When we think of event planning, we often picture big conferences, bustling trade shows, and detailed logistics. But smaller gatherings like Board meetings, regional workshops, and VIP dinners — are often where the most meaningful connections and progress happen within associations. And while small events may look simple on [...]
As we move further into 2025, the landscape for association events is rapidly evolving. New global challenges are reshaping how associations engage with their members, including economic uncertainty, geopolitical instability, and shifting member expectations. The start of the year has presented ongoing obstacles that continue to impact how we [...]
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 [...]
Attracting and maintaining sponsors is crucial for the financial sustainability of any association, but it's no easy task. Not only do association leaders need to identify potential sponsors, but they must also ensure that the sponsorship packages offered are flexible enough to fit a range of budgets—whether it’s a [...]
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 [...]
Communication with members is the heart of every successful association. Whether it's announcing important updates, sharing valuable resources, or encouraging a sense of community, effective communication is a steppingstone for a growing organization. When members and staff are on the same page, great things can happen. In this blog, [...]
The arrival of new Board members always brings a fresh burst of energy to an association. These individuals, with their diverse backgrounds, skills, and new perspectives bring new life into Board meetings that might otherwise become stale. In this article, I will explore the positive impacts new Board members [...]
There is nothing more thrilling for an association event manager than the excitement and hustle involved in curating a great event. But along with the thrill can come a moment of “Oh No!” when something does not go as planned. And it can happen to the best of us! [...]
Event planning should always be done with membership recruitment top of mind. To attract potential members to your association's event, you need to plan it to have value for existing and potential new members. Here are three tips for planning an event that will help you to recruit new [...]
Even though it looks like we have weathered the pandemic, for now, the question about what the future holds continues to loom. How can associations continue to plan for the seemingly unplannable? One way to set yourself up for success is to have a plan B – or contingency [...]
