Navigating the Rapids: How Association Boards Can Thrive in a World of Relentless Change

By |2025-02-20T11:29:28-06:00February 20th, 2025|

The ground is shifting beneath our feet. Advancements in technology, evolving societal values, and global interconnectedness are reshaping the landscape for associations. The old ways of doing things, while comfortable, are no longer sufficient. Association Boards must embrace a new paradigm: governing as an intentional and dynamic process focused [...]

Facilitating the To Meet or Not To Meet Discussion

By |2025-02-06T14:42:02-06:00February 6th, 2025|

Building on my July 2024 blog, To Meet or Not to Meet. That is the Question, let's explore a process your Board can use for a meaningful discussion on this topic. Recently a client talked about their annual conference (or do you mean AGM?) and felt overwhelmed by all [...]

Why Organizational Culture Matters in Association Event Management

By |2025-01-23T14:33:26-06:00January 23rd, 2025|

In the fast-paced world of association event management, success is often defined by the smooth execution of events, the satisfaction of attendees, and the ability to meet tight deadlines. However, there's an important element that impacts both staff well-being and event outcomes: organizational culture. A positive culture goes beyond [...]

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 |2025-01-10T10:03:06-06:00October 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 |2025-01-10T10:38:00-06:00August 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 |2025-01-10T10:39:20-06:00July 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 [...]

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