Designing Professional Development That Actually Meets Member Needs

<p>In this episode of <strong>The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd &amp; UpWrd</strong>, recorded on the show floor at the <strong>2026 ASAE Annual Meeting &amp; Exposition in Indianapolis</strong>, host Colleen Gallagher sits down with <strong>Tanika Coates, Director of Professional Development at the American Society for Cell Biology</strong>, to explore how associations can create more meaningful professional development experiences for members at every stage of their careers.</p><p>Tanika shares how associations can move beyond one-size-fits-all programming by using data to better understand member needs, reimagining existing content and designing learning experiences with accessibility and inclusion built in from the start.</p><p><strong>Key Highlights</strong></p><p><strong>Move Beyond One-Size-Fits-All Learning:</strong> Members have different needs throughout their careers, and professional development should be designed as a journey rather than a single package of programs and resources.</p><p><strong>Let Data Guide Your Investments:</strong> AI, analytics, surveys and program data can help associations identify what members actually use, what may no longer be sustainable and where resources could have greater impact.</p><p><strong>Reimagine What You Already Have:</strong> Creating greater value doesn&#39;t always mean creating something new. Tanika shares how associations can rethink existing publications, webinars and other content for new formats and audiences.</p><p><strong>Design for Accessibility From the Start:</strong> Rather than relying on members to request accommodations, associations can build inclusion into their events, education, content and services from the beginning.</p><p><strong>Rethink Value for the Next Generation:</strong> Younger professionals are looking for mentoring, networking, advocacy and opportunities to grow—not simply traditional benefits or discounts.</p><p>🎧 <strong>Tune in for practical ideas to help your association rethink professional development, make smarter use of its resources and create learning experiences that better support members throughout their careers.</strong></p><p><strong>Stay Connected: </strong>Subscribe to <em>The Association Insights Podcast powered by OnWrd &amp; UpWrd</em> on <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/5dhc49SHcWAAm9wbVFcGAD"><u>Spotify</u></a>, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-association-100-podcast/id1739260875"><u>Apple Podcasts</u></a> or <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLhH-dPUFm13x4oX3XUGfNieuQ9c6AdhF3&si=X9pwO5TcH2SXe81G"><u>YouTube Podcasts</u></a> to ensure you never miss an episode. Follow us on LinkedIn at <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/onwrd-upwrd"><u>OnWrd &amp; UpWrd</u></a> for the latest in association trends and strategies.</p><p><strong>Coming Soon: </strong>Next week, we&#39;re resuming our special fall series in partnership with Highland, exploring how associations can better attract, engage and retain younger professionals. Colleen and Highland&#39;s David Whited will sit down with association leaders to unpack real-world approaches, lessons learned and what&#39;s working – before David returns to close out the series and connect those experiences back to Highland&#39;s research.</p>