Redesigning a website takes a lot of planning and forethought. There are a lot of small details that can distract you from seeing the big picture. I have compiled a short list of points to keep in mind before and during your redesign that will help your website relaunch [...]
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 [...]
An association’s annual general meeting (AGM) is for the membership to approve the financial statements of the previous year, elect or re-elect board members, hear reports from the board, approve motions on any changes to the by-laws, and bring forth any other business. Preparing for an AGM starts months [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Engagement is such a crucial factor in managing the new world where the COVID-19 pandemic exists. There are lots of discussions taking place regarding your association members’ financial health and how the pandemic will affect this year’s results and next year’s projections. Before the world paused due to the [...]
The membership directory is a useful tool for association members. Industry partners and stakeholders make use of it often. The directory is a great way to encourage and allow members to connect with each other and to build strong partnerships. There is a lot of thought and a lot [...]
Associations frequently rely on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and association task calendars to guide board members and association staff through their work over a calendar year. These pre-established systems to complete tasks throughout the year are a key tool to an association’s success. I recently read a book called [...]
