Digital Transformation
25 Years Ahead of the Curve—and Why I’m More Concerned Than Ever About Relevance
Reflections on digital transformation, leadership, and what comes next for associations I’ve spent the last 25 years standing at the edge of what’s next. When many association executives were still wondering if the internet was a fad, I was already helping organizations rethink how digital tools could transform member relationships. When cloud computing emerged, I was leading conversations about operational agility and…
Read MoreAI is Coming for Your Assumptions—Are You Ready?
Why association leaders can’t afford to ignore the future anymore Let’s start with the uncomfortable truth: Many associations are still operating as if AI and digital transformation are optional. They’re not. Artificial Intelligence (AI) isn’t a distant disruptor lurking on the horizon. It’s already changing how your members live, learn, and work. If your organization isn’t adapting alongside them,…
Read MoreDigital Strategy Is Not a Side Hustle
You can’t fix a broken business model with better software. But that’s what many associations are trying to do—layering tools onto outdated thinking and calling it transformation. If your integrated digital strategy is a bullet point on your strategic plan—or worse, something the IT team handles while the rest of the organization “focuses on the mission”—you’ve already lost ground. Because here’s the truth: Digital…
Read MoreYour Culture Won’t Change Until Your People Do
Why digital transformation starts with mindset, not software You upgraded your AMS. You rolled out a new LMS. Maybe you even launched a shiny AI chatbot. And yet… Collaboration still stalls. Departments are siloed. Your team is “digitally enabled” but mentally stuck in 2013. Here’s the uncomfortable truth: You don’t have a tech problem. You have a culture problem. Digital Transformation Starts…
Read MoreThe Role of Leadership in Championing Technology Adoption
When a new piece of technology enters the association ecosystem—whether it’s a CRM, AMS, AI tool, or collaboration platform—the organization’s success doesn’t rest solely on features, functionality, or even budget. The true determinant of adoption? Leadership. In any digital initiative, it’s the behaviors, mindset, and presence of leaders that set the tone for how the…
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 MoreWho Remembers AOL?
You’ve Got Mail…But Do You Still Have Relevance? Lessons from AOL’s Decline for Associations In the 1990s, America Online (AOL) was synonymous with the internet experience. The iconic phrase “You’ve Got Mail” heralded a new era of digital communication and community building. At its peak in 1999, AOL had over 18 million subscribers, making it…
Read MoreUrgency Meets Opportunity: Why 2025 is Critical for Associations
The digital era is advancing at an unprecedented pace, bringing both opportunities and challenges for associations. It’s clear that associations must make critical changes to remain competitive, relevant, and impactful. The risks of staying stagnant are high – associations that don’t adapt to technological advancements risk membership declines, revenue losses, and diminished influence. Our recent…
Read MoreThree Warning Signs Your Association Isn’t Keeping Up with Technology
As technology continues to shape member expectations and operational efficiencies, associations that lag are at risk of becoming obsolete. It’s no longer enough to simply “keep up”, associations must stay proactive in integrating digital tools and strategies. Our recent .orgSource Digital Trends Survey reveals several key gaps in how associations are currently using technology to…
Read MoreWhy Your Association’s Future Depends on Embracing Digital Transformation
Digital transformation is no longer a choice; it’s a necessity. In today’s technology-driven world, associations that fail to modernize risk losing relevance, members, and revenue. Meeting evolving member expectations and staying competitive requires a commitment to embedding technology into every aspect of your organization’s strategy. Despite the urgency, many associations are struggling to keep pace.…
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