In associations, virtual education doesn't happen; it is intentional. While strong content, reliable technology, and great audience engagement are important, the most successful webinars, panel discussions, and online learning sessions are often the result of collaboration between volunteer moderators and speakers. In this blog, we'll analyze the role of [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
In the world of associations, traditions matter. We look at our traditions for meaning, history, connection, and practice. For association volunteer leaders and committee members, these traditions are often deeply personal, built through years of service, collaboration, and care for the association and its members. The thread that links [...]
Every great association event succeeds because of one thing: its people. Each smooth registration desk, seamless session transition, and warmly welcomed attendee reflects the dedication of association volunteers and staff working toward a shared mission. (Read more about the true value of association volunteers here) At the heart of [...]
Associations rely heavily on their conferences to bring together members, provide professional development opportunities, and to generate revenue for the valuable work they do. Not all associations have staff to get the work done so they need to assess the value of leaving it to a local organizing committee [...]
Your association’s staff event manager is ready to bring your vision to life. Whether it’s an awards gala, member reception, or multi-day conference. But before the planning can take off, the most important step is your first meeting. A clear, well-prepared kickoff conversation ensures you both start on the [...]
There’s something timeless about celebrating excellence. But even excellence evolvesand so should your association’s awards program. As association professionals, we often rely on awards programs to showcase leadership, innovation, and outstanding contributions within our industries. It also helps to fuel healthy competition and illuminate a vibrant industry’s path of [...]
