“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 […]
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 segment their […]
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 […]
There’s a growing disconnect between why members join associations and what they receive. According to Smithbucklin’s “Unlocking Value for Members” 2025 report, 88% of association members say “career growth” is a top reason they join associations, but they need more support to find jobs. That stat alone should be the North Star guiding member strategy. […]
It’s no secret that today’s workforce, especially Gen Z and younger Millennials, is driven by a desire to do work they believe will help make a positive impact in the world. Job seekers are asking different questions than they did a decade ago: What impact does this organization have? Will I be part of something bigger […]
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 […]