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.
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. [...]
How to Prepare for your Association’s Annual General Meeting
All associations are required by law to hold an annual meeting of members, or Annual General Meeting (AGM) yearly. The AGM [...]
The Importance of Staying on Top of Association Trends
Every industry has trends that affect the future of the industry and its stakeholders. In association management it is very important [...]
Association Leadership Traits: Do You Have What It Takes to Lead?
We’ve all heard the expression “Jack or Jill of all trades”. When it comes to leadership in the association management world, [...]
Tips for New Association Member Onboarding
A new member’s first interaction with an association can make a lasting impression. There are a variety of different ways that you can [...]
The Importance of a Standard Operating Procedures Manual in Association Management
One of the key ingredients to an association’s success is having policies and procedures set in place. In order to maximize [...]
Introducing a new Membership Category to your Association
Associations often offer multiple membership categories to cover various backgrounds, entrance requirements and preferences within the association’s structure and membership base. [...]
How to Determine When to Introduce a New Program or Service to Your Association
Members of associations across all professions are finding it increasingly difficult to rationalize membership and return on investment in belonging to [...]
How to Develop a Mutually Beneficial Relationship with Association Conference Speakers – Interviewing a Professional Speaker
Jennifer Schrafft is a Certified Professional Coach who does regular speaking engagements throughout the year. Recently, she participated as a speaker [...]