Future of Associations
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 MoreCheap Isn’t Strategic: Why Vetting Your Partners Matters More Than You Think
There’s a saying we’ve all heard: you get what you pay for. In the association world—where budgets are tight, timelines are unforgiving, and member expectations are rising—this old adage hits home when it’s time to choose outside partners. Vetting your partners matters Whether you’re bringing on a consultant for digital transformation, technology strategy, strategic planning,…
Read MoreIs Your Organization Built for Long-Term Excellence?
Summary: In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, associations can’t afford to simply react to change—they must be built for resilience, relevance, and reinvention. Long-term organizational excellence rests on three foundational pillars: Strategic Vision that creates living, measurable roadmaps connecting daily work to bigger goals; Cultural Alignment that empowers teams to embrace change and drive innovation; and…
Read MoreTechnology Upgrades Are Not Enough: Why People, Training, and Mentorship Matter More
In an era where AI, automation, and digital transformation dominate business conversations, organizations are rushing to upgrade their technology. But here’s the hard truth: Technology alone doesn’t guarantee success. It’s the people using it that determine whether an upgrade is a game-changer or just another expensive, underutilized tool. A recent white paper on AI transformation…
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 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 MoreStrategies for Building a Future-Ready Association in 2025 and Beyond
As technology continues to evolve, associations face both exciting opportunities and new challenges. While the future can feel uncertain, one thing is clear: associations that take a proactive approach to digital transformation will be better equipped to adapt, grow, and succeed. Our recent .orgSource Digital Trends Survey highlights the essential strategies associations need to thrive…
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…
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