Smooth The Path

MARCH 11, 2021

Most of the member research I do is core member research, but I have had the chance to conduct a good body of exhibitor/sponsor member research over the years. There is a common thread in the research across many associations, and that is exhibitors are tired of feeling like “the wallet.”

Member Research 113

Member Research Cost Conference Industry 113

Smooth The Path

OCTOBER 25, 2017

There was one theme running so strongly through each member research project I could not ignore it. It was that members who engaged very early in their membership were more excited about the association than members who reported that “the association just grew on them.”

Member Engagement 79

Member Engagement Industry Survey Member Research 79

Smooth The Path

NOVEMBER 6, 2016

And still could be better – when asked when did you realize the value of the association? members could point to the exact event. This association had a very strong Association Value Trigger Point which is key to life-time member engagement and now that they know what their AVTP is they can fully leverage it.

Case Study 104

Case Study Project Association Value Member Engagement 104

Smooth The Path

JULY 26, 2018

We would talk with members often, conduct listening tours, and interview them. We would use all the member insights we gain to develop our member communications, set our strategy, and create an innovation plan. Another core staff value would be to get insanely good a customer service.

Innovation 74

Innovation Member Insights Member Experience Member Engagement 74

Smooth The Path

FEBRUARY 9, 2016

Once we know what their problems are, we can select one problem that is important to members but also one that we are equipped to solve. While solving the problem we may find we are innovating new programs, content, products and services. When we launch these new innovations we improve that value equation.

Innovation 60

Innovation Content Products Member Insights 60

Smooth The Path

MAY 7, 2017

Have you ever noticed the Twitter flurry before the conference? A few attendees will start leaving tweets here and there. “I am packing for Orlando!” ” “Made it through security and the fight is on time; here I come!” ” “Can’t wait for today’s awesome keynote to kick off this conference.”

Member Engagement 84

Member Engagement How To Case Study Conference 84