Talking about AI in associations can get weird fast. It’s either all hype, all fear, or a sales pitch pretending to be a conversation. This live podcast recording set out to do something different.

Instead of interviews, five association podcasters sat down together to talk honestly about what AI might actually mean for membership teams as we head into 2026. No demos. No slides. Just an open, unscripted conversation about what’s changing, what probably isn’t, and where teams should be paying attention right now.

During the discussion, we dig into things like:

• What AI is likely to change for membership teams — and what’s being overblown
• Where excitement makes sense, and where some caution is healthy
• The tools and trends that are worth watching (and the ones that may not be)
• How roles, workflows, and expectations could realistically shift over time

You’ll hear perspectives from:

• Joanna Pineda, Associations Thrive Podcast
• David Coriale, Reboot IT Podcast
• Ben Muscolino, The Association Podcast
• KiKi L’Italien, Things Go Sideways Podcast

The conversation is facilitated by Dave Will, host of the Association Strong Podcast, and it feels more like a fireside chat than a formal panel. People agree, disagree, and challenge each other’s assumptions, which is kind of the point.

If you’re trying to make sense of where AI fits into your membership work without getting swept up in buzzwords, this recording will give you clearer ways to think about what’s ahead. You won’t leave with all the answers, but you’ll leave with better questions, and a more grounded view of what AI could (and shouldn’t) mean for your team.