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 […]
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 However, many associations hesitate to fully embrace an AMS due to outdated perceptions or misconceptions.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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Data has become a powerhouse for organizations over the recent decades. And for associations, data can be defined in so many ways. Many of these areas have the opportunity to be cleansed on a regular basis, such as information you have on file about members, past members, partner companies, job seekers and more. However, there are subsets of data that an association has access to — and can leverage for decision-making — that aren’t necessarily cleansable, and that’s to be expected. Spending time learning to understand what data should consistently be cleansed, why it should be cleansed and how to cleanse and organize it is one step in an association’s journey to cleaner data.
It’s our moment to set new hybrid norms for how associations connect with members. Erica Dhawan explains the 4 Laws of Connectional Intelligence.
No doubt about it, every association executive is asking themselves, “What’s next?” What next for revenue? What next for member retention? What next for member services? What next for staff retention? What next for morale? The list of questions is almost endless. And the angst that accompanies those questions runs deep. Rather than acting in […]
Winning an award for your association’s communications brings not only the attention and respect of other associations; it is another way of providing value to your members. Here’s how to enter an association awards competition and what to consider before submitting a winning entry.
Digital badging (also “digital credentialing”) provides job-seekers with a way to accurately portray their skillsets. Associations can use digital badges to increase member engagement, help ensure that members’ skills align with industry standards, and earn non-dues revenue.
Mentoring programs may be “in”, but is it right for your association? Here are 3 simple questions your association should ask before you get too entangled.
Mentoring programs can be worthwhile experiences for both industry up-and-comers and seasoned veterans. Benefits for mentees range from a boost in self-confidence to life-long positive professional impacts, such as learning how to speak up and be heard and understanding how to accept feedback. Mentors have an opportunity to share their knowledge, strengthen their interpersonal skills, and give back to their mentee and the organization.
As we discussed in How to Tackle Technology, offering members videos, apps, social media and responsive design won’t work without a cohesive strategy in place—and it might even backfire on you.
This month, the Corner Office spotlight shines on Stephanie Drake, senior executive director of the American Hospital Association (AHA). She’s also executive director of the 3,400-member American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA), a personal membership group of the AHA.
This month’s Corner Office spotlight shines on Joe Syrowik, Director of Membership, Marketing and Member Service for the 160,000 member ASCD, an educational leadership association for principals, teachers and superintendents based in Alexandria, Virginia.
By Association Adviser staff