How to find non-traditional non-dues revenue
Far too often, associations associate non-dues revenues with cash grabs. These attempts, such as affinity programs, used to be a lot more profitable – especially before the internet made it too easy for members to shop and find deals on their own. I view non-dues revenue as a way of thinking through what your members need […]
Does your conference need a networking facilitator?
Are you asking yourself… what the heck is a networking facilitator? I would have asked the same question 10 years ago. But modern conference goals and a good bit of research suggest that one of the most impactful parts of your conference may be the choice to add a networking facilitator to your schedule. Quality […]
Mind the engagement gap
Millennials became the majority of the workforce in 2015 and, ever since, many leaders have treated their arrival much like they would if aliens had landed in New York City – with fear and skepticism and, often, a defensive stance. But the real reason why everyone has questioned, disliked and avoided the Millennials isn’t because […]
Is your association on Day 1 or Day 2?
Have you heard about Day 1 and Day 2? I had not until JP Guilbault CEO of YourMembership mentioned it at the company’s recent conference. A few days later, my dad mailed me the first pages of Amazon’s 2016 year-end annual report, which is a letter from the company’s CEO to shareholders. I find the letter […]
Are we ready for the robots?
People. As members, as staff, as experts, as consultants and as communities, associations need people. And people – as members, as staff, as experts, as consultants and as communities – need associations. As we move into a future when the position of many working people is unknown and unstable, what are the repercussions for associations, […]
7 more low-cost ways to boost conference engagement
We already talked about five ways association meeting planners can plan events to create more and better conversations amongst participants, making for a more engaging experience. Find seven more ideas for creating engaging events below! 6. GET PEOPLE TO MOVE We’ve all heard sitting is the new smoking. So, get people to move! Teach people […]
5 ways to lose a millennial
We’re lazy narcissists. We destroy everything. We gave up home ownership in favor of avocado toast. Love us or hate us, we’re the largest generation to date, and we are job hunting. If you are unlike the many who are working to attract us as employees, here are five ways to craft the work environment that will lead us […]
How do we solve the workforce crisis?
The year was 2000. The startup that launched in 1998 had outgrown the garage, relocating to a nondescript building in an office park a couple of miles off the highway. Outside that building, on an asphalt parking lot, yellow police tape marked off an area where employees played roller hockey. The games were full contact. […]
5 low-cost ways to boost engagement at your next conference
There has been a rise in “unconferences” at meetings of late in response to meeting delegates increasingly shunning lecture-style, didactic conferences. Google explains an unconference as “a loosely structured conference emphasizing the informal exchange of information and ideas between participants, rather than following a conventionally structured program of events.” The thought of planning a completely […]
How to manage your manager
How many times have you presented what you thought was a great idea to your manager and been dismissed? It’s a little frustrating, isn’t it? Makes you wonder if all the effort you’re putting into your job is worth it. Should you start looking for the next job opportunity or stay the course to learn […]