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 [...]
Planning an association event without a checklist? That’s like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions, you’re bound to end up frustrated and with pieces missing. As an event coordinator, I swear by checklists to keep every detail on point, no matter the event size. Here’s the essential [...]
Vendors and sponsors are the backbone of any successful event. From catering and technical equipment to event signage and financial support, they provide the resources that allow everything to function as planned. For sponsors, it’s about more than just throwing money at an event. They’re looking for visibility, engagement, [...]
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 [...]
Building on my July 2024 blog, To Meet or Not to Meet. That is the Question, let's explore a process your Board can use for a meaningful discussion on this topic. Recently a client talked about their annual conference (or do you mean AGM?) and felt overwhelmed by all [...]
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 [...]
