There’s no shortage of opinions when it comes to how Board meetings should be held. Some board members swear by the energy and connection of meeting in person, while others appreciate the efficiency and convenience of virtual meetings. With competing priorities, busy calendars, and Board Members scattered across the [...]
Association volunteer leaders often focus on the event itself, those intense days of registration desks, session monitoring, and wayfinding. But the real magic of member engagement happens across a much longer timeline. After managing multiple association events, I've learned that volunteers who understand the full engagement cycle can transform [...]
Let's be honest. If your association isn't showing up online in 2026, you might as well be handing out flyers in an empty parking lot. That's not an exaggeration; that's just where things are right now. The way people find associations and make the decision to join has completely [...]
Effective follow-up in associations is more than sending another email or checking in after a meeting. It’s about understanding people. Reading the room (or email, or situation) is the most important thing when it comes to following up, especially within associations. Association Boards and committees are made up of [...]
Zoom webinars always look simple until you’re the one running them. Suddenly it’s slides, speakers, timing, chat messages, and the quiet hope that nothing glitches. Most issues don’t happen during the webinar; they happen in the prep. Here’s a guide on how to make things smoother and far less [...]
Many organizations, particularly those with long histories, operate under By-laws that were drafted using templates and best practices from probably, years ago. While these governing documents may have served organizations well for decades, changes in technology, member engagement, and operational realities mean that periodic review and modernization are both [...]
Major association events rarely fall short because of vision. They falter when planning lacks structure and alignment. As association volunteer leaders take on increasingly complex programs with limited time and resources, one tool continues to stand out as a proven driver of success: the critical path. When built and [...]
When associations talk about recruiting new members at Board meetings, someone asks, "How do we get to young people?" Then follows a familiar cycle: a Facebook post, a mention in the newsletter, maybe a mailer to existing members. When no one under 40 responds, the group concludes: "Young people [...]
Association marketing has traditionally focused on sharing updates about member growth and benefits, events, education, and advocacy efforts. But in 2026, the associations that are thriving are doing something different: they are creating experiences that inspire pride in belonging. This shift toward experiential marketing is emerging as one of [...]
Volunteer Boards are the backbone of any association, bringing together experienced professionals who generously offer their time, expertise, and leadership. But with great influence comes great responsibility, and one of the most critical responsibilities is recognizing and managing conflicts of interest. In industries where Board members often own businesses or [...]
