AuSAE - Demographics, Consolidation and Member Apathy Top List of Concerns

Demographics, Consolidation and Member Apathy Top List of Concerns

20 Sep 2016 11:10 AM | Deleted user

Preliminary results of our unscientific reader poll show that association leaders have a wide variety of member challenges to address, and topping the list is the impact of a changing landscape. More than one in three (34 percent) respondents indicated concern about industry consolidation and retiring Boomers falling off their membership rolls.

Although only 13 percent felt that their member communications were ineffective, more than one in five (21 percent) were frustrated that members didn’t seem aware of all of the benefits they are entitled to with their membership. List segmentation was also cited as a significant challenge by more than one in six (17 percent) of associations.

New data from Edge Research, commissioned by Abila, Inc., showed a significant disconnect between the reasons young people join associations and the reasons associations THINK young people join.

At a recent webinar deconstructing the findings, Jamie Notter, founding partner at WorkXO, LLC, said many membership organizations are still stuck in the model of: “Pay to join us first and then we’ll show you our worth.” Notter said that’s a hard sell for always-connected young professionals who are “used to getting value instantaneously.”

“They’re used to the “freemium model,” Notter said, and then they upgrade to the paid model if they like it.

Scott Wiley, CEO of the Ohio Society of CPAs, said it starts with “really knowing” your members.

“At OSCPA, we have a dedicated business development team whose primary responsibility is to build relationships with members and understand their challenges and any gaps in service that we can fill,” he said. “The team regularly brings that information back to our staff so that our strategic priorities and the work we do is directly aligned with solving members’ pain points.”

This article was originally sourced from Associations Adviser.

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