In a time when leadership feels more stressful than ever, what if the secret to thriving was as simple as joy? In this episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L’Italien sits down with The Party Scientist himself, Jacques W. Martique, to explore how science-backed joy can transform the way we lead and build community.

Jacques has rocked festival stages, corporate offices, and global events with his high-energy approach to human connection, helping people tap into their body’s natural feel-good chemicals—without needing a drink in hand. His insights are especially relevant in today’s politically charged DC environment, where association and nonprofit leaders are looking for ways to create unity and resilience.

From his days as a festival medic saving lives to pioneering the sober partying movement, Jacques has developed powerful tools to help leaders cultivate joy, strengthen teams, and boost engagement.

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With political tensions high, associations and nonprofits face tough choices about where and how they host events.

Enter SocialOffset, a groundbreaking initiative co-founded by Dr. Elena Gerstmann that empowers conference attendees to offset the economic impact of destination boycotts—without sacrificing meaningful participation.

In this episode of Association Chat, host KiKi L’Italien sits down with Dr. Gerstmann, Executive Director of INFORMS, to explore how SocialOffset is changing the conversation around ethical event planning. With a distinguished career in association management—spanning ASME, IEEE, and now INFORMS—Dr. Gerstmann brings unparalleled insight into the intersection of social responsibility, association leadership, and strategic decision-making.

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Lori Anderson, the president and CEO of the International Sign Association (ISA), is our distinguished guest this week on Association Chat. In January, she was named Association Executive of the Year and recently celebrated her 20th anniversary leading ISA. However, when she took over, things were a bit more unstable. In this interview, we’ll discuss change management, stabilizing chaos, and how to be comfortable in your own skin as an association leader.

We also cover navigating unimaginable personal hardships while simultaneously transforming the structure and culture of an entire organization. Lori’s results speak for themselves; she is one of the most effective and accomplished CEOs in our industry. She’s literally the top association CEO of the year. She is inspiring, relentless, and, above all, kind. You won't want to miss this interview.

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Join host KiKi L’Italien on the Association Chat Podcast as she sits down with Rick Harris, CEO of the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP), to explore how associations can discover new revenue opportunities through creative strategies and innovation.

With over a decade of experience leading APMP and a reputation as a nonprofit growth expert, Rick shares his insights on:

• How to identify and capitalize on untapped revenue opportunities.
• Aligning staff performance with organizational vision to achieve big goals.
• How listening and collaboration lead to better business outcomes.

Whether you’re looking to boost revenue, strengthen partnerships, or future-proof your organization, this episode offers actionable advice for association leaders at every level.

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Join host KiKi L'Italien for a riveting conversation with PR powerhouse Adele Gambardella. In today's politically charged climate, when should associations take a stand—and how can they do it effectively?

Dubbed "the expert to call in a crisis" by The Wall Street Journal, Gambardella brings over 20 years of high-stakes PR experience to this timely discussion. Her client roster includes President Biden, billionaire Ted Leonsis, and former Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson.

As Washington, DC navigates the post-election landscape, Gambardella shares proven strategies from her crisis campaigns for SAP, Verizon, and Johnson & Johnson. Drawing from her latest book, "CONVINCE ME: High-Stakes Negotiation Tactics to Get Results in Any Business Situation," she'll offer practical guidance for association leaders facing difficult communication decisions.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a communications mastermind who's been trusted to speak at the United Nations and teach at Princeton, Cornell, and Georgetown. Tune in to gain invaluable insights that could transform how your organization navigates today's complex advocacy landscape.

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In this episode of Association Chat, we’re talking with James King, President of the California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF), to explore the vital role CPAF plays in supporting first responders.

CPAF fosters wellness, camaraderie, and resilience among law enforcement and firefighter athletes and as you will learn in today’s episode there is nothing on earth quite like the games we discuss and what they ultimately do for the morale of our world’s incredibly selfless and heroic first responders.

Learn more about United States Police & Fire Championships, World Police & Fire Games, and the California Police Athletic Federation: https://cpaf.org/.

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What exactly is the state of associations in the opening days of President Trump’s second term? As the political climate shifts dramatically, Association Chat Magazine Editor-in-Chief and Association Chat Podcast Host KiKi L’Italien is joined by ASAE President & CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, and Mary Kate Cunningham, CAE, ASAE’s Chief Public Policy and Governance Officer for this discussion, which has unprecedented consequences for nonprofits.

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In this episode of Association Chat, KiKi L’Italien sits down with Amy Lestition Burke, Executive Director and CEO of SWANA, to uncover the extraordinary leadership required to guide an association through two devastating hurricanes and a critical annual conference. As Amy shares her experiences, listeners will gain insight into how SWANA supports its members during crises, the lessons learned from disaster recovery, and the pivotal role the association plays in maintaining national infrastructure.

From navigating immediate challenges to preparing for the long-term impacts of climate change, Amy provides a masterclass in leading with empathy, communication, and vision. Whether you’re an association professional or a leader seeking inspiration, this conversation highlights what it truly means to lead in times of crisis.

Join us for an episode packed with wisdom, resilience, and a closer look at an association's role as a critical lifeline for its members and the communities they serve.

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