The Member Lounge Podcast: Unlocking Association Success

Farhad Khan

The Member Lounge Podcast is driven to provide incredible value to associations through interviews with industry experts. Our episodes are like treasure chests filled with invaluable insights straight from brilliant leaders in their fields. From member engagement strategies to successful fundraising to innovation planning, we’ve got it all covered. Tune in to level up your association game!

  1. Marketing in an AI World: Community Over Content

    OCT 9

    Marketing in an AI World: Community Over Content

    In This Episode, We’ll Explore: ✅ The impact of AI on content creation and association engagement ✅ Why fostering community is more crucial than ever ✅ Practical strategies to strengthen member connections in the AI era Meet the Guest: Jonathan Milne We’re excited to welcome Jonathan Milne, VP of AI Services at Demand Spring, where he helps B2B marketing leaders implement AI strategies that drive real results. With over 20 years at the intersection of marketing and technology, Jonathan has led enterprise clients through complex MarTech implementations and data-driven marketing strategies. A recognized thought leader and Top 40 Under 40 honoree, he frequently speaks at industry events like MarketingProfs B2B Forum and B2B Marketing Exchange. Co-host: Bruce Rosenthal Joining us as co-host is Bruce Rosenthal, a seasoned consultant specializing in association partnerships and sponsorships. Bruce has a rich history of developing successful non-dues revenue programs and is a recognized thought leader in the field. His expertise complements our discussion, providing practical insights into revenue strategies that drive member engagement. Your Host: Farhad Khan This episode will be hosted by Farhad Khan, CEO of Member Lounge. As an expert in association technology and engagement, Farhad has worked with countless organizations to help them leverage AI, community-building, and innovative revenue strategies to drive long-term success. Passionate about helping associations grow, Farhad brings deep industry knowledge and insightful perspectives to the conversation. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from industry leaders. Tune in and discover how associations can stay ahead by prioritizing community in the AI era! Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement.  Follow our podcast for more free educational content. Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us.

    1h 53m
  2. The AI Wake-Up Call for Associations: Inside the CSAE 2025 Report

    SEP 29

    The AI Wake-Up Call for Associations: Inside the CSAE 2025 Report

    In This Episode, We’ll Cover: ✅ Key insights from a national survey of Canadian associations and their current use of AI ✅ The top roadblocks preventing meaningful adoption and how to overcome them ✅ What association professionals are really worried about when it comes to AI ✅ Actionable steps to bridge the gap between interest and implementation Meet the Guest: Gerald Bramm Gerald Bramm is the founder and principal of Bramm Research, where he has led hundreds of research projects across Canada and the U.S. for more than 20 years. His expertise spans the full spectrum of survey research: from large-scale online surveys to in-depth interviews and focus groups. Gerald brings a unique blend of data expertise and sector knowledge that makes him especially well-equipped to uncover and interpret the realities facing associations today. Your Host: Farhad Khan Farhad Khan, CEO of Member Lounge, brings his deep experience in association tech, community engagement, and AI implementation to guide the conversation. With a passion for practical innovation, Farhad helps associations cut through the noise and build future-ready strategies. If you’ve been wondering where your association stands or where to even begin, this episode is for you. Tune in to get the data, the context, and the clarity you need to take your next step with AI. Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement.  Follow our podcast for more free educational content. Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us.

    1h 13m
  3. Spark Year-Round Engagement from Conferences with Bob Vaez

    APR 16

    Spark Year-Round Engagement from Conferences with Bob Vaez

    This episode brings a dynamic mix of tech expertise and sponsorship know-how, offering practical steps to make every conference a launchpad for deeper, ongoing relationships. Together with our host Farhad Khan, Bruce Rosenthal and Bob Vaez cover creative ways to use event data, session insights, and member behaviors to build smarter programming, targeted outreach, and stronger sponsor value. Tune in to get fresh ideas on: Why Conferences Are Just the Beginning Associations often treat the annual conference as the finish line—but it should be the kickoff. Learn how to think of your conference as a tactic, not the end goal, and build a strategy that maximizes its value all year. Segmenting Smarter, Not Harder Forget overcomplicated surveys. Bob shares how to segment your audience just by observing what they do—what sessions they attend, what content they engage with—so you can follow up with hyper-relevant programming, webinars, and more. Turning Engagement Signals into Action You already have the data you need. Whether it’s session check-ins, Q&A participation, or content downloads, learn how to use simple insights to fuel personalized outreach and better post-event experiences. Curated Connections That Actually Work From topic lounges to post-event discussion groups, discover how to create intentional, topic-driven networking that beats random hallway encounters—and gives sponsors more meaningful exposure. Repurposing Content Like a Pro Most breakout sessions vanish after the event. Not anymore. Get tips on how to record content with just a smartphone, generate transcripts with AI, and turn your best sessions into ongoing webinars, blog posts, and more. Breaking the Mental Blocks Around Year-Round Engagement Think it's too hard to engage members year-round? Think again. Farhad shares the mindset shifts—and modern tools—that make it easier than ever to keep delivering value beyond the three-day conference. About Our Guests Bob Vaez is the Founder and CEO of EventMobi, a leading event technology platform used by associations worldwide. With over 15 years of experience supporting mid-sized conferences, Bob is passionate about building tools that go beyond logistics and create lasting connections among members. Bruce Rosenthal is a seasoned sponsorship strategist who helps associations increase non-dues revenue while enhancing member value. With decades of experience both in-house and as a consultant, Bruce brings practical, results-driven insights to the world of partnerships and engagement. Don’t miss this energizing conversation that will change how you think about conferences—and what comes next. Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement.  Follow our podcast for more free educational content. Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us.

    1h 3m
  4. AMA - Unconventional Tactics to Create Engaging Member Journeys

    2024-11-29

    AMA - Unconventional Tactics to Create Engaging Member Journeys

    Our host breaks down the key stages of the member journey—from prospecting to onboarding, active membership, renewals, and cancellations—and shares how associations can refine these phases to create memorable, value-driven interactions. You’ll learn about: Mapping Out Member Journeys for Better Engagement: Each interaction, from attending a webinar to navigating your association's website, contributes to a broader member journey. Learn how associations can map these touchpoints to ensure every experience is both valuable and enjoyable. The Role of Technology in Personalizing Engagement: Member Lounge’s innovative use of AI, like knowledge mapping and smart tagging, ensures content and resources are tailored to individual member interests. Discover how this approach minimizes content overload while maximizing relevance. Keeping Busy Members Engaged: Time constraints don’t have to mean disengagement. Explore practical solutions such as offering on-demand content, summarizing key events, and fostering small, focused special interest groups to keep members connected. Using Data and Machine Learning to Understand Member Behavior: Machine learning isn't just a buzzword; it's a tool to analyze member activity, predict needs, and provide proactive solutions. Find out how data-driven strategies can transform member interactions. Unconventional Engagement Tactics That Work: From gamified experiences to pop-up challenges and breakout discussions during webinars, these creative approaches help associations stand out while fostering deeper member relationships. Whether you’re looking to streamline member journeys, leverage AI for smarter engagement, or try fresh engagement strategies, this episode is packed with actionable insights for association professionals. Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement.  Follow our podcast for more free educational content. Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us.

    56 min
  5. Craft a Compelling Communication Strategy to Boost Member Engagement with Farra Trompeter

    2024-11-29

    Craft a Compelling Communication Strategy to Boost Member Engagement with Farra Trompeter

    Farra shares her wealth of experience in nonprofit communications, offering practical advice on how to prioritize audiences, craft impactful strategies, and use data to guide decision-making. Discover how these approaches can help you strengthen your messaging, drive member retention, and foster lasting connections with your community. Get insights into: Why Communication Goals Matter: Every communication strategy should start with a clear goal. Farra explains how understanding your organizational needs, such as increasing retention or improving brand awareness, provides a crucial foundation for success. The Importance of Audience Prioritization: Not all audiences are the same. Learn how to categorize your audience into groups you must engage, should engage, and could engage, and how to tailor your communication tactics to meet their needs effectively. Channel Optimization for Maximum Impact: Whether it’s newsletters, social media, or a member portal, Farra emphasizes the importance of choosing the right channels for your audience and ensuring your efforts are both focused and sustainable. Creating Data-Informed Strategies: Good data doesn’t just tell you what happened—it guides your next steps. Discover how to gather and analyze feedback from your members to refine your communication approach and improve outcomes. Building Evergreen Communication Practices: Farra highlights the importance of developing timeless strategies and tools that can adapt to changing contexts while maintaining consistent engagement and support for your members. About Our GuestFarra Trompeter is the Co-Director of Big Duck Agency, where she has spent over 17 years helping nonprofits and membership organizations build stronger brands and communication strategies. As a worker-owner at Big Duck, Farra is deeply committed to using communications as a tool for mission-driven success, addressing areas such as fundraising, community engagement, and organizational growth. A frequent speaker and podcast host herself, Farra brings a wealth of experience and insight to the Member Lounge podcast. Based in New York, Big Duck has become a virtual company, emphasizing collaboration and innovation in nonprofit communications. Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement.  Follow our podcast for more free educational content. Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us.

    1h 4m
  6. Cybersecurity on a Budget: Protect your Member Data with Dan Giurescu

    2024-11-25

    Cybersecurity on a Budget: Protect your Member Data with Dan Giurescu

    Highlights of this Episode Unique Cybersecurity Challenges for Associations: Discover the specific risks associations face when handling sensitive member data. Learn how outdated processes and inadequate security measures can expose your organization to breaches. Leveraging Training for Cybersecurity Preparedness: Explore the importance of baseline and refresher courses for staff and members to recognize phishing scams and data vulnerabilities. Understand why training is crucial to fostering a culture of vigilance. Implementing Effective Security Policies: From enforcing password protection and multi-factor authentication to storing sensitive files online, learn best practices for safeguarding your organization’s data. Engaging Vendors for Cybersecurity Compliance: Understand how to assess and collaborate with third-party vendors to ensure they meet the latest security standards and contribute to your organization’s safety. Navigating Emerging AI Threats: Dive into the growing risks posed by AI technologies, including deepfake scams and identity fraud, and discover proactive measures to mitigate these threats. About Our Guest Dan Giurescu is the Founder of Credivera and a seasoned expert in the tech industry, with over 20 years of experience building and scaling technology companies. Dan is passionate about giving back to the community and is dedicated to helping organizations understand and combat the unique challenges of cybersecurity. In this episode, he shares actionable insights on how associations can protect their members’ data and adapt to the evolving technological landscape. Special acknowledgement to our guests for providing powerful insights into member engagement.  Follow our podcast for more free educational content. Visit memberlounge.app to learn more about us.

    1h 16m

About

The Member Lounge Podcast is driven to provide incredible value to associations through interviews with industry experts. Our episodes are like treasure chests filled with invaluable insights straight from brilliant leaders in their fields. From member engagement strategies to successful fundraising to innovation planning, we’ve got it all covered. Tune in to level up your association game!