Association professionals face various challenges that demand innovative solutions. Here’s a concise look at key issues and strategies, based on insights from industry experts.
Tracy Grzybowski, Director of Marketing at Omnipress, says, "Associations are no longer the default resource for industry education. Competitors now offer similar content, making it essential for associations to ensure their content is easily discoverable." She suggests optimizing content for search engines and making it accessible without barriers, using platforms like YouTube, Instagram Reels, and TikTok to reach a wider audience, and ensuring content is keyword-optimized and shareable. This approach ensures associations remain relevant and easily found by prospective members.
Dan Piva, Sr. Business Development Manager from Gather Voices highlights, "One of the biggest challenges is keeping up with industry news and changes. It's hard to make sense of this information and apply it directly to an association professional's career." He recommends leveraging AI tools to synthesize and interpret industry changes, which can help professionals stay informed and make better decisions. This strategy helps associations stay ahead of trends and maintain a competitive edge.
Clarissa Russel, Account Executive at She-Strategies Group notes, "Change and the pace at which it occurs are major challenges. New technologies, additional competitors, and changing workplace environments all contribute." She advocates incorporating change discussions into regular meetings to stay future-oriented and adaptable. This proactive approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
Ilana Cheyfitz, Sr. Manager Video Strategist from Gather Voices observes, "Bandwidth is a recurring issue. Association professionals juggle numerous tasks daily." She advises using project management tools and automating repetitive tasks to free up time for strategic activities. This method enhances efficiency and allows for better focus on important projects.
Kaitlan Arndt, Marketing Consultant at Trellis & Vine Marketing LLC explains, "Members and prospective members trust peers more than brands." She suggests amplifying member voices and encouraging them to share their experiences. This builds trust and community engagement, fostering a stronger, more loyal membership base.
To hear the full answers of the experts we featured, click the image above or access the full gallery here.
At Gather Voices, we empower associations to elevate their members' voices, streamline content creation, and stay ahead of industry trends. Our tools and solutions help you overcome these challenges and achieve your organizational goals. Schedule a demo today.