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Many associations rely on the profit and loss statement presented at board meetings to assess their financial health. But strong leadership means looking beyond the bottom line. Are your financial results aligned with your strategic plan? Are you actively reinvesting in your operations and your members?
It's an exciting time to explore how we can grow wiser and stronger, opening up new possibilities for our association.
For most membership-based associations, the primary revenue stream is membership subscriptions (also known as membership dues in the USA). However, high-performing associations take it a step further by offering services that members need and are willing to pay for.
Think:
Case in Point: One AES client launched a Benchmarking Program for small businesses. By forming peer groups of non-competing members, they created a space for sharing marketing strategies, tech tools, and industry insights. This not only generated revenue, but it also set new benchmarks for knowledge sharing in their sector.
Rising costs? Remember, collaboration could be your secret weapon, empowering you to overcome financial challenges.
AES recently worked with two associations in the same sector that were running separate annual conferences. By joining forces and co-hosting a single event, they:
Many sponsors found greater value in supporting one larger, high-impact event—and new exhibitors came on board whose budgets previously couldn't stretch to attend two.
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:
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.
Insights from the AES Technology Survey and Special Interest Group Discussion
Artificial Intelligence is now part of daily work for many association professionals.
Association Executive Services (AES) are soon to release its
annual report on technology in Australian Associations and recently facilitated a special interest group discussion on the use of AI in
participants' organisations.
How we help membership based, not-for-profit associations now and into the future.
