Evolving State of Member Communications

Cutting your communications costs is not a long-term strategy for revenue growth or member retention. Smart organizations are consulting with readers and advertisers before integrating their member communications.
By Charles Popper

Integrating Your Member Communications

Members are more distracted than ever, and they’re only going to be more so in the years ahead. Members simply have more access to more information. When you couple low-cost, high-speed access to information with the current business environment, you can see that competition for your member communications is tough.

Association Leaders Get Real About Membership

If you’re over a certain age, you might remember a famous Groucho Marx comedy routine featuring the punch line: “I wouldn’t join any club that would have me as a member.” Some would say that’s how cynical Generation X and Y’ers perceive “Young Professionals” initiatives that associations launch in hopes of wooing them. But, despite a host of economic, technological and demographic challenges facing the not-for-profit world, many associations are maintaining their membership bases—if not growing them—thanks to their ability to adapt to changing times.

Without a Plan: Why Digital Tools Are Failing to Deliver ROI for Associations

For many associations, the push to modernize has never felt more urgent. Faced with declining member engagement, shifting expectations, and increasing pressure to prove value, digital tools often seem like the fastest path forward. From AMS platforms to engagement apps and data dashboards, the promise is clear: more efficiency, more insight, more connection. But for […]

Myths vs. Facts: What’s Holding Your Association Back with AMS?

Association Management Software (AMS) is a game-changer for associations looking to streamline operations, enhance member engagement, and grow revenue. However, many associations hesitate to fully embrace an AMS due to outdated perceptions or misconceptions. Let’s break down some of the most common myths and uncover the real facts about AMS that could transform how your […]

Webinar: Turning Insights into Impact: How Associations Use Data to Drive Revenue

The 2024 Association Benchmarking Report highlights a critical insight: data and strategy teams are the most understaffed areas in associations, with nearly half of respondents reporting a lack of resources to effectively leverage data. This gap presents a significant challenge. Data isn’t just numbers—it’s a roadmap to understanding member needs, driving strategic decisions, and uncovering […]

Reflecting on 2024 and Emerging Association Trends for 2025

As 2024 draws to a close, the association world stands at the crossroads of reflection and anticipation. This past year brought both challenges and opportunities, shaping how associations engage members, generate revenue, and leverage technology. As we step into 2025, the trends emerging offer a glimpse into an evolving landscape that prioritizes innovation, adaptability, and […]

More Than Just Gatherings: Why Events Are the Lifeblood of Associations

In the association world, events aren’t just scheduled activities—they are the pulse that drives engagement, growth, and innovation. As associations strive to offer value beyond membership dues, events provide the platform where community, learning, and networking collide in powerful ways. To understand the true impact of events, we need to look beyond the surface. What […]