Trending Articles

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What’s “Normal” For You?

Spark Consulting

An association colleague recently called me because her membership director is “freaking out” about their association’s retention rate. The rate? 65%. Which, if you look at data like that from Marketing General’s 2024 Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report above, is low, even for individual membership associations. Average retention rate for IMOs = 79% Median retention rate for IMOs = 82% So 65% is bad, right?

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Beyond Member Engagement: Drive Revenue Through Your Career Center

Association Adviser

Career centers are often an overlooked yet powerful tool for driving non-dues revenue within associations. Despite the low implementation barriers, many associations dont fully capitalize on their career centers as a core revenue driver.

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Association Brain Food: 2.28.25

Reid All About it

The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community Looking forward. Association Laboratory is collecting data for its annual Looking Forward Challenges research study. Please take 10 minutes to contribute to our communitys understanding of what associations face in a complex and dynamic world. The resulting data will help you prioritize resources and guide conversations with your leadership.

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Try Before You Buy

Spark Consulting

Free samples are a time-honored tradition at bakeries. You walk in and there, on the counter, are bite-sized samples of some of the wares available for sale. You might have come in for a loaf of bread or a cup of coffee, but that taste of a croissant or a bear claw or a palmier prompts you to add a few treats to your order. Associations can do the same thing.

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The Everyday Donor: Unlocking Prospecting Segments Through Behavior Analysis

Speaker: Tim Sarrantonio, Director of Corporate Brand

Do you really know your donors? Not just what they give, but who they are? 👥 In this interactive session, we’ll break down how nonprofits can use behavioral indicators (affinity, recency, frequency, and monetary value) to build prospecting segments that go beyond wealth screening and actually align with donor identity. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to move beyond basic demographics and cultivate supporters based on how they already engage with you!

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Maximizing impact: aligning PR with advocacy

The Association 100

In this recent video , I share how associations can align PR efforts with advocacy goals to strengthen their influence and visibility. A strategic, coordinated approach ensures your messaging resonates with policymakers, media and members alike. Start by identifying the overlap between advocacy priorities and stakeholder interests. Craft clear, consistent messaging that highlights how your efforts drive real impact.

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Myths vs. Facts: What’s Holding Your Association Back with AMS?

Association Adviser

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.

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Association Brain Food: 2.21.25

Reid All About it

The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community Life cannot be delegated. Lewis Mumford New member onboarding. Talley Management Group shares five thoughtful ways to welcome new members to your association. Im pleased to see a useful post like this because effective onboarding has such a strong impact on retention, which is why I enjoy writing copy for onboarding campaignsone of the few ways I work with associations.

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So Long, and Thanks for All the Fish

Spark Consulting

The title of the fourth book in Douglas Adams’s The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy , “So long, and thanks for all the fish” is the message the intellectually-superior-to-humans dolphins leave as they depart Earth just before the Vogons show up to demolish it to make way for a hyperspace bypass. Don’t worry – the dolphins save the day by constructing a duplicate Earth and transporting everything from the original Earth onto it before the Vogons destroy the or

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Crisis communications: lessons for associations

The Association 100

In this Association Insights video , I explore what associations can learn from corporate crisis communication strategies. Preparation, transparency and control over the narrative are essential to maintaining trust in difficult moments. Associations should have a crisis plan in place, ensuring clear steps for messaging and stakeholder outreach. Transparency builds credibility.

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Turn Messy Data into a Strategic Asset with This Essential Guide

Is messy, outdated, or duplicate data making it harder to track engagement, revenue, and performance? Poor data quality can slow your organization down and prevent you from making informed decisions. With The Dirty Data Guide , you'll discover: Practical steps to clean your data and maintain accuracy over time. A checklist to help your team implement data hygiene best practices.

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The 3 types of capital nonprofits need to succeed in 2025

Candid

To navigate the ongoing disruptions in the social sector, nonprofits need more than financial capital alone. In this article, Ill share why nonprofits need three types of capitalfinancial, social, and psychologicalto survive and thrive in todays turbulent context, as well as how to cultivate each of them. Financial capital: the money for the mission When we think about what nonprofits need to survive, money often comes to mind first.

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Weathering the Storm: How the Event Industry Can Adapt and Innovate through better Collaboration

Event Industry News

By Adam Parry, Event Industry News and Kashif Din, One World Rental By its very nature, the events industry is fast-paced and constantly evolving. The unpredictability of what the next day, week, or event might bring is part of what makes working in this industry so exciting and dynamic.

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Leading with purpose: lessons in strategy, innovation & member engagement

The Association 100

On The Association Insights Podcast , our March Leadership Series kicks off with a deep dive into association leadership, strategy and innovation. Brandie Thacker, AAP, CAE, MBA, president & CEO of EPCOR, shares her journey from communications leader to CEO, offering insights on navigating change, building trust and driving member engagement. Thacker discusses the significant shift from departmental focus to leading big-picture strategy, the role of AI and data in shaping the future of assoc

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Why Web Accessibility and ADA Compliance Matter: Part 6 – Captions & Transcripts

AMR Management Services

This is the last part in our ADA compliance and website accessibility series where we go over the basics steps that any content editor can follow to make their associations web presence more inclusive and accessible. In this post we will be going over captions for videos and transcripts for audio content. Providing captions for… The post Why Web Accessibility and ADA Compliance Matter: Part 6 Captions & Transcripts first appeared on AMR Management Services.

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2025 Association Survey Results Report

GrowthZone’s 11th annual survey highlights trends, challenges, and strategies shaping the membership industry through insights from U.S. and Canadian association professionals. Get your copy of the 2025 Association Survey Results Report to see how your organization measures up: The biggest challenges associations are facing Membership retention trends and non-renewal insights Strategies for automatic renewals and reinstatements Shifts in member engagement tactics Why members are joining (and sta

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Report: Leaders Need New Tools to Manage Politics and Work Life

Associations Now

Divisive elections have compelled leaders to develop effective policies and procedures, and improve communication skills. The current political environment has put new pressures on leaders to respond to stress in the workplace, according to a new report. From Uncertainty to Resilience: A Leaders Wellbeing Guide for Navigating Political Transition , was released last month by Workplace Options , an office wellness services provider.

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What nonprofits want: Support for capacity building and collective impact

Candid

During my first year as CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, our biggest priority was listening. Since late 2023, weve been talking with community members about how, together, we could make Kansas City a national model for equitable economic mobility. Two significant gaps became evident that we saw as two sides of the same coin: Nonprofits dont often have space to truly think about their strengths and sustainability.

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Taming the Information Jungle: Lessons from AIIM’s Digital Transformation Journey 

.orgSource

This post is adapted from Association 4.0 Positioning for Success in an Era of Disruption , originally published in 2018. While some technology trends have evolved since then, the leadership strategies and digital transformation insights remain highly relevant. At the time of this interview, Peggy Winton served as President and CEO of the Association for Intelligent Information Management (AIIM).

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Start fresh with the Nimble AMS Spring ‘25 release

Nimble AMS

Spring is a time of renewal, and the Nimble AMS Spring 25 release offers fresh product enhancements to improve flexibility, efficiency, and the member experience. From refining payment options to streamlining app building and data organization, the Spring 25 release ensures associations can thrive in this new season. Lets explore the exciting product updates blossoming this spring!

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Navigating Payroll Compliance: Future-Proofing Payroll in an Evolving Regulatory Landscape

Speaker: Jennifer Hill

Payroll compliance is a cornerstone of business success, yet for small and midsize businesses, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of federal, state, and local regulations. Mistakes can lead to costly penalties and operational disruptions, making it essential to adopt advanced solutions that ensure accuracy and efficiency.

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The Power of Consistency: Top 5 Ways Standardized Processes Drive Efficiency for Associations

AMR Management Services

In the world of association management, efficiency isnt a buzzwordits a necessity. Whether managing membership renewals, event planning, or financial reporting, a well-run association thrives on streamlined operations. What is one of the most effective ways to boost efficiency? Consistency. As a professional services company, charter accredited by the AMC Institute, AMR Management Services has… The post The Power of Consistency: Top 5 Ways Standardized Processes Drive Efficiency for Associ

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Intergenerational Member Engagement

Association Adviser

Associations today are serving a membership base that spans multiple generationseach with its own communication styles, career priorities, and event preferences. While this diversity presents challenges, it also creates opportunities for associations to build stronger, more dynamic communities.

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33 Meaningful Gift Ideas to Thank Volunteers Without Breaking the Bank

Wild Apricot

April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month! Are you looking for thoughtful yet affordable ways to thank your volunteers? Check out our top 33 volunteer gift ideas that show appreciation for every occasion.

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Association 4.0™: Achieving Organizational Excellence in 2025 

.orgSource

Innovating for the Future of Associations As we step into 2025, associations are facing a pivotal moment. The acceleration of digital transformation, changing workforce expectations, and new competitive forces have reshaped the landscape. Organizations that embrace Association 4.0 a concept introduced in 2018are those that will thrive by prioritizing innovation, agility, and strategic execution.

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How To Build an Exceptional Member Experience | Weds, Dec 11th, 3PM EDT

Speaker: Jessica Bonney from VICA and Jeff Horne from Wicket

What does delivering an exceptional member experience mean in today's world? With the right insights, tools, and strategies, you can identify what truly matters to your members, drive meaningful engagement at scale, and continue to meet the ever-evolving needs of your members. Join association experts Jessica Bonney from VICA and Jeff Horne from Wicket who will share practical insights on how to build an exceptional member-driven experience by gaining a deeper understanding of your members and d

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Melton Mowbray Town Estate expands outdoor event offering with new pop festival

Event Industry News

Melton Mowbray Town Estate has announced the launch of The Melton Pop Festival, a one-day live music event taking place on 21st June 2025 featuring top-tier tribute acts to Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Ed Sheeran.

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7 Questions to Ask When Planning Your Next Association Event

AMR Management Services

Planning an association event is an exciting opportunity to bring your members together, provide valuable experiences, and advance your organizations mission. However, successful events dont happen by chancethey require careful thought and a clear understanding of your goals. Whether youre organizing a small networking gathering or a large annual conference, asking the right questions at… The post 7 Questions to Ask When Planning Your Next Association Event first appeared on AMR Management

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Why Talent Development Matters Now

Associations Now

A new study shows that organizations are falling short in supporting future leaders. Talent development isnt a nice-to-have; its a strategic investment in the future. Where will the next bright minds in your organization come from? Or to put it a better wayyou already have bright minds in your organization, but how will you help them achieve their full potential?

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Go Beyond the Thank You Note: Donor Recognition 101

Wild Apricot

Learn how to build a successful donor recognition strategy and the best practices that encourage donor retention and engagement. Plus we share examples to inspire you!

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2024 State of Customer Education Report

Customer education has become a key driver for growth, retention, and product adoption. Our latest 2024 State of Customer Education Report uncovers critical data and insights from a survey of over 200 industry leaders, offering a look at the evolving role of education in driving business success. Inside, you'll find data on key trends and strategies, including: Strategies for Scaling & Customization: Find out which investments in learning technology deliver the biggest ROI and scalability.

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Who Remembers AOL? 

.orgSource

You’ve Got Mail…But Do You Still Have Relevance? Lessons from AOL’s Decline for Associations In the 1990s, America Online (AOL) was synonymous with the internet experience. The iconic phrase “You’ve Got Mail” heralded a new era of digital communication and community building. At its peak in 1999, AOL had over 18 million subscribers, making it the nations biggest internet provider.

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Nordic launches UK distributorship with new Recycled Ocean Plastic Wristband  

Event Industry News

Nordic Wristbands expands its European reach with new UK Distribution to offer its full product range, including the new sustainable Recycled Ocean Plastic (R.O.P.) wristband, to UK event organisers, March 2025.

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4 Essential Tools for Effective Nonprofit Prospect Research

Achieve

If youre a seasoned nonprofit fundraiser, you know that prospect research is critical for securing high-impact donations. Whether youre launching a capital campaign, soliciting annual fund contributions, or expanding your nonprofits planned giving program , youll need to gather lots of information about individual prospective donors to cultivate their support and make requests theyll be receptive to.

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