Engaging in the Next

An original podcast from Association Briefings where we talk about what’s next for the association community when it comes to technology, marcomm strategy, people, membership, and non-dues revenue.

Engaging in the Next is a business podcast hosted by Association Briefings, with 51 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Association Briefings hosts Engaging in the Next, a business show with 51 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #51

  Ep 51 - Not the End of the Road: Beyond the Strategic Plan

  Jul 24, 202637 min

  In this episode of Engaging in the Next, hosts Colby Horton and Frank Humada welcome Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF, CEO of Vista Cova, for a conversation about why strategy and governance often drift apart, and how boards can better position their organizations for long-term success. Lowell explains why strategic planning should be treated as a living framework rather than a static document, explores the board's role in setting direction and allocating resources, and discusses how associations can foster innovation through stronger governance practices. The conversation also covers shorter strategic planning horizons, future-focused board meetings, objective governance health checks, clear board-staff authority boundaries, and the critical partnership between the CEO and board chair in navigating change.

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  Episode #50

  Ep 50 - From 6-7 to 67: Why the Message Matters More Than Ever

  Jun 23, 202631 min

  In this milestone episode, hosts Colby Horton and Frank Humada welcome Whitney Meyerhoeffer, director of communications at the American Mental Health Counselors Association, for a conversation about what it really takes to communicate in a noisy world. Whitney explains the difference between marketing and communications, why storytelling and audience segmentation matter more than ever, and how engagement has evolved from simple metrics to a full-time discipline. The discussion explores when associations should take public stances, how communicators can help shape those decisions, and why bringing communications teams into strategic conversations early is essential. Along the way, Whitney shares practical advice for preventing burnout, creating "sacred spaces" for self-care, and building mentally fit teams.

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  Episode #49

  Ep 49 - Now Boarding: Smarter Marketing for Associations

  May 22, 202629 minS0

  <p>In this episode of Engaging in the Next, Edessa Polzin, director of strategic partnerships at the American Marketing Association, joins hosts Colby Horton and Frank Humada for a conversation about the evolving role of marketing within associations and how teams can work smarter in an increasingly complex landscape. Polzin reflects on her own path into the association space and explains why AMA’s mission resonates with her background as a marketing practitioner. The discussion explores the growing pressure on association marketers to drive outcomes like membership growth, event attendance, and engagement while often having limited influence over larger organizational de...

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  Episode #48

  Ep. 48 - Teaching the Mission: Building Teams That Believe in the Work

  Apr 24, 202630 minS0

  <p>In our season 5 premiere, Chad Rummel, M.Ed, CAE, executive director of the Council for Exceptional Children, joins hosts Colby Horton and Frank Humada to share his journey from rural Kansas to leading a mission-driven association. With a background in teaching high school journalism and accounting, Rummel reflects on how educators who believed in him shaped both his career path and his leadership philosophy. Today, he brings that same mindset to his role at CEC, focusing on developing strengths in staff and volunteers, creating space for new ideas, and aligning leadership around a shared purpose. He also discusses practical...

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  Episode #47

  Ep. 47 - Pressing Reset on “Expert”: AI in the Association World

  Mar 27, 202635 minS0

  <p>In this episode, Carlos Cardenas, CAE, AAiP, senior strategic consultant at DelCor and Board President of Association Latinos, shares a perspective shaped by experience across every layer of the association space—from member to IT leader to strategist. At the center of the conversation is a key shift: moving from chasing AI as a tool to thinking about it as a strategic partner. Carlos challenges the idea of “AI experts,” emphasizing that in a rapidly evolving landscape, the real advantage comes from experimentation, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. The discussion also explores what’s at stake. As generative AI becom...

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