Strauss Articles
Knowledge, Insight, and Experience
Every Thursday, our experts provide insights into industry trends and issues that readers can leverage to improve their associations and signature events.
Association Board Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics: Why are they so Important?
A board of directors' Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics are valuable tools in board related issues. Recent events spurred [...]
The Best-Intentioned Association Boards Can Get Sidetracked
A lot of thought and energy goes into preparing the agenda for an association’s board of directors meeting. However, without proper [...]
Where Should You Host Your Next Association Conference?
Every national association has different wants and needs from its conference host city. This blog is not meant to convince you [...]
Effective Delegation for Association Leaders
Delegating tasks to both association volunteers and staff is a primary role of association leaders. Considering that delegation is integral in [...]
How to Make an Effective Association Budget
It’s no secret that budgeting is a vital part of running a successful association. Often it can seem like an overwhelming [...]
Choosing Software for Associations
The proper software for your association can make work efficient and simple, however the wrong software can quickly ruin your day. [...]
Sponsorship for Association Events
Finding sponsors for your association’s events is a major component of increasing non-dues revenue and generating a surplus. This article explores [...]
The Association Board Binder
For all associations that our company manages, a board binder is created. The board binder stores several important documents and information [...]
Taking over an Association Term Position
Being hired for any new position with an association management firm can be nerve-racking. But, temporarily replacing someone who will be [...]
The Need for Innovation within Associations
We live in a fast-paced world where things change at a rate that our brains struggle to keep up with. Technology [...]
Introducing New Association Member Benefits
Do you have a rewards card in your wallet? How about a mileage plus credit card for your favorite airline? A [...]
Managing Tough Board Conversations
Whether you are the Chair of an association board of directors, or the chief staff officer (Executive Director), facilitating tough conversations [...]
Capturing Millennials Using your Association’s Social Media
In today’s day and age, having a strong presence on social media for your organization is crucial to staying relevant in [...]
Big Event in a Small Pond
During the busy gala season, there seems to be a different gala dinner every night of the week. The events may [...]
Preparing a new Board to Perform
For many associations, board turnover is perpetual. This can be great for an association but can also be disruptive. It is [...]
Cyber Attacks and Associations
Scenario: It’s late afternoon on Friday, you go to check your computer as you are expecting replies from fellow association board [...]
Useful Graphic Design Resources for Associations
In a past article I came to the defence of the stock photo for association design projects. In this article I’ll [...]
What is Quorum and Why is it Important for Associations?
Have you ever been part of a sports team and arrive to a game, only to find that many of your [...]
How to Know When Your Association Needs Help from a Professional Accountant
There are many challenges in managing an association. Especially a small one that doesn't have endless resources or a need for [...]
Managing and Growing National Association Events
Managing a major national association event like a convention, symposium or annual conference can be a challenge for any event manager. [...]