Collaboration
Why “What If” Might Save Your Association: The Power of Scenario Planning
Most leaders don’t wake up worrying about the future. They worry about next quarter’s budget. That board presentation. Member retention numbers. The fire burning hottest today. But here’s the ugly truth: It’s the future that’s quietly plotting to upend you. And too many organizations are gambling their survival on business as usual. Scenario planning is your insurance…
Read MoreNavigating Uncertainty: Scenario Planning for Associations
Every association leader dreams of confidently steering their organization towards success, even amidst uncertainty. Yet, the past few years have taught us valuable lessons about how quickly circumstances can shift, creating unexpected challenges—and opportunities. While we can’t predict every twist and turn ahead, scenario planning equips association leaders with the tools to adapt effectively and…
Read MoreTrust as the Cornerstone: Implementing a ‘No Surprises’ Policy in Association Leadership
In the high-stakes world of association leadership—where complex governance, mission-driven urgency, and shifting member expectations intersect—trust is the currency that keeps everything moving forward. But trust isn’t a given. It’s earned through consistency, clarity, and the courage to communicate—even when it’s uncomfortable. That’s why more association executives are adopting a simple but powerful principle: the…
Read MoreThe Transformation of 340B Health – Building Momentum for Innovation Background
340B Health, an organization advocating for hospitals and health systems serving vulnerable communities, faced a rapidly changing regulatory environment. While financially stable, the association operated in a volatile policy landscape, where government regulations could shift every two to four years. This uncertainty made long-term strategic planning challenging. To remain competitive and continue its advocacy work…
Read MoreGovernance Is a Journey: How ASCM (formerly APICS) Built Trust, Resilience, and Growth
This post is adapted from Association 4.0 – Positioning for Success in an Era of Disruption, originally published in 2018. At the time of this interview, Abe Eshkenazi, CSCP, CPA, CAE, served—and continues to serve—as the CEO of APICS (now the Association for Supply Chain Management). While the governance landscape has evolved, the strategies and…
Read MoreHow Ready Is Your Association? Discover Your Pathway to Excellence
In today’s environment, adaptability isn’t just an advantage—it’s a necessity. Associations are operating in a time of rapid digital transformation and evolving member expectations, where staying relevant and impactful requires the ability to continuously assess and adjust. While many organizations aspire to achieve excellence, few take the time to evaluate their readiness for the journey. …
Read MoreAI Initiatives in Associations Recap: A Fusion of Innovation and Actionable Insights for Association Professionals
The atmosphere at the recent AI Initiatives in Associations was electric, buzzing with the shared excitement of association professionals eager to harness the power of AI. This wasn’t just a passive learning experience; it was a launchpad, propelling attendees into a future where AI transforms the very fabric of association management. The day began by…
Read MoreAI and Innovation Take the Spotlight: Insights from .orgCommunity’s 9th Annual Solutions Day
Solutions Day brought together some of the brightest minds in associations, technology, and innovation. This year’s event was a deep dive into the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and how it is reshaping the association landscape. From cutting-edge AI applications to member-focused strategies, the event was packed with insights on how associations can stay…
Read MoreAre Marketing and Membership at Opposite Poles? Take the Journey to Collaboration
Is your marketing team hanging out at the North Pole while the membership group chills in Antarctica? If these two drivers of engagement are a world apart, it will be challenging to deliver the seamless experience customers expect from their favorite brands. There was a time when associations didn’t think of their members as customers.…
Read MoreWeave a Safety Net—Find the Right Strategic Partners
The pandemic was a wormhole. It hurtled us into the future with no time to prepare for that demanding new reality. I am still evaluating the lessons learned. One message that rings loud and clear is the importance of connections. Isolation taught us the value of the relationships and the technology that sustained our communities.…
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