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 [...]
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it impossible to hold in-person association events. Many associations are now looking to host virtual events to keep their members engaged and to provide new revenue generating activities. This article will explore options to pivot your cancelled events and will hopefully give you a [...]
The world has been turned on its ear over the last several weeks. COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world on so many fronts and it is hard to comprehend or understand how it will affect your association, your workplace and your interactions with members. As an association management company [...]
Annual General Meeting (AGM) season is underway for associations with a fiscal year end of December 31. The purpose of these mandatory meetings is for the board of directors and management to share reports, financials and updates and to allow members of the association to ask questions and share [...]
Canadian associations are often bilingual, meaning they offer membership programs and services in both official languages: French and English. In this context, members, potential members and industry partners are expecting bilingual service. It is the role of the association and its board to set policies and expectations for French [...]
Every national association has different wants and needs from its conference host city. This blog is not meant to convince you to choose one city over another. Instead, I hope to break down the major decision factors when planning the geographic location of an association conference. For simplicity purposes, [...]
Finding sponsors for your association’s events is a major component of increasing non-dues revenue and generating a surplus. This article explores options of how to optimize your association’s sponsorship revenue. Reach out to Previous Sponsors First When you are looking for sponsors for your association’s next event, start with [...]
