My last blog article entitled Diversity in the Association Boardroom focused on ways to assist an association in building an appropriately diverse board. This article will continue along a similar theme and is focused on the psychological phenomenon known as Groupthink. Groupthink, a term defined by social psychologist Irving [...]

“Hi, you owe us money.” No one likes making membership renewal calls, in fact many people dread it, but here are a few simple tips that will make your membership renewal calls simple and stress free. Telephone Manner When you pick up the phone to make a membership renewal [...]

Does the voice of a national association make your provincial association stronger? If so, what are the benefits of being a provincial association that has a national association representing your industry or profession? Provincial associations are made up of local members and stakeholders that have a need or common [...]

Changing member management systems? Here are a few things to consider before beginning the process. Whether you are moving your membership database from a simple Excel spreadsheet or another online Association Management System (AMS) it is always best to take your time in reviewing and researching the wide range [...]

It is typical of an event and association management company to be managing several events and/or association events simultaneously. In such a busy environment, it is easy to become disconnected to the other events being organized in the office. Each event can run almost exclusively from another as well [...]

Strategic Planning is an important exercise that most, if not all, associations go through. When, and how often can depend on the industry you are in and how rapidly change occurs within your sector. One of the most important starting points for any association when undertaking strategic planning is [...]

Many people view an audit/review engagement as a negative process, however it should not be something that you have to fear. It can help you and your association. An audit can have as many positive outcomes as negative. An association’s board should look at it as a chance to [...]

A lot of time and money can be spent on attracting new members to your association. Once a new member has been sourced and approved, it is important that they are given a good first impression of the association to ensure their ongoing membership. As association managers, we can [...]

Association boards are given the responsibility of taking the best interest of its collective membership into consideration while making knowledgeable and well thought-out decisions. Often these decisions made around the boardroom table are of a strategic nature that may alter or transform the future outlook of the association. One [...]

One of the challenges facing associations today is association board member engagement. It’s critical that board members feel engaged and are actively involved in the important and useful undertakings of the organization. Board members are an association’s internal champions and ensuring they are active and keen to participate is [...]