Associations invest a tremendous amount of energy into delivering value. They advocate for their industries, connect professionals, build communities of practice, and equip members to succeed. Yet many still hear a familiar and frustrating comment from members: “I know the association is helpful, but I’m not sure how to explain it to someone else.” That […]
Membership growth depends on momentum. Associations thrive when they find effective ways to connect with members, communicate value clearly, and turn engagement into long-term loyalty. The 2025 Association Benchmarking Report shows that many organizations are making progress, with engagement steadily rising. However, it also highlights the ongoing challenges that continue to shape the association landscape: cutting through noise, clearly demonstrating value, and identifying sustainable sources of revenue. During […]
I had the pleasure of speaking at the 2025 ASAE Annual Meeting about a challenge nearly every association faces: how to introduce new member benefits in a way that truly drives value. I’ve seen many well-intentioned rollouts fall short, not because the ideas were bad, but because they weren’t grounded in member needs, lacked early […]
The goal of member communications isn’t just outreach—it’s to build trust, deliver insights, and strengthen member engagement over time. According to the latest Association Benchmarking Report, associations engage with their members an average of 28 times per month across print, digital, social media, and video platforms. That’s 28 opportunities to inform, educate, and connect. But […]
Associations thrive on connection, engagement, and value, yet many struggle to communicate their impact effectively. If members don’t clearly see the value, retention drops, engagement stalls, and revenue opportunities go untapped. A Gap Analysis identifies where messaging falls short and provides a roadmap to strengthen member engagement, retention, and non-dues revenue (NDR). By addressing these gaps, […]
Associations today are serving a membership base that spans multiple generations—each with its own communication styles, career priorities, and event preferences. While this diversity presents challenges, it also creates opportunities for associations to build stronger, more dynamic communities. To truly engage members of all ages, associations must be intentional about their communications, events, and career […]
Why Data Should Be the Cornerstone of Your Association’s Strategy Associations that leverage data and research consistently stay relevant and competitive by deepening their understanding of member needs, making informed decisions, and uncovering new revenue opportunities. However, navigating the world of data can be challenging—many associations find it overwhelming, struggle with knowing where to start, […]
In today’s digital world, where connection can often feel virtual and fleeting, professional associations play a vital role in fostering a sense of community and belonging among their members. But how do associations effectively engage their members and keep them actively involved? The answer lies in the power of events. Events are not just gatherings; […]
In the fast-paced environment we live in, creating engagement among your members through technology can be one of the most beneficial endeavors for an association.After all, it’s your members who interact with your digital platforms every single day. They’re the ones who have the potential to spread the word about your association and help you get one step closer to your business goals. Without strong engagement with your members, it can often feel like an uphill battle to stay connected with them so that your association continues to thrive. Learn more.
By: Nate Brown and Jeff Horne Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “A good system shortens the road to the goal.” The sentiment rings true for associations around the world, where many professionals are seeking ways to reach their association’s goals, such as: Member retention Membership growth Earning more non-dues revenue Launching new and profitable events […]