2026 Association Trends: Six Imperatives You Can’t Afford to Ignore

Six strategic imperatives every association leader should act on now — a forward-looking guide to staying relevant, resilient, and positioned for growth in the evolving member and market landscape.

How SAE Created a New Business Model and 10X’d Non-Dues Revenue

How Sequence helped an association rethink its business model, reduce reliance on meetings, and increase non-dues revenue tenfold by building a new, sustainable growth engine.

How the AMA Modernized Its Approach and Tripled Membership Growth

How Sequence helped the American Medical Association modernize its approach, sharpen member value, and triple its rate of membership growth through strategic clarity and targeted action.

Title: What Got You Here Won’t Get You There: Reinventing the Association Executive for the Next Era

Leadership practices that worked in the last decade won’t deliver growth in the next. This article explores what association executives must rethink to lead effectively in an era of rapid change and member expectations that outpace old habits.

The Myth of the Five-Year Plan: What Associations Need Instead

Why traditional five-year plans are often counterproductive in today’s dynamic landscape, and how associations can adopt more adaptive, insight-driven planning approaches that align strategy with changing member expectations, markets, and organizational realities.

The Membership Model Is Breaking Down—Here’s How Associations Can Rebuild It

Why today’s membership structures aren’t driving sustainable growth and how associations can rebuild around six strategic imperatives that deliver measurable value, continuous engagement, and resilient revenue in a rapidly evolving environment

Milwaukee's First AI-Powered Augmented Reality Sales Rep and Guide, Ask LeRoy

Ask LeRoyMilwaukee's First AI-Powered Augmented Reality Sales Rep and GuideVisit Milwaukee is changing the way people experience the Milwaukee with Ask LeRoy, an AI-powered augmented reality (AR) sales representative. 

By scanning a QR code with a smartphone camera, visitors see Pro Football Hall of Famer and Lambeau Leap inventor LeRoy Butler appear as a lifelike 3D avatar. Once he arrives, LeRoy greets guests, highlights Milwaukee’s meetings and conventions scene, and answers questions about everything from venue specifications at the expanded Baird Center to recommendations for local dining and attractions.

How a Custom WordPress Site Gives Your Association Superpowers

Is your website keeping up with your association’s needs? Discover how a custom WordPress site could give you all you need now and for the future.

9 Problems Brand Systems Fix

It’s time to take a closer look at your brand to ensure you’re attracting the next generation of members. In our eBook we uncover why it all starts with your brand and 9 key issues the right brand system will resolve.

Member-First Websites: Putting Users at the Heart of Your Website Redesign

For organizations considering a website redesign, functionality and technology are often among the top items on any wishlist. After all, your next generation of members are digital natives, and you need to secure the best tools to deliver the kind of experience that reflects the value of your organization. However, focusing primarily on the technical aspects of your website such as its CMS platform neglects the most important part of any redesign project: Your users. Naturally, a great CMS is essential — but it’s also no guarantee of delivering the kind of experience that connects with members and captures your brand’s story. As you consider your next steps in a redesign project, you need to ensure your website users are the first priority.

Themed vs. Evergreen Event Branding: Which Approach Fits Your Association?

Explore the pros and cons of themed and evergreen event branding—and find the right fit for your event.

Your Association’s Anniversary Isn’t About the Past — It’s About What’s Next

Celebrate your association’s anniversary not just as a nod to the past, but as a strategic launchpad for future growth, member engagement, and renewed mission alignment.

Designing Belonging: Why Associations Deserve Better Design

Discover how thoughtful, modern design helps associations build pride, connection, and belonging—transforming member experiences from ordinary to inspiring.

Unlocking Value for Members: Perceptions and the Evolving Role of Associations

Associations drive progress, strengthen communities, and generate over $116B annually. The pandemic, economic shifts, and AI are reshaping how they operate and engage members.

Download our free guide to see how associations can thrive in this new era.

The Evolving Value of Events

We're all asking the same question: What is it that makes people prioritize in-person events? Request your free report from our latest study with Hanover Research to uncover what drives people to attend in-person events, and why participants find live events so valuable. Ultimately, we know the value: Live experiences give you more. 

Adapting to the OBBB: A Strategic Roadmap for Nonprofits

The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) introduced new tax provisions that will reshape the nonprofit landscape, requiring strategic adjustments in financial planning, fundraising, and donor relations to sustain their missions effectively. It introduces significant amendments to the tax code that are poised to substantially influence the operational and financial contours of the nonprofit sector. With the implementation of new excise taxes, modifications to donor incentives, and changes in regulatory requirements, nonprofits find themselves at a crossroads. As the implications of the OBBB continue to unfold, nonprofits must adapt to this evolving landscape by reimagining their strategies to remain resilient amid persistent uncertainty.

AI Guide for Associations

AI is now integrated into nearly every part of our lives – both professionally and personally. For Associations, AI has transformed traditional processes and created new opportunities to engage members, deliver value, and support industries. Our latest AI Readiness Guide offers five actionable steps to integrate AI responsibly and strategically within your organization. Discover how AI can enhance engagement, streamline operations, and future-proof your association. Download this Readiness Guide to organize and focus your implementation. 

Supplier Engagement Survey Results

Given the emphasis on non-dues revenue, especially sponsorships post-pandemic, we wanted to examine the broader engagement between associations and their suppliers/vendors.

The survey was distributed in the final quarter of 2024. We intend to conduct this survey annually to monitor the engagement levels between organizations and their suppliers/vendors. The survey report includes an executive summary and analysis of all the questions with supporting visuals and charts. 

Who Completed this Survey? 
This survey was taken by association professionals with responsibilities in business development, exhibitor sales, non-dues revenue programs, and any other revenue-growth roles outside of membership sales. 

ASAE MMC+Tech 2025 Insight Report

What associations really care about in 2025

The ASAE MMC + Tech Conference continues to be a powerful source of inspiration, and 2025 delivered rich, practical insights once again. Washington, D.C. was buzzing with real conversations, fresh ideas, and practical insights from membership and marketing pros. We pulled together the trends, tactics, and tiny-but-mighty ideas that stood out. No fluff. Just what is working, what is shifting, and what is next.

Because at Showcare, we care wholeheartedly about helping associations grow, and that starts with sharing what we learn together. This report bridges the gap between the association leaders we met and learned from onsite and those who couldn't attend. We've focused on the practical, proven ide

NARFE Multimedia Marketing Campaign

 As federal workforce dynamics rapidly evolve, the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) faced a critical need to redefine its value proposition and reconnect with current and prospective members to drive
growth.

Financial Management: the Key to Association Growth

Financial & Business Affairs 

Association Acumen provides clear and transparent financial services. Our client associations rely on accurate and timely financial statements and audits to project budgets that determine annual activities, serving as the building blocks for long-term viability. We provide the organization’s leadership with comprehensive monthly financial and year-end reports. Our services include: bookkeeping, accounts payable/receivable and deposits managed through QuickBooks Pro, monthly financial statements and KPI reports, audit oversight, budget services, insurance coverage management, tax and IRS services, pursuit of diverse sources of income, fundraising management, financial oversight of PAC and foundation funds. 

Discover How Your Association Can Scale Its Learning Programs

Discover How Your Association Can Scale Its Learning Programs 

Your association might already offer continuing education programs, and it probably does a stellar job at it, too.

This guide doesn’t tell you how to make effective learning programs. Instead, it explores how you can expand your program’s reach and boost revenue.

Download the guide today to find out:

• four components to consider when determining which strategy is going to be right for you
• five models you can use to help monetize your learning programs
• how the right approach can help engage members and generate positive returns

Savannah Celebrates Newly Expanded Convention Center

Offering 660,000 square feet of state-of-the-art space, this premier venue is set to elevate event experiences in the city known for vibrant Southern charm.

Visit Savannah Apr 22, 2025

How to Plan for Your Association’s Digital Transformation

Learn about the digital transformation process and strategies to prepare your organization for a successful transition.

Momentive (Nimble AMS) Mar 31, 2025