At this year’s AH Leadership Forum in May, association leaders came together to share the member engagement strategies that are moving the needle on member retention and growth. Across diverse industries and professions, from healthcare to manufacturing, the message was clear: today’s members want more than benefits. They want connection, clarity, and value they can act on.
Here’s a look at the standout sessions and the best practices they highlighted:
1. Member Engagement Rooted in Data and Value
Session: Restoration Industry Association’s “Cost of Doing Business” Benchmark Report
Members are more likely to engage when content directly supports their business decisions. The Restoration Industry Association (RIA) achieved this with its inaugural Cost of Doing Business report, developed in partnership with AH. The report provided financial benchmarks restoration professionals had long asked for, giving them real insight into profitability, labor costs, and business structure.
What worked:
- Tying the report to advocacy, training, and business planning
- Offering exclusive early access for Enterprise Members
- Personalizing the rollout with member video interviews and podcast content
Key result: 1,000+ downloads, measurable growth in membership, and a stronger voice in public policy conversations.
Takeaway: Actionable data fuels trust, drives engagement, and positions the association as indispensable.
2. Turn Operational Hurdles into Member Growth Wins
Session: Baby Safety Alliance’s Compliance Partnership with Amazon
Baby Safety Alliance (Formerly Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association - JPMA) helped its members cut through red tape with an innovative compliance partnership with Amazon. JPMA Certification is now recognized by Amazon as a verification path, saving companies up to 10 hours per week in documentation time.
What worked:
- Solving a specific pain point for members
- Building a strategic relationship with a major platform (Amazon)
- Delivering ongoing value through operational efficiency
Key result: Nearly half of JPMA’s members enrolled, covering over 3,000 certified products.
Takeaway: When you make members’ jobs easier, you also make their decision to renew easier.
3. Build Member Engagement Through Inclusive Community Design
Session: Building Inclusive Member Communities
Associations are evolving how they define engagement. Beyond annual meetings and leadership roles, organizations are investing in committees, special interest groups, regional chapters, and identity-based communities (e.g., early-career professionals, LGBTQIA members, underrepresented voices).
What worked:
- Open calls for volunteers with intentional review for diverse representation
- Trusting committees with autonomy and purpose-driven work
- Programming that meets members where they are, personally and professionally
Key result: Broader participation and more durable member relationships.
Takeaway: Engagement flourishes when members have multiple meaningful ways to show up.
4. Align Campaigns with Identity to Maximize Member Retention
Session: NOVA’s Nurses Week Member-Get-A-Member Campaign
The Nurses Organization of Veterans Affairs (NOVA) used Nurses Week to celebrate its identity and grow its ranks. A new brand, social toolkit, and referral incentives gave members the tools to share their pride and invite others in.
What worked:
- Celebrating recognition that’s already meaningful to members
- Offering clear, tiered rewards for referrals
- Making it easy for members to share downloadable posts and content
Key result: Stronger brand visibility and growth in membership through peer-to-peer recruitment.
Takeaway: When members feel seen and celebrated, they become your most effective advocates.
Invest in Member Engagement Strategies That Matter
Whether you're tackling data, community, or compliance, your engagement approach should meet members where they are. Get in touch to discuss how AH can help your association build relevance, grow membership, and strengthen retention. Email us at inquire@ahint.com, or request a proposal.
Interested in attending the 2026 Leadership Forum?
Email us and we will add you to the list!
