In this episode of The A100 Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher continues the January media series with Jay Campbell, co-founder of The Company Dime and a veteran journalist with over 30 years of experience in travel trade publishing. From his early days at Boston University to launching The Company Dime, Jay shares his journey, insights into modern journalism, and the unique challenges and opportunities within the business travel sector.

Key Highlights:

• A Career in Trade Journalism: Jay discusses his path into journalism, the evolution of travel trade publishing, and how the internet reshaped the industry.

• The Company Dime’s Mission: Learn why Jay and co-founder David Jonas launched The Company Dime, the decision to adopt a subscription model, and how they’ve maintained editorial independence to build trust with readers.

• Storytelling & Audience Investment: Jay shares his approach to delivering high-value content, focusing on brevity, clarity, and making every word count for their niche audience.

• PR Insights from a Journalist’s Perspective: Discover why exclusivity matters in pitches, the importance of tailored outreach, and how PR professionals can better collaborate with journalists.

• Making an Impact During the Pandemic: Jay reflects on The Company Dime’s initiatives to support laid-off industry professionals during COVID-19, offering free subscriptions and career-focused content to help the travel community navigate unprecedented challenges.

Join us as Jay Campbell shares practical insights and candid reflections on trade journalism, storytelling, and the dynamic relationship between PR and the media.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Tune in next week as we continue our media series with another outstanding guest sharing their expertise and tips for successful PR and media collaborations!

In this episode of The A100 Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher kicks off the January media series with award-winning journalist Kirstin Garriss. With a career spanning investigative reporting, national politics coverage and impactful storytelling, Kirstin shares her unique perspective on navigating today’s media landscape and how PR professionals can effectively collaborate with journalists to elevate their stories.

Key Highlights:

• Kirstin’s Journey: Discover how Kirstin’s family and early exposure to journalism inspired her career, and how her experiences in local newsrooms shaped her storytelling approach.

• The Importance of Relationships: Kirstin explains why strong PR and journalist relationships are more critical than ever in today’s fast-paced, resource-constrained news environment.

• Crafting the Perfect Pitch: Learn Kirstin’s actionable tips for PR professionals, including the importance of targeted outreach, compelling visuals and timely follow-ups.

• Diverse Storytelling: Explore how PR professionals can amplify diverse voices, equip spokespeople with media training and highlight personal stories to make pitches more compelling.

• Adapting to a Changing Media Landscape: Kirstin shares her thoughts on the future of journalism, including the role of digital platforms, social media and why local journalism needs our support.

  
  

Join us as Kirstin shares candid insights and practical advice that offer a valuable roadmap for associations and PR professionals navigating an ever-evolving media landscape.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Tune in next week as we continue our media series with another outstanding guest sharing their expertise and tips for successful PR and media collaborations!

In this special New Year’s episode of The A100 Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher reflects on the dramatic changes in the media and PR landscape and sets the stage for 2025. Colleen shares insights from her two decades in PR, explores how the industry has come full circle to rely on relationships, and provides actionable strategies for associations to amplify their voices and become the go-to source in their industries.

Key Highlights:

• The Evolving Media Landscape: Explore how shrinking newsrooms and faster news cycles have made relationships more critical than ever.

• Keys to Effective Press Outreach: Learn practical tips for targeted pitching, crafting compelling stories and building trust with reporters.

• Momentum Builder Success Stories: Hear how associations can start small with trade and local media to build momentum for national coverage.

• • Proven Tactics for Association PR: Discover the power of regular news huddles, comprehensive press lists and creative Media Connection Calls in securing impactful coverage.

  • Preview of January’s Media Series: Get a sneak peek at the upcoming interviews with leading journalists, starting with award-winning investigative reporter Kirstin Garriss, who will share her advice for PR professionals navigating today’s media landscape.

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  Join us as we kick off 2025 with a deep dive into the evolving media landscape and how associations can leverage innovative PR strategies to stay ahead.

  
  

  Stay Connected:

  • Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

  • Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

  • Don’t miss our upcoming January media series featuring conversations with top journalists and media professionals!

    
    

  Tune in for actionable insights to make 2025 your association’s best year yet!

In this special year-end episode of The A100 Podcast, we’re re-airing the live broadcast of the 2024 A100 CommImpact Awards ceremony, originally streamed on YouTube Live. Hosted by Colleen Gallagher, CEO of OnWrd & UpWrd, and Meghan Henning, Senior PR Strategist and Founding Partner, this event celebrated the exceptional achievements of associations in communications and engagement.

Key Highlights:

• Best Media Relations Campaign: American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy’s impactful mental health campaign garnered over 100 high-profile media placements.

• Outstanding Internal Communications: Tennessee Concrete Association’s creative board engagement initiatives, including Be Pro Be Proud Tennessee and Skate4Concrete.

• Effective Member Engagement Initiative: BSA | The Software Alliance’s Why AI? campaign showcased how modest budgets can drive global advocacy.

• Innovative Content Strategy: American Society of Civil Engineers’ use of peer-reviewed research to align with UN Sustainable Development Goals.

• Thought Leadership and Research: National Association for Law Placement’s Jobs & JDs report offered deep insights into legal employment trends and racial disparities, driving equity-focused conversations in the sector.

• Advocacy Excellence: Muscular Dystrophy Association’s #AccessibleAirTravel campaign led to legislative wins in air travel accessibility.

• Event Promotion Excellence: Sea Tow Foundation’s virtual Life Jacket Loaner Conference expanded its safety program nationwide.

• Leadership in Public Awareness Campaign: American Medical Association’s mifepristone access campaign drove national discourse and secured a significant Supreme Court victory.

  
  

Join us in celebrating these associations for their creativity, leadership, and impact.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Tune in for more episodes that celebrate the innovation and achievements of associations shaping the future.

In this episode of The A100 Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher speaks with Phil Alongi, President & CEO of Alongi Media, about how associations can raise the bar on event production while keeping costs manageable and embracing sustainability.

Key Highlights:

• Innovative Production Solutions: Phil introduces Alongi Media’s groundbreaking 4K mobile production truck—a fully solar-powered, sustainable control room on wheels—that delivers exceptional quality while cutting setup time and costs.

• The Power of Storytelling: Phil shares how associations can enhance events by prioritizing storytelling and aligning programming with business goals to drive engagement and impact.

• Sustainability as a Differentiator: Learn how Alongi Media’s innovative approach reduces carbon footprints by 85% during production, offering associations a tangible way to meet sustainability goals.

• 2025 Event Trends: Phil discusses the growing demand for in-person experiences, hybrid production value and new technologies that make professional-grade content accessible to associations of all sizes.

  
  

Join us as Phil Alongi provides actionable strategies and insights to help associations produce engaging, cost-effective events that leave a lasting impact.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Tune in for more episodes filled with expert insights to help your association tell its story, elevate events and deliver value for members!

In this episode of The A100 Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher speaks with David Jackson, MBA, CAE, Executive Officer of the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET). Dave shares ASPET’s journey in preparing for the open access mandates coming in 2025 and offers actionable insights for associations navigating similar changes.

Key Highlights:

• Strategic Open Access Transitions: Dave explains ASPET’s proactive approach to open access, including the launch of its new journal, ASPET Discovery, and the strategic publishing partnership with Elsevier.

• Supporting Authors: Learn how ASPET is adapting its publishing model to increase accessibility and provide more options for authors, especially those from under-resourced institutions.

• Future Trends: Explore Dave’s vision for the future of scientific publishing, including innovations in peer review, intellectual property considerations and the role of AI.

Join us as Dave Jackson provides a roadmap for associations preparing for the future of scholarly publishing.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Tune in for more episodes packed with expert insights to help your association thrive in a changing landscape!

In this episode of The A100 Podcast, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Alan Sparkman, CAE, LEED AP, CCPf(x3), Executive Director of the Tennessee Concrete Association (TCA), to explore how associations can take bold steps to address workforce challenges. Alan shares TCA’s innovative programs to attract and retain talent while fostering long-term industry growth.

Key Highlights:

• Concrete Workforce Innovation: Learn how TCA’s initiatives like participating in Be Pro Be Proud and leading Concrete Quest and Skate for Concrete are inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in the trades.

• Engaging Current Employees: Alan discusses DriverDash, a gamification platform that boosts employee retention and engagement.

• Influencing the Future Workforce: Discover how TCA’s Concrete Influencers program will empower industry professionals to share their stories and inspire young talent.

• Lessons in Adaptability: Alan emphasizes the importance of experimentation, storytelling and action in tackling workforce shortages.

Join us as Alan Sparkman offers actionable strategies for association professionals working to solve workforce challenges and build vibrant industry communities.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Tune in for more episodes packed with innovative strategies and practical insights to help your association lead the way in workforce development!

In this thought-provoking episode of The A100 Podcast, Colleen Gallagher is joined by Jeff De Cagna, AIMP, FRSA, FASAE, Executive Advisor at Foresight First LLC, for a deep dive into the evolving responsibilities of association boards. Jeff shares his compelling vision for the future, emphasizing the critical importance of foresight, stewardship and ethical decision-making in a rapidly changing world.

Key Highlights:

• The Duty of Foresight: Jeff explores why boards must embrace a future-focused mindset to navigate systemic upheaval, risk and long-standing challenges.

• Stewardship vs. Leadership: Jeff argues that stewardship—leaving organizations better for future generations—is a higher calling than traditional leadership.

• AI Governance and Responsibility: With AI’s growing influence, Jeff underscores the need for boards to lead conversations around ethical and purposeful implementation, ensuring long-term trust and accountability.

• Reimagining Strategy: Jeff challenges boards to move beyond traditional strategic planning, advocating for adaptive approaches that prioritize the needs of successors and stakeholders.

Join us as Jeff inspires association professionals to rethink board roles and responsibilities, offering actionable insights for thriving in an era of transformation.

Stay Connected:

• Subscribe to The Association 100 podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.

• Follow us on LinkedIn at The Association 100 and OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.

Tune in for more episodes featuring expert insights to help your association navigate change, foster stewardship and build a resilient future!