Conventional Wisdom Is Rarely Either: Discuss.
Thu, Mar 3, 2019
by Drew McManus
Do you know what a HiPPO is? I bet you’ve encountered one in a meeting whether you knew it or now. For those unfamiliar with the acronym, HiPPO stands for Highest Paid Person’s Opinion. HiPPo’s can be a real challenge to work with, especially if your goal is to create a data driven culture. To
So Is This A Remark That Sows, Or A Remark That Reaps?
Wed, Mar 3, 2019
by Drew McManus
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association held its second teleconference press conference on Monday, 3/18/19 and as luck would have it, I’ve been unable to attend both. Nonetheless, Chicago Tribune reporter Howard Reich authored an article for the paper’s 3/18/19 edition that includes his overview of the conversion. While most of the conversation seems unremarkable, one
Thinking Outside The Piggy Bank
Tue, Mar 3, 2019
by Drew McManus
Just a quick post today as I’m still playing catch-up after being away for part of last week. Fortunately, quick doesn’t mean insignificant as the topic I want to toss out is related to pensions. In light of the ongoing Chicago Symphony Orchestra work stoppage that hinges on the orchestra’s pension plan, I wanted to
Where Things Stand In The Chicago Symphony Strike
Mon, Mar 3, 2019
by Drew McManus
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s (CSO) musicians have been on strike for one week and over that time, both sides have spent as much, if not more, time waging PR battles than actively bargaining. As of now, the employer, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA), has been cancelling events on a day-by-day basis. On a broader perspective,
#19NTC Slide Deck Extravaganza!
Fri, Mar 3, 2019
by Drew McManus
I’m on my way back to Chicago after a wonderful week in Portland attending the 2019 Nonprofit Technology Conference. All my sessions were a hit and I want to extend my thanks to the NTC crew for putting together such a fabulous event. Likewise, many thanks to my co-presenter Ceci Dadisman; I’m grateful for all
Update From #19NTC
Thu, Mar 3, 2019
by Drew McManus
One of the more notable aspects of the Nonprofit Technology Conference is the exhibition hall. It’s jam-packed with vendors, especially from the CRM sector. One of the real benefits is being able to do some comparison shopping in real-time. If Vendor A provides a point you haven’t considered, you can walk right over to vendor
So Many New Gigs
Wed, Mar 3, 2019
by Drew McManus
While I’m away at #19NTC, now is the perfect time to check out the flood of new listings at ArtsAdminJobs.com. Seriously, there have been 20 new postings in the past two weeks alone such as the featured listing for Development Director at the Youth Symphony of Kansas City. You’ll find additional listings from: Berkeley Symphony
Off To Portland For #19NTC
Tue, Mar 3, 2019
by Drew McManus
I’m off to Portland, OR today for the 2019 Nonprofit Technology Conference (#19NTC) and I hope to see an uptick in professionals representing the nonprofit performing arts community. Compared to most conferences that focus on our respective sectors, NTC draws from the broader nonprofit community. As a result, attendance is much higher and there’s a
Planning Ahead For A Busy Week And A Quick CSO Update
Mon, Mar 3, 2019
by Drew McManus
What a week to be away at a conference. At the time this article was written (Sunday, March 10), the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) was in the last few hours before the musicians’ deadline to reach a new agreement before going on strike. Update: the musicians are officially on strike. As of late, I’ve been
Branding A Concerto
Fri, Mar 3, 2019
by Drew McManus
I’ll be the first to admit my good fortune when it comes to having and insider’s view into some of my wife’s projects. One of the latest is a brand-new violin concerto written for her by award winning film composer, George S. Clinton. The concerto is unlike anything I’ve encountered; while it’s a formal violin
