Remote work has drastically changed the way associations use technology, creating new challenges for IT departments. Association tech experts offer some recommendations for boosting tech support for your remote team. At the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, a lot of organizations experienced a technology stress test, with cloud infrastructure helping to keep workplaces afloat. Now, months into the pandemic, the dynamic of remote work—and how associations support employees from a technical perspective—is evolving. “The biggest area of struggle [...]

Celebrating turkey day remotely? A few associations have offered ways to transition the festivities to an online setting. Like everything else in 2020, this Thanksgiving won’t be a normal one—at least for the 24 percent of Americans who plan to make it a virtual gathering, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). As families go virtual, they’ll need to prepare for turkey day in new ways: How do you accommodate the communication needs of all family members? How do you [...]

Associations are beginning to announce event plans for next year, holding steady with virtual meetings at least for now, with hybrid conferences likely to follow. Confidence is high, but realistic. Here are some perspectives—and tips—for the transition to 2021. As the end of a pandemic year approaches, with vaccines apparently on the way and hopes rising for better days ahead, associations are still balancing uncertainty with optimism as they plan for their 2021 meetings. There’s no evidence yet [...]

An analysis from the marketing firm GetResponse found open and click rates surged when just one message was sent per week. The report also found that the first hour after an email is sent is key. Naturally, you might be inclined to send a whole bunch of messages to your members, but if your goal is engagement, all those messages might actually be counterproductive to your primary goal. So says the email marketing firm GetResponse, which reports in a [...]

Current updates on association response to the global COVID-19 crisis, along with a roundup of conference, travel, and business news and information. DISPELLING VACCINE MISINFORMATION With misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine development process circulating, the American Medical Association’s House of Delegates adopted new policy this week that will educate physicians on speaking with patients about COVID-19 vaccination, keeping in mind the historical context of “experimentation” with vaccines and other medication in communities of color. In addition, the policy calls for [...]

While government relations teams pivoted to virtual advocacy at the start of the pandemic, more adjustments are emerging. A look at how GR pros are changing the ways members engage, the ways their associations tell stories, how they frame issues, and more. It’s become cliché by now, but the COVID-19 pandemic has changed everything, including how association government relations teams do their work. Looking ahead, when things settle into whatever the “new normal” will look like, what will [...]

Associations have access to a lot of data, but leaders often struggle to use it effectively. Case studies from a recent ASAE Research Foundation study provide examples of how associations gathered the right data to advance critical work. These days, everybody is talking about the importance of data—and for good reason. Data and other evidence provide valuable insights and support for planning, advocacy, communications, and other decision making. In uncertain times, the right data can help associations make [...]

Workplace engagement is slipping (again). It’s time to think about whether your top talent will leave once the pandemic has ended. The workplace is returning to normal in one way, and it’s not exactly good news. Last month, Gallup reported that employee engagement in the United States has returned to its pre-pandemic levels. According to a survey conducted in the late summer and early fall, the proportion of U.S. workers who are highly engaged—defined as “highly involved in, enthusiastic [...]

The 2020 WVSAE annual meeting at The Greenbrier focused on "Leadership in Changing Times."  It was a great success with outstanding speakers, food, networking and more!  We began with a lovely reception Sunday night. Betsy Debord Miles and new husband Wayne visited with Pat McDonald at the opening reception. From left, WVSAE Vice President Pat McDonald, Director Beth White, CAE, APR, former president Marie Beaver and President Jonathan Adler enjoyed visiting during the social hour [...]

Members continue to engage with their associations, even in crisis, according to a new report, which reveals a surprise top member benefit and one that is rapidly emerging. Here are some insights to light the way forward. A new report from software provider Community Brands, Association Trends 2020: From Disruption to Opportunity [PDF], finds that despite the many challenges this year has brought, member engagement continues to grow and loyalty to associations is strong. Fifty-one percent of members surveyed said [...]