OK, I get it. You’re doing a virtual event. We do them here at Association Laboratory too. While the lessons from our planners are great, what really matters is the insight we gain from attendees. With that in mind, I introduce our Strategist Nikki Golden, CAE as she takes over this month’s blog From My Seat at the Bar. Let’s hear about the lessons took away as an attendee at a recent Insights Association virtual conference. Take it away Nikki. I attended a virtual conference. Here are some things to consider. Nothing has made me prouder to work in the association world than the nimbleness so many groups have displayed in switching from an in-person conference to a digital one—many, in just a few short weeks. This month, I was lucky to participate as an attendee in a three-day, afternoon-only event produced by the Insights Association. Here are some takeaways […]

It’s foolish to have a blog called, From My Seat at the Bar, and not provide insight into booze now and then. How, I as a leader of a company during this crisis, effectively self-medicate to improve moral and performance (my own). We now know, thanks to our government leaders, that liquor stores are considered an essential service. Something most of us have known for quite some time. Our instinctive drink choices give insight into how we cope with difficult or changing times. Why work so hard when every answer to every question can be found in your liquor cabinet? Let’s begin. Booze = Medicine In his wonderful book, Colonial Spirits, a Toast to Our Drunken History, author Steven Grasse properly reminds us in the first chapter that booze is medicine. Early settlers were faced with bad water. Dealt with a host of diseases. Fought with hostile natives (now pronounced […]

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Nikki Golden is an award-winning association executive and former Executive Director of the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery. She will join Association Laboratory as a Strategist on May 4. Nikki is an Association Forum/USAE 40 under 40 award winner with more than a decade of experience in association leadership. With special expertise in membership, marketing and communication, she has worked with both professional and trade associations during the course of her career. “Nikki is going to be a great addition to our team. We’re looking forward to adding her marketing and communication abilities, and frankly, just excited to get to work with someone so talented.” Said Dean West, President of Association Laboratory. Nikki will be responsible for leading client engagements and contributing to corporate content and marketing efforts. Prior to her association work, Nikki Golden worked in publishing and journalism. Association Laboratory provide research and strategy to […]