Maximizing Committee Effectiveness: A Strategic Guide for Chairs

By |2024-12-19T09:20:53-06:00December 19th, 2024|

Committees play a pivotal role in the governance and operational efficiency of associations. Their effectiveness hinges on the strategic engagement of all members and the adept leadership of their chairs. Here are key strategies to elevate committee performance: 1. Establish Clear Objectives and Roles Begin with defining precise objectives [...]

‘Priming the Pump’ is Key to Valuing Board Members and Ensuring Future Association Success!

By |2024-12-19T11:24:40-06:00October 10th, 2024|

I remember fondly, the activity of setting up the water pump to draw water from a nearby lake every spring at the family cottage. This activity would ensure that we had enough water on hand for the entire season. My dad referred to this activity as “priming the pump.” [...]

The Great Divide: How to Bring Together a Divided Association Task Force

By |2024-08-08T14:51:00-05:00August 8th, 2024|

An association task force plays an integral role in addressing specific challenges, championing new initiatives and driving the organization’s missions and goals. It is different than a committee as highlighted by my former colleague’s recent blog here. But when an association’s task force is divided on a particular issue [...]

Expanding Horizons: Meeting New Association Partners and Attending Competitor Affiliate Trade Shows

By |2024-12-19T12:06:01-06:00August 1st, 2024|

In the dynamic world of trade shows and association industry events, there's always something new to learn and someone new to meet. Recently, I had the unique opportunity to attend a competitor affiliate trade show as a guest, and the experience was nothing short of enlightening. Here’s a glimpse [...]

Avoid Frustrating Association Volunteer Leaders

By |2024-07-18T09:17:21-05:00July 18th, 2024|

I've been thinking a lot about what frustrates association volunteer leaders based on my own experience and those I work with. I now see the work of associations divided into two columns: proactive work and reactive work. Some might see proactive work as positive and reactive work as negative. [...]

How Can Association Leaders Measure Member Satisfaction?

By |2024-12-19T11:33:02-06:00July 11th, 2024|

One of the biggest factors and key indicators of an association’s health is member satisfaction. Member satisfaction is vital  to an association’s health for a few  reasons. Happy members are more likely to renew their memberships, provide positive word of mouth to potential members and provide higher engagement and [...]

To Meet or Not to Meet; That is The Question; How Associations Look at Member Meetings.

By |2024-12-19T11:34:41-06:00July 5th, 2024|

  https://www.strauss.ca/top-10-tips-successful-association-task-force-meetings/How associations do business is changing and evolving. How does your association navigate the change? As an association management company (AMC), we are involved in many conversations related to the changing landscape of industries with our clients.   Value of The Meeting One of the value propositions that [...]

How to Get to Know Your Association as Fast as Possible!

By |2024-06-20T10:59:25-05:00June 20th, 2024|

Congratulations on starting your journey as an association leader! Welcome to a very dynamic and fast paced environment, rich with adventure and problem solving. As you get started, your first tasks are to understand your role and equally, your association(s). Getting to know your association quickly requires a strategic [...]

Sustainable Event Planning: Green Practices for the Next Association Gathering

By |2024-06-13T09:32:27-05:00June 13th, 2024|

Sustainability is more than just a buzzword these days—it's something everyone should be paying attention to, including the events industry. As associations look to align with environmental and social goals, making an event more sustainable is no longer just a nice idea; it's essential. Plus, attendees love it when [...]

How to Engage Association Members to Volunteer for Committees

By |2024-05-30T10:30:13-05:00May 30th, 2024|

Association committees play a crucial role in the functioning and success of an organization. They can be structured to focus on various aspects of the organization's operations, member services, and strategic goals. Common types of association committees include executive, finance, awards, chapters, etc. Engaging association members to volunteer for [...]

Go to Top