Trending Articles

article thumbnail

Association Brain Food: 7.4.25

Reid All About it

The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community… “And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul…” —John Muir Early-career skills gaps. Not so long ago, young people learned industry and workplace basics in entry-level positions. But now, because AI has taken over many of these entry-level tasks, young people don’t have the chance to develop the basic skills they need for the next step up.

Revenue 195
article thumbnail

Walking Your Talk on Innovation

Spark Consulting

I recently participated in a virtual roundtable where the topic of conversation turned to non-dues revenue and the need to experiment with new ideas in a time of rapid change (it may be trite to point out that the pace of change keeps accelerating, but that doesn’t mean it’s not accurate). One of the participants observed that membership organizations that are experiencing growth generally have a process in place to encourage innovation.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

“But We’re a Nonprofit…” — And Other Myths Holding You Back

Bruce Rosenthal Associates

Ever heard this at your association? “We’re a nonprofit. We shouldn’t be chasing sponsorship money.” It’s one of the most common myths—and one of the most limiting. Let’s be clear: Your nonprofit status is a tax designation , not a business model. It doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to grow revenue, innovate, or work with corporate sponsors and partners in meaningful ways.

Revenue 100
article thumbnail

Events Industry Alliance calls for a Mutual Recognition Agreement with the EU to ensure that the UK can continue to be a leading global destination for business events

Event Industry News

The Events Industry Alliance (EIA) is today launching a campaign urging UK and EU policymakers to prioritise the establishment of a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for the business events sector in future trade discussions.

Industry 111
article thumbnail

Interactive Webinar: Recurring Giving Events That Keep on Giving

Speaker: Tim Sarrantonio, Director of Community Engagement

There’s more than one way to end the year with impact—and we’re letting you decide the direction. In this "choose your own adventure" community-led webinar, attendees will vote in real time to pick one of three year-end event strategies to explore in depth: Volunteer Appreciation Events 🧡 Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Campaigns 🌈 Mission/Program Celebrations 🎉 Once the path is chosen, we’ll dive into a step-by-step engagement workflow plan tailored to that format, showing how

article thumbnail

How to Embed Philanthropy into Your Onboarding Process

NXUnite

70% of new hires can tell within the first week whether or not their new job is the right fit for them. The onboarding period is their first impression of your business, and it’s critical to their long-term success that they get off to a good start. Your corporate social responsibility (CSR) program and philanthropic efforts are important facets of your overall employee engagement strategy , so why not incorporate them into your onboarding process and introduce new hires right away?

Process 130

More Trending

article thumbnail

Cheap Isn’t Strategic: Why Vetting Your Partners Matters More Than You Think

.orgSource

There’s a saying we’ve all heard: you get what you pay for. In the association world—where budgets are tight, timelines are unforgiving, and member expectations are rising—this old adage hits home when it’s time to choose outside partners. Vetting your partners matters Whether you’re bringing on a consultant for digital transformation, technology strategy, strategic planning, or a full-on culture shift, the decision you make on who to work with can either accelerate your goals—or quietly d

Team 88
article thumbnail

Is Your Sponsorship Model Stuck in the Past?

Bruce Rosenthal Associates

10 years ago, we didn’t scroll TikTok for thought leadership or attend webinars in sweatpants. The world has changed—and your association’s approach to corporate sponsorships needs to keep up.Yet many associations are still selling booth space, banner ads, and logo placements as if it’s 2015. The truth? Sponsors aren’t just after visibility. They want value —and that means: Thought leadership platforms Year-round engagement Customized opportunities that align with their business goals But here

article thumbnail

Smart Moves: How AI Is Shaping the Future of Associations

Sequence Consulting

Discover how forward-thinking organizations are leveraging artificial intelligence to make data-driven decisions and maximize member value. Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way associations operate. From predicting member retention trends to automating personalized engagement, AI for associations is allowing organizations to work smarter, analyze data more effectively, and deliver tailored experiences at scale.

article thumbnail

Return on Relationship in the Events Industry

AMR Management Services

“Let me introduce you to Shannon.” “You need an AV team? I know a great one!” “I’d be happy to connect you to someone in that city!” These phrases, and more, are my go-tos as I exercise the philosophy of Return on Relationships in my everyday life. Return on Relationship (RoR) is a concept that… The post Return on Relationship in the Events Industry first appeared on AMR Management Services.

article thumbnail

How to Make the Case for a New AMS (and Win)

Is your current AMS is creating more problems than it solves? You can lead the change. This eBook shares a customizable letter designed to help you clearly communicate your organization’s challenges, highlight the benefits of a modern system, and make a strong case for exploring a new AMS. Whether it’s outdated reporting, clunky workflows, or member frustration, this resource will help you start the conversation with clarity and position yourself as the advocate your organization needs.

article thumbnail

The Million-Dollar Question: What Could Your Nonprofit Do if Money Weren’t an Issue?

Blue Avocado

I have worked for many nonprofit organizations over the past 30 years. Their balance sheets were all very different; some had endowments of more than $20 million, and others were figuring out their payroll from month to month. But there was always one similarity they shared — almost all their planning and board dialogue centered around how to grow fundraising.

article thumbnail

Video: Bloomberg Hedge Fund/Alt Fund Manager

The Big Picture

Last week, I moderated an amazing panel of emerging Hedge Fund & Alternative Managers at the Bloomberg 2025 Forum. As promiosed, here is the full video of the conversation The panelists on the Emerging Managers Panel were: Matthew Cherwin: Co-Founder & CIO, Marek Capital Management Imran Khan: Founder & CIO, Proem Asset Management Matt Jozoff: Co-CEO & Portfolio Manager, Trevally Capital Hear from new and emerging fund leaders on the opportunities and obstacles of launching and g

Video 146
article thumbnail

From Silos to Strategy — The Real Reason Sponsorships Fall Flat

Bruce Rosenthal Associates

You can have the best sponsorship benefits in the world … but if your association’s departments operate in silos, your program is probably underperforming. In Chapter 1 of my book ”Mastering Association Corporate Sponsorships” , I explain why internal structure—not just external interest—determines success. Here’s the pattern I’ve seen: The conference department sells exhibit booths The marketing department sells advertising space The education department sells webinar sponsorships The pu

Strategy 100
article thumbnail

Prosperity Is Not a Plan: How Smart Associations Future-Proof Success

Sequence Consulting

To continue to thrive, associations need to ensure that they’re not lulled into complacency when things are going well. In 2024, associations find themselves at a crossroads: Soaring confidence and revenue can either be a launchpad for future growth or a trap that lures leaders into complacency. As membership booms and in-person events return—will your association evolve or miss the opportunity to focus on future-proofing associations for long-term success?

Revenue 72
article thumbnail

A Data Revolution: Why Your AMS/CRM Needs a Native Data Warehouse

Unlock the Power of Historical Data A Data Revolution: Why Your AMS/CRM Needs a Native Data Warehouse Today’s association leaders need more than real-time snapshots—they need the full story. MemberSuite: A Data Revolution reveals how a native data warehouse transforms your AMS into a strategic decision-making engine. In this free eBook, you’ll discover: The difference between a database and a data warehouse—and why it matters How to gain historical visibility into membership, engagement, events,

article thumbnail

5 Event Tips + Ideas to Wow Your Association's Members

ISAE

Creating a memorable event for your association doesn't have to mean reinventing the wheel. The secret lies in making intentional decisions that elevate your members' experience. Great association events start by focusing on what your members care about most. That means thinking ahead about what they need at every step, including signing up, networking, attending sessions, and staying connected afterward.

Tips 52
article thumbnail

How to Calculate and Improve Event ROI: A Guide for Associations  

MemberClicks

Events are generally immensely valuable for associations. They can enhance professional development, drive membership growth, foster community and facilitate networking. Therefore, they are considered worth the investment for many associations. However, when contemplating the overall value versus the cost of such events, one primary factor stands out above others in terms of importance: the event ROI.

How To 52
article thumbnail

Inside an Association’s Rebrand

Associations Now

The group formerly known as the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association retooled to increase visibility and find more partners. A product-safety association has rebranded and renamed itself, looking to widen its membership, advocacy, and public-awareness reach. The Baby Safety Alliance, formerly the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association, announced the change on June 24.

article thumbnail

Accessible Events Show Set to Redefine Event Industry Standards

Event Industry News

A powerful new industry event is set to shake up the status quo and put accessibility at the heart of event planning. The Accessible Events Show launches on Thursday, 18 September 2025 at The Drum, Wembley, bringing together event professionals, agencies, and in-house teams for a full day of actionable insight, innovation, and inspiration.

article thumbnail

A New Look At Running Grants & Programs: Why Use A System When You Have Excel?

Speaker: Gareth Webb & Phil Selley, Founding Partners at Intouch Business

For many nonprofit organizations and NGOs, managing grants and monitoring projects with spreadsheets and manual processes feels familiar—but is it holding your organization back? As funding requirements become more complex and stakeholder expectations for transparency grow, relying on outdated methods can lead to inefficiencies, missed opportunities, and compliance risks.

article thumbnail

The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Association Leaders

Sequence Consulting

There are some commonalities that distinguish the great leaders from the good ones. These seven association leadership best practices can help you lead your association toward growth and sustainability. Shakespeare said it best regarding association leaders: Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. At my association consulting firm, Sequence Consulting, we have worked with association leaders at all levels for more than twenty-three years—from newbie

article thumbnail

Thinking ahead: Developing a crisis communication plan

Ungated

When a crisis strikes a community association — whether it’s a natural disaster, a financial scandal, or a safety issue — the response must be prompt, measured, and organized. Having a crisis communications plan in place before an incident happens is essential for managing the situation effectively. A solid plan enables community association boards and managers to address the concerns of residents, the public, and the press while maintaining the trust and stability of the community.

article thumbnail

Putting the ‘trust’ in trust-based philanthropy: One leader’s aspiration to shift power and deepen impact

Candid

Trust is one of the most essential elements of effective grantmaking. It’s also one of the hardest to practice fully. After more than 30 years in youth development and philanthropy, including 25 at the Charles Hayden Foundation (CHF), I’ve come to believe that to have a meaningful impact with our grantees, trust has to show up in how we work—how we listen, fund, and maintain relationships.

Boston 59
article thumbnail

Associations’ Advocacy Shapes Congressional Tax Reform Debate

Associations Now

Find out how ASAE-led coalitions are rallying to protect nonprofits. As Congress undertakes one of the most sweeping tax and spending reform efforts in recent memory, the voices of associations have played a pivotal role in shaping the legislative process. With the expiration of key provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act looming, lawmakers are working to extend these measures while advancing many of the president’s domestic policy priorities through a comprehensive bill.

article thumbnail

Find New Non-Dues Revenue Streams for Your Organization with This Free Guide

Struggling to generate revenue beyond membership dues? You're not alone. Our free guide, The Ultimate Guide to Non-Dues Revenue for Associations , offers practical strategies to help your organization boost financial health. Inside, you'll explore creative ways to generate income, including: Educational offerings tailored to your audience Event-based revenue opportunities Job boards that drive engagement and income Corporate sponsorship ideas A checklist to evaluate and strengthen your current a

article thumbnail

Visual Hive Launches Erleah – AI Engine That Transforms B2B Events

Event Industry News

Following its award-winning debut at Event Tech Live’s Launchpad in 2024, Visual Hive has officially launched Erleah, an intelligent AI solution that helps organisers unlock deeper engagement, drive new revenue, and deliver smarter experiences across the B2B event lifecycle.

Revenue 59
article thumbnail

How Smart Associations Stay Relevant: Lessons in Agility from an Unlikely Source

Sequence Consulting

Association leaders can learn a lot from a humble insect. The association world is thriving. Membership is growing, events are roaring back to life, and the economy is strong. But there’s more to this success story than meets the eye. The most successful associations have something in common—they’ve embraced agility to their associations stay relevant in a fast-changing world.

article thumbnail

Spoonful of sugar: Communicating with CAI’s Member Service Center

Ungated

Contributed by Jeanine Hurley CAI’s Member Service Center is at the front line, communicating with our more than 50,000 members as well as others seeking information on community associations. We take pride in answering calls live and responding promptly to emails to ensure everyone gets the information they need. But we need your help. Clear, concise, and courteous communication is essential on both sides.

article thumbnail

Q&A With AANA: Inside the Award-Winning RN–APRN Membership Launch Campaign

Association Adviser

Expanding membership categories after 40 years is no small feat, yet the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) recently accomplished just that.

92
article thumbnail

Forecasting Failures Are Costly: Heres How To Fix Them

Speaker: Dave Sackett

Traditional budgeting and forecasting methods can no longer keep pace with today’s rapidly evolving business environment. Static budgets, rigid annual forecasts, and outdated financial models limit an organization’s ability to adapt to market shifts and economic uncertainty. To stay ahead, finance leaders must leverage a future-forward approach—one that leverages real-time data, predictive analytics, and continuous planning to drive smarter financial decisions.

article thumbnail

Beyond the Ballroom: How Iconic Off-Site Venues Create Unforgettable Meetings

Associations Now

Discover Louisville’s unique experiences, from bluegrass to bourbon and beyond. In a post-pandemic world where connection, authenticity, and experience are more valuable than ever, the standard meeting room no longer cuts it. Today’s attendees aren’t just looking for content; they’re seeking meaning. They want to be inspired by the places they visit and immersed in the culture of the destination hosting them.

article thumbnail

Fuel Ventures Leads £525k Investment in Eventwise to Revolutionise Event Budgeting at Scale

Event Industry News

Fuel Ventures has led a £525,000 investment round into Eventwise, the end-to-end event budgeting platform that gives event professionals full control over their finances, so they can focus on delivering exceptional experiences.

article thumbnail

Member Engagement 101: What Your Association Needs to Know

ISAE

As associations face increasing competition from other communities and specialized content providers, creating an engaging member experience is more important now than ever. However, many organizations still struggle to define what engagement really means, let alone respond to shifting expectations effectively. Whether you’ve noticed a decline in member engagement or you simply want to get ahead of the game, understanding the current state and future trajectory of engagement is essential to maxi