Sometimes, the best strategy when expanding your association’s offerings is simply to ask members what they want.

The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO) took that approach when it deployed a membership-engagement survey earlier this year. The survey produced some useful suggestions that the group could—and did—act on.

“Whether you are a venue, destination, or [professional conference organizer]—there are always ways you can learn and improve,” Heather Lishman, ABPCO’s association director, said in a news release. “ABPCO is no different, and we have actively been listening and engaging with our members over the past few months to seek out ways we can enhance the association.”

ABPCO says it’s working to provide an array of new benefits to members, including more social media training and high-level speakers at events, as well as a new online member portal. The group also has pledged to boost its foothold in the association market and is eyeing ways to improve networking opportunities at events.

Already, ABPCO plans to hold a roundtable on social media marketing next month in Liverpool, specifically focusing on guidance for event planners who want to give their conferences a boost. It’ll be one of the first events held at the city’s new Exhibition Centre, an 87,000-square-foot facility that’s anticipated to more than double the size of the city’s ACC Liverpool expo facilities.

Such events offer a starting point for ABPCO as it moves in a more member-friendly direction.

“It is imperative we listen to our members. Without our members and their hard work, ABPCO would not be the influence it is within the industry,” Lishman said.

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