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📢 Don’t have time to read the full report? We’ve got you covered!🎧 <a data-mce-href="https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/ff48388c-66cd-4ddb-930b-19ddb33b29bb/audio" href="https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/ff48388c-66cd-4ddb-930b-19ddb33b29bb/audio" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Purpose Under Pressure: Global Association Trends 2025 is now available as a podcast</a>.Instead of letting the report languish in your reading folder (you know, the one that’s basically the professional version of the veggie drawer – where good intentions go to die), you can listen in while walking the dog, commuting, or driving. In this podcast we break down the biggest global trends shaping associations in 2025 – from member expectations and tech disruptions to financial stress and the evolution of leadership – all in an easy, engaging format.🟦<a data-mce-href="https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/ff48388c-66cd-4ddb-930b-19ddb33b29bb/audio" href="https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/ff48388c-66cd-4ddb-930b-19ddb33b29bb/audio" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Listen Now﻿</a>

🎧 Podcast: Purpose Under Pressure

I’m thrilled to launch the <a data-mce-href="https://cdn.commoninja.com/asset/71325ca9-72ce-44b2-a5fb-b0a46fceb782.pdf" href="https://cdn.commoninja.com/asset/71325ca9-72ce-44b2-a5fb-b0a46fceb782.pdf" target="_blank">Purpose Under Pressure: Global Association Trends in 2025 </a>report.&nbsp;This isn’t just another white paper gathering digital dust. It’s the most comprehensive global research project into associations I’ve ever undertaken – and quite possibly, the most honest snapshot of our sector you’ll read this year.With insights from 586 professionals across 30 countries, the research dives headfirst into the real-world challenges and shifts shaping associations today – from the pressure of financial sustainability and workforce burnout to the cautious curiosity around AI, and the make-or-break importance of strategy, engagement, and purpose.Here’s a taste of what we uncovered:<ul><li>84% say financial sustainability is a top concern – and yet, many are still experimenting with new revenue while their core income streams wobble.</li><li>Only 0.3% of associations have fully embedded AI across operations – despite 92% expecting it to positively impact their organisation.</li><li>Volunteers are giving 40+ hours a month in many cases – but often without the structure, recognition, or support they need.</li><li>72% say tech implementation is a major barrier – not because of the tools, but because the support to use them well isn’t there.</li><li>Engagement is no longer about activity – it’s about connection. 85% cite it as a top concern, yet most still struggle to deliver emotional relevance fast enough.</li></ul>In short: the pressure is real, but so is the opportunity.&nbsp;This report cuts through the noise to provide clarity. It outlines five strategic imperatives every association needs to navigate right now:<ol><li>Navigate an uncertain environment</li><li>Build strategic infrastructure</li><li>Strengthen financial sustainability</li><li>Deliver meaningful value</li><li>Lead with purpose </li></ol>And yes – there’s data. Lots of it. But there’s also commentary, stories, and practical actions you can use immediately with your team or board.<a data-mce-href="https://cdn.commoninja.com/asset/71325ca9-72ce-44b2-a5fb-b0a46fceb782.pdf" href="https://cdn.commoninja.com/asset/71325ca9-72ce-44b2-a5fb-b0a46fceb782.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">📘 Download the Full Report here&nbsp;</a>📍Register for a Face to Face Briefing. Register for the face-to-face events below to gain an in-person overview of the findings:<ul><li><a data-mce-href="https://imex-frankfurt.com/newfront/sessions/60929" href="https://imex-frankfurt.com/newfront/sessions/60929">IMEX</a>. Frankfurt (May 21)</li><li>Association Leaders eXchange. <a data-mce-href="https://events.answers.net.au/AssociationLeaderseXchangeMelbourne1#/" href="https://events.answers.net.au/AssociationLeaderseXchangeMelbourne1#/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Melbourne</a> (May 29), <a data-mce-href="https://events.answers.net.au/AssociationLeaderseXchangeCanberra1#/" href="https://events.answers.net.au/AssociationLeaderseXchangeCanberra1#/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Canberra </a>(June 12), <a data-mce-href="https://events.answers.net.au/AssociationLeaderseXchangeBrisbaneRescheduled#/" href="https://events.answers.net.au/AssociationLeaderseXchangeBrisbaneRescheduled#/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Brisbane</a> (Aug 29), <a data-mce-href="https://events.answers.net.au/AssociationLeaderseXchangeAuckland1#/" href="https://events.answers.net.au/AssociationLeaderseXchangeAuckland1#/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Auckland </a>(Sep 04), &nbsp;<a data-mce-href="https://events.answers.net.au/AssociationLeaderseXchangeSydney1#/" href="https://events.answers.net.au/AssociationLeaderseXchangeSydney1#/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sydney </a>(Sep 12)</li><li><a data-mce-href="https://events.answers.net.au/AssociationLeadersRetreat2025#/" href="https://events.answers.net.au/AssociationLeadersRetreat2025#/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Association Leaders Retreat</a> Port Douglas (28-30 July)&nbsp;</li></ul><a data-mce-href="https://events.answers.net.au/GlobalTrendsinAssociationsKeyInsightsfromSectorResearch#/" href="https://events.answers.net.au/GlobalTrendsinAssociationsKeyInsightsfromSectorResearch#/">📅 Register for an Online Briefing</a>.&nbsp;Want to learn more? We are running three online briefings sessions so register for the time that works best for you (a link to the recording will be sent to all registrants):<ul><li><a data-mce-href="https://events.answers.net.au/GlobalTrendsinAssociationsKeyInsightsfromSectorResearch#/" href="https://events.answers.net.au/GlobalTrendsinAssociationsKeyInsightsfromSectorResearch#/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Session 1: </a>📅 Wed 18 June. 🕗 Sydney: 8:00 AM AEST 🕚 London: 11:00 PM (17 June, BST) 🕛 Berlin: 12:00 AM (CEST) 🕕 New York: 6:00 PM (17 June, EDT) 🕒 Los Angeles: 3:00 PM (17 June, PDT)</li><li><a data-mce-href="https://events.answers.net.au/GlobalTrendsinAssociationsKeyInsightsfromSectorResearch#/" href="https://events.answers.net.au/GlobalTrendsinAssociationsKeyInsightsfromSectorResearch#/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Session 2:</a> 📅 Wed 18 June. 🕛 Sydney: 12:00 PM AEST 🕒 London: 3:00 AM (BST) 🕓 Berlin: 4:00 AM (CEST) 🕙 New York: 10:00 PM (17 June, EDT) 🕖 Los Angeles: 7:00 PM (17 June, PDT)</li><li><a data-mce-href="https://events.answers.net.au/GlobalTrendsinAssociationsKeyInsightsfromSectorResearch#/" href="https://events.answers.net.au/GlobalTrendsinAssociationsKeyInsightsfromSectorResearch#/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Session 3: </a>📅 Wed 18 June. 🕗 Sydney: 8:00 PM AEST 🕚 London: 11:00 AM (BST) 🕛 Berlin: 12:00 PM (CEST) 🕕 New York: 6:00 AM (EDT) 🕒 Los Angeles: 3:00 AM (PDT) </li></ul>Thank YouTo everyone who participated in the survey or helped spread the word – thank you. This is your report. Your honesty, frustrations, insights, and passion shaped every page.Read it. Share it. And let’s start having the right conversations about where we go next.

NEW RESEARCH: Purpose Under Pressure - Global Association Trends 2025

Ever heard of Stanley Levison or Clarence Benjamin Jones?They were some of the people two behind the early drafts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech.Jones was his attorney. Levison, a trusted advisor. King ultimately revised their drafts and made the message his own. The result? One of the most powerful, enduring speeches in human history.Now imagine if LinkedIn / Facebook / X / Insta etc existed back then ...“Ugh, MLK didn’t even write that by himself. Soooo cringe.”Sounds ridiculous, right?But that’s exactly how some people are treating the use of AI today. If you’re using AI to draft, research, refine, and sharpen your message and owning the final version then you’re doing what great communicators have always done: collaborating, iterating, elevating.Let’s stop equating slow old school manual effort with authenticity.Real authenticity is about standing behind your message — whether you brainstormed it solo, worked with a team, or collaborated with a very clever algorithm.AI isn’t cheating – it’s collaborating. It’s evolving. It’s progress.The next time someone rolls their eyes at AI-assisted content, remind them: Dr King didn’t create his most famous speech in isolation. Great communicators never go it alone. They tap into tools, teams, and talent to elevate their message.AI is just the newest member of that creative team.Want to explore what AI can do for your organisation?Join Julian Moore and other AI experts at the <a data-mce-href="https://events.answers.net.au/AssociationLeadersRetreat2025#/?lang=en" href="https://events.answers.net.au/AssociationLeadersRetreat2025#/?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Association Leaders Retreat</a> in Port Douglas, July 28–30. It’s shaping up to be a standout event (and yes, I’d suggest booking soon – accommodation’s going fast).In the meantime, if you’d like some tailored advice or just want to dip a toe in the AI waters, get in touch with <a data-mce-href="mailto:julian@smsonline.net.au" href="mailto:julian@smsonline.net.au">Julian Moore</a> here at SMS. He’s brilliant at helping associations cut through the hype and unlock real value of AI.&nbsp;

What MLK’s Speech Can Teach Us About AI and Authenticity

One of my passions is exploring the history of associations - their origins, impact, and remarkable ability to evolve. From medieval guilds to today’s vibrant professional communities, it's fascinating to see how associations have always been at the heart of progress and innovation. And yet, so many Board members, volunteers, and staff step into their roles without fully appreciating the rich history they’re part of. To bridge that gap (and because I couldn’t resist sharing the incredible stories I uncovered), I've put together <a data-mce-href="https://cdn.commoninja.com/asset/98a50f02-4092-4875-8e8e-b92449129263.pdf" href="https://cdn.commoninja.com/asset/98a50f02-4092-4875-8e8e-b92449129263.pdf" target="_blank">Associations: A Legacy of Collaboration, Influence, and Reinvention</a>This resource has been designed to help Boards, volunteers, and staff teams understand the bigger picture. It’s a fantastic induction tool as it gives context on why associations exist, how they’ve shaped sectors and society, and what we can learn from the past to stay relevant in the future.<a data-mce-href="https://cdn.commoninja.com/asset/98a50f02-4092-4875-8e8e-b92449129263.pdf" href="https://cdn.commoninja.com/asset/98a50f02-4092-4875-8e8e-b92449129263.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">🔹 Download your copy here</a>It’s an easy, engaging read (I promise—no dry history lessons!) and a fantastic induction tool. It shows how associations have influenced everything from trade and education to workers’ rights and industry standards - while also highlighting the risks of becoming stagnant and resistant to change.Whether you use it for onboarding, leadership development, or just because you enjoy reading the fascinating history of associations, I’d <a data-mce-href="mailto:belinda@smsonline.net.au" href="mailto:belinda@smsonline.net.au">love to hear what you think</a>.If you find it useful, please feel free to share it with others in your network. The more people who understand the power of associations, the better we can shape the future.

Associations: A Legacy of Collaboration, Influence, and Reinvention

I need your help with something important.We’re conducting a <a data-mce-href="https://associationresearch.org/" href="https://associationresearch.org/">global survey</a> to understand what’s happening in associations right now - what’s working, what’s not, what’s next, and what you need to know to stay ahead.Can you help?&nbsp;We want this survey to deliver practical, actionable insights that association professionals can use to make smarter strategic and operational decisions. But to get the best data, we need as many voices as possible. Could you please:📢 <a data-mce-href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QNRS99K" href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QNRS99K">Take the survey today﻿</a> - Your perspective matters. Whether you're an association professional, volunteer, or vendor, your input will help shape a clearer picture of where our sector is heading.💬 Share the survey link with your network – Forward this email, tag colleagues, or post on social media. Every response strengthens the data!⏳ Yes, it’s a comprehensive survey, but it’s important. Set aside 30 minutes, grab a coffee (or tea!), and make your voice count. Your responses are confidential, and the impact will be far-reaching.Our way of saying thanksAs a thank you for your time, you’ll receive access to:✅ A Complimentary Digital Report with key insights. ✅ An Exclusive Online Briefing breaking down the findings. ✅ A Q&amp;A Session where you can ask the researcher your burning questions.&nbsp;Together, we can build stronger, more resilient associations worldwide.I truly appreciate your time and support - thank you!

Global Association Research Initiative - Have your say!

Packed with insights from over 40 incredible contributors, it explores the challenges and opportunities reshaping associations in the coming year. It’s a goldmine of ideas for anyone ready to take their association to the next level. Inside, you’ll find:&nbsp;✅ Strategies for embracing AI without losing the human touch ✅ Fresh takes on membership models that engage and inspire ✅ Real stories of resilience and innovation from associations worldwide ✅ Practical tools to help you adapt and thriveWhether you're planning for the future, navigating technological shifts, or rethinking member engagement, this journal has been designed to spark ideas and provide practical guidance.I’m incredibly grateful to the talented contributors who generously shared their expertise to make this edition truly outstanding. A heartfelt thank you also goes to Tanya Busoli, Angela Shelton, Emily Churchley , and Jane Carey whose tireless efforts in editing, designing, and coordinating brought this journal to life. Your collaboration and commitment shine on every page.So, grab a coffee (or a wine!), take a moment to dive in, and let me know what resonates most with you. I’d love to hear your thoughts and the ideas sparked by this edition.👉 Get your copy here: <a data-mce-href="https://bit.ly/AEJ2025" href="https://bit.ly/AEJ2025" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://bit.ly/AEJ2025</a>&nbsp;

Blog

🎧 Podcast: Purpose Under Pressure

NEW RESEARCH: Purpose Under Pressure - Global Association...

What MLK’s Speech Can Teach Us About AI and Authenticity

Associations: A Legacy of Collaboration, Influence, and R...

Global Association Research Initiative - Have your say!

Associations Evolve: 2025 & Beyond Journal released today!