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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.

Post-COVID Association Trends

Elderly person hand playing the piano, close up.

It is usually nations who are the main actors in the theatre of war. Corporations generally take on a supporting role – such as when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.steinway.com/news/features/steinway-sons-victory-vertical#:~:text=During%20World%20War%20II%2C%20Steinway,provide%20a%20bit%20of%20relaxation." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.steinway.com/news/features/steinway-sons-victory-vertical#:~:text=During%20World%20War%20II%2C%20Steinway,provide%20a%20bit%20of%20relaxation.">Steinway &amp; Sons dropped pianos to troops during World War 2</a>.&nbsp;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;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisadellatto/2022/03/10/goldman-sachs-amazon-3m-here-are-the-companies-cutting-ties-with-russia-over-ukraine-invasion/?sh=7340507c67de" data-mce-href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisadellatto/2022/03/10/goldman-sachs-amazon-3m-here-are-the-companies-cutting-ties-with-russia-over-ukraine-invasion/?sh=7340507c67de">withdrawing their business from Russia</a>&nbsp;they are dealing significant blow to the Russian economy – and the Russian war effort.&nbsp;&nbsp;Companies are openly harnessing their power to create an powerful impact. Many of these are doing so by following the principles of the&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental,_social_and_corporate_governance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-mce-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environmental,_social_and_corporate_governance">Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance</a>&nbsp;(ESG) approach. This movement is only getting stronger.So what does this mean for associations?There is an increasing expectation that associations expand their outlook beyond just “creating value for members”.&nbsp;This isn’t about conforming to a trend. It’s about survival. The younger generation are the future leaders, staff, and members of our associations. And, overwhelmingly,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gallup.com/workplace/336275/things-gen-millennials-expect-workplace.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-mce-href="https://www.gallup.com/workplace/336275/things-gen-millennials-expect-workplace.aspx">younger people want to align with organisations who embrace ESG principles</a>.If your association isn’t going to deliver, they will happily look to another who will. Or start their own.Strategic planning needs to catch up – and quickly. Don’t start your strategic planning process by looking at the past. And not by looking at the present. Instead start by getting excited about the future. Explore the possibilities by asking “What powerfully positive&nbsp;impact could we create for our team, our members, our sector, and the world?“.&nbsp;And think big! Associations are well placed to harness the latent power of the large communities they nurture. The potential is enormous. Are you making the most of yours?

What does the war in Ukraine mean for associations?

Following is a summary of a recent presentation I delivered on Association Event TrendsWhen COVID-19 hit most associations responded by replicating their existing events online. Most had a very positive experience and intend to integrate online events into their regular programming.&nbsp;However, many also realised that most face-to-face formats don’t lend themselves to an online format. Some of the key challenges include:<ul><li>Engaging attendees effectively (overcoming&nbsp;the “Zoombie” effect)</li><li>Demonstrating compelling value to sponsors.</li><li>Differentiating in a highly competitive market (where free content is easily available.</li></ul>To overcome these challenges, many associations are experimenting with different online delivery formats to determine those that work best for their members. These are now evolving rapidly to create entirely new types of events.Online events are a powerful activation tool that can be used as a pathway to generate more delegates to face-to-face events. Many association staff are now reviewing their entire event strategy to determine how to best integrate online and offline to create a seamless ongoing experience for members. It’s a shift from having a number of one-off events towards a 365-day-a-year calendar of engagement opportunities.Associations are keen to run face-to-face events again and will do so once the COVID-19 crisis is over. However, these will look somewhat different than before as associations will be looking to:<ul><li>Construct an events schedule that integrates online, face-to-face and hybrid events,</li><li>Overcome delegate concerns about COVID,</li><li>Ensure their face-to-face events create a delegate experience that far exceeds what they could get online, and</li><li>Generate a surplus to ensure online and offline activities are sustainable.</li></ul>There is no question that navigating the COVID crisis has been enormously stressful and challenging for many. However, the innovations required during this time have led to fundamental changes to the way associations structure their event programming. These will have a long term and highly positive impact on the quality and variety of events available for members – and the ability of associations to create a tangible, positive and compelling impact on those members.&nbsp;&nbsp;