Ideas on growth, AI and member value.
Articles for association and membership professionals — engagement, events, learning, technology and leadership.
What AI agents mean for the future of associations
For the past couple of years, most conversations about AI in associations have focused on tools.
How associations can future proof events in uncertain times
Events have always been one of the most powerful ways associations bring members together. But the environment around events is changing — and often unpredic…
How to tell if an AI tool is worth the investment
Every week, there’s a new platform promising to save time, personalise member experiences, predict behaviour, or transform how associations work. For small a…
The hidden power of post event communities for year round value
For many associations, an event still feels like a finish line. The doors close. The lights go off. The feedback survey goes out. And then… everything goes q…
Why local and regional events are making a comeback
For years, the events conversation has been dominated by scale: big venues, big audiences, and big production values. But quietly — and rapidly — something h…
The surprising ways AI can save time in small associations
Small associations don’t have the luxury of large teams, specialist roles, or endless budgets. Every hour counts. Every task competes with five others.
How to attract and retain sponsors by showing real outcomes
For years, event sponsorship was measured by visibility — logos on banners, booths on the floor, mentions on slides. Today, sponsors are asking harder questi…
Why peer learning is the most underused tool in associations
Associations invest heavily in learning. Courses, webinars, conferences, certifications, platforms, content libraries.
Why associations must combine AI with human expertise
AI is becoming part of everyday association life. It drafts content, predicts churn, segments members, answers questions, and surfaces insights faster than a…
AI and the art of creating content members actually want
Every association creates content. Newsletters, blogs, reports, event promotions, learning materials, social posts, policy updates.
How to build a community of practice inside your association
Learning doesn’t only happen in classrooms, courses, or webinars. Some of the most valuable learning happens when professionals come together to share experi…
What members really expect from education sessions at conferences
Members no longer attend sessions just to listen to information they could easily find online. They show up with higher expectations — and limited time.
The hidden risks of AI that associations need to know
AI is becoming one of the most exciting tools available to membership organisations. It can automate tasks, personalise experiences, and help teams make smar…
Digital badges and online certificates the new currency of member recognition
For decades, learning recognition in associations looked simple: a printed certificate handed out at the end of a course, a workshop, or a conference. But me…
The role of event tech in creating memorable attendee experiences
Event technology has exploded over the past decade — apps, AI tools, engagement platforms, networking systems, interactive displays, analytics dashboards, an…
Inside Emap’s Subscription Strategy: An Interview with Managing Director Robin Booth
In a rapidly evolving publishing landscape, where artificial intelligence and shifting audience behaviour are reshaping expectations, few industry leaders ha…
Can chatbots really replace your member support desk
Every association has the same challenge: members want quick answers, personalised support, and round-the-clock availability — but most teams don’t have the …
Helping members turn learning into real career growth
Associations have always been providers of learning — courses, webinars, conferences, certifications. But today, members want something deeper. They don’t ju…
How associations can compete with mega events and still win
Big industry expos and mega conferences are louder than ever — massive venues, celebrity speakers, big-budget production, and global attention. For many asso…
Is certification still valuable in a skills driven world
For decades, certifications have been one of the most trusted ways for professionals to prove expertise, advance careers, and gain credibility. But the world…
What boutique curated events can teach us about deeper engagement
Not all events need thousands of attendees, complex programs, and massive expo halls to create impact. In fact, some of the most meaningful event experiences…
How to use AI to predict which members might leave
Every association knows the pressure of membership retention. New members take effort and cost to acquire, but keeping them? That’s where long-term stability…
Is your data ready for AI to create real value
Artificial intelligence has incredible potential for membership organisations — from predicting renewals to personalising communications and automating manua…
Mentorship programs that actually work for members
Every association knows that mentorship matters. It connects experienced professionals with those still finding their path, creates belonging, and builds a b…
Why accessibility and inclusion should shape every event you host
Every event is a chance to bring your community together — to connect, share, and grow. But for too long, accessibility and inclusion have been treated as af…
Celebrating Influence: The Top 100 Membership Professionals Shaping Our Future
Every community needs its champions — those people whose ideas spark conversation, whose work uplifts a sector, and whose voice brings clarity to complex cha…
How to Measure the ROI of Your Conferences with Confidence
For most associations, conferences are the single biggest investment of the year. They demand months of planning, endless coordination, and a significant bud…
Choosing the right LMS questions every association should ask
Selecting a Learning Management System (LMS) might be one of the most important decisions an association makes — and one of the most confusing.
How AI Is Changing the Way Associations Make Decisions
For decades, association leaders have relied on intuition, experience, and member feedback to make decisions. Those instincts still matter, but a new era of …
The future of networking at events beyond business cards
For decades, professional networking at events followed a predictable script. You met someone, exchanged business cards, maybe had a coffee, and hoped the re…
How Associations Can Become Trusted Career Partners
For generations, associations have been the gathering place for professionals who share an identity, an industry, or a cause. Membership has always been abou…
Three Everyday Association Tasks AI Can Do Better Than Staff
Artificial intelligence is often talked about in terms of big, bold transformations. People imagine futuristic scenarios, disruptive innovation, or highly te…
Why learning is the number one reason people join associations
If you ask members why they renew their association membership year after year, you’ll hear a variety of answers: networking, credibility, advocacy, or belon…
How associations can help members future-proof their careers
The workplace is changing faster than ever. New technologies, shifting industries, and evolving expectations mean that professionals can no longer rely on a …
What Members Really Want From Continuing Education Programs
Continuing education has always been central to the promise of membership associations. For decades, associations have offered training, courses, and certifi…
The real ways AI is already helping associations today
Artificial Intelligence is no longer something membership associations are just reading about in industry magazines. It has quietly made its way into the dai…
Can AI make membership feel more human
When people talk about Artificial Intelligence, the conversation often turns to fears of machines replacing humans. Will robots take over our jobs? Will memb…
The myths and realities of AI in membership organisations
Everywhere you turn, people are talking about Artificial Intelligence. Some say it’s the magic bullet that will transform everything overnight. Others warn i…
How to decide which events really matter for your association in 2025
Events are the lifeblood of associations. They are where members come together, share ideas, and leave with new skills, new contacts, and renewed motivation.…
The real value members get from attending events and conferences
Events are often the heartbeat of an association. They are where members gather, ideas spark, and communities feel most alive. But in 2025, with so many dema…
Why sustainability is no longer optional in events planning
Events are powerful. They bring people together, spark ideas, and strengthen communities. But they also have a footprint — in travel, materials, catering, an…
What hybrid events taught us and how to make them better
The pandemic forced associations into a massive experiment: hybrid events. Suddenly, in-person and online audiences had to come together in real time. Some e…
From emails to events how AI can personalize every member touchpoint
Membership organisations have always thrived on relationships. The more connected members feel, the stronger their engagement and loyalty. Yet, in a world wh…
The role of microlearning in busy member lives
Your members are busy. They’re balancing careers, families, personal growth, and constant digital noise. For many, the idea of sitting through a two-hour web…
Top Event Insurance Trends in 2025 for Membership Organisations
Contributed by Arc International, with insights from Membership World
How Trade Associations Drive Industry Growth and Member Success
Trade associations are often the quiet force behind industry progress. While their work may not always make headlines, their influence is felt across every l…
Maximising Member Engagement Through Business Events
Business events have long been a key feature of association life. From annual conferences to smaller regional meetups, they offer invaluable opportunities to…
How to Make Corporate Networking Events a Tool for Success
Corporate networking events have a certain reputation. For some, they’re an energising chance to meet new people, spark fresh ideas, and explore potential co…
Tips to Master Business Networking with Authenticity and Confidence
For many professionals, the idea of business networking can stir a mixture of anticipation and unease. We picture crowded rooms, hurried introductions, name …
Why Corporate Events Are More Than Just Networking Opportunities
It’s tempting to think of corporate events as primarily about networking. The phrase alone conjures up images of name badges, lukewarm coffee, and polite sma…
Why Networking Events Are a Strategic Asset for Trade Organisations
For membership organisations, few tools are as effective, or as underutilised, as networking events. Done well, they do more than fill a calendar. They deepe…
The Art of Business Networking: Building Authentic Connections That Drive Success
Effective business networking goes beyond collecting business cards or making brief introductions at corporate events. Networking done right requires deliber…
Prepare for Corporate Networking Events like a Pro
Attending corporate networking events can lead to career advancement, valuable partnerships, and industry insights. However, success in corporate networking …
How to Make the Most of Networking Events for Professional Growth
Networking events create powerful opportunities for career advancement, knowledge exchange, and meaningful connections. Yet, many professionals attend these …
Leverage your business events to strengthen your professional community
Business events go beyond networking - they serve as platforms for collaboration, innovation, and career advancement. A well-planned event helps professional…
Rebuilding Member Engagement in a Digital Age:How CRM Systems Help Associations Stay Relevant
The past few years have transformed how associations engage with their members. Remote working, hybrid events, digital fatigue, and evolving member expectati…
The Worker Protection Act: what does it mean for your members
Last October, the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act 2023 came into force, meaning all employers are required to take all reasonable step…
Are membership organisation obsolete, effectively a relic of the past, or can they adapt to become the beating heart of the business community and more relevant than ever?
The digital revolution has changed almost everything about how we connect, consume information, and do business. With online communities thriving and AI-powe…
Beyond the Ticket: Why Museum Memberships Matter More Than You Think
When most people think of visiting a museum — whether it's one of the many art museums, science museums, or history museums — they picture a one-time experie…
What Success Looks Like When Working with an Association Management Company (AMC)
For many associations, managing daily operations while striving for growth can be a challenge. That’s where an Association Management Company (AMC) comes in.…
Ten Important Questions to Ask Your Supplier When Choosing Software for Associations
In this blog, we’ll explore 10 key questions you should ask your prospective software supplier that go beyond the product features. These questions focus on …
Why Some Technology Investments Fail and How to Ensure Success for Your Association
At iFINITY, we take great care to ensure that technology projects for associations succeed. Our approach emphasises thorough discovery, realistic budgeting, …
Why membership bodies, need to help their members have proper risk assessments in place
Don’t risk your sanity: a quick rundown on risk assessments
The many faces of membership
There are many types of membership-based organizations, each serving different purposes, legal structures, and benefits for members. Here’s a detailed explan…
Helping your members prepare for change: key impacts of the UK Employment Rights Bill
After the publication of the UK Employment Rights Bill in October 2024, businesses across the UK are preparing for a wave of reform – and it’s vital that you…
Is your board experiencing a crisis of confidence... in you?
There is a crisis of confidence within the membership sector. It is one that can seriously undermine an association’s success and threaten to destabilise rel…
Finding and Retaining Your Association Technology: MyTop 10 Insights from Over 30 Years of Experience
After over thirty years of working with associations, I have learned much about the challenges of selecting and maintaining technology. For 31 years, iFINITY…
Maximising Non-Dues Revenue: Creative Ideas to Diversify Your Income Streams
While membership dues provide a stable income stream, relying solely on them can be limiting. Non-dues revenue offers an opportunity to grow financial resour…
Top 6 personal data that professionals are sharing with AI the most, and the potential backlashes
Almost 2 in 5 (38%) professionals have admitted to sharing personal data with AI platforms, without their employer's permission. While employees may think th…
AI to Transform 40% of Healthcare Skills by 2030": Are Royal Colleges Ready for the Future of Work?
Our Royal Colleges guide professional development in society's most critical fields. They provide leadership in professional training, certification, policy,…
Are you getting the best from your association event suppliers, often the devil is IN the detail!
When organising any kind of event, it is sometimes assumed certain parties require partial details of the event and not all stakeholders are given a full ove…
Great tips to use social media to grow membership
Social media isn’t just a tool for personal connections; it's a powerful platform for organisations to engage with their audience, build community, and drive…
Delivering Membership Objectives - The importance if Teamwork
By Steve Charles, The Membership Doctor, founder of Member Boost
Your Comprehensive Checklist for Planning Association Conferences
Planning a large-scale conference is a big undertaking. It requires time, patience, energy, and thinking ahead. In this blog, we cover some key tips for plan…
What events work best for associations
The best events for association are those that align with their mission, engage their members and provide real value in terms of education, networking and pr…
How to Create Engaging Content for your Members
It can be hard not to get swept away in the tide of seemingly infinite membership associations, and harder still to stand out from the crowd when trying to i…
How to Reliably Increase Member Engagement Year-over-year [Checklist]
“How do we increase member engagement for our association?” “How do we help our members keep up with workforce development?” “How do we reach the next genera…
What are the key considerations for associations considering a new web project?
In an era where digital presence is paramount, associations and not-for-profit organizations regularly find themselves at a crucial juncture but this time it…
Top AI Tools for Association Executives in 2024
Before we delve into tools, I also want to offer some food for thought regarding legal and privacy issues: It's wise to consider your users' privacy, as well…
Start Small to Reap Big AI Benefits: Improving the Membership Journey
In today’s fast-paced world, embracing technological advancements is crucial for staying relevant and efficient. And, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the po…
Is your ad sales strategy 2024-ready? Find out with this 5-point health check
UK membership organisations collectively left thousands of pounds worth of potential revenue on the table in 2023, due to one common gap in their strategic plan
Unwrapping Success: How to Prepare for Christmas
Chrismas is fast approaching and organisations up and down the UK are changing up a gear. December isn't just about festive food and drink; if you work with …
Outsourcing: A Guide for Membership Associations.
Secretariat services and remote offices allow organisations to delegate the day-to-day running of the business to external parties. In effect, it falls under…
Navigating Cost-Effective Digital Transformation in Membership Organisations
With the current focus on cost of living and inflation it’s no surprise that delivering value to members is front of mind amongst senior leaders in membershi…
The curved ball of the aging population
Many organisations are blissfully unaware of a ‘curved ball’ heading in their direction on the horizon.
Money from HMRC? Yes, please.
The (research and development) R&D tax credits scheme is a government incentive to encourage scientific and technological innovation. By investing in eligibl…
Bruised trust?
Remote working during Covid-19 and now the shift to hybrid working has put the spotlight on trust and culture.
Mind the gap
As career coaches, the majority of our clients come to us when they are fed up of feeling fed up. There is a tipping point of no return. For some clients, th…
Is career agility the new intelligence?
In a fast changing and uncertain world of work, career agility is a ‘must learn’ competency.
Why association and membership CEOs need to be active on social media
A new piece of research in partnership with Onalytica, Membership World and Synergy was launched recently which took a look at over 300 social media profiles…
Print and branded merchandise still a powerful member engagement tool
With so many people working from home how do you engage with your members, its digital all the way isn’t it. Well yes the rise of digital engagement has been…
What COVID-19 has taught us about communications
We recently hosted an online round table to explore what has the pandemic taught us about communicating with members, and the consequences of getting it wrong.
Virtual events; the pros, the cons and the future
Membership bodies and trade associations often run events for their members. Trade shows, seminars, award ceremonies, conferences and private dinners form pa…
Why do Members Leave Membership Organisations?
There are a number of reasons why people leave a membership organisation. It’s really important that you understand why they do, and have a policy in place t…
Have We Forgotten The Art of Human Contact?
Savvy marketeers understand the importance of great member relationships, and that they can elicit a valuable emotional attachment to a product or service. B…
Making sense of holiday leave: guidance for your members
Managing holiday leave can sometimes seem a bit tricky, especially during peak periods like Easter and bank holidays, when requests often flood in. The proce…
Benefits of Holding Conference Events
Conference events are more than just a gathering of people but a powerful platform for sharing knowledge, building connections, and inspiring innovation. Whe…
Why Trade Associations Matter
Trade associations are the glue that holds industries together, empowering businesses and professionals to connect, grow, and thrive. It drives industries, b…
How AI Summits Are Transforming the Future of Membership Associations
Artificial intelligence is reshaping various sectors, and membership associations are no exception. AI summits are playing a key role in this transformation,…
How to Host Impactful Corporate Events That Leave a Lasting Impression
Corporate events are powerful tools for building relationships, enhancing brand presence, and achieving organisational goals. Whether you’re planning a confe…
What Are Professional Membership Bodies?
Professional membership bodies serve as a pillar of support for organisations seeking growth, collaboration, and innovation. These organisations are far more…
What Does the Future Hold for Membership Organisations?
Membership organisations are at a pivotal juncture, facing the necessity to adapt and innovate in response to evolving member expectations and technological …
Why Joining an Executive Networking Group is Essential for Thought Leaders
Thought leaders actively seek out opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange groundbreaking ideas, and spearhead impactful initiatives…
How Professional Membership Boosts Career Growth
Advancing your career requires more than just hard work and dedication. Professional memberships offer a strategic advantage, providing access to invaluable …
No articles in this category yet.