Concurrent Sessions 

 

Monday, July 21 
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Turn Association Pain Points Into Marketing Wins: How AMCs Can Leverage Associations' Challenges to Promote Their Services and Drive New Opportunities 
Salma Gottfried, BeautifulBeast, Mauricio Del Castillo, Beautiful Beast, Jeanne Sheehy, MBA, Bostrom

This session will teach small and medium AMCs how to identify associations' key challenges and turn them into content marketing opportunities. Attendees will learn to create case studies, blog posts, email campaigns, and social media content that address these challenges, positioning their AMC as the solution. The session will cover free and affordable tools for content creation and provide AI-driven prompts and scripts to enhance marketing efficiency. Participants will gain actionable strategies to generate leads, build trust, and boost client engagement.

Leveraging AI Assistant & Agents to Enhance Staff Efficiency and Member Value
Greg Pollack, Higher
Logic 

This session will address the hesitancy of AMC leaders to embrace AI, highlighting its potential to save time and enhance member value. It will cover the growth and limitations of large language models (LLMs), the importance of fine-tuning and retrieval augmented generation (RAG), and the uses of AI Agents and Agentic AI. Attendees will learn practical AI applications to streamline operations, empower staff, and enhance member experiences without losing the personal touch.

The Future of Our Industry: Uniting Forces and Embracing Transformation
Ashton Hald, DES, Association Headquarters

This session will emphasize the importance of leveraging the strengths of all generations within the workforce to drive transformation and innovation. It will focus on uniting diverse age groups, discussing their unique perspectives and skills, and exploring strategies for intergenerational collaboration. The session will also debunk generational myths that hinder understanding and collaboration, envisioning a future where generational unity enhances creativity, resilience, and industry value.

Maintaining Positivity in a Chaotic World
Patrick E Owings, CMP, DMCP, Oak Ridge AMC
This will be a session that addresses the fear of the uncertain by presenting real-world uncertainties and methods that have been used to address the fear and help to navigate the uncertain waters that we have all entered into. 

Tuesday, July 22
11:15 AM - 12:15 PM

Managing an Integrated Model in Association Management
Sarah Timm, CAE, CMP-HC, Parthenon Management Group
This session will explore real-world examples from AMCI’s eBook on how integrated ED/CEOs work in the AMC model. Through discussions and audience participation, attendees will learn how to capitalize on opportunities and address challenges in this trend. The session will analyze three service models—limited service, external executive director, and full hybrid—highlighting successes and areas for improvement. 

 

Reassessing Value Proposition in a Shifting Global Landscape
Manuel Collazo, MBA, Talley
Global disruptions are changing how associations deliver value to stakeholders. Traditional models no longer align with today's complex realities. This session will focus on assessing key trends and potential disruptors to develop strategies that keep associations relevant and resilient.

 

Goldilocks’ Guide to AI: Perfectly Fit Generative AI for Any Skill Level
Ashley Slauter, MCI USA
This session will offer practical insights on using generative AI tools to enhance productivity, teamwork, and client services. It will cater to all levels of AI users and cover three main areas: improving daily productivity, managing teamwork flow and scope, and identifying client work that can benefit from AI. Attendees will learn to integrate AI into their processes through practical examples and hands-on exercises tailored to their tech-literacy level.

 

 1:15 AM - 2:25 PM

Basecamp to Summit: Navigating the Ascent to Executive Leadership
Hazel Iglesias, MCI USA
This session will guide attendees through the journey of leadership development, from entry-level to senior leadership. Led by two mid-career professionals, it will feature personal stories, practical strategies, and key insights on pivotal moments and mentorship. Attendees will gain a "trail map" for effective succession planning, ensuring future leaders are well-prepared for their ascent.

 

Scaling Smart: Strategies for Growing Your AMC Without Sacrificing Service
Robert B. Waller. Jr., CAE, CEO, Association Headquarters, Sam Leone, President, Association Headquarters; Jenny Faucher, DES, President, Managing Matters and AH Company; Mike Dwyer, CEO, Chief Exec Relationship Officer, Association Headquarters 
This session will explore how AMCs can strategically scale operations while maintaining high-quality service and profitability. Topics include structuring growth to align with goals, leveraging technology for scalability, considerations for acquiring or merging with smaller AMCs, and developing talent pipelines. Experienced AMC leaders will share insights and actionable takeaways for sustainable expansion.

Hosting Award-Winning Conferences in Europe: Expert Tips from Kenes Group & European CVB Hub
Anna Bueno, Barcelona Convention Bureau, Cathrine Seidel Tvede, Copenhagen Convention Bureau, Avital Rosen, Kenes Group, Louise Forringe, Kenes Group
This session will provide insights on hosting award-winning conferences in Europe, featuring expertise from Copenhagen, Barcelona, and Vienna. Attendees will learn from real-world global association case studies, moderated by Kenes Group. The session aims to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the European business landscape and deliver exceptional conference experiences.