Strauss Articles
Knowledge, Insight, and Experience
Every Thursday, our experts provide insights into industry trends and issues that readers can leverage to improve their associations and signature events.
Following Up with Intention
When you're buried in emails, deadlines, projects, and meetings, following up can sometimes fall by the wayside. I touched on this [...]
How AI Can Help Association Volunteers Turn Conversations into Actions
Association volunteers are constantly balancing meetings, committee work, and professional responsibilities. A productive meeting may end with several decisions and action [...]
The Big Reveal: What It Takes to Launch a New Association Brand at a Trade Show
Launching a new association brand at a trade show is one of those projects that is both exciting and a little [...]
When Proactive Management Works, Will Anyone Notice?
Every year, client satisfaction surveys offer association management professionals an opportunity to learn what is working, what is not, and where [...]
Building Better Boards: The Power of Diverse Perspectives
As an association coordinator supporting six different association Boards, I have the unique opportunity to work closely with Board members from [...]
Do Your Members Know What’s Going On?
Just imagine: you ask five members of your association what their top priorities are right now; what would they say? Would [...]
The Right Theme for Your Team: How the Right Conference Theme Can Attract More Members
Conferences are a crucial part of Professional Association management. They give members an opportunity to connect, network, and develop professionally. Choosing [...]
Managing Vendor Invoices: A Practical Guide for Association Accounting Clerks
Managing vendor invoices is one of the most important responsibilities for an association accounting clerk. While processing an invoice may seem [...]
From Tactics to Strategy: Why Your Association’s 2027 Marketing Plan Should Start Now
It may only be August, but for association volunteer leaders, now is an ideal time to start thinking about next year [...]
Why Email Marketing Still Wins the Member Engagement Game
Social media gets most of the attention these days, and AI tools are quietly changing how marketers work behind the scenes. [...]
Closing the “Value Gap”: How to Make Your Association a Career Catalyst for Young Professionals
Volunteer leaders in Canadian associations are currently navigating a crossroads. The expectations around Board service are changing, creating an opportunity for [...]
Good Governance Begins with Shared Information
One of the greatest strengths of any Board is the collective knowledge, experience, and perspective of its members. Yet that strength [...]
Why The Board Should Prioritize Internal Audit: A Strategic Tool for Association Governance
Internal audit is an independent and objective assurance and consulting function designed to add value and improve an association's operations. As [...]
Common Budgeting Mistakes Associations Make and How to Avoid Them
Serving on an association's Board is a rewarding way to give back to your profession or community. Whether you're helping shape [...]
Meeting Matters: In a Conference Room or Over Zoom?
There’s no shortage of opinions when it comes to how Board meetings should be held. Some board members swear by the [...]
The Power of Collaboration: How Volunteer Moderators and Speakers Create Engaging Virtual Learning Experiences
In associations, virtual education doesn't happen; it is intentional. While strong content, reliable technology, and great audience engagement are important, the [...]
Annual General Meeting, Board Chair Turnover. Effective Transition for Volunteer & Staff Leaders.
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is typically the crescendo of the year for most Boards, a high-stakes moment where members depart, [...]
Leading with Purpose: How Association Volunteer Leaders Can Drive Lasting Impact
Sustainability and social impact are no longer topics reserved for large corporations or government agencies. Increasingly, association members are looking to [...]
The Volunteer’s Playbook for Member Engagement: Before, During, and After Events
Association volunteer leaders often focus on the event itself, those intense days of registration desks, session monitoring, and wayfinding. But the [...]
Get Your Association Seen: How to use paid ads for Better Online Visibility
Let's be honest. If your association isn't showing up online in 2026, you might as well be handing out flyers in [...]