AuSAE - 3 Ways to boost online community engagement

3 Ways to boost online community engagement

23 Aug 2016 3:56 PM | Deleted user

So you have an online social community...but nobody’s using it! You can practically hear crickets every time you log in.

What are you supposed to do?! Allow us to help. Check out these three tactics for boosting online community engagement:

1. Conduct a poll

Polls are great for a number of reasons. First and foremost, they get people talking - which is exactly what you want in your organization’s online social community. Not only that, but they’re also a great way to gather insights about your members - what they like/dislike, what their goals are, what they’re concerned about, etc.

A few questions to consider asking in your organization’s online social community:

What type of event would you like to see us host next?
What topic is of high interest to you right now?
(Note: Whatever people say could make a great educational session and/or content piece.)
Which of these would you most like to attend: a webinar, a lunch and learn, a happy hour, or a Twitter chat?

2. Tease your upcoming event

If you want to grow your online community AND boost member engagement, this is a great way to accomplish both. In fact, I’ve joined several online communities (and social media groups) for this reason alone. I like to see “sneak peaks” of things. Why, you ask? Well, it makes me feel special (like I have private access to something) and helps me determine if I actually want to purchase/attend something.

So how do you make this work for your association? Try dropping hints about your upcoming event - where it’s going to be, what the theme will be, what type of swag will be available, etc. Little things like this can really get people excited - and talking!

3. Provide an exclusive offer

This may help generate some engagement, but mostly, it will attract people to your organization’s online social community (and the more people that use it, the more engagement you’ll generate down the road). Put simply, this tactic is all about growth.

What do we mean by exclusive offer? Well, we just mean something special for those who are members of your online social community - an incentive, if you will. For example, you could offer a special discount on your next event. Or access to information about your annual conference before anyone else gets it. This will encourage people to join your online community, and more importantly, stay.

This article was originally sourced from Association Universe and was 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