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Session Catalogue

Members of the Novi AMS team regularly speak for state, local, and regional societies of association executives on a range of topics.  Some of our more recent sessions can be found below.

Digging for Truth: Uncovering the Drivers of Membership & Retention

Pete Zimek, CAE

Session Description:

Uncover the answers to the questions that have challenged membership managers and association leaders for decades: “Why do members join, and why do they stay?” This session offers a dynamic blend of peer insights, academic perspectives, and practical tools to help you conduct impactful research within your own association. Together, we’ll explore tried-and-true research methodologies, as well as budget-friendly strategies to gain a deeper understanding of member motivations. Equip yourself with the knowledge to make data-driven decisions that strengthen both recruitment and retention efforts in your organization.

Learning Objectives - Participants will be able to:

  • Analyze Membership Drivers: Gain a deeper understanding of the key motivators behind membership decisions, using insights from both peer associations and academic research.

  • Implement Research Tools: Learn practical, cost-effective research tools and methodologies to gather valuable data on member needs, satisfaction, and retention within your organization.

  • Apply Findings to Improve Engagement: Develop strategies to apply research insights to enhance member engagement, tailor benefits, and improve both recruitment and retention efforts.

Session Details:

  • Session can be presented in an interactive format
  • Abridged version is available in 30 minutes.  More interaction is possible with 60 or 90 minutes.
  • Audience(s): Leadership, Membership, Marketing & Communications

CAE Domains:

  • Executive Leadership, Business Development, Member and Stakeholder Engagement and Management, Marketing and Communications

Navigating the Tech Landscape: Empowering Associations for Tomorrow’s Digital World

Pete Zimek, CAE

Session Description:

Step into the future of association technology with this dynamic session, designed specifically for association leaders and staff looking to drive meaningful innovation. Discover insights into cutting-edge trends like cybersecurity, AI, and digital integrations. This session equips CEOs and their teams with the know-how to navigate today’s tech challenges confidently, inspiring informed decision-making and strategic growth within their organizations.

Learning Objectives - Participants will be able to:

  • Develop a strategic approach to technology by asking the right questions, maximizing resource allocation, and fostering innovation within your team.
  • Strengthen your organization’s security posture with practical tools for risk management, data protection, and compliance with evolving legal standards.
  • Explore transformative tech applications, including actionable AI and constructing a robust digital ecosystem of best in class solutions to enhance member experience and drive engagement.

Session Details:

  • Session can be presented in an interactive format
  • Abridged version is available in 30 minutes.  More interaction is possible with 60 or 90 minutes.
  • Audience(s): Leadership, Operations, Membership, Marketing & Communications

CAE Domains:

  • Governance, Organizational Strategy, Operations, Marketing and Communications

3 Scoops and a Mission Statement

Pete Zimek, CAE

Session Description:

From their funky, chunky ice cream flavors to their social impact, the iconic Ben & Jerry’s ice cream brand has reimagined how organizations can make an impact on their communities.  Led by Pete Zimek, CAE, a former Ben & Jerry’s franchisee turned association professional, this interactive session will help to identify strategies to advance your association’s mission while increasing member value.  Join us as we translate Ben & Jerry’s unique three-part mission statement into one cohesive strategy associations can adopt. 

Learning Objectives - Participants will be able to:

  • Construct a compelling origin story that expresses their organization’s “why” to both internal and external stakeholders.
  • Translate an iconic ice cream brand’s three-part mission into actionable strategies for serving association members while building economic resiliency for the organization.
  • Re-frame their individual approach to non-profit association management, focusing more on each member’s experience than on the member benefits they provide.

Session Details:

  • Session can be presented in an interactive format or on a main stage.
  • Abridged version is available in 30 minutes.  More interaction is possible with 60 or 90 minutes.
  • Audience(s): Membership, Operations, Leadership

CAE Domains:

  • Executive Leadership, Organizational Strategy, Operations, Business Development, Member and Stakeholder Engagement and Management

Think Outside the AMS

Pete Zimek, CAE

Session Description:

Member expectations continue to rise while association staff time is stretched thin. Join us for an interactive session exploring how to automate your digital ecosystem so that staff can deliver more member value in less time.

No matter how hard an AMS tries, it can’t be all things to all people. That’s ok. With the explosion of cloud technology, there have never been more options for organizations to streamline their operations while enhancing the member experience. The ASAE tech community calls this the “best in class” approach - finding software that fits your needs and integrating it in a seamless way with your AMS.

This session isn’t just for the techies… it’s designed to empower anyone who is thinking that “there must be a better way.”

Learning Objectives - Participants will be able to:

  • Evaluate their organization’s approach to association software, distinguishing between an “all in one” versus a “best in class” strategy,
  • Translate often intimidating technical terminology surrounding APIs and SSOs into real-world concepts that can be implemented in their organization, and
  • Evaluate association software options for their ability to streamline staff work and improve the overall experience for members.

Session Details:

  • Session is best presented in an interactive format
  • Abridged version is available in 30 minutes.  More interaction is possible with 60 or 90 minutes.
  • Audience(s): Membership, IT, Operations, Leadership

CAE Domains:

  • Organizational Strategy, Operations

Building Member Value in a Post-Pandemic World

Pete Zimek, CAE

Session Description:

Join Pete Zimek, CEO of Novi AMS for a deep dive into how the pandemic has affected our organizations… and how associations are emerging from the pandemic to serve members in smarter, leaner, and more mission-focused ways. We’ll start with an examination of membership trends and finish with a group discussion of the paradigm shifts needed to create the future.

Learning Objectives - Participants will be able to:

  • Identify the leadership traits that served their organizations well during the pandemic and how they may continue to spark innovation moving forward,
  • Think more creatively and more intentionally when developing everyday member outreach programs, and
  • Recenter members and membership staff on the "why" of the organization.

Session Details:

  • This session has been the highest rated breakout session for multiple state SAE conferences.  At its core, the discussion is one that provokes introspection and inspires participants to keep a spirit of entrepreneurship alive in their organizations.
  • Session is can be presented in an interactive format or on a main stage.
  • Abridged version available in 30 minutes.  More interaction is possible with 60 or 90 minutes.
  • Audience(s): Membership, Leadership

CAE Domains:

  • Executive Leadership, Organizational Strategy, Operations, Business Development, Member and Stakeholder Engagement and Management

7 Deadly Sins of Email Marketing

Pete Zimek, CAE

Session Description:

How many times have you heard a member complain, “I never get your emails”? You have the right email address, and they are on your list. How could you possibly miss them? The answer is that your emails are not being delivered. Email providers have a new definition of spam that likely now includes you. The drip marketing campaign that was all the rage in 2010 is now a one-way ticket to spam in 2022.

Every day, associations across the United States unknowingly commit the 7 Deadly Sins of Email. You don’t have to fall victim to these email “sins” any longer. Join us for a can’t miss opportunity to work with your peers to re-think your communications strategy and better connect with your members.

Learning Objectives - Participants will Learn to:

  • Question whether their existing marketing strategies could be causing long term damage to their organization’s online reputation,
  • Construct email marketing campaigns following “best practices” established by email marketing experts, and
  • Create more organic, more impactful email messaging to their members.

Session Details:

  • Session is best presented in an interactive format
  • Abridged version available in 30 minutes.  More interaction is possible with 60 minutes.
  • Audience(s): Membership, Communications

CAE Domains:

  • Operations, Business Development, Marketing and Communications

Pete Zimek, CAE

Pete's LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/petezimek/

Where Pete has presented:

  • California Society of Association Executives (CalSAE)
  • Empire State Society of Association Executives (ESSAE)
  • Florida Society of Association Executives (FSAE)
  • Georgia Society of Association Executives (GSAE)
  • Michigan Society of Association Executives (MSAE)
  • New England Society of Association Executives (NE/SAE)
  • Tennessee Society of Association Executives (TNSAE)
  • Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE)
  • Associations North
  • Leadership Florida
  • National Apartment Association
  • University of Florida, Business & Journalism Schools
  • UST Education Series
  • The Association Podcast

Bio:

Pete Zimek, CAE

Pete Zimek is the founder and CEO of Novi AMS. In 2015, during a strategic planning session with an association, Pete was “voluntold” to create a new type of AMS—one that integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks and aligns with the unique ways associations operate. Today, Novi AMS supports over 435 associations and is the highest-rated AMS on ReviewMyAMS.com.

In a prior life, Pete owned two Ben & Jerry’s ice cream stores, despite being allergic to milk! A University of Florida graduate, he is a four-time recipient of the "Gator 100" award, recognizing the 100 fastest-growing companies led by UF alumni.

(99 words)

Pete Zimek: High Resolution Headshot

Love 'em or Lose 'em! Onboarding with Intention for Retention

Jenn Norman, CAE

Session Description:

You got a new member. Now what? The number one reason why members lapse is “lack of engagement with the organization.” So how do we onboard new members in a way that engages them early and at the right frequency? Learn the strategies for-profit tech companies use to perfect the art of onboarding and how this translates to your new members. Attendees will walk away with sample onboarding projects, email cadences, and retention ideas to take back and use immediately.


Learning Objectives - Participants will learn:

  • Way to improve their new member onboarding campaigns.
  • Strategies to keep members engaged, no matter where they are in your association’s member journey.
  • New tech tools to help your team execute on these ideas.

Session Details:

  • Session is best presented in an interactive, 60-minute format
  • 20, 30 and 45 minute adaptations are available. 
  • Audience(s): Membership, Communications

CAE Domains:

  • Operations, Business Development, Marketing and Communications

Rethinking Event Marketing in the Age of Innovation

Jenn Norman, CAE

Session Description:

Meetings and events have seen a lot of changes in the last few years. Has your marketing changed along with it? Join us as we discuss new ways to think about marketing your events and how to shift your playbook to appeal to today’s members and prospects.

Learning Objectives - Participants will learn:

  • Why the 4 P's of marketing don't cut it in today's landscape
  • New ways to shift your marketing messages to resonate to event attendees


Session Details:

  • Session is best presented in an interactive, 60-minute format
  • 45 minute adaptation is available.
  • Audience(s): Marketing & Communications, Membership


CAE Domains:

  • Marketing and Communications

Jenn Norman, CAE

// LinkedIn Profile

Where Jenn has presented:

  • American Society of Association Executives (ASAE)
  • California Society of Association Executives (CalSAE)
  • Florida Society of Association Executives (FSAE)
  • Michigan Society of Association Executives (MSAE)
  • Virginia Society of Association Executives (VSAE)
  • Philippine Council of Associations and Association Executives (PCAAE)
  • National Apartment Association
  • University of Florida

11 Tips to Make Your Website Your #1 Marketing Tool

Charles Stanisce

Session Description:

In today’s digital age with endless distractions, your website should be more than just an online presence – it’s a dynamic marketing tool that you can leverage to drive the growth of your association. This interactive session will showcase the strategies, tips, and tools designed to empower your website to attract and engage prospective members. Join us as we discuss how you can implement these best practices immediately to transform your website and make it your number-one marketing tool.

Learning Objectives - Participants will be able to:

  • Understand the impact a positive website user experience has on your membership journey.
  • Walk away with actionable tactics to improve your website's marketing funnel today.
  • Discover technology tools you can use to test and improve your website user experience.

Session Details:

  • The session length is designed to be an interactive 60-minute presentation.
  • Abridged versions are available in 30 or 45-minute formats.
  • Audience(s): Membership, Marketing, and Communications.

What Successful Businesses Know (and How Your Association Can Implement Their Strategies)

Charles Stanisce

Session Description:

In today’s fast-paced, highly competitive landscape, the most successful businesses have mastered the art of marketing and sales, investing billions of dollars in research and development to refine their processes to stay ahead of the competition. So, what can associations who often have fewer resources, learn from these industry leaders? Join us as we dive into the key marketing and sales strategies that leading companies use to drive growth. You'll walk away with applications on using these strategies to increase member engagement, revenue, and create lasting value for your members.

Learning Objectives - Participants will be able to:

  • Identify key marketing and sales strategies used by leading companies around the world to drive growth in a competitive market.
  • Learn how your association can apply these proven strategies to enhance member engagement, increase revenue, and improve member retention.
  • Explore cost-effective techniques for leveraging these proven strategies to optimize your marketing and sales efforts within an association setting.

Session Details:

  • The session length is designed to be an interactive 60-minute presentation.
  • Abridged versions are available in 30 or 45-minute formats.
  • Audience(s): Membership, Marketing, and Communications.

Charles Stanisce

LinkedIn Profile

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-stanisce-45229810a

Bio

As a former director of marketing and membership for SWFL Inc., a 5-Star Accredited Chamber of Commerce, Charles reinvented an outdated marketing approach that stood out against the competition, by utilizing modern best practices to create a website that took prospective members and turned them into powerful promoters.

In his current role at Novi AMS, Charles helps prospective and current customers strategize their marketing and website needs. With 9+ years of experience as an association professional, he continues to stay up to date on the latest marketing and website trends that drive member engagement. He believes that associations can be just as effective as large corporations by leveraging their website to attract, engage, and delight their members.