· Central Time (US & Canada) (GMT -5:00)
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We’re often taught that “failure is not an option,” but making mistakes is often when we learn the most about ourselves and the problems we’re trying to solve. Our panelists will share examples of things that maybe didn’t work out so well, what they learned and how it helped them grow. There’s no room in this conversation for ego: Come ready to learn.

This will be a 30-minute session.

SURGE Connect is a production of AssociationSuccess.org and presented by Feathr, which provides multi-channel marketing technology used by 700 associations to grow membership, event attendance, and digital sponsorship revenue. Learn more at https://feathr.co today!
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Executive director, Central Pennsylvania Independent Electrical Contractors
Marissa Bankert, is the Executive Director of the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. As Executive Director, she has been an innovator in continuing education, apprenticeship, and membership growth. Her goal is to grow her association by making it more profitable, recognizable, and fun! Marissa has grown to love association management after first serving as a community outreach director for a non-profit and then as a membership director with other associations. In all roles, Marissa is dedicated to making each organization better for all involved in the association from members to staff. With the IEC she has increased apprenticeship enrollment, members, profits, staff, and partnerships. She has also implemented new governance, policies, and created a pre-apprenticeship program for high school students and others interested in the electrical trade. Marissa is the Vice President of a chapter of NAWIC and serves as Vice Chair for the IEC National Executive Directors Council. She serves on IEC National’s A&T committee as a liaison and IEC’s Professional Development committee, various workforce development committees throughout the regional footprint of her organization and serves her community through work with the United Way and Spring Grove Area Scholarship Fund.
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Senior director of business development, Minding Your Business
Burt Blanchard is an association executive with a vast nonprofit background. His deep knowledge of professional/trade associations and their related challenges brings a level of professional experiences that easily translates to association audiences. His work in membership, revenue generation, business development/sales, corporate membership and partner programs, education program development, meetings and more rounds out his experience. Burt gives back by mentoring new/incoming association professionals, works hard at engaging the association community, and love teaching the Association Forum's Association 101 course in the Chicagoland area. Burt was recognized for his industry contributions as the recipient of Association Forum's 2019 John C. Thiel Distinguished Service Award, and recently named one of the 2020 Chicago Defender Men of Excellence.
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executive advisor, Foresight First LLC
Jeff De Cagna FRSA FASAE, executive advisor for Foresight First LLC in Reston, Virginia, is an association contrarian, foresight practitioner, governing designer, stakeholder advocate, and stewardship catalyst. In August 2019, Jeff became the 32nd recipient of ASAE’s Academy of Leaders Award, the association’s highest individual honor given to consultants or industry partners in recognition of their support of ASAE and the association community.
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president and CEO, Global Professional Services PC
Peggy McElgunn has over 30 years of experience working with nonprofit trade associations, professional societies, and accrediting organizations. Peggy has worked with over fifty national and international nonprofit organizations. While her role has been primarily as the Executive Director or CEO, she has held positions at all levels and managing all aspects of nonprofit work. Peggy’s success has been due not only to her creativity but also to successful support and recognition of the volunteers and consumers with whom she has worked. Her research and understanding of both leaders’ and members’ specific expertises and interests has resulted in expanded support and organizational growth. Peggy is the founder of a for-profit company dedicated to serving nonprofit organizations. Her entrepreneurial skills including innovation, marketing, sales and operations systems development have been instrumental in this environment. Peggy holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Rochester, Rochester, NY where she received a Certificate in International Relations simultaneously. She also holds a Juris Doctorate degree from George Mason University, Fairfax, VA. Peggy is a member of the Virginia State Bar and is licensed to practice law before all Virginia State Courts and Federal Courts in the Fourth District.
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Feathr provides multi-channel marketing technology used by 700 associations to grow membership, event attendance, and digital sponsorship revenue. Leverage modern online channels including hyper-targeted ad campaigns (via social + programmatic) and influencer marketing campaigns (via speakers + sponsors), access detailed website analytics and "path to conversion" reporting – even for campaigns launched outside of Feathr – all from one unified dashboard. Feathr offers both a self-serve option (with training and support) and a "Concierge Implementation" option (with creative design + campaign execution). Learn more at https://feathr.co today!
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