In this episode of Association 4.0, we dive deep into how associations can harness the power of AI to stay ahead of the curve while navigating the challenges that come with misinformation, ethical dilemmas, and rapidly evolving technology.
Join Kelly Lakas, CEO and Founder of Onyx Point Systems, and Chris Hinrichs, PhD, CTO and Co-Founder of Onyx Point Systems, as they discuss their company’s mission to provide AI-driven solutions that enhance accessibility, usability, and impact for associations. Together, they explore the fascinating world of AI, from understanding the difference between confabulations and hallucinations to addressing the limitations of commercial AI models.
They also share thought-provoking insights on how AI could even influence what we think and how associations can embrace AI in ways that will save time, reduce frustration, and keep their members engaged. With the AI boom in full swing, it’s clear that associations who jump on board now can offer innovative services, improving operations and enhancing global reach—especially when it comes to language translation.
But as with any new technology, there are risks. Kelly and Chris highlight the importance of vetting AI partners carefully to ensure they align with your association’s goals and values. They also touch on the parallels between the dot-com boom and today’s AI revolution, stressing how essential it is for associations to evolve to stay competitive.
Tune in to hear all this and more, including a fun tidbit on keeping cheese on a pizza with… Elmer’s glue?
Don’t miss this essential conversation on the future of AI in associations!

In this episode, we sat down with Eric O’Connor, the Chief Innovation Officer at the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA). Eric is a visionary leader whose transformative work in corporate ventures and technology modernization has reshaped the way AANA operates and engages with its members. Under his leadership, the association has seen impressive growth in membership, revenue, and member value.
With a background in marketing and photography, Eric’s journey from owning a photography studio to pioneering innovation in the nonprofit and association sectors is a testament to his commitment to serving others. In fact, he’s been volunteering and serving on boards since the age of 17 and has a unique perspective on leadership, collaboration, and creating value.
One of Eric’s most impactful moves at AANA was digging into five years of member surveys, uncovering a clear call for accessible, low-cost, on-demand education. This insight led to the idea of “Netflix-style” education for AANA’s members—an innovation that exemplifies how listening to your members can spark game-changing solutions.
Eric also shares his excitement about the future of AI in association management and encourages leaders to take action, even when conditions aren’t “perfect.” He challenges associations to think beyond traditional revenue streams, urging them to explore new ways to stay relevant and thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
Whether you’re an association leader or just someone passionate about innovation, this episode is packed with actionable insights and a call to stay curious, lead with purpose, and shape the future of associations together.
Tune in for a conversation about leadership, innovation, and the power of listening to your members!

In this episode, we sat down with AI Enthusiast and Chief Communications Officer, Liz Peuster, at the South Carolina Association of CPA’s, to talk about what the “secret sauce” is for associations looking to increase member value by utilizing AI to automate mundane tasks in the New Year. According to Liz, artificial intelligence is an incredible tool that staff can use to alleviate “boring tasks” so they have more time to devote to discovering more personable ways to connect with their members.
One way Liz and her team took advantage of AI was through member renewal reminders. By adding a few simple prompts into ChatGPT, Liz was able to refresh her entire member renewal campaign in a matter of minutes. This allowed Liz and her team the free time to focus on more ways that their organization could connect with members and enhance their experience.
This insightful conversation revealed how AI, while overwhelming at times, can positively shape an association and position it’s staff and it’s members for success in every way. Listen in to learn how Liz and her team are getting in front of the digital revolution and supporting their members along the way.

Join us for Episode 101 where Kevin Martlage delivered a presentation on leveraging business culture during difficult times, drawing from his 24 years of experience. He shared personal experiences handling various crises, from natural disasters to corporate transitions. Martlage emphasized three key pillars: transparency, intentionality, and trust. He explained how these elements help organizations bridge gaps between normal operations and post-crisis transformation. The presentation focused on practical ways to maintain and strengthen organizational culture during challenging times, particularly relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Martlage stressed the importance of clear communication plans, providing context for decisions, and maintaining transparency with team members. He highlighted how trust serves as the foundation for effective business culture and discussed strategies for building and maintaining it during uncertain times. Listen in!

In this special 100th episode of the Association 4.0 Podcast, join hosts Joanna Pineda of Matrix Group and Jason Wampler of the International Society of Automation (ISA) for a fascinating deep dive into the future of AI in associations. Jason shares how he and his team are implementing cutting-edge AI software to transform their organization, enhance member experiences, and deliver new, innovative services.
Discover how AI is reshaping the landscape for associations like ISA, as they leverage machine learning and generative AI to provide more personalized, efficient, and scalable solutions for their members. Learn how Jason’s team is training the AI to optimize processes, improve engagement, and create a brighter, more dynamic future in the digital age.
But it’s not just about the technology—Jason and Joanna also discuss the financial side of AI implementation. Whether you’re working with a modest budget or tens of thousands of dollars, there are options to integrate AI into your organization in a way that fits your resources. They break down how associations can approach AI investments, make smart choices, and ensure a high return on their technology spend.
As pioneers in the field, Jason and his team are leading the way for other associations looking to embrace AI and machine learning. This episode is a must-listen for association leaders, tech enthusiasts, and anyone interested in how AI can drive innovation and growth in today’s rapidly evolving digital world.
Tune in to celebrate our 100th episode and gain valuable insights into the transformative power of AI for associations, and how you can harness it to build a brighter, smarter future.
Why listen?

* Learn how AI is transforming the association world
* Hear about real-world AI implementation and training
* Get tips on budgeting for AI integration
* Discover how generative AI can boost your organization’s digital capabilities
* Join the conversation on the future of associations in the digital age

In this episode, Sharon Rice, Managing Director of Business Strategy at .orgSource, delves into the powerful application of decision trees for navigating complex business choices. Through three illuminating examples, Sharon demonstrates how this tool can guide decisions with clarity and precision. First, Sharon explores the decision-making process behind whether to work, shop online, or stay in bed, weighing costs and potential revenues. Next, Sharon examines the critical question of whether to hold, cancel, or transition a fall conference to a virtual format, factoring in registration costs and associated probabilities. Lastly, Sharon tackles the nuanced issue of dues billing for the upcoming three months, weighing options like continuing as planned, suspending billing, or offering extended grace periods. By employing the decision tree framework, Sharon highlights how businesses can quantify costs, revenues, and probabilities to make well-informed, data-driven choices. Throughout the discussion, she underscore the importance of not only vetting numerical data but also integrating both quantitative and qualitative considerations in the decision-making process.
Listen in!

Leveraging AI: Best Practices and Transformative Strategies for Associations – A Panel Discussion
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, artificial intelligence (AI) offers unprecedented opportunities for associations to enhance service delivery, member engagement, and operational efficiency. This panel discussion is designed to delve into the practical applications of AI within associations, illustrating how this transformative technology can be seamlessly integrated into their daily operations and long-term strategic initiatives.
Join us as we explore our panelists’ involvement in changes that are harnessing AI to, among other things, optimize member services, automate administrative tasks, and drive personalized marketing campaigns. Our expert speakers will provide insights into the latest AI tools and technologies that are reshaping the way associations function, from predictive analytics improving decision-making processes to natural language processing enhancing customer service interactions.
Learning Objectives:

* Understanding AI Applications: Gain a comprehensive overview of how AI is being used in associations today, including examples of successful AI integration in various operational areas such as marketing, member services, and administrative automation.
* Best Practices in AI Implementation: Learn about the best practices for implementing AI in an association setting, focusing on strategies for overcoming common challenges such as data quality, privacy concerns, and technology adoption barriers.
* Future Trends and Innovations: Look ahead at emerging AI trends and how they might influence future association strategies. Discuss the ongoing innovations in AI that could open new opportunities for enhancing member engagement and operational effectiveness.

Moderated by:
Kevin Ordonez, President and Managing Director, Digital Strategy, .orgSource
Panelists:
Manuel Alfaro, MBA, CIO and Senior Director, I&T, Digital Learning, and Membership, American College of Chest Physicians
Mike Lakas, Vice President of IT and Operations, American Foundry Society
Laura Lewis, Director of Technology, Society of Critical Care Medicine
Eric O’Connor, Chief Innovation Officer, American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology

Trust is more than a buzz word. It’s the lifeline of an organization or team. Trust is essential for fostering a positive culture in associations, according to Kevin Martlage, Senior Consultant at .orgSource and expert in interpersonal dynamics and organizational culture. As a certified Myers Briggs practitioner, Kevin also highlighted the need to reimagine culture to create a supportive environment for innovation. He emphasized the importance of intentionality, transparency, and empathy in building trust, and the need to align expectations and overcome blind spots. Kevin also stresses the importance of assessing and defining an organization’s culture by identifying what good looks like through several key factors. By incorporating these factors into the workplace, whether online for in-person, employee relations will improve and create a more positive work environment. Listen in!
Reach out to Kevin directly at martlage@orgsource.com to learn more about how he can help organizations with culture assessments or visit www.orgsource.com to schedule a meeting with one of our team of experts.

Artificial intelligence is certainly top of mind for association leaders and board members. That’s why we are delighted to feature .orgSource Consultant, Sue Dykema, on today’s episode. Sue has over 27 years of experience working as CEO and in various managerial positions at the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and is an expert in guiding organizations to achieve strategic objectives. Her esteemed track record and deep roots in the association industry bring a unique perspective that we can all learn from to find efficient solutions and make wise decisions.
In this episode, Sue emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in associations to build trust and a positive culture for members. In addition, she discusses how board members can determine when artificial intelligence can be leveraged for tasks and when a human perspective is needed instead. Lastly, Sue shared her thoughts on how associations can reimagine governance in light of the shifting digital landscape.
All in all, Sue highlighted that technology is a tool to build productivity and associations need to be wise when incorporating it into their organizations. Listen in to learn how!
To get in touch with Sue, please email sue@orgsource.com or sherry@orgsource.com.

Joining us on the podcast today is .orgSource Managing Director of Digital Strategy, Sharon Rice, and .orgSource Consultant, Jennifer Proctor. About a decade ago, Sharon used to be Jennifer’s supervisor, which sparked the conversation of the relationship between staff members and directors, and how associations can better support those in positions of power to work at their full potential. Sharon and Jennifer identified three major areas of consideration.
In order for managers and directors to be more successful, they must first analyze their capacity. If there is a feeling of dread before the work day starts, or the feeling of never having enough time to get tasks completed, this could be a sign of burnout. To overcome this feeling, Sharon and Jennifer recommend using some of those vacation days to reset or delegating accordingly.
The second area managers and directors can find success in is having their staff create weekly status reports. This doesn’t have to be a lengthy write-up. It can be as simple as a one-page document with bullet points. A weekly status report is an excellent way for association leaders to stay informed about projects and build stronger connections with their staff.
Last, but not least, managers and directors need to remember they are in a unique position to understand the strategy of an organization and where the waste is. Waste doesn’t necessarily equate to a monetary value either. Waste could be identified by finding a better use of everyone’s time. For example, if meetings are disrupting too much of the day, why not establish a boundary of “No Meeting Mondays” where staff and leaders can be free to focus on their tasks for at least one day of the week?
There is a plethora of “food for thought” knowledge in this episode that is perfect for any leader in an organization. Feel free to send us a message on social media @orgsource to let us know some of the ways we can help association’s “unsung heroes” find success. Happy listening!

Despite the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and virtual services, a recent study found that students and younger generations are eager to attend in-person meetings and serve on committees. This is exciting news for associations and nonprofits as they look to the future to determine what value they can bring for members.
According to Senior Vice President of Digital and Technology at the American Geophysical Union, Thad Lurie, CAE, CIP, more and more people are hesitant to trust everything they read or see online and are seeking trustworthy sources to help answer their questions. This is where associations and nonprofits come in to help cut through the noise. The beautiful thing about these organizations is that they bring people together in a way that other businesses can’t because they can be a guiding entity that provides advice, resources, education, and camaraderie. While the digital landscape will continue to become more complex, trust by association is something organizations can look forward to.
With over 25 years of experience in IT and technology, Thad Lurie offers sound advice for analyzing data, choosing the right types of artificial intelligence, and strategies boards can do to become more successful. Listen in!
To get in touch with Thad Lurie, connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thadlurie/

In honor of Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we are delighted to have association legend, Richard Yep, CAE, FASAE, on the Association 4.0 Podcast. His 40+ years of experience working in the association world has truly made him an expert in understanding the current trends in digital transformation and artificial intelligence and how they can be applied to organizations. Yep is currently in the midst of writing a book that discusses the transition of bouncing off ideas with coworkers by the office water cooler, to turning to AI for advice.
A lifestyle change is evident in Yep’s eyes. For associations to remain relevant, they must understand how to maximize the potential of AI and how they can use it to improve their organization without losing their special sense of community and camaraderie.
Are the days of knocking on your CEO’s door for help long gone? Let’s find out in this wisdom-packed episode.
To get in touch with Richard Yep, email: Richard.k.yep@gmail.com

In a landscape where information, education, and association are increasingly accessible at little to no cost, organizations must pivot towards offering value that extends beyond mere access. However, innovation can be difficult to achieve for non-equity based organizations that don’t have 50 million dollars at their disposal. Our guest, Stephanie Mercado, Executive Director and CEO at the National Association for Healthcare Quality, suggests that associations focus on building strong communities (virtual or in-person) where members can collaborate, exchange ideas, and support each other, creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose that goes beyond what can be found in the vast sea of online resources.
Furthermore, Mercado encourages organizations to take the time to nurture their own employees and engage in yearly team bonding events. Her staff has seen an immense improvement in connection and productivity because of their heightened ability to work together collaboratively. Ultimately, staying relevant in a world of abundant free resources requires organizations to evolve into dynamic hubs of value creation, where expertise, community, and personalized experiences take center stage. Tune in to learn more.
You can follow Stephanie Mercado on LinkedIn or visit https://nahq.org.

This episode of the Association 4.0 Podcast reveals a truth that practically everyone can relate to. The interest in networking and in person connection has never been more prominent than it is today in this post-COVID, technology-driven, world. That’s good news for associations and nonprofits, according to our guest, Kim Robinson, President of Frontline Co.
The demand for finding and connecting with like-minded people is only going to become more prevalent over the next few years. People appreciate in-person activities because of the isolation they’ve experienced during the pandemic and are craving human connection, says Robinson. This is how associations and nonprofits play such a huge role during this societal transition.
With their ability to bring industry professionals together over a common goal or interest, it’s clear the impact of associations and nonprofits isn’t dwindling anytime soon. Tune into this episode to learn more about opportunities for associations to engage their target audiences, how nonprofits can leverage artificial intelligence, and whether or not advocacy should be on an organization’s mind. Listen in!
To learn more about Kim Robinson and her team, visit https://frontlineco.com

Think of AI as a highly intelligent coworker or partner. It can help us create. It can help us predict. It can help us understand. It can help us see the hidden. While artificial intelligence can help elevate associations in numerous ways, our guest, David Reid, Owner of Strategic and Consulting Services, suggests that the software needs to be regulated and monitored by the right people. With a strong background working in the IT department for companies like AT&T, AmeriTek, and NASA, we’d say Mr. Reid knows a thing or two about this subject.
For the CEO’s sitting at their desks, looking at their associations wondering how in the world they are going to incorporate AI into their strategic plans, fear not, this episode is for you. In truth, the reality is that artificial intelligence isn’t coming…it’s here. According to Reid, you don’t really have a lot of time to wait and see where this AI thing is going. So don’t stand with your feet on the ground because the train is moving on. Tune in to this vibrant discussion to learn more about generative AI and how to leverage its knowledge in your organization or business.
To get in touch with David Reid, please email david@reid-iba.com.
Links from this episode:
Artificial Intelligence | 60 Minutes
https://youtu.be/aZ5EsdnpLMI?si=L0z-ZmJLMOyuuriJ
What is generative AI and how does it work? – The Turing Lectures with Mirella Lapata
https://youtu.be/_6R7Ym6Vy_I?si=awGCLalAVPBRaEjW
Figure Status Update – OpenAI Speech-to-Speech Reasoning
https://youtu.be/Sq1QZB5baNw?si=cpHaHv-qbRddzOkv
Compare the big 3 AI models
https://youtu.be/ELMDugD5dCA?si=IL_pH77Suy353FgK
Introducing DBRX: A New State-of-the-Art Open LLM
https://www.databricks.com/blog/introducing-dbrx-new-state-art-open-llm
Alignment problems (Robert Miles)
https://youtu.be/bJLcIBixGj8?si=ilWk2QtLhLFvP0Vr

It’s all too common for organizations to use the word “lead” in their mission statement. While this isn’t a negative quality to highlight, Garth Jordan, CEO of the American Animal Hospital Association, and Sharon Rice, Managing Director of Business Strategy at .orgSource, urges associations to think twice before using that word in their mission statements.
In their experience, organizations are more successful if they focus their energy on the value they provide to their members and consumers rather than using a catchy word to create a certain image. To members, value might mean how much “stuff” they get with their membership. However, with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, member-benefits like magazines or newsletters, may lose their luster over time.
This refreshing conversation redefines what true leadership means in associations and how they can go beyond the material value of a membership and create a lasting, positive impact on society and for the greater good. Listen in!

Join us for an enlightening journey into the heart of how contemporary associations are harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to drive unprecedented change and efficiency. “AI Unleashed: Real-World Solutions and Results in Today’s Associations” is an enriching conversation tailored for association leaders, technology enthusiasts, and innovation strategists. Our esteemed panelists are Jason Wampler, Senior Information Technology Executive of the International Society of Automation, Luke Vidacovich, Director of IT and Digital Strategy at the American Animal Hospital Association, and Brian Willard, Director of IT for the CCIM Institute.
From membership engagement, personalized communication, to data-driven decision-making, learn how associations of various sizes and sectors have effectively implemented AI solutions.

To invest in AI or not? That is the question so many associations face. While artificial intelligence may seem innovative and technologically advanced, organizations need to think hard about whether it’s the right move for their company.
Too often, our guest, Joseph Knecht, CEO of Proteus, sees associations fail after throwing everything they have into AI or a new software system. In their mind, investing in a new software should solve all their problems because it’s the “digital era.” However, Knecht suggests that associations become more “strategy-minded rather than software-minded” and to focus more on the needs of their customers or members.
“Know your customers and what they need from you and equip yourself with the right infrastructure to do that. In that order,” says Knecht.
It’s time to stop blaming marketing or another department for any low registration numbers and to start understanding what values your members seek from your organization and create a solid business model that reflects that.
Tune in to this wisdom-packed episode to learn more about how to leverage AI more effectively and tips to build an organization that will last for years to come. To learn more about Joseph Knecht and his company, visit https://www.proteus.co or email Knecht directly at jknecht@proteus.co.

In the hot seat this week, is North Carolina Association of CPA’s Chief Operating Officer, Mark Soticheck. Mark weaves his extensive experience in accounting to this enlightening conversation with .orgSource’s CEO/Founder, Sherry Budziak. Together, they discuss how Artificial Intelligence has impacted their organizations, the potential demise of bookkeeping in associations, and when to unlearn any bad habits acquired over the last few years and reestablish new boundaries, new guides, and new ways of working together.
One of the simplest and most effective ways the NCACPA overcomes the challenges of communicating with their team, is by ensuring each person has their camera turned on during zoom meetings. This helps everyone become more intentional about their time and encourages their team to problem solve together.
Listen in to this episode to hear how Mark and his team create a balance between innovation and stability and to be reminded of the importance of being curious about what you’re doing and how you’re doing it.
To learn more about Mark Soticheck and his organization, visit https://www.ncacpa.org or get in touch with Mark directly at msoticheck@ncacpa.org.

Let’s face it. Most professionals in the world enjoy being liked. While being admired isn’t a bad thing, it could lead organizations to settle for the status quo again and again. In order for progress to be made, our guest, international keynote speaker, best-selling author, and CEO/Founder of “Punks and Pinstripes,” Greg Larkin, encourages the professional “punks” to rise up.
Many associations struggle with advancing their organizations, whether it’s a fear of rejection from their board or an aversion to the chaos when implementing new programs, change is hard. That’s why change was made for the “hard core” folks AKA the “punks.”
Greg Larkin has founded his business, “Punks and Pinstripes” on the belief that opposition is validation, and that outlier perspective makes “punks” uniquely capable of solving hard problems. We’re so excited for you to listen to Greg’s impactful tips for innovation and learn how to embrace the qualities that make you different in an organization. Let’s be punk on purpose!
You can connect with Greg Larkin on his LinkedIn page, join the www.punksandpinstripes.com community, read his internationally best-selling book, “This Might Get Me Fired,” or watch some of his talks with the .orgCommunity.