Top Challenges Facing Association Professionals in 2024 and How to Overcome Them

Jen Lapaz
Marketing Coordinator, Gather Voices

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.

Competing for Educational Content

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.

Keeping Up with Industry Changes

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.

Adapting to Rapid Change

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.

Managing Bandwidth Constraints

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.

Building Trust

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.

Jen Lapaz
Marketing Coordinator, Gather Voices

Jen Lapaz is a skilled digital marketing professional specializing in content creation, brand strategy, and audience engagement. At Gather Voices, she drives blog and social media initiatives, manages content calendars, and curates impactful visuals to strengthen brand presence. With a strong foundation in content marketing, email campaigns, and lead generation, Jen excels at crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences in the education and tech sectors. Her expertise spans across platforms and tools, making her a versatile asset in any marketing-driven project.

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