• Included with Microsoft 365 Business Premium Access to core Copilot features is bundled with your go -to Office apps, and available to you as you read this newsletter. 
• Seamless Integration Copilot works within Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, and other Microsoft 365 applications, making AI assistance a natural part of your daily tasks. 
• Visibly Secure for Peace of Mind The green shield icon at the top of the Copilot Chat window means the data you put into the app is analyzed securely within your organization’s environment.  

1. Standalone Application Use Copilot as a dedicated app for focused AI interactions. Simply open up the M365 Copilot chat app from the Search box on your Taskbar.  
2. Embedded in Microsoft 365 Apps Access Copilot directly within your favorite tools for instant productivity enhancements. The button to open a Copilot chat window within Office Suite applications is found on the far right of the menu ribbon at the top of the app window itself.  

• Use Natural Language: Just type what you need—Copilot understands plain English. The more you use it, the better it gets at understanding your requests and providing output in your voice.  
• Learn as You Go: The more you interact with Copilot, the better it becomes at delivering precise results and helpful suggestions. The more you integrate it with your organization’s data, the more complete and in-context answers it can provide.
• Reference Organizational Data: The included version of Copilot can reference only open files, documents, and transcripts added to your prompt. While the upgraded license can index data across the environment more seamlessly, the included version will still reference data provided as you interact with Copilot Chat. You can add documents and data to your prompts in two ways: 
  • Click the Add Content (+) button within the prompt to include files in your prompt. 
  • Type / to search for documents directly within the chat. 
• BE MINDFUL - Always Validate Information: While Copilot is powerful, it’s not infallible. Also avoid using Copilot Chat for compliance-critical tasks, like HR and legal documentation, where accuracy and verbiage is non-negotiable. 

• AI chat enhanced with Work IQ for smarter business insights 
• AI-powered Search and Notebooks for streamlined knowledge management 
• Advanced Media Creation tools for professional-grade content 
• Full integration of Copilot across all Microsoft 365 applications 
• Comprehensive AI-agent access for enterprise-wide productivity 
• Enhanced AI management and analytics for better oversight and optimization 

• How to assess what’s working (and what’s not)
• Ways to streamline your learning ecosystem and reduce administrative friction
• Practical templates for CE planning, content roadmapping, metrics tracking, and technology evaluation
• Proven approaches to increase engagement and generate sustainable non-dues revenue

Turning Insights into Action

• Impact vs. Effort matrix. Plot potential changes based on their user impact and implementation effort. Focus first on high-impact, low-effort wins—these often yield the greatest ROI.
• MoSCoW method. Categorize findings into Must-haves, Should-haves, Could-haves, and Won’t-haves. This helps teams align on what’s critical versus what’s nice to have.

Collaborating with Teams

• Create user stories. Translate insights into actionable stories like “As a new user, I want clearer navigation so I can find key features faster.”
• Use annotated wireframes. Show how design changes address specific pain points. This bridges the gap between research and implementation.
• Host insight workshops. Bring teams together to review findings, brainstorm solutions, and co-create prototypes. This fosters buy-in and accelerates iteration.

• A/B testing. Compare versions to see which performs better.
• Usability testing. Observe users interacting with the new design and gather feedback.
• Surveys or feedback forms. Ask users if the changes improved their experience.

Final Thought

• Opening Panel Session: Truth Amid Disruption: Leading Change in the Next-Level Era
  Senior leaders from associations, meeting planning, and technology shared insights on navigating disruption, including governance changes, evolving member expectations, workforce challenges, and innovation.
• Education for Every Career Stage
  Two full days of education addressed all functional areas of association management. This year featured expanded Learning LABs—hands-on, interactive workshops—alongside traditional educational sessions.
• Brunch Keynote Speaker: Sheri Jacobs, FASAE, CAE
  Nationally recognized expert Sheri Jacobs delivered a compelling keynote brunch focused on practical, data-driven strategies to rethink business models, enhance member engagement, and adapt to changing needs. Emphasizing boundary setting, staff empowerment, and the encouragement to “Take More Shots,” her message resonated strongly across the audience.