Get Hands-On with Learning: Explore Association Forum’s New LAB Programs

Association Forum is excited to introduce a new way to grow your skills, expand your toolkit, and engage with fellow professionals—welcome to the LABs. The term LAB stands for learn, apply, build. We premiered some of these programs at Holiday Showcase 2024. They were met with such positive feedback, we’ve decided to offer them as stand-alone education throughout the year.

Designed for both members and nonmembers, these dynamic, hands-on learning sessions focus on real-world tools and timely topics that help you thrive in today’s fast-evolving work environment. Whether you’re brushing up on your Canva skills, refining your video presence, exploring the power of AI, or diving into Gallup’s CliftonStrengths, each LAB is built to be actionable, accessible, and immediately applicable.

Why LABs?

Think of LABs as the intersection of learning and doing. These aren’t sit-and-listen lectures—they’re interactive workshops led by experts and tailored to help you walk away with new capabilities you can use the next day. You’ll get practical, skill-based instruction in a small-group setting, with space to ask questions, practice techniques, and connect with others who are also invested in leveling up.

What You’ll Learn

Each LAB session is focused on a specific topic or tool. Upcoming programs include:

• Getting Started with Canva: No matter your level, get the hands-on training you need to feel confident with Canva. This is an introductory session for those with little to no experience using Canva.

• Canva Brand Kit Quick Start: Take your organization’s visual communications and your own Canva skills to the next level. Come prepared with your organization’s brand kit. You’ll learn how to load your branding into Canva and leverage this powerful tool to create consistent and impactful assets!

• Microsoft CoPilot & AI: Using Microsoft Copilot as a model, this course will explore specific association use cases and best practices including security, acceptable use policies and intellectual property considerations.

• Identifying Your Strengths: Through the power of the CliftonStrengths assessment, this interactive workshop will help you identify your unique strength potential and apply those strengths in an experiential exercise.

• Lights, Camera, Impact, a Video Presence LAB: Whether you’re leading a Zoom meeting, presenting on Teams, or recording content for social media or internal communications, you’ll gain practical skills to deliver your message with clarity, authority, and impact. With expert facilitation and real-time feedback, you’ll practice and refine your on-camera delivery so you can show up strong—every time.

Who Should Attend?

LABs are ideal for professionals at any career stage who want to learn something new in a fast, focused format. Whether you’re sharpening your tech skills, preparing for a new role, or just looking to stay current with industry trends, these sessions offer an affordable and impactful learning experience.

NEW: Convince Your Boss!

Get the green light to attend these sessions. Each webpage has a green banner at the top that says “BOSS MODE: GO”. Click the banner to download a ready-to-send letter that makes the case for why you should attend this education session.

Get Involved

Explore the full list of upcoming LABs and register today at associationforum.org/events/labs. Come ready to roll up your sleeves—and leave ready to make an impact.

Because in the LAB, it’s not just about what you learn—it’s about what you can do.