participants will explore innovative strategies, challenge traditional models, and leave inspired to build more resilient, future-ready associations. Expect hands-on engagement through live polling, word clouds, and more. Additional AMCs may be invited to share their success stories once the session is confirmed.

Transitions Without Turbulence: Protecting Client Relationships and Calming the Storm
Presenters: Ruth Fitzgerald, CHSP, CHME, Visit Spokane, Eva Marquette, Avital Rosen, Kenes Group
Every AMC leader has faced the challenge: a key account manager departs, and client trust, team stability, and institutional knowledge are suddenly at risk. This session explores strategies to safeguard contracts, preserve confidence, and maintain continuity during transitions—ensuring your AMC remains resilient when it matters most.

Cultivating a Member First Culture
Presenters: Elizabeth Pulliam & Amanda Brahlek, Parthenon Management Group
Discover how HR and marketing teams can work together to build a member-first approach that boosts retention. Elizabeth Pulliam, PMG’s Director of People and Talent, shares strategies for onboarding staff with tools like the Culture Index, mentorship programs, training roadmaps, and career development resources. Amanda Brahlek, PMG’s Director of Marketing, explores how branding, user experience research, member journey mapping, and data-driven marketing can support association managers and enhance member engagement. Ideal for AMCs looking to align internal culture with external impact.
Human-Centered EOS
Presenters: Molly Marsh, AMR Management Services & Robert Riggs, CAE, Synergos AMC
Everyone wants their company to be more strategic and get "traction" at the same time, right? No wonder the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) strikes a chord. But often, as AMCs progress through their EOS journey, something feels off – like there’s just something about the structure that doesn’t quite line up with our people-driven, association focus.


AMCs finding success with EOS often make modifications to EOS pure that embrace their culture, put their people first, and adapt to the unique needs of association clients. This session will explore the opportunities, and consider the tradeoffs, when AMCs make intentional changes to the EOS tools, system, or structure. In other words… find out what happens when you stop being EOS Pure and start getting REAL!

 

Thursday, February 12
 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

In the Business or On the Business
Presenter: Robert Riggs, CAE, Synergos AMC
AMC owners and executives with annual revenue between $1M–$5M often find themselves stuck in the “Black Hole”—too busy working in the business to work on it. This session explores how one AMC is breaking free by restructuring operations, reallocating resources, and implementing a labor efficiency ratio to drive profitability. Learn how to set a strategic “salary cap,” identify essential investment areas, and build the infrastructure needed to grow beyond the plateau. Ideal for leaders ready to shift from reactive to intentional growth.

Succession Planning: Preparing for Long Term Growth & Sustainability
Presenters: James Zaniello, Vetted Solutions, Kay Whalen, CAE, Executive Director, Inc., Carolyn Lagermasini, CAE, Association & Conference Group LLC
AMC owners often find themselves too busy running their firms to plan for what’s next. This session dives into essential succession planning strategies—including ESOPs, private equity, internal transitions, and more. A panel of leaders will share perspectives from early-stage planning to successful exits, helping owners gain clarity and confidence in shaping their future.

Cracking The Code Part II: Practical Solutions for Delivering International Conferences
Presenters: Markus Heigel, CICE, Vienna Convention Bureau, Catrine Seidel Tvede, Copenhagen Convention Bureau, Monica Garcia, Barcelona Convention Bureau 
For AMC owners and executives, organizing meetings internationally is not just about logistics, it’s about risk, reputation, and delivering consistent value across diverse locations. From budget unknowns and regulatory hurdles to venue negotiations and partner reliability, the challenges are magnified when leading teams and managing multiple client expectations.

 

The Hidden Friction: Unlocking Team Performance Through Adaptive Leadership
Presenters: Linda Caradine-Poinsett, PhD, MJ, MBA, Association Management Company, Amy Lotz Pink, CAE, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff, MCI USA and Mr. Lane Nishimura Velayo, Partner, Synergos
What if the biggest obstacle to your team’s success isn’t strategy—but static leadership? In this interactive session, uncover how misaligned leadership styles fuel dysfunction in AMC teams and association boards alike. Explore how adapting leadership approaches to meet evolving team dynamics can transform communication, accountability, and execution. Leave with practical tools to spot friction fast—and fix it for good.

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

From Rolodex to Rocket Fuel: How AI Will Redefine Association Management Forever
Presenter: Dan Streeter, Mission Fuel 
AI in Action: Practical Solutions for AMCs. Discover how artificial intelligence is transforming the business of belonging. In this dynamic session, Dan Streeter, CEO of Mission Fuel, explores real-world applications of AI—from automating member onboarding to creating marketing videos and streamlining operations. Learn how tools like ChatGPT, HeyGen, InVideo, Zapier, and Soul Machines are helping AMCs boost efficiency, enhance client service, and build standards-driven education programs in minutes. Whether you're just curious or already experimenting, you'll leave with actionable insights to start using AI—without overhauling your entire business.

Stop the Scope Creep Before it Starts
Presenters: Megan Miller, CMP, VEMM, DES, SBI Association Management ,Tiffany Martin, SBI Association Management, Inc.
Scope creep silently erodes profitability and disrupts teams—but it doesn’t have to. This interactive session introduces upstream strategies to help AMC leaders and staff anticipate client needs, set clear boundaries, and implement processes that prevent projects from spiraling. Through real-world scenarios and group discussion, participants will learn how to shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive prevention—protecting teams, preserving margins, and building stronger client relationships.

From Good to Great: Cultivating Teams that Thrive
Presenters: Emily Burch, Senior Vice President, Association Solutions, MCI USA and Amy Lotz Pink, CAE, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff, MCI USA
What if your team-building strategy was as intentional as your client strategy? In this session, Emily Burch and Amy Lotz share how they’ve built high-performing teams using tools like Predictive Index, buddy systems, and global mentoring programs. Learn how to align staff strengths with client needs, foster connection across time zones, and support professional growth. Whether you lead a small or global team, you’ll leave with practical, actionable ideas to elevate your workforce.

Expert Edge: Professional Insights to Empower Association Management Companies
Moderator: Megan Woodburn, CAE, Strategic Association Management
Panelists:  Dan Barnes, Barnes, Givens & Barnes Ltd., Marc C. Labadie, MPAS®, CFP®, AIF®, RTD Financial and C. Michael Deese, Esq., Pannos Law LLC

This expert panel brings together seasoned advisors in accounting, legal, and financial planning to share practical strategies tailored for Association Management Companies. Topics include budgeting and audits, governance and compliance, and long-term financial planning—including reserve strategies and using 529 plans for professional development. A moderated Q&A will address real-world challenges and offer actionable takeaways to help AMCs stay compliant, financially sound, and risk-aware.