Trending Articles

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Is a Consultant Right for Me?

Spark Consulting

You know you need help with something, but you’re not sure if you should hire a consultant, a contractor, a vendor, or add a staff position. How can you decide? I recently had the opportunity to participate in a discussion about this with association colleagues representing all those background and options. We did come up with some good questions to help you figure it out: Do you want someone who can be brutally honest in telling truth to power?

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How to help association chapters find the next generation of volunteers

NetForum

Volunteers are the backbone of any successful association, providing essential support, fresh perspectives, and a strong sense of community. However, recruiting and retaining dedicated volunteers requires more than just an open invitationit demands a well-crafted strategy that meets the evolving needs and expectations of todays members. National Volunteer Appreciation Month is the perfect time to […] How to help association chapters find the next generation of volunteers appeared first on

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Association Brain Food: 4.4.25

Reid All About it

The weekly list of free educational events and resources for the association community The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls. Pablo Picasso Membership requirement for certification. Many association professionals believe its okay to require membership for certification programs , but, as Apti points out, its definitely not.

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Beginner’s Guide to Understanding a Nonprofit Balance Sheet

NXUnite

While the process can be tedious, compiling nonprofit financial statements allows your organization to evaluate its financial standing and stay accountable to stakeholders. These documents help you use resources effectively to fulfill your nonprofits mission. One of the main financial statements nonprofits develop is a nonprofit balance sheet. To get you up to speed, well review the basics of this report, why its important, and how to interpret it so your organization can maximize this data.

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

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How to Improve Your Listening Skills

Associations Now

Leaders who listen earn more trust from those around them. But being good at that isnt as easy as it seems. It seems like news from the no-duh files: People trust leaders who listen to them. According to a survey released last fall by the consulting firm Zenger Folkman, listening and trust are highly correlated in the workplace : Leaders considered poor listeners wallowed in the 15th percentile in trust, while those excelling at it rocketed to the 86th percentile.

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She Tells Two Friends…And They Tell Two Friends…

Spark Consulting

Remember that old Faberge shampoo commercial, where the hook was that the shampoo was SO amazing that a woman told two friends about it, and then they each told two friends, etc., until the screen was covered with little boxes containing pictures of female heads with awesomely feathered hair? Witness word of mouth at work. The exact number offered differs, but we’ve all heard the old trope that someone who has a good experience tells a small number of other people, while someone who has a

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8 Simple Tips to Improve Your Membership Renewal Letters and Emails

Wild Apricot

Here are 8 simple tips that can drastically improve your membership renewals to increase on-time dues, as well as two sample letters you can use.

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Why Data Governance Matters for Associations 

Achurch

Associations juggle tons of member and operational data across multiple platforms. If its not well-managed, youll run into messy, inconsistent, and even risky data situations. Data governance (DG) isnt about overcomplicating things its about making sure your data actually works for you. Common Data Headaches for Associations Unclear Purpose: Some data is collected out of habit, not because its useful.

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The Future of Associations: Key Takeaways from Association 4.0™ 

.orgSource

The association industry is at a crossroads. The rapid pace of digital transformation, changing member expectations, and economic uncertainty require associations to rethink their business models and adapt to new realities. Association 4.0 : Positioning for Success in an Era of Disruption provides a roadmap for associations to thrive in this evolving landscape.

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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.

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Rebuilding nonprofit resilience through mergers and partnerships 

Candid

Nonprofits in the international development subsectorand those that have relied on U.S. government funding in particularare facing the impacts of USAID stop-work orders and subsequent funding cancellations. The possibility of those organizations being forced to close means programs ending , putting communities around the world at risk. While few organizations have publicly discussed the difficulties theyre facing, some have announced closures or the furlough of a majority of staff , signaling s

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Meet Where the Views are Rocky and the Logistics Are Smooth

Associations Now

Sure, that one meeting shouldve been an email, but your next big meeting can be an experience. Planning your upcoming event in that same old spot will likely produce the same old results. So why not try a burgeoning hub for the aviation, aerospace, biotech, and medical industries that also happens to be a Cvent Top 30 Meeting Destination? Part of the Front Range Urban Corridor, Aurora is home to culturally robust restaurants, festivals, attractions, and a thriving art scene.

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AWHONN Client Story: Building a Thriving Community for Women’s Health Professionals

Forj

About AWHONN The Association of Womens Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1969 dedicated to advancing the health of women and newborns through advocacy, research, and professional development. With approximately 25,000 members, AWHONN empowers nurses in womens health, obstetrics, and neonatal care through evidence-based education, clinical resources, and leadership opportunities.

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Thinking Bigger Picture: AI Policy & Integration 

Achurch

The key to AI success isnt adopting the flashiest system its ensuring the solution genuinely enhances your work, integrates smoothly with your existing tech stack, and aligns with your mission. Our team is exploring the growing number of options to use with clients and on our own daily to-do list. Weve assembled some practical AI applications for associations, along with essential considerations to make AI work for you.

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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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Aligning People. Building Culture. Driving Change. 

.orgSource

What do the most successful associations have in common? Its not the size of their staff, their budget, or even the latest tech. Its the ability to bring people together around a shared vision, foster a culture that empowers them, and take meaningful action when it matters most. In a world where complexity is the norm and expectations are constantly evolving, association leaders face a critical challenge: how to remain relevant, mission-driven, and impactful while navigating ongoing transformati

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Sustainable community-led solutions shaping disaster philanthropy 

Candid

The field of disaster philanthropy is facing a perfect storm of global crisesconflicts, climate disasters, economic instability, and growing humanitarian needsas disaster relief and humanitarian aid organizations face a changing funding landscape. Abrupt halts in foreign aid and heightened scrutiny of federal funding have created widespread uncertainty.

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Report: Employee Trust in AI Growing Alongside Training

Associations Now

According to an American Management Association survey, more workplaces have an AI strategy, but employees still fear a lack of a centralized approach. More organizations are embracing generative AI into their workplaces, according to a new report. But many employees say they need better training around how to use it. The American Management Association report, Organizations Make Progress Adopting AI, but Many Employees Feel Left Behind , was released last month and is based on a survey of more

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How to avoid common AMS implementation pitfalls and ensure a smooth transition

Nimble AMS

When you consider implementing association management software (AMS), do you think of long timelines, unexpected costs, or unpredictable challenges? What if we told you an AMS implementation didnt have to be this way ? While many associations struggle during an AMS implementation, your organization can have a smooth, predictable, and cost-effective impl eme ntation.

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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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10 Ways Artificial Intelligence Can Help Associations Thrive 

Achurch

Its no secret that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are transforming the way associations operate by making processes more efficient, improving member engagement, and unlocking new insights. But before jumping on the AI bandwagon, its crucial to ask: Why are we using this tool? How does it fit into our strategy? What problem does it solve? Without clear answers, associations wont reap value. 1.

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A Perfect Blend – The Barista and FFAIR Partner to Enhance Exhibitor Experiences

Event Industry News

FFAIR, the award-winning exhibitor and sponsor management platform, has announced that The Barista, a leading events coffee supplier, has joined its Recommended Supplier programme.

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The Social Media Playbook for Associations: Strategy, Software and Ideas for Success

Wild Apricot

Boost engagement with social media! Discover the best tools, strategy and how to overcome common challenges for ultimate association success.

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How to Lead on Workforce Development

Associations Now

Associations looking to serve their industries cant assume they know where their future workforce will come from. Research, both quantitative and qualitative, can help. These are, to say the least, disruptive times. But when it comes to the U.S. workforce, the disruption has been going on for a while nowsecondary education, the internet, AI, housing, the cost of living, and more have all played a role in what kinds of jobs people look for, when and where they look for them, and what industries a

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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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How to avoid common AMS implementation pitfalls and ensure a smooth transition

Nimble AMS

When you consider implementing association management software (AMS), do you think of long timelines, unexpected costs, or unpredictable challenges? What if we told you an AMS implementation didnt have to be this way ? While many associations struggle during an AMS implementation, your organization can have a smooth, predictable, and cost-effective impl eme ntation.

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Is Data Governance on Your Mind? Start Here. 

Achurch

Data governance might sound technical, but at its core, its just about keeping your data clean, organized, and useful. Without it, you risk inconsistent information, wasted time, and costly mistakes. Whether youre wondering where to start or considering our services , this quick guide will help you figure out whats next. Data Governance Check-Up: Is Your Association Struggling with These?

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RefTech appointed to deliver onsite badging for The Business of Events: Global Policy Forum

Event Industry News

RefTech, a long-established and highly regarded provider of event registration, badging and scanning solutions has been appointed to provide badging for The Business of Events: Global Policy Forum, taking place at IET London: Savoy Place on Tuesday 1st April 2025. RefTech will be delivering its award-winning badging solution to ensure a seamless, professional experience for attendees.

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How to Run a Membership Committee: Your Jump Start Guide for Success

Wild Apricot

Build a successful membership committee for your organization, no matter the size in this step-by-step guide - best practices included.

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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 Ultimate Guide to Defining Your Nonprofit Target Audience

Nonprofit Marketing Guide

Why Identifying Your Nonprofit Target Audience Matters Too many nonprofits fall into the trap of broadcasting messages to bystanders instead of strategically engaging the right people. Traditional audience personas can be helpful, but they often dont capture the true motivations behind why people engage with your cause. Thats where Engagement Mindsets come ina research-backed framework created by Nonprofit Marketing Guide (NPMG) that helps nonprofits move beyond surface-level demographics and in

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VIDEO Bright Futures: Innovative Directions for Associations

Sequence Consulting

« Prev 1 / 1 Next » Bright Futures: Innovative Directions for Associations Revolutionizing Membership Experience Making Life Easier for Business Owners The Real Cost of Not Increasing Dues: A 35% Swing The Everyday Value of Best Practices Revolution in the Association World: Rapid Changes and New Models The Key to Association Growth: Self-Belief in Value Proposition HIGHLIGHTS Bright Futures: Innovative Directions for Associations « Prev 1 / 1 Next »

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Butler’s Blueprint: Leap First, Land the Job

Association Adviser

What’s the Plan, Phil? In today’s volatile economic landscape, association career centers are not just amenitiesthey’re lifelines for our members. Like Phil Dunphy’s unexpected leap onto a car inModern Family, we must take bold, decisive action to elevate our career centers from passive resources to dynamic catalysts for professional growth.