News

Design, Deliver, Verify: A Quality Learning Series—Would You Pass Your Own Secret Shopper Test?

Suppose the numbers all look right — steady enrollment, solid completion rates, strong evaluation scores. It's tempting to read that as confirmation the program is working. But numbers like these are all lagging indicators of satisfaction — and satisfaction is not the same as impact. A learner can rate a session five stars while still walking away without the capability the session was designed to build. The gap between "well-received" and "actually working" is easy to miss, precisely because nothing about it looks obviously wrong. Click to read the full article authored by Aaron Wolowiec for IACET.

How To Write Job Descriptions That Attract Future Leaders

Job descriptions should do more than list duties and qualifications—they should communicate opportunities for growth, leadership development and long-term impact. In this article, Forbes Business Council members share ways organizations can update traditional job-posting language to attract candidates who are interested in building their careers and growing into future leadership roles. Aaron Wolowiec contributed to this article.

How To Turn Company Values Into Customer-Centric Behaviors

Organizations can turn company values from abstract statements into clear, observable behaviors that shape everyday decisions and customer interactions. This article highlights practical strategies such as modeling values through leadership, defining measurable behaviors, reinforcing them through training and recognition, and connecting them directly to the customer experience. Aaron Wolowiec contributed to this article.

Design, Deliver, Verify: A Quality Learning Series—More Than a Presenter: What Effective Facilitation Really Requires

There's a common assumption that facilitating a learning experience is basically the same skill as presenting one: know the content, stand up, deliver it well. In practice, facilitation asks for something different — and considerably harder. A presenter's job is to transmit information. A facilitator's job is to create the conditions for a room full of different people to actually learn, contribute, and change as a result of being there together. Click to read the full article authored by Aaron Wolowiec for IACET.

Boards in the Weeds: How Leaders Elevate The Conversation

The article argues that boards often get bogged down in operational details, taking time away from their more important responsibilities around strategy, risk, oversight, and long-term direction. It recommends that CEOs and board chairs elevate the conversation by clarifying roles, designing agendas around future-focused questions, explaining the rationale for change, building trust, and encouraging directors to act as strategic ambassadors rather than operational managers. Click to read the full Forbes Business Council article authored by Aaron Wolowiec.

Design, Deliver, Verify: A Quality Learning Series: Before the First Slide: How Strong Curriculum Design Sets Up Success

By the time most learning experiences run into trouble, the real problem happened weeks earlier — in the design phase, before a single slide was built. A session can be delivered flawlessly and still fail the learner, because the underlying curriculum was never built to get them where they needed to go. Click to read the full article authored by Aaron Wolowiec for IACET.

Event Garde Recertified as a Certified LGBT Business Enterprise

On August 10, 2026 the NGLCC Certification Committee officially approved Event Garde's recertification as a Certified LGBTBE® through the NGLCC Supplier Inclusion Initiative. Event Garde LLC has been a Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (Certified LGBTBE®) since 9/21/2023.

Design, Deliver, Verify: A Quality Learning Series: What Makes a Learning Experience Truly “Quality”?

Ask ten CE/T providers what "quality" means and you'll likely get ten different answers: CEU compliance, strong evaluation scores, engagement metrics, high completion rates. Each of those is a signal. None of them, on its own, is the thing itself. Click to read the full article authored by Aaron Wolowiec for IACET.

From Stuck to Unstuck: Aaron Wolowiec Helps Associations Move From Conversation to Action

Aaron Wolowiec, Founder & President of Event Garde, helps associations and mission-driven organizations turn conversations into meaningful action through thoughtfully designed facilitation, strategic planning, and learning experiences. His approach emphasizes effectiveness over efficiency, investing in strong processes, developing future leaders, and sharing facilitation expertise to help organizations move from being “stuck” to making tangible progress. To learn more read the full Forbes Business Council article.

How To Make Your Event Education Schedule Less Confusing

Building a conference agenda isn't just about filling time slots. It's about designing a learning experience that connects attendees with the content most relevant to their goals while offering a balanced program that serves a variety of audiences. We're grateful to Ernie Smith and EventMobi for including Aaron Wolowiec in the conversation in the latest edition of The Mixer. The article explores how thoughtful education strategy, user experience, and personalization can reduce decision fatigue and empower attendees to navigate conference agendas with confidence.

Seven Well-Being Truths Many Leaders Learn The Hard Way

Some of the most valuable leadership lessons don't come from a keynote or a board meeting. They come from honest conversations. Over the past year, through the Leadership Wellbeing Series podcast, Aaron Wolowiec and Tara Puckey have spoken with association and nonprofit leaders about the realities of leadership, including burnout, resilience, connection, and what it takes to lead sustainably. In his latest Forbes Business Council article, Aaron reflects on seven well-being truths that emerged from those conversations and explores why they matter for leaders today.

Key Midyear Questions Every CEO Should Ask

Aaron Wolowiec was recently featured in a Forbes Business Council Expert Panel encouraging CEOs to use the midpoint of the year to evaluate whether their strategy, execution, and leadership priorities are still aligned with changing business conditions rather than simply tracking financial performance. It emphasizes asking honest, forward-looking questions about customer needs, team effectiveness, operational resilience, and long-term growth to make timely adjustments before year-end.

Event Garde Releases New Secret Shopper White Paper

What does your event actually feel like to attend? This white paper introduces Event Garde's secret shopper methodology—a structured approach to evaluating the attendee experience from the outside in. It outlines how organizations can identify hidden gaps, assess experience shortfalls, and make informed improvements to their signature meetings and events.

Powerful Leadership Habits Teams May Never See

Aaron Wolowiec was recently featured in a Forbes Business Council Expert Panel exploring the powerful leadership habits teams may never see. In the article, Aaron reflects on the importance of continuous learning, staying informed across industries, and taking time to think critically about emerging trends and challenges. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it helps leaders show up with greater clarity, perspective, and confidence when their teams need them most.

Six Signs Your Member Organization Is Losing the Next Generation

Whether you lead a professional association, a trade group, a chamber or any mission-driven organization that depends on member engagement, these six findings are worth measuring against your own experience. Read the article written by Aaron Wolowiec for Forbes Councils.

Aaron Wolowiec Selected to Serve on TSAE Board of Directors

The Founder & President of Event Garde has been selected to serve on the Texas Society of Association Executives (TSAE) Board of Directors beginning June 2026. A TSAE member since 2019 and past DEI Committee Chair, Aaron will bring his meeting strategy, learning design, facilitation, and governance expertise to support TSAE's mission and long-term direction.

Aaron Wolowiec Accepted into Forbes Business Council

Aaron Wolowiec, Founder & President of Event Garde, has been accepted into the Forbes Business Council, an invitation-only community for successful business owners and leaders worldwide. As a member, Aaron will connect with respected leaders, share insights through original articles, and contribute to published Expert Panels on Forbes.com.

Aaron Wolowiec Featured by Events Industry Council on Designing for Belonging

The Events Industry Council recently featured Aaron Wolowiec, FASAE, CAE, CMP Fellow, in an article focused on practical strategies for designing more inclusive meetings. The article outlines five shifts that help event professionals embed belonging into the full meeting experience—moving beyond compliance to create environments that are accessible, engaging, and designed for diverse participant needs.

Kara Nacarato Appointed to Association Forum Holiday Showcase Advisory Group

Kara Nacarato, Event Garde’s Senior Director of Operations, has been appointed to the Association Forum 2026 Holiday Showcase Program Advisory Group. In this role, Kara will collaborate with association leaders to help shape the event’s education program—reviewing proposals, advising on program design, and supporting the selection of sessions that foster meaningful learning and connection for attendees and exhibitors alike.

Aaron Wolowiec Appointed to ASAE’s Inaugural DELP Advisory Committee

Aaron Wolowiec, FASAE, CAE, CMP Fellow, has been selected to serve on ASAE’s inaugural DELP Advisory Committee. A 2009–2011 DELP Scholar, Aaron will help guide the program’s next chapter, supporting leadership development and advancing equity across the association profession.

Aaron Wolowiec Featured on ESSAE Blog: Leadership Wellbeing Podcast

The Leadership Wellbeing Podcast was recently highlighted by the Empire State Society of Association Executives (ESSAE). The feature spotlights Event Garde’s commitment to supporting association leaders with practical insights on wellbeing, resilience, and sustainable leadership.

Aaron Wolowiec Appointed to ASAE’s Key Consultant Committee

Aaron has been appointed to ASAE’s Key Consultant Committee, a leadership group that connects experienced association consultants to provide strategic input to ASAE’s CEO. The KCC offers space for peer exchange, collaboration, and innovative ideas to strengthen leadership and drive results across the association sector.

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

Looking to simplify event planning or create a stronger RFP? Our free checklist, Designing Your Ideal Event, helps clarify needs, align roles, and identify where outside support may be helpful. Whether planning in-house or exploring partnerships, this tool will help you plan with clarity and purpose.

Growth & Transition at Event Garde

We’re thrilled to share some exciting growth and transitions on the Event Garde team! Kara has been promoted to Senior Director of Operations, Lindsay steps into the new role of Director of Client Engagement and Krista transitions to Senior Consultant.

Wellbeing at Work: Building a Culture of Care in Associations [Podcast Episode]

In this episode of Associations NOW Presents, guest host Aaron Wolowiec chats with Tara Davis, senior director, internal communications and staff wellbeing at the American Psychological Association, about the growing importance of wellness in high-stress industries like associations and hospitality.

Event Garde Releases New Strategic Planning White Paper

Whether you're hiring Event Garde, working with another facilitator, or leading planning on your own, this resource outlines our participatory, equity-centered approach and offers practical tools and considerations to support strategy development, alignment, and implementation within your organization.

The Evolving Meetings & Events Experience: A Conversation with Aaron Wolowiec

In this TSAE Better By Association podcast episode, hosts Steven Stout and Katy Markert along with guest Aaron Wolowiec explore what’s shaping the future of meetings and events and deliver practical tips and big-picture trends to keep you ahead of the curve.

USAExtra Issue 4.14.25: ASAE Names Five to 2025 Class of Fellows

ASAE is inducting a quintet of association industry stalwarts into its Fellows program who will join a group of more than 300 professionals to have received the designation. This elite quintet includes Event Garde's own, Aaron Wolowiec.

ASAE Names Five Visionary Leaders to 2025 Class of Fellows

ASAE announced that Aaron Wolowiec was selected to the 2025 Class of ASAE Fellows – an honor that recognizes exemplary leadership and enduring contributions to the association profession.

CET Talks: Accreditation, Learning and Leadership [Podcast]

Training doesn’t have to be stagnant—inject creativity into your sessions and inspire real transformation! Aaron reveals how curiosity and imagination can unlock the potential of your training environments. Learn how to design learning experiences that go beyond the practical and engage learners on every level.

Creating Engaging Meetings: A Blueprint for Success

This article by Aaron Wolowiec was featured in MSAE's IMPACT Magazine Summer 2024 edition. The article can be found on pages 24-25.

DFWAE Announces Aaron Wolowiec as One of Their Outstanding Star Award Recipients for 2023-2024

Aaron Wolowiec received the Star Award for his contributions to the DFWAE Programs & Education Committee.

Creating Magic Through Belonging in Your Association with Aaron Wolowiec of Event Garde [Podcast]

In this episode of The Association Adviser Podcast, host Christine Shaw and guest Aaron Wolowiec dive deep into the world of creating intentional and meaningful experiences that drive member engagement and foster growth.

CMP Spotlight: Get to Know Aaron Wolowiec, CMP Fellow

This article from Smart Meetings puts the spotlight on Event Garde's Founder & President - Aaron Wolowiec!

Facilitation Excellence: Unlocking the Power of Effective Group Dynamics

This article by Aaron Wolowiec and Lowell Aplebaum was featured in SBO Quarterly, March 2024 edition.

The Unique Value of Facilitation: An Investment Worth Making

This article by Dilhara Muthukuda was shared in the 2023 | Issue 4 edition of Focus North a publication from Associations North.

Event Garde Recognized as Certified LGBT Business Enterprise

On Sept. 21, 2023, Event Garde achieved Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (Certified LGBTBE®) certification through the NGLCC Supplier Diversity Initiative, becoming nationally recognized as a diverse supplier among more than 2,000 certified LGBTBEs.

Enhance Your Facilitation Know-How

The Membership Management Report (July 2023) features this article in their Facilitation Tips and Tricks section that was written based on an interview with Aaron Wolowiec & Lowell Aplebaum. You can jump to this article on page 6.

Have a Comprehensive Policy and Approach in Place

The Membership Management Report (July 2023) features this article in their Event Liability Issues section that was written based on an interview with Aaron Wolowiec. You can jump to this article on page 5.

New Facilitation Methods for Today’s Meetings

The Membership Management Report (May 2023) features this article in their Meetings Management section that was written based on an interview with Aaron Wolowiec. You can jump to this article on page 4.

Redesigning Association Meetings for Attendees Fundamentally Changed by the Pandemic

This article written by Aaron Wolowiec was featured in the Tennessee Society of Association Executives' TNSAEConnect - Magazine Winter 2023 edition.

6 DEI Questions to Ask on Your Next RFP

This article, written by Aaron Wolowiec, was featured in TSAE's January/February 2023 issue of Association Leadership.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Monitoring Tool

This monitoring tool, created by Krista Rowe and Aaron Wolowiec, is in draft form. Facilitators are encouraged to utilize this tool as a work in progress and to offer feedback for further refinement. Ultimately, it’s intended to provide facilitators with a structured method to identify and reflect on participation successes and opportunities for improvement — particularly by participants from historically underrepresented groups.

Experts see facilitation as ‘next frontier’ for group leaders

In the Dec. 9, 2022, edition of CEO Update, Aaron Wolowiec is quoted in a cover story by William Ehart titled, "Experts see facilitation as 'next frontier' for group leaders." Among other advice, Aaron shares five tips for effective meeting facilitation, including a focus on creativity, clear aims, participation, ground rules, and documentation.

Redesigned Meetings for Pandemic-Changed Attendees

On Thursday, Nov. 3, 2022, Aaron Wolowiec presented a session on "Redesigned Meetings for Pandemic-Changed Attendees" during the Associations North Meeting Planners Symposium. Organized in a grid format, this handout helps examine some of the ways our attendees are fundamentally different as a result of the COVID-19 global pandemic, why it matters, and the tangible design edits you might consider for your upcoming meetings and events to better meet their new and evolving needs and expectations.

MSAE and Safe Meetings Partners Receive 2022 Governor’s Awards for Innovative Tourism Collaboration

In April 2022, the Tourism Industry Coalition of Michigan's 2022 Governor's Award for Innovative Tourism Collaboration was awarded to the Safe Meetings in Michigan Task Force. Aaron Wolowiec and Kate Pojeta from the Event Garde team are noted as collaborators on the Task Force.

20 Key Considerations Before “Going Hybrid”

Hybrid meetings often require a different design plan than meetings either 100 percent virtual or 100 percent in-person. Following are 20 key considerations before you just "go hybrid". This article authored by Aaron Wolowiec was featured on the Institute for Organization Management's Blog.

Strategic Planning Overview

As a Certified ToP Facilitator and Mentor Trainer, Aaron Wolowiec is often called on by organizations to facilitate strategic planning. Usually, the aim is to identify long-term organization strategy and to generate shorter-term operational plans intended to help guide staff implementation; however, this process is equally effective at the department, team, product, and service level. Learn more about Event Garde’s proven three-part strategic planning process.

Wołowiec & Donahoo Coauthor PPAM Chapter on Healthy Vendor Relationships

This new, fourth edition covers all the primary areas of association and nonprofit management. The successor to one of five core resources for those preparing for the CAE Exam, Professional Practices in Association Management is considered a cornerstone publication of the body of knowledge of association management.

What to Know When Hosting Your Association Event Outdoors

The pandemic has forced us to get creative with where we eat, learn and connect. Will a shift to outdoor events be in our future? Aaron is quoted throughout this article from Association Forum.

Planning a Return to In-Person Meetings

This article by Aaron Wolowiec was recently published as part of the Texas Society of Association Executive's July/August 2021 issue of Association Leadership magazine.

Recalibrating the Copy-and-Paste Event: 9 Deceptively Simple Questions You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Here are nine sets of key questions to consider when working with clients as part of an event analysis before ever jumping into planning mode. This article authored by Aaron Wolowiec was featured on the Institute for Organization Management's blog.

Successful Associations Today Podcast with Mary Byers

Aaron Wolowiec, the founder and CEO of Event Garde, established the Healthy by Association community for people in stress-riddled association and hospitality industries to connect around a shared lifestyle and inspire each other to invest in their health. He was the guest for episode #49 of the podcast.

How CRPS Can Support Chapters with Virtual and In-Person Event Decisions and Design

To get the guidance CRPs and chapter leaders need to make the right decisions and provide the support chapters need to host safe events when the time is right; Billhighway tapped the expertise of Aaron Wolowiec, CAE, CMP.

What the Experts Say About In-Person Chapter Events for 2021

New questions are arising as CRPs figure out what advice or directives to give to chapters. Should chapters plan on in-person events and meetings this year? Can they provide a safe experience? Will members be ready? Is hybrid a viable option? Like you, Billhighway had more questions than answers so they turned to one of the brightest minds they knew on association and chapter events, Aaron Wolowiec, CAE, CMP (and holder of many other credentials).

Post-Pandemic Meetings: 10 Strategies for Reinventing Your Education Portfolio

This article by Aaron Wolowiec was featured by the Florida Society of Association Executives (FSAE) in their November/December newsletter.

Six Phases of Virtual Event Creation: Lessons Learned From Rapid Prototyping

Producing a virtual event can be difficult, particularly for groups forced to convert an education portfolio heavy on in-person events to digital formats for the first time. Moving forward, associations need to offer high-quality virtual and hybrid meetings that serve changing member needs and preferences. -- This article was featured by Associations Now Daily News and was written by Aaron Wolowiec and Chris Gloede.

Six Phases of Virtual Event Creation

Planning and producing a virtual event can be difficult, particularly for associations forced to convert an education portfolio heavy on in-person events to digital formats for the first time. Moving forward, associations must be better prepared to offer high-quality, but efficient virtual and hybrid meetings that serve the changing needs and preferences of members. -- This article was featured by AssociationAdvisor and was written by Aaron Wolowiec and Chris Gloede.

Podcast: How to Take Care of Your Virtual Event Participants

Event Garde team members Lindsay Gross and Kate Pojeta were featured on The Association Advisor Podcast where they explain specific strategies to prepare for and run a successful remote meeting.

Quick Tips For In-Person Events

For event planners hoping to transition to a post-pandemic in-person experience, a few tips to help ease the transition. Aaron was quoted in this article by Allison Torres Burtka featured by AssociationsNow.

Planning Your Face-to-Face Comeback

Associations were quick to convert their conferences to virtual events when COVID-19 halted in-person meetings. Looking ahead, associations and their attendees are eager to get back together face to face. But how? Aaron was quoted in this article by Allison Torres Burtka featured by AssociationsNow.

Top 10 Reasons to Exhibit at a Virtual Event

As organizations shift to virtual and hybrid events, we need to convince sponsors and exhibitors that there are still plenty of reasons to participate in this new environment. It is our job to make it as easy as possible for them to justify spending marketing dollars in a very different, and unknown, platform. By creating a "Top 10" list for our exhibitors and sponsors, we can help them clearly see the benefits. Here is an example of a "Top 10 Reasons to Exhibit at a Virtual Event."

The Complete Guide to Virtual Event Creation

Meeting managers, association professionals and education volunteers are quickly learning to self-manage their virtual events. The Complete Guide to Virtual Event Creation includes a 147-task checklist to ensure no detail is forgotten as you manage your own online meetings. Developed in partnership with Ricochet Chief Consultant Chris Gloede, this free report is a valuable resource for organizations of any size and scope planning online learning and networking experiences.

Intentional Marketing: Shaping Stories through the C.A.R.E. Model

In this guide to intentional marketing, Event Garde’s Director of Communications & Engagement outlines how her C.A.R.E. Model can be applied to support the expansion of a marketer’s creative toolbox. It provides guidance for organizations looking to shape authentic stories and messages that resonate with people from many different backgrounds and perspectives. Developed in partnership with Event Garde’s Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), this informative resource covers the four steps of C.A.R.E., features a self-assessment tool, includes a series of questions to consider when approaching this work, and provides numerous links to further reading and supports. If you would prefer a copy of this guide as a plain text word document, please email our Director of Communications & Engagement, Sara Krueger, at: [email protected]. (Note: This list is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or a legal opinion. Every matter is different and poses a unique set of facts and circumstances. Legal advice can only be provided after analysis of all the facts and circumstances of a particular matter. We suggest you consult with your organization's attorney if you wish to receive legal advice on a particular issue or matter.)

Event Garde Racial Equity Statement

In recognition of the current uprising in response to anti-black violence in our nation, Event Garde has issued a public statement on our commitment to racial equity. We commit to not being neutral on issues of injustice. We challenge you to name your commitment. If you are interested in learning and growing alongside us on this journey, please reach out. We are better together.

Communicating in a Crisis: Cultivating Connections and Creativity through C.A.R.E.

Whenever a crisis unfolds, changes happen quickly, requiring that we adjust how we work with each other and engage with those we serve. As marketers, we might feel like we’re entering a daily war room with loads of projects as organizations cancel or re-envision events, explore new programming, and strive to communicate effectively with their audiences. On the flipside, there might be a lack of work entirely as decisions get held up by those at the top. Even when obstacles loom large, marketers are natural problem-solvers and champions of innovation who have the ability to THRIVE in the face of adversity. In this guide to empathetic marketing, Event Garde’s Director of Communications & Engagement outlines her C.A.R.E Method, which outlines four simple steps that marketers can use to build creative momentum in uncertain times, advance practical solutions in response to concerns, and craft tangible strategies for long-term planning and engagement. (Note: This list is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or a legal opinion. Every matter is different and poses a unique set of facts and circumstances. Legal advice can only be provided after analysis of all the facts and circumstances of a particular matter. We suggest you consult with your organization's attorney if you wish to receive legal advice on a particular issue or matter.)

Video Made the Marketing Star: Tips for Capturing Compelling Video Content

Paragraphs rarely go viral. Videos do! More so than ever before, marketers are looking for a way to help their organizations and companies stand out from the crowd. Video is an excellent solution for grabbing the attention of those you wish to reach in a creative and engaging way. But making videos can be intimidating, especially if your team is remote and expertise, time, and resources are limited. Drawing on her background in film, Event Garde’s Director of Communications & Engagement created this handy list of tips and tricks for producing high-quality videos that will help you foster deeper connections with your audience. A variety of affordable equipment and software options are also explored. (Note: This list is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or a legal opinion. Every matter is different and poses a unique set of facts and circumstances. Legal advice can only be provided after analysis of all the facts and circumstances of a particular matter. We suggest you consult with your organization's attorney if you wish to receive legal advice on a particular issue or matter.)

Virtual Meeting Success Guide

Face-to-face meetings can be difficult enough to facilitate, but virtual meetings offer new layers of complexity: technology, distance and distractions (just to name a few!). Following are some tips and tricks to consider and implement before, during and after virtual meetings to help ensure all virtual meeting participants experience collaboration, engagement and productivity. Ideas range from thoughtful preparation, to skillful facilitation and intentional follow-through. (Note: This checklist is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or a legal opinion. Every matter is different and poses a unique set of facts and circumstances. Legal advice can only be provided after analysis of all the facts and circumstances of a particular matter. We suggest you consult with your organization's attorney if you wish to receive legal advice on a particular issue or matter.)

Telework Considerations Sample Checklist

Whether you or your organization is faced with the reality of telework for the first time, or you’re drawing upon current/past experiences, consider this sample checklist as a resource for making/supporting the transition from a brick-and-mortar office to a remote work environment. Tasks appear in no particular order and the list is non-exhaustive; however, it'll serve as a good conversation starter as both you and your team evaluate priorities. (Note: This checklist is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or a legal opinion. Every matter is different and poses a unique set of facts and circumstances. Legal advice can only be provided after analysis of all the facts and circumstances of a particular matter. We suggest you consult with your organization's attorney if you wish to receive legal advice on a particular issue or matter.)

25 Teambuilding Activities for a Remote Workforce

Whether it's two weeks or two months, having some fun teambuilding activities you can participate in while social distancing will ease some of the challenges employees face in becoming a remote workforce so quickly/unexpectedly. (Note: This list is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or a legal opinion. Every matter is different and poses a unique set of facts and circumstances. Legal advice can only be provided after analysis of all the facts and circumstances of a particular matter. We suggest you consult with your organization's attorney if you wish to receive legal advice on a particular issue or matter.)

Event Cancellation & Rebooking Sample Checklist

In light of COVID-19, a number of events are either canceling or rebooking. Should you find yourself in that position, consider this sample checklist as a starting place for decommissioning your event. Tasks appear in no particular order and the list is non-exhaustive; however, it'll serve as a good conversation starter as both you and your team evaluate tasks and priorities. (Note: This checklist is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or a legal opinion. Every matter is different and poses a unique set of facts and circumstances. Legal advice can only be provided after analysis of all the facts and circumstances of a particular matter. We suggest you consult with your organization's attorney if you wish to receive legal advice on a particular issue or matter.)

Event Garde and Scott Oser Associates Launch Association Assets Inventory

During a brand-new content session called "Inventory & Optimize Current Association Assets to Grow Engagement & Revenue," thought leaders Aaron Wolowiec and Scott Oser shared a one-page inventory of current association assets intended to help associations identify and then better leverage their current assets to grow engagement, attendance, membership and revenue. Following are the slides to the full session introducing this inventory and its intended use: http://bit.ly/2tKSQJ6.

Event Garde Partners with Naylor Association Solutions to Encourage Association Professionals to Invest in Their Health

Event Garde is now partnering with Naylor to make its innovative Healthy by Association initiative more accessible for associations to adopt, modify and share with meeting attendees, members and staff. The partnership will include visual, audio and printable resources for professionals wanting to improve their work-health balance.

What’s the Value of an Online Review?

This AssociationsNow article features ReviewMySpeaker.com - a site co-created by 100Reviews and Event Garde that is dedicated to verified, honest reviews of speakers from real decision-makers!

Moving Past Learning Styles and Embracing Learner Engagement

Featured in the Ask the Expert section of FORUM Magazine, FORUM asked Aaron some questions on how to engage learners in different ways and how associations can serve their member's educational needs better by doing just that.

The Role of Associations in the Educational Landscape

Aaron wrote this article for AssociationSuccess.org featured on August 1, 2019. Read his thoughts on how associations can cater to learners.

ToP Product Order Form

As certified ToP facilitators and qualified trainers, Aaron and Lindsay often use or refer to Technology of Participation books/resources, ACTION CARDS, sticky walls and adhesive spray as part of their presentations. Now you can order one or more of these products to support your facilitation work.

Review My Speaker Quick Start Guide

Dedicated to verified, honest reviews of speakers from real decision-makers, ReviewMySpeaker.com officially launched on Jan. 9, 2019. Reviewers, speakers, bureaus, chapters and others should use this quick start guide to plan their engagement with this game-changing review site.

Top 10 Podcast Episodes for 2018

We’re happy to announce that the podcast episode that Aaron (and Tracy King) participated in on February 6, 2018 was just announced as a Top 10 Leading Learning podcast episode of 2018.

A More Authentic Way to Connect Attendees With Exhibitors

Aaron and Lowell Aplebaum's eBook "Tradeshow (R)evolution" was featured in a PCMA's Convene Magazine article on December 19, 2018.

Association Thought Leaders Launch Tradeshow (R)evolution

The 50 attendance and revenue growth strategies outlined in this eBook are intended to seed the imagination for what’s possible. Tradeshow organizers are urged to intentionally establish event goals and then mix and match the ideas most relevant to their audience to create truly innovative, relevant, must-attend tradeshows for attendees and exhibitors alike.

Live from Connect Markeplace

Connect Marketplace is all about meeting with the best minds in the industry, they have the most interesting speakers from many industries and it’s a great time to well, connect! This weeks episode is an extended two-hour show with the best and brightest minds in the industry.

ISAE’s NEW Podcast: Online Education

As Fall kicks off the school year for many students, it seems perfect timing to discuss education. For many organizations, education is a year-round endeavor with more and more educational initiatives going online. To learn more about online education trends, opportunities, popular technologies, & much more, check out our Online Education podcast.

Introducing ReviewMySpeaker.com

View this brief video introducing ReviewMySpeaker.com

Meetings, Education & Professional Development Survey Report

Event Garde and Whorton Marketing & Research teamed up on this slick infographic unearthing the meetings practices of 382 associations in 12 participating state societies of association executives.

Survival Guide For A Hot Job Market

It seems as though everyone is hiring these days, and talented professionals have abundant job opportunities. Amid heightened competition for talent, smart associations are adjusting their recruitment strategies, increasing their focus on retaining the staff they have, and looking at new ways to harness an effective team—even if everyone isn’t on the payroll.

Event Garde & Limitless Association Solution Resource Announce New Partnership

Today, a new dawn is defined by the partnership between Limitless Association Solution Resource and Event Garde. This powerful new partnership combines two super star teams, creating the Ultimate Dream Team within the association education and credentialing spaces.

Association learner: Extreme skeptic or eternal optimist?

Aaron's article was featured on Association Advisor on June 11, 2018.

Z is for ... Zealous

Kristen's article was featured on page 8 of the May/June 2018 edition of Association Leadership.

Summer 2018 Michigan Meetings + Events Magazine

Aaron was featured as Best Meeting Professional in the Summer 2018 edition of Michigan Meetings + Events Magazine.

For a More Agile Association, Look to Newsrooms

Newsrooms are structured so that reporters can meet readers’ needs quickly. Likewise, associations can follow this model to more efficiently respond to their members’ needs. Three experts explain how to leave the telegram model behind and move toward an agile system.

Leading Learning Podcast

In this episode of the Leading Learning podcast, Celisa talks with Tracy and Aaron about the topic of learner engagement—including what it is and, just as importantly, what it isn’t — how to prime learners for engagement, and the importance of “constructing” learning experiences versus “manufacturing” them.

Association Impact

On pages 14-15, winners of the 16th Annual MSAE Diamond Awards are featured. Aaron won the Supplier Partner award!

New Year resolutions? Healthy By Association can help

Founded in 2017, HBA is a space for association and hospitality professionals, known in the community as #GoalGetters, to set goals, share workout accomplishments, exchange healthy recipes and, above all, stay motivated.

Results-Driven Event Marketing for the Discerning Attendee

Co-Authored by Scott Oser & Aaron Wolowiec, this article was featured on Association Advisor.

Analyze Your Professional Development Offerings

Aaron's article "Analyze Your Professional Development Offerings" is published on page two of the Membership Management Report.

Engaging Learners

This eBook is a guide to successfully designing engaging learning by Tracy King & Aaron Wolowiec.

8 Steps to Mobile App Activation

Check out the article '8 Steps to Mobile App Activation' on page 10 of the October/November 2017 edition of Focus North, co-authored by Kim Harwood & Aaron!

Open Mic - Hot Topics

Our editorial advisory board members talk about the shortage of hotels, technology must-haves and the next 'big thing.'

The Importance of Employee Engagement in Diversity & Inclusion

Q&A With Karen Tracey & Aaron Wolowiec: The Importance of Employee Engagement in Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity in Associations

The role of the Chief Staff Executive in creating a culture of diversity and inclusion is one of the major elements of consideration in today's association. Peter Spadafore, the guest host, interviewed two icons and leaders in ASAE's successful diversity initiative; Velma Hart, CAE and Aaron D. Wolowiec, MSA, CAE, CMP, CTA. Their conversation will help you understand the importance of setting a culture of inclusion and its significance on membership and staff relations.

How Inclusive Are Your Meetings?

Not everyone feels welcome at your meeting. And some of that could be your fault — because of your speaker lineup, marketing collateral, or something else that’s making them feel like they don’t belong there. Here’s how to open your program to your entire community.

8 Steps to Successful Mobile Activation

Thought leaders Aaron Wolowiec and Kim Harwood have created this user-friendly workbook in an effort to help you successfully activate your mobile app – no matter the platform you’re currently using. 

An Inside Guide to Web Redesign

Our current website is no longer meeting the needs of our internal and external audiences. I’m in the market for a web redesign, but I don’t know where to begin. Do have you any pointers?

Audit Secrets: Leveraging Your Inner Entrepreneurial Spirit

A learning audit is a systematic review of either a stand-alone program or an entire meetings portfolio to determine its strengths and weaknesses, with the aim of guiding subsequent improvements. Outcomes can include a stronger brand, an elevated reputation and more loyal participation. Following are seven entrepreneurial secrets, as originally imagined by Peter Economy for Inc.com, with a learning-audit spin.

Association Hunger Games: Victory or Defeat?

In the Association Hunger Games, the pitfalls are different from those faced by Katniss and Peeta, but still potentially deadly to your meeting, or to your organization itself. During a session Aaron presented at the ASAE Annual Meeting and Exposition in Nashville, he had the opportunity to address the challenges associations often face implementing strategy. They include lack of detailed planning and clear expectations, poor communication and prioritization, and lack of accountability.

Adhere to ADDIE: Guide event speakers with this instructional design process

Your association might not be in a position to hire an instructional designer. Fortunately, you can draw on a classic model, known as ADDIE, to guide the instructional design process. Consider how coaching your speakers in each of the following five ADDIE phases could result in quality instruction and an improved attendee experience.

Speaker Coaching: The Key to Unlocking Top-rated Conference Sessions

Improving conference presentations is an iterative process. Mastery does not occur overnight. Rather, repeat industry speakers should be provided ongoing learning guidance, opportunities to practice new knowledge and skills, meaningful feedback from seasoned colleagues and staff, and job aids that enhance retention and transfer.

7 Steps to Successful Site Inspections

Successfully navigating a site inspection isn’t easy; the key lies in advance plan- ning. Once you’ve considered all possible venues and narrowed your choices to no more than three, the following seven steps will lead you to an informed decision.

Train Your Brain: How to use John Medina’s Brain Rules in your next meeting

According to Brain Rules, by John Medina, people usually forget 90 percent of what they learn within 30 days. However, if you understand how the brain functions, you can greatly improve retention and application of new information.

The Meetings Report: Michigan’s first association meetings industry survey

Event Garde partnered with MSAE to develop and release a comprehensive, 65-question survey geared toward Michigan associations. We recognized the lack of Michigan-specific data and statistics and the need for benchmarking data depicting the meetings industry’s best practices.

How to Create Successful CSM-Planner Collaboration

When asked what they're most grateful for, suppliers and planners alike consistently list returned calls and emails, timely event changes, specificity and honesty about needs and expectations, and clear communication, even if it’s only to acknowledge a challenge and to indicate a solution is forthcoming.

Leveraging Brand Identity to Grow Meeting Attendance

The best brands strive to align customer expectations with extraordinary experiences. When executed successfully, these brands appear to have certain qualities that make them special or unique. Ultimately, it’s this balance between expectations and experiences that promotes brand identity and trust.

Place-based Education: Unlocking lessons from our local communities

The number of continuing education units required by attendees to maintain their professional designations often determines the number of break- out sessions offered at annual meetings. But as more emphasis is placed on the total conference experience, attendees are increasingly interested in getting out of the classroom and into the community.

Block Benefits: 15 reasons to book within the official group block

Booking within the group block is the right thing to do to support the organization and to ensure the event remains financially viable. It also offers attendees a broad range of benefits.

Exhibitor Success: The keys to achieving trade show benefits

First, understand that the person who completed the trade show agreement is not likely the person who will set up the display or staff the booth. Then, identify and communicate with key players early to ensure they’re leveraging activation opportunities before, during and after the show.

9 Secrets to Building a Volunteer Surplus

Although the benefits of a successful volunteer management program are many and varied, the complexities should not be underestimated. Given the right approach, however, the investment can be well worth it. Therefore, make it easy, enjoyable and beneficial for your volunteers to give back—and you will be rewarded tenfold.

Setting the Stage for Sponsorship Renewals

Post-event fulfillment reports consistently rank at the top of sponsors’ lists of the most valuable services provided by conference hosts. Indeed, according to the 2012 IEG/Performance Research Sponsorship Decision-Makers Survey, fulfillment reports tie audience research as the most important service provided by conference hosts.

More Creative Conference Formats

How planners are finding new ways to engage and educate attendees

Creative Conference Formats

How planners are finding new ways to engage and educate attendees

Youth and the Future of Associations

To survive and thrive, organizations need to bolster Millennial membership

When Your Hotel Cancels

How to mitigate the damage and save your meeting

8 Tips for Updating Internal Meetings

Incorporate useful content, interactivity, and networking opportunities to create a meaningful experience for attendees.

Feel Like a Firefighter at Work?

It's time to let a few of those fires burn out on their own and carve out some time in your work life for reflection and big-picture thinking.

Return on Learning: Start With the End in Mind

To compete with the volume of education options available to your members today, a clearly defined "return on learning" will guide your educational program design and show attendees exactly how they will benefit from it.

Networking: The Job-Search Tool That Trounces All Others

For young professionals, having the right professional network can make the job search a whole lot easier.

What’s Next for Tradeshows?

Is the tradeshow dying? A new ASAE report examines the future of tradeshows and identifies five scenarios for what they might look like in 2016. How will your association's event change?

Prep Work: Getting Ready for a Conference

Attending a large conference requires some preparation—whether packing, list-making, or picking out sessions to attend and people to meet. What’s the best way to make sure you go in prepared?

Make Your Conference More Inclusive

What does your conference say about who is welcome in your community? Maybe not what you want it to say, if your speakers and attendees all look and sound the same. Associations that intend to remain relevant are making changes and pursuing strategies to design more inclusive meeting experiences.

How to Lead on Conference Diversity

Including a variety of people at your events is great. But a broader discussion of diversity involves closely understanding the sensitivities of the members in the room—and of the ones who decided not to show up.

Advancing Association Meetings By Exploring the Learning Brain

Without key insights and takeaways, professional development investments are wasted. However, as more organizations offer continuing education both to support their strategic missions and to deliver business results, the threshold to meet or exceed the increasingly sophisticated expectations of attendees is changing.

7 Entrepreneurial Secrets for Auditing Your Meetings Portfolio

Approximately 27 million working-age Americans are currently starting or running new businesses. What if you could replicate the secrets of their startup success within your own department or organization?

Association Hunger Games

For association executives, implementing a well-planned strategy can be like entering the Hunger Games arena.

EduTours: Enhance Learning Through Place-Based Education

EduTours lure conference attendees out of the classroom and into the community to not only gain exposure to real-world problem-solving, but also to apply these lessons learned to present-day association challenges in a fun and collaborative way.

CMP Prep Program Goes Virtual

The Certified Meeting Professional Advisory Council takes the successful face-to-face program virtual.

Strategic Meeting Audits: Leveraging Data to Improve ROI

Are you under the impression that all associations are experiencing diminished attendance at their in-person events? Has your organization's meeting function experienced a year-over-year revenue decline - however slight - since the 2007 recession?

CMP Prep Program Gets A Redesign

The Certified Meeting Professional Advisory Council has refocused the CMP preparation course to reflect less memorization.

Michigan Meetings + Events Very Important Pros You Need to Know

Aaron Wolowiec started "teaching" when he was in elementary school...

Prospects Are Endless: MSAE’s 2013 Rising Leaders

Association Impact caught up with the four very dynamic MSAE Rising Leader honorees and captured their perspectives on what it's like to be a young professional working in associations.

The Meetings Report

Shortly after launching my consulting practice in 2011, I realized that both my clients and I could benefit from benchmarking data on meetings industry best practices. However, the data and statistics that currently exist are largely national in scope. For a variety of reasons, the Michigan experience is different than that of associations operating inside the Beltway.

The Meetings Report

The Meetings Report was written by Aaron Wolowiec & Alex Kontras. This report represents the firstever Michigan association meetings industry survey and key recommendations examining the characteristics of senior education/professional development staff, characteristics of association meetings, professional speaker hiring practices, industry speaker preparation and compensation, and meeting evaluation practices.