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 year’s keynote stream will kick off with an all-delegate keynote from sought after speaker, and AI expert, Tim Elsom, Senior Executive Partner & AI Leader, IBM who will be expertly interviewed by Alan,
We recently caught up to Alan, to find out why he agreed to step into the role of Chair this year, here’s what he had to say:
1. Please can you tell us a bit about your association and your role there?
I’m Head of Global Membership Development at IMechE, a professional engineering Institution with a global presence, focused on supporting engineers and advancing the engineering profession. My role involves developing membership strategies, fostering international engagement, and leading initiatives that enhance the value we provide to our members. A major part of my work is implementing a 3- tiered membership model that ensures tailored support and resources based on regional needs and growth potential. We have also been developing specific AI tools to act as a co-pilot for our Membership Development Team.
2. Why did you decide to step into a chair role for Digital Excellence 2025?
The digital landscape is transforming how membership organisations operate, and I see this event as an opportunity to bring together forward-thinking professionals to share ideas and best practices. I’m passionate about exploring how digital and AI-driven solutions can enable organisations to connect more meaningfully with their members, deliver value efficiently, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving world. I wrote a book last year on Harnessing the Potential of AI, so chairing this event will allow me to interact these important conversations directly.
3. What do you see as the key challenges for associations with digital for the next year or so?
Associations today face the challenge of embracing innovation while maintaining authenticity. AI adoption must enhance member experiences without losing the personal touch. Data management and personalisation require balancing tailored services with strong privacy protections. In a digital-first world, fostering genuine, connected communities remains crucial, even in virtual spaces. Associations must ensure their technology investments deliver measurable results in retention, recruitment, and satisfaction. The key is to innovate without compromising the member experience.
4. What are you looking forward to most at this year’s Digital Excellence Conference?
I’m looking forward to learning from other individuals and associations about how they’re leveraging AI and digital platforms to engage their members. Hearing success stories and real-world applications of emerging technologies will be inspiring, as will the chance to discuss common challenges and solutions. Networking with like-minded professionals is always a highlight, we are after all, membership organisations, so it’s always about the people for me.
5. Why do you feel it’s important for association and membership professionals to attend Digital Excellence this year?
The digital and AI revolutions are reshaping how associations operate, and staying informed about these changes is critical. This conference offers a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge digital strategies, learn from experts, and connect with peers. It’s also a space to discover practical tools and ideas that can be implemented immediately to enhance member engagement, streamline operations, and future-proof your organisation. For anyone serious about staying competitive and relevant in the association sector, this is an unmissable event.
Digital Excellence 2024 Thursday 15th May, Novotel London West hotel, is delivered by the MemberWise Network and is formally accredited by The CPD Standards Office.
For more information and/or to register: Digital Excellence (2025) -Thursday 15th May 2025
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