Blog FPO

Gardian of the Month: Jenny Hill

Q & A with Jenny Hill, manager for social communications at Event Garde.

Q: Learn: Let’s say you’re studying for a big exam. Are you a crammer, or do you like to plan ahead?

A: I’m a plan ahead crammer.  I schedule time to study right before the exam – say, the last two days before the exam.  I find that I can apply myself to the task at hand more when I’m under a time crunch. 

Q: Network: Social media or face-to-face? Which form of networking is better and why?

A: I’m not a natural networker. As an introvert, I find it easier to network through social media – at first.  I enjoy building a relationship before actually meeting someone face-to-face. For me, this helps soothe my shy and nervous natural state. That being said, I do enjoy the experience when I finally get to meet someone in person.

Q: Transfer: What resources/tools do you find most helpful in helping you retain knowledge?

A:  I am a hands-on learner – anything that I can learn through actually doing it will have a significantly higher retention rate.  I suppose, then, that the tool would be my hands.

Q: Please share with us you can’t live without.

A:  If I’m being totally honest, it would be Google. If I’m working in a program and need to find out how to do something, I’ve found that asking Google is a huge time saver. There’s a whole wide world out there and I’m not afraid to ask it when I need help.

Q: Would you rather swim in a pool, lake or ocean…and why? 

A: A pool 100 percent! I’m not a fan of the unknown, and do not appreciate something unexpected touching me – be it seaweed or otherwise!

Great Events Equals Better Member Engagement for Association Chapters

The mainstay of association chapters has been their chapter events, polls show that the preference for virtual options has risen to nearly 50%, a stat that has a compound effect on member engagement. Where does this all leave chapters? In a precarious position. The good news is that chapters who throw out yesterday’s playbook will find themselves on more solid footing. Here are three strategies worth helping chapters to embrace. 

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Gardian of the Month: Tracy King

Tracy King is our Gardian of the Month! Learn about a subject she'd like to learn more about, her preference for networking styles, and read about a recent experience that she considered profoundly impactful. 

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From Gadgets to Growth:The Influence of Technology Innovation on Social Transformation

The decision to mandate antiracism or diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) training should be made carefully. While antiracism training can be valuable and effective when implemented thoughtfully, it is most effective when participants are engaged, willing, and open to the learning process. Mandating it for individuals who are not receptive may lead to a superficial compliance without genuine understanding or behavior change. It can also derail the experience for those who are receptive and came to learn. Models of innovation primarily used in business, marketing, and technology, may provide some insight.

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By: Kate Pojeta | Sep, 1 2023
Meetings

The Real Estate of the Conference Namebadge (Part II: The Extras)

Kate covered the basics for the front of your name badge not too long ago, now it's time to consider the extras you may or may not want to include.

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By: Kara Nacarato | Aug, 25 2023
Meetings

Tackling your Event Management Staffing Struggles with an Outside Solution

Today, more than ever, organizations are challenged with staffing issues. Whether the challenge lies in finding the right staff member, or budget constraints keep you from hiring a full-time employee, securing an outside contractor may be the perfect solution. Here are just a few of the benefits that come along when you bring in an external partner to plan and manage your meetings and events.

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Gardian of the Month: John Bacon

John Bacon is our Gardian of the Month! Find out his strategy for helping someone learn a difficult topic, he share his favorite network and why it's special, how he thinks mentorship aids in knowledge transfer, the book he can't live without, and what the title of a book about his life would be called. 

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