The MemberWise Network is unique as being the only Network led by association and membership professionals. A core part of our team are the MemberWise Ambassadors; a group of practising membership professionals specialising in a specific area that we consider core and crucial to the world of membership such as engagement, recruitment and value.
In recent years, we have branched out into complementary areas such as governance, leadership, communications and PR, and people/volunteer management in order to show how the membership role requires broader business insight and experience.
We are now pleased to announce that we have appointed a new Ambassador in the area of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Alan King, Head of Global Membership, Chartered Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).
Let’s get to know Alan (and the high profile membership body he currently works for) who’ll be championing this crucial/developing area of activity…
About the membership body (IMechE) Alan works for…
IMechE represents a global community of mechanical engineers, with over 110,000 members across 140 countries. It aims to promote the profession and practice of mechanical engineering through various initiatives, including a platform for professional development, networking, learning and development, and industry thought-leadership.
About Alan’s current membership focused role…
In my role as Head of Global Membership Development, I am responsible for strategizing and overseeing the IMechE’s global membership initiatives. This includes managing a dedicated team, enhancing member engagement, and developing programs that align with the institution’s mission. My role is integral to improving the member experience and expanding our reach.
I have over 20 years of experience in Membership organizations, having worked my way up within IMechE. My journey started in a more junior role, and through dedication and strategic thinking, I have significantly contributed to the Membership growth and engagement.
A notable recent highlight is the creation of the Membership Partner Programme at IMechE. This initiative marked our first venture into corporate partnership-style offerings, significantly enhancing the value proposition for our members and setting a precedent for future strategic developments. In its first year since launch it has been extremely well received. More recently I developed an AI assessor tool to review CEng/IEng applications and authored a Policy Paper on AI for the Institution, which was based on my 2023 book, “Harnessing the Power of AI in Organisations.”
I was drawn into the membership sector by my passion for community building and technology. The opportunity to combine these interests at IMechE was irresistible, leading me to a fulfilling career focused on enhancing member value, engagement and strategy.
Alan’s recent thought-leadership focused activity with the MemberWise Network…
I have actively participated in MemberWise conferences and webinars, sharing insights on leveraging AI in membership organizations. This involvement has allowed me to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and stay abreast of industry trends.
Here’s Alan’s current goals….
My current goals include development of a 3-tier model to better allocate our resources globally and to integrate advanced AI tools to enhance member support and experiences. A significant challenge remains in continuously adapting to the evolving expectations of our global membership base.
I will advocate for the innovative use of AI in membership strategies, promoting a more personalized and effective approach to member engagement and satisfaction.
We asked Alan if he could recommend one thing to a membership/association professional starting out in a role similar to yours, what would it be?
“Embrace continuous learning and stay updated on technological advancements. Leveraging tools like AI can significantly enhance your ability to meet and exceed member expectations.”
Finally, we asked Alan to tell us something unusual/unique about him:
“I have a deep passion for retro technology and am an avid collector of vintage computing devices. This hobby keeps me connected to the roots of modern tech innovations.”
A big warm welcome to Alan. We hope you welcome this great new network development!
You can find out more about our growing cohort of MemberWise Ambassadors here…
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