Association Spotlight

Using Video to Connect More Deeply With Members

By Association Adviser staff • November 5, 2011

This month’s spotlight on communication excellence falls on the Western Retail Lumber Association (WRLA) and the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) for their bold forays into online video.

The Western Retail Lumber Association (WRLA) recently completed a strategic planning session in which it found that members had a need for more compelling content and more relevant information about their industry. WRLA turned to online video to help fill that void. Their first video was part informational and part educational, highlighting a new program they’re about to launch called WRLA TV. Online video isn’t just a gimmick for WRLA–it will become the focal point of its new website. The goal of WRLA’s new website is to create an informational hub where members can not only learn, but can have a conversation with each other, whether it’s member-to-member or member-to-association.

WRLA Video Filler Ad on Website

Meanwhile, the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) recently launched its first video episode featuring highlights of its annual conference. The content focused primarily on the speakers, session highlights and on key attendees and exhibitors. It provided great coverage of the event for both attendees and non-attendees, and serves as a key strong driver of future attendance for the MHEDA’s annual convention.

The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association repackaged a series of four conference keynote speaker sessions on their TV platforms and distributed the individual videos via email.
The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association repackaged a series of four conference keynote speaker sessions on their TV platforms and distributed the individual videos via email.

Both associations used content and video in different ways. Both adhered to best practices and both used video to solidify their position as the No. 1 source of information in their market.

Charles Popper, Naylor’s Vice President of Association Relations has more in this video report.