Membership organisations generate a huge amount of valuable knowledge—years of reports, research, policies, and best practices. But when someone actually needs that information? It’s often impossible to find. Sound familiar? Members email and phone with questions that should be easily answered—but can’t find the information themselves. Staff waste hours digging through PDFs, emails, and [...]
In today’s economic climate, professional associations face an unprecedented challenge: maintaining strong membership numbers whilst their members grapple with mounting cost-of-living pressures. As discretionary spending comes under scrutiny, membership subscriptions often find themselves on the chopping block. However, there’s a science to ensuring your association doesn’t become a casualty of budget cuts. Understanding the [...]
Professional bodies do more than issue membership certificates; they create communities where knowledge, experience, and career progression are actively supported. A mentoring programme brings this to life, providing structured support that helps members advance in their careers, gain qualifications, and build strong networks. More than just a ‘nice-to-have,’ mentoring is a high-value, low-cost benefit [...]
1. Please can you tell us a bit about your association and your role there. The Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) is a world leading scientific society, with a mission to advance the chemical sciences and support the global chemistry community. We’re passionate about fostering a thriving network of professionals, researchers, and educators to [...]
Introduction Member acquisition and retention will undergo exciting changes in 2025. Leading membership associations are prioritising dynamic membership experiences that support personalised interactions. This means members can now access robust engagement ecosystems that deliver tangible value right away. Trends like this are shaping the future of member loyalty. 5 Crucial Membership Trends for 2025 [...]
Trade associations are an essential part of the UK economy. They represent businesses across various sectors and act as the collective voice for their members. An estimated 400–500 trade associations in the UK have full-time staff, and over 1,000 smaller organisations may operate without dedicated staff. Collectively, these associations play a pivotal role in [...]
Rebranding is one of the most significant moves a membership organisation can undertake. It’s not just about changing a logo; it’s a journey to redefine who you are, realign with your values, and ensure that your brand remains relevant to evolving audiences. Whether you’re a decades-old institution or a growing community group, rebranding presents [...]
The DeepSeek news landed the same time as many of us are getting our annual professional body renewal letters through the post. I have been a member since 2010 with my Institute and they kindly told me of all the wonderful things they have done over 2024, that they had an exciting future and [...]
This month saw the launch of Digital Excellence (2025) -Thursday 15th May 2025, This highly anticipated event is your go-to for those exploring digital transformation and development in membership organisations. The programme boasts exceptional speakers, including Alan King, Head of Global Membership Development, Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)who will be chairing our “Keynote Stream”. This [...]
Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a concept confined to tech companies and futuristic visions. It is rapidly transforming industries, education, and public services, promising unparalleled opportunities for efficiency and growth. The recent UK Government announcement on the strategic use of AI to boost economic growth and streamline public services underlines the significance of [...]
