When it comes to member-based organizations, a strong onboarding process sets the foundation for long-term engagement and retention. However, many organizations face challenges in their orientation processes, including suboptimal structures, inconsistent communication, and impersonal procedures.

Thankfully, there’s an easy (and effective!) way to provide engaging introductory journeys for new members: the creation of your own onboarding plan. Without further ado, let’s explore the five simple steps to designing an orientation experience that’s right for your organization!

Step 1: Outline a 30-60-90-Day Onboarding Plan

A 30-60-90-day plan offers a phased approach that helps pique members’ interest and keep them coming back for more. This sets proper expectations for new members and consistently provides them with something to look forward to. By gradually introducing your organization’s benefits and opportunities over time, you create a natural progression that builds excitement and commitment.

Here’s how best to structure your organization’s onboarding process:

Day 1-30: Welcome and Orientation

• Send a personalized welcome email that includes a message from leadership and a clear roadmap of the onboarding process.
• Provide a welcome packet that includes essential resources (including helpful items like benefit overviews, event calendars, and contact information).
• Invite new members to an orientation webinar where they can learn about your association and ask questions.
  • To avoid continuously running orientation webinars, schedule them at set times throughout the year (e.g. every three months); make sure to include these dates in your welcome package!

Days 31-60: Promoting Participation

• Send out invitations to join special interest groups, committees, or mentorship programs. This advertises additional benefits (like networking!) and offers value.
• Provide educational resources (such as exclusive articles, case studies, or videos) to deepen engagement; remember, content creation doesn’t have to be difficult!
• Host opportunities for collaboration through discussion forums or social media groups.

Days 61-90: Fostering Long-Term Commitment

• Highlight member success stories to build inspiration–and showcase industry role models!
• Send out surveys to evaluate the onboarding experience and gather insights for future improvements.
• Provide periodic updates to mark a clear path for further involvement–leadership opportunities, volunteering roles, and advanced learning programs are all great ways to keep members interested in what you offer.

Step 2: Leverage Multiple Communication Channels

Different members connect in different ways, so meeting them where they’re most comfortable makes all the difference! A multi-channel approach ensures no one falls through the cracks while also creating multiple touchpoints, reinforcing your organization’s continued (and future) success.

Social Media & Community Groups

• Create exclusive LinkedIn or Facebook groups for new members to foster connections; be sure to post regularly to keep up the engagement!
• Assign community ambassadors or veteran members to engage with newcomers and answer questions–sometimes it’s easier to ask a fellow peer than it is to approach the organization itself.
• Encourage members to introduce themselves and share their goals within the group. The more members can network amongst themselves, the more bonds are formed, the more value your organization offers.

Webinars & Live Sessions

• Host live Q&A sessions to address common concerns and provide real-time support. Be sure to schedule these regularly and in advance so that they can be included in your event calendar. The purpose is to have members attend, after all, so you want to ensure everyone is well aware before the registration cutoff!
• Feature guest speakers or senior members to discuss the value of active participation. These talks can be combined with “Speaker of the Month” or industry veteran “Ask Me Anything” sessions–which can then be repurposed into future educational content.
• Record sessions and provide on-demand access for those who are unable to attend the original live session; these on-demand offerings could be included as a member benefit or used to generate non-dues revenue through sales. You could even combine these options–allow anyone to buy access to your recordings, but provide members a hefty discount. Everybody wins!

Step 3: Foster a Sense of Belonging

True engagement happens when members feel that they’ve found a place within your community. Creating meaningful connections from day one transforms newcomers from passive observers to active participants who genuinely want to contribute!

Interactive Welcome Events

• Organize virtual meet-and-greet sessions where new members can introduce themselves and connect with one another. Keep things light and welcoming–think of it as a “coffee chat” rather than a formal meeting.
• Conduct speed networking activities to facilitate quick connections. Even just 5 minutes can spark lasting conversations!
• Use icebreaker activities that align with your organization’s mission and values; this helps your members feel connected to each other and to the community.

Create a Check-In Strategy

• Send periodic emails to members with information on upcoming programs and explain how to register. Be sure to add friendly tips (like “Don’t miss our quarterly get-togethers–they’re great for making new connections!”) to make it feel more personal.
• Review new member activity (such as engagement scores) within your organization every couple of months to identify re-engagement opportunities. If someone hasn’t joined any events yet, reach out with a tailored invitation: this shows you’re paying attention–and, more importantly, that you care.

Add a Personal Touch

• Send handwritten or digital welcome notes from organization leaders. Individualized interactions go a long way in making people feel valued from the very beginning.
• Feature new members in newsletters or social media shoutouts to help them feel recognized in the community while also celebrating their arrival.

Step 4: Encourage Two-Way Engagement

The most successful onboarding experiences recognize that new members bring valuable perspectives alongside their fresh enthusiasm. Rather than simply delivering information, create opportunities that benefit both sides.

Gathering Early Feedback

• Use quick surveys or polls to assess member expectations and preferences. Keep them short and engaging, as members are more likely to respond when it takes less than a minute to do so.
• Ask open-ended questions in welcome emails to encourage direct responses.
  • For example, you could ask questions like, “What are you most excited to explore?” to push for a more genuine conversation.
    • Be sure to offer them an outlet to share their answers, too; a designated staff email or social media account can provide just the solution.
• Monitor engagement levels through analytics like email open rates, event attendance, and engagement scores. Data is the most accurate fortune-teller of all!

Make it Interactive

• Encourage new members to participate in forum and social media discussions by posing questions or sharing their experiences. For instance, you could ask, “What’s the best career tip you’ve received so far?”
• Offer incentives for engagement, such as small prizes (like coupon codes, raffle entries, or even physical merchandise) for completing onboarding milestones. Gamifying the process keeps things fun and motivating!
• Implement a buddy system where existing members are paired with newcomers. Designated peer-to-peer connections can help your members feel more at ease.

Step 5: Monitor & Adapt the Process

Even the best-designed processes need regular fine-tuning to remain effective; what works for one generation of members may require adjustments for the next. Thankfully, being responsive to change can ensure that your onboarding process continues to deliver results, regardless of how your audience evolves.

Track Key Metrics

• Engagement rates: Pay attention to the number of members attending events, opening/clicking emails, and participating in discussions; this will show you how popular your offerings are over time.
  • Robust Association Management Systems can also provide you with engagement scores–actual point values assigned to members based on their engagement with your platform.
• Retention rates: One of the easiest ways to judge the efficacy of your onboarding process is by tracking the percentage of members who renew their membership after the first year. The higher the retention, the better your organization is at catching the attention of new members.
• Survey feedback: Surveys, polls, and other direct forms of feedback collection will provide clear insight into what worked well and what needs improvement. You’ll be hearing it straight from the source!
• Drop-off points: On the other side of the retention coin, it’s crucial to identify when members have disengaged so that you can swiftly address any potential pain points.

Iterate, Iterate, Iterate!

Improvement is a constant state, and even a small step forward is still a step.

• Regularly review onboarding reports to identify trends and areas for further improvement. Make this part of your quarterly routine to stay ahead of the curve!
• Experiment with different approaches by promoting more interaction through gamification tools. Try points, badges, or challenges that reward progress.
• Keep onboarding content fresh through a steady stream of member success stories and other resources. This demonstrates that your community is continually evolving and offering new, exciting things.

Conclusion

Creating an exceptional onboarding experience isn’t just about checking boxes–it’s about transforming how new members connect with your organization from the very first interaction. When newcomers feel welcomed and supported right away, they’re more likely to become active participants instead of passive observers.

While tailoring messages to individual member activity may require more effort (though less than you would think if your organization takes advantage of automation!), it demonstrates that you value them, while also making your services feel directly relevant. You’re building a personalized roadmap: the more you guide them toward opportunities that match their interests, the more they’ll invest in your community.

Take a moment to evaluate your current onboarding strategy and ask yourself: What steps can your organization take today to enhance the experience for new members? 

Start small, gather feedback, and refine your approach for lasting success!

References

Fischer, K. (2025). Tetherform. Tetherform. https://tetherform.com/blog/designing-an-effective-new-member-onboarding-process-90-day-guide?

Julianne Fitzpatrick. (2024). Top 10 Tips for Effective Member Onboarding from Association Experts. ASAE. https://www.asaecenter.org/resources/articles/an_plus/2024/02-february/top-10-tips-for-effective-member-onboarding-from-association-experts

Kerri L. McGovern, MPP, CAE and Meagan Roloff, CAE. (2025). Start Strong: Five Onboarding Strategies to Set Your New Members Up for Success. ASAE. https://www.asaecenter.org/resources/articles/an_plus/2025/06-june/start-strong-five-onboarding-strategies-to-set-your-new-members-up-for-success?

The post Onboarding New Members in 5 Simple Steps appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Whether you’re managing a union, an association, or another member-based organization, memberships are the backbone of your success. An engaged community doesn’t just make your organization stronger—it keeps the cash flowing and sets you up for long-term wins.

Let’s be honest—people are constantly swamped with content. So, how can you stand out, grab the attention of potential members, and convince them to sign up? The secret to success is creating a strong value proposition, streamlining the sign-up process, and continuously offering experiences that truly resonate with potential members.

When your audience sees the real advantages of joining—whether that means access to exclusive content, valuable networking opportunities, or special member perks—they’ll be far more inclined to take that next step and get involved.

It’s not just about getting people to sign up, though; it’s about creating an experience they want to stay for. So, without further ado, let’s look at some techniques to boost your membership and take your sales to the next level!

Developing a Marketing Plan

Before diving in and testing different approaches, it’s important to have a clear strategy. Here’s how to set yourself up for success:

• Set clear objectives: What’s the goal? More sign-ups? Higher engagement? A better retention rate? Get specific so you can measure your success.
• Identify your target audience: Who are your ideal members? Are they professionals looking for networking opportunities, newbies passionate about advancing in their field, or industry practitioners looking for accreditation? Know your crowd.
• Select the right marketing channels: Facebook, LinkedIn, email newsletters—each of these has its own “vibe”, so make sure to use the tools that your audience will actually engage with.

Strategies to Boost Membership Sales

Now for the fun part: making your membership sales soar!

1. Simplify the Enrollment Process

If your sign-up process is too complicated, potential members may give up before they even complete it. Instead, make it as easy as putting together a sandwich—simple, fast, and intuitive. A streamlined, user-friendly process reduces friction and increases conversions. Consider:

• One-click sign-ups
• Clear pricing (no hidden fees)
• Mobile responsivity (because nobody wants to struggle with a tiny screen!)

2. Offer Incentives and Limited-Time Deals

People are always drawn to a great deal. Build anticipation and drive action by creating a sense of urgency and excitement with:

• Early-bird discounts
• BOGO (Buy One, Get One) memberships for referrals
• Exclusive launch offers for first-time members (such as discounted/free courses)

3. Utilize Social Media & Online Platforms

If you’re not using social media to promote your memberships (and all they offer!), you’re leaving money on the table. Social media is a powerful tool for reaching potential members, engaging your current audience, and showcasing the value of your organization. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) to:

• Post engaging content (such as behind-the-scenes videos, testimonials, and sneak peeks of new courses).
• Go live! Q&A sessions and virtual events can build hype. Run paid ads targeting your ideal members–after all, members can only join your association if they know you’re out there!

4. Offer Valuable & Exclusive Content

People don’t just want to join a group; they want to feel like they’re in a community of their peers. Building a strong sense of belonging is key to attracting and retaining members. Make them feel like VIPs by offering:

• Members-only webinars, courses, and/or networking events
• Special discounts, freebies, and/or priority access to new features
• Industry insider information they can’t get anywhere else

5. Partner with Complementary Organizations

Teamwork makes the dream work! Collaborate with businesses or groups that share your audience but aren’t direct competitors. Strategic partnerships can enhance your offerings, attract new members, and strengthen your association’s credibility. For example:

• A professional association could collaborate with soft skills career coaches.
• A teachers’ association could work with educational publishers.
• A medical association could partner with healthcare product providers.

6. Host Conferences and Exhibits

Sometimes, nothing beats face-to-face interaction when it comes to building relationships and growing your membership. Hosting industry conferences, trade shows, and networking events gives you direct access to potential members who are already engaged in your field. You can:

• Set up an eye-catching welcome booth with engaging visuals, informative materials, and interactive elements to draw attendees in.
• Offer live sessions, exclusive giveaways, or limited-time membership discounts to encourage sign-ups on the spot.

7. Leverage Social Proof & Testimonials

People trust real experiences more than advertisements. Highlight your satisfied members and let their stories showcase the value of your association:

• Share video testimonials
• Post screenshots of positive feedback
• Display success stories and case studies on your website

You may also like: Expanding Your Reach: How to Market Your Association’s Continuing Education

Monitor & Evaluate Strategies

What’s working? What’s not? Here’s how to ensure your strategy is helping (not hurting):

• Track KPIs: Monitor conversion rates, engagement levels, and retention rates.
• Gather feedback: Ask new members what convinced them to join (and what could be better).
• Refine based on data: If a strategy isn’t delivering, tweak it until it does!

Conclusion

Selling memberships doesn’t have to be a struggle. With the right mix of strategic marketing, compelling incentives, and meaningful engagement, you can turn potential members into enthusiastic advocates. The key is to make the process simple, exciting, and packed with value—because when people clearly see the benefits, they’ll be eager to join.

Now, go out there with confidence and boost your association’s membership!

References

Content Marketing Institute. (2023). CMI: Content Marketing Strategy, Research, “How-To” Advice. Content Marketing Institute. https://contentmarketinginstitute.com/

Marketing General Incorporated. (2025). The Membership Lifecycle. Marketinggeneral.com; Marketing General Incorporated. https://www.marketinggeneral.com/solutions/the-membership-lifecycle

MCIM, H. M. (2023, June 13). Elevating Club Membership Sales with Demand Generation Strategies. Linkedin.com. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/elevating-club-membership-sales-demand-generation-mcguckin-mcim/

The post Selling Memberships Like a Pro: Fun & Effective Strategies to Boost Your Numbers appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Engaged members are loyal, active, and more likely to buy courses, attend events, and promote your brand. So, when it comes to event attendance, engaging your audience can lead to a win-win: they attend, they participate, and they spread the word!

But how do you get that level of engagement? While there are many ways to engage an audience, a strong online presence is one of the most effective. Some might think technology detracts from in-person events, but it’s quite the opposite—it can actually enhance them!

With the right digital strategies, you can build a connected, engaged audience that’s excited to attend your physical events. Let’s explore how:

1. Engage Your Audience Through Interaction

One of the easiest ways to build engagement is by interacting with your audience. Social media provides the perfect platform for this, allowing you to connect with members directly: you can answer questions, solve problems, and build relationships easier than ever before.

The key here is authenticity—skip the corporate jargon and talk to your audience like real people. Join industry discussions, offer insights, and be approachable. An active, genuine online presence can make a big impact!

Beyond social media, consider offering online workshops, webinars, or an open forum where members can connect. The real power of these channels lies in being responsive—quickly address feedback, answer questions, and engage in dialogue. A responsive brand fosters loyalty, which makes users more likely to recommend your association and be more interested in your future events.

After all, high engagement levels make your association’s in-person events feel like a natural extension of your association’s virtual space!

2. Highlight Your Core Values

People are more likely to engage with associations they understand and relate to. Make sure your core values are front and center in everything you do. Be bold in sharing your mission and your stance on important issues in your industry. This doesn’t mean diving into politics, but it does mean consistently aligning your messaging with your values. Authenticity, again, is key here—modern audiences can spot a generic sales pitch a mile away, and they’re drawn to brands that feel genuine and personal.

One way to achieve this is by partnering with influencers or sponsors who share your values. When people see their beliefs reflected in your association, they’re more likely to become loyal participants in your events.

3. Enhance Your Purpose

To keep your audience engaged, offer more than just a product or event—become a hub of valuable information and resources. This could mean providing access to industry news, offering online training or workshops, or creating a space for networking and discussion. The more value you offer, the more invested your audience becomes in your organization.

Then, at your in-person events, make sure to leverage these connections.

Use your partnerships to create unique experiences (such as exclusive trials or presentations) that make your events stand out. When people feel like they’re part of something bigger, they’re more likely to show up and be involved.

4. Give a Behind-the-Scenes Look with Live Streaming

Want to give your audience a taste of your event before they even attend? Live streaming can do just that!

Show off your event in real-time, allowing viewers to experience it virtually and get a sense of what to expect if they attend in person next time. Live streams can also build anticipation–especially if you engage with your online audience during the event.

Don’t stop at just your events, though! You can use live streams to host interviews, discussions, or behind-the-scenes tours. Give your audience an inside look at your organization and the people behind it. These personal touches help build a connection and keep your association top of mind when it’s time to buy tickets to your next event.

5. Leverage Live Engagement Marketing (LEM)

Live Engagement Marketing (LEM) uses technology to create an interactive experience at in-person events. Whether it’s a digital concierge app, a networking platform, or gamified activities, these tools keep attendees engaged and connected. They also provide valuable data on your audience’s behavior and preferences, helping you tailor future events to their needs.

With tools like Near-Field Communication (NFC) devices, attendees can seamlessly interact with event booths and workshops, while you gain insights into their interests. This data can help you improve targeted marketing, advertising, and sponsorships–all of which boost attendance at future events!

Final Thoughts

By integrating these online strategies, you can turn digital engagement into real-world success. From interacting with your audience to live streaming events and using cutting-edge tech, these tactics not only build loyalty but also drive in-person attendance. Embrace the digital tools at your disposal, and watch your events thrive!

References

How To Livestream Your Event & Maximize Social Media. (2017, August 18). Retrieved from Blog website: https://livestream.com/blog/social-media-for-livestreaming-events

LoSasso. (2018, August 8). Tips to maximize engagement while live streaming. Retrieved August 27, 2021, from LoSasso Integrated Marketing website: https://www.losasso.com/blog/social-media/tips-to-maximize-engagement-while-live-streaming/

Odell, P. (2016, November 11). 5 Ways to Maximize Offline Engagement at Your Live Events. Retrieved August 27, 2021, from Chief Marketer website: https://www.chiefmarketer.com/5-ways-to-maximize-offline-engagement-at-your-live-events/

Team, P. E. (2018, July 27). 11 Customer Engagement Strategies for Marketing. Retrieved August 27, 2021, from Chat Blog website: https://www.proprofs.com/c/customer-support/marketing-strategies-for-customer-engagement/

The post How Online Engagement Can Increase Your In-Person Attendance appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

As with most technical fields, live streaming has its own language. For many, understanding these words is half of the battle.

Now, we’ve all experienced it: trying to read a list of technical specs, our eyes slowly glazing over as we desperately try to stay awake. What do all these words mean?

To help you carve through all the technical terms, we’ve compiled a glossary of common live stream language. Let’s get started!

Adaptive Streaming

Adaptive streaming refers to the technology that makes it possible to stream at multiple bitrates, which accommodates a variety of resolutions and bandwidths on the viewer end. This usually results in a smoother video for viewers.

Basically, it lets everyone see the best possible stream for their device, location, and internet quality.

Aspect Ratio

Aspect ratio refers to the relationship between an image’s width and height. For streaming, the typical aspect ratio is 16:9.

Bandwidth

Bandwidth refers to the speed at which someone can download or upload information from the internet. This speed is typically measured in Megabits per second (Mbps). At the very least, your available bandwidth should be higher than your desired bitrate when streaming.

Bitrate

Bitrate is the rate at which audio and video data is sent from the streaming source to the network.

Buffering

Buffering is the preloading of memory into a reserved memory area before the content begins to play.

Have you ever tried to watch a video on YouTube, only for it to pause and show you a spinning circle for a minute before you start? Yup, that’s buffering.

Compression

Compression refers to the process of decreasing the size of multimedia to improve streaming efficiency. Currently, the industry compression standard is H.264 (MPEG-4).

Content Delivery Network (CDN)

A CDN is a distribution network of servers and data centers that help distribute data and information more easily than a single server could manage. The goal here is to spread out data delivery between a wide number of servers, which boosts performance.

Dropped Frames

Dropped frames refers to the loss of video frames during a stream’s encoding or compression process. This typically happens when a computer tries to process more data than it can handle efficiently, resulting in lagging, skipping, or out-of-sync video and audio.

Encoding or Transcoding

Encoding (also called transcoding) is the process of converting the recorded content’s raw data into a suitable compressed format for internet transmission.

Firewall

A firewall is a network security system that regulates communications between internal and external networks, restricting unauthorized access and managing and controlling trusted networks. You don’t want to disable these and leave your association (or your stream) unprotected!

Frame Rate

Frame rate is the number of single image frames displayed per second (“FPS” or frames per second). In addition to the viewing experience, frame rate can impact the compression and encoding processes.

Two of the most common frame rates in streaming are 30 FPS and 60 FPS. The higher the frame rate, the more bandwidth it will consume.

H.264

H.264 is also called Advanced Video Coding (AVC) or MPEG-4 and refers to the standard compression format for streaming video over the internet. It was created to give the best video quality for the lowest bandwidth and least amount of lag.

HTTP Dynamic Sstreaming (HDS)

HDS is an adaptive-bitrate streaming technology made by Adobe, which allows stream viewers to play multimedia at their ideal size and quality.

HDS is used less frequently and has less support than…

HTTP Live Streaming (HLS)

HLS is an adaptive-bitrate communications protocol made by Apple, which allows stream viewers to play multimedia at their ideal size and quality. Over time, HLS has become an open standard–not exclusive to Apple (though Apple products will only use HLS).

Between HDS (the above) and HLS, HLS is the more widely used option.

HTML5 Video

HTML5 Video is a common in-browser player for streaming multimedia at a low bandwidth.

IP Camera

IP cameras are cameras that are capable of sending and receiving data directly to and from the internet. These cameras are used primarily for security and streaming purposes.

Keyframe

A keyframe (or intraframe) refers to a video image’s full frame: the start and end points of a transition.

The frames that follow a keyframe are called delta frames and typically only contain information that has changed from the original keyframe.

Latency

Latency essentially means “delay”. It is the length of time that takes place between video capture and live stream display.

“Lag” is slang for latency! So “high latency” means “more lag”.

Mixer

A video mixer is hardware that allows streamers to easily switch between and combine video and audio signals.

Regardless of how many cameras or inputs are used by the mixer, the output is contained within one signal for easy broadcasting.

Packet

A packet is a basic unit of information that travels along a network path.

Transmitted data is broken into packets and transported separately to an endpoint. Once there, the separate packets reassemble into the intended format.

When packets don’t arrive, this is referred to as packet loss; this loss is something you want to minimize.

Real-Time Messaging Protocol (RTMP)

RTMP is an Adobe-developed media streaming protocol used to transfer video over the internet. RTMP refers to the web address that data uses as a path from the stream source to the stream server.

RTMPE, meanwhile, refers to encrypted media streaming system based on this protocol.

Resolution

Resolution comes in a variety of specs, such as 4K, 1080i, 1080p, 720p, 480i, and 480p. These numbers refer to the number of pixels it takes to fill a screen.

In general, the larger the number, the clearer the resolution.

Simulcast

Simulcast refers to the streaming of an event on multiple sources and platforms at the same time.

Stream Key

A stream key is the alphanumeric key used by an encoder to authenticate, identify, and communicate with the streaming server.

Video Artifacting

Video artifacting refers to a type of pixelation/image distortion that occurs during streaming. As opposed to standard pixelation, which impacts the entire frame, video artifacting usually impacts one (or a few) objects in a frame.

It typically indicates a compression issue.

You may also like: Attracting More Sponsors: the Live Stream Appeal

Conclusion

If you managed to make it to the end of the list, congratulations! How many terms did you recognize? If you want, you can bookmark this list to refer back to in the future.

Happy streaming!

Want help demystifying more eLearning technology? Contact Vocalmeet today; we’ll be happy to help you set your association up for success!

The post Live Streaming: a Glossary appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Despite this, organizations are still slow to realize the full potential of the practice. Back in 2016, about 44% of brands were incorporating live streaming. That number has grown steadily since but, for most, there’s still plenty of room to grow.

In general, videos perform much better than other media formats. Videos typically have a greater than 135% organic reach on social media channels compared to pictures. Additionally, viewers watch live videos longer, comment more, and share them more often than they do their pre-recorded counterparts.

However, when it comes to positive brand awareness, the effectiveness of a live stream is more important than just its widespread coverage. Live streams give organizations the power of immediacy. They can showcase sides of the organization that most consumers would never (or could never) otherwise see.

While there are countless ways that live streams can help your organization, today we’ll be exploring some of the best ways they can help promote your association’s brand:

1. Introduce Your Organization

One of the best ways for an organization to build true brand recognition is to give the world a closer look at its inner workings. Modern consumers connect best to organizations that display transparency, honesty, and authenticity.

In order to gain the trust of consumers, organizations need to be human, be responsible, and be available. How better to achieve this than to use live streams to show off your association? Live streams can highlight how your organization operates by bringing viewers behind-the-scenes:

• Showcase your creative process
• Take viewers on a tour
• Create videos that show off your organization’s culture

Some organizations even choose to live stream meetings or interviews with various personnel. This helps to add personality and a face to the company.

You may consider giving your consumers a chance to ask questions of different people. The goal here is to help bridge the gap between the organization and the consumer. Demystify your operations and unveil the processes involved in your work. The more people know and understand, the higher the chance they will connect with you.

These live streams don’t have to be polished pieces of art, either. In fact, many of the most effective live streams are unscripted and rough around the edges, making them come across as more “real” and authentic.

2. Highlight Your Initiatives

As a promotional tool, few mediums can compete with live streams.

Effective live streams remove the middleman and the confusing marketing language, instead providing immediate updates, increased awareness, and news announcements directly from the source.

Associations can use live streams to show-off or tease new and upcoming courses and conferences. Some may offer exclusive sales via discount codes or contests during the stream.

Other associations may use live streams to provide a countdown to an upcoming event or initiative. This can help build excitement and ensure a launch doesn’t go by unnoticed!

Another effective live streaming method is to highlight positive initiatives or charity work done by your organization. In this globally-conscious age, live streams with a social focus can inspire audiences and help them connect with your association’s mission.

No matter how you demonstrate your organization’s value or purpose, it’s important to keep your communications consistent and on-brand. Today’s members are much more willing to support associations when they feel that they’re contributing to a positive effort!

3. Stream Your Events

Improving access to your association’s events is a powerful way to increase brand awareness.

For one, live streaming your events will result in a more widespread reach: your consumers will enjoy more attendance options and, as a result, your attendance will become more diverse. As an organization, live streamed events position your brand as more accommodating and forward thinking.

Furthermore, live streams encourage and allow for real-time interaction with attendees. This high level engagement that live video attracts means that most social media platforms favor live streams in their promotional algorithms, allowing you to promote your brand further and farther. Live streams also allow your organization to better promote your events on social media, even directly linking to the event in posts.

Whether it’s product launches, association introductions, or a large industry forum, it’s important to remember that the best live streams offer audiences something that may not be available in person. This takes your live stream from being an extension of the physical event to something altogether unique and distinct.

Even after the live streams and events are finished, organizations can use the material they recorded in a variety of ways. Some organizations break up the video and use it for promotional purposes, enhancing their brand awareness even further.

Make sure to archive and catalog your content for ease of use!

4. Run Live Training Programs

Brand awareness is important, but how consumers recognize and remember a brand is perhaps the most important of all.

With live streams, organizations can inject more value for consumers in a greater number of ways. One of the most effective uses of this strategy–particularly in terms of brand awareness–is to offer live training programs.

Live training programs can be anything, from individual courses to industry certifications to a series of webinars. Some organizations may offer complex training programs, whereas others may prefer simple how-to videos or live demonstrations. Associations can even live stream customer support and customer onboarding videos!

No matter the content, the purpose is the same: education.

Providing educational content helps position associations as thought leaders in their industries, making them a hub of information and a landing spot for professional (and personal!) development.

The live delivery component of this kind of training makes the learning process more of a personal experience. Students and instructors can connect in real-time, and members feel more seen and heard in their studies. By offering live educational support, organizations can foster feelings of being seen and supported in their members.

5. Partner Up

In this age of information, brands are evaluated in many different ways.

Associations looking to build brand awareness should look into teaming up with brands and sponsors with similar values and goals. Organizations may, for example, align with another brand and participate together in a purposeful initiative. Others may seek out professional live streamers or social media influencers to partner with, which can have a major impact on reach and brand awareness.

It’s important, however, that organizations choose the right brands to partner with; when one organization aligns with another, their messaging should be consistent, or else audiences will be left confused.

Perhaps the most effective form of collaboration via live streams is when organizations work directly with their audience.

Associations that respond to and communicate with their members tend to be the more relatable and memorable brands in the digital landscape. Use live streams to:

• Talk to your audience,
• Gather feedback from members, and
• Use it to improve your services.

While crossover content and impressive guest appearances can have lasting effects, good old-fashioned customer appreciation is often what makes the biggest overall impression on your brand!

You may also like: Making Sure Your Next Event is Your BEST Event

Conclusion

In conclusion, live streaming is becoming an indispensable tool for organizations aiming to boost their brand recognition.

Live streaming’s unique ability to engage, captivate, and provide real-time connections makes it a key component in many a marketing strategy. From introducing an organization to showcasing initiatives, from offering live training programs to forging partnerships, live streaming empowers associations to resonate with members on a deeper level and leave a lasting impression.

As this dynamic medium continues to evolve, one thing is becoming clear: embracing live streaming isn’t just a promotional option–it’s rapidly becoming a necessity!

Sources

The post Boosting Brand Recognition: How Live Streaming Can Help appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

On the association side, sponsors can help offset the cost of events. On the sponsor side, the more attendees an event gathers, the better the opportunity to boost their brand.

Because of this, adding a live stream to an event is an excellent way to improve sponsorship opportunities. While there’s no guarantee you’ll hook your ideal target every time (this is life, after all!), there’s no better way to land a big catch than to increase the value you offer–and boy, do live streams help you offer!

Now, while many of the draws of live streams are the same as in-person events, there are some differences. For instance:

• Live streams present fewer geographical limitations and can offer a more varied audience.
• Live streams can extend a sponsorship past the event date.
• Sponsorship content in a live stream can be presented and viewed in multiple ways.

The reality is, sponsors are interested in pairing up with live streams for a lot of the same reasons that your organization decided to implement them in the first place. Now, it’s just up to you to make sure that it’s your live stream that those sponsors choose!

Let’s take a look at how to accomplish this:

1. Upgrade your Stream

The first step to attracting sponsors is to work on your stream.

If your stream looks amateurish, is hard to access, or features an unstable presentation or connection, your viewership will suffer. Few viewers will tune in and even fewer will stick around! This, of course, presents a major issue for sponsors.

How do you avoid these issues without breaking the bank? Let’s find out!

1. You can develop a professional-looking stream with just a smartphone, some quality lighting (ring lights and light panels, anyone?), and a sturdy tripod. You may consider implementing an external microphone to capture high-quality audio, too.
2. Next, you’ll want to ensure that your connection is strong. Latency issues will drive away viewers more than most other factors–no one likes lag!
3. Finally, by hosting your live stream on a reputable streaming platform, you assure sponsors that viewers will be able to access the stream and receive the necessary support, should they need it.

How about that? It’s as simple as one-two-three!

2. Help Them Be Known

For most sponsors, one of the most important details is visibility. How will viewers know that the event, the organization, or the live stream itself is sponsored?

With the wide variety of streaming platforms and technologies available in this market, streamers can promote their sponsors in a growing number of ways:

• Event planners can have speakers verbally promote the brand.
• Associations can display a sponsor logo in the shot.
• Sponsors can have their own dedicated segments (for instance, introducing sessions or hosting their own informative talks).
• Logos can be added to the event landing page (and even overlaid in the event recording in post!).

With the right live streaming partners and platform, associations can offer different levels of promotion to match the needs of their various sponsors.

3. Integrate, Integrate, Integrate

While some sponsors are content with having their logo posted on a live stream, there are those who would be interested in having more involvement in the organizations and the streams that they sponsor.

Up the ante for sponsors by including them in your event in various ways. For instance, associations can:

• Offer sponsors an exhibitor position.
• Use one of their products as a central component at the event.
• Include links or downloadable information about sponsors to drive engagement from viewers.

Another positive about offering a variety of sponsorship options is that your organization can provide tiered sponsorship levels. This gives sponsors a selection to choose from, enabling them to get the right level of involvement at the right price.

Organizations may even want to offer an a la carte approach to sponsorship packages, allowing sponsors to completely customize their involvement. Display your flexibility and your value all in one go!

4. Present a Thorough Plan

Whether you’re reaching out to individual sponsors or presenting a blanket advertisement to attract a variety of organizations, what you need is a solid event plan.

It’s important to know and communicate your event’s purpose, its main themes, and what your audience demographics look like. Paint as clear a picture as you can in order to increase the quality and the relevance of your sponsors.

When searching for individual sponsors, look for those organizations that share your target audience. This will increase the stakes for them and their involvement. Consider what your values are and what themes you wish to illuminate during the event. Then, look for sponsors that align with these values and themes.

The consistency between association, event, and sponsor not only makes it more appealing for sponsors, but it can improve the overall experience for attendees as well!

5. Extend Your Reach

When it comes to sponsorships, live streamed events may look a little different than traditional events.

For one, the audience may be slightly different. Live streams offer a wider geographical reach than most in-person events, which means you’ll be bringing in additional viewers–some outside of your normal pull. This can provide more incentive for sponsors beyond your event’s specific location.

Not just this–an online setting provides the perfect opportunity to promote online-related brands and products. Because of this, you may even consider hosting additional sponsors; some for in-person events and some for the live stream aspect. Consider this for your tiered package approach (as outlined above!).

Your event’s reach doesn’t end here, however: many organizations choose to reuse their live stream content:

• In some cases, organizations allow users to rewatch the stream for a set period of time.
• Some organizations allow users to purchase viewing rights to the stream as a stand-alone course.
• Further still, some associations repackage their stream content into full training programs or use them in workshops.
• Some will even use snippets of a stream for marketing purposes

Whatever you choose, the results are all the same: the content’s life cycle is extended.

For a sponsor, this can mean extended visibility and higher sponsorship value. Consider some new ways that your organization can reuse your live stream content and you might uncover some new sponsorship opportunities while you’re at it!

You may also like: Making Sure Your Next Event is Your BEST Event

Conclusion

When looking to attract sponsors to your next event, don’t sleep on live streaming and the value it can bring. The relationship between associations and sponsors is bolstered by live streaming’s ability to transcend physical boundaries, extend brand exposure, and engage diverse audiences.

Stand out in the eyes of your potential sponsors: optimize your live stream quality, feature them prominently, integrate their presence, present a comprehensive plan, and maximize your reach. Do this and you’ll create a winning formula that not only enriches your events but also entices sponsors to choose your association’s live stream as its ideal partnership opportunity.

So, set the stage, roll the cameras, and let your live stream shine as a beacon that sponsors can’t resist!

The post Attracting More Sponsors: the Live Stream Appeal appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

It’s not just buzzwords and tech jargon–AI is proving to be a catalyst in bringing people together like never before. AI is rewriting the playbook for association executives, ushering in an era of unprecedented industry interconnectedness.

Let’s take a look at how!

Hyper-Personalization and Member Engagement: Unveiling the Power of AI

Personalization Made Easy

Let’s imagine a scenario: each member of your association feels their unique needs and preferences not only being acknowledged, but embraced at every touchpoint. Sounds like a pipe dream, right?

Well, dream no longer! This lies within the realm of hyper-personalization, and AI is the mastermind behind it.

By harnessing its incredible analytical capabilities, associations can delve into vast amounts of member data in an instant, using it to decipher patterns and then create experiences that resonate with audiences on a deeper level.

Use AI to segment your member base by a range of factors, then target each group with tailored promotions, communications, and offers. The more custom you make the experience, the more value your members will gain!

No More Guessing

Predictive analytics, fueled by AI-driven platforms, are another game-changer in this area. These platforms aren’t just reactive; they’re proactive. They anticipate member demands–sometimes even before members are aware of their needs themselves!

By understanding member behavior, preferences, and historical interactions, AI systems craft tailored experiences that leave members feeling understood, valued, and engaged. The result? A level of loyalty and involvement that is unparalleled.

In a world where personalization is the gold standard, AI is the weaver spinning data into meaningful connections. The more we understand our members, the better equipped we are to engage them. AI-driven hyper-personalization is, in essence, the “secret sauce” that transforms association engagement into an artful science.

Community Building and Networking: AI as the Ultimate Matchmaker

Associations have long thrived as havens where professionals can connect, share insights, and foster relationships. In the digital age, AI has emerged as the ultimate matchmaker, seamlessly connecting members based on shared interests, expertise, and goals.

The result? A tapestry of virtual communities that transcends geographical boundaries and fuels engagement on a global scale.

AI’s role in community building is akin to a skilled conductor, orchestrating connections that might have otherwise remained undiscovered. Leveraging powerful matchmaking algorithms, AI identifies links between members, bringing together individuals who might not have crossed paths otherwise. This not only enriches members’ professional lives–it boosts your association’s value!

Virtual communities, supercharged by AI, are evolving beyond being mere networking platforms. They are becoming dynamic hubs of knowledge exchange, collaboration, and inspiration. Members no longer need to rely solely on chance encounters at physical events; AI empowers them to connect and engage with like-minded peers at any time, from anywhere.

In Conclusion

The impact of AI on association engagement is a story of innovation and evolution. It’s a tale of how technology, when harnessed thoughtfully, can build a web of human connection like never before.

From hyper-personalization that makes each member feel like the star of the show to seamless community-building that unites professionals across the globe, AI is reshaping the landscape of associations.

Embracing AI isn’t just about staying relevant; it’s about crafting experiences that reach out to members in new and innovative ways. It’s about understanding that, in the digital age, technology isn’t a barrier but a bridge—one that brings people together in ways we could only dream of before.

So, welcome this new era of engagement and watch as your association’s connections and community flourish–all with the help of our little friend “AI”!

The post Welcome to the Revolution: How AI Helps You Foster Community and Connection in Associations appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Unfortunately, not all mentorships are the same; while their success often depends on the mentors and the mentees involved, associations can greatly improve the chances of things going well by laying the proper groundwork.

By taking the time to properly plan and dedicate the appropriate resources to build a mentorship program, associations can make a substantial addition to the value of their memberships, thereby allowing members to reap the benefits.

Read on to find out how a solid mentorship program can help make the difference between a good year and a great year for your association–and your members!

1. Start Members Off Right

Much like a solid onboarding process, a strong mentorship can be incredibly useful for members at the start of their membership.

A mentorship is helpful for new members looking to get their feet wet in an association, easing them in while also giving them the confidence to participate. Mentors can encourage their mentees, cheering their efforts on and providing them with moral support. This type of program also demonstrates an association’s commitment to bettering and investing in its members.

As with every relationship, associations get only one chance to make a first impression. When a mentorship is used during this integral early period, it can pave the way for a successful, lasting, and loyal connection.

When building these programs, consider what other components new members might benefit from, and work to turn the mentorship into a complete association introduction. While early mentorships often prove to be the most effective, associations should vary the program in order to offer moderately and semi-experienced professionals something as well. There should be a little something for everyone!

2. Think Purpose and Promotion

Purpose and promotion are both important considerations when designing a mentorship program and its benefits. In the design process, associations need to think about how the program aligns with their overall mission, goals, and strategy. When made in conjunction with these, the mentorship will not only help the association accomplish its targets, but it will also enlist new mentors and mentees in the pursuit of them.

In regards to promotion, during the program design process, associations should highlight the areas that mean the most for new members, such as connecting with association ambassadors, highlighting past program successes, and helping professionals progress throughout their careers.

Ensure that prospective members are aware of your mentorship programs, as well as of the type of industry mentors they might engage with.

Overall, mentorships add to membership value and should be promoted accordingly.

3. Build Confidence and Drive Engagement

Mentorships can encourage members to engage in their association in different ways.

For new members–as mentioned above–a strong membership can act as a pleasant introductory process. They can learn the ropes while also becoming comfortable with participating in different events as their guide supports them.

But, did you know? A mentorship can have this same effect even on more experienced members, especially for those who typically have low engagement levels!

To make the mentorship as effective as possible, associations should consider integrating the program with other events and workshops. Attending one of these events with a buddy can help break people out of their shells. With any luck, this can have a ripple effect that leaves members with the engagement bug for future events.

It’s not just mentees who benefit from mentorships either, as mentors are provided with a platform to give back and share their experience. Mentors can gain renewed confidence and drive after experiencing an increased level of authority and esteem–they’re the experts here, after all!

4. Diversify Your Benefits

For associations, providing members with a mentorship program can really expand the value of the membership in different ways.

While the program can add an entirely new component to the membership for both new and experienced members, it may also provide unexpected bonuses. Associations can develop events specifically for mentorship participants, such as events that are run directly by mentors.

Additionally, mentorships offer mentors the chance to practice leadership, management, and training skills–powerful tools for members looking to take the next big step in their career development!

5. Promote Career Development

One of the main reasons that people join associations is for career development assistance.

Aside from the obvious sharing of knowledge and experience, mentorships can really help members advance in their industry and navigate the waters of business. For example, associations can have mentors and mentees take courses and industry certifications together, which can increase engagement and improve results.

Outside of courses, mentors can motivate mentees to persevere through career challenges by sharing their stories of successes and failures, demonstrating that drive and commitment can lead to positive career outcomes.

By encouraging mentees, mentors can also help their charges overcome self-doubt and other workplace challenges. With experience comes know-how–and your mentors will be fonts of professional knowledge!

You may also like: Let’s Get Digital: 3 Strategies to Boost Member Engagement Online

Conclusion

If you want a solid, engaging program like no other, look to starting some good old-fashioned mentorship programs for your association. Members of all levels of experience will be able to bond and connect, benefiting each other and increasing the value of your membership in tandem.

Everybody wins!

Sources

The post Extending a Hand: Hosting a Solid Mentorship Program appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

As an association, you have to consider how your environmental outlook will be viewed by your industry, your members, and non-members alike. While it, of course, looks good for an association to go green, it’s important to recognize that organizations hold the power to make a difference as they hold positions of power and influence in their respective industries. 

Unfortunately, associations also participate in creating an enormous amount of waste–especially during events! According to MeetGreen, a typical three-day event with 1,000 attendees produces an average of more than 5,500 kg of waste. 

For associations looking to make a difference and develop a green initiative that members can get behind, a green-focused venue is a great opportunity. To help you realize this goal, we’ve outlined several ways that you can green up your next venue–without breaking the bank! 

1. Team Green 

When you start developing your venue and considering everyone who will be involved, you should examine the environmental policies of every person and organization attached to the event. Remember, they’ll be representing your association!

You can:

• Ask them to give some background on any green initiatives or efforts they’re currently running. 
• Review their policies and look for 3rd party sustainability certifications (such as LEED, APEX/ASTM, or Green Leaders).

Remember, every speaker, vendor, and exhibitor should be accounted for. The more effort you put into the research and planning in the beginning, the more cohesive your event and your message will be in the end!

2. A Healthy Venue 

Just as your association has to select its partners carefully, your venue choice can greatly impact your event’s environmental impact. 

Locating an environmentally friendly venue may be easier than you think. In fact, many venues today will readily offer up that information in advance–especially if it’s a point of pride for them. 

You can also research green venue reports, sustainability indexes, and ask for more information from the venue administrators. Among other things, look into their waste reduction and energy efficiency policies before you make a decision.

While the venue itself plays a massive role, the location of your event is also important to the overall initiative. You’ll want to consider, for example, where attendees will stay and dine while there. 

• Are there hotels and restaurants close by? 
• Are they environmentally friendly, or are there greener options available? 

You can also consider setting up a carpool project or providing a shuttle during event hours to cut down on car use and pollution. Every little bit helps!

3. Make it Digital

In most settings, going digital can have a significant impact on green initiatives. Additionally, there are multiple options for going digital–and perhaps just as many benefits! 

Associations may consider developing or using an event app, as well as emailing out presentation notes instead of using paper. Meanwhile, speakers can integrate technology into their presentations as much as possible and/or encourage attendees to connect to the event webpage through their smartphones. 

As for the benefits, incorporating digital options can dramatically cut back on paper and other waste during an event. Cost-wise, digital events can end up saving your association  money in the long term. 

Since event apps and other technology can be used for multiple events, your overall costs can be reduced considerably over time. Adding technology can also add to the experience: event apps are powerful tools for networking and communication, as attendees can chat in a less intimidating environment and even ask questions of speakers, exhibitors, and administrators. Less waste, more value!

4. A Green Theme

Once you’ve established that you’re pushing for a green event, you’ve recruited the best of the best to represent your association, and you’ve found your venue, you can now look at developing a green theme to really make an impression on your guests. 

Discuss your themes with the different speakers and exhibitors. Ask them to incorporate some type of environmental theme into their messaging to develop a more cohesive overall product. 

Just as a rising tide raises all boats, this type of consistency can improve the event’s green goals and improve each individual presentation and product.

5. Food and Drink 

One of the biggest waste producers at any event is the food and drink.

You can cut back on this waste by seeking out recyclable or compostable food and drink containers. Consider meatless menus for less carbon production, bulk condiments for fewer packaging requirements, and organic food options to promote healthier farming and eating practices. 

Another great option to promote sustainability is to buy from local food and drink producers. Buy only what is needed and serve only what will be eaten!

6. Start an Initiative

While cutting back on waste and developing a green theme can go a long way, your association can further enhance its impact by getting everyone involved. 

Leading up to the event, think of ways of generating interest in environmental change. Consider creating a green contest of some sort. Celebrate the winners and their stories during the event. To stir up involvement, offer prizes for winners, such as course or event discounts (or even free admission!). You can extend the initiative after the event as well, encouraging attendees to keep the momentum going. 

If you continue this green initiative, you can even track the event’s results year over year, finding new and better ways to hone your environmental skills. 

You may also like: 5 Benefits to Live Streaming Your Association’s Event

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, adopting eco-friendly practices and implementing green initiatives for events can not only improve the reputation of an association but also create a positive impact on the environment. 

By carefully considering every aspect of the event, from venue selection to waste reduction strategies, associations can pave the way for more sustainable practices within their industries. Engaging all stakeholders–including event partners and attendees!–in the green mission can also amplify your effort and inspire others to follow suit. 

As leaders in their fields, associations can (and should!) embrace sustainability and set an example for members–while maybe even saving some coin in the process!

Sources

The post Make Your Events More Green (Without Spending It!) appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

For convenience and simplicity, many rely on their association to provide them with these opportunities.

In fact, many members go to their associations first for professional development! 

For obvious reasons, associations should be ready, willing, and able to answer the call.

It may sound difficult to become the landing spot for all your members’ continuing education needs, but it can be done with the right LMS and the right plan. 

Optimizing your CE system is more than just providing great content; associations need their entire system and all of their processes working toward the same goal. 

The results will speak for themselves: increased revenue and more engaged members! 

To get your association’s CE on the right path, follow the steps below:

1. Connect Everything

Your continuing education platform shouldn’t be an island. 

Ensure that your CE is interconnected with your entire system–including your event center, career services, and CRM software. 

With proper integration, members are able to access your association’s store, job board, and main page directly from the CE platform, allowing these sections to work together to enhance the user experience. 

Your continuing education platform should look and act the same as your main website–you want to provide the most seamless transition possible! Ideally, users shouldn’t even notice they are going between different platforms.

The easy exchange of data across your entire system allows for additional benefits, including single sign-on (one login for everything!) and a better shopping experience overall. 

2. Get Social

Your association should also consider integrating various social systems, like connecting their CE to social media and establishing a member forum. Continuing education isn’t only courses and training, after all; social learning in peer discussions and communities can offer some of the most valuable and relevant lessons available!

Consider creating a course-related forum section for current and past learners to discuss the material–or even open the forum up to all members! You can even mix and match with specific threads within your forum. Encourage discussions by posting think pieces, industry news, and relevant topics.

With social media, learners can share about their learning experiences, which can grant them validation and support. Additionally, by creating a digital badging system, members can showcase the training and certifications they’ve completed on social media, member forums, and job boards–promoting their achievements and your CE all at once! 

3. Personalize It

The most effective learning systems organize their entire experience around each individual user. 

The advanced AI present in many learning management systems today can create personalized learning recommendations for members based on usage and interests. For example, course and certification suggestions can be generated based on past job searches, showing members what training is a prerequisite or could give them an advantage. This can work for non-members as well–effectively turning your LMS into a recruitment tool!

Don’t be afraid to ask members for more information about their likes, interests, and goals, either. You can use this information and create a personalized development path as well. Offer them training in the formats that appeal to them most, suggest training that might serve some of their objectives, and provide recommendations that can give them a helpful career boost. 

4. Support and Evolve

Even with the most intuitive LMS, members will still need support from time to time. Make sure that your association’s lines of communication are open, that your instructions are clear and easy to understand, that there is someone to contact when necessary, and that training and support resources are easily accessible. 

This goes beyond technical support, however; members can also benefit from continuing education support. Provide assistance and advice for members as they plan their careers and educational development paths; a little help can lead to a lot of loyalty! 

Next, you want your association to be at the forefront of your industry. Your courses need to evolve over time, and your materials need to be updated to reflect any changes in the industry. If compliance regulations shift, be sure to offer courses and training that allow members to update and maintain their skills. 

Be sure to incorporate the latest in learning trends and technologies–your members want you to be cutting-edge, and keeping your courses (and platform!) modern will go a long way. Keep your content as up-to-date as possible so that members will be confident in your CE and your association overall. 

5. Create New Opportunities

To get the most out of a training course, associations may need to advertise it and offer it in various ways. Consider making your in-person conferences hybrid, which can improve attendance, engagement, and revenue generation. When it comes to online sessions, record them! You can then use the resulting videos to make fast, easy on-demand courses for members.

Associations can also look at repacking and repurposing older courses with newer ones to help renew interest in past content. Try offering different price levels for different groups–member tiers can create an additional revenue stream and let members pick the plan that’s right for them. That’s instant personalization!

Finally, pin any training that is related to current industry news or changes–this highlights the importance of both the item and your CE. The most important content is that which is evergreen (always relevant) and that which is relevant to the now. Be creative with it! Filling niches is one of the best things an association can do.

You may also like: How to Sell Your Online Courses to Your Members

Conclusion

When it comes down to it, becoming the go-to continuing education resource for your members is a goal that can be achieved with the right tools, strategies, and dedication. 

Combine the right LMS with a well-thought-out plan, and you can provide your members with the best CE experience around, rewarding your members with new skills and your association with repeat renewals for years to come!

References

The post Become the Go-to Continuing Education Resource for Your Members appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.