For many associations, the annual conference is the crown jewel of the year—a chance to educate, connect, inspire, and engage members in person. But while attendees may see a polished program, engaging speakers, and a well-run event, the true success of a conference lies in what happens behind the scenes.

In today's digital-first world, your members (and potential members) are spending more time than ever on social media. Whether they are scrolling through LinkedIn for industry updates or participating in Facebook groups for peer support, social media has become a powerful tool for associations to connect, engage, and grow.

Volunteer leaders are the backbone of any association. They guide strategic direction and represent the voices of members, playing a crucial role in the health and longevity of the organization. However, challenges arise when a board member's term ends or when a president steps down unexpectedly. Without a clear succession plan, leadership transitions can become disruptive and pose significant risks.

The 2025 Association Headquarters Leadership Forum took place on May 7–8 at the Le Meridien Hotel in Philadelphia, gathering volunteer leaders from the nonprofit, association, and credentialing sectors for two days of strategic learning, collaboration, and inspiration.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of nonprofit organizations. They dedicate their time, energy, and talents to advancing missions they believe in, often without expecting anything in return.

Growing membership in a nonprofit or association organization takes intentional effort, creativity, and a deep understanding of your audience’s needs. By demonstrating clear value, building relationships, and delivering exceptional experiences, you’ll not only attract new members but also retain and inspire your existing ones.

Now more than ever, associations are best served by deploying a full arsenal of financial tools. In this article we’ll identify the “five must-have ratios” organizations should consider when assessing their finances. Ratio analyses are excellent ways for you to obtain critical insights into your organization’s fiscal health.

Every association faces the challenge of figuring out the best way to attract and retain members. Do you invest in external resources to create and execute a marketing plan? Or do you have internal resources to help reach the same goals—perhaps resources you’re not even thinking of?

How can you get your annual meeting attendees to interact, network, and share ideas more, especially those traveling solo or who aren’t naturally social? The “Learning Circle” concept creates an enjoyable, productive conference experience that can make people more inclined to return in future years. Plus, it requires little investment.

One of the most important tasks of an association is properly managing the logistics of chapters and components. There are plenty of areas that can be streamlined to allow for more effective management of these different sectors.