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Top 10 Things I Loved About PCMA 2012
Posted on January 23, 2012 by Astrid Schrier
While there were many highlights to choose from, I managed to narrow it down to ten favorites…
Who Needs Core Values? (hint: YOU!)
Posted on January 16, 2012 by Bob Waller
Seems like everyone is writing about the need for companies to have a set of core values – Verne Harnish (Mastering the Rockefeller Habits), David Friedman (Fundamentally Different) and Tony Hsieh (Delivering Happiness) and others. So why all this emphasis on a company having a set of core values?
Setting up Shop: Opportunities for Your Association in Singapore
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Brian Riggs
As a company that manages professional societies and associations we continue to strive to stay ahead of trends impacting our client partners. One of these trends is the rise in global outreach, membership and collaboration. To move our global efforts even further, I recently traveled to Singapore where I sat down with the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), to discuss the associations and the association community in Singapore and the Asia Pacific. Our conversation revealed some fascinating insights about the non-profit community in this region as well as practical advice for any organization that is interested in growing its presence in this part of the world.
Not our usual Holiday Party
Posted on December 09, 2011 by Brian Riggs
Every year Association Headquarters holds an annual holiday party. Last year it was at a local bowling alley where staff was divided into teams to engage in some friendly competition. The year before was at a local restaurant. However, this time we decided to take a different approach: we empowered our Social Responsible Committee to put together this year’s party and we’re very excited about this afternoon’s affair.
Thoughts and Tips from Tech11
Posted on December 09, 2011 by Communications Department
We have put together our ten favorite thoughts and tips from ASAE’s Technology Conference & Expo, which took place this past week in Washington, D.C.
AH Heads to DC for ASAE Tech Conference
Posted on December 06, 2011 by Bob Waller
As an association management company, AH is committed to investing in technology and for this reason, we are sending three of our team members to Washington, D.C., to attend the ASAE Technology Conference and Expo. Brian, David and Tim will blog and tweet from the conference, as well as present a recap of what they learned and provide best practices to all AH staff.
6 Tips to Successful Search Engine Optimization
Posted on October 31, 2011 by Sarah Penn
Your organization’s website contains pertinent information for members and non-members, but do you know how to market this information so people know how useful it really is? Search engine optimization (SEO) is an alternative form of advertising to the traditional banner ad. Once you understand how to fully utilize SEO, it is a marketing tool to help drive traffic to your site.
QR Q & A
Posted on October 14, 2011 by Communications Department
With continuous developments in mobile marketing, QR codes, or Quick Response codes, allow businesses to deliver immediate content to their consumers’ finger tips. One scan of a QR code and your phone will take you to websites, discount coupons, videos, or other information the organization chooses to provide. A QR code is a marketing tool companies all over the world are utilizing to promote their businesses. Chris Buoni, Vice President of New Business Development at Perfect Printing, shares his expertise on QR codes with Association Headquarters.
Courage: The Underdog
Posted on September 19, 2011 by Bob Waller
One of the often overlooked traits of a good leader is courage. Whether you are a high school coach, CEO or volunteer leader in your community, you show courage on a daily basis. Even though it took getting a medal, the cowardly lion from the Wizard of Oz practiced courage, and didn’t even recognize it.
Building Consensus in a Leadership Role
Posted on September 09, 2011 by Bob Waller
After reading a Harvard Business Review blog post by Steve W. Martin regarding whether salesman are born or made, I started thinking about leadership. Are true leaders born with a certain DNA, or made based on the environment they find themselves? How does this debate manifest itself for individuals serving as leaders for non-profit organizations?
Late Summer Reading List
Posted on September 02, 2011 by Victoria Elliott
A few weeks ago at Barnes & Noble, I splurged on some new summer reading. Most of it was fiction, but there were a couple of legitimate reads thrown in.
Attracting Younger Members to Your Association
Posted on August 26, 2011 by Karen Peterson
I remember my first ASAE Great Ideas Conference because my hotel caught fire. I ignored the alarm, convinced it was a drill, until the manager banged on my door and herded me down the stairs. Hours later, fire out, no electricity, we were allowed to return to our rooms, each with a handful of glow sticks. The other thing I remember about that conference is a presentation by Sarah Sladek, author of The New Recruit. Sarah argued associations were on the path to extinction unless they found ways to engage and recruit young members.
ASAE 2011 - 5 Days of Engagement and Education Part 2
Posted on August 19, 2011 by Amy Williams
Good morning and happy Friday! As promised last week, here’s my recap of Northern Illinois University Association Resource Center’s session, “Engage Today’s Students for Tomorrow’s Members and Leaders” from ASAE 2011!
The First Two Weeks: A Global Perspective on ASAE 2011
Posted on August 15, 2011 by Communications Department
After arriving in Philadelphia, Marica spent her first several days at the AH office learning, networking and teaching. The original plan was to have her spend most of her time here, while traveling to nearby cities (Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C.) during the weekends. Enter ASAE 2011.
ASAE 2011 - 5 Days of Engagement and Education Part 1
Posted on August 12, 2011 by Amy Williams
I recently returned from the 2011 ASAE Annual Meeting. There were a lot of great sessions at the conference this year and I learned a lot and wanted to share some key points…
The First 48 Hours at AH: A Global Perspective
Posted on August 02, 2011 by Communications Department
In 2010, Association Headquarters (AH) and the AIM Group International developed an alliance in order to assist clients in expanding their reach globally. In doing so, each company was also afforded the opportunity to open their doors to a new kind of association and nonprofit management. Through this alliance, both companies have access to best practices, customs and cultures woven through the association community from Philadelphia to Prague to Milan.
AH is Proud to be Exhibiting at IMEX 2011, Booth C580
Posted on May 09, 2011 by Brian Riggs
On 24-26 May in Frankfurt, Association Headquarters will be attending IMEX, an international trade show for travel, meetings and events, for the first time with its own booth after establishing an alliance with the AIM Group International.
What Board Members Need to Know to Prepare for A Board Meeting
Posted on March 16, 2011 by Michele Biordi
(But Staff Is Sometimes Afraid to Tell)
Encourage Dating at Your Next Conference
Posted on March 09, 2011 by Brian Riggs
A speedy way to meet, greet and network with CVBs and other AMC vendors.
Winging It: Live Tweeting Lessons Learned
Posted on March 02, 2011 by Margot MacKay
Is your event sending “Tweet At Your Own Risk” vibes to attendees? How to be sure you’re providing a social-media-friendly environment.
Fail Fast, Fail Smart
Posted on February 21, 2011 by David Comdico
It was 7:30 in the morning, and my colleague Brian Riggs and I were preparing for a presentation to give to the Philadelphia-area chapter of the Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA) when my mind turned to failure. It wasn’t that I was anxious about the upcoming presentation; we had done our work and were prepared for the day. No, instead, my twitter stream alerted me to a breaking story: the CEO of Nokia had sent out a company-wide internal memo that had been leaked to the media. The short version of it went: “We blew it.”
Make Them Look Up
Posted on January 18, 2011 by Brian Riggs
Over the holidays I became a fan of Wegmans Food Markets, a growing supermarket chain that sat atop the 2005 Fortune 100 “Best Companies to Work for List.” If you’ve ever been to one then you know it has outstanding food at reasonable prices and the in-house market makes you think you’re somewhere other than heading for the baked goods aisle.
Dear AH
Posted on December 09, 2010 by Nina Casella
What are you thankful for this holiday season? Laurie McNichol, a Past President of WOCN, is thankful for AH!
Seize Your Salad!
Posted on November 24, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
“Leaf” it to Caitlin!
Open Community Book Review
Posted on November 19, 2010 by Association Resources
One of the unique perspectives an association management company provides to the association community is the chance to participate in several “communities” on any given day. At AH, there are days that our communications team touches or is touched by just about every one of our 27 partners, which is the reason we jumped at the chance to be a part of the Open Community virtual book tour.
Make Way for Ducklings!
Posted on November 17, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
Feathered festivities at 2nd Annual ASE
Every Little Bit Helps
Posted on November 10, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
Supporting the Troops...One Donation at a Time
All Buttoned Up
Posted on November 03, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
Building blocks to success: IPTA’s Institutional Support Program
25 Years Should Be Gold, Not Silver
Posted on October 29, 2010 by Deb Cullinan
I was asked to write a blog on my involvement in AH’s accreditation, but thought I would write about my 25 year history at AH instead. It is definitely a more fun topic than a story about providing evidence of insurance coverage to auditors! So….here we go! One rainy afternoon in spring, a baby girl, weighing 5 lbs. was born in a hospital…..I’m kidding. Seriously this time, here we go!
When Soft News is Furry
Posted on October 27, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
NAPPS in the News
Birds of a Feather
Posted on October 20, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
Product Development and Management Association 34th Annual Conference
Your Priceless Professional Network
Posted on October 15, 2010 by Mark Adkins, PDMA VP of Marketing
Read one association board member’s anecdote, and then try to identify YOUR priceless professional networking moments!
AMM Bowls the Night Away
Posted on October 13, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
Association of Medical Media (AMM) members, industry professionals and breast cancer advocates gathered to bowl the night away on October 7, 2010 at Leisure Time Bowl in New York City.
Don’t Forget Paper
Posted on October 08, 2010 by Frank Scussa
You can’t swat flies without it. You can’t clean up a spill without it. You can’t make a paper plane without it. And maybe attendees at your conference can’t learn as well without it either.
It’s “Hip” to be Square
Posted on October 06, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
OARSI travels to Brussels
Enhancing the “Taste” of Your Meeting
Posted on October 01, 2010 by Chris Brown
As meeting, event and exhibit planners, it’s not uncommon to hear compliments from attendees about the quality of the food and beverage choices, especially when we take extra steps to enhance an opening reception, the keynote luncheon or snack breaks with something special.
Generally speaking, everyone begins the eating experience with a preliminary visual olfactory (smell) assessment—the taste buds only come into play only after we’ve decided the food in question looks and smells tasty enough to eat. Needless to say, we all prefer interesting, tempting, delicious meals even while attending conferences. Why not take a few steps to create a treasured event?
Lending A Hand
Posted on September 29, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
ASHT member chronicles therapy-focused Mission trip to Haiti.
Sitting on the Fence: How Committing to a Position Statement Can Define Your Organization
Posted on September 24, 2010 by Victoria Elliott
Is your association prepared with previously-drafted position statements? What they are, and why you need them, from one Executive Director’s perspective.
Hello Down There!
Posted on September 22, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
Spot the safe sleep products!
From Computer Screens to Hairnets: Volunteering at MANNA
Posted on September 17, 2010 by Nina Casella
AH staff volunteer with MANNA
When Pigs Fly
Posted on September 15, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
Are you keeping current with your meeting and events industry publication reading? If so, you might know where this image recently appeared. Take a guess!
Association Leaders Head Back to School
Posted on September 10, 2010 by Brian Riggs
What’s in your association leadership backpack?
WOCN and WCET in Phoenix, Arizona
Posted on September 08, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
Eager to meet conference attendees, Wound Ostomy Continence Nurses (WOCN) Society staff members Heather Martinek and Becky Dryden pause for a photo at WOCN’s Joint Conference with the World Council of Enterostomal Therapists (WCET), June 16-20, 2010 in Phoenix, Arizona.
Point, Click and Shoot! Taking Association Pictures in a Snap.
Posted on September 03, 2010 by Priscilla Rodriguez
Seven tips to ensure taking pictures of your association is easy, fun and affordable!
Warning: Frozen fruit bars have been known to cause smiling.
Posted on September 01, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
AH has partnered with Dreyer’s and Edy’s® for the purpose of providing a unique opportunity to healthcare professionals who play a role in the lives of children and families affected by cancer.
Say “cheese!” Putting your association photos to work for you.
Posted on August 27, 2010 by Linda Woody
Many organizations hire professional photographers to record meetings and events. This can become a costly expense, so what can your organization do to reduce the price tag and take advantage of those pictures captured?
Meetings in the Magic Kingdom
Posted on August 25, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
Where has your association taken you on the road? Which locations did you love?
Five Tips for Writing the Perfect President’s Letter
Posted on August 20, 2010 by Erik Caplan
Presidents of trade associations are fearless, take-charge people—they delegate responsibilities, mediate discussions and initiate changes in their organizations. But when it comes to writing a president’s letter for their association’s publications, there can be struggles to put the words on the paper. Why does this happen?
To The Point
Posted on August 18, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
Oh, the places OARSI goes! The Osteoarthritis Research Society International’s…
Can I Get A Hand?
Posted on August 11, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
Made by hand, and giving a hand: A hand-themed donated item on display…
How to Hit the Jackpot – Before You Get to the Casino
Posted on August 06, 2010 by Margot MacKay
MASAE recently shared that Association Headquarters will be offering one $250 scholarship to attend its Annual Conference.
Working Girls
Posted on August 04, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
At the site of AH’s July 28 Habitat for Humanity build, AH volunteers take a break from their projects to show off the front of the home.
Hammer Time!
Posted on August 04, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
Eagerly waiting to “build” on their enthusiasm, AH volunteers smile at the start of their Habitat for Humanity build in Camden.
Chic to be Cheap
Posted on July 30, 2010 by Sarah Gazi
Economic challenges are affecting everyone today. Families are pinching pennies, impacting everything from vacations to cable television. Businesses are cutting expenses on staff and overhead. So why would associations be any different?
“Glow” Get ‘Em!
Posted on July 28, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
Plans are shaping up for the Product Development and Management Association’s Technology Showcase at the 2010 Global Conference!
Follow the AMC Road
Posted on July 22, 2010 by Nina Casella
At Association Headquarters, Eric Mason is the resident Transition Coordinator, the team member who facilitates a client partner’s operational shift into our headquarters. Ironically, Eric’s initial weeks at AH were less of a smooth transition and more of a “baptism by fire.”
Summit Spotlights Safety
Posted on July 21, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
JPMA joins CPSC Chair at the table to focus on ensuring the safety of babies and toddlers.
The Land of Windmills
Posted on July 14, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
During his travels, Brian Riggs captured this iconic shot in Holland.
AH Travels The Globe
Posted on July 07, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
AH travels the globe: The Coliseum in Rome and Brian Riggs, Assistant Vice President of Business Development. Brian recently traveled to Europe to meet with the Board of Directors for a nonprofit group.
ILTS in Hong Kong
Posted on June 30, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
How often do lion dancers make an appearance at your meeting’s opening ceremonies?
Should I place my napkin on my lap before I type?
Posted on June 15, 2010 by Nina Casella
A recent dining adventure to the ChopHouse in Gibbsboro, NJ led me to consider proper table etiquette. After I finished eating, I placed my utensils on the plate in the manner which I thought indicated that I was finished. To the chagrin of Emily Post and my grandfather (Sorry, Pop) – I found out I was wrong. Later that night, I considered recounting my mistake via Facebook status and polling my friends to see who knew the correct utensil formation. While drafting my status, I began to think about etiquette on a broad scale, and also in terms of the etiquette of social networking sites.
Four Tips on Going Global
Posted on May 25, 2010 by Brian Riggs
Day one of IMEX was terrific. Dubbed “Association Day” this event provides an opportunity for association professionals to network, learn, reconnect, and exchange ideas in an intimate, professional, yet uniquely “relaxed” atmosphere.
The first session was called Strategic Global Planning for Associations and it was led by Greta Kotler, CAE, and Chief Knowledge and Strategy Officer, ASAE. Panelists included Chip Deale of the CFA Institute, Helga Severyns of the International Association of Public Transport, and Luc Hendrickx of the International Diabetes Federation.
60 Days at AH
Posted on May 11, 2010 by Nina Casella
With a degree in Communication Studies, I have been exposed to different genres of communication in college: organizational, interracial, global, and even gender-specific. My classes typically focused on previously constructed theories on communication; theories that served as the basis for my academic hypotheses and conclusions. During my time in the classroom, two prominent forms of communication were absent from my studies: electronic and social communication. Although such genres are relatively new to the communication field, my time at AH has made me aware of distinct advances and shifts in their maturation.
Ready, Set… Strategize!
Posted on May 03, 2010 by Elizabeth Cies
Is your company or non-profit struggling with communications? Like many companies, Association Headquarters continues to adapt, adjust, and experiment with social media and social technologies. Recently, after a few emails back and forth between our marketing and public relations team, we met for an impromptu brainstorming question to discuss the use of Twitter. What arose from this meeting was an updated strategy and approach and to our surprise, a renewed excitement within our team over strategy.
Not only did we walk out of the meeting with a solid plan, we were thrilled to have developed our strategy within thirty minutes. What’s our secret?
Number Crunching
Posted on April 28, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
Lots of number crunching occurs on a daily basis in our accounting department! A number-filled receipt snakes to the floor of Vice President of Finance Don’s office.
Mosquito Alert!
Posted on April 16, 2010 by Wordless Wednesday
The American Mosquito Control Association’s Executive Director Sarah Gazi, CAE, communicates cautionary messages through her office decorations.
30 Days at AH
Posted on April 07, 2010 by Nina Casella
On May 16, 2009, I walked on stage and happily accepted my diploma from the President of my college. On May 16, 2009, I also became unemployed. From that point, I began to apply incessantly to new positions, and I took a job as a paralegal in the interim. However, on February 1, 2010, I received an e-mail about an available position. Brian Riggs, the Director of Business Development at Association Headquarters, stated that…
Cornerstone Communication
Posted on March 15, 2010 by Brian Riggs
Don’t let a fear of the past or a fear of technology keep your organization from moving forward with its communication initiatives.
I was recently asked to share my thoughts about whether contemporary communication tools (Twitter, Facebook, Foursquare) are just fads destined to fade away or realistic replacements for old ways of communicating (telephone, e-mail, newsletter). My response surprised me.
Gratefulness and Volunteering
Posted on November 24, 2009 by Elizabeth Cies
With the holiday season approaching, it’s important to pause and reflect on those things in life for which you are grateful. Personally, in light of the economic hardships our country is facing, this year I’m particularly grateful for the most basic necessities: food, a roof over my head, a job, transportation, and a loving family.
Social Media Flower for Volunteer Leaders
Posted on November 14, 2009 by Brian Riggs
In my role at Association Headquarters I often assist our client partners in developing strategies that implement social media into their communication plans. Shortly after ASAE 2009, where I witnessed David Nour map out a communication plan and had several conversations with Maddie Grant from Social Fish, I had a brainstorm and got to work on what I call the Social Media Flower.
Happy Halloween from AH!
Posted on October 30, 2009 by Brian Riggs
One of my favorite things about being at AH during Halloween is when the little kids from the local daycare parade through our office on their annual AH trick or treat trek. This year’s visitors featured a variety of characters including Frankenstein, Spiderman, Nemo, Batman (or Batgirl), and a member of the Philadelphia Eagles. (Aren’t they playing away this week?) Nothing gets me ready to set out the bucket-o-candy like a mid-afternoon visit from mini goblins and Disney’s finest.
Presents 4 Pets
Posted on October 22, 2009 by Cathleen Delaney
Each year, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) conducts its “Presents 4 Pets” (P4P) campaign, a nationwide collection drive in conjunction with the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week to benefit pet shelters. The 2009 HSUS National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week takes place November 1-7th.
Our Culture in Action
Posted on October 09, 2009 by Elizabeth Cies
Here at AH, we talk a lot about our unique culture. I think I can speak on behalf of my coworkers in saying our company’s working environment is not only professional, friendly, and at times fun, but most importantly, our culture is comprised of compassionate and supportive individuals who care about each other and society.
From the Social Responsibility Committee
Posted on July 28, 2009 by Nick Spencer
The topic of Corporate Social Responsibility has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Most companies have adopted a credo that speaks to this very topic. At AH, we’ve established a Social Responsibility Committee to advance social causes and charity events that are important to AH and its employees. AH is committed to fostering a culture that reinforces the spirit of volunteerism, the enthusiasm of our employees, and the vitality of our communities.
The Value of Project Outsourcing
Posted on June 29, 2009 by Mike Dwyer
I was recently interviewed for an article on outsourcing projects to association management companies (AMCs). The author seemed a bit unsure of this concept, figuring AMCs only provided full service management. In fact, doing project work for “stand alone” organizations – facilitating strategic planning sessions, managing meeting or conferences, designing Web sites, providing membership support services – is developing into a growing segment of our business.
Navigating the Social Networking “Jungle”
Posted on June 01, 2009 by Bob Waller
Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Second life – we are all being over run with where is the best source for us to participate in the social networking explosion. The point now is not whether we should be engaged, but how!
Communicating Volunteerism in Time
Posted on May 18, 2009 by Brian Riggs
Unless you’ve spent time with my three-year-old daughter you might have a difficult time understanding what “schweeze,” “moring,” and “ship shops” are. To her, these words are “squeeze,” as in “daddy squeeze my popsicle,” “morning,” and the best of all, “flip flops.” Eventually she will correct her pronunciation, and I have to confess I am not looking forward to that day…
Fumbling with Facebook
Posted on May 08, 2009 by Bob Waller
What term strikes the biggest fear into company presidents like me? Facebook! In running an organization of mainly young, bright, client-centric individuals, I am surrounded by people using social media. They have been extolling the value and uses of tools like Facebook but until recently I was one of those folks convinced this entire social media explosion was just a passing fad.
Certified Nurses Day
Posted on March 20, 2009 by Brian Riggs
After 36 years I finally began to understand just how valuable nurses are to the fabric of our society. A few years back a member of my family fell sick and was hospitalized for some time, throwing me directly into the daily lives of nurses without any warning or instructions. Fortunately, it was nurses that kept me and my family at ease, took care of our loved one, and ultimately, and I was only able to understand through the advantage of hindsight, helped my family get through a difficult time in our lives.
What I Learned from my Trip to China
Posted on March 10, 2009 by Chris Brown
I recently returned from a trip to Changsha, Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China where I was giving a lecture for Certified Exposition Managers (CEM). The purpose of the trip was to educate trade and event managers on the topic of project management – both the theory and practical application – but what I got in return was much more valuable.
It was well over two years ago that I attended the International Association of Exhibitors…
New Technology: Blessing or a Curse
Posted on December 31, 2008 by Jeanette Driscoll
Technology: Computers, cell phones, BlackBerries, iPods, iPhones—they let us talk on the phone while checking messages and monitoring our schedule, but have these gadgets brought us more time to relax, stronger relationships, or helped us work faster and better? Or have they just driven us to distraction?
We grew up thinking we had to finish our homework before going out to play. Now our homework seems unending.
Volunteers, Membership Growth, and Green
Posted on October 21, 2008 by Brian Riggs
Volunteers and members are at the heart of every association. Associations depend on volunteers to provide leadership and guidance, to assist with events and programs, to recruit members, and to help raise funds when necessary. Their role is to ensure that the association serves the needs of its members. Members, on the other hand, are the association’s reason for being and in many instances provide an important source of revenue for the association. Combined these two groups represent essential elements to every association.
A View of Association Management
Posted on October 02, 2008 by Bob Waller
Associations touch all aspects of our lives – they reflect the strength of our society – the spirit of volunteerism! It is safe to say that our society, economy, and our way of life could not continue without all of the good work being done by associations.
Innovation – How Do You Do It?
Posted on October 02, 2008 by Mike Dwyer
Welcome to our little corner of the world, the newly redesigned Association Headquarters’ Web site. Prompted partially by the celebration of AH’s 30th year in the AMC business, our new Web site is, for us, an example of innovation as we see it.