Digital Excellence (2026) -Thursday 7th May 2026

Kayleigh Mapstone, Executive Director of British Mensa and MemberWise Ambassador (Community), will be a familiar and very welcome face to many within the MemberWise network. Having been actively involved in the community for several years – as a speaker, ambassador and regular delegate – Kayleigh has become a valued contributor to MemberWise events and discussions. We’re always grateful for her support and insight, and delighted that she is chairing the Digital Strategy, Planning & Delivery stream at Digital Excellence 2026. In this interview, Kayleigh shares a little more about her role at Mensa, the digital journey the organisation is on, and the opportunities and challenges she believes membership bodies will be navigating over the next few years.

1. Please can you tell us a bit about Mensa and your role there?

I’m Executive Director at British Mensa. We’re a long-established membership organisation, but we’re very much in a digital evolution phase. Over the past few years, we’ve focused on modernising our systems, strengthening governance, launching a new online test, and aligning our digital infrastructure with a clear growth strategy.

My role is about ensuring digital isn’t a side project – it’s embedded in how we grow, engage and deliver value to members.

2. Why did you decide to step into a chair role for Digital Excellence 2026?

I’ve been part of the MemberWise network for several years – as a speaker, ambassador and delegate – and I’ve always valued the practical focus of Digital Excellence.

This year’s programme is particularly strong. It tackles many of the challenges we’re all dealing with right now – from digital growth and engagement to data, AI and capability.

3. What do you see as the key challenges for associations with digital for next year or so?

Most associations now understand the importance of digital transformation. The challenge is moving from activity to impact – ensuring digital investment drives measurable growth, stronger engagement and improved retention.

There’s also the question of AI and automation. Not whether to use it, but how to use it responsibly, strategically and in a way that genuinely enhances the member experience.

And underpinning all of this is capability. Systems need to integrate, data needs to inform decision-making, and leadership teams need clarity about what really matters.

4. What are you looking forward to at Digital Excellence 2026?

What stands out this year is the strength of the case studies – organisations sharing real digital journeys, measurable outcomes and honest reflections. This is where the real value of the conference lies.

I’m also particularly looking forward to the discussions in Stream 1, which focus on digital strategy, growth and leadership – the decisions that ultimately shape how organisations approach digital change.

5. Why do you feel it’s important for association and membership professionals to attend Digital Excellence 2026?

Because digital is no longer optional – it’s central to organisational sustainability.

Member expectations are rising. Competition for attention is increasing.

Digital Excellence provides the opportunity to step back, benchmark progress and return with practical, implementable ideas.

We’ll have colleagues from Mensa attending because we see this as part of how we sharpen our approach. Growth requires capability – and capability requires continuous learning.

You can see the line up for this year’s keynote stream here: Stream 1: Digital Excellence Keynotes – Digital Excellence (2026)