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Associations ThriveCelebrating successful associations and their leaders Author: Joanna Pineda
This is Associations Thrive, the podcast celebrating successful associations and their leaders. Listen in as top association executives tell all, revealing the creative and innovative ways theyre increasing their bottom line, serving their members, and reimaging their organizations. The Associations Thrive podcast is hosted by Joanna Pineda, CEO & Chief Troublemaker at Matrix Group International. Joannas personal mission and the mission of Matrix Group is to help associations and nonprofits increase membership, generate revenue and thrive in the digital space. We believe that every association has a unique mission and unique story in how theyre serving their members, impacting their industry, and ultimately changing the world. Guests include top trade association, professional society, and non profit executives. Were here to help amplify their stories so all associations can learn and thrive, together. Language: en Genres: Business, Management, Non-Profit Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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169. Leakhena Swett, President of ILTA, on M&A Disruption, Strategic Flexibility, and Building Community During Conferences
Episode 169
Thursday, 15 January, 2026
How do you keep members engaged when the industry is undergoing constant mergers and acquisitions? How can an association stay flexible, strategic, and still build a sense of community?In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Leakhena Swett, President of the International Liquid Terminals Association (ILTA). Leakhena discusses:What liquid terminals are and how critical they are to the global supply chain, from fuels and chemicals to molasses and palm oil.The diverse membership of ILTA, including 70 terminal members and 300+ supplier members providing everything from drone tech to cleaning services.The constant M&A activity in the industry, and how ILTA mitigates the risk by staying in communication with members and focusing on value.How Leakhena’s background in technology and systems thinking has shaped her strategic approach to leading ILTA.A flexible strategic plan that allows ILTA to pivot quickly, given how fast the industry and regulatory environment are changing.How ILTA is responding to increased demand for in-person engagement by taking committee meetings to member locations.The big changes coming to ILTA’s 2026 annual conference, including CEU accreditation and shorter, more dynamic sessions with organic networking.An intentional move away from rigid session tracks to more inclusive, cross-functional learning.The expansion of roundtable discussions at the conference, supported by a mobile app for gamification and post-event engagement.Why ILTA relocated its HQ from Arlington, VA to downtown DC to better serve its advocacy mission and engage directly with federal agencies.References:ILTA Website
