Is now the time to remove the term “big data” from your vocabulary and rethink how you can best become a data-driven organization? A recent NewVantage Partners survey lays out a cultural case.
Despite all the chatter about big data, distrust of the concept still lingers for executives in multiple contexts. One reason: Sometimes the data gets in the way of the big ideas.
Big data gives organizations ways to uncover skills gaps and boost staff retention.
Organizations use big data to figure out a wide variety of complex problems and set strategies, including for talent acquisition. In a recent study, LinkedIn identified the most common ways that organizations use big data to optimize recruitment.
The New Jersey Hospital Association is launching a new program, CHART, to utilize big data in hopes of spotting the underlying problems behind the medical issues its members tackle.
In a move that brings together the sizable amount of data college sports produces annually, the NCAA will collaborate with a big data firm to gather and sell sports statistics to the media and other outlets. It’ll initially make the data available to members for free.
The American Heart Association announced this week that Amazon Web Services would help the association expand its Institute for Precision Cardiovascular Medicine, which hopes to use big data to find the root causes of heart disease.
Rick Smolan, former journalist and current big data advocate, shared some of the world's most creative uses of big data at the ASAE Technology Conference.
Go beyond demographics to plan a better meeting with Big Data.
A $4,800-per-year data analysis product is changing the nature of lobbying in a big way—and the creators of Quorum aren't even out of college yet. Also: Stuck with a problem employee? Here's how to handle the situation.
The YMCA of Austin, Texas, boosted by the tech savvy of its hometown, has learned to embrace the use of big data in its day-to-day work. The group’s CEO spoke with Associations Now about that journey.
Perhaps "big data" doesn't work for associations because it's not advanced enough to work beyond a macro scale, one association pro argues. Also: why a modest name change can help refresh your direction.
Associations are good at collecting data, but they’re less adept at analyzing it or knowing what to do with the gold mine of information they have. But that’s changing. As technology becomes more affordable, organizations are harnessing “big data” to improve member engagement.
With industries increasingly relying on big data strategies, ethical and purpose-related questions are becoming more common. For trade groups, now might be a good time to do a temperature check.
New algorithms can help identify great potential hires. But executives will need to better understand their organizations' needs to make use of it.
Using data to create a better customer experience. Also: why organizations struggle with human connection.
In recent days, a number of high-profile voices have raised questions about whether big data is worthy of your time or the attention it's getting. Is there too much hype, or is there really something there?
A year after the group launched a big data project to track genome sequences related to the disease, the association announced that a wide array of data would be made available to researchers worldwide.
Sure, the data points may correlate, but it doesn't mean a thing if you can't find the root cause. Also: Could one of these new social media platforms grow to become the next Pinterest or Instagram?
If you're spending all this energy looking through big data for business insights, be sure you have a good idea of what you're looking for, or you won't actually find it.
According to a survey, organizations should keep big data analytics within their organization. For this, you need employees with a particular skill-set.
Every organization has data, sometimes mountains of it. But if you try to tackle it all at once, you could be left reeling from information overload.
Nate Silver's spot-on prediction of the presidential election is a big win for big data. Also: Why the president's leadership shouldn't be a proxy for your own.
Small organizations can use member data, too. Also: An iPad magazine success story.
Event cancellation insurance, contingency plans raise concerns for event planners.
New standards, laid out by the Association of Equipment Management Professionals, are driving fleet management forward.
A new report from the Trade Show News Network makes the case that technology's real benefit for the convention space has been added data---specifically, being able to apply that data to the work that event planners do.
Something about breaking a payment into 12 smaller parts makes a larger total payment a lot more palatable.
While organizations see data as increasingly important to their industry's needs, few know how to best steward this data, according to a new study commissioned by the Direct Marketing Association.
Does size matter when it comes to data? More data may actually be a waste of time, according to one Quartz writer. Also: How flexible schedules can help you retain and support your employees.
Why knowing exactly what to do with your big data is more important than having it in the first place. Also: The decline of snark.
A Grocery Manufacturers Association study shows the increasing sophistication of consumer data — though some worry it could smother competition.
More than four-fifths of Americans surveyed by Pew said the risks of corporate data use weren’t worth the benefits. It’s an issue that associations should tread carefully on.
Early adopters of artificial intelligence are feeling bullish on the new technology, which is being applied in a wide array of projects from big-data analysis to voice-enabled devices.
In a variety of fields—from offbeat holidays to federal events to rising supplements—2020 is going to be a major point of change and attention. Here are a few groups that will be making a big impact.
The next generation of attendees wants greener events. Meetings that don’t comply may face consequences. Also: how to make the most of your AMS.
“Bring your own device” has been an enterprise mainstay for years, despite its various end-user weaknesses. But a new iOS feature from Apple could make it easier to balance business and pleasure.
Data doesn’t have meaning unless someone can interpret it and tell its story, like a data advocate. Also: Why digital transformations are good for members.
Dark social shares mean your team could be basing its marketing insights—and budget—on inaccurate data. Also: ideas for a website relaunch.
Businesses of all types use data analytics to gain a competitive edge and stay ahead of external trends and forces, but for many organizations, understanding and using big data remains a top challenge.
It’s a question that almost every association executive has heard before: What’s keeping you up at night?
Research shows that the number is a lot smaller than many associations might think. Also: what new research on YouTube suggests about your social strategy.
Fast data may be the next big thing, but what exactly is it, and how can it help your association?
Bad UX leads to high website bounce rates.
The organization behind the popular licensing standard has launched a new search engine that aims to make it easier for creators to find works that can easily be reused and remixed online.
The Renewable Energy Buyers Alliance, sporting a number of major companies, aims to help boost renewable energy by breaking down regulatory and institutional barriers that make it harder to buy.
In the age of personalization, how much is too much? Giving your members more control over their privacy—and making that clear to them—could be a big strategic win for your association.
A flood of event data is both an opportunity and a challenge.
Your events can tell you a lot about attendees’ habits now, thanks to robust analytics. But they also have the potential to give you valuable input on your organization’s larger goals.
Recent research from the Fundraising Effectiveness Project finds that less than half of all donors to a given organization are repeat donors—and those that do repeat tend to focus on larger organizations, rather than small ones.
A recent security breach involving Reddit highlights the failings of using your phone in two-factor authentication, notes Ars Technica. Also: Salesforce highlights leaders making a positive social impact in a new event series.
A month after GDPR took effect, the state passed the country’s strongest data protection rules this week in an effort to stop an even stricter ballot measure from being put in front of voters. Trade groups were nonetheless critical of the move, saying a federal law is preferable.
From a growing diversity of content consumption to a push toward subscription models in the for-profit space, Mary Meeker’s Internet Trends report has a little bit of everything—and a few of those trends are particularly important for your association to consider.
A new report from the digital security giant Kaspersky finds that the costs of cleaning up after a data security breach can easily top the $1 million mark—and not just because of the incident itself.
Big data holds big promises—including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the blockchain—you may not be quite ready for that leap into the future. You can still put your data to work by focusing on small-data projects that immediately improve the member experience.
According to a new report from the mobile data firm App Annie, spending on mobile apps is expected to surge over the next few years—even for apps that aren’t games.
The Data Quality Labeling Standards program is intended to help customers assess a third party’s data sourcing and performance at a glance.
How to keep your attendees’ personal data safe from a cyberattack. Also: Why should always download meeting apps.
Official enforcement of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, imposing new requirements for how organizations process and maintain personal data, is less than three months away. At a recent event for association professionals, experts pinpointed four key member data issues to address now.
Data analytics doesn’t have to be complicated. By taking a small step into connecting your data, you can begin to alleviate members’ pain points.
Not too many business leaders feel prepared for the potential impacts of the European Union's privacy regulations.
The Brewers Association set a lofty goal to raise $213 billion to buy Anheuser-Busch InBev. The crowdfunding campaign failed, but it was a win for members.
The Sheltered Harbor initiative, launched by the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center, aims to preserve service even in the case of a cyberattack that destroys data.
Five trends to keep in mind when it comes to improving your organization’s technology and fundraising. Also: the real reasons some association events are struggling.
Responding to research that showed big data wasn’t always delivering better data, the medical group is building partnerships around a common model.
An increased number of enterprise organizations are reporting cyberattacks. Is your organization one? 53% The percentage of enterprises that reported an increase in cyberattacks in 2016 Cyberthreats are a growing concern for organizations, and IT security professionals see more trouble ahead. Four out of five expect to experience a cyberattack in 2017. The use of […]
From cybersecurity to governance, the Internet Society’s new report on the global network’s future takes a deep dive into some big issues that promise to get even bigger in the years to come. The 2017 Internet Society Global Internet Report comes as the group celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The internet is more essential […]
An analyst lays out how the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation could create some headaches for membership-based organizations. Also: Insights from a big association-space merger.
The data you acquire—no matter its source—generally comes from someone who was willing to share it with you. You have a responsibility to do the right thing with it, and could run into trouble if you don’t. Here's why data ethics is becoming harder to ignore.
Here are five factors to focus on to get the most out of your membership data. Also: How one news organization tackled its digital bugs and upgrades with a hackathon.
Over two decades, an ambitious firm has grown from startup subsidiary to the established maker of a tool used by millions. (Hint: It’s probably in your car.) The reason the company has managed to hold on for so long has much to do with its ever-evolving data strategy. It offers a great example for associations […]
Big-name polling analysts failed to predict last week’s presidential election. There’s a lesson there in how leaders should use and think about data.
Do your third-party vendors have too much access to your data—and what sort of risks does that open up? Also: The head of the Internet Association reflects on the group’s start.
A new report from Fidelity Charitable finds that donors are closely watching modern philanthropic trends and putting their trust behind more transparent organizations. But older generations are less influenced by these trends.
How much do your members know about your association’s data and engagement tracking? And how do they feel about being scored for their activity?
What LinkedIn users should expect from Microsoft's pricey buyout. Also: The story of a hairdressing trailblazer who was an association member for nearly 80 years.
Recent trends in data analysis are starting to touch every part of the association business, and that includes tradeshows. At a recent Bear Analytics event, two major associations shared some of their stories in using data to optimize their name-brand expos.
While email marketing is the bread and butter of most association marketing offerings, it often isn't pushed to the full extent of its capabilities. A handful of recent studies highlighting recent email marketing trends offer some food for thought on where audiences are reading and what could be done to best engage those audiences.
Building new tools for your members? Don't be afraid to derive inspiration from your current offerings. You might find that your users are relying on your platforms in ways your association never intended—and that knowledge could be a boon when creating future product designs.
In its first economic report, the Internet Association says internet-based businesses contribute a significant chunk of U.S. gross domestic product and generate higher average wages than the economy as a whole.
The Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association is using publicly available data to show the value its members deliver to people throughout the state.
Why big data is a big deal, according to The Human Face of Data author Rick Smolan.
Your organization has a lot of data in a lot of places. Are you doing enough to keep it well organized? A recent study from an association data management firm found that many organizations have little in the way of centralization and a large number of employees have access to essential data. Is a chief data officer the solution? And what's the backup if that's not an option?
Right as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month began, the American Bankers Association (ABA) announced it had been hit by a malicious intrusion that targeted member online purchases and event transactions.
Analytics help predict donor behavior. If you work for a foundation or nonprofit that relies on donations, you’re always looking for ways to increase donors and contributions, lower direct marketing costs, and spark innovation and creativity among staff. Groups are turning to big data and predictive analytics to help achieve those goals. Recently John Hallberg, […]
To identify and locate scientific experts among its database of earth and space scientists, AGU is turning to data for help.
At the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers, a group-membership plan is attracting deeper engagement with the industry's higher-ups and boosting SCTE's membership and training revenue along the way.
A new study suggests smartphones could provide a way to more accurately gauge crowd size. Plus: Where to look for social updates from the 2015 Membership, Marketing & Communications Conference.
The Travel Technology Association, leading the way with a new report, says that members of its association are being negatively impacted by airlines limiting access to real-time flight data—and in one case, removing said access entirely.
The company, which has seen much success with its mobile platform, is dealing with reports that hackers are stealing passwords—along with money from the credit card accounts connected to their Starbucks accounts. Also: How you can avoid flight delays.
While the technology is fairly slick, a set of recent studies imply that uptake is a little less than what the industry at large would hope. The goal for the American Bankers Association might be to sell the public on the idea that online banking is both safe and useful.
The Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids has pushed for Major League Baseball to ban smokeless tobacco from the game for years. Now, the group is taking a grassroots approach and could score its first win this week in San Francisco.
Both digital rights advocates and trade groups see a U.S. International Trade Commission case blocking the sharing of 3D renderings of teeth as potentially having a broad effect—in either good ways or bad. The commission, however, denies the case is about anything more than a few pearly whites.
Data is a central theme of private-sector conversations, but that doesn't mean that associations should be left in the dust. Plus: What's Reddit?
The good news about the surfacing of the Superfish bloatware on Lenovo machines is that the company has pledged to clean up its act. But for IT departments and end users alike, this problem goes way deeper than any one security breach. Here's what you should know before plunking down cash on a new laptop.
Following the lead of President Obama and prominent CEOs including Apple's Tim Cook, financial and retail groups alike were ready to take some big steps at last week's White House cybersecurity summit.
Could advocacy become a more personalized affair than ever? A new app, built off the back of public nonprofit data, suggests that publicly accessible databases could become a new form of messaging for associations.
A new report from the Association of Corporate Counsel shows that issues of ethics and compliance remain supreme for corporate lawyers, but increasingly, they've become obsessed with the same issues that have dominated the business world over the past few years.
The president's plan to tackle cybersecurity issues—expected to be one of his big initiatives in 2015—drew mixed responses from the association world this week. While retail and financial groups welcomed the proposals, a key privacy group questioned whether Obama is focused on the right things.
From content strategy to video to AMSes, five useful insights you can take back to your association from National Harbor.
LinkedIn campaign pays off big for the International Coach Federation.
Some of the biggest players in educational technology have signed a pledge to safeguard student data.
Even if your association is growing, the churn of recruitment and lapsed members means you likely have more past members than active ones. What should your relationship be with them?
Why The New Yorker decided it would start giving away its stories for free—for a little while. Also: If you can write an email subject line with fewer than 10 characters, prepare for a massive open rate.
Members taking part in your elections can help bring to light important details about what's working in your vote process—and what isn't. Also: How one association cleaned up a content mess.
Tips on how to deal with cleaning up old, messy member data.
The Federal Trade Commission's in-depth analysis of the data broker industry recommends new legislation, but a number of data-focused trade groups say that industry self-regulation remains the way to go.
Why data structures are becoming more important than ever in the age of the cloud. Also: a massive list of keyboard shortcuts.
Starbucks may be a mobile-payments success story, but it's one of the few that's caught on. An industry coalition is working on bringing the approach to the rest of the retail sector (along with its side benefit of cutting down on swipe fees), but pulling it off may not be easy.
How one association unbundled some of its benefits and packaged them around "clusters of behavior" in its member engagement data.
A new report draws direct comparisons between the ripple effects that led to the 2008 financial crisis and the current state of the internet. The goal? To get officials, both within organizations and beyond them, to see the bigger picture when tackling cybersecurity.
Heart beating fast enough yet? Last week's disclosure of the Heartbleed bug caught a lot of people's attention, especially in the IT department. There's a lot we can take from this incident, even after your pulse drops back to normal.
Despite being the inspiration for the term ‘sabermetrics,’ the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) leaves the number crunching to its members.
An analysis of which mobile-app categories put consumers and companies at highest risk had some surprising results.
With just a couple of weeks before Microsoft will no longer support its popular but ancient operating system that the majority of ATMs still use, the banking industry has its hands full. Some companies are choosing to pay for additional support, but industry groups say they won't be compliant with current standards if they fail to upgrade.
According to two new reports by the Center for Exhibition Industry Research, attendees and exhibitors are each spending billions each year—which speaks to their economic power.
Tech giants that swim in big data don't get all that info from surveys. It's time for associations to build member data tracking into their product design and workflows.
A trio of new studies each touch upon elements of the same key point: Employees—even senior managers—remain one of the largest information security risks.
Know My App, an online database created by CTIA: The Wireless Association, helps users figure out which mobile apps pack the biggest punch for your mobile bill. As you might guess, video apps rank right at the top.
Leadership gurus have been preaching the gospel of "data-driven decision making" for years. But good decisions still involve much more than running the numbers.
We all love our membership models, but maybe too much. Getting better at engaging in nonmember relationships means facing our fear of the unknown—or finding a way to make that kind of engagement more comfortable.
How scrubbing your database can save you money. Also: Why you shouldn't be afraid to demolish struggling programs.
Last week, the company was hit with a class-action lawsuit from users who claim the social network improperly obtained other addresses from their email accounts. The episode can offer associations insights on how they should conduct their own email-marketing programs.
A look at the inner workings of one association's data-tracking and scoring system for member engagement and spending. It ain't pretty, but it's a powerful tool.
Does your association run a get-out-the-vote campaign during election seasons? They can be hard and tedious work, but the results of a new Nonprofit VOTE study show that you’re making a difference.
Sometimes, the game-changing tech idea isn't an out-there vision, but a modest change that expands your vision in a directly-trackable way.
Yahoo’s CEO Marissa Mayer may have raised eyebrows with moves to shake up the company’s culture—but the changes definitely weren't a waste of time. Also: Why MySpace is focusing on a strong content strategy for its comeback.
Last week's announcement of an interface revamp for iOS7 got mixed reviews, but with end users likely to upgrade to the platform quickly, it could force app makers in the association world to answer some tough questions about their needs.
The scale has tipped: Spending on mobile data sprinted ahead of spending on mobile voice services, according to a new report. Associations should take notice.
It's not just the National Retail Federation that can put together such major legislative victories. Here's how one regional group, the Municipal Association of South Carolina, won big.
Some might call it free membership—and they’d be right. But Erin Fuller calls her stroke of brilliance “radical inclusiveness,” and it’s helping the Alliance for Women in Media thrive.
Facebook mobile users increase to 680 million users in the last quarter alone. How can you learn from its leap of faith?
Recent research unveils common characteristics among data analysts, with the goal of helping organizations hire and retain this type of professional—an increasingly important role in the age of big data.
Why data is a goldmine, but useless without accessibility. Also: What leadership is ultimately all about.
Brian Solis talks on how the age of connected consumers swims in a sea of "big data." Associations capitalizing on member-engagement data will succeed.
A new study by NTEN: The Nonprofit Technology Network found that although many nonprofits are collecting data, there is a discrepancy among those that are using it strategically and those that are merely measuring things.
Business intelligence and data analysis are touted as waves of the future and are sparking the emergence of the executive-level data officer.
Holistic patient care; more long-term cancer survivors; big data improves neuromuscular disease treatment; free genetic testing for Parkinson’s; precise diagnosis; no more transplant waiting list.
Welcome to this week’s news quiz featuring questions from some of our most recent articles. Find out how much you remember from stories on the aftermath of a 7.9-magnitude earthquake, nonprofit governance, and an organization embracing big data.
At smaller associations, the board often makes the financial decisions. Are your reports to it relevant, or a big data pile-on?
The dominating social network will host a private event—part education, part recruiting—ahead of this year's American Sociological Association conference. Its appeal? Really big data in the form of a massive social graph.
A Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation-backed nonprofit startup, inBloom, was supposed to change the education landscape by embracing the ideas of big data. But many parents didn't like that idea, and the firm announced its shutdown this week. What happened? Well, part of the problem may be that the technology was ready before the public was.
What people are saying in association social spaces: Including issues on big data, member value, branding and analytics.
An entrepreneur sneaked into an e-commerce conference to promote his big data startup—and he got away with it. Also: Social media is the driving force of event promotion.
New machine-learning research on leadership is scrutinizing CEOs' every word and facial expression. But don't rush to change yourself to please an algorithm.
The Western Economic Association International’s 94th Annual Conference begins this week in San Francisco. Attendance is expected to top 2,300.
A glossary of some of the most common or important technology terms you might run into on the job.
Rather than a single “next big thing” to define the way that the tech sector builds itself, CompTIA’s latest industry outlook argues that 2019 will be the year that many of the big trends will come together.
Even if your association’s main stack isn’t based on open-source software, you should still know the language. A recent report from the Linux Foundation makes the case that it could even help you find new talent.
With an outbreak of E. coli hitting a major part of the romaine lettuce supply, the challenges of tracing produce in the food chain are quickly growing more apparent. Industry groups have long supported a traceability initiative, but a significant number of growers have yet to embrace the effort—a situation that has complicated the search for a root cause of the outbreak.
New digital tools and technology are revolutionizing the way organizations find and retain talent. Also: Voice donations come to Alexa. Many industries are facing the threat of automation, and HR may be one of them. A recent CMSWire post delves into how technology is changing the way organizations are recruiting and retaining talent. Automated recruitment […]
The American Heart Association and the Duke Clinical Research Institute recently announced a strategic partnership focused on using machine-learning methods to predict, prevent, and treat cardiovascular disease.
The Investment Association will bring to light new startups that could potentially reshape the asset management industry—a space that has struggled to pick up on new technologies.
Technology, armed with massive amounts of data, is getting better at predicting the future. How can associations benefit from this shift?
For membership organizations, one of the primary benefits of artificial intelligence is that it adds a hook to member engagement. Here are three examples.
ASAE Foundation's future-focused research forecasts change drivers.
Using data to design a path to licensure.
Through a partnership with IBM, the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants is training CPAs on technology such as artificial intelligence and data science—and preparing them for a rapidly changing landscape.
How an outdoor advertising group brought ideas to its conference badge that it hopes to see in its industry’s ads. Also: How you should think about social video.
A new McKinley Marketing Partners report shows that digital marketing hires are on the rise. It also reveals that a majority of job seekers are open to the idea of working for nonprofits but are concerned about lower salaries.
A report from the American Institute of CPAs and Oracle shows how finance leaders are embracing a new finance model, as well as the skill sets required of their teams.
The artificial intelligence technology, quickly becoming a hit in the home, scores its first major hotel deal. Also: Instagram hits a milestone.
With all of the seismic shifts in technology, tools, and even customers, the marketing function within associations looks very different today than it did a decade ago. That means the skills required to do the job are in constant flux.
Member data is great, but it won’t answer all your questions. A pair of qualitative methods for understanding value might help your association better meet member needs.
As technology evolves and association professionals require more tech tools to get the job done each day, the responsibility for learning and understanding technology is not just for IT anymore. From membership to communications to business operations, staff teams need to brush up on few crucial tech skills.
Turn passive web visitors into active members of your community with the latest marketing trend. Plus: How to deal with "free riders" in your organization.
The American Psychiatric Association's first-ever innovation lab, to be unveiled at its annual meeting in Atlanta, will feature a $2,500 prize for the winner. But ultimately, the event is more about the process of discovering new ideas than the big prize.
A new study found that a majority of professionals who completed an online certification course reported bumps in salary and job fulfillment—promising news for associations and their members.
A new study from two accounting associations looked at the biggest obstacles in the executive-level decision-making process and how to avoid them.
There’s an exciting new year ahead in information technology development, trends, and growth, CompTIA forecasts in its annual survey.
With a new year just getting started, associations of all kinds are sharing their predictions for what’s to come for their respective industries in 2016.
Couldn’t make it to ASAE’s Technology Conference and Expo? Here’s a look at several ideas shared by session speakers during #Tech15.
Glassbreakers wants to break the glass ceiling by putting a new spin on a resource the association community knows well.
An updated International Association of Exhibitions and Events whitepaper includes new trends affecting the industry. Among them: data capture, educational offerings, attendee security, and the economy.
Using a mix of theatrics and marketing techniques, a New York cooperative takes an old-school approach to marketing.
One of the biggest online crowdfunding hubs announces its new status as the Kickstarter benefit corporation makes its debut.
Take a peek at some findings from a new SmithBucklin report that analyzed what services associations are outsourcing and how frequently they turn to third-party vendors.
A city’s aesthetic appeal and attendee experience are far less important than achieving an organization’s mission when choosing a meeting location, according to attendees at a recent International Congress and Convention Association workshop.
Business travelers are continuing to use new tools and apps inspired by the leisure travel and retail industries, meaning the association meetings need to adopt them in order to remain relevant to attendees.
The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners’ 26th Annual Global Fraud Conference kicks off in Baltimore early next week.
Five decades ago, Moore's Law—a specific philosophy on technical innovation in the semiconductor industry—helped set the tone for a technology revolution that hasn't slowed down since. Likewise, your association's potential for embracing technology should be defined by a willingness to see the big picture, not your current limitations.
A new bill aimed at limiting how education companies use data is picking up steam in Congress, but it comes at a time when a major trade group has been proactive on the issue.
A consulting firm’s new performance review process seems amazingly efficient. But a handful of questions alone won’t make for effective reviews.
We're living in a world of data, so it's about time you learned how to harness a powerful data tool. Plus: How to create a presence on Instagram.
A Boston accelerator brings community members together to discuss ways to improve and expand use of technology to improve education. Plus: A water conservation group chooses a venue that underscores its values.
Over the next few weeks, you're going to hear a lot of hype about up-and-coming technologies to watch in 2015—including from me. Before you dig in too deep, however, here's some advice on how to temper your perspective with your association's needs.
Why one regular Google Glass user (who happens to write for Mashable) gave up his device. Also: Meet a nonprofit that's suddenly $1 million richer.
Keeping a finger on the pulse of an industry, its membership, and the consumer led the National Association of Realtors to push for major changes at its annual meeting last week. NAR plans to develop a new Code of Excellence and realtor ratings, among other things.
In its most recent rebranding, the Council of Public Relations Firms decided the best way to put a fresh spin on its image was to build on what people are calling it already: the PR Council.
Heading to the 2014 ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition? Get a taste of what’s in store with articles and interviews from Adam Grant, Noreena Hertz, and a variety of Learning Lab speakers.
Today’s professionals are looking for lifelong learning and credentials to advance their careers. With dramatic shifts disrupting traditional education models, associations have a shot at becoming major players in the education-to-employment landscape. Will they seize the moment?
In crafting your organization’s growth strategy, don’t go with your gut. You need hard facts about your audiences and your competition. Get them by conducting a disciplined market assessment.
A new study suggests that most executives let emotions trump data when it comes decision making. This may not be a bad thing---if you've thought about when it's appropriate.
The new president of the American Medical Association, who works for a technology firm, says that there's a high risk of a Target-style attack on the medical industry. It's only a matter of when.
A leading association in the fight for equality celebrates four decades of conferences. Also: An event for the aged.
The C-Suite is becoming more digitized, according to data recently released by the CDO Club. At the CDO Summit last week, the group’s founder talked about the role of the chief digital officer and introduced another CDO—chief data officer.
According to a new study by tech consulting firm Capgemini, the decision to hold onto out-of-date technology can cause major problems with efficiency—and firms without strong legacy technology often have tech needs that better match their business goals.
Some of the wisest people in technology reflect on the birth of the World Wide Web, which turns 25 this week.
The Direct Marketing Association strongly disputes what it sees as President Obama’s comparison of phone metadata collection to data-based marketing during a speech on intelligence and privacy issues.
An infographic can be an engaging, impactful alternative to written content. But what goes into a compelling data visualization?
Numerous trends have affected the larger meetings industry and the know-how meeting planners must have. What new skills do today’s planners need?
Creative types work differently than your rank and files. Does that mean they should be on a shorter schedule? Also: WordPress gets an update which should please mobile users.
A new whitepaper by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events reveals 13 trends that will affect its industry. Here are five that associations will want to keep in mind as they plan for 2014 and beyond.
One CEO’s guidelines for achieving the perfect work-life balance. Also: What to do when a potential volunteer tells you no.
A new report on associations' membership-metrics practices shows strong desire but low success in measuring member engagement, and not a lot of strategic guidance, either.
New to the social media horizon are apps that can automatically schedule and find content—slicing, dicing, and throwing it out at just the right time. Sure, the robot might sound like a good idea, but …
Why you shouldn’t treat all your members the same. Also: Leadership lessons from Texas Senator Wendy Davis’ 11-hour filibuster.
Been a while since you reconsidered the organizational tools that make up your toolkit? Check out these cool prodcuts which could hack your life—by helping you find relevant news, keep up with business contacts and share ideas more easily and thoughtfully.
In a move that puts the company in competition with newer social networks and, potentially, cloud platforms, the business-oriented social network is learning some new tricks about visual content sharing.
The social network is currently in the midst of launching a new wireless product with perks for both the social network and businesses at large. Could it be just the thing to make your event's WiFi a little less of a burden?
Instead of keeping a presence on every social network, you should instead stick to what you're best at. Also: If your organization is going through economic changes, make sure your CIO has a seat at the C-Suite table.
It may have been a conference about content monetization, but last week's paidContent Live 2013 shined an important light on personalization, risk, innovation and diversity—things your association should know a thing or two about.
With expanded offerings and a price match with certain Amazon services, Microsoft hopes its revamped Windows Azure platform could entice some businesses away from the market leader.
A new survey shows the growing importance of risk managers in the insurance industry. It might be time for associations to give CROs the same strategic role.
Amazon's big contract with the Central Intelligence Agency could help tamp down one of the key arguments against cloud computing once and for all.
The International Air Transport Association is planning to test a new program for booking flights starting next month. But other industry groups aren't so sure it's the best option for consumers.
As the internet becomes the dominant calling card for most organizations, more and more CEOs are investing in their online social presences, a new study found.
With one association exec calling the move a "nuclear strike" against the ad industry, Firefox considers blocking third-party cookies—a common tool for tracking users online.
Why the Librabry of Congress is struggling to organize 170 billion tweets. Also: three business model design challenges to apply to your association.
Why 2013 is the year for collaboration. Plus: Is your association using all four stages of sponsorship at conferences?
Technology advances and personal engagement are likely to influence how companies will enhance the customer experience this year, according to a new forecast.
While some subjects stirred heavy debate at the ASAE 2012 Technology Conference & Expo, data points from the conference's attendees exposed big under-the-radar issues.
How 2012 reshaped association membership: Social media campaigns, the analysis of member data, and specialized loyalty programs are a requirement.
An argument against moving so speedily on social media. Also: "One Megatrend to Rule Them All" in lifelong learning.
Technology advances are happening quickly, and it’s the smart organizations that will pick and choose their battles with innovation, IT and business strategy expert Dion Hinchcliffe said at the 2012 ASAE Technology Conference.
Last week's ASAE Technology Conference showed that executives need to rethink what, exactly, they're in charge of.
With a number of nonprofit groups already using the fundraising-outreach service, Y Combinator-backed startup Amicus just scored a $3.2 million funding round.
To win back lost members, associations need to craft communications with a tone, structure, and messaging that reinforce the value of membership.
What have resilient associations done to prioritize members, strengthen their mission and remain successful during the COVID-19 pandemic? Personify spoke with leaders across the industry to learn more.
It can be challenging for sponsors to extract the same value from virtual events as their real-world equivalents. But a little flexibility can go a long way to change that.
Cybercriminals are getting more clever about targeting organizations and individuals. Here are three new threats you need to be on the lookout for.
[Sponsored] How the American Health Information Management Association’s adaptability allowed them to continue their mission during COVID-19.
In the first of a three-part series on establishing a hybrid office, we look at four questions leaders need to ask to develop a successful working environment. For some associations, the transition to fully remote operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic has been relatively smooth. But now that employees are beginning to tiptoe back into offices […]
With small teams and big aspirations, association executives need to have a grasp on the way that strategy helps to shape their team’s use of technology. That’s a key takeaway from a virtual annual meeting that took place in homliving rooms, rather than a huge convention hall.
[Sponsored] A behind-the-scenes look at the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development’s COVID response strategy.
From design concepts to artificial intelligence, there’s a lot going on with email technology these days that could improve your promotion strategies. Here’s what you should watch for.
BOMA’s Waste and Water Challenge, which promotes an EPA program to reduce waste and water usage in commercial buildings, collected data on more than 2,000 buildings in its first year.
After more than 30 years of research on childhood hearing impairment, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association secured federal funding to support widespread newborn hearing screening.
Boost renewable energy; every bottle recycled; zero-emission government cars; supporting global goals; 1 million bison; modern energy; sustainable showers; more solar by 2030; carbon-neutral flights.
Efforts by Google to replace third-party cookies for tracking with new tools, such as “trust tokens,” could have a big ripple effect for digital marketers, including those at associations. But it might point at a bigger challenge for adtech in general.
The way white and Black workers view discrimination and opportunity at the office diverges greatly, finds a new study from the Society for Human Resource Management. Having employees discuss race in the right way can help, the group says.
The idea of reskilling or upskilling was already an emerging trend even before COVID-19. Now it’s more important than ever—and associations can potentially stand out by leveraging their technology to provide next-gen learning opportunities.
Despite early concerns that podcast listening would fall into decline, ad revenue projections are up, an IAB report finds. Also: Why you shouldn’t let worry slow down your pace.
Take advantage of preexisting features to make your content accessible to the hard of hearing and visually impaired. Also: the key to an effective online learning program.
An industry coalition came together quickly to ensure America’s pets had uninterrupted access to food and supplies to survive an unprecedented global crisis.
Thanks to our newly remote lifestyles, we have to lean on web apps to do our jobs more than ever—and browsers can struggle to keep up, even on modern laptops. The best solution (for now) may be a bit more browsing efficiency.
[Sponsored] A behind-the-scenes look at the National Association for Home Care & Hospice’s virtual meeting transition.
Taking out a few simple words can make a big difference. Also: A subscription service could be coming to Twitter.
[Sponsored] With a strategic mindset guiding your analytics, your content can serve big-picture business goals, not just drive traffic to your site.
From installing Google AMP to giving the long tail some appreciation, here are a few tactics that can help you boost your traffic from major search engines.
Taking a hard line on reopening your office and setting ambitious productivity goals doesn't project strength right now. Patience, and small wins, can be a balm for stressed staffers.
[Sponsored] During this unprecedented time, associations must leverage creativity, communication and compassion to survive and stay ahead.
The good news is that many IT departments made it through OK; the bad news is that budgets are tight and new services need to be bought. A pair of surveys lay out concerns for both IT and security execs.
Organizers of the special COVID-19 edition of #GivingTuesday say that donations totaled more than half a billion. Also: Why you should turn off your self-view when you use Zoom.
The European Telecommunications Standards Institute and the Association for Computing Machinery have proposed standards for smartphone-based contact-tracing systems to protect personal privacy.
For some associations, the growing reliance on digital communication could prove a problem for areas where there are gaps in broadband access. It may be worth considering whether your communication options are leaving anyone out.
COVID-19 may inspire (or force) association leaders to go on the job hunt. Candidates and search committees alike will need to adjust.
When marketing to members in a crisis, focus on providing value. Also: how to offer quality customer service when members can’t reach you in person.
Laptops, monitors, and other devices went home with employees months ago, and your organization may have had to support other remote tech needs along the way. An IT association says asset management is necessary now, before workers return to the office.
The quickly organized spring counterpart to #GivingTuesday drew a surge in donations, early numbers show. Also: Don’t misjudge your audience.
A tech tool that’s gaining ground among work-from-home users is the virtual private network, an Okta study finds. Also: Panels still matter, even in a virtual context.
As COVID-19 causes big shifts in workplaces everywhere, attention to your culture might get lost in the shuffle. But don’t let it. A healthy organizational culture could be the key to your survival.
Many associations are wondering what to do about membership dues during the COVID-19 pandemic. As you consider that question, remember that what works for one association won’t necessarily work for all.
As public policy takes center stage in an election year, it’s a good time to reexamine how your organization decides when to take a stand on policy issues.
How patience in building long-term partnerships led to global standard-setting by the International Parking and Mobility Institute.
Spot “cheap fakes” that undermine trust.
COVID-19 has planners reworking events.
Associations that focus on changing up traditional member engagement are more likely to succeed during—and after—the turbulence caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a recent report.
For associations that didn’t already manage their data resources on the cloud, the sudden move to take everyone remote highlights how the old server room paradigm doesn’t make much sense anymore.
The proper configuration of your workstation can improve productivity. Also: A quality digital marketing campaign starts with good data and information.
Should you treat content more like data? It’s the general idea behind the JAMstack, a growing class of content-management technologies that hold lots of value for forward-thinking organizations.
[Sponsored] Associations have long used paywalls to their advantage. But there are strategic opportunities for tapping nondues revenue that they could be leaving on the table.
Charitable giving is a key funder for many association foundations, and a new report is offering some guidance on the most effective approaches for reaching donors.
With coronavirus causing many groups to rethink face-to-face meeting plans, some have turned to virtual offerings as way to deliver the education their attendees need.
A recent report from the National Association of Corporate Directors and the Internet Security Alliance makes the case that boards are taking a lead role on cybersecurity issues. Good thing, too, because cybersecurity and innovation are often at odds.
Volunteering shouldn’t require a heavy time commitment. Also: how associations can successfully navigate change.
[Sponsored] Those content pillars your association leans on appear to be holding your association up, but they may be holding it back. Here’s a case for tying content to your brand’s ambitions.
Current updates on association response to the global COVID-19 crisis, along with a roundup of conference, travel, and business news and information. Safety on the Slopes With the 2020 ski season expected to start in November in some parts of the country, the National Ski Areas Association recently developed “Ski Well, Be Well”—a set of best […]
You may have lots of help from an outside agency, but adding a marketing team to your payroll could simplify your creative process. But what would you lose?
From digital kiosks to voice technology to personalized messaging, retail loyalty programs have embraced increasingly sophisticated tools and tactics to engage their members. Associations might want to try a few of them out.
New research finds that many people drop streaming services because they aren’t using them enough to make it worthwhile. The parallels for membership are pretty clear. Also: How to work with a visionary leader.
New research looks at ways that analysis of social media and online forums can help marketers understand their association’s relationship with key stakeholders and evaluate campaign messaging.
A new report from the MIT Sloan Management Review says that leaders tend to hold on to outdated leadership tactics and mindsets for too long, putting their organizations' future success at risk.
[Sponsored] With a new decade underway, here are content marketing ideas to help you stay ahead of the association pack.
A recent study from Oracle makes the case that given the choice, many workers will favor artificial intelligence over a human leader, though careful integration of AI into the workplace could ensure a better balance.
[Sponsored] Debbie Langelier of NTSA shares how digital is a huge presence at her trade show—for a connected audience that expects the next great thing.
Whether it’s the lack of structure that comes with remote work or an environment without built-in support for mental health issues, there are lots of ways that the workplace can contribute to employee burnout.
What role should an association CEO play in board nominations and selection? Real-life practices vary, according to new ASAE Research Foundation data, but the best outcomes emerge when executives step gracefully through the process, providing input and guidance in just the right measure.
Everyone has biases, whether they’re aware of them or not. For leaders, unconscious bias can have a crippling effect on everything from staff diversity to member retention to innovation. For associations to thrive, leaders must tackle their own biases head on.
Stephanie Peters, CAE, president and CEO of the Virginia Society of CPAs, answers questions from VSCPA member Iris Wigodsky Laws.
In the The Disruption Mindset, Charlene Li makes a case for less structure and more disruption.
Slow webpages are growing increasingly unsightly as we start the new decade. For your audience’s sake, take a few steps to optimize things—and give them a better experience in the process.
As 2020 dawns, many associations are looking to make sure they have a steady influx of revenue streaming in. From focusing on customers to adding value, an expert shares three trends you should embrace this year.
A study analyzing speakers at thousands of events since 2013 found a small improvement in the representation of women compared to last year's study. But not enough: Almost two-thirds of conference presenters are still men.
More than half of Americans leave vacation days unused each year, according to a new survey. Also: celebrating success with your members.
Businesses like Marriott, Spotify, and Facebook use “year in review” campaigns to connect and engage with users, customers, and members. Do you?
With Giving Tuesday behind us, fundraisers are now focused on wrapping up 2019 strong. If you want to get the most out of your year-end campaign, follow these simple steps.
It can feel like you’re saving money by delaying a technical fix or update, but in reality, you may be setting yourself up for bigger costs later on, according to speakers at the ASAE Technology Exploration Conference last week.
A new report from magazine industry group MPA shows that even as declines in audience happen with older mediums, mobile, social media, and digital video are paying off in a big way for magazine publishers.
That’s a big tip from the National Christmas Tree Association, which collaborated with Square on a recent study on tree sales. The average price of a tree has jumped in recent years, according to a study of Square data.
The challenges that older workers face in finding new jobs could reflect darkening economic clouds—as well as weaknesses in the efforts to keep older employees up to speed with growing trends, particularly in fields such as technology.
Here’s a reality many associations face: More meeting attendees want to lower their carbon footprint by flying less, and some companies are reducing how often their employees can fly. It may be time for associations to consider a different conference strategy.
Whether it’s politics, tech, or the time of year, external factors are playing a bigger role than ever in how people donate, a new Classy study timed to #GivingTuesday finds.
The T-Mobile CEO, who is leaving the company in the midst of a high-profile merger, is often cited as an effective change agent and industry disruptor. Here’s what made his strategy work so well.
A new Community Brands study indicates that your members’ needs change as they advance in their careers. The finding suggests that there’s a lot of opportunity in an engagement strategy focusing on benefits that match career stages.
The keys to dealing with a financial dispute? Careful listening, research, and transparency. Also: the difference between what meeting planners and attendees want from events.
Many associations operate on a calendar-year dues cycle with renewals late in the year, which means their members are currently deciding whether to join up again. Here are three tips to boost the chance of a renewal.
When it comes to enterprise software, there are two camps—a variety of best-in-breed tools or an all-in-one suite. But what should you do if your best-in-breed vendor changes things up on you?
If a third party wants to throw your association a fundraiser, great! Just make sure it follows your fundraising guidelines. Also: Should your AMS be a customizable or configured model?
New research reveals that many meeting planners don’t think they have the skills or knowledge to make informed decisions about event tech investments. Is there a way to close the gap?
If you’re not careful, coworking could swallow up your organizational culture. Also: an interesting privacy strategy from Apple.
You know how they say a rising tide lifts all boats? Turns out that concept applies to innovation, too—especially if you find the right partner for co-innovation, a growing collaborative trend.
The success rate of a sponsored post on social media, particularly Instagram, is way down. But if you’re targeting and auditing correctly, you can still come out ahead with an influencer strategy.
Is your association lagging rather than leading when it comes to tech? Falling behind on your tech needs slows down your organizational machine and can cost you plenty. Here are three big laggard mistakes to avoid.
GoFundMe Charity is designed to make generating donations easier—and more social. Also: Say goodbye to in-flight entertainment.
There are big ways and small ways to make your meeting more sustainable. Here’s how a few associations are planning meetings to be more environmentally friendly, along with some small steps any organization can take.
Don’t change your brand identity for the sake of change. Be sure you have data and intention to support it. Also: the power of sharing personal experiences.
With many industries facing a shortage of workers and a skills gap, associations can play a critical role in addressing workforce development.
Cyberattacks tend to ramp up in Q4, and many are due to human error. Invest in phishing training to protect your organization. Also: the next step on your cybersecurity to-do list.
Fake traffic is growing more sophisticated than ever, and that could be bad news both for your analytics and your advertisers. Here are a few starting points for limiting the impact of traffic fakery.
A recent report from Naylor finds most communications teams are concerned they don’t generate enough nondues revenue. While content and sponsorship customization are good steps to take now, ad retargeting and podcasting could drive revenue in the future.
While members have high opinions of associations’ technology, staff doesn’t feel quite the same way—with long-term concerns a big factor why, according to a Community Brands study.
While Wi-Fi 6, the next iteration of the widely used wireless protocol, could make things faster, its real benefit will come in the form of decreased device congestion—including at events.
Is it time for your association to rebrand? As an organization changes its look and feel, the timing might be right to announce new member benefits and services too.
A pair of reports highlight the dangers that organizations could face from the use of multiple cloud services, due to the additional ways that attackers can breach an organization’s data.
A recent scheme by a programmer to attempt to fund his open-source project through advertising drew heavy backlash among fellow programmers, but his bigger point is one associations can appreciate.
Three higher-education associations are encouraging college and university leaders to embrace analytics as a way to improve strategic decision-making.
With feet on the ground and satellites in the air, the Amazon Conservation Association is keeping close eye on the rainforest fires in Brazil and Bolivia, with a focus toward future prevention.
Evidence is growing that Google increasingly favors its own digital properties over organic search results. That could be a problem for your web traffic if you rely on SEO. Here’s what to consider.
When new technology and the constant news cycle push your association out of the spotlight, you must find a way to adapt. Also: a Legend-ary night at ASAE’s Annual Meeting.
Attacks on your systems may be inevitable, but preparing for cyber risk ahead of time has its own rewards in the form of fewer headaches, according to a session at the 2019 ASAE Annual Meeting.
When it comes to content strategy, it’s easy to lean on algorithms to make decisions on content presentation—but algorithms aren’t perfect, and they can create blind spots if you’re not careful.
Stagnant membership growth, underutilized benefits, potential new members hiding in plain sight—these may be signs that it’s time for a membership model redo. But how should you restructure? Three associations made adjustments—big and small—that add access, equity, and ease to the member experience.
An inclusive view of global problem-solving from Melinda Gates.
Apple’s new augmented reality walking tour offers one way to leverage your meeting destination. Also: Does your event have a disaster preparedness plan?
In a review of 10 years of research into how millennials support causes, the Case Foundation’s Millennial Impact Report finds that members of that generation tend to focus more on identifying the best solution to a problem than on which institution solves it.
A recent Gartner report reveals that the biggest perceived risks in tech these days are related to the quickening pace of change. But is the real issue your organization’s inability to find its footing?
Research shows that taking a big risk in your marketing efforts has big payoff opportunities. Also: a data scientist’s take on how to fix data errors.
Good apps provide a good flow—both in their own user interface and when they interact with other tools. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you look for tools that lend themselves to your users' tech muscle memory.
[Sponsored] We’re facing a transformation of working at a pace like never before—these are the skills we need for the workplace of the future.
Whether you're using your own tools or someone else’s, cloud service downtime can be nerve-wracking, especially if the software is mission-critical. Here are some things to keep in mind ahead of time.
The Coalition for Genetic Data Protection, which includes Silicon Valley firms that sell DNA-based products, wants to set best practices and offer a key voice as legislators consider regulating the field.
Your organization might not engage with every viral trend, but it should pay attention to what fads show about human behavior. Also: how boards can help new leaders.
Rapid change can be unnerving, but associations that adapt in this era of disruption will thrive—recognizing the many opportunities of tomorrow.
The latest edition of the Giving USA annual report found that, with inflation accounted for, giving fell last year, despite a strong economy. The report notes a sharp decline in itemized tax returns.
Workers like their routines, and don't have much faith in their coworkers, according to a recent survey. If leaders want cross-functional activity, they'll have to make the case for it—and nix the useless meetings.
To successfully solve problems, teams must be proactive and understand the data to map out potential solutions. Also: social media’s shift to customer service.
The nonprofit consumer group, best known for its popular magazine, is expanding its efforts in the data privacy realm with a just-announced Digital Lab—an initiative backed by the founder of Craigslist.
A retail-focused Yes Marketing report finds that building value is more important to increasing long-term loyalty than simply adding something that everyone else has, like free shipping.
If an employee is susceptible to clicking on a phishing email, what’s the right way to handle the problem? While some companies have taken to firing workers, the morale cost might just be too high for that.
Automated technologies powered by artificial intelligence—voice-enabled devices and tools like chatbots—offer speed and efficiency, but also require careful planning, testing, and integration. Here’s how a few associations are putting them to good use to improve member service.
Sometimes members leave. But if your association seems like it’s suffering a mass exodus, it’s time to investigate why. Also: how team mindfulness can eliminate workplace conflict.
There are many ways to elicit member feedback. Here’s why one-on-one member interviews can be so powerful. Also: how to turn off your work brain when you’re not on the job.
A study of Facebook employee resignations reveals common strategies to prevent turnover. Also: the appeal of smaller host cities.
Benefits can account for as much as 30 percent of an employee’s overall compensation package. Discover which benefits are crucial and peek at what other associations are doing via data from ASAE’s Association Compensation & Benefits Study.
For years, open-source software has had a rep for being risky compared with managed alternatives. But perhaps the real problem is less about how it’s made and more about how it’s maintained.
Spurred on by Amazon, retailers are upping their loyalty program game—and associations that focus on loyalty might want to keep an eye on the perks and pitfalls. One such pitfall? Cybersecurity.
If you have Gen Z-ers in your house, you probably know about TikTok, a short-form video-sharing app that may be the next big thing in mobile content consumption. Could it be another way for associations to engage members?
Is your online community inactive or failing to meet goals? It might be time for an update. Also: leaders’ role in career development.
Meeting technology is always changing, and with it so does how planners use the tech. Also: improving company culture starts with you.
UFI reports that the U.S. and Europe represent the two largest markets for the global exhibition industry, and its impact is strongly felt, according to the group’s analysis.
Hosting a joint meeting with another organization can come with big benefits—as long as you’re on the same page. Also: the metrics that planners should be tracking.
If current meeting technology trends are any indication, big changes are headed for annual conferences. Also: how mindfulness can make you a better leader.
The association, representing news outlets around the country, is preparing a strategy to help find new revenue sources for media outlets facing disruption in their business models.
Recently, consumer apps such as Google+ and BlackBerry Messenger have pivoted to pure business software plays—where they might have better odds of success. The reason? A natural focus on ease of use.
The drumbeat of hype around 5G is picking up, but it might take awhile for meeting planners to capitalize on the new high-speed network. Here’s what one association that recently hosted some 5G demos at its big event has to say.
Industry evolution led the Brewers Association to update its definition of a craft brewer and add a new member category to make membership more inclusive. Three steps to take if you’re considering a similar move.
A recent report found that many IT departments have struggled to prioritize upkeep, with innovation often winning out. Letting tech resiliency efforts lose steam, though, is a recipe for disaster.
Direct mail often doesn't get the respect it deserves these days, but it's a significantly more effective medium than digital tools like email or social media. And it's getting more interactive, too.
A new report analyzes webinar viewing habits. Take advantage of a few trends to increase the likelihood that members register, attend, and engage with your virtual events.
Your members trust you with their data. How can you protect this sensitive information while ensuring a seamless online experience?
AdvaMed, an association of medical device manufacturers, will launch an information-sharing and analysis organization focused on cyberthreats to encourage collaboration and keep healthcare technology secure.
A recent survey finds that paid search can often improve your search engine optimization strategy by helping your organization target its attack.
The age of the “great man” leader may be over, but one study suggests CEOs still stumble over their egos. A little humility and openness to learning can help.
Innovation sounds scary, but everyone has the power to think differently, according to three keynote speakers who opened the 2019 ASAE Great Ideas Conference Sunday. They offered three ways to reawaken your creative side.
Leaders who act “from the gut” are often swayed by a host of biases. One Nobel-winning psychologist has come up with what he thinks is a better way.
The check-in process can be a big pain point for attendees—and a logistical challenge for planners. Employ self-service technology to remedy both issues. Also: Keep in touch with volunteers through text.
The marketing agency Zenith lays out a useful contrarian take on ad targeting: We might be past the point where millennials and Generation Z are worth all the attention. So what do you target for instead?
Updating your tech toolkit this year? Improve your strategies with data-driven solutions. Also: how meetings affect planners’ well-being.
Amazon’s growing strength, driven by its popular retail membership program, is helping to encourage consumers to subscribe to similar services, a recent survey finds.
A new report from the Building Movement Project’s Race to Lead program says persistent bias continues to hold back women of color from rising up the nonprofit career ladder.
Planning and adapting for the future is an ongoing process—that's why you need to incorporate it into your daily schedule. Also: three phrases that sell membership.
As it hits a key anniversary, it’s safe to say that Facebook, as a social network and company, is well into its terrible teen years. But it’s worth remembering the reasons why the network hooked us in the first place—because they’re the very things that associations want to do well.
A report from the software company Doodle suggests that hundreds of billions of dollars are wasted on ineffective or wasteful workplace meetings each year. But a few tweaks could help matters.
Plenty of studies show that employees often feel disconnected at work. Improving that situation can depend on leaders better defining success, and building a culture around it.
Litmus’ 2019 State of Email report highlights the issues to watch out for (including Google AMP’s email variant) and trends to follow in email this year. Here are the highlights.
The prominent Newseum is moving as part of a massive real estate deal. Its reasons for doing so might be useful for associations getting squeezed by real estate costs. Also: A five-step strategy to thoughtful webinars.
As part of an initiative to examine future forces shaping the corporate real estate profession, CoreNet Global spent time interviewing its members worldwide. The effort resulted in a new study forecasting industry trends that will affect members and the association by 2025 and beyond.
In the past year, a number of major email service providers—particularly, and most prominently, Campaign Monitor—have expanded via acquisition. What should associations know, and what are the pitfalls to avoid?
Whether in the form of 5G wireless, 10G wired, or via new industry initiatives, associations will be all over this year’s CES, the high-profile electronics show.
After what feels like a full decade of aggressive innovation, things are starting to slow down a bit—which might make tech a little easier for associations to manage in 2019.
As expenses rise, particularly for cultural organizations, membership programs become more important than ever to maximize support. Also: Before AI hits marketing full force, here’s how you should approach personalization.
Gender diversity within boards is improving gradually, but not at a level that can make an impact. To incite change, boards might have to rethink their processes.
The Netflix series is auctioning off the chance to be on the show to help fund California wildfire relief. Also: tips to beat the spam filter.
Passwords are an integral part of keeping your information safe. Here are some do’s and don’ts from 2018’s worst password offenders. (TLDR version: “000000” is a bad passcode.) Also: how to find the right benchmarks in lieu of vanity metrics.
Voice-recognition devices are growing in popularity and offer opportunities for associations to engage members at home. Here’s how associations are experimenting with the apps that bring Alexa and other similar technologies to life.
Putting a price on membership, products, and services can feel fraught with risk and uncertainty. How do you define the value of something? Will members revolt against a price increase? But pricing shouldn’t be guesswork: Patience, testing, research, and a little courage can lead you to the right number.
When looking to grow globally, many associations tap the power of international chapters to pursue the mission worldwide by bringing staff and volunteers together at the local level. Here’s how three associations are deploying international chapters, at different stages of maturity, to build on business and membership opportunities abroad.
You’re an association professional with a specific job role and skill set that you can readily describe on your resume and elaborate on in an interview. But do you know what you’re worth in the association job market?
A personality test shown off at ASAE's Technology Conference & Expo only requires a little bit of drawing. Also: reading materials that highlight tech conference takeaways.
ASAE’s Technology Conference and Expo kicked off on Tuesday with former White House CIO Theresa Payton urging attendees to be vigilant about their cyber vulnerabilities and to stay on top of tech trends that come with both risks and potential rewards.
The annual charitable holiday is ramping up this week. Read on for some thoughtful last-minute considerations before the big day. Also: how to put on an effective silent auction.
Nearly 320 billion emails will be sent each day in the next three years, and with them the potential for a shrinking work-life balance. It’s time to set your email boundaries. Also: Are meeting planners doing enough to protect attendee data?
With data security issues on the rise, the Better Identity Coalition, a group launched less than a year ago, has been making the case that new forms of identity verification are needed. Equifax, whose major breach was a driving factor behind the group’s creation, recently joined.
While WordPress, Drupal, and other mainstay content management platforms have gained comfortable perches as market leaders, more recent platforms have a lot going for them, too. They’re worth a set of fresh eyes.
Any new hire has to meet your organization’s expectations both professionally and culturally. To find the right person, you have to tweak the recruiting process. Also: nonprofit financial lessons from for-profit companies.
Consider offering your employees more flexibility and comfort when they travel—but don't be afraid to take a close look at their expense reports.
Continuing education is often the first thing to go when budgets are tight, but it's worth holding on to. Also: honoring retiring team members.
From privacy scandals to algorithm changes, handling social media for associations is harder than ever. Here’s how the experts are keeping up.
A new report from CWT Meetings & Events reveals that a growing demand for meetings isn’t being matched with a fresh supply of new, larger hotels that are well-equipped for events.
Google was stuck with a major security crisis as a direct result of letting its little-used Google+ platform stick around. For associations, the situation highlights the risks of failing to sunset a platform that has fallen into disuse.
Microsoft's new “verified” feature is intended to help organizations boost their email credibility. Also: email-writing best practices.
Like other industries, research from the Security Industry Association shows that automation can help enhance the skills of human workers.
Email may drive your organization’s marketing, but when was the last time you thought about how you use it? It might be time for some smart adjustments. Read on for a few useful tips.
Online marketers have increasingly come to embrace user interface strategies that are specifically engineered to encourage a certain kind of response, a concept known as “dark patterns.” Just because everyone else is doing it doesn’t mean you should.
News outlets, borrowing from association membership tactics and pay services’ subscription strategies, are mixing up the two concepts. Also: why the president of the American Heart Association helped introduce the new Apple Watch.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a new real-time social analytics tool that police departments and other first responders can use to track potential emergencies at large events.
With the negative press and declining fortunes of social media suggesting that another path is needed for content marketers, one route that’s emerging is a not-so-dusty throwback: search engine optimization, or SEO. Here’s an SEO refresher.
The IGDA Foundation has created a database of diverse speakers, along with a grant program to help them get to conferences.
It’s been more than three months since the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation went into effect. So, what’s changed so far for associations? Here are three ways GDPR is reshaping organizations and the member experience.
Aligning meeting content to your host destination provides greater opportunity for attendees and business value for your organization.
While panel presentations, lectures, and small group discussions are staples at conferences, associations that switch things up and introduce new formats can better engage attendees and appeal to different types of learning styles.
When developing a media relations strategy, don’t forget to give your team an in-depth briefing memo to set them up for success. Also: creating data standards.
After years of growth, Pinterest has stable impression and satisfaction numbers, according to YouGov research. That’s a big differentiator compared with other social networks. Also: TK.
LinkedIn is rolling its Groups feature into the main app with updated capabilities—while also saying goodbye to some old features. Also: How a data governance strategy can improve your AMS.
There are a number of steps associations experiencing revenue shortfalls can take to reduce the damage. One expert shares how to get started and why it’s important to know your sales history.
New data from the Global Business Travel Association suggests that business travel finally may be crawling out of a yearslong slump, but the group warns that a climate of protectionism could stop that streak cold.
At critical moments, your members might appreciate a text message notification over an email or phone call. Here’s how three associations are using texting for advocacy, customer service, and dues renewal.
Looking to make the most of a stabilized market where greeting cards are gaining in popularity again, the Greeting Card Association announced it would launch its own tradeshow in 2019.
What the future of paid membership subscriptions could look like on Facebook, from The Membership Guys podcast. Also: how bad data hygiene can mess up your direct mail campaign.
If your nonprofit’s website doesn’t promote trust, it isn’t doing its job. The Bloomerang blog explains how to increase online credibility. Also: How Netflix is innovating board involvement.
The Defense Department is drawing a lot of buzz in the IT space at the moment for seemingly committing much of its massive infrastructure to a single cloud provider, arguing it’d be too complex to share the burden. But does that strategy make sense for smaller shops?
A study says more Americans want executives to be activists. It's a role association leaders are well-equipped for.
With a new biosecurity initiative, the association’s incoming chair, Hawaii Gov. David Ige, is putting a premium on protecting the environment from damage caused by invasive species.
What does it take for an association to come back from a near-death experience? Following substantial declines in revenue and membership, three associations changed course and restructured their business, leading to a more prosperous future. Their turnaround stories have a lot in common.
It seems as though everyone is hiring these days, and talented professionals have abundant job opportunities. Amid heightened competition for talent, smart associations are adjusting their recruitment strategies, increasing their focus on retaining the staff they have, and looking at new ways to harness an effective team—even if everyone isn’t on the payroll.
A leader’s attention is in constant demand, but you can’t be everywhere at once. Here are four ways to gain back some of your time. Also: Looking for community inspiration? This new database might help.
Findings from this year’s Marketing General Membership Marketing Benchmarking Report indicate that membership growth is strong. But what if your association continues to see year-over-year declines? Here’s how one association reversed its churn.
ROI is a challenging thing to perfect when it comes to content marketing strategy, and many marketers are still struggling with it. Perhaps the problem is that you’re making too much content—or, perhaps, your expectations are out of whack.
The International Mixed Martial Arts Federation is offering a nod to the sport’s most passionate fans with its new offering, but it also has a larger goal in mind.
The RV Industry Association is investing $10 million in a new training institute and a regional network to keep technicians up to date. The move comes as the industry has seen a major surge in RV shipments in recent years.
A recent poll from Teneo Hospitality Group reveals that there are a lot of things keeping meeting planners up at night. The top six run cover everything from technology capabilities to data security and dietary requirements.
As budgets become constrained, creative solutions emerge.
What you do after a meeting is the key to improving next year’s event. Also: How to spark curiosity in conference attendees.
There are major donors hidden within your database, you just have to know how to sniff them out. Also: What’s standing in the way of gender-diversity goals.
This week, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida went out of its way to save a tiny seahorse named Frito—and it’s not the first time the nonprofit marine rescue center has stepped up for the species.
A new survey from Pew Research Center indicates that young people use online platforms very differently than they did just a few years ago. Here are a few examples from associations that have made changes to their digital strategy, embracing Snapchat, YouTube, and Instagram to recruit and engage younger members.
Now that the world is moving faster, strategic plans risk getting stale quick. Smarter thinking about data and agility can help.
Make the most of your member communications by using them to generate nondues revenue. Also: Should tech giants be subject to antitrust regulations?
The Association of National Advertisers will take control of the Data & Marketing Association, creating the largest association in the world devoted to advertising and marketing. The acquisition is ANA’s fifth since 2014.
Most association leaders take cybersecurity seriously, but few feel confident that they know how to analyze and address cyber risks. To heighten your cybersecurity awareness and bolster your protection against a breach, experts recommend three practical steps: train staff to identify attacks, assess your IT systems’ risk level, and develop a response plan for a probably inevitable intrusion.
In their book Prediction Machines: The Simple Economics of Artificial Intelligence, authors Ajay Agrawal, Joshua Gans, and Avi Goldfarb bring up the business case for artificial intelligence.
Don’t let boredom encroach on your next meeting. Here’s how to shake things up at your events. Also: how to get started with a content strategy.
As Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation took effect on Friday, associations found themselves advising members, advocating—and, in one case, assessing the big changes it’s created for their industry. Sick of hearing about the General Data Protection Regulation yet? Well, now that GDPR has taken effect, it’s only getting started. And it’s raising questions for organizations […]
With an aim to show policymakers the economic impact of the dairy industry, the International Dairy Foods Association joined forces with two other industry groups on the “Got Jobs?” campaign.
While it doesn’t lend itself to as much automation and customization as traditional email marketing, there’s a lot that can be done with signatures. But is it worth your time?
Tick bites can accompany summertime hiking, camping, and even backyard playing, but LymeDisease.org has put together resources to educate the public about early detection and treatment.
The Decentralized AI Alliance, announced this week at a tech conference, aims to offer an alternative to more centralized takes on artificial intelligence being used by governments and large companies.
Most organizations are still unprepared for GDPR, even with the deadline drawing close. Find out what is standing in their way. Also: A Chicago municipal agency auctions off a contemporary painting for $21 million.
GDPR has a lot of organizations worried about what might happen if the EU takes notice of them. It’s not the only audit-related headache out there, however—major software vendors like Microsoft, SAP, and Oracle have recently been on the lookout for firms that aren’t properly licensed. Here’s what you should know.
Aptitude exams are making a comeback in the workplace. That’s bad news for anybody who dreaded the SAT. But for organizations that struggle to find internal talent, it’s an opportunity. Professional attainment has many virtues, but prominent among them is that you no longer have to endure the drudgery of standardized tests. You were done […]
Doing a big, bold redesign is often a great way to further an organization’s goals while putting on a fresh coat of paint. But if it fails, it can be a source of great headaches—and great lessons.
The impending GDPR means you may need to make a few changes to your social media tactics. Also: Making the business case for new tech projects.
Concerned about the greatly differing health outcomes for people who live even short distances away from one another, the American Heart Association is offering grants to entrepreneurs who come up with successful ways to improve community health.
Numbers don't lie, but they don't always get a chance to talk. Here's how to get your organization to listen anyway.
The association is hoping retailers pick up on the craft beer marketing program, signified by a logo featuring an upside-down beer bottle, in much the same way its members did when it launched the industry awareness campaign.
A new report from the fundraising service Classy finds that monthly donors often stick with a plan for a year or longer, making them nearly four and a half times more valuable than one-time donors. The report also finds that Giving Tuesday and mobile access are big interest drivers.
It took 17 years, but the Authors Guild and other writers’ groups scored a major win in a class-action lawsuit over digital reproduction rights that went to the Supreme Court twice. Nearly 2,500 freelance writers are receiving checks for their work this week.
The Obama-era rules requiring restaurants to list calorie counts for different food items are likely to go through, with the support of some associations. One group that isn’t psyched, however, is the pizza industry.
With the General Data Protection Regulation a month away from taking effect, two studies seem to suggest that plenty of organizations are unaware of the impact the regulation will have—or are freaking out about not being ready in time for the European Union’s rules.
As more tech giants eye the medical establishment, the Partnership for Automation and Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare spots a niche. The former head of the American Telemedicine Association has created new group to support the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence technology in healthcare. The Partnership for Automation and Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare, which launched last […]
No-shows are common, but there are a few things event professionals can do to minimize them. Also: Learn the truth about these common GDPR misconceptions.
In a new collaboration with the tech service MUSO, the U.K.-based Association of Independent Music is making it easier for labels to track cases of piracy, an issue that’s becoming increasingly widespread.
Technology has a way of shifting our expectations around things we take for granted, big or small. Recent moves around payment cards—including stores that are going cashless—show just how quickly norms can get pushed out of the way. It’s a lesson association pros could gain a lot from.
A new study released by Community Brands looks at donor experience and expectations, with an aim to help nonprofits assess what their own donors experience and pinpoint where there’s room for improvement.
The International Air Transport Association is working to perfect its One Order system, designed to bring together the many parts of an airline booking—itinerary, purchase record, and any add-ons—in a single, trackable customer order.
Nonprofits say that email deliverability is a key thing for them, but a lot of that depends on your list. A few ways to keep your list in tip-top shape include making lists easy to unsubscribe from, doing the occasional purge of disengaged users, and—of course—keeping out the spam.
May 25 is the looming deadline for organizations to comply with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation, and many are not prepared for this fundamental shift in how personal consumer information must be processed and secured. Ready or not, enforcement is coming. Here’s what you need to know as May approaches, especially if you’re behind the curve.
When it comes to choosing a video story platform, Facebook reaches more people, but Snapchat has big upsides. Also: How DonorsChoose.org funded all of their project requests with one simple question.
A finance visionary leads J.P. Morgan Singapore into the age of blockchain and robotics.
If you’re looking at a new platform or technology for your association, you can’t make a decision based on the marketing alone—your organization’s needs are a huge part of the equation. That’s especially true in the world of open source, where a strong community is everything.
A new report on how nonprofit leadership impacts fundraising finds that there's still a heavy lean on traditional events among nonprofits—coming at the cost of more economical digital initiatives.
Have you considered expanding your national meeting into regional conferences? Here’s why you should. Also: how to tailor continuing education courses to appeal to millennials.
How a greater focus on narrative can lead to more attendee participation at your meetings. Also: the best time to post across different social networks. Have you considered adding a narrative arc to your meetings to spur more engagement? “Unlike traditional conferences, participant-driven and participation-rich peer conferences have a conference arc with three essential components: […]
The GSM Association, which is currently putting on its high-profile Mobile World Congress event, says that two thirds of mobile connections will either be at 4G or 5G speeds by 2025.
Technology often gets short shrift in terms of its impact in the world of human resources. But as it turns out, innovation holds a lot of promise for recruitment, talent management, and the way that HR professionals work.
Great leadership requires more than just the respect of your staff. Learn how great leaders get everyone to follow along. Also: How to handle employees who fail cybersecurity tests.
A new economic impact report reveals that face-to-face meetings contribute hundreds of billions to the national economy and support 5.9 million jobs.
A recent study shows how attending a conference paid off for women both financially and intellectually. With those statistics in mind, consider what long-term benefits you want your attendees to gain from your conferences.
If so, you wouldn’t be alone. Two of the world’s largest consumer goods companies have made waves by going out of their way to roll back their spending on social media ads. What should associations make of that?
Stay abreast of the latest trends to make it easier to reach new volunteers. Also: showing a little love to associations.
The 2018 edition of the Global Leadership Forecast, based on wide-reaching survey results, finds that talent pipeline issues are among the biggest problems facing organizations large and small.
Partnering with a handful of other groups, the American Statistical Association launched the “Count on Stats” campaign to address flagging confidence in federal statistics.
What makes a high performer tick? Morten Hansen's Great At Work breaks things down.
In an era of rising security concerns and increasing technological complexity, it’s important to take a step back and appreciate the fact that some of the most important parts of information technology come down to completely boring things like maintenance. Just because they’re boring doesn’t mean they’re unimportant.
Forget the gym. Germany’s Sofa Sports Association says you can get in shape at a local pub. Also: Keep an eye on these creative visual trends in 2018.
The Kellogg Foundation’s financial pledge to the Association for Enterprise Opportunity will expand efforts to nurture new business owners in the black community. The two groups pinpointed the challenges faced by black business owners in a report last year.
A recent survey confirms that to get first-time members on board and involved with your association—and more likely to renew next year—you need a plan.
Your organization may emphasize yearly membership, but a huge amount of consumer interest is currently focused on monthly, often digital, subscription services. Could your association bring its best membership ideas to a new model?
Events industry veteran Janet Tan-Collis weighs in on meeting technology-fueled shifts in attendee expectations.
Meltdown and Spectre, a series of hardware-level exploits only disclosed last week, led to a collective freak-out on the part of the tech world. The issues, mostly with Intel processors but largely affecting every major type of CPU, definitely are serious, but what do they mean from the vantage point of your association?
Association Success reveals how to make engagement scores more meaningful. Also: Six ways to create more successful tweets.
As the ability to personalize member experiences matures, we’re going to see many conversations about how organizations use such data in 2018—conversations being brought on in part by the European Union's forthcoming GDPR data management requirements. An upfront strategy will do your organization well.
The retail sector saw holiday sales numbers jump by nearly 5 percent, according to an estimate by Mastercard. That would be the largest such jump since 2011—and the National Retail Federation sees holiday sales outpacing its own estimates, too.
Change is inevitable, and planning for the future can be tough. We asked a few association CEOS what trends might result in the largest disruptions for 2018.
Digital voice assistants like Siri and Alexa are becoming a part of your attendees’ everyday lives, which means they’ll also become a major part of your meetings. A look at the potential impact.
Before you try a bunch of new tactics to boost your online community engagement metrics, you need to diagnose the problem first. Also: why technology alone isn’t enough to remedy accessibility issues at your events.
A new report from Yes Lifecycle Marketing points out that Gmail has grown massively in recent years, and that means that email marketers need to pay extra special attention to its myriad features.
“Artificial intelligence” gets picked as one association’s marketing word of the year. Also: How the IoT is disrupting the event space.
Your association may have a lot of history at its fingertips—but is that historic value being maximized for public consumption? Here’s a case for digitizing your organization’s archives online.
The 2017 edition of #GivingTuesday drew $274 million in donations from 2.4 million people in more than 150 countries—with a huge chunk of that total being pulled in through for-profit companies like PayPal and, somewhat surprisingly, Facebook.
Associations excel at launching new offerings, but they aren’t nearly as good at letting go when something outlives its usefulness. Discontinuing a product offering or service—whether a legacy favorite or a program that held high hopes but didn’t pan out—can be painful, but it pays off to manage your portfolio with a focus on meeting member needs and the organization’s goals.
Do your education offerings deliver what you want them to? If you're looking to reinvigorate your professional development program in 2018, current trends suggest that opportunities lie in assessing what you're trying to accomplish, harnessing data, rethinking content and delivery, and trying some unconventional approaches.
From strategic planning to everyday operations, associations are often stymied when it comes to clear decisions. Here are how a few experts chose to choose wisely.
Carrying out a global mission as a small association requires a niche focus—something the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene has.
Learn how you can help your IT staff spot ethical dilemmas.
Let members decide how benefits are distributed. It's something the American Council on Teaching of Foreign Languages is trying out.
How Generation Z will disrupt the office, according to a member of Gen Z (oh, and his dad, too).
A new survey points to the power of personalization in nonprofit fundraising efforts. Here are a few ideas on how associations can personalize relationships with their donors.
CMOs have increasingly been tasked with an ever-greater share of the technology conversation within an organization. But if that’s the case, why does Gartner suggest marketing technology (or martech) spending is taking a nosedive? The answer points to a cloudy ROI.
The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada is collaborating with the University of Toronto on a new artificial intelligence effort. The goal: to improve tracking of where a song gets played.
Drive more potential donors to action by using an email drip campaign. Also: how a Snapchat scavenger hunt and other social contests helped Purdue reach new fundraising heights.
Iterative design, the idea that you build a website, app, or other technology over time, from the same set of tools, has a lot of value from a strategic standpoint. But what if that toolkit just isn’t getting the job done? (And what if you’re not iterating at all?)
Roundtable discussions provide engagement experience for members and a learning opportunity for you. Here are some tips for facilitating roundtables.
The president’s Twitter account briefly getting deleted highlights the way that, at many organizations, even lower-level employees or vendors may have discomforting levels of access to information. But while the issues raised here have a technical angle, a bigger problem might be cultural. Last week, and on a wider scale than basically everyone else, Twitter […]
Don’t leave fun out of your next conference. Keep people coming back for more with these enjoyable activities. Also: How to develop a benefits program on a tight budget.
Facebook’s diversity head says that data has value in helping solve diversity issues, but it only goes so far. Also: where one challenged retail chain is still going strong.
To bring in more millennial members and recruit the Gen-Z young people who are following them into the workforce, you’ll need to evolve your communications strategy and test new platforms. And, yes, that means you better be good at social media.
How the clothing retailer American Eagle is encouraging people to buy customized jeans in a store where you can also do your laundry while you wait. Also: Why you shouldn't overstate your engagement target.
Baseball fans love their trivia, and association pros love associations. Here, the two meet. With the World Series in full swing, now's a good time to test your knowledge of how associations are connected to America's pastime in big ways and small.
Even in the rush to become "digital first," direct mail still has a serious role to play in your marketing efforts. Also: a trove of email subject line ideas for #GivingTuesday.
Getting your members on board with a strategic initiative that they may not initially welcome isn’t easy. To sweeten the deal, a listening tour can help.
Improve the ROI of your next conference by implementing the following cost-cutting measures.
Your choice of a meeting location shouldn't be all about you. Just as important is how a destination will improve the attendee experience. From affordability to convenience to at-the-ready technology, your attendees' expectations are rising. Here's how to deliver on them.
Membership is growing for many associations, but they're not all seeing the same return on investment for member acquisition. With new digital marketing tactics and growing sophistication in reaching members in their favorite social media channels, associations are finding ways to both recruit broadly and target narrowly, resulting in high-value returns.
A new report from the consulting firm A.T. Kearney makes the case that influencer marketing can be more targeted and effective than traditional types of marketing, which aim at broader, affluent audiences.
The Society for Simulation in Healthcare tapped members as social ambassadors to promote a week-long online advocacy effort.
Apple's recent rule changes for the iOS App Store have many association pros wondering about whether event apps are in danger of getting rejected. The answer is yes and no, really. In short: Apple doesn't want its developers to cut corners.
How Toys R Us, which filed for bankruptcy, stumbled into the e-commerce era. Also: Check out these infographic-making tools.
Privately hosting your own cloud has its downsides, as does putting everything on a cloud provider like Microsoft Azure. But the hybrid cloud, which combines elements of each approach, is a great way to maximize the benefits of two types of cloud computing.
The company offered redesigned versions of a number of its products, including the iPhone and Apple Watch. Also: What should you make of the Equifax hack?
Turns out those convention buffets create a lot of food waste—something one hotel chain wants to fix. Also: How photo booths are getting social.
Print magazines are coming back, but that means more competition in an already crunched space for association publications. A case for marketing your magazine and some ways to do it.
The fantasy sports space continues to grow, despite the expansion of regulations on the sector at the state level. Here's an update on the industry, along with how associations are helping things along.
The International Live Events Association recently debuted a lifetime membership to honor committed and long-time members.
To meet a generational shift in membership, the Washington State Association for Justice hired an executive director who looked like its younger members.
A report from the business travel management firm Concur finds that while younger employees might have slightly higher hotel expenses, this is offset by far lower amounts spent on dining and entertainment overall—a trend that holds up globally.
The latest buzz coming from the online publishing world is that it makes more sense to invest in video at this juncture, which means that a lot of writers are getting laid off. What gives—and is this something the niche media space is going to have to worry about?
A startup whose CEO has a Netflix pedigree is trying to upend the traditional movie theater experience by offering membership at a rock-bottom price point. But theaters are skeptical that the company can pull it off.
A speaker at the ASAE Annual Meeting in Toronto made the case that maybe your staff directory shouldn’t be publicly accessible online. The issue, simply, comes down to security—and the fact that the threat may be savvy enough to connect the dots.
Training on ethics is important, but how can you make sure it has an impact? Step one, according to one study: Get the exec in the room.
A recent business-model innovation by a Mac software developer suggests that there could be a lot of potential for rethinking the way niche software is sold—something that could have potential for associations and industry vendors.
A new analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics and The Hill found that lobbying spending was at a five-year high for the first half of the calendar year. A number of associations and advocacy groups shifted their lobbying strategies to reflect the new political climate.
There’s a new generation of leaders entering the C-suite, and they’re bringing fresh ideas, talent, and experience to the job. But taking the express elevator to the top comes with unique challenges. Here’s how three young association CEOs are overcoming them and making their leadership mark.
If associations want to grow, stay relevant, and continue to bring in the revenue it takes to serve their members and industries well, they have to evolve with the times by adopting the business practices of their for-profit counterparts.
In an increasingly competitive market, an association’s brand may be its most valuable asset. Also: A different way to think about loyalty and your organization.
Airbnb is leading the way in the private accommodation rental market, but online intermediaries like Priceline and Expedia are looking to catch up. Also: How to craft a more focused communications strategy.
As voice recognition apps spread, associations are exploring ways to answer common membership questions and provide popular services using voice command.
The National Governors Association, which has put much work into tackling the issue of opioid addiction, made the issue the center of discussion in its summer meeting this week. The problem is one that brings leaders together from both parties.
The gig economy is growing in prominence, but what’s the best way to leverage it? A new report breaks down why freelance is both popular and sometimes frustrating, while a recent experiment suggests a new way of leveraging freelance work within an organization.
With a new online platform, the Truckload Carriers Association is introducing members to the benefits of benchmarking as a way to capture industry data and boost their profitability.
Membership teams have questions about how to build insights from web analytics. A few experts explain how membership pros can increase their data visibility.
The beer industry group, which represents small-scale beer-makers, is now offering up a seal to its members. The label comes at a time when there is increasing confusion around craft beers in the marketplace.
Economic incentives, meaningful feedback, and adequate training are all ways to boost productivity at the office, but what about naps? Here’s a case for why your association should consider offering workplace naps, as well as some ways to incorporate them into your office.
Preliminary findings from this year’s Marketing General Membership Benchmarking Report indicate that membership growth is holding its own amid a whirl of challenging external forces. And there’s good generational news too.
A report from FlexJobs finds that while remote work remains a relatively small part of the work economy, it has seen significant growth in the past decade. Employees who telecommute tend to be older and better educated than the part of the workforce that heads to the office.
Whether you offer a retiree membership category or not, there’s a good chance you’re missing opportunities to engage older members.
Hackers may try to ruin your next event. Here’s how to secure your meeting data. Also: Don’t let this excuse be the reason your employees are working remotely.
A longtime association executive shares the essential characteristics needed to be a leader. Also: Find out how to streamline dues processing.
The two largest trade associations representing the unscripted content production industry are merging to better advocate for their members.
A recent survey spells out challenges that leaders need to overcome to bring about change within their organizations.
Your website gives members and other key stakeholders a doorway to helpful information, resources, and engagement opportunities—all while collecting valuable data about how they behave online. When used correctly, web analytics can provide critical insights into what your site visitors truly want and need from your association.
In The Mathematical Corporation, authors Josh Sullivan and Angela Zutavern discuss combining the strengths of the mind and machine for a powerful partnership.
A decade’s worth of research went into the CEO Genome Project, and some of the highlights can be boiled down into a few key points. Here’s what you can bring to your own organization.
Diversity and inclusion require more than just lip service. To put D+I into practice, membership teams need to be constantly thinking about opportunities that foster action.
Why a slew of recent Hollywood cyberattacks should have associations looking closer at their vendors. Also: A fundamental way to increase member engagement.
Of the many online threat vectors out there, perhaps the most common and dangerous is the phishing email, in part because it’s proved to be so effective. Read on for a few considerations when building out a response plan within your organization.
Before you migrate your membership data to new software, make sure you're fully prepared. Also: Don't let a cybersecurity hack force you out of a job.
While Google says it won’t comment on a Wall Street Journal report about adding an ad blocker to Chrome, the report is drawing attention to an initiative by the Coalition for Better Ads—a group that includes the search giant.
Associations put value on retention rates, but that’s not always the right metric to boost renewals. A new report says engagement scoring matters.
Digital badges and ribbons put a twist on a traditional form of member recognition to incentivize small acts of engagement. Associations and their members are sharing them across community and social networks, adding an element of competition that spurs involvement.
President Donald Trump entered office on a promise to change Washington, DC. What that means for the workings of government is just beginning to emerge. In light of a new administration and Congress, associations are taking a fresh look at their government relations strategy and tactics. A key word for 2017: agility.
How to engage and promote in a digital ecosystem, according to Shama Hyder, CEO of the Marketing Zen Group.
A new report from the Governors Highway Safety Association finds that pedestrian fatalities are on the rise; the group estimates they reached their highest total in more than two decades last year. The report cites a growth of distraction—both for drivers and people walking.
A survey of higher-education institutions revealed concerns about the political climate for foreign students, with 39 percent reporting a decline in international applications. Less international students could impact both the U.S. economy and learning environment.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gives its accounting firm another chance after "unacceptable" mistake. Also: The challenges of using real names in online communities.
For every dollar a white male makes, the average woman makes 82 cents—and that rate hasn’t been growing fast enough in recent years, according to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research. It’s a problem that lingers in the nonprofit space, too.
The House and Senate’s decision to roll back the Federal Communications Commission’s internet privacy regulations was welcomed by telecom trade groups but decried by consumer advocacy groups and the prior FCC chairman.
The Associated Press this week reported that the controversial law, which prevents local governments from passing LGBT protections, was costing the state at least $3.76 billion in revenue—including nearly $200 million in lost concert, sports, and conference revenue.
When one association professional heard a celebrity denigrate her industry, she decided to confront him one-on-one. Also: Check out the "Global Meetings Industry Day Anthem."
Over time, you might find that your users “check out” of your marketing emails—at times, even letting entire accounts go dormant. That’s a problem, obviously, and email deliverability concerns are definitely one aspect of it, but the real issue could be more foundational.
A few suggestions for keeping costs down when adding technology to your event. Also: Get basic with your member-recruitment strategies.
A new survey says that membership renewal can be one of an association’s biggest challenges. And a quick study of respondents’ renewal tactics can help membership pros fine-tune their renewal process.
A recent trend in content management systems is something called the "headless CMS," which separates the management of the content from the main website. Here’s why that trend is one that associations should look into—especially those with a large content footprint.
Sometimes a bit of friendly outreach is all it takes to get valuable information from your members.
Is your association relying on the wrong tools to collaborate internally? Possibly, but the first question you should ask isn’t if there’s a better tool. It’s about why your current tools are losing out to emails and phone calls.
New research from the American Road & Transportation Builders Association reveals the poor condition of many U.S. bridges.
At the ASAE Great Ideas Conference next month, an experienced Parkour athlete will train association leaders on flexible movements. Here’s what membership teams can learn from the sport’s mind-body connection. If there’s an obstacle in your path, can you climb or jump over it? If you’re trained in the art of Parkour, like Dan Scheeler, […]
Currently gaining attention in the political world and elsewhere, encrypted messaging is starting to gain a bit of buzz. But if you’re looking into it for your association, you might find your employees are indifferent to such tools.
With all the noise around different marketing strategies, find out which ones the pros are actually employing. Also: The New York Times smartly adjusts headlines for mobile.
An association tech insider says technical skills aren’t the only thing needed to run an IT department in 2017. Also: What first-time event planners should know.
A Google engineer provides a handy guide to optimizing Google Analytics for the data you need. Also: Questions event professionals should ask in the initial planning stages.
A new report from the diversity-focused nonprofit Open MIC finds that many racial groups remain underrepresented in the technology industry compared with their overall share of the workforce.
Organized on the fly with volunteer help—much like the event it was designed for—the official app for the Women’s March on Washington is a tale of employee passion pushing an idea forward—and a company following the lead. Here’s how DoubleDutch pulled it off. Last month’s Women’s March on Washington came together quickly—from start to finish, […]
Online communities offer communication channels between entry-level employees and leadership. Also: Be inspired by your past successes to promote change in your association.
The Hyperledger Project, which just added American Express as a member, isn’t interested in creating a bitcoin-style currency. Instead, it’s looking to make the blockchain a fundamentally useful tool for all kinds of businesses. And those businesses are responding favorably to the Linux Foundation-backed group.
Competitive salaries are a big talent draw, but association employees are also looking for benefits that pay off for themselves and their families. Here’s what the latest ASAE Foundation research reveals about trends in employee benefits.
Finding the right fit for an office abroad, when the possibilities are as big as the world.
Membership renewal is catching up to our faster lives.
Find out ways to fine-tune your association’s elevator pitch. Also: How to get the most out of a small staff.
New research from Airlines Reporting Corp. and Expedia makes the case that the tough parameters of business travel have made weekdays a bad time to book trips. Instead, the study recommends Saturday or Sunday—though not everyone’s convinced.
While most associations are plotting out recruitment strategies for millennials, membership professionals need to be thinking about a younger generation entering the workforce this year. Generation Z, it’s said, will be even more digitally savvy and globally focused.
Recent ASAE Foundation research highlights the fact that a good chunk of your members—particularly your newer ones—are likely on the cutting edge when it comes to tech uptake. But just because your members are raring for more technology doesn’t mean you shouldn’t think it over first.
A British data firm reports that cashless transactions, including cards and credit transfers, have seen a major rise in uptake in recent years. Visa recently announced a program to give cashless payments a nudge with small businesses.
A big-name daily newspaper is trying a quiet test with a group of its subscribers—and the early success exhibited by this strategy makes it an idea that anyone with a community interest should keep an eye on.
A new study challenges association leaders to innovate on technology strategy. Luckily, the people who can help them get there aren't far away.
A new survey shows that a large percentage of Americans feel wintertime sicknesses are unavoidable, but the American Osteopathic Association says that there’s a lot you can do to ward off cold-weather ailments.
You don’t need a crystal ball to see what the future may hold for membership recruitment and retention in your association. Here are a few strategies that membership pros have used to prepare for 2017.
A new report indicates that small and medium-sized businesses have embraced the importance of technology, even if it’s not clear how that technology is moving the needle. The study could prove insightful for associations that share common ground with small businesses.
As 2017 approaches, here are four questions to ask to create realistic routes toward accomplishing your resolutions related to nondues revenue.
From governance to government, association leaders had plenty to be concerned about in 2016---and a smoother ride in 2017 looks unlikely.
The trade group Avocados From Mexico celebrates its namesake fruit’s new emoji fame. Also: Why your organization shouldn’t have too many arbitrary business rules.
ASAE’s Technology Conference & Expo closed on Wednesday with keynoters Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek, two well-known hackers who are exposing technology flaws to protect the public.
’Tis the season of giving and receiving, and we know that association membership managers have more than sweaters and ties on their wish lists this year. We asked a few to share what they’d like to find in their stockings to help them meet member needs in 2017.
To cap out a year in which music-royalty issues were commonly covered in the press, the National Music Publishers' Association and YouTube came to a $40 million agreement that covers improperly labeled music.
When an organization-owned device like a laptop, tablet, or smartphone goes missing, a lot of major concerns should arise—and those concerns aren’t limited to the device itself. Mitigate the risk by using a thoughtful security strategy.
A new survey from Pew suggests that people tend to handle a lot of information well, especially with the help of technology. Also: Who should manage a project if you don’t have a project manager?
How three companies created personalized marketing campaigns without being creepy.
Why you should make room for pop-up events at your annual meeting. Also: The root cause of disappearing donors might be poor communication.
Newly released data from the latest edition of the charitable holiday shows 20 percent year-over-year growth, based on transactions from three major donation-processing firms. The #GivingTuesday train is still moving, full speed ahead. The charitable holiday, which was launched in 2012 in response to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, has shown consistent growth as it’s […]
Strong relationships are the key to engagement, whether with members or nonmember customers, according to a new report on global associations. To build connections, you don’t necessarily need the famously well-connected movie star, but you do need a few good multipliers.
The National Retail Federation, in its annual Thanksgiving-weekend wrap-up, says that although a little less was spent than in prior years, there were more consumers this year—and many of them were shopping online.
The term “mass personalization” may seem paradoxical. But for your meetings to continue to thrive, you must deliver personalized experiences to a large group of people.
In its new three-year framework, the Public Relations Society of America doubles down on collaborations and thought leadership as it aims to better serve its member base—a member base it hopes to grow in the years ahead.
When you write a thousand words about association membership every week, you pick up a thing or two. As I hand the keys over to our new senior editor, here are the thoughts and ideas I’ll take with me.
One blogging expert's offbeat recommendations for getting past your writing funk. Also: What AMSes have in common with shovels.
A newly updated Urban Institute report indicates that nonprofits have continued to grow, and did so even during the recession, and have seen a major expansion in wages in recent years. But this growth has sometimes outpaced nonprofit budgets.
New research from Syntonic and Information Solutions Group (ISG) finds that use of bring-your-own-device strategies are common, but that organizations struggle with distinguishing personal phone uses from business-related uses.
An excess of milk is creating an imbalance in the supply and demand for dairy, not to mention a drop in revenue for dairy farmers. The National Milk Producing Federation is hoping to start turning things around with some advocacy.
Last week, large swaths of the internet were hobbled by a coordinated distributed denial of service attack on the network's basic infrastructure. And odds are good that something similar is going to happen again. Now's a good time to talk about contingency plans to ensure your association isn't knocked offline.
AARP has teamed up with the University of Illinois to open a lab to develop new technologies to improve quality of life for the 50-plus population. To drive innovation in technologies that can benefit people as they age, AARP and the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) have joined forces. They held a grand opening of their […]
Virtual access won’t cannibalize your conference. It may even help it grow.
Less than three weeks before his successor will be voted into office, President Obama has proposed a series of new rules that could make air travel a lot less painful for the public. Associations offered mixed reviews. The Obama administration’s proposed new regulations on air travel could help make flying a lot less frustrating for […]
Several big names have banded together to form a new group seeking to advance server technology. The group includes a number of major hardware manufacturers, such as IBM, Dell, and Hewlett Packard.
Three years after building a full-scale member-engagement dashboard, one association shares how that effort is paying off, including a new, external iteration it hopes will spur more member activity.
News that two associations are sunsetting their traditional tradeshows and rethinking their event strategy may illustrate a broader trend. How can your association ensure it's serving industry needs and attendee expectations?
According to the American Psychological Association, more than half of all respondents to its recent survey on stress said that the 2016 election is a contributing factor to their stress. The association noted that social media may play a role.
Struggling to get members engaged? Perhaps the problem’s not in your methods but in the engagement opportunities themselves.
The Antiquarian Booksellers’ Association of America takes the theft of antique books seriously. How seriously? It alerts members whenever an incident is reported.
The Mobile Marketing Association announced a new program designed to assist major companies trying to get a handle on some of the data-tracking strategies available on mobile platforms. The think tank is bringing a sense of collaboration to corporations that are usually direct competitors with one another.
Tonight's presidential debate is a reminder that Americans are skeptical of a lot of institutions---including nonprofits. Proactively building awareness of what you do can help, even if you don't have a debate stage.
The primary trade group for the Irish whiskey industry is teaming with the home country’s government—as well as asking for help from its members—to help protect the integrity of the product across borders.
TrollBusters, a group launched by a professor at Ohio University, has put out a call asking female journalists to share their Twitter feeds with the group so it can get a better understanding of how online trolls work.
What your association needs to know about the hybrid membership model. Also: When event covenants falter. Not every member fits into a single category: That’s the simple reason why hybrid membership won’t go away. Over at Abila’s Forward Together blog, the company’s associate product marketing manager, Anna Toon, breaks down some important considerations about the […]
Trimming budgets and stocking reserves might not be the most exciting tasks, but they're important to the financial health and future of an organization.
A few years on from the peak of the BYOD trend, a working alternative that some IT departments might prefer is gaining steam. So what the heck is CYOD, and does it make sense for your association?
Last month’s flooding in Louisiana damaged thousands of cars. The National Insurance Crime Bureau wants to ensure none of those end up bought by the unwitting.
It's an inevitability on both sides of the equation: Either you're receiving a lot of cold-call emails or sending them out—and it can be frustrating either way. Want to get someone to actually respond to an unsolicited message? The secret is personalization.
Why you should focus on your front-end design instead of your back-end design. Also: It's time to update your Facebook page with a new design.
The problem of fermenting innovation in the association world is well-documented, but the solutions are a little harder to come by. Could the lean startup strategy for building out ideas be one way to shift the conversation in your association?
When members or conference attendees complain, put their comments in the context of your data. Also: Consider your productivity with these big questions.
Following its members’ lead, the Internet Association opted to bring on a chief economist. The new executive will focus on analyzing and promoting the industry’s growing role in the economy.
Because electronic health records are a major headache for doctors around the country, one association is attempting to make the problems a little less frustrating by creating a platform that emphasizes interoperability between doctors.
A decision by Google last week has a lot of people in the world of search engine optimization talking. Also: How to manage scope creep when dealing with an AMS installation.
Brewers take pride in the quality of their beer. That’s why the Brewers Association is sinking its largest-ever grant into how to properly maintain draught lines at restaurants and bars.
A recent study finds that more than 90 percent of educational institutions are offering credentials and digital badges, in part, to serve their millennial students, who favor badging and certificates to traditional degrees. What lessons can associations learn from the study?
Here’s a little secret from membership-savvy associations: While new- member acquisition offers the thrill of the chase, member retention brings long-term stability. It’s built on engagement, value, and connection, and it starts the day a member joins.
Inside the next digital revolution, according to iconic AOL leader Steve Case.
AAA warns the public that you shouldn't play Pokémon Go and drive. Also: How some nonprofits are using Pokémon Go to their marketing advantage.
Research shows that more business travelers are blending work-related trips with vacation time. Why association meetings may want to make the most of the trend.
A new study shows—yet again—that boards are sluggish at succession planning. Can a stronger focus on its financial benefits move the needle?
The American Radio Relay League National Field Day, the biggest event of the year for ham radio operators, is all about testing your reach reach. Also: These consultants want to review your online community.
There's a lot of money to be made in software development, says ACT: The App Association. Despite this—and despite the large number of openings—many students aren't receiving the training that would allow them to take advantage of the opportunities.
The major convention hub, on the cusp of getting an NHL team, hits a crossroads as the traditional gambling stigma starts to fade. Also: What big donors are really thinking.
The Academy of Model Aeronautics’ big challenge has been bringing casual drone users into the fold in terms of drone safety regulations. Here’s how it approached the issue.
Amazon's persistence in driving users to "Try Prime" is a lead associations ought to follow and just one of many highlights from this week's ASAE Marketing, Membership & Communications Conference.
In the latest twist in the long-running saga involving open internet regulations, an appeals court ruling this week affirmed the FCC's decision to classify internet access as a public utility. Advocacy groups approved of the decision, but telecom associations emphasized that a Supreme Court appeal was likely.
Cybersecurity breaches are rampant—and the C-suite's disengagement from the problem can exacerbate them. Connecting execs to the tech team can help.
The latest study from The Community Roundtable digs into calculating the return on investment for online communities. The model it offers, focusing on the value of questions answered, could be what associations are looking for.
New research from the Bridgespan Group highlights how foundations' requirements that nonprofits have low overhead could be making it harder for nonprofits to effectively fulfill their missions.
A global survey says corporate finance leaders are being asked to take on more strategic responsibility while continuing to manage their everyday duties. And association CFOs aren’t immune.
The association whose academic journal helped create a phenomenon out of coloring books targeted at adults says that such books are a great tool but don't replace a licensed art therapist.
Should museums and other cultural institutions be more educational or entertaining? That’s a recent question one blogger posed. And it’s also a question associations should ask about their meetings.
Uber drivers still aren't treated as full employees under the law, but the company is making an effort to formally support a new association for drivers in the Big Apple. It's the second such NYC-based group announced in the last month, but only the Independent Drivers Guild has Uber's direct support.
The Edison Electric Institute is in the midst of a collaboration with a Silicon Valley startup to prove that unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, can effectively be used by the industry beyond current line-of-sight regulations. If they succeed in making their pitch to the FAA, the industry could potentially pinpoint problems with the electric grid before it's too late.
In collaboration with a new industry startup, the National Cannabis Industry Association is offering its members data on the fairly new industry—information that has been hard to come by.
An association research expert says we're spending too much time conducting surveys on member needs and not enough on strategic goals.
With the recent passage of a bill in the Senate, native populations in the continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii could get extra marketing help for their tourism efforts—an area where at least one industry group has been focusing much of its attention.
Some tips on how associations can benefit from Facebook's push for live video. Plus: Can you tell the difference between a fad and a trend?
With the launch of a free online community for plant science, the American Society of Plant Biologists is looking beyond the scope of traditional membership to form relationships with its nonmember audience.
Automation is a big buzzword these days, and there are reasons to be excited—and scared. But mostly excited. Check out our list of interesting apps that automate your job just enough to make your work life a little bit better.
Since it was leaked last week, a draft bill pushed by the two leading members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence has been rebuked by trade and advocacy groups. The bill takes a conversation on encryption and national security, previously driven by the FBI and the federal court system, into the halls of Congress.
A new study suggests you should, but others argue that organizations should not be so quick to discount the power of social media to indirectly raise funds.
A multilevel membership structure that varies by benefits chosen, not by company size, could eliminate the headache of verifying member revenue or staff numbers. One trade association shares its positive experience with its fledgling tiered-benefits system.
You track revenue and memberships, but that's not enough to know if your association is hitting home. One expert shares ideas for what else to measure.
What role would you consider taking on in an association after you finish serving as CEO?
Digital security is a growing concern for association conferences. Is your event app ready? Plus: A big talker on workforce development.
It's always good to have a sense of how much your colleagues are making, as the nation's biggest design industry association knows.
The country’s main radio and television broadcasting association is taking giant steps to support innovation in the sector—both by highlighting startups at its events and investing in them.
A young startup hopes to rekindle the business of news with an experimental micropayments-driven application. Plus: How has an increase in cybersecurity changed our office conduct?
The American Health Information Management Association this week launched a new campaign designed to get people talking about an issue the association believes could help improve healthcare: the use of voluntary personal identifiers for patients. The group is using President Obama's petition site to make its case.
A recent report covering the retail sector highlights the fact that saturating inboxes with too many emails can hurt engagement and lead to complaints from recipients. The solution, according to the marketing firm First Insight, is to send fewer, more personalized emails.
A survey conducted by Capital One at a Greater Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants event found that more than 80 percent of respondents expected their nonprofits would grow in 2016.
Associations produce a lot of content, but if that content isn't properly optimized for your audience, you may be wasting a lot of time on content the people you care about don't really care about—or worse, hiding the content they actually are interested in. The solution to this problem may be hiding in your data.
Check out the fierce competitors in this year's food packing contest. Plus: Explore some of the biggest challenges "diversity chiefs" are facing.
Associations, big and small, are all over the annual education, interactive, and music festival, which is getting even more attention than usual, thanks to President Obama's appearance in Austin this year. Here are some of the places you can spot them.
According to a recent Bureau of Labor Statistics report, the charitable nonprofit sector saw higher levels of employment during the recession years between 2007 and 2012, even as the private sector as a whole declined. Here's how they did it.
Associations looking to make the most of video would do well to take note of the National Speech & Debate Association's efforts.
Google's new Accelerated Mobile Pages, or AMP, offering could give publishers a way to offer snappy, speedy websites on mobile platforms. But it's worth emphasizing that it comes with a lot of not-insignificant concerns in exchange for the SEO boost it promises.
In a ruling that could crack open some major details on the National Security Agency's mass-surveillance program, a federal judge declared last week that the Electronic Frontier Foundation can conduct discovery against the agency. It's just the latest step in the long-running trial for the foundation.
With online security concerns bigger and more complicated than ever, it's important not to forget the simple stuff along the way. Here's a basic security mistake a lot of websites are guilty of. Make sure your association isn't screwing this one up, too.
A proposal the FCC approved last week would allow outside companies to sell cable set-top boxes to consumers, but cable and telecom groups are critical because of their concerns over competition and privacy.
A roundup of five great reads for association membership pros that will get you thinking differently about how to get members engaged, how members view your association, and what benefits they'll want next.
The Online News Association makes its event-scheduling WordPress plug-in available for free. Plus: When it comes to responding to members, there is a need for speed.
Your intrepid membership blogger returns from two conferences at regional societies of association executives with a roundup of tips and ideas on membership, including great questions for member research and the power of delegating metric measurement to staff
A recently released study by Bizzabo reveals how meeting planners market their events, use technology as part of their meetings, and measure event success—as well as their biggest pain points.
Every member has a story, but most people aren't polished storytellers. An author and expert on business storytelling offers advice for turning raw member stories into tales that inspire.
According to a report from the Association of National Advertisers, automated bot traffic remains a major problem for ad buyers, but ANA members are seeing success in reining in click fraud problems by following best practices.
The American College of Cardiology and the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care announced a new partnership that will help each organization expand their program offerings. A major focus for the future: an expanded accreditation program.
Take a peek inside the rewards program at video-game retailer GameStop to see how incentives and personalization can drive greater member engagement
Astronomy wasn't the only big topic at the American Astronomical Society's annual meeting in Florida this week. Months after a scandal broke involving one of the group's most prominent members, the group is taking steps to deal with the issue.
Late last month, the Federal Trade Commission spoke up on one of the most controversial issues in the editorial world—the rise of native advertising. The results went too far for a prominent online-advertising group, while a democracy watchdog ripped the rules for ignoring the issue of online tracking.
It's been a busy year for associations, as their work has continued to shape the news every day. We dug into our readership numbers to give you a look at the most popular Associations Now stories of 2015.
Looking for the perfect gift for your colleagues in your association's membership department? Check out this list for last-minute ideas—though you probably won't find any of these in stores.
That cool app you downloaded the other day may seem like a huge productivity boon for you or your association, but before you get too excited, remember: If you want something to stick around for a while, you should consider paying for it.
From succession planning to going global, association leadership faced a host of challenges that will likely resonate in the coming year.
According to the American Medical Association and other medical groups, one of the members' biggest headaches is the rise of electronic health record systems, which the groups say are drowning physicians in red tape.
A popular nonprofit political magazine boosts reader donations by encouraging a little friendly competition with its larger rival. Also: Could "Happy Birthday" finally be free of copyright?
One association's early success with a "Super Member" category shows how a premium, all-access offer can lock in high-volume members.
Facing the departure of some organizational members, along with a new set of challenges affecting the world of fraternities, the North-American Interfraternity Conference is keeping strong, emphasizing that it plans to improve its public relations and advocacy approaches, with a goal of building trust.
Even if he doesn’t win the nomination, Donald Trump has changed the way campaigns work. How should associations change in response?
The Grocery Manufacturers Association this week announced a plan to get food manufacturers to reveal what's in common varieties of food. While the QR code-driven SmartLabel Initiative has wide industry backing, some critics say it's no replacement for properly labeling foods with GMOs.
In response to the shooting of an unarmed black teen and the alleged cover-up that critics say followed, the National Bar Association and other civil rights groups last week called for the firing of two key officials involved in the case. Today, only one still has a job.
New CEOs have a golden opportunity to embark on the difficult work of changing organizational culture. But it doesn’t last forever. These four lessons from CEOs who have been there can help others seize the day.
Members and prospects often complain that associations push marketing messages to them without thinking about whether they’re relevant. Organizations have plenty of content to share, but knowing its purpose, place, and intended audience can help shape a strategic content marketing plan that helps you deliver on member needs and build deeper relationships.
A recent incident in which two of the country's largest banks briefly blocked access to third-party personal-finance sites such as Mint.com has consumer groups riled up and the banking industry attempting to explain itself.
A startup mentality can help an association generate new ideas. But success has less to do with "failing fast" than knowing how your organizational structure stands in your way.
Two recent surveys highlight some of the biggest challenges facing accounting and finance professionals in the nonprofit industry.
With a transportation bill threatening to add new reporting requirements to tire manufacturers across the country, the Tire Industry Association is attempting to fight the measure via Change.org, a petition site often more closely associated with social causes.
What do attitudes about chain letters tell us about internet users? Plus: the desks of productivity experts.
Give your association mind a little exercise by musing on these membership discussion starters.
One association executive's method for operational planning offers an example of how membership objectives can be tested, measured, adjusted, and repeated. Could a little discipline in experimentation drive success in your membership program?
If the past six months of results are any indication, the company that set a $70,000 minimum wage may have made the right business decision. Plus: Do nine out of 10 nonprofits really fail?
With an insider-trading scandal and regulatory scrutiny at the state and federal levels causing major headaches for the two largest daily fantasy sports companies, the Fantasy Sports Trade Association finds itself working overtime to defend its members.
After years of negotiations, the United States and 11 Pacific Rim countries reached a landmark trade deal Monday with significant implications for the global economy.
What's the difference between natural and organic? When it comes to food products, one-third of consumers don't know, according to a new survey by an association looking to create more standardized terminology.
In July, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America launched a monthly, "join now" dues rate of $39. Since then, about 40 percent of new members have chosen monthly. The new dynamic is "how everyone deals with the internet now," says one ACCA exec.
David Chavern comes to NAA with roots in manufacturing and tech, which may be a boon for another disrupted industry.
Digital signage is more than just a shiny, electronic version of the standard foam core posters and easels outside your meeting rooms.
No question about it—associations are conducting more surveys than ever as they hunger to know everything about their stakeholders.
On the cusp of its 100th birthday, and with a new executive director and strategic plan in hand, the National Association of Secondary School Principals decided it was time to reimagine itself.
What does your conference say about who is welcome in your community? Maybe not what you want, if your speakers and attendees all look and sound the same.
"Shadow IT"—or apps that get brought into offices without consent of the big bosses — gets a bad rap among enterprise folks. But even with genuine concerns like security and protocol to think about, it's worth asking: Do those all users with the unauthorized Dropbox accounts have a point?
