As we continue to live and work through the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever for association leaders to actively listen to members’ needs. During this difficult time, associations must keep an open line of communication with members to gauge the overall morale of the association. Members [...]
2020 has seen association events cancelled left, right, and centre due to physical distancing protocols. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, social gatherings now restricted to small groups. Hotels, convention centres, and other venues are enacting new health and safety guidelines. In August, I hosted an online brainstorming session with [...]
Many associations have been forced to cancel in-person professional development meetings and/or trade shows because of the COVID-19 pandemic, as described in my colleagues' recent article Association Trade Shows Gone Virtual. The cancellation of these events both reduces the value of association membership and threatens some association’s financial sustainability. Virtual [...]
Face-to-face events continue to take a back seat due to the COVID-19 outbreak, leaving associations to find unique alternatives for members to stay connected and engaged. Many associations are using technology to bring members together, but how do you standout? One unique format is a virtual trade show. As [...]
Association members are missing their face-to-face networking opportunities used to catch up with fellow members or to have those deep conversations with fellow members on issues affecting their industry. When the pandemic hit its peak earlier this year, associations had no choice but to cancel association in-person member events [...]
With so many of us working from home, video conferencing through Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other platforms has increased. The demand to keep association members engaged through the pandemic has certainly increased meetings, remote learning, and social/networking events. The term “Zoom Fatigue” has been popping up with association members [...]
In this interview, Sandra Harssar, an executive member of the Promotional Products Professionals of Canada (PPPC), discusses her journey as a board member and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected association member engagement and involvement. Q: What prompted you to run for a position on the board? Sandra: I [...]
With many people currently working from home, the need for association staff and volunteer leaders to work online is necessary in today’s environment. Association meetings, whether they are board or committee meetings, and the need to hold in-person meetings weekly, monthly, or quarterly has not changed; the way in [...]
Due to the changing times as a response to COVID-19, many associations have been adapting operations and seeking new solutions. Member communications, continuing education and networking opportunities have been recreated with the purpose of providing return on investment for members. With annual general meetings, conferences, and board meetings being [...]
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, Strauss’ association clients continue to work with volunteers, board members, and association staff to navigate their next steps. This article features interviews with board chairs Alex Jovetic (A), Promotional Product Professionals of Canada (PPPC), and Victor Duarte (V), Physician and Clinical Assistants of Manitoba [...]
