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Blog

The Gardian Blog, featured in Alltop and Association Universe, serves as a rich content library that illuminates topics and issues of importance to our community— particularly as they relate to learning, meetings, and facilitation. It is updated weekly by Event Garde's team of experts, plus monthly features of professional guest bloggers!

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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

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Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Stacey Sabiston

Jul 11, 2025

Ten Years of Experiences with Event Garde

By: Kate Pojeta | Jul 8, 2025

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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

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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.
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
Recipes

12 Days of Recipes: Peanut Butter Blossoms

By: Jenny Hill | Dec 6, 2024
Meeting/Event Design & Management

How to Create an Emergency Management Plan for an Event: A Step-by-Step Guide

By: Kara Nacarato | Dec 6, 2024
Recipes

12 Days of Recipes: Triple Chocolate Chip Cookies

By: Lindsay Thomas | Dec 5, 2024
Recipes

12 Days of Recipes: Churro Cheesecake Bars

By: Kara Nacarato | Dec 4, 2024
Recipes

12 Days of Recipes: Pumpkin Bread

By: Aaron Wolowiec | Dec 3, 2024
Recipes

12 Days of Recipes: Mexican Wedding Cookies

By: Krista Rowe | Dec 2, 2024
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Kortni Garcia

Nov 29, 2024
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Navigating Uncertainty Together: Building Community for Support and Resilience

By: Krista Rowe | Nov 22, 2024
Meeting/Event Design & Management

Understanding Room Block Attrition: What It Means, How It’s Calculated & How to Manage It Effectively

By: Aaron Wolowiec | Nov 15, 2024
Health & Wellness, Meeting/Event Design & Management

Word to the Wise: Follow Your Own Advice for High Altitude Events

By: Kate Pojeta | Nov 8, 2024
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

A Unique Approach to Strategic Planning: Technology of Participation (ToP)

By: Dilhara Muthukuda | Nov 1, 2024
Meeting/Event Design & Management

Creative Ideas for Opening and Closing Parties Alongside Your Conference

By: Kara Nacarato | Oct 25, 2024
Technology

Internal Data Analysis

By: Dr. Michael Tatonetti | Oct 18, 2024
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Shelby Pasch

Oct 15, 2024
Meeting/Event Design & Management

Unlocking Committee Potential: 11 Meeting Management Tips, Tricks & Strategies for Staff Liaisons

By: Aaron Wolowiec | Oct 11, 2024
Health & Wellness, Meeting/Event Design & Management

Self-Care for Event Managers: Surviving Long Days at Conferences

By: Kara Nacarato | Oct 4, 2024
Innovation

Value Proposition Is a Growth Process

By: Christine Saunders | Sep 27, 2024
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

The Hidden Cause of High Turnover: Body Size Exclusivity in the Workplace

By: Krista Rowe | Sep 20, 2024
Education Strategy & Learning Design, Meeting/Event Design & Management

Organizational Decision-Making for Value Delivery

By: Dr. Michael Tatonetti | Sep 13, 2024
Sponsorship, Technology, Meeting/Event Design & Management

Strategies for Event Sponsorship and App Advertising

By: Kim Harwood | Sep 6, 2024
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

The Unseen Power of a Skilled Facilitator

By: Aaron Wolowiec | Aug 30, 2024
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

The Power of Roles in Small Groups: Timekeeper, Recorder, Facilitator, and Vibe Checker

By: Krista Rowe | Aug 23, 2024
Technology, Meeting/Event Design & Management

How to Build a Year-Round Community Beyond In-Person Events

By: Gather Voices | Aug 16, 2024
Meeting/Event Design & Management

Attending an Industry Event as an Event Planner: Maximizing Insights for Our Clients

By: Kara Nacarato | Aug 9, 2024
Technology, Meeting/Event Design & Management

No, AI Isn’t Coming for Your Event Planning Job.

By: Kate Pojeta | Aug 2, 2024
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Jarrod Clabaugh

Jul 26, 2024
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning, Meeting/Event Design & Management

Reflections as a Conference Attendee: 5 Strategies That Kept Me Engaged

By: Dilhara Muthukuda | Jul 19, 2024
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Defining & Communicating Meeting Purpose

By: Aaron Wolowiec | Jul 12, 2024
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Expanding Your Facilitation Skills with the Technology of Participation Facilitation Methods Workshop

By: Shannon Lockwood | Jul 5, 2024
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

The Power of Community Organizing Strategies in Achieving Organizational Goals

By: Krista Rowe | Jun 28, 2024
Meeting/Event Design & Management

What Comes First in Event Planning: The Budget or the Goals?

By: Kara Nacarato | Jun 21, 2024
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Karen Tracey

Jun 19, 2024
Meeting/Event Design & Management

Conference and Event Value Propositions

By: Dr. Michael Tatonetti | Jun 14, 2024
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Strategic Planning Unplugged: Setting the Stage for Success!

By: Trevor Mitchell | Jun 7, 2024
Meeting/Event Design & Management

Developing Successful AV Partnerships 

By: Shannon Lockwood | May 31, 2024
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Amplifying Facilitation Outcomes: Designing for People, Technology, Data & Systems

By: Aaron Wolowiec | May 24, 2024
Education Strategy & Learning Design

Education Value Propositions

By: Dr. Michael Tatonetti | May 10, 2024
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Key Strategies for a Successful Strategic Plan (Part 2)

By: Dilhara Muthukuda | May 3, 2024
Health & Wellness, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Finding Balance: Somatic Grounding and Mindfulness in Fostering Employee Well-being

By: Krista Rowe | Apr 26, 2024
Innovation, Meeting/Event Design & Management

Balancing Tradition and Innovation: Reinventing Your Annual Conference Experience

By: Kara Nacarato | Apr 19, 2024
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Cynthia Mills

Apr 12, 2024
Innovation, Technology, Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

The Role of AI in Strategic Planning: Avoiding Algorithm Aversion

By: Andrew ChamberlainElisa Pratt | Apr 5, 2024
Health & Wellness, Meeting/Event Design & Management

Cultivating Wellness and Self-Care at Your Conference: A Holistic Approach

By: Kara Nacarato | Mar 29, 2024
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning, Education Strategy & Learning Design, Meeting/Event Design & Management

Maximizing Readiness: Key Factors for Successful Consulting Partnerships

By: Aaron Wolowiec | Mar 22, 2024
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Jamie Notter

Mar 15, 2024
Communication, Technology, Speaking & Writing Engagements, Meeting/Event Design & Management

Managing Events Remotely

By: Kate Pojeta | Mar 13, 2024
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Being an Active Ally

By: Trevor Mitchell | Mar 8, 2024
Communication, Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Going up? Crafting an Elevator Pitch for Your Professional Networks

By: Krista Rowe | Mar 1, 2024
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Navigating the Planning Landscape: The Four Essential Planning Types & How They Impact Your Organization

By: Aaron Wolowiec | Feb 23, 2024
Communication, Technology

Dear Gardian vs Dear ChatGPT: How can I make gatherings more inclusive in regards to drink selection?

By: Kate Pojeta | Feb 16, 2024
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Bucky Dodd

Feb 9, 2024
Communication, Meeting/Event Design & Management

The Power of Checking In: Why Connecting with Your Customers Matters at the Start of the Year

By: Kara Nacarato | Feb 2, 2024
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Key Strategies for a Successful Strategic Plan

By: Dilhara Muthukuda | Jan 26, 2024
Facilitation Methods & Strategic Planning

Unleashing Team Synergy: A Comprehensive Guide to Effective Team Retreats

By: Aaron Wolowiec | Jan 19, 2024
Gardian

Gardian of the Month: Lindsay Thomas

Jan 16, 2024
Marketing, Technology

AI: The Good, the Bad and the Truth from a Holistic Branding Agency

By: Elyse FlynnAaron SchautDevon YousifZach Guy | Jan 12, 2024
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