Lunch & Program: Revamping Your Tech Stack – Keeping Up With Changes in Association Technology (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)

Tue, 12 May 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

11:30 - 1:00 PM

Technology in associations is no longer just a support function. It affects revenue, member engagement, staff productivity, risk, and board oversight. The pace of change has accelerated, and many organizations are struggling to keep up.

This session looks at what has actually changed — and what it means for leadership. We will examine how associations have moved from relying on a single core system to managing multiple connected platforms. We will discuss the practical impact of outsourced and part-time technology leadership, the growing responsibility around data and the long-term consequences of postponing system upgrades.

Most importantly, we will focus on staff and executive responsibility. What questions should CEOs and boards be asking? How should technology decisions be evaluated and funded? Where are organizations most exposed — operationally and financially?

Participants will leave with a straightforward way to assess their current technology position, identify areas of risk, and make more disciplined, strategic decisions instead of reacting to the next urgent issue.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Identify the recent major structural shifts in association technology and explain how those changes affect members, governance and operations.

2. Assess their organization’s current technology position, including ecosystem complexity, data integrity, outsourcing dependence, and accumulated technical debt.

3. Distinguish between technology challenges and leadership or governance gaps to ensure the right problems are being addressed.

4. Discuss technology in terms of business impact—such as risk exposure, ability to support growth, and flexibility to adapt to change—rather than focusing on technical features or specifications.

5. Outline practical next steps to improve clarity, ownership, and long-term alignment of your technology environment.

Speaker:

Jim Pearson
Strategic Association Executive
Ellipsis Partners

This program is appropriate for all levels of staff who are interested in the impact on membership and financials for your Association.

CAE Credit: 1.0 Hours

Schedule:

11:30 - 12:00 - In-Person Check In and Networking
11:45 - 12:00 - Lunch begins
12:00 - 12:05 - Welcome & Introduction of Speakers
12:05 - 12:55 - Presentation
12:55 - 1:00- Program Conclusion, Reminders and Adjourn

Location:
American Optometric Association
243 N. Lindbergh Blvd.
St Louis, MO 63141

Lunch & Program: Demystifying Grant Writing: Where to Start & How to Succeed (Thursday, June 11, 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Thursday, June 11, 2026

11:30 - 1:00 PM

Provide a practical, real-world introduction to grant writing for professionals who may be new to the process or looking to improve their approach. The session will focus on actionable strategies, not theory.

Key Takeaways for Attendees:

Understand whether grant writing is a viable strategy for their organization
Learn where and how to find grant opportunities
Gain insight into what funders are actually looking for
Learn how to structure a strong Letter of Interest (LOI)
Understand differences between private, corporate, and government funders
Know how to respond to rejection and refine future submissions
Learn how applications are reviewed (including AI and keyword considerations)

Speakers:

This program is appropriate for all levels of staff who are interested in grant writing and other non-dues revenue.