Clarity is a cornerstone to working with associations. It is hard to function well without it. Being an Association Manager and working for an Association Management Company (AMC), I find myself using the word “clarity” constantly when working with Boards. During a recent Board meeting, we referred to clarity [...]
Young people increasingly prioritize working for, buying from, and involving themselves with companies and organizations that align with their values [1], [2]. Values are important for associations, too, creating the foundation of strategy and providing clear expectations around behaviours and decision-making. I know first-hand the consequences of not [...]
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! [...]
Working professionally in the events industry since 2016, my greatest learning has been how essential effective communications is for a successful association event. Effective communications, and a strong team go hand in hand. It can lead to a more resilient, prepared, and trusting team. When a team is working [...]
Half the battle in organizing a successful association event such as an awards ceremony, trade show, conference, or symposium is choosing the right venue. The right venue can ensure a positive and meaningful experience for an association’s members. The perfect venue should capture the essence of the association and [...]
“The unique and multifaceted relationship between the board and its executive is perhaps the most important relationship leading to organizational success or failure. Like the two partners in a skating competition, each side can either bring out the best in the other or prevent the other from skating well.” [...]
As an association leader, understanding your volunteer role on a not-for-profit Board is being aware of your job description. Not only will this clarify your unique role and responsibilities, but it will also allow you to better support other members of the team and their tasks. Boards are designed [...]
You are a female association volunteer leader who has just taken charge of reviewing and updating the association’s Policies and Procedures. It’s a big job. In fact, it’s the most sizeable project you’ve ever taken on in this role. You start to question whether you can do this, and [...]
Let’s face it; no association wants to go into crisis communications mode. But ultimately most will face an internal or external issue requiring immediate attention. How an association fares during and post-crisis depends on how well-prepared it is to handle one. The key to successfully navigating through a crisis [...]
Coming out of the pandemic, I have noticed a divergence amongst Board members as to when they’re available to volunteer. Some opt to do all their volunteer work during office hours to preserve their personal time, while others don’t have flexibility in their schedule to volunteer during traditional work [...]
