What does it take for an association to remain relevant and impactful in an era of constant change? For Heather L. Maurer, MA, CAE, the CEO of the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health (NPWH), the answer lies in balance between bold advocacy and thoughtful strategy, between serving members and shaping the future […]
The hiring landscape is changing faster than ever, and associations have a front-row seat. From helping member organizations attract talent to ensuring their own teams keep pace, understanding what is happening in recruitment today is vital. The good news is that many of these shifts present new opportunities for associations to strengthen their value proposition […]
What separates a good trade show from a truly unforgettable one? According to industry veteran Daniel McKinnon, CEM, it comes down to one thing: creating lasting value for attendees, exhibitors, and partners alike. That is the focus of the latest episode of the Association Adviser Podcast, where McKinnon, Chief Exhibitions Officer at MHI, joins Christine […]
“I don’t believe I’ll ever be able to retire.” This blunt confession from a brilliant Millennial woman during a keynote I delivered last year stopped me cold. She wasn’t being sarcastic or provocative. She was simply stating what she believed her future held in store. “Best I can tell, I’ll need to work until I […]
Running a lean association doesn’t mean your impact has to be limited. In fact, small staff associations often have unique advantages when it comes to agility, innovation, and member connection. That’s the focus of the latest episode of the Association Adviser Podcast, where Tip Tucker Kendall, CAE, Executive Director of the National Grants Management Association […]
How do you prepare your association for a future full of unknowns? That is the question at the heart of the first episode of Association Adviser Podcast season 3, featuring Jeff De Cagna, AIMP DAIG FRSA FASAE, Executive Advisor of Foresight First LLC. With more than 30 years in the association world, Jeff is well […]
Artificial intelligence has already begun to transform the way associations operate. From automating routine tasks to personalizing communications, AI can help organizations become more efficient and member focused. Yet there is one factor that will ultimately decide whether AI strengthens or weakens associations: trust. Associations are trusted because they set standards, protect member interests, and […]
The Association Adviser Podcast is back with a bold new season launching on September 30. This year, we are taking a clear-eyed look at the future of associations and what it takes to thrive in the midst of disruption, innovation, and evolving member expectations. Hosted by Christine Shaw, CEO and President of Naylor Association Solutions, […]
For years, cover letters have been a point of debate in hiring. Some people swear they are essential while others view them as a formality. In 2025, the reality is somewhere in the middle. A cover letter is no longer just a polite add-on. When it is written well, it can be the difference between […]
When it comes to member retention, creativity and consistency are often the difference between a reminder email and a true movement. The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) proved this with its award-winning “I Am IIDA” campaign, which not only celebrated the organization’s 30th anniversary but also energized members across every segment of its community. The […]
At this year’s ASAE Annual Meeting, I had the opportunity to attend a session that struck at the heart of what many of us are grappling with as association leaders. Richard Yep, Global Principal at Vetted Solutions, led “Navigating and Explaining a New World Order to Your Board.” His message was clear and urgent: the […]
For associations, we know how much a strong member experience matters. We build programs, benefits, and journeys with care because experience shapes perception. But there’s one area where many organizations fall short, and the impact goes deeper than they think: the candidate experience. Your hiring process is often the first real impression someone gets of […]
Each year, Naylor’s Association Benchmarking Report captures a moment in time for the association community—a detailed look at what’s working, what’s not, and what’s coming next. The 2025 edition is no exception. With responses from over 300 senior association professionals across North America, this year’s report reveals a sector adapting quickly to new technologies and […]
In 2025, relevance is everything. Associations are up against ever-increasing competition for member attention—one of the top three challenges associations reported facing in this year’s Association Adviser Benchmarking Survey (report available here for download) was combating information overload or cutting through the clutter. Associations understand that to resonate with a diverse membership, they need to […]
Careers have always been central to why people join associations. Yes, members come for the community, the content, and the connection, but at the heart of it all is a desire to grow—to learn, advance, and thrive professionally. In my last article, I wrote about the growing gap between what members want and what most […]
