SIG Summit Schedule

An organization in crisis faces many grave threats. Employees can be in physical danger. Buildings can fall. Customers can be lost. But the most serious threat is and always will be the threat to the organization’s most important asset – its reputation. To protect the organization from reputational threats requires careful, thoughtful, detailed planning and a methodology for inculcating a culture of organizational crisis preparedness. In this session, you will learn how to prepare the organization for inevitable threats to reputation, execute the crisis communications plan, then, when the crisis has passed, assess and do what must be done before the next threats occur. This session provides valuable information on how to protect an organization’s reputation.

Technology continues to dominate modern business applications, but many associations are slower to adopt new innovations. This session will unpack 5 technology concepts that have potential to move beyond buzzword status and find their way toward mainstream dialog for association leaders, through a combination of case studies and personal testaments.

The business of an association has dramatically changed over the years. In this session, we will explore how the traditional AMS solution fits in today's associations. With ever-changing needs for members and to meet business objectives, associations need to be more agile. Do traditional AMS solutions provide the agility needed to meet the business needs of associations? How are technology leaders addressing the needs of the organization? This panel discussion will look at what is happening in 3 of Chicago’s larger associations, and how IT leadership is attacking the needs head-on.

• Conflict of interest policy
• Whistleblower policy
• Code of conduct/code of ethics
• Non-discrimination policy
• Training and accountability

Volunteer burnout has become extremely relevant within the past two years. Professional contributors are still trying to find a way to steer lives back to somewhat of a normal schedule – but the reality is “This is the new normal” (post-pandemic). Explore how to best navigate tough challenges to help balance careers, family obligations, and volunteer involvement.

Attendees will also learn how to adjust routines, manage how to scale back and a few tips to ensure that volunteer burnout doesn’t overwhelm and affect their mental health. In this session attendees will learn the following:

• Grasp a clear definition of Volunteer Burnout.
• Gain a full understanding of how to identify early warning signs of Volunteer Burnout.
• Develop and apply coping mechanisms to help volunteers avoid stressful scenarios.

Workforce is the critical challenge across all fields. Where do I find new talent for my organization and industry? Build your own! A new model has emerged that is gaining traction across the US - Apprenticeship. Not just for "Dark, Dirty & Dangerous" jobs of our parents' generation. Modern apprenticeship is anything but!Learn how apprenticeship in office settings & industry leads to record staff retention rates, improved DEI outcomes, and how public/private partnerships are being built across the country. The ICATT Apprenticeship Program was built through a partnership between the Illinois Manufacturers Association and the German American Chamber of Commerce, and has since expanded to 12 states and companies ranging from office environments, to pharmaceuticals, to automotive suppliers and more.