AuSAE - 5 Places to recruit new members

5 Places to recruit new members

21 Jul 2016 11:41 AM | Deleted user

New members are great, but as you know, they can be hard to find. So where, oh where is the best place to look? Here are five places we recommend:

1. Start with your current members

When looking to recruit new members, always start with your current member base. Do you have any upcoming meetings or events? Encourage your members to invite their friends/colleagues. Word-of-mouth marketing is the BEST weapon against obscurity.

2. Reach out to companies within your industry

Companies within your industry are a GREAT resource for you. Consider reaching out to them (via phone or email - your choice) and seeing if they’d be willing to work with you. You could either go by their office and drop off a few flyers or send them a promotional flyer via email and encourage them to share it with their employees. Since your association helps advance the profession, many companies are more than willing to help out.

3. Stay active on social media

An active presence on social media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) is good for multiple reasons. First, tweets now show up in Google desktop search results, so the more you tweet, the better it is for search engine optimization. Second, an active social media presence gives your organization credibility, which is huge when it comes to online member recruitment.

4. Take advantage of events

Events are a great way to engage your organization’s membership, but did you know they’re also a great way to grow your organization’s membership? By following a few best practices (planning an event with value, bundling event registration and membership, simplifying the non-member event registration process, etc.), you can actually maximize the impact of your events. (More about that here.)

5. Work your website

Your website is a HUGE tool for online member acquisition. People are constantly searching for information online, so if you provide valuable content on your organization’s website, people are more likely to be driven to your page. And if they see value on your page, they’ll see value in your organization (Helloooo new member!).

Now the “work your website” process is actually a little more complicated than that, but definitely still doable! For a list of next steps/best practices, check out our free guide to Online Member Acquisition below!

This article was originally sourced from memberclicks and written by Callie Walker.

Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connections: AuSAE and Tourism New Zealand Business Events Renew Partnership

Association professionals across Australia and New Zealand have even more reason to explore trans-Tasman opportunities. AuSAE is proud to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events, celebrating 11 years of collaboration.

For over a decade, this partnership has strengthened connections between the two countries, helping associations expand networks, share knowledge, and deliver world-class events.

Toni Brearley, CAE, Chief Executive Officer at AuSAE, said:

“Our partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events has opened doors for association leaders to plan unforgettable events and connect with peers across the Tasman. Together, we’ve created opportunities, shared knowledge, and elevated the experiences of our members and their delegates. This partnership reinforces our commitment to fostering strong trans-Tasman collaborations, helping associations innovate, grow, and deliver outstanding value to their members.”

Helen Bambry, Business Events Manager at Tourism New Zealand, added:

“Partnering with AuSAE means we can directly support association professionals in bringing their next international business event to New Zealand – offering assistance, funding, and support to ensure exceptional experiences for both organisers and delegates.”

Watch the Tourism New Zealand Business Events video

What this partnership means for you

For Australian associations:

Receive expert guidance and support to bring conferences or member events to New Zealand.
Access funding assistance through Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
Expand your network and build partnerships with New Zealand peers and industry leaders.
Deliver international experiences for members and delegates just across the Tasman.

For New Zealand associations:

Strengthen professional connections with Australian association leaders through AuSAE’s network.
Share expertise and collaborate on professional development, governance, and member engagement initiatives, and more.
Gain visibility within the broader association community in Australia and New Zealand.
Access opportunities to host international association events and delegates in New Zealand, boosting local engagement and knowledge exchange.

About AuSAE:

The home for association professionals, the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the leading - and only not-for-profit, member-based - organisation supporting association professionals in Australia and New Zealand. For 70 years, AuSAE has been a trusted partner for those working in associations, providing professional development, support, and networking to help association leaders achieve organisational goals, advance their careers, and strengthen the wider sector.

About Tourism New Zealand Business Events:

Tourism New Zealand Business Events provides expert guidance, funding, and support to attract conferences, incentives and corporate events to New Zealand.

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For more information about AuSAE, please contact Toni Brearley, CAE:
Toni Brearley, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, AuSAE
E: toni@ausae.org.au
T: + 61 458 000 155

To apply for funding and support to host a conference in New Zealand contact Helen Bambry:
Helen Bambry
Business Events Manager, Tourism New Zealand
E: Helen.Bambry@tnz.govt.nz
T: +61 415 933 325

The Australasian Society of Association Executives

Contact us:

Email: info@ausae.org.au
Phone: 1300 764 576 (within Australia)
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955 (outside Australia)
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011, Australia