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The Gardian Blog serves as a content library for association and mission-driven organization professionals — covering facilitation, strategic planning, learning design, and event strategy. Updated weekly by the Event Garde team, with monthly contributions from guest bloggers across the industry.

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Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

The Capacity Question: Building Strategic Plans That Match Organizational Reality

By: Lindsay Thomas | Jul 24, 2026
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Karen Williams

Jul 17, 2026

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Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

From U-Shape to Pods: Why We Rethought the Room

By: Aaron Wolowiec | Jul 10, 2026
Volunteers

Five Fresh Ways Associations Can Energize Their Chapters in 2026

By: Peggy Hoffman | Jul 3, 2026

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If your post is already approved by the Event Garde editorial team,

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Communication, Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

To Be Influenced: Rethinking How We Build Authentic Alignment

By: Krista Rowe | Jun 26, 2026
Meeting/Event Design & Management

When the Hotel Drops the Ball: How Event Managers Can Stay in Control Onsite

By: Kara Nacarato | Jun 19, 2026

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The Event Garde team offers an array of services to best fit your needs, including learning, meetings, and facilitation. We aim to help you grow and evolve on both a personal and professional level.
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Jaime Costello

Jun 12, 2026
Volunteers, Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Your Committee Structure Has Been Accumulating for Years. It Might Be Time to Take Stock.

By: Aaron Wolowiec | Jun 5, 2026
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, Meeting/Event Design & Management

Building Connection Through Gamification

By: Lindsay Thomas | May 29, 2026
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

The Magic Numbers Behind Great Strategic Planning

By: Aaron Wolowiec | May 22, 2026
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Christopher Urena

May 15, 2026
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

From RACI to MOCHA: A Better Framework for Getting Strategic Work Done

By: Aaron Wolowiec | May 8, 2026
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

You Don’t Need to Be the Expert to Be an Effective Facilitator

By: Dilhara Muthukuda | May 1, 2026
Technology

It’s Not About Using AI More, It’s About Using It Better

By: Lindsay Thomas | Apr 24, 2026
Volunteers

Professional Development as a Leadership Signal

By: Peggy Hoffman | Apr 21, 2026
Meeting/Event Design & Management

Emergency Preparedness Isn’t Optional, It’s Leadership

By: Kara Nacarato | Apr 17, 2026
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Tracy Vecchio

Apr 10, 2026
Communication, Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

How I Balance Visionaries and Doers in Strategic Planning Facilitation

By: Dilhara Muthukuda | Apr 3, 2026
Technology, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

The Emperor’s New Tech: Hype, Utility, and Social Reactions

By: Krista Rowe | Mar 27, 2026
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

When the Cobbler’s Kids Have Good Shoes: A Look Inside Our 2026 Strategic Planning Retreat

By: Aaron Wolowiec | Mar 20, 2026
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Sarah Martin

Mar 13, 2026
Communication, Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Communication Is Key in Strategic Planning

By: Dilhara Muthukuda | Mar 6, 2026
Meeting/Event Design & Management

When “We’ve Always Done It This Way” Is Costing Your Conference More Than You Think

By: Kara Nacarato | Feb 27, 2026
Gardian, Technology

The Tools and Resources That Powered Event Garde’s Gardians in 2025

By: Lindsay Thomas | Feb 20, 2026
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Erica Leyko

Feb 13, 2026
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

What Makes a Good Team Retreat? Lessons from Ours

By: Dilhara Muthukuda | Feb 6, 2026
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Making Facilitation Impact Visible: What the 2026 State of Facilitation Means for Associations

By: Aaron Wolowiec | Jan 30, 2026
Meeting/Event Design & Management

The Importance of Engagement in Your Events…and Why You Can’t Afford to Ignore It

By: Kara Nacarato | Jan 23, 2026
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Charlena Frank

Jan 16, 2026
Speaking & Writing Engagements, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning, Education Strategy & Learning Design, Meeting/Event Design & Management

14 Must-Have Resources to Explore

By: Lindsay ThomasJenny Hill | Jan 13, 2026
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning, Meeting/Event Design & Management

Introducing Our New Tools Tab: Practical Resources to Support Your Work All Year Long

By: Lindsay Thomas | Jan 9, 2026
Meeting/Event Design & Management

What We Learned from the Top Event, Association, and Marketing Reports of 2025

By: Michael Hoffman | Jan 2, 2026
Speaking & Writing Engagements, Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning, Education Strategy & Learning Design, Meeting/Event Design & Management

Celebrating a Year of Milestones

By: Lindsay ThomasJenny Hill | Dec 30, 2025
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

How Organizations Change by Revisiting What Matters

By: Krista Rowe | Dec 26, 2025
Meeting/Event Design & Management

From “Bigger” to “Better”: How Associations Are Rethinking Conference Scale

By: Kara Nacarato | Dec 19, 2025
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Bob Doyle

Dec 12, 2025
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Ethical Facilitation: A Practical Guide to Integrity in Design, Delivery & Debrief

By: Aaron Wolowiec | Dec 5, 2025
Coaching & Mentoring, Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

How to Lead an Effective End-of-Year Team Reflection

By: Dilhara Muthukuda | Nov 28, 2025

Pause Without Losing Momentum: A Practical Year-End Reset Guide

By: Lindsay Thomas | Nov 21, 2025
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Christina Lewellen

Nov 14, 2025
Meeting/Event Design & Management

Future-Proofing the Events Industry: Insights from EIC’s Futures Landscape Study 2025

By: Aaron Wolowiec | Nov 7, 2025
Meeting/Event Design & Management

Reflecting on a Season of Connection and Growth

By: Kara Nacarato | Oct 31, 2025
Coaching & Mentoring, Communication

Maintaining Momentum When Every Project Feels Like a Priority

By: Lindsay Thomas | Oct 24, 2025
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Laura Custy

Oct 17, 2025
Communication, Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Communication is Key: How Smart Communication Drives Strategic Planning Success

By: Dilhara Muthukuda | Oct 10, 2025
Meeting/Event Design & Management

Beyond the Boxes: Smarter, More Sustainable Event Printing

By: Lindsay Thomas | Oct 3, 2025
Coaching & Mentoring, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

The Power of Saying Yes

By: Krista Rowe | Sep 26, 2025
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Documentation Done Right: Tips & Tricks for Facilitators

By: Aaron Wolowiec | Sep 19, 2025
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Tara Puckey

Sep 12, 2025
Communication, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Are You Walking the Talk? A Four-Quadrant Model for DEIB Strategy

By: Dilhara Muthukuda | Sep 5, 2025
Communication, Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Crafting Introductions That Connect: How Introductions Build Trust and Foster Rapport

By: Krista Rowe | Aug 29, 2025
Education Strategy & Learning Design

Why Microlearning Works for Associations - and Why You Should Start Now

By: Adrienne Sutton | Aug 22, 2025
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Nick Stepaniak

Aug 15, 2025
Communication, Marketing, Meeting/Event Design & Management

Signage That Works: Best Practices for Cost-Effective, Sustainable, and Impactful Event Signage

By: Kara Nacarato | Aug 8, 2025
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Voices & Views: Real Talk for Facilitators

By: Danielle Guty | Aug 1, 2025
Communication

The Client Engagement Tool You’re Probably Overlooking

By: Lindsay Thomas | Jul 25, 2025
Technology, Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Can AI Be a Co-Facilitator? The Promise & Limits of Artificial Intelligence in Association Facilitation

By: Aaron Wolowiec | Jul 18, 2025
Innovation

A Decade of Lean Startup Methodology: Lessons Learned

By: Elizabeth Weaver EngelJamie Notter | Jul 15, 2025
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Stacey Sabiston

Jul 11, 2025

Ten Years of Experiences with Event Garde

By: Kate Pojeta | Jul 8, 2025
Meeting/Event Design & Management

Designing Your Ideal Event: A Practical Tool for Planning & Partnering

By: Kara Nacarato | Jul 4, 2025
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Everyone’s Invited: Why Inclusive Language is the Passport to a More Welcoming Travel Experience

By: Aaron Wolowiec | Jun 27, 2025
Education Strategy & Learning Design

Building a High-Quality Certification Program on a Shoestring Budget

By: Adrienne Sutton | Jun 20, 2025
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Beyond the Agenda: 10 Conversations Every Co-Facilitator Should Have

By: Aaron Wolowiec | Jun 13, 2025
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Jennifer Briggs

Jun 11, 2025
Communication, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Growing Together: A New Community Agreement Rooted in Collective Decision-Making

By: Krista Rowe | Jun 6, 2025
Meeting/Event Design & Management

Stormproofing Association Meetings: How Policy Shifts Are Reshaping Events & What You Can Do About It

By: Aaron Wolowiec | May 30, 2025
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Avoid These 5 Common Strategic Planning Pitfalls

By: Dilhara Muthukuda | May 23, 2025
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Christine Saunders

May 16, 2025
Technology

Tips for Conducting an Orderly Election: Robert’s Rules of Order

By: Results at Hand | May 13, 2025
Communication, Technology

How I Use “Send Later” or Scheduled Text Messages to Manage Other People

By: Kate Pojeta | May 9, 2025
Meeting/Event Design & Management

Lighting the Spark: The Power of Creative Activations for Conference Attendees and Sponsors

By: Kara Nacarato | May 2, 2025
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, Education Strategy & Learning Design

Designing Learning That Works for Neurodivergent Professionals

By: Tracy King | Apr 25, 2025
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Cultivating the Wisdom in the Room: Facilitation as Tending, Not Teaching

By: Krista Rowe | Apr 18, 2025
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Sharon Newport

Apr 11, 2025
Education Strategy & Learning Design, Meeting/Event Design & Management

Beyond the Debrief: 7 Strategic Conversations Every Event Team Should Be Having Right Now

By: Aaron Wolowiec | Apr 4, 2025
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

What Music Teaches Us About Collaboration and Harmony

By: Krista Rowe | Mar 28, 2025
Communication, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

How Association Leaders Can Live Their Values

By: Sarah Sain | Mar 21, 2025
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Judy Spanogle

Mar 14, 2025
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Navigating the Shifts: Sustainable Strategies for DEIB Success

By: Dilhara Muthukuda | Mar 7, 2025
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

6 Strategies Associations can Employ to Navigate DEI in a Contentious Climate

By: Krista Rowe | Feb 28, 2025
Education Strategy & Learning Design, Meeting/Event Design & Management

Easily Find Speakers, Gather Topic Ideas, and Deliver Quality Education to Your Attendees

By: Kate Pojeta | Feb 21, 2025
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Michael Hoffman

Feb 14, 2025
Meeting/Event Design & Management

Engaging the Five Senses in Your Meeting Planning for a Memorable Experience

By: Kara Nacarato | Feb 5, 2025
Technology, Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Beyond the Buzz: Integrating AI Solutions into Human-Centric Strategic Planning

By: Aaron Wolowiec | Jan 31, 2025
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Unwavering Commitment: Event Garde’s DEIB Journey & Vision for the Future

By: Aaron Wolowiec | Jan 24, 2025
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Bonnifer Ballard

Jan 17, 2025
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

From Playtime to Facilitation: Insights Gained from Everyday Moments with Kids 

By: Dilhara Muthukuda | Jan 10, 2025
Coaching & Mentoring, Health & Wellness

2025 is Calling: Coaching Association Leaders to Thrive

By: Derek Mulhern | Jan 3, 2025
Technology, Meeting/Event Design & Management

The Future of Event AV: How Co-Creation and Short-Form Video Will Reshape Event Experiences

By: Michael Hoffman | Dec 27, 2024
Technology, Meeting/Event Design & Management

What I Learned in 2024

By: Avery Ferguson | Dec 20, 2024
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Tim Hopkins

Dec 18, 2024
Recipes

12 Days of Recipes: Italian Pizzelle

Dec 17, 2024
Recipes

12 Days of Recipes: Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole

Dec 16, 2024
Recipes

12 Days of Recipes: Bacon-Wrapped Sweet Potato Bites

Dec 13, 2024
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Reflections on the year: Lessons about Humanity thru DEIB Facilitation

By: Krista Rowe | Dec 13, 2024
Recipes

12 Days of Recipes: Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake

By: Trevor Mitchell | Dec 12, 2024
Recipes

12 Days of Recipes: Festive Olive and Cheese Appetizer

By: Kate Pojeta | Dec 11, 2024
Recipes

12 Days of Recipes: Cranberry Orange Bread

By: Dilhara Muthukuda | Dec 10, 2024
Recipes

12 Days of Recipes: Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

By: Danielle Guty | Dec 9, 2024
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