Live Events Still Generate Lion’s Share of Association NDR

While social, mobile and technological advances are changing the face of association gatherings, it seems that nothing can replace the value of eye contact and face-to-face interaction on the exhibit floor and networking confabs.

Not only are many associations reporting an uptick in both space and registrations, but our latest unscientific reader poll shows that more than half (52 percent) of Association Adviser eNews followers say conferences and events are their organization’s No.1 source of non-dues revenue (NDR).

Advertising in publications and online media channels was the No.1 source of NDR at 19 percent of respondents’ organizations, followed by continuing professional educations programs (15 percent) and corporate partnerships and affinity programs (11 percent).

The above findings are just the kind of thing that makes some association leaders nervous as economic conditions fluctuate. As MHEDA’s Liz Richards explains in today’s Corner Office profile, you shouldn’t put all your eggs in one basket. “Our revenue stream comes from an even mix of dues, convention/trade show, education and other non-dues revenue including publications, investments and discount programs (i.e. affinity programs). Again, our strategic planning process helps us to analyze and make changes as needed.”