Author: Amy Thomasson

Amy Thomasson is a strategist, content creator, and storyteller with extensive experience in marketing and communications, membership development, and volunteer management.

She has worked in a variety of business environments ranging from the Fortune 500 to professional associations. Amy currently serves as the marketing director for the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

Amy is incredibly passionate about volunteerism within the association and nonprofit management community, and currently serves as co-chair of Association Forum’s Content Working Group, as well as a mentor to Forum’s Emerging Leaders. She is also a highly-rated speaker and article author, who has partnered with ASAE, Association Forum, AssociationSuccess.org, and standalone associations to deliver engaging content. Amy is a 2018 recipient of Association Forum and USAE’s Forty Under 40® Award.

She has a BA in Communication from the University of Missouri-Columbia, an Executive Leadership certificate from Cornell University, and a Professional Fundraising certificate from Boston University.

Making your digital image picture perfect
Jul
30

Making your digital image picture perfect

Just as looking in the mirror reflects your physical appearance, your digital image is a reflection of your personal brand. The manner in which you appear online, whether via video, social media presence, or even Slack message is telling a story about who you are and how you’re showing up in the world. The problem […]

By | Empower Yourself . Engage People . Transform Culture
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Understanding the ABCs of Association Management Credentials
Jul
08

Understanding the ABCs of Association Management Credentials

The paradox of professional development is that it can feel like both a necessity and a luxury. We know we need it, but we don’t always know where to start. This is especially true when attempting to navigate the alphabet soup of credentials and certifications geared towards association management professionals. Personally, I have often wished […]

By | Empower Yourself
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Bringing the magic to virtual meetings
Jun
23

Bringing the magic to virtual meetings

As some of us return to work in a modified office environment and others plan to continue to work from home, virtual meetings will continue to be a distinct facet of our reality. Whether it’s a simple video chat with your team or a multi-day virtual conference like SURGE Connect, you likely have a plethora […]

By | Engage People
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Getting your podcast off the ground: insights from a successful association podcast
May
26

Getting your podcast off the ground: insights from a successful association podcast

The popularity of podcasting isn’t slowing down anytime soon. As of January 2020, there were more than 30 million podcast episodes available for download and 900,000 different shows to choose from. This number is sure to climb, especially as a way to reach audiences facing continued travel restrictions and social distancing in response to the […]

By | Engage People . Invigorate Revenue
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It’s not you, it’s me: Why your mentoring relationship isn’t working out
May
13

It’s not you, it’s me: Why your mentoring relationship isn’t working out

While a mentoring relationship is traditionally thought of as a senior leader providing guidance to a junior professional, mentoring can follow many pathways. In my own career, I’ve established relationships as both a mentor and a mentee through formal mentoring programs. I also receive professional guidance though a peer group of mid to senior-level female […]

By | Empower Yourself . Engage People
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How to pivot to virtual in real time
Apr
09

How to pivot to virtual in real time

Nearly every association, nonprofit, and business in general has been directly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, but perhaps none more so than those holding spring and summer meetings and conferences. While these are challenging times, challenges also enable us to rise to the occasion and demonstrate true leadership. Those organizations that recognize the need to […]

By | Engage People . Invigorate Revenue
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A race to connect: How 1 association energized its community with a virtual 5K
Apr
06

A race to connect: How 1 association energized its community with a virtual 5K

The event environment is evolving by the minute in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. More than 50 million people have been impacted by event cancellations and postponements. While many events are or will be shuttered outright, many others will pivot to virtual offerings. However, not all virtual events are created equal. Amidst a newly […]

By | Engage People
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The future of fundraising is responsive
Apr
01

The future of fundraising is responsive

During even the best of times, fundraising can be a complex endeavor requiring perseverance, persistence, and adaptability. As organizations and individuals continue to assess new information daily from the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and others on the growing COVID-19 pandemic, the need for successful fundraising efforts has become even more critical. […]

By | Invigorate Revenue
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4 tips to help out and stand out as an all-star volunteer
Jan
14

4 tips to help out and stand out as an all-star volunteer

Looks like you’ve forgotten something. If you’re like most job seekers, you’re neglecting a key step to land a new job. According to a 2016 survey of recruiters conducted by Deloitte, only 30% of job seekers mention volunteer experience on their résumés, despite the 82% of surveyed recruiters preference to applicants involved in volunteerism. What […]

By | Empower Yourself . Engage People . Featured
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PAVING YOUR PATH TO YOUR MID-CAREER
Jul
15

PAVING YOUR PATH TO YOUR MID-CAREER

I’m at an interesting point in my career journey where I’ve recently transitioned from a young professional to a mid-careerist. What I’ve found is that defining your mid-career, and your career in general, is really up to you. It’s up to you to pave your own path, and the good thing is that you can do anything […]

By | Empower Yourself
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