AES Newsletter

The Four Decisions That Will Keep Your Association Alive in Five Years

What kept associations running ten years ago will not carry them through the next five. Four decisions now separate the boards that adapt from the ones that run out of options.

Why Do People Really Join Your Association?

Most associations can provide a long list of membership benefits. They may include professional development, advocacy, networking, industry information, events, resources, accreditation, discounts and access to specialist advice. However, a list of benefits does not necessarily explain why someone makes the decision to join.

How to manage the Association Director that takes up all your energy.

While every Board is different, the same governance issues appear time and again. One of the most common is allowing one person’s behaviour to dominate the Board table.

Almost every Board has experienced it at some point. One director who seems to consume more time and energy than everyone else combined.

Your renewal letter is asking members to invest in the future. Write it that way.

A renewal invoice is not a request for last year's money. It is a request to pay for next year's benefits. The moment a member — individual or corporate — opens that invoice, they make a decision: renew, or walk.

When does an association need to rebrand itself?

If your association is thinking about a rebrand because the colours look dated or a Board member doesn't like the typeface, stop. That's not the question worth asking. The real question is harder: does your organisation still represent the sector it claims to lead?

Your New Association Website Is Not an IT Project. It’s a Governance Decision.

A website project is a governance decision with a technology component, not the other way round. The associations that get it right are the ones that invest in discovery, requirements, and contract scrutiny before a single pixel is designed. The ones that get it wrong skip straight to the demo, fall for the referral, and find out about ownership, integration, and total cost when it is too late to do anything but pay.

Member Magazine Worth the Trouble?

A lot of associations produce a magazine — hard copy or electronic — as part of the member benefits package. And for many of them, pulling together each quarterly edition feels arduous, thankless, and disconnected from any real return.

What every membership manager must know before the next Board meeting

Membership growth is not a membership problem. It’s a governance one.

The Membership Fee Increase: A Conversation Most Association CEOs Avoid

The membership fee strategy is not an accounting exercise. It is a leadership decision. And if your Board is setting fees based on what feels comfortable rather than what the organisation needs, you are already behind.

The Members You're Missing

How to capture new members for your database 

Only one assessment tool tells you how your entire association is really performing. AES built it.

An overview of the self assessment benchmarking tool for assessing the performance of an association 

The photo with the Minister is not an advocacy strategy

“Government doesn’t remember associations that show up. It remembers the ones that show up with something to say.”

Is your association actually talking to its members — or just invoicing them?

"What an undecided member needs isn't another email — it's a conversation."

Thinking About Increasing Your Membership Fees

There is one financial decision that shapes your organisation's future more than almost any other. And most association CEOs handle it badly — not because they lack the numbers, but because they lack the nerve.

Overview of Pay Day Super - The Basics for Associations

Watch our Pay Day Super webinar.

From Sponsorship to Partnership – Steps to increase your Association’s Revenue

One of the main revenue streams for many associations is their annual or biannual conference. Anyone who has planned one knows that securing sponsorship is often the most time-consuming and frustrating task.

Engaging an Association Consultant to Drive Change: What Boards Need to Get Right First!

Hiring a consultant for a specific task is fundamentally different from engaging one to drive organisational transformation.

Boards often recognise the need for change when membership stagnates, governance weakens, strategy stalls, or momentum declines. Engaging a consultant at this point is a sound decision.

Want to Start a New Association? Here Are Some Key Steps

We’re seeing a growing trend. More and more groups are reaching out to start new associations.

In most cases, the reason is the same: "Our current association isn’t delivering."

That may well be true. Starting a new association is a serious commitment, not just a reaction. Let me be clear:

When New Members Join - Are you protecting your Association

One of the most common — and often unexpected — challenges faced by association boards and leaders arises when a member develops a grievance against the organisation. In the association sector, this is not unusual. Most grievances begin with a concern or disagreement, but if not handled appropriately, they can escalate into a prolonged and disruptive issue.

The Challenge of Prorated Membership and Renewal Cycles

The Challenge of Prorated Membership and Renewal Cycles

Anyone responsible for membership in an association understands this tension:

Do we renew members on the anniversary of their joining date, or operate on a single annual renewal date?
And if we operate on a single renewal date, how and when should prorated membership apply?

Here is a deeper exploration of each model — with practical examples drawn from real-world association operations.

AI, Websites and the Reality of Day-to-Day Association Operations

When associations discuss upgrading their websites, the conversation often starts with design, branding, and visual appeal.

Planning Association Conferences: Essential Tips for Success

Business events in Australia contribute over $36B annually and are growing fast!
Check out our latest article for essential tips on venue selection, security, insurance, and more—plus key stats like $21.4B in traveller spend and 11% projected growth.

Association Excellence Awards: More Than Just a Gala Night

It’s the Gala Awards night – but are your awards truly valued by most of your members?

Stop the Membership Churn: A Smarter Way to Build Loyalty

Most association leaders face a persistent challenge: growing and retaining members. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of members who join for a year, drop off, and then rejoin two years later. While this cycle may seem harmless, it carries hidden costs—such as staff time, marketing expenses, onboarding resources, and software overhead—that can quietly drain your association’s budget.

Is Your Association or NFP Performing at Its Best? Here’s How to Find Out.

Running an association or not-for-profit (NFP) is no small feat. Whether you're leading a professional body, a community group, or a national peak organisation, one question always lingers:

“How do we know we’re doing well?”

It’s a fair question—and an important one.

Understanding Director Penalty Notices: What Every Director Needs to Know

A Director Penalty Notice (DPN) is a formal notice issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) that holds company directors personally liable for specific unpaid company tax obligations.

Need new members? Read this first

Too often, associations are eager to expand their membership before ensuring the organisation is on solid footing. But real, sustainable growth starts from within. Before you open the doors to new members, it's essential to check that the ship is seaworthy—strategically, financially, and operationally.

Rethinking Your Association's Website: Read This First

While design matters, this narrow focus misses the bigger picture: your website is not just a communications tool—it's a core operational platform.

Growing Your Association: A Fresh Look at Income & Expenses

Is your association growing—or just getting by?

Does Your Association Still Need Chapters

A Guide to Onboarding New Members

What are the secrets to onboarding new members to your Association

How to Prepare For the First Board Meeting

The first meeting of an association's Board marks the beginning of a critical working relationship between Board members and the organisation they serve. It sets the tone for governance, collaboration, and strategic direction. A well-structured induction process ensures that new Board members are informed and confident and can contribute meaningfully from day one.

Navigating a Media Storm: A Lesson For All Associations

How to handle media calls

Key Ideas to Increase Revenue for Your Association or Not For Profit

Sustainable, diverse revenue streams are vital for economic stability, long-term success, and enhancing value to your members.

Empowering the Association CEO

Empowering the Association CEO is not just a step but the pivotal first step towards achieving Association Excellence.

Planning for your next Conference: Remember to Protect Your Volunteers!

For many associations and not-for-profit organisations, annual conferences or events are a highlight of the year. These gatherings provide a platform for members to connect, learn, and share ideas. Volunteers' contributions are often indispensable to ensure these events run smoothly. 

Membership Onboarding Done Right: Key Governance Actions for Associations and NFPs

What critical actions are required by all new potential members wishing to join your association, not for profit organisation or charity? 

Newly Appointed as a Director or Officer for your Association, Society, or Non-Profit Organisation

How to develop systems that will help you grow your membership

For over seven years during the 1990s, I was involved with the Total Quality Management Institute, formed by leaders of some of Australia's major corporations. 

Looking to grow your membership base?

There are many challenges that associations face when generating membership growth, particularly when competing with organisations providing services similar to your potential membership base. Here are some tips worth considering that have worked for our clients.

How to onboard a new Association Board Director or Committee member

Most Associations and NFP organisations rely on their members to govern their organisation. Many appointed to the Board have limited knowledge or training, so high-performing associations ensure their new Board members are fully inducted before attending their first Board meeting.

What are the most important policies for all associations?

One of the most important functions of an NFP Board is developing, implementing, and reviewing key policies. These are critical for volunteer Boards as they often act as a reference or endorsement of their values and culture.

Want to create member loyalty - create a surprise!

Although there is a buzz about AI, there are some innovative ways you can genuinely surprise your members so they remain loyal to your Association or organisation.

Belonging to an Association

How to Ensure the Viability and Relevance of Your Association

Many association Presidents and CEOs complain that their organisation has stalled, membership is dropping, and not much has changed in the last twelve months. So, what are the key factors separating a high-performing association from one spinning at the wheel?