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As the association sector continues to evolve, it is important for CEOs and Boards to stay abreast of the latest trends and understand how they can impact their organisation. Here are a few that are particularly relevant at the moment:The rise of virtual events.As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the way we do business, virtual events have become an increasingly popular alternative to in-person events. This trend is likely to continue into 2023 and beyond, with many associations opting to host their conferences, meetings, and other events online.Increased focus on sustainability.Sustainability has long been an important issue, but it is becoming increasingly critical as the impacts of climate change become more evident. In 2023, it is likely that associations will be under pressure to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and to take steps to reduce their environmental impact.The importance of digital transformation.In the digital age, it is more important than ever for associations to have a strong online presence and to be able to communicate effectively with members through digital channels. In 2023, it is likely that associations that fail to embrace digital transformation will struggle to keep pace with their competitors.The rise of artificial intelligence and automation.Artificial intelligence and automation are changing the way we work and are likely to continue to do so in 2023. While these technologies have the potential to streamline processes and improve efficiency, they also have the potential to disrupt industries and displace jobs.The need for diversity and inclusion.In recent years, there has been an increased focus on diversity and inclusion within the association sector, and this trend is likely to continue in 2023. Associations that fail to prioritise diversity and inclusion may struggle to attract and retain members and may face reputational risks.The role of data and analytics.Data and analytics are becoming increasingly important in the association sector, as they can help organisations make informed decisions and better understand the needs and preferences of their members. In 2023, it is likely that associations that fail to effectively utilise data and analytics will struggle to keep pace with their competitors.The need for flexibility and agility.In a rapidly changing world, it is important for associations to be flexible and agile to respond to new challenges and opportunities. In 2023, it is likely that associations will need to be prepared to adapt quickly to changes in the market, technology, and regulatory environment.As the association sector continues to evolve, it is important associations to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and be proactive in adapting to these changes to better position themselves for success in 2023 and beyond.If you need a briefing on associations for your board or a facilitator to ensure the success of your next strategic planning process, please contact&nbsp;<a href="mailto:%20belinda@smsonline.net.au" data-mce-href="mailto:%20belinda@smsonline.net.au">Belinda Moore</a>.

Association Trends to Watch in 2023

Australasia’s first comic strip for Association Executives is now a book! Join Association Annie as she traverses the highs and lows of leading an association. Share the wonders and frustrations of dealing with Boards, staff, members, volunteers, sponsors, and other stakeholders while trying desperately to turn a struggling association into something relevant and sustainable.&nbsp;“Association Annie is a tongue-in-cheek look at the world of associations and some of the situations I have found myself (or my association clients) in from time-to-time. In the book you will join Association Annie as she traverses the highs and lows of leading an association. Share the wonders and frustrations of dealing with Boards, staff, members, volunteers, funders, and other stakeholders while trying desperately to turn a struggling association into something relevant and sustainable. All the scenarios are based on (or composites of) real situations the author has seen and experienced while working with associations, charities and other non-profits.” Belinda Moore<a href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/association-annie-herding-cats-belinda-moore/book/9780646810478.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.booktopia.com.au/association-annie-herding-cats-belinda-moore/book/9780646810478.html">The printed Association Annie comic book, Association Annie: Herding Cats, are available for purchase.</a>&nbsp;You can also&nbsp;<a href="https://uploads.commoninja.com/pdf_gallery/1698638831463_Association_Annie_-_Herding_Cats_e-book.pdf" target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://uploads.commoninja.com/pdf_gallery/1698638831463_Association_Annie_-_Herding_Cats_e-book.pdf">download the PDF version free of charge</a>.&nbsp;If you are interested in publishing or sharing any Association Annie cartoons please&nbsp;<a href="mailto:info@smsonline.net.au" data-mce-href="mailto:info@smsonline.net.au" target="_blank" rel="noopener">contact us</a>&nbsp;for permission and attribution guidelines.

Association Annie: Herding Cats - The Book

A new community for association professionals has launched at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.answers.net.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="www.answers.net.au (opens in a new tab)" data-mce-href="http://www.answers.net.au/">www.answers.net.au</a>.With an interface similar to Facebook, this site is a collaborative effort by the association community to develop a piece of software that will enable associations to build better online member communities.By creating a site that meets the needs of association professionals, we are also creating a piece of software that will suit the needs of their members.This site already has a number of innovative features. For example, any site participant can connect to the payment gateway (in about 1 minute) and generate income through the site (eg: by running their own events, selling resources, selling products).Soft launched in late April 2020, there has been strong feedback and engagement from the over 400 association professionals already on the platform. As a result, after you log-in, you will see a lot of new features and functionality going live each week.We recommend heading across to&nbsp;<a href="http://www.answers.net.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" aria-label="www.answers.net.au (opens in a new tab)" data-mce-href="http://www.answers.net.au/">www.answers.net.au</a>&nbsp;and taking a look for yourself 🙂

Online Community for Association Professionals

We are excited to announce the release of&nbsp;<a href="https://uploads.commoninja.com/pdf_gallery/1698654004166_Associations-Evolve-2023_FINAL.pdf" target="_blank" aria-label="Associations Evolve: 2023 &amp; Beyond Journal (opens in a new tab)" data-mce-href="https://uploads.commoninja.com/pdf_gallery/1698654004166_Associations-Evolve-2023_FINAL.pdf">Associations Evolve: 2023 &amp; Beyond Journal</a>, a compilation of articles from over 50 association thought leaders from around the globe.This journal offers a unique perspective on the future of associations and the role they will play in shaping industries and communities. From innovative ideas for growth and sustainability to strategies for adapting to changing environments, the articles in this journal provide valuable insights and inspiration for association professionals.As the association landscape continues to evolve, it is important for professionals to stay informed and stay ahead of the curve. The&nbsp;<a data-mce-href="https://uploads.commoninja.com/pdf_gallery/1698654004166_Associations-Evolve-2023_FINAL.pdf" href="https://uploads.commoninja.com/pdf_gallery/1698654004166_Associations-Evolve-2023_FINAL.pdf" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Associations Evolve: 2023 &amp; Beyond Journal&nbsp;</a>is a must-read for anyone looking to drive positive change and impact within their organisation. Get your copy today and join the conversation on the future of associations.

Associations Evolve: 2023 & Beyond Journal Released

Forty-six association experts from around the world have collaborated to produce a collection of articles showcasing contemporary thinking on governance, membership, revenue, events, and much more.This is a great resource for those looking for&nbsp;inspiration and motivation to make 2022 your best year ever. It makes great holiday reading for those who are feeling particularly enthusiastic (tip: this publication pairs well with red wine and cheese).<a href="https://uploads.commoninja.com/pdf_gallery/1698653948569_AE_-_2022__Beyond.pdf" target="_blank" aria-label="Download &quot;Associations Evolve: 2022 &amp; Beyond&quot; (opens in a new tab)" data-mce-href="https://uploads.commoninja.com/pdf_gallery/1698653948569_AE_-_2022__Beyond.pdf" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">Download “Associations Evolve: 2022 &amp; Beyond”</a>This publication is part of our Associations Evolve project which looks for ways to help associations to thrive into the future.&nbsp;Thanks to Beau Cummin from&nbsp;<a href="http://www.visualtraffic.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-mce-href="http://www.visualtraffic.com.au/">Visual Traffic</a>&nbsp;for his fabulous work designing this publication, Northern Territory Business Events for their great support of this project, and all our wonderful contributors.&nbsp;&nbsp;We hope you will find this collection of articles from experts in the association space as informative, inspiring, and motivating as we did.&nbsp;

Associations Evolve: 2022 & Beyond Journal Released

Since COVID began, the pace of change in associations has accelerated. I’ve been documenting these shifts and here are the 11 major shifts I’ve noted so far …1.&nbsp;The Pace Of Change Isn’t Slowing.Associations had to make significant changes when COVID struck. Necessary shortcuts were taken. They are now working to ensure the foundations to support these changes are in place. A classic example of this are events …&nbsp;2.&nbsp;How We Run Events Has Changed.When COVID hit, associations recreated their face-to-face events in online formats. While this was great as a stopgap, it became evident that online events are not a direct replacement for face-to-face. Online events are a different beast. Combining both formats creates an opportunity to deliver greater value to members. Associations are updating their event calendars to capitalise on this.3.&nbsp;Focus on Fostering Engaged Communities.The idea of building online communities is appealing, but the reality is often challenging to execute. Building sustained momentum within an online community takes considerable skill, resources, and focus. Associations are making significant investments in specialist staffing, training, and technology to ensure success.4.&nbsp;Adaption to Changing Community Lifestyles, Habits, and Preferences.COVID has caused people to reassess their lives. Work from home opportunities have enabled people to relocate outside capital cities. The crisis has precipitated significant shifts in habits, lifestyles, and engagement preferences. This affects how members engage with all touchpoints including events, training, conferences, publications, online communities, and communications. Associations are reviewing touchpoints to ensure they align with these changes.5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Competition Is More Intense.Associations are experiencing the erosion of their value proposition. Competition is coming from for-profit companies, other associations, and informal groups. Competitors may compete with some or all products the association offers. Associations are overcoming this “death by 1000 cuts” by focusing where they can deliver the most powerful impact. They are also using collaboration and partnerships to gain (or maintain) a more secure position.6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Embracing Technology – Partnering In Development.Great technology enables personalised member experience, easy-to-access interfaces, streamlined internal operations, and productive workplaces. The demand by associations for great technology has accelerated the pace of technological development and adoption. Association specialist technology providers are racing to keep up with the demand for more innovative solutions. Forward thinking associations are working closely with industry software developers to ensure the solutions are fit-for-purpose.7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Our People Are Change Fatigued.&nbsp;Association staff put in a herculean effort to adapt their organisations to the COVID landscape. They achieved amazing things in the face of relentless change and constant uncertainty. Most are now change fatigued. Mental health challenges and burnout are a real risk. More associations are adapting their planning and expectations to protect the mental health of their teams. As one client put it, “our main challenge this year is not to break our team.”8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Workplaces are Changing To Attract And Retain Quality Staff.&nbsp;People are leaving their roles in droves. There is huge competition to attract and retain the best quality staff. There is an active drive by associations to secure their organisation in a competitive labour market. Associations are creating more flexible, purpose-orientated workplaces. They are driving innovations to increase productivity and staff satisfaction.9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Younger People Are Driving Product Innovation.Gen Z is now part of the workforce and Gen Y are already heading into leadership pathways. The drive to innovate to attract these people is more intense than ever. This urgency is driving innovations in value creation, service delivery, and leadership pathway development. Associations are getting better at balancing the need to engage younger generations while also continuing to serve the older generation. And often finding these innovations appeal to the older demographic as well.10.&nbsp;Rise Of the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) approach.The war in Ukraine represents a significant shift. For the first time companies are acting on a large scale to influence an outcome. By collectively&nbsp;withdrawing their business from Russia&nbsp;they are dealing significant blow to the Russian economy – and the Russian war effort.&nbsp;&nbsp;Companies are harnessing their power to create an powerful impact. This reflects the growing popularity of the Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) approach. The expectations of companies, their staff, and the public have changed. Progressive associations have recognised this trend and are&nbsp;expanding their outlook beyond only “creating value for members”.&nbsp;11.&nbsp;Better Alignment Of Operating Models To Purpose.Many associations use very traditional business models that are not suited for the contemporary operating landscape. Associations are now better aligning their operating models to better achieve their purpose.&nbsp;Associations are reviewing membership models (not just fiddling with member categories), volunteering pathways, and component frameworks (special interest groups, branches, etc). As more of these long-term projects launch, we will see a transformation in the shape of associations around the globe.

Blog

Association Trends to Watch in 2023

Association Annie: Herding Cats - The Book

Online Community for Association Professionals

Associations Evolve: 2023 & Beyond Journal Released

Associations Evolve: 2022 & Beyond Journal Released

Post-COVID Association Trends