The use of employee monitoring software on remote employees might seem like a smart way to handle a difficult situation, but it could raise significant ethical issues—especially if a user’s work computer is also their personal one.
As many association professionals continue to work from home, they’re looking for new ways to battle burnout, Zoom fatigue, and isolation. This spring, take advantage of the warmer weather and longer days to recharge.
As workers remain dispersed, organizations need to make a more conscious effort to promote employee connection and knowledge-sharing. Use these tips to keep knowledge flowing across your teams.
After some adjusting, many workers came to enjoy the flexibility and efficiency of remote work. As association professionals head back to in-person operations in the near future, organizations can guide them by bringing remote work principles into the office.
Dealing with difficult employees is trickier in remote work, where supervision and performance tracking are more complicated. Use these tips to mitigate the effects of a toxic behavior in the remote environment.
Part of giving good feedback is about paying attention to work habits and seeing how teams function as a whole—which is more difficult in a dispersed workplace. Here are a few tips offering helpful feedback remotely.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, professionals have used daily rituals to cope with stress and stay productive at home. But remote workers need to find rituals that work in winter. Here are a few ideas.
Like everything else, the recruitment process has gone virtual, which means it’s often more difficult for hiring managers to gauge a candidate’s fit. Here are a few ways they can adapt.
Employees from underrepresented groups may not be handling the Zoom environment as well as you think. One association executive shares his thoughts on how to address remote-work disconnects.
Give your routine more structure to thrive as you work from home. Also: Associations can offer experiences to nonmembers, too.
Automation can help organizations that are trying to thrive in their new remote work environments. Also: Make your Facebook video content more successful.
It took a while, but videoconferences are finally getting more secure. What changed? Here’s where the vital technology stands five months after the pandemic emerged.
The fact is, there is more attack surface than ever when employees work remotely en masse, and a basic understanding of cybersecurity issues is essential to helping ensure corporate safety. Here’s why.
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.
Virtual private networks have long been a fundamental element of digital security away from the office, but there’s a huge target on their backs thanks to COVID-19. That’s why the NSA is offering configuration tips.
Many workers feel isolated or neglected when working remote, in part because it’s easy for leaders to overlook accomplishments when the team isn't together. Here are some ways to make sure that doesn't happen at your association.
Organizations should be flexible when putting together work-from-home policies. Also: how virtual experiences can still engage audiences.
Rituals provide normalcy for people, and losing those rituals while away from the office can be tough. Experts say the best way to handle this shift is to create some new ones.
Due to COVID-19, working from home is the new normal right now. Here are some tips on keeping your employees productive and happy.
If your organization was a straggler on the whole remote work concept, you might feel like, after the last couple of weeks, you’ve essentially been thrown into a style of work you weren’t particularly looking to embrace. But perhaps there is a bright side here—a potential for future flexibility.
Every major trend line shows that remote work allows employees to be more productive and employers to save money. So why is the federal government having everyone come back into the office? And should you consider the same?
Don’t leave your team hanging: When transitioning to remote work, provide resources to help employees adapt. Also: meeting trends for 2020.
Interest in remote work is growing, but the people who do it say inadequate tech tools and insufficient training are big challenges—and many employers are falling short.
GitLab, a software company, has 350 employees who all work remotely. The organization made $10.5 million in revenue in 2017. Here’s how they did it. Also: how longtime members can increase the value of your association.
Managing a virtual team requires clean logistics, great communication, and a lot of trust. Here’s how to do it, from Entrepreneur. Also: elements of a content strategy.
Empathy is vital when it comes to managing a team of remote employees. Also: how a change in marketing messaging helped The Guardian’s membership revenue outpace its ad revenue.
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.
The amount of time people are working remote is growing, according to a Gallup report.
A new survey about the workplace shows that employees are spending more time working outside the office. That has an impact on how you manage your staff—and your members too.
An in-depth look into the history of labor and the efficiency of remote work builds the case for working from home. Plus: the information you need to debunk email myths.
Remote work, or at least flex time, is becoming a must-have for many younger employees. But making it happen comes with complications. The biggest challenge, according to one recent study? The potential for communication headaches.
As the months go on, are you still struggling to manage your remote team effectively? Here are four ways to reboot and refocus on results.
It's great to love what you do, but you still shouldn't do it all the time. Also: cultivating connections with members even when in-person events are unavailable.
Looking for shorter commutes and life away from the main office, more employees are working offsite at least once a week, a new study finds. However, just because they want to get away from the office doesn’t mean flaky Wi-Fi is OK.
Most associations have seen changes in their workplaces since the pandemic. New data from the Society for Human Resource Management sheds light on how COVID-19 has changed benefits and culture—and what organizations should do next.
Employers have struggled to get a grasp on how to conduct a remote interview. The secret is to keep it focused—while keeping the candidates in the loop.
If your employees are struggling to see your organization’s purpose, a vision statement can help you clarify. Just don’t make it too pie-in-the-sky.
Giving coworkers opportunities to bump into each other stokes creativity. But you don't necessarily need a physical office to fuel collaboration.
Just because the job market looks rosy these days doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for interviewing remotely. If you’re looking for a job, here are a few tips to consider.
A remote work expert offers three simple ways to navigate the transition to a hybrid form of work. Now that everyone has experience in each world, it’s time to find the sweet spot and successfully balance a combination of both.
The workplace and workforce are going to look very different post-pandemic. Several association executives discussed trends and challenges that have led to this transformation.
As associations prepare for the post-pandemic workplace, new research can help provide tips on where to focus when it comes to employee well-being and return-to-work planning.
With remote work making communication challenging, better listening by employers can help workplaces thrive. New research reveals ethical and strategic listening helped employees feel better connected and organizations make better decisions.
Panel discussions, that old standby of in-person events, are actually well suited for the virtual meetings format. Here’s how to make your remote panels great.
Keeping volunteers engaged when their time may be committed elsewhere is a constant challenge for associations. The right approach can help, says an engagement pro.
Many of us have been working from home for more than a year now. Over this time, we’ve learned lots tricks to make things easier. From tips on starting the day off right to lipstick filters for Zoom, check out what your colleagues are doing to make remote work smooth sailing.
Even having been at it for a while, you may not know all the tools and hacks that can make virtual work a little simpler. Here are a few ideas to bolster your remote toolkit.
[Sponsored] Not every type of remote engagement has to look like a videoconference. When you’re trying to reach your members in today’s largely virtual environment, clever content deployments are key to keeping audiences’ attention.
CEOs who are used to managing in person have had to make adjustments in the remote environment. The same holds true when interviewing and onboarding with a new organization. Here's how one exec made it work.
In an analysis of the hybrid workplace, we look at establishing flexible policies that will allow both remote and in-office workers to thrive.
Business meetings held in virtual settings come with some familiar rules and some different ones. Be sure you follow them to maintain your professional polish—even if you're secretly wearing shorts.
Remote work has drastically changed the way associations use technology, creating new challenges for IT departments. Association tech experts offer some recommendations for boosting tech support for your remote team.
As months of remote work go by, organizations are ready to find new ways to engage employees. Consider these activities to help virtual team members connect with one another.
Recent research shows that workplace meetings held remotely often blunt women’s voices. Communication expert Carol Vernon says that ground rules and good planning can ensure everyone has a chance to contribute.
Leaders should keep a close eye on the subtle ways that they—or their employees—might be introducing biases to the way they approach remote calls.
With many schools starting up with hybrid or virtual-only learning, working parents are facing childcare and scheduling issues. For associations looking to support parents on their staff, the only hard and fast rule is to be flexible in your approaches.
A new study shows an empathy disconnect between workers and executives. A stronger focus on skills development might close the gap.
Who stays remote and who goes back to a shared workplace? In the second installment of our three-part series on establishing a hybrid office, we ask leaders to start by assessing the needs and capabilities of each department.
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.
Good intranet design matters to workers more than you might realize. Also: a way to mimic the spontaneity of in-person events.
Office friendships are an underappreciated part of your culture. Leaders don’t have to make everybody pals, but in a remote environment, it pays to encourage them. Every so often, I miss office hallways. It’s not that hallways are so charming in themselves. They’re just blank, anonymous, in-between spaces. But that’s what makes them so powerful. […]
How to create remote working conditions that spark inspiration. Also: An effective leader uses both emotional and analytical intelligence.
A recent survey shows what the transition to remote work has been like for partners sharing a home. Also: setting up a system to inventory your data.
As organizations communicate with their staff, they must be mindful to make sure messaging is inclusive. Part of that strategy is acknowledging what’s currently happening in the world.
As people settle into long-term remote work, an expert says it’s important to cultivate a healthy virtual environment to ensure coworkers click and stay productive.
A third of respondents to a new study on cybersecurity strategy say that they basically were unprepared for the sudden move to go remote—leading to off-the-shelf solutions heading home with employees.
You may not be able to get too far from the house, but going outdoors holds both physical and mental health benefits, Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education execs say. Read on for their strategies for integrating outdoor fun into a remote routine.
More breaks and less on-screen noise are among the solutions to managing an increase in screen time. Also: how you can monetize virtual events responsibly.
Not everyone will want to rush back to your office the minute it reopens. Here are a few things to consider as you decide whether to extend a work-from-home option beyond the immediate COVID-19 emergency.
Employers can still provide interns with a valuable experience even as they work from home. Also: Leaders can find success in a crisis by using logic and emotion.
With many people now working remotely and worried about the coronavirus’ impact, it’s time to change up your email marketing formula. Focus on subject lines, word choices, and infusing the present into your campaigns, one expert advises.
Association pros share their remote work environments and new routines as they find normalcy in a workday shaken up by COVID-19.
COVID-19 might have derailed your project plans, but it’s worth considering what might still be possible remotely. There might be more to salvage than you think.
As various states begin to reopen following COVID-19 closures, associations must plan ahead to ensure their employees can safely return to the office. A new guide from real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield discusses how organizations can prepare. With many states allowing businesses to reopen, associations are looking more closely at how they might […]
Since many associations were quickly thrust into remote work based on mandatory shutdown orders, not all the kinks were worked out. An HR expert discusses issues popping up in the new normal—from employee assistance programs to new expense requests.
As associations take their work remote, it’s becoming increasingly essential to have security strategies in mind that account for local Wi-Fi access and personal devices employees might not otherwise bring to the office. Here are some strategies to consider.
The proper configuration of your workstation can improve productivity. Also: A quality digital marketing campaign starts with good data and information.
How to focus on one thing at a time for better productivity. Also: Association leaders should be thinking about their long-term plans.
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.
If you’re not careful, coworking could swallow up your organizational culture. Also: an interesting privacy strategy from Apple.
As associations more often have employees operating in locations around the world, the skills required to manage that workforce are changing. Modern expectations, technology, and time zones must be tackled in new era.
In an age when centralization is running into a cost-of-living wall for many industries, embracing a remote-first culture could expand both your pool of talent and your base of operations.
Professionals in design, video production, and other creative arts are struggling to keep up with a growing need for higher-level tech skills—and their employers are too, an AIGA survey finds.
Many Americans place more value on meaningful work than money. But is your organization providing it? Also: hosting experiential meetings.
Multiple sessions of the ASAE Annual Meeting made the case that virtual work—whether full-time or on a freelance basis—is increasingly becoming a compelling option for many associations. The tech is ready, but is your culture?
Employees are feeling as disengaged as ever. Those workers may be an opportunity for associations to help.
A few years ago, the Optical Society began using telepresence robots to keep remote workers better engaged in day-to-day office life. A look at how OSA has benefited from the technology and other considerations to keep in mind.
The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society will launch the first online broadcasting network focused on healthcare information and technology innovation in March.
The robots may not be coming for your job, but automation is already taking on tasks that were standard in job descriptions from truck driving to translation. Associations will need to help clarify what machines can and can’t do.
The workforce challenges facing association employers, according to a recent survey.
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.
The current tax season has seen a variety of hacking and phishing attempts against both employers and individuals. The tax-administration space, already aware of the threat, has boosted collaboration and communication in recent years in response.
A new survey of American workers found that many are open to making a lateral career move if it means greater life satisfaction and professional development—a finding organizations may find useful when it comes to talent development.
An office with plenty of remote workers can work together well thanks to technology. But leading the team, as one association executive has learned, demands plenty of emotional intelligence as well.
Moving to a completely virtual office can provide flexibility, dramatically cut costs, and improve efficiency and productivity for a small-staff organization. But managing a mobile workforce and maintaining team cohesion can be challenging. We explore three very different virtual office models.
An association-membership firm offers tips to move beyond the traditional one-size-fits-all approach. Also: What nonprofit marketers should know about Google's new Inbox platform.
If you think all telecommuters are slacking off, think again. A new study from the University of Illinois found that people who work remotely are likely to show more dedication to their organizations and coworkers to prove they are working just as hard as they would in the office. A new study is adding fodder […]
Among the The Washingtonian's picks for best workplaces are a number of associations and industry partners. Also: Don't let the weather hurt your telecommuting workflow.
Teleporting hasn’t come to be (yet), but telecommuting has. Here’s how to make working from home work for you. Plus: What to know about a new, emerging type of conference attendee.
Parallels Access is far from the only option that allows iPad users to leave their laptop at home. But the just-launched product has a little something its competition doesn't have—the ability to give your desktop the feel of a native tablet app.
More than half of people surveyed say their boss expects them to work during vacation. Plus: Are Facebook hashtags a failure?
A desire to be centrally located and to improve the association management resources available to them made moving 1,000 miles from Arizona to Kansas an easy decision for the American Holistic Nurses Association.
Gow Christina Garneski’s good turn came back to her in a bottle.
Gallup’s “State of the American Workplace” found that 70 percent of American are “not engaged” or “actively disengaged” in their work. Could weak leadership be the cause?
New research suggests that mobile devices are increasingly interfering with the eye contact we make with others and ultimately can affect the emotional connections we make at work. Since the dawn of the smartphone it’s become common to see a table full of restaurant diners immersed in their gadgets rather than conversation. Or, since tablets […]
Once you’ve determined teleworking is right for your organization, it’s time to set up a policy. Here are some tips from one teleworking pro who presented at ASAE’s 2013 Finance, HR & Business Operations Conference this week.
It's not about where your staff works from, it's about how efficiently they can get things done. Telecommuting can work—but management needs the right tools and policies to enforce it.
Is your staff lacking the collaboration tools it needs? Here are four enterprise social networks that could increase teamwork.
A company-wide edict that Yahoo employees can no longer work remotely is creating a stir among telecommuting advocates who believe out-of-office work creates important business benefits.
Hotels make working remotely easier for road warriors with rooms designed for the tech-inclined.
Are telecommuters more productive or less productive? Are they more creative or less creative? With so much research on the subject, it can be difficult to sort out the reality of working remotely.
Roughly 80 National Weather Service employees couldn't travel after funding wasn't authorized by the Department of Commerce.
The tight labor market and high number of employees looking for new jobs has made news recently. For associations that don’t have the ability to offer high salaries to compete, embracing remote work, focusing on core values, and expressing gratitude can boost retention and attract new hires.
It’s more than just hosting an online conference and supporting remote work. Through more than a year of pandemic disruption, associations have found that shifting their whole culture to a digital mindset can bring about the changes necessary to operate flexibly and virtually for the long term.
Employees battling Zoom fatigue? In an age of remote work already filled with screen time, there are still ways to bring coworkers together without a computer.
The pandemic has brought many changes to the workplace, the most notable being more remote work. One expert says offices in the future will include a new C-suite executive focused on remote policies, more flexibility, and likely a smaller office footprint.
Remote work brings unique stresses to parents. One association staffer suggests a few ways the whole organization can help.
At this point in pandemic-induced remote work, employees might view their virtual check-ins with managers as a waste of time. But by establishing a regular routine and a plan for each meeting, managers can help make them useful again.
For a year-end video message to members, the New Jersey Society of CPAs found inspiration and humor in the small frustrations of remote work. Also: A major cyberattack on the federal government could be a problem for associations, too.
Despite the challenges of remote work, employees are more committed to their jobs. The leader's job is to make sure technology supports their commitment, instead of standing in their way.
E-signatures are gaining popularity among remote workforces thanks to COVID-19, but the best solution requires more research than just putting a signature on a PDF. Read on for some e-signing considerations.
Workers' increasing comfort with remote work and videoconferencing will outlast COVID-19, says PMI CEO Sunil Prashara. That's good news---and a warning sign.
Why more organizations are investing in technology that can track remote workers’ digital movements. Also: How to get lapsed members back to your association.
As we move into the new normal of remote work during the COVID-19 crisis, we are spending more time on video calls than we have in the past. Two experts offer tips for ensuring your visuals look top notch.
Focusing on personal goals and aspirations can make you a better worker. Also: Prepare employees for remote work.
Forget open office spaces. Pods, the next work environment trend, are here. Also: questions to ask before updating your remote work policy.
A robust event marketing campaign can be expensive—but you don’t have to have a big budget to succeed. Try these free strategies, from the Event Manager Blog. Also: embracing remote workforce culture.
Facebook Page engagement numbers have declined across the board. Try these tactics to get them back up. Also: Why resistance to remote work is futile.
Discover different ways to reach on-the-go donors. Also: IBM calls thousands of remote workers back to the office.
COVID-19 has had a particularly negative impact on working women, causing many to leave the workforce or experience job dissatisfaction. Use these tips to re-engage women at your association.
The pandemic shifted the needs of many organizations, which might require employees to take on new roles, or expand roles that might have been smaller in the past.
The queen of soft skills is an essential element for leaders to cultivate. Get some pointers from our archives on how to get emotionally smarter.
Many offices had planned to return to work this fall, but the surge in COVID-19 infections due to the Delta variant is forcing many organizations to consider delaying. Experts offer advice on how to factor Delta into your reopening plans.
The pandemic and tight job market might have your association considering bringing on employees who live far away from your office location. Before jumping in, read this.
The pandemic has changed how association groups interact, which means leaders need to adjust as well. Two AMC professionals explain why emotional intelligence has become such a critical leadership skill
Between pandemic-induced changes in the workplace and general shifts in management thinking, hiring managers are more willing to look past certain characteristics of job candidates than they might have been in the past. Next time you’re reviewing resumes, these “red flags” might be worth rethinking.
Research shows that leaders still aren't on the same page with employees and stakeholders when it comes to communication, particularly around DEI. Some small but important changes can help.
Flextime gives employees the opportunity to set their own schedules. To make the most of this working arrangement, organizations need a clear plan to keep workers on track while still granting them flexibility.
You want to give your employees freedom, but you may not know exactly what that should look like. Learn what workplace flexibility could mean and how to find out what your workforce wants.
COVID-19 brought a bigger international audience to associations. But without a clear strategy, as new study says, efforts to sustain global expansion can stall.
The pandemic has thrust leaders into new roles and responsibilities that the org chart may not address. That's a challenge, but also a chance to turn it into an asset.
While many associations have taken note of rises in prices and restrictions related to event cancellation insurance, there are other insurance concerns to consider. From workers’ comp to cyber and homeowners insurance, an expert offers a look at areas to review.
Recent research from Freeman finds that attendees and exhibitors alike are warming up to doing in-person events near the end of the year. Also: Understanding the relationship between engagement and value.
Counterintuitively, job satisfaction recently hit a two-decade high, according to a new study. Also: Get a glimpse of the future of 8K video with a new YouTube channel.
What will work look like when some employees return to the office and some stay permanently remote? Making plans while aiming at a moving target has not been easy, but associations are putting pieces in place for a revised workplace, perhaps forever changed by the pandemic. Here is a glimpse of what’s happening so far.
Video provides connection, emotion, and authenticity, says the CEO of a video-sharing platform.
CEO turnover is up as organizations look for different kinds of leadership due to the pandemic. To avoid that fate, CEOs can manage expectations and make sure their organization sees the whole picture.
By focusing on member experience, associations can build a program that boosts membership value and provides resources that improve members’ personal and professional lives.
A new study shows that association staffers are understandably anxious about the COVID-era economy. Easing those concerns will require broadening the scope of revenue streams—and of association leadership.
In a special five-episode series, Associations Now Live presents insider views on leading associations in 2021 from the executives who are doing the work every day. Don’t miss these revealing conversations, streaming weekly in April and May.
Like the people who report to them, leaders have sometimes felt burnout and run low on motivation while navigating the challenges of the past year. But to inspire their teams, senior association professionals must be inspired themselves. Here are a few tips to help leaders stay motivated.
The pandemic has forced many to both work and play from home, using Zoom to see family, friends, and coworkers. Having had more than enough screen time, association professionals are finding novel and creative ways to disconnect.
With vaccinations accelerating, more association leaders may soon be managing people both remotely and in person. The shift will demand good communication skills and attention to fairness.
[Sponsored] It’s different, and in some ways, it’s even better.
Gaps in board members’ technical knowledge can get in the way of good decision making. Two association tech experts explain how to help board members stay focused on strategy when the conversation turns to technology.
While no organization wants to finish construction on a new building during a pandemic, the American Physical Therapy Association turned this unfortunate timing into an opportunity. APTA modified its plans to ensure a building positioned to serve staff and members during this world health crisis and beyond.
The International Air Transport Association's Travel Pass apps, designed to take complexity out of post-pandemic travel, are on track to launch soon, IATA says. Also: Could the pandemic put the five-day workweek out to pasture?
With 2020 filled with pandemic restrictions, many association professionals are hoping they can enjoy some pre-pandemic comforts in 2021.
The Consumer Technology Association expects 150,000 attendees at its all-digital CES this week. Also: the cool thing Google did that your organization may want to try.
Getting everybody on the same page has its virtues. But acknowledging a diversity of attitudes, especially during a pandemic, can be more valuable and productive.
An annual review in 2021 is a good way to surface lessons learned from 2020. But it's also an opportunity to better support the work and goals of a challenged staff.
[Sponsored] How Indy is moving forward from the pandemic to a prosperous future.
A chorus of jeers is rising for 2020 in its waning days, and for good reason. But before we bid the year a hearty good riddance, consider whether it left us a few unexpected gifts.
A hacked system or phishing attack can be a huge financial setback for an association. So it’s important to train employees on what a security threat looks like—and to keep systems properly patched.
A look at three ways attendee expectations have evolved since the pandemic began, and what that means for associations as they plan for their 2021 virtual conference offerings.
While having empathy is a key aspect of being a good leader, it’s not intrinsic—but it can be learned. Here are some ways leaders can build empathy.
Workplace engagement is slipping (again). It's time to think about whether your top talent will leave once the pandemic has ended.
Three years ago, the education association MISBO established guidelines for how staff would treat each other. They've served the organization well through the pandemic.
If you find yourself in need of a better place to work in your home, a mixture of improvisation and added tech could help you build the ideal office away from the office.
The film industry makes an economic case to save movie theaters, many of which face threats of closing permanently. Also: why the holiday season is coming earlier than ever—and it’s not because Christmas music is already on the radio.
By August 2021, the once-dominant web browser will no longer be supported by Microsoft. Also: helping employees manage their mental health.
A new sense of urgency defined the conversations at ASAE's 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting, with implications for years to come.
How to accommodate the different working styles that each generation employs. Also: ASAE closes out its virtual annual meeting with a “magical” keynote.
A Project Management Office might be a fit for your association. Also: The art of the love letter.
Your association may have weathered the initial disruption of COVID-19. That doesn’t mean you’re prepared for the next calamity. It's time to review your business continuity plan.
The COVID-19 crisis and the economic shift it has created has put a sharper focus on personal branding as a path for career opportunity. Associations should find ways to leverage this growing trend.
For associations that are still looking to fill job roles, especially in the C-suite, different rules apply. It's a time for distanced interviewing and “culture buddies.”
CIOs will be trying to do more with less as they balance remote and onsite workers when offices start to reopen. Here’s what should be on tech leaders’ minds.
Associations need to deliver on a few key things to satisfy member expectations. Also: what the surge in virtual events means for the future.
Even if workers aren't in a physical space, they still want a sense of how an organization behaves. Leaders need to find ways to communicate it.
Show members they belong by helping them connect to your organization and its community. Also: Ways you can improve your work-from-home setup.
A new report shows that home routers are affected by hundreds of security vulnerabilities. Also: Your onboarding program should benefit members first.
An already stressful time got even worse when the pandemic landed during the busiest part of year for certified public accountants—tax season. One association sped up a valuable member benefit in response, with great results.
Providing timely customer service is a key to building your brand. Also: How you can feel more comfortable on camera during video calls.
The storm of COVID-19 is not over—far from it—but now is a good time to see what associations have achieved in demonstrating relevant value for members as the crisis continues. Here are a few success stories.
While concerns of stress and anxiety remain for many young adults, the latest edition of The Deloitte Global Millennial Survey finds that many are looking at the current cultural moment as an opportunity to reach for something higher.
With the right leadership approach, there’s no reason to panic during a challenging time. Also: Streamline your IT and business practices with process mining.
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.
Ways in which leaders can support employees when they need it the most. Also: how associations can get their tech tools to work together.
As the country confronts two overwhelming crises, the need for organizational cultures that prioritize diversity and inclusion has never been greater, says one association D+I leader.
How to facilitate a productive discussion even when you can’t meet in person. Also: Use workflow visualization to motivate your content marketing team.
Direct and personal communication can help you share unpleasant information. Also: A good conclusion can elevate your blog post.
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.
How to prepare volunteers for a different work environment. Also: Train yourself to put work aside when you’re at home.
Much of the advice about reopening the office has focused on the logistics of floor plans, cleaning, and new norms. Now, experts discuss the practical policies related to smoothly managing your people and addressing their concerns as they come back.
Every word counts when it comes to marketing your association to potential members. Also: Balance video calls with other forms of communication to avoid Zoom fatigue.
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.
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.
Taking advantage of the current crisis and new tech tricks, email-based phishing attackers are upping their game at the moment. Here are a few things you should watch for.
Don’t rely on the same old tricks to get your message across. Also: what spring cleaning could do for your nonprofit.
At what seemed like the flip of a switch, Americans went from commuting road warriors to a pajama-clad nation of predominantly stay-at-home workers because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s how one association is giving its members a chance to shine while highlighting the solidarity of the experience.
A changing workforce requires a new approach to employee retention if organizations want to keep their top talent in a business climate facing new uncertainties.
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.
A dynamic cultural and public health environment means a sudden need for new types of digital services. A willingness to experiment thoughtfully in a time of need could help both your members and the public.
The global health crisis has professionals in all industries dealing with uncertainty. To weather the storm, organizations must demonstrate understanding and a willingness to adapt.
Current updates on association response to the global COVID-19 crisis, along with a roundup of conference, travel, and business news and information. Bridging the Broadband Gap With teachers and students, doctors and patients, and employers and workers nationwide dependent on reliable internet connections amid the pandemic, Business Roundtable is pressing Congress to provide more funding […]
Why making your website usable for all is critical from a moral, strategic, and legal standpoint. Also: harnessing the power of a valuable advertising strategy—word-of-mouth.
Flu season is peaking early this year, with many already sick. Ensuring employees understand office sick leave policies and thinking creatively can keep ill staffers at home, healthy workers safe, and your association running smoothly.
According to a PNP Staffing Group report, around 80 percent of nonprofits expect to offer at least a cost-of-living wage increase, and those increases are likely to benefit support staff as well.
When members and others can participate in your mission, the results can be remarkable. Also: Heading to space? You might receive the Association of Space Explorers’ new pin.
How do you adapt to a rapidly changing workplace? Develop your soft skills. Also: keeping remote employees engaged.
An association industry pro puts more work into his out-of-office messages than most people do into their vacations. Also: The MacBook Pro is getting even harder to travel with on some airlines.
Not hearing back from your media contacts? You may be annoying them. Also: how to leverage criticism for creativity.
Finding it hard to get the right technical employees—whether developers or IT administrators? It might be time to play up your organization’s hidden advantages—including, potentially, your location.
To truly gauge the attendee experience, you need to walk around in their shoes. Also: how to tell your nonprofit’s story.
Recognizing employees not only expresses appreciation but also helps build a productive and positive culture. Also: how social proof shows the value of your organization to potential members.
A virtual chapter might fit in with an increasingly digital-first world, but it can also present organizational obstacles. Also: easy actions for planning sustainable meetings.
Your association’s digital community is important to connect your members—but it can also help grow the organization. Also: a simple tip for better note taking.
Increase your membership base with this one, three-letter question. Also: new emoji for 2019.
An HR expert offers disaster-planning advice that will allow associations to have policies and procedures in place to help them—and their employees—weather any storm.
Meeting staff demands for more flexible work arrangements doesn’t faze most nonprofit employers these days.
Are your members overwhelmed by messages from your association? The MemberClicks blog tackles how to block out communication fatigue. Also: It’s #CityHallSelfie Day—what’s that all about?
Planning to shed your old technology for a hot new product or service? You’ll need to condition your staff to accept and adopt the upgrade. Here’s how to build an agile, multiphase training plan that targets their needs before and after implementation.
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 […]
When it comes to self-care, leaders need to manage both themselves and their staffs. From sabbaticals to kitchen cabinets to dedicated reading days, association executives have multiple options.
With the help of augmented reality, the agricultural fair goes digital.
Thinking of taking your association from a physical space to a virtual office? You’ll want to hear about one executive director’s experience and top tips for ensuring a successful move.
With the winter holidays quickly approaching, employees are likely looking forward to some time away from the office. Here are a few tips from an HR pro on balancing time-off requests with getting work done.
Why your membership research needs to go beyond the survey. Also: CarMax’s clever response to a viral video.
As associations take on contractors, remote staff, and workers in the gig economy, the staff a CEO leads is more complex. One leader manages that complexity by focusing on culture.
Care2 shares several ways to keep your donors coming back year after year. Also: Looking to hire a communications pro? Here's how to analyze a writing sample.
Looking for more leadership development resources? Google is giving theirs away for free. Also: Take your team-bonding experiences to the extreme.
Here’s how you can tell if your diversity and inclusion program is really making a difference. Also: Google’s new news feed follows in Facebook’s steps.
Not sure how to crack the code to attracting and retaining that millennial workforce you’re looking for? These three benefits might just be the way to go.
How EDUCAUSE’s Teaching, Learning, and Professional Development department connects across the miles during the holidays.
Phil Dunphy of Modern Family becomes one association's ideal pitchman. Plus: Google makes it easier for event attendees to talk with speakers.
Forecasts from a New York University professor predict record increases in both room rates and hotel real estate.
Hold off on sounding the alarm when your association's Internet traffic takes a dip and learn how to cope. Plus: Building a war room for your next event.
A new study illustrates a common productivity killer for many employees. Find out if you’re affected as well as some methods for maximizing workplace efficiency.
Videoconferencing has great advantages, but to leverage them you’ll need to manage a culture shift, say two association IT pros.
Companies are giving employees more control over when and where they work, but they’ve become less accommodating in other types of flexible work arrangements, according to a new study. How do association policies stack up?
Rather than simply taking cybersecurity threats lying down, the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association has been holding simulations so that the industry knows what to do when such an attack takes place.
A new survey says virtual meetings are equally as productive as face-to-face encounters. Also: Why it’s important for nonprofits to approach social media and traditional marketing strategies in different ways.
In the past ten years, the blogging platform WordPress has become one of the most widely-used pieces of open-source software on the internet, but (like associations) it's the community that's driven its growth.
The social list platform takes a mobile-first approach in its latest redesign. Also: How WordPress’ staff is fully distributed, and it works.
Need a useful off-premises workspace for your association—or perhaps a place for a really small-scale meeting with your members? Hotel lobbies are increasingly becoming a useful alternative for productivity on the go.
The pandemic has expanded the range of things that stress out leaders and their staffs. Some tweaks to your approach to breaks and communication may be in order.
It’s been a long time since professionals have worked together in a shared space, and returning to that environment could be stressful. Here’s how to help employees through this transition.
Disruption is still the watchword in 2021, but many speakers at the ASAE Annual Meeting found solutions rooted in what's tried-and-true.
Many associations have spent the pandemic working remotely. Now, return-to-office plans typically include a hybrid model, where staff are sometimes in the office and sometimes remote. Experts offer advice on transitioning to this blended model.
Boards interact differently now, but they can still easily get lost in the weeds. Two strategy experts share tips for adjusting volunteers’ perspectives.
Last year, the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society found a sudden interest in its local chapter meetings at a global level—and it’s leading to questions about whether its chapter model should be more topic-based. Your association might want to ask the same question. The pandemic highlighted some fascinating surprises about the potential for how associations could […]
Trying to keep virtual attendees engaged? One tactic: Give your speakers some props to work with.
Studies show that boards have adapted well to virtual meetings. With new COVID-19 variants disrupting in-person meeting plans, there are opportunities to improve.
Professionalism isn’t just about choice of attire—it encompasses diversity and personal discussions too. As people return to the office, the topic promises to get complicated. Here are some tips on how to navigate.
Employers may gain from targeting more mature generations of workers, a workplace transformation expert says. One place they should look: the benefits.
A good volunteer program should benefit both your organization and the people offering a helping hand. Here are a few tips for doing just that from our archives.
After more than a year of virtual meetings, it’s going to be a little tough for people to readjust to in-person events—even those who identify as extroverts. Read on for some planning tips that can make the transition easier.
The Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors—National Association has brought its employees back to the office. To make it happen, the group sought staff feedback, updated employee policies, and upgraded building systems.
Your organization’s budget might be tight, but focusing on end-user experiences for both hardware and software could help keep employees around.
More than ever, employees are taking DEI concerns seriously—and that won’t change when your physical workplace reopens. Here are some suggestions to build an office discipline around inclusion issues.
The workplace has transformed in the past year, which means managers need to change, too. Here’s how to become more open to the flexible working conditions today’s professional environment requires.
[Sponsored] Science shows tunes boost attendee wellbeing and facilitate connections.
By investing in a professional remote setup, speakers can improve the virtual event experience for attendees (and themselves).
Hosting a staff meeting across mediums can sound daunting. Framing your meetings as a part of your culture can help everyone stay on the same page.
Tech tricks learned during the pandemic can improve in-person meetings as we slowly return to normal.
All those Zoom calls have kept your organization running, but plenty of challenges remain. Two association experts share some keys for managing through the pandemic and beyond.
From messy desktops to old passwords, it’s time to make sure your digital life is up to date. Not just because it makes your job easier, either—it could help prevent organizational security risks.
Hybrid conferences may be the next big thing in meetings, but because they involve face-to-face and virtual participants, they come with their own unique set of planning challenges. As associations begin executing hybrid events, here are some questions to ask during the planning stage.
Specialty Equipment Market Association members make specialized products for vehicles and need garages outfitted with hig-tech equipment to test new designs. With its first California garage at capacity, SEMA purchased a second, larger space in the Detroit area to help more members.
A new study finds that people are more likely to give to friends and family in crowdfunding campaigns. Also: Detroit replaces its auto show with a “car crawl.”
[Sponsored] Here’s how to make the most of meetings in front of the camera.
As cash increasingly gets pushed aside during the pandemic, associations call for legislation to ensure that consumers maintain choice. Also: How one association helped decontaminate N95 masks around the globe.
The Project Management Institute reports that organizations have been more likely to meet their business goals and reduce waste with projects during the pandemic, despite remote operations. Also: Roller coasters need pandemic precautions, too.
Strategic plans mean thinking about the future. But if COVID-19 has clouded the crystal ball, a two-year strategic plan focused on the near term might be the best option, one association found.
Gaming, baking, gardening, and crafting have all seen a huge surge of interest since the pandemic began—and their associations took advantage of the opportunity.
Between federal laws and staff needing to take time off for illness or to care for relatives or children during the pandemic, leave policies can feel like a tangled web. An expert offers tips for creating leave policies that work for staff and employers and comply with leave laws.
A report shows that boards have become more future focused in the past year. But challenges on tech strategy and diversity remain.
Your members have high expectations for the education your association delivers. Meanwhile, your learning programs also have to support your organizational strategy. One learning expert says a disciplined focus on member needs will serve both goals.
A new leader hit the ground running to make sure his members had everything they needed to meet Americans’ healthcare needs at the start of the pandemic. He’s continuing that work now during the nationwide COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology has allowed employees to return to the office one day a week since October. Ensuring crucial details were covered was key to getting staff back in the building safely.
[Sponsored] These philosophies are driving the industry into the future.
Associations are facing a transition phase where most meeting planners have to consider in-person attendees and virtual viewers. To serve everyone well, don’t fall into the trap of hosting both versions simultaneously, and lean on the community.
It has been nearly a year since associations began implementing continuity plans due to COVID-19 closures. Now, those plans must adapt to face new challenges, such as weather crises—like those in Texas—when workforces are more remote.
[Sponsored] Why preparing for the worst can shake out your best.
The Massachusetts Society of CPAs goes the extra mile for members facing mental health issues and stress. Here are some of its leadership tips and proven tools to help members cope when they need it most.
[Sponsored] Your association’s usual strategies for reaching its audience might not work so well right now. Performance marketing can help you sharpen your aim.
John Graham IV, FASAE, CAE, will be inducted into the Events Industry Council's Hall of Leaders. Also: A medical association stands up for a doctor facing criminal charges for distributing the COVID-19 vaccine rather than wasting it.
It’s not just about a pretty picture. Bennie Johnson, executive director of AIGA, discusses how the central concepts of the graphic design organization can translate to leadership.
One Virginia-based association management and meetings firm has been back in the office since June 2020. A combination of staff buy-in, safety guidelines, and flexibility helped them return to the office, even as the pandemic continued to grow.
[Sponsored] How associations can adapt to the times with research and the right technology.
The American Telemedicine Association launches an equity initiative. Also: The longtime CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce plans to step aside.
Research shows that boards are busier than ever now, but working from a distance has created new pressure to make all of that effort effective.
Host events that inform and inspire with the right combination of creativity and tech.
[Sponsored] As associations adapt to challenges ushered in by the global pandemic, new research by Personify provides a guidepost for strategic decision-making.
The National Press Photographers Association prioritizes member safety year-round. During the Capitol Insurrection on January 6, the group used social media to not only share information and safety suggestions but also to communicate with journalists who were on the ground.
If you’re considering starting an active job search in the new year, keep in mind that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed what that process looks like. A certified career coach shares advice on making the most of job hunting in 2021.
Although it can be difficult to keep virtual attendees engaged, it’s imperative that you do—and it must go beyond a chat feature. A look at some investments for associations to make to improve engagement.
When done right, print materials can help associations connect with their digital audiences and engage them on a deeper level.
Nobody wanted or expected a year like this one. But as 2020 ends, it's a good time to look at a few lessons worth hanging on to.
The pandemic has created challenges for professionals who wish to maintain their association certifications. What members need will vary across professions, but these five tips can help you assess how to help them.
The International Air Transport Association is creating a "digital health pass" for global travelers that could allow borders to reopen safely. Also: why you should lean on interviews for virtual events.
Celebrating turkey day remotely? A few associations have offered ways to transition the festivities to an online setting.
It’s safe to say no one anticipated spending so much time with family this year. The pandemic brought us closer than ever before—in a good way (mostly). These bonus hours have brought many silver linings.
Hotels around the country are attracting consumers by playing up their productivity value. Also: An association exec reflects on his time with Alex Trebek on Jeopardy!
As employees face stress from the pandemic, lockdowns, social injustice, and politics, their mental health can suffer. Employers don’t have to stand by helplessly, though. Experts suggest taking several steps to help staff stay healthy and productive.
Associations were quick to convert their conferences to virtual events when COVID-19 halted in-person meetings. Looking ahead, associations and their attendees are eager to get back together face to face. But how?
With more people working and attending school from home, and relying on the internet for remote healthcare because of COVID-19, the digital divide has never been more apparent. The National Association of Counties is partnering with diverse groups to address broadband service gaps.
Unlike face-to-face conferences, virtual events don’t need to be limited to a set amount of back-to-back days. Keeping that in mind may help you create a schedule that better meets your stakeholders’ needs.
Successful businesses will not just react, but actively move forward.
Even superstar in-person speakers may need help with online presentations. That’s why a detailed speaker instruction manual is essential for a successful virtual event.
The staff roles required for virtual conferences are a little bit different than those you may typically have for an in-person event. A look at some roles to consider as you plan future virtual programs.
Associations have found plenty of new ways to collaborate remotely since the pandemic began, including with snazzy, multifunctional technologies. But sometimes a solution as simple as a shared document is the most accessible and efficient way to pool your members' expertise and ideas.
As many associations continue to work remotely, recognizing and rewarding staff in a virtual world has become a hot topic. Making employees feel valued can be as simple as kind words or as elaborate as treats delivered to their doorsteps.
If you’re looking to create a memorable virtual conference, here are five ideas for injecting some fun—and even animals—into the attendee experience.
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.
As associations shift their events to all-virtual formats, there are several elements to rethink, including how to manage language interpretation. Some tips for breaking down language barriers in remote meetings.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg wasn’t just an iconic Supreme Court justice; she was also a leader in the world of nonprofit advocacy. Also: Music venues learn the value of working together on policy issues.
[Sponsored] Here’s how Phoenix’s event business has adapted deftly in the pandemic.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences reveals new diversity requirements for the Oscars’ Best Picture category—and welcomes the discussion the changes have created. Also: The Boston Marathon makes remote running work.
With cries for racial justice still prevalent and the pandemic continuing, USTA wanted to take a stand that honored its long-held stance on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Its new Be Open campaign shares the stories of people, communities, and causes that exemplify the spirit of “being open.”
The employment landscape has been rewritten by the COVID-19 pandemic. To stand out and succeed, experts say job seekers need to show they can adapt to challenges and have digital acumen. From the moment the pandemic struck, the skills needed at associations changed. Associations looking for new talent want to make sure they hire staff […]
Breaking down unnecessary barriers to recruitment will serve your organization. Also: An empathetic leader can build relationships and help employees grow.
[Sponsored] A behind-the-scenes look at the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development’s COVID response strategy.
Giving your audience something to do can bring them closer to your brand. Also: A 10-minute SEO strategy for associations.
As the pandemic continues to keep many associations working remotely, they are also having to hire and onboard in this environment. One organization that’s done virtual onboarding well shares what made their process a success.
The IEEE Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology sends member volunteers around the world to help local communities use technology to solve problems close to home.
Some associations are frustrated at still having to pay for office space while the COVID-19 pandemic keeps employees at home. A commercial real estate expert suggests organizations look at their lease terms, consider their options, and work with the landlord to help mitigate the financial strain.
[Sponsored] A snapshot of the National Association of Secondary School Principals pandemic response.
With the shift away from dedicated offices, we’re using more cloud services than before—and likely spending more than we need to, leading to sticker shock. Here are some suggestions to keep your cloud computing expenses in check.
The Consumer Technology Association announced a fully virtual format for its marquee event after previously preparing for a hybrid meeting. Also: how HR can stave off employee burnout.
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.
Although associations may be able to hold smaller, in-person events that maintain social-distancing mandates, a lot of people may still not feel comfortable traveling or attending. To navigate this, more associations will implement a hybrid strategy for all of their meetings.
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.
How to pick the ideal candidate and establish a relationship. Also: Email ransomware attacks are once again on the rise.
Employees who feel a sense of belonging are more engaged and loyal, yet minorities are more likely to feel left out, according to new research from the Center for Talent Innovation. With a few changes, organizations can improve feelings of belonging.
Obviously, information technology requires a focus on security and the organization’s bigger picture. But a too-prescriptive approach to IT can lead your staff’s most innovative thinkers to feel stifled—and that could be a threat to more than just your network.
One association switched from a cumbersome, one-size-fits-all new member onboarding process to a more personalized digital one and got excellent results with better member engagement and retention.
When in-person events resume, they will look very different. A new whitepaper by the International Association of Exhibitions and Events dives into what organizers will have to change to prioritize health and safety.
As associations make plans to reopen their offices, many staff members will feel anxious about returning to work. An expert offers tips for employers and employees to help mitigate fears and concerns. As organizations make plans to reopen their offices, many employees are feeling anxious about going back. A recent survey from Best Practice Institute […]
One association recognized well before the global pandemic that its members needed resources to help them manage stress, depression, and other mental health issues. Then COVID-19 hit, and the online resource became timelier than they ever anticipated.
[Sponsored] During this unprecedented time, associations must leverage creativity, communication and compassion to survive and stay ahead.
With COVID-19 changing the definition of what graduating means for many high school and college students, alumni associations are trying new ideas to ensure the big day still has a special feel.
A snapshot of leading associations reveals that successful member engagement in a crisis environment requires a more personal touch that speaks to both the head and the heart.
Testing out new ideas can seem overwhelming right now. But there may be no better time to do it.
Taking a meeting over video is one thing; putting on a virtual event is another entirely. Here are some tech tips worth having at the ready if you need better video quality than a laptop webcam can offer.
The quickly organized spring counterpart to #GivingTuesday drew a surge in donations, early numbers show. Also: Don’t misjudge your audience.
While you might be focused on your external messaging at the moment, email is an important channel for your employees as well—especially when all-hands meetings are harder to organize.
At a time of great uncertainty, many human resources departments are putting more emphasis on happiness and employee morale than ever—and that may be raising the role’s long-term value.
COVID-19 has forced hard questions about how to handle urgent needs and think ahead. History reminds us not to get too pessimistic and to take a look at governance.
Tons of new distractions are surfacing these days. Here are a few ideas for helping to maintain your focus in these strange times.
All that businesses need to use the new tool, designed for making quick clips on the fly, is a Google account. Also: The hiring process requires more than gut feeling.
An association at the heart of the coronavirus crisis has been building meaningful partnerships, if faster than it would like.
Quick and effective ways to get volunteers who will make a difference.
COVID-19 has spurred organizations to work remotely, schools to close, and conferences to cancel. Amid the uncertainty, it’s time to talk to your sponsors about what you’re doing and offer them ways to still bring value to your members.
Good SEO strategies can promote any content marketing goals.
How organizations can give volunteers a meaningful experience. Also: keeping the job search going when career opportunities decrease.
A high-profile vulnerability recently disclosed in Microsoft Exchange is being exploited by state-level actors, warn security experts. Fortunately, there is a patch available.
How learning to let go of perfectionism can improve productivity. Also: what young members expect from their associations.
Learn about your attendees to deliver the right event experience. Also: how to make young professionals feel at home at your meetings.
[Sponsored] Phoenix-based Cloth & Flame is transforming events into experiences. Here’s how you can learn from their success.
In the new year, make a resolution to bolster your organization’s cyber defenses. Justin Brady, account manager at SyCom Technologies, forecasts a few cybersecurity issues that many associations will face soon—if they aren’t already.
[Sponsored] MGM Resorts recognizes and answers the ever-growing need for innovative and cohesive technology configurations in meeting and convention spaces.
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.
“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.
Feeling stuck on how to switch up this year’s conference? Try this way of thinking. Also: how to strengthen communication as a remote employee.
[Sponsored] The destination of a life sciences event should reflect the greater purpose of such a gathering—solving health challenges for millions worldwide.
With members seeking help advancing their careers, associations are creating rich mentorship programs that assist students and early-career professionals by tapping into the knowledge and generosity of experienced members.
Looking to teach new volunteers the governance ropes? Take advantage of your LMS for orientation.
Smile your way to a more memorable conference experience. Also: why employees don’t understand their benefits.
Change is inevitable, and it usually affects members. At the Yoga Alliance, member engagement and the creation of a feedback loop has helped the group undertake the process of updating its yoga teaching standards while maintaining members' trust.
For decades, social clubs have brought people together, and today a new crop of venture-backed clubs is emerging. What membership challenges and opportunities do clubs face, and what can associations learn from them?
Several states are considering, and some have adopted, legislation that imposes sales tax on out-of-state sellers. Associations could feel the impact and are working to sort out a patchwork of varying requirements.
Leverage your association’s community by connecting online groups to your organization’s larger mission. Also: Unless board practices change, gender equality won’t happen until 2055.
Not every member will be able to attend your conference in person. Online meeting technology can help bridge that gap. Also: the disparities behind Equal Pay Day.
Not all of your members will be able to attend the annual meeting. For those who miss it, a virtual expo can be a great way to remotely engage people in professional development.
The concept of virtualization, long popular for remote access to computers, could offer your organization an alternative to keeping outdated operating systems around just for the sake of a single app.
A needs assessment isn’t a once-a-year (or longer!) gig—it’s something your association should be focusing on habitually. Also: networking opportunities for remote employees.
When your nonprofit is just starting out, a budget is a critical tool to managing and growing your organization. Also: when to put out a post-event recap.
The American Meteorological Society’s 2019 Annual Meeting starts in Phoenix this weekend. But thanks to the government shutdown, at least 500 fewer attendees are expected. AMS is preparing for the worst, while hoping for the best.
The podcasting market, which is growing into a major media force of its own, is fostering an array of new tracking standards, including one produced by NPR. The Interactive Advertising Bureau, meanwhile, is launching a certification campaign.
Traveling for business? This one tip could save your budget. Also: why you aren’t having a company holiday party.
Does some of the reasoning experts give for compressed workdays also apply to multiday events? Some things to think about before making a cut.
Today, even your phone can be virtual. Here’s how one association is using virtual phones to save money and collaborate.
In Can You Hear Me? How to Connect With People, CNN commentator Nick Morgan explains how to build better digital relationships.
Leading an organization is already a deeply challenging thing, but it becomes even tougher when you’re mostly doing it through digital interfaces. The recent decision by Linux creator Linus Torvalds to take a break to work on his personal conduct speaks to the fundamental nature of this challenge.
Associations can enlist their members to participate in quick-sprint hackathons to help develop new products and services. In exchange, participants get a highly engaging experience. Here’s what one hackathon looked like at #ASAE18.
A new academic study finds that the incivility of email can have an effect on an employee’s output—as well as that of their partner, who also deals with the added inbox stress.
Unlike schools, associations aren’t off for summer. But that doesn’t mean the office doesn’t respond to the hot weather months. Here’s how some workplaces accommodate the season.
It’s no secret that podcasts are rising in popularity. Here’s how the American Camp Association created its CampWire podcast as an extension of the content it’s already producing.
A few more ways you can get your staff firing on all cylinders when it comes to learning a new software tool.
This app brings remote teams together in virtual spaces.
Major hotel brands are phasing out mini toiletry bottles for larger pump bottles. Also: Beth’s Blog shares helpful tips for creating a happier and healthier workplace culture.
To better ensure the safety of those whitewater rafting along the Arkansas River, the Arkansas River Outfitters Association has announced a plan to place automatic external defibrillators at eight key areas along the river.
A Conference Board report suggests that employers may decide to hire more remote employees or lower education requirements to help make up for a global hiring crunch.
The Women’s Fiction Writers Association brings members together with a glass of wine via virtual happy hours, which are streamed live and posted online.
Upside and Dress for Success partner up to deliver a national day to honor business travelers. Also: How to keep remote employees feeling connected.
Virtual meeting ambassadors reduce the digital divide.
Wanting to do good work and test new ideas doesn’t require memes—we’re already wired to do it. But leaders can do more to make sure that enthusiasm isn’t stifled.
A pharma visionary reflects on risk management and measured growth.
The association convened three dozen professionals and experts to ensure its scenario-based cybersecurity certification exam was meeting industry needs.
From advocacy to orientation, there were plenty of challenges for leaders, but also some new opportunities.
The American Tinnitus Association is now in the DC area after decades in Oregon. A move can go smoothly, it learned—but take a close look at that copier lease.
To drive deeper engagement and a sense of community, the National Art Educators Association exhibits members’ creative talents both in person and remotely.
Two associations created NEXTT to address passenger travel that’s expected to double by 2036 at airports that are already close to capacity.
Building volunteer bench strength requires a wide roster of members. When you’re assembling a qualified team, be on the lookout for these four types of volunteers, and be ready to provide the support they need.
The association says that more than three-quarters of consumers surveyed now put a passcode on their devices, and many are taking steps to secure their devices from threats both online and offline.
The valuable knowledge delivered at your conferences deserves a life that lasts longer than a few days. From livestreaming and hashtags to webinars and podcasts, associations are getting savvier at making conference wisdom part of a year-round content strategy that adds value for attendees and engages a wider audience. For association professionals taking time away […]
An online board portal boosts collaboration and security for the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania.
ASAE Foundation's future-focused research forecasts change drivers.
The Society for Simulation in Healthcare tapped members as social ambassadors to promote a week-long online advocacy effort.
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.
A disaster recovery plan is essential to keeping your organization running in the case of a natural disaster. But it’s only effective if your staff knows what’s in it and how to implement it.
After nearly three weeks of natural disasters, many associations are responding by offering support and resources to members in some of the hardest-hit storm zones—prioritizing what and how they communicate to keep the focus on recovery.
Broadband internet is a given in many cities and suburbs, but in rural areas, it’s harder to come by. But that’s not for lack of trying by a variety of nonprofit groups.
VR technology may help your organization connect with Gen Z. Also: A common piece of career advice may actually be hurting women.
The automated teller machine, a device that has changed the way we interact with money, celebrated a golden anniversary this week. The ATM Industry Association, which itself is turning 20 this year, is ready to celebrate.
In an era when a lot of technology gets outsourced or bought from outside vendors, there’s still plenty of market opportunity from having something built from scratch with internal resources. The challenge, of course, is figuring out what that might be—and resourcing for it.
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.
Groups that host hybrid conferences don’t want their virtual attendees to feel left out. That’s why many are turning to staff, volunteers, and other experts to make sure the virtual audience feels just as connected as those onsite.
A number of groups are helping Americans make the most of their summers, while raising awareness of their industries at the same time.
Some ways that small-staff associations can protect their financial assets and deter fraud by gathering support outside of the finance department. The bottom line: Don’t go it alone.
A new website from CTIA, the U.S. wireless industry, will help consumers, businesses, and police identify lost or stolen smartphones available for resale.
A team from the American Dental Association visits dentist offices to listen to members’ unmet needs.
It’s too early to say whether or not associations should take edge computing, the successor to cloud computing, seriously. But what should be taken seriously is its potential. Any good association IT department should research potential disruptors ahead of time.
Global Meetings Industry Day honors the positive impact of meetings on communities. Also: Make your next meeting feel a little more like home.
Offering volunteer opportunities can be one of the most effective ways to bring members closer to your association. But the work they do needs to benefit the volunteer as well as the organization. One way to deepen member engagement is create enough different opportunities to match your members’ volunteering preferences.
Transforming your association to be more digitally strategic takes a radical change in mindset. Also: Don’t make these membership engagement errors.
Five reasons to consider live streaming your next event.
PNP Staffing Group’s “2017 Association Salaries, Staffing & Trends Report” reveals some common threads among associations, including organizational priorities and the effects of more millennials in the workplace.
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.
Association CEO compensation is up these days. That's good news for execs, but it can have a broader ripple effect too.
Onboarding is an essential piece of the membership engagement puzzle. While many associations have an onboarding campaign that includes targeted messages, it can be easy to overlook the value of making face time with new members.
Five association professionals offer tips on attracting and retaining top talent. Not to be a Scrooge, but here’s some potentially distressing news: Three-out-of-10 employees will likely leave your association within the next two years. That’s what global advisory Willis Towers Watson found in two major studies this year. “Given today’s shifting workplace and how technology […]
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.
Last week, the Broadband Internet Technology Advisory Group released a report with Internet of Things security and privacy recommendations.
A nonprofit firm is working with a drone-delivery startup and one of the world’s largest logistics companies to create a drone-delivery network in Rwanda. The goal? To deliver important medical supplies throughout the country.
Conference structure in the years to come, according to the German Convention Bureau's Future Meeting Space research project.
Leaders steer the culture of their organizations, actively or not. But leading well demands an awareness of when managing becomes controlling.
At #ASAE16, Learning Lab Speaker Mark Sedgley told attendees that aligning your association’s mission, values, and benefits will attract, engage, and retain talent.
You can do everything to ensure your security is top-of-the-line, but inevitably, there are limits to the measures you can take. Even measures considered best practices have inherent weaknesses and are full of edge cases you haven't even considered. Case in point: The federal government recently pointed toward recent flaws in the popular two-factor authentication method.
With HR departments starting to embrace the technology, telemedicine is on track to see massive growth in 2016. According to a new American Telemedicine Association report, states are doing better than ever at lowering regulatory barriers to allow the practice.
According to a new report, the travel industry accounts for one in 11 jobs across the world. Plus: Consider your opposition.
Free your organization from the constraints of traditional thinking and discover new ways to manage freelancers. Plus: Some reasons you may not eventually be replaced by a robot.
A recently released report looked at 18 trends, technologies, and challenges that will affect higher education in the next five years. But they’ll also have an impact on associations, as those students become members.
As part of a deal that led to the passage of the Internet Tax Freedom Act last month, Congress will be taking a fresh look at online sales tax legislation. But state governments that have been waiting to collect taxes for more than two decades are ready to take matters into their own hands.
The author of a chapter in the new edition of Membership Essentials shares advice on getting colleagues in other departments invested in the value of membership.
In sometimes surprising ways, associations play direct and indirect roles in bringing the products, services, and activities of daily life to people around the world. Including smartphones.
How supporting international volunteer work within your organization can teach leadership skills that your members and staff will rely on for a lifetime.
Two recent surveys highlight some of the biggest challenges facing accounting and finance professionals in the nonprofit industry.
Technology isn’t the answer to everything, but it may be for challenges facing nonprofits’ finance departments, according to a new study.
With a recent plane crash raising concerns of the dangers of flying over conflict zones, the International Air Transport Association—citing a new report on last year's deadly Ukraine crash—is calling on governments to improve their sharing of security threats with airlines.
A new study published by the Association for Psychological Science points out the importance of building relationships with coworkers in person, which can be difficult for full-time telecommuters.
As the rapid computerization of cars and other devices goes hand in hand with the rise of cybersecurity risks, industry leaders are moving to create solutions before those risks lead to major problems.
Hiring via video makes remote feel face-to-face.
In the wake of a recent report highlighting the potential for vehicle hacking on the roads, the Electronic Frontier Foundation said that hackers should have the right to analyze the software in vehicles—a stance the auto industry disagrees with.
The little card that ties a single phone to a single network could be on the chopping block as the GSM Association works with Apple and Samsung on an update that could have broad support from mobile providers.
As the epic Swiss mountain celebrates a notable anniversary, local associations around the Matterhorn are working to ensure that the mountain remains environmentally sound and that climbers are safe. Their strategy? Limiting the number of people who can climb at a given time.
For about an hour last week, it seemed like we were facing the second coming of the Y2K bug, when three large computer platforms broke down within hours of one another, for reasons having nothing to do with security breaches. The situation highlights a basic problem at the enterprise level: Systems don't age well and are poorly maintained.
The National Association of Manufacturers has launched program that educates its top members on government relations. It’s an idea that even associations that don’t lobby can learn from.
A number of associations and advocacy groups in the civil liberties space have walked away from the bargaining table due to an impasse over the consumer use of facial-recognition technology. The problem? As the groups put it, it's far easier to change your password than your face.
The BioCommunications Association’s 85th Annual Meeting opens next week in Santa Fe.
Marijuana legalization gets some fresh legal backing with the establishment of bar association. Plus: Twitter gives users more control of who they block.
An association expert reveals a list of tools to help small teams compete in the wildly competitive digital space. Plus: What's the real environmental impact of an event?
The boating community mourns the death and remembers the achievements of a cofounder of the Boat Owners Association of the United States. Plus: CEO Update aims to recognize the industry's best leaders.
As the dashboard gets more tech bells and whistles, concerns are emerging that cars could be vulnerable to hacking. Several automotive groups are looking to reassure wary consumers that private driver data will be protected.
Officials with the American Association of Orthodontists are strongly recommending that the public skip treatment advice on the internet—because, if it goes wrong, the risks can be very high.
While the optics of a drone crashing near the White House didn't exactly look all that great for the unmanned aerial vehicle industry, groups say it's simply more evidence that the FAA needs to take action on the issue.
The American Institute of Architects is facing scrutiny from an activist industry group that argues that the organization's ethics policy does not do enough to stop architects from designing structures that can be used for torture. The activist movement, however, has thus far had no success with AIA's board.
How the National Association of Police Organizations has managed two high-profile cases involving deaths of unarmed citizens at the hands of police officers. Also: Are virtual teams better than those that share offices?
n a move designed to ease operations, the Cruise Lines Industry Association will move its member operations and lobbying efforts into a single office in Washington, DC. It's a tough move, as many of its employees currently work out of a Florida office.
Author U provides support and resources to help members turn ideas into books.
Technology advancements, rising competition, and revenue imperatives are changing the meeting planner’s role. Today, it’s more integral to an association’s success than ever. Say hello to the new strategic meetings manager.
For health and tech enthusiasts or retail and art lovers, there’s something for every meeting attendee.
Conventions and expos are back in big business.
The cable and internet giant Comcast is in the middle of a major shift on customer service, after being dogged about it for years. The odds that it'll fix the problems right away are slim—and that highlights the role technology infrastructure plays in keeping standards high.
Thanks, in part, to a push by the Motion Picture Association of America, a handful of film-production crews will be able to use the unmanned devices to get a perfect shot.
Just because you want to give your attendees a piece of your event year-round doesn't mean they want it. Aim carefully so they don't get sick of you. Also: IBM takes the freemium route with Watson.
Your attendees don’t just want to sit back and watch speakers present. They want to be part of the action and have an immersive experience. Making that happen will mean deeper engagement and more satisfied conference attendees.
Putting the wireless industry on the defensive, the Golden State has passed a law that will require the antitheft mechanism to be automatically enabled on new devices sold starting next summer. Trade group CTIA cautions this approach could lead to inconsistencies in rules nationwide.
The American Motorcyclist Association's new discount could come in handy on remote roads, where a mobile signal is anything but a sure thing—or if, heaven forbid, a member's bike is stolen.
With evidence of a drop in iPhone thefts after Apple introduced a "kill switch" on its devices, industry efforts to voluntarily introduce the anti-theft mechanism are beginning to bear fruit—with Google and Microsoft recently stepping up to the plate. But the possibility of legislative or regulatory mandates on the issue lingers.
With two new member offerings, the Southern California Genealogical Society is making it cheaper for members to research their lineage.
How one association, the Society of American Florists, handles its mobile device policy for its staff.
The tech giant's new Azure RemoteApp could offer a way for IT managers to keep their legacy Windows apps running in a mobile ecosystem. But Microsoft's platform doesn't lack competition.
While public officials approve of the mobile industry's move to offer free software that allows users to disable stolen smartphones, some say the CTIA's plan should be opt-out, not opt-in.
Last week's announcement by the Supreme Court that it would consider the legality of streaming video startup Aereo could shake up the business landscape around two key technologies: Over-the-air broadcasting and cloud computing.
Boost staff morale without breaking the bank (or more specifically, spending a penny). Plus: Debunking the cloud computing myths.
How nonprofit firms like Watsi and Pencils of Promise are bringing startup approaches to charitable causes. Also: Advice for exhibitors that can't make it to every trade show.
It took CTIA: The Wireless Association a while—and some prodding—to create a voluntary policy on allowing consumers to unlock their phones, but it released one on Thursday. That doesn't mean tech enthusiasts are happy with the results.
The AllSeen Alliance, a new open-source group launched with the Linux Foundation’s help and a tech giant’s generosity, hopes to help your many devices talk to one another.
Looking for a unique way to showcase your state or region’s assets? Capitalize on new technology like Visit Florida and its partner Google Maps, which captured more than 7.5 million images of the state’s beaches to help promote tourism.
Dropbox hopes to use its popularity with the public to help drive even more popularity with the business world, and the company is looking for some massive funding to make it happen.
Seven apps your event planner should use. Plus: The technology that makes digital face-to-face interaction possible, and how it applies to your association.
Facebook's search bar gets an upgrade. Plus: How a digital world might make physical spaces seem a bit out of date.
Well-known keynoters, high attendee numbers, and hundreds of education sessions are nice, but they don’t guarantee a successful meeting. What does? Designing a learning experience your members can’t re-create or find elsewhere. Take a cue from two associations that have been there, done that—and ended up with more engaged attendees.
With smartphones, tablets, and apps changing the face of modern life, it’s only natural that these technologies would change meetings too—for planners and attendees.
The potential for unmanned vehicles, better known to the public as "drones," remains massive despite its ongoing association with international warfare. But with the industry facing protests outside its annual meeting, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International is working hard to change the messaging around the devices.
Last week, AOL CEO Tim Armstrong tried to ease the pressure before layoffs hit the company's struggling Patch business, but a momentary loss of cool overshadowed what was meant to be a reassuring moment. Here's how you can avoid a similar incident.
Why your organization should focus on detailed language in its calls to action. Also: How to keep the communication cables alive between your telecommuting employees.
How to keep pace with mobile members through networking, streaming and content publishing.
More attendees are saying goodbye to laptops and hello to mobile devices. What does higher demand for WiFi at hotels and events mean for meeting planners?
Office professionals are often left relying on themselves when it comes to professional development, according to the International Association of Administrative Professionals, which is urging employers to increase skills training for these workers, especially in the area of technology.
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.
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.
Does face time result in more innovation? Yahoo said “yes” when it ended telecommuting. And new meetings research reveals the same. But how do you show the value of your association’s in-person offerings?
With two recent brand-hacking incidents, Twitter is facing rising calls to improve its security. How can you keep your own association's brand safe on social media? We have a few ideas.
One of the most-widely used pieces of software in the world has struggled to shake off a wide array of security issues. If you use it, is it time to change platforms?
From Oprah to Ben & Jerry, these titans of industry each have their own management styles. What can you learn from them?
Associations, including AAA, are playing key roles in keeping both consumers and station owners informed as the industry deals with gas shortages.
How Starbucks introduced a new store feature based on consumer research. Also: How to think around an issue.
A recent study found higher productivity and job satisfaction among people who work remotely compared with office workers. But what are the costs of working virtually?
California’s new sales-tax law could mean more-expensive online shopping — and for some, the need to collect taxes.
