PAR Member Accelerator Groups
PAR members receive access to these structured peer-to-peer groups for industry insights, guidance and collaboration
The PAR Member Accelerator Groups focus on specific aspects of association business and are designed to promote direct exchanges among practitioners and leaders in those areas. By facilitating these direct exchanges, the Business Development Accelerator Group and the Marketing Accelerator Group create a dynamic, peer-to-peer learning environment that enhances and accelerates professional growth within specific areas of association business.
Business Development Accelerator Group
The Business Development Accelerator Group, within the PAR community, is tailored for ambitious business development professionals aiming to sharpen their skills, broaden their professional connections, and maintain a competitive edge in the dynamic sales landscape. This collaborative platform empowers account executives and sales managers to exchange insights, learn from fellow practitioners, and craft innovative strategies that drive sales success, both for their organizations and throughout their careers. By fostering a supportive environment rich with opportunities for learning, networking, and professional growth, the Business Development Accelerator Group enables its members to thrive alongside like-minded peers.
Leadership
Chair: Dan Cole
Senior Director, Exposition Sales, AVIXA
MARCH
Prospecting: Convert Connections into Opportunities
Unlock the art of strategic prospecting. In this session, we’ll review and discover techniques to identify, engage, and convert high-potential leads. We’ll cover three aspects of prospecting: strategic targeting and research, multichannel prospecting techniques, and lead qualification and nurturing.
Outcome: You will leave this session ready to employ these tactics in your own work.
Speakers:
Melissa Matalon
VP, Membership, Consumer Technology Association™ (CTA)
Melissa Matalon is the Vice President of Membership at the Consumer Technology Association™ (CTA), the U.S. Trade association representing more than 1200 consumer technology companies, and which owns and produces CES® - the most powerful tech event in the world. Melissa oversees all functions of membership including member engagement, retention, and growth. Her responsibilities include revenue generation and leading a team who manage member programs and development.
Tripp Taylor
Senior Vice President, Business Development, RILA
Tripp Taylor is RILA's Vice President of Business Development. Utilizing his twenty-five years of tradeshow and conference experience, Tripp leads the sales efforts for all non-dues revenue for the association ranging from exhibits and sponsorships at all RILA conferences to strategic partnerships and sponsorships of RILA’s committees. Maintaining relationships with more than 1,000 of the retail industry's leading solution providers, Tripp’s responsibilities include ensuring maximum ROI for each of these companies' areas of participation. Tripp continues to position RILA conferences and meetings as leading industry events which serve as a go-to for solution providers looking to expand their presence in the retail industry.
Upcoming Topics
May: LinkedIn for Lead Development
- Speaker: Colleen McKenna, Intero Advisory
July: Organizational Synergy: Driving Collaborative Success
- Speaker: Brittany Shoul, MCI USA
September: Outbound Membership Sales
- Speaker: Amy Burke, SWANA
Marketing Accelerator Group
From member prospecting to event registration goals and strategic partnerships, marketing executives are at the intersection of customer value and revenue maximization for their association. The Marketing Accelerator Group, within the PAR community, is designed for revenue-savvy marketers who drive financial growth through strategic marketing initiatives. This exclusive group brings together forward-thinking marketing leaders who understand the critical role of marketing in maximizing customer lifetime value and generating sustainable revenue streams.
Leadership
Chair: Nikole TenBrink, MPA, CAE
Vice President, Marketing, Advertising Research Foundation
APRIL
Transform Your Marketing Through Emerging Technologies
Discover how AI-powered tools, automation and other new technologies drive personalized campaigns and unlock insights into consumer behavior. Learn to optimize ad spending, tailor customer journeys, and enhance targeted marketing with predictive analytics. Stay ahead by leveraging these advancements to refine segmentation, personalize messaging, and maintain relevance in a rapidly evolving market.
Outcome: Leave with actionable ways to pilot new technologies in your marketing efforts
Speaker: Chris Gloede, CAE, Chief Consultant, Ricochet
Upcoming Topics
June: Maximize Your Marketing Impact on a Budget
August: Breaking Down Walls: Building Relationships for Success
- Speaker: Erin Pressley, SVP, Education Training & Events, NRECA
October: Metrics that Matter: Proving Marketing's Value
7 Ways to Accelerate Your Growth
Targeted Focus
These groups are designed to concentrate on specific aspects of association business, allowing members with similar interests or challenges to connect directly.
Practitioner & Leader Interaction
The groups bring together both practitioners and leaders in particular areas, enabling peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Networking Opportunities
By grouping members with similar focuses, the Accelerator Groups create a platform for professionals to build relationships and expand their professional networks.
Resource Sharing
Members can directly share resources, experiences, and best practices related to their specific area of association business.
Problem-Solving
The direct exchange format allows members to collectively address challenges and develop solutions specific to their area of expertise.
Learning & Development
Through peer-to-peer interactions, members can gain new insights and learn from others' experiences in their field.
Collaborative Environment
The groups foster a collaborative atmosphere where members can freely exchange ideas and information without intermediaries.
Access to Accelerator Groups
Access to Accelerator Groups is exclusive to PAR members. New cohorts will be formed in late 2025 for the following calendar year's term.
New members may apply to join an Accelerator Group when PAR membership is initiated. For more information, new members may contact Rita Nabhan.