March, 2025

article thumbnail

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.

Sample 195
article thumbnail

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.

Video 130
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

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

article thumbnail

The Donation List Template Your Organization Needs to Stay on Track

Wild Apricot

Download this donation list template so that your organization never loses track of which donations youve gotten, as well as who sent them and whether or not theyve received a thank-you letter.

article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

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!

article thumbnail

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.

Industry 103

More Trending

article thumbnail

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?

Software 150
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

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

Process 94
article thumbnail

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.

Software 108
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

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).

article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

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.

195
195
article thumbnail

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

article thumbnail

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

article thumbnail

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

article thumbnail

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.

80
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Association Launches Members-Only AI Tool

Associations Now

The Equipment Leasing and Finance Associations ELFie is designed to help members get needed information faster. Joining the growing number of associations using customized LLM and AI tools , the Equipment Leasing and Finance Association launched its own variant, ELFie, last week. Described as an an AI-powered knowledge assistant in a release, ELFie uses knowledge materials from ELFA and its related Equipment Leasing & Finance Foundation to provide real-time guidance for members on question

Tools 59
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

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.

Tools 52
article thumbnail

What do you believe are the most critical areas for improvement to achieve your mission?

Blue Avocado

The strongest nonprofits are always looking for ways to improve their mission, ways to serve more effectively, ways to reach more people, and more. When we recently asked the Blue Avocado community: “What do you believe are the most critical areas for improvement to achieve your mission?” and, once again, nonprofit leaders came through!

article thumbnail

5 Factors to Consider When Choosing the Location of Your Next Meeting

ISAE

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a location for your meeting, so to make your job a little easier, we've rounded up five things to consider when deciding on the location of your next meeting. From easy access to industry experts in the local community to the welcoming and vibrant atmosphere, the location of your meeting directly impacts the satisfaction of your attendees.

Indiana 52
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

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

article thumbnail

The Importance of a Strategic Plan: The Path to Success

Ngage Management

A strategic plan serves as a roadmap for your associations success, providing long-term direction and guiding your organization with clearly defined goals and strategies. Without a strategic plan, an association risks inefficiency, misalignment, and a lack of impact on its mission and members. A well-developed strategic plan ensures that every program, project, and committee contribute to the overall mission, aligning all stakeholders with a shared vision and serving as a powerful tool for decis

article thumbnail

Reports: Workers Concerned about Tech, Workplace Changes

Associations Now

The TalentSmartEQ report recommends leaders do more peer-based training around an ever-shifting work environment. Workers are expressing anxiety around their capacity to respond to technological change, economic uncertainty, and data security, according to a new report. The 2025 State of EQ Report , published last week by the HR consulting firm TalentSmartEQ, is based on a survey of more than 600 workers, mostly based in North America and conducted in late 2024.

Report 52
article thumbnail

Balancing transparency and data protection

Candid

Candid exists to provide the nonprofit sector with the data it needs to do good. Transparency was the reason our legacy organizations, Foundation Center and GuideStar, were created decades agoand it continues to be at the heart of Candids work today. We believe that sharing good data supports funders, nonprofits, and others in achieving their missions and that transparency enables the sector to thrive by building trust.

FAQ 52
article thumbnail

Impactful Member Value and Engagement Made Simple

Association Strong

This week, Tom and Dave, interview Michael Hoehn from the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer on how IASLC has focused its value and messaging on specific needs expressed by members. Michael shares how asking the right questions and listening for their specific needs has led to amazing engagement from their 9,000+ members. Listen in.

52
article thumbnail

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.

article thumbnail

Embrace Your Inner Gordon Gecko: How B2B Marketers are Accelerating their Sales Pipeline

Lead Marvels

Successful B2B marketers are leveraging Lead Marvels digital resource libraries to power their lead generation campaigns.

Library 100
article thumbnail

UK Event Supplier Network Partners with Major Events International to Boost Global Opportunities

Event Industry News

The Event Supplier Network (ESN) has formed a strategic partnership with Major Events International (MEI) to provide UK event suppliers with enhanced access to global markets. The collaboration aims to strengthen competitive advantage for British event businesses seeking international opportunities.

article thumbnail

Clowder Platform Enhancements: Elevating Member and Exhibitor Experiences

Clowder

Discover how Clowders latest platform enhancements, Booth Wallet, Enhanced Polls, Session Streaming, and more, are elevating member and exhibitor experiences through smarter engagement, streamlined event management, and intuitive design.

52