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.

Now, you may have tried different methods of collection already—conducting numerous surveys, sending out emails requesting input, and sitting in on countless member interviews… If this sounds familiar, you might be feeling the need to level up your feedback-collection game– and that means you’re in the right place!

In this guide, we’ll explore practical strategies and give you helpful tips for refining your feedback collection process. Without further ado, let’s dive in!

1. Target and Tailor

Generic feedback forms do not encourage insights that are specific and actionable. To gather more meaningful insights, try implementing the following:

i. Segment Your Members

A good tip for creating targeted feedback campaigns is to start by grouping your members by category.

These groups could be based on various demographics like:

• Behavior on the platform (what pages they visit most, what courses they’re most interested in)
• Membership tenure (new, regular, veteran)
• Membership type (student, regular, retired, non-member)

By segmenting members, you can craft questions that align with their unique experiences and needs.

• For example, for a group of new members, you could ask, “What have you found challenging so far?”
• For more tenured members, the question could be, “What has been the most valuable benefit of your membership?”

Questions like these are relatable and, therefore, can lead to more personal and valuable information that you can use to improve relevant aspects of your association.

ii. Target Specifics

Long surveys can be overwhelming–not just for your members, but for most people! Have you ever had to answer a customer survey that just kept going on and on and on? You lose motivation pretty quickly, right?

Lost motivation can leave you with feedback that is vague and limited. So, rather than lengthy questionnaires that cover everything, concentrate your questions on specific aspects of your organization, such as member benefits, professional development, or event participation.

Focusing on a specific area will also let you cover topics in greater detail. You can match your surveys to ongoing initiatives at your organization–after all, what better time to ask about event preferences than when you’re planning an event?

Remember: you don’t have to fit everything into a single survey. It’s easier to complete multiple short, simple surveys than one long behemoth of a questionnaire!

2. It’s All About Technology

Technology nowadays has become so advanced that there are tools and apps for streamlining just about every process. Feedback collection is no outlier, so let’s look at a few ways to make the most of today’s tech:

i. Use Survey Platforms

SurveyMonkey, Typeform, or Google Forms are just a few examples of the platforms you can use to design professional surveys.

Don’t forget to explore your chosen platform’s capabilities so you can use them to their fullest potential; some allow you to automate distribution by sending your surveys directly to member emails or to collate and organize feedback into a spreadsheet with one click of a button–a game changer in survey analytics!

ii. Take Advantage of Your LMS

If your association uses a learning management system (LMS), make sure to leverage its built-in feedback collection tools. Detailed analytics and reports are vital for providing member insights: by examining your existing library of continuing education and events hosted on the platform and how your members interact with it, an LMS can track their behavior and patterns.

How does this work? Well, if you see that the majority of members who take Course X stop taking the course halfway through, it means there’s a problem somewhere in the course. You can then investigate further to pinpoint and rectify the issue. (Targeted surveys, perhaps?)

iii. Harness Data Analytics

Now that you have the data, it’s time to analyze! You can investigate the data you have collected for patterns, trends, and areas of improvement.

Advanced analytics tools are also available to help you do this more efficiently. Microsoft Power BI, Google Analytics, and Looker Studio are just a few of the options you can explore. They even allow you to create graphs to display your data in an easily understandable format–perfect for presenting in meetings and for updates!

3. Prioritize, Prioritize, Prioritize!

After you’ve gathered and analyzed all of your feedback, you’ll probably realize that not everything you’ve discovered requires immediate action. You want to give solid solutions to important issues in a timely manner, and that means knowing how to prioritize. So, when thinking about the priority of an item, make sure you look at…

i. The Severity

Identify critical issues and focus on them first. Critical issues often impact member satisfaction and/or retention.

For example, when it comes to membership fees, you may get feedback like, “We don’t get enough benefits to justify the cost”, “I want flexible payment options”, or “You should give discounts for long-term members.” 

You’ll want to put this feedback at the top of your list of action items because these factors may directly affect whether members choose to stay or leave. If you address these issues immediately, it can help improve your retention rates (and member satisfaction!).

ii. The Frequency

You can tell that an issue requires immediate attention when multiple members mention the same thing. Look out for these recurring concerns, because they’re clear indicators of significant pain points for your members–and that means they must be addressed!

iii. The Feasibility

Analyze and weigh the resources required to address each issue. Ask yourself, “Is it practical to do this?” 

When investigating feasibility, you can also identify “quick win” concerns, which require few resources and little effort to resolve–the types of things you can almost immediately check off the list!

Next, distinguish concerns that involve more long-term improvement projects and more extensive planning. These will take more resources and effort, so you want to put thought into them. The better you prioritize and plan, the better your return on investment will be!

4. Turn Feedback Into Actionable Insights

Gathering feedback is just the first step; the true value of feedback is realized when it is acted upon, resulting in effective solutions. Here’s how to make that happen:

i. Create an Action Plan

Start by breaking down your solution into specific and manageable steps. For example, if the issue is “high membership fees”, actionable steps might include:

• Analyzing competitors’ pricing
• Studying accepted rates for members
• Identifying cost-effective benefits to offer

Be sure to set reasonable timelines to ensure timely progress. Then, as you move ahead with your plan, periodically review it to identify new or upcoming roadblocks so that you can change strategies as needed.

ii. Engage Key Stakeholders

Implementing solutions doesn’t have to be handled by a single person (or even a single team!). Ultimately, you will likely require assistance from peers who are better suited to the task–usually experts in the field.

Because of this, when implementing feedback, be sure to identify the right team members to help you; then, you can assign them responsibilities to aid you in achieving your goals.

Project management tools like Clickup, Hubspot, and Monday.com are available to explore so that you can keep everyone aligned with your progress!

5. Show Members That You Value Their Assistance

Don’t forget to express your appreciation towards members who gave input; after all, they spent valuable time helping you out! Recognizing member contributions shows that you value their aid–and their opinions. Here’s how you can show your appreciation:

i. Keep Them Updated

Communicate progress to your members. Be transparent about what actions have been taken to achieve which goals, and make them aware of any limitations that have prevented progress. This will help members understand when little or no progress is made on specific goals, while still assuring them that the challenges are being dealt with. By continuing to make members “part of” improvement projects, you prove to them that you’re continuing to take their concerns seriously.

To keep members up to date with your efforts, you can make use of things like newsletters, social media, or community forums. You want to especially highlight improvements and celebrate successes–they’re the cumulation of your work together!

ii. Express Gratitude

Ensure that you take the time to make your members feel valued and appreciated. Let them know that their feedback is important for your association’s growth and development. In some cases, you may want to offer a little something extra, like entry into a draw to win a prize or coupon codes for events or courses!

You may also like: How to Win Members and Influence Renewals

Conclusion

Gathering feedback goes beyond simply asking questions; it involves actively listening, understanding what they tell you, and taking the appropriate actions to address their concerns. By asking the right questions, putting your technology to work, focusing on meaningful improvements, and showing that you value their feedback, you can build a stronger and more engaged community.

Start implementing these strategies today to help boost your association’s member satisfaction and loyalty!

References

Collecting Customer Feedback: Methods and Best Practices | Miro. (n.d.). Https://Miro.com/. https://miro.com/research-and-design/collecting-customer-feedback-methods/

get_ready_bell:client_pulse – Success Story Magazine. (2024, May 31). Success Story Magazine. https://ssmags.com/2024/05/31/get_ready_bellclient_pulse/

Naser, M. (2024, July 29). The Importance of Customer FeedbackTurn Survey Data into Actionable Insights with Dashboards and Sentiment Analysis. SmartSurvey. https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/blog/importance-of-customer-feedback

Sehwail, M. (2023, September 5). How Customer Feedback Loops Drive Your Website Success. FullSession. https://www.fullsession.io/blog/customer-feedback-loops/

The post Level Up Your Member Feedback Collection and Implementation Strategy appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

So today, in order to help you improve your member feedback collection, we’ll be covering why member feedback is important, the types of feedback, and methods for gathering it. If you’re looking to improve retention, increase membership, or enhance your strategy for gathering insight, understanding and acting on feedback is the key to your association’s long-term growth!

Why is Member Feedback Important?

Before we get into the how of collecting feedback, let’s go through the why: why do you want to ensure you have a good system for eliciting feedback? Well…

Retention

For one, collecting member feedback gives members the impression that you strive for continuous improvement. It gives them confidence that there are solutions to their challenges, which can increase member satisfaction and boost their trust in your association. Moreover, when your association uses member feedback to prioritize delivering quality service and direct improvement strategies, it can help strengthen member commitment and loyalty.

Growth

Recommendations and referrals from colleagues and professional networks play a significant role in attracting new members; after all, these endorsements are influential because they come from personal experience and trust!

When your association collects feedback and addresses concerns effectively, you open the door for satisfied members to share their experiences and attract new members by word of mouth. This means that by maintaining open lines of communication and keeping a good reputation, you can turn existing members into vocal advocates of your association. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful forms of marketing, after all!

Validation

When members feel that their opinions not only matter, but also directly influence their association’s direction, they feel a stronger attachment to their organization. Seeing an association make an effort to deliver better experiences and resolve issues quickly sends a strong message: that members are important and that they are heard!

Types of Feedback

Direct Feedback

Direct feedback is when members contact you directly to share their experiences or concerns. This is a particularly valuable form of feedback because it will contain specific details about their personal experience. Direct feedback can be made through emails, phone calls, or even face-to-face interactions.

Indirect Feedback

Indirect feedback is when members share their thoughts through platforms or channels that are not communicated directly to you. For example, social media (not including posts that tag your association or direct messages to your association’s account!), online forums, or word-of-mouth conversations can all be considered forms of indirect feedback.

Inferred Feedback

Inferred feedback is an implied form of feedback. It involves analyzing member behaviours, patterns, and trends to make data-driven decisions. Some examples of areas that can provide valuable information for inferred feedback include tracking your organization’s most-used features, your membership retention rates, and your usage statistics.

Methods for Collecting Member Feedback

1.  Feedback Surveys

A survey is an organized approach to collecting feedback. A survey typically consists of several questions with either multiple choice or write-in answers. If you’re looking for opinions on a recent event or offering, you may also consider using the Likert Scale.

Surveys can be emailed, integrated into a website, or distributed through social media or post-membership follow-ups. For example, many social media channels have a “poll” option; this can be used to gather member thoughts on certain decisions your organization may be considering (e.g. “Should our next event be in-person, virtual, or hybrid?”).

2. Feedback Boxes

Feedback boxes are typically placed on a website, often as a popup or a question with a box to fill in quickly.

These boxes may ask general comments or suggestions, or else ask questions that align with a member’s recent experience, such as “How can we improve this page?” or “Was this information helpful?”

3. Interviews

Interviews involve one-on-one conversations between your association and its members. You can ask members about their experiences in detail, including their thoughts, feelings, and motivations. You can use interviews to explore member insights and clarify their opinions by asking them open-ended questions.

Focus groups are a lot like a group interviews, as the opinions of many members can be gathered simultaneously in a collaborative setting. Focus groups should contain a spread of all member types, which can include factors like “new to your organization”, “veteran member”, “student member”, and more. Make sure to adjust your focus group members based on what you’re looking to gather data on. For instance, if you’re looking into collecting thoughts on a future mentorship program, ensure you invite both potential mentors and mentees to share.

When interviewing or conducting focus groups, you want to tailor your questions to gather as much (and as relevant!) data as possible. Then, when you’re finished, you may consider offering participants a thank you gift in the form of a discount.

4. Suggestion Boards

Suggestion boards (sometimes called idea boards or forums) allow members to propose ideas, share suggestions, or vote on the ideas of others. These boards are typically digital (such as a section on your website) and provide members with a platform to suggest new events, benefits, or improvements. Members can also see which suggestions are most popular currently and provide additional input.

5. Transactional Emails

Transactional emails are automated emails that are sent to members as a form of confirmation after a specific transaction, such as course purchases, event registration, or help ticket submissions. You can include a request for feedback at the end of these emails, such as a survey link or a prompt asking how the experience went.

Have you ever gotten a receipt from a store directing you to fill out a questionnaire at the link provided? This is just the email equivalent of that! And, similar to many stores, you can even offer discount codes to those who complete your form.

6. Social Media Listening

Social media listening involves monitoring and analyzing public conversations about your association on social media platforms like X (formerly called Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Using social media monitoring tools (for instance, Hootsuite), you can track mentions, hashtags, and general sentiments around your association. This will uncover honest, genuine member insights and let you understand how they truly feel!

7. Live Chat

Live chats allow members to interact with an association representative in real time. This representative may be an association staff member or even a chatbot–the main thing is that this feature offers immediate support to those who seek it. Not only that–it’s an excellent way to collect live feedback on a member’s needs and satisfaction during and/or after an interaction!

Conclusion

For associations, member feedback should be considered a treasure. Not only can it be wielded to retain (and attract!) members–it also functions as an important ingredient in the continuous improvement of your association.

By leveraging different methods like surveys, live chat, social media listening, and suggestion boards, you can better understand your members’ needs and then offer tailored solutions to meet them.

Build a bond of loyalty between you and the members by continuously improving their experience. Make feedback collection an essential part of your process: create stronger connections with your members and ensure steady growth for the future!

References

9 Best Practices for Collecting Customer Feedback | Descartes. (2024). Descartes.com. https://www.descartes.com/resources/knowledge-center/9-best-practices-collecting-customer-feedback

Collecting Customer Feedback: Methods and Best Practices | Miro. (n.d.). Https://Miro.com/. https://miro.com/research-and-design/collecting-customer-feedback-methods/

How To Gather Customer Feedback (And Tips To Improve It). (2024). Indeed Career Guide. https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/customer-feedback

Tousley, S. (2019). Customer Feedback Strategy: The Only Guide You’ll Ever Need. Hubspot.com. https://www.hubspot.com/customer-feedback

The post 7 Feedback Collection Strategies to Drive Association Success 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.

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.

Events are incredibly important for members as well, as they provide some of the biggest membership benefits available. In fact, many members join associations entirely to gain access to industry events and networking opportunities.

With so much depending on these events, there’s a lot of pressure riding on the people who put them together. Thankfully, we’re here to help! Today we’ll be outlining some of the best strategies to employ when putting together a trade show, conference, or workshop.

Let’s dive in!

1. Collect Feedback

What better way to find out what your members want from events than to ask them? Send out a survey, call or email individual members, and ask questions about ideal events on registration forms. There are countless ways to collect this valuable information, so try multiple for the best results.

Another great source of information is social media. You can try to start a conversation about the best events members have been to, or simply pay attention to any already-in-progress conversations on the topic. There’s plenty of useful information available if you take the time to find it!

At your own event, you’ll want to continue the cycle of feedback. Since attendees tend not to fill out traditional post-event surveys in great numbers, you can try having them provide feedback at the event.

While members wait for a speaker or a workshop to start, ask them to fill out a small questionnaire; make it mobile for maximum effect! You can also open up an online forum for them to talk about their experiences. This won’t just get you feedback–it’ll boost networking, too. That’s a win for everyone!

2. Communicate Well and Often

Long before your event kicks off, you’ll want to make sure that every member is well-informed about what your event will offer:

• Set your dates and destination as early as possible, and be sure to post them in as many places as possible.
• Try offering early bird prices for eager registrants to get the ball rolling.
• As soon as event offerings and the agenda are nailed down, post it for your members to see.

These details will help convince members that they should attend–and help them convince their employers if they need time off work.

In terms of the registration process, ensure that the online registration form is clear and concise. Make it as easily accessible as you can, and make yourself (or your staff) available to answer any questions inquiring minds (potential attendees!) may have.

Use social media to discuss the event and make updates regarding the agenda and speakers. After all, this is likely the first place that attendees will check for information and questions.

3. Apply a Multi-Channel Marketing Strategy

A thorough multi-channel marketing strategy can improve event attendance more than any other element.

With so many events ongoing, however, associations have to think up creative ways to promote their sessions and get their message heard.

Digital marketing is one such way to get your event seen. Use social media and the tools available on each platform to your advantage. For example, Facebook’s targeted ads allow you to hone in on specific groups and demographics; you can even personalize your messages for greater effect!

Associations may also want to employ search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to rank highly on relevant searches. The higher your ranking, the more people will see your event.

Email marketing can also prove effective, especially if the email lists are curated and grouped smartly, with the emails catered to each recipient.

Associations will want to set up an event website (or at least page) to host registration forms, information, and FAQs. Make sure to link back to this page in all of your promotions! Think of it as the information “hub” of your event.

Finally, encourage your event speakers, exhibitors, and sponsors to join the marketing push. This might help get your event seen by eyes that may otherwise miss it!

4. Integrate Great Speakers and Sponsors

When speakers and sponsors are more engaged in an event, they tend to bring more to the table. Therefore, when sourcing speakers, search for the ones that align most closely with your association.

Speakers should have something to gain from your audience and vice versa. Don’t be afraid to take risks when bringing on speakers; while those used to the event circuit may bring more security, newer speakers can bring a fresh message and help make your event unique!

Many associations look for any sponsors they can get for their events, but getting the right sponsors can add great value to your event.

To attract the best sponsors for your organization, ensure that those you approach align with your association’s values. If they do, you have the opportunity to offer a more integrated sponsorship; you can try offering the sponsor a speaker slot or allow them to run a workshop. The more cohesive you make your event, the stronger it will be.

Like speakers, the more sponsors are involved in your event, the more they may bring to the table!

5. Stimulate Networking

As we mentioned above, networking is often thought of as one of the most important elements of any event.

Many people attend events with the hopes of developing their professional network and adding new contacts to their lists. But, all too often, associations leave networking up to the event attendees. Unfortunately, simply putting people in a room together and hoping for the best likely won’t produce the results you (and your members) are looking for!

Instead, try something new and different.

• Try adding in a few games to break the ice.
  • You can find examples online or even make some up yourself! If you do the latter, see how on-theme you can make them.
• Have attendees work in teams.
  • You may want to make the teams up yourself, matching people with others whose interests might align.
• Consider using a mobile app or an online event forum to connect attendees and make conversation a little easier.
  • Some apps even have discovery features that help attendees find their networking match.

A little pizzazz can go a long way!

6. Go Digital

There are so many technology options for events these days–far too many to list or to make use of! Thankfully, there are a few more specific options that can help put your next conference ahead of the competition.

One such piece of technology is a conference app or an accessible conference website. These can allow attendees to easily access event information, such as exhibitor information, maps, calendars, and your forums. Participants can also use it to network, ask questions, and communicate with speakers during presentations.

In general, many associations are now moving toward digital event technology, as it can help accomplish several goals at once.

For one, it’s a greener way of doing things, and incorporating environmental friendliness isn’t just smart and better for the world–it shows that your organization is current and cutting-edge.

Going green with event apps can also help save money during the event and, since most digital conference applications are entirely reusable, they’ll help save money for your next event as well!

7. Justification Letters

A justification letter or package can really help boost event attendance by helping potential attendees convince their employers of your event’s value. Travel and registration costs are often the reason why guests don’t attend your event, so don’t leave your members empty-handed when approaching their managers.

Justification comes in two major steps: registration and recap.

To help improve registration, consider offering your potential registrants a benefit letter for their employer. Highlight the event’s important features, workshops, and networking opportunities. Make it clear what the attendee will get from the event and how it might help them professionally. The more enticing you make it, the more the employer may want to send additional attendees!

The next step is the recap. To ensure that attendees come to your next event, help them show their employers what they gained from this one when they get back. Provide them with a highlights package or a trip report that can help them create an executive summary for their employer–or even act as one by itself!

Remember: the more support you give, the more you’ll get in return.

8. Post-Conference Follow-ups

While the steps above will help with your next event, this step is looking even further ahead: the event after next.

To ensure that the registrants you worked so hard to get keep coming back, you should offer a post-conference follow-up. Reach out to your guests post-conference and keep that connection close. You might even consider providing an attendee-only offer, such as a discount on a training course or early bird access to the next event–whatever helps keep them coming back for more!

You can also share photos, videos, or special moments from your event. While these components can help personalize your follow-up and add more oomph to your thank you, they can also double as marketing or justification package tools, as recipients may share these on social media or with their employers. At the very least, you’ll be able to show potential future attendees how much fun everyone had!

You may also like: Boosting Your Revenue Potential with Live Streamed Events

Conclusion

When it comes to boosting non-dues revenue, orchestrating successful events is crucial for any associations. The careful implementation of strategies can significantly elevate the quality and impact of your event and showcase the value of membership with your organization.

Pave the way for memorable, enriching experiences–follow the above steps and make your next event your best one yet, for both your attendees and your association!

Sources

The post Making Sure Your Next Event is Your BEST Event appeared first on Online Learning Solutions | Association Management System | Vocalmeet.

Of all the benefits that come with live streaming technology, the improvement to the online continuing education industry is one of the most important.

While online learning has grown immensely in the last couple of decades, it feels like we’ve only just uncovered the tip of the iceberg–especially when it comes to live streaming and how it can reshape the landscape of e-learning!

The more we learn to utilize live streams, the more efficient online educators will be, and the greater the benefits members around the world will gain from it. While live-streamed education is considerably different from traditional learning, it offers a comparable, and in some cases even superior, learning experience to in-person training.

According to Los Angeles Pacific University (2023), online learning has transformed the traditional classroom experience, giving learners the opportunity to pursue their educational goals through virtual platforms. In today’s digital world, online learning offers a range of benefits that align with the needs of modern learners. From flexible scheduling to reduced costs, it provides a more accessible, personalized, and convenient approach to education.

To highlight the benefits that live online learning can bring to an audience (and an organization!), we’ve outlined just some of the ways that live streams are currently impacting continuing education:

Key Takeaways

Live online learning makes continuing education more accessible, flexible, and engaging for modern learners.

• Improved access: Members can join programs from anywhere, making education easier to reach.
• More flexible teaching options: Live streams support lectures, demonstrations, workshops, and real-time training.
• Better learning insights: Platforms can track participation, performance, and usage to improve future programs.
• Real-time interaction: Learners can ask questions, join discussions, and collaborate during the session.
• Reduced costs: Online delivery can lower travel, venue, and material expenses for both organizations and learners.
• Added mobility: Members can learn from their phones, tablets, or computers, making participation easier on busy schedules.

1. Improved Access

The ability to capture and transmit a lecture to anywhere in the world allows users to obtain training that they would otherwise never be able to see. Live streams enable learners to attend schools and organization programs from great distances, giving them a far better chance of finding a program that suits their wants and needs.

According to Smedley (2010), the adoption of live e-learning provides organizations and members the flexibility of both time and place. Thus, eLearning enhances knowledge and qualifications by making a wide range of information more accessible!

Gone are the days of having to find a local program in your desired subject at a time that fits your schedule. With programs running around the world, learners can find programs in their ideal field, style, and time slot. Depending on the type of instruction, learners may even be able to explore programs in different languages by using online translators to follow along.

It isn’t just learners who have improved access, though; online learning increases the pool of teachers and trainers available to schools and organizations of all kinds. For instance, member-based organizations can hire instructors from anywhere in the world, having them live stream their lessons online–no expensive travel required!

2. Innovative Teaching Styles and Materials

While live-streamed lectures may be the delivery method people typically picture when thinking of the intersection between live streaming and education, the technology is giving rise to a variety of other training methods as well.

In traditional continuing educational programs, live streams enable users to watch lectures, connect with peers, and even participate in session discussions from anywhere in the world. Outside of the traditional education sphere, however, the type of content and teaching styles available is constantly expanding!

For example, viewers can now watch live DIY videos, seeing the unedited process of any number of tasks. Hands-on learning is no longer offline-only, as learners can essentially shadow experienced industry professionals by watching live online demonstrations.

Today, organization professionals can become educators simply by setting up a live stream! This training method features few restrictions as well, offering a virtually unlimited geographical reach and class size. Learners enjoy the freedom of finding a streamer whose content gives them what they want, as well as delivery methods that match their individual needs.

3. Modern Metrics for a Customizable Experience

In a face-to-face environment, teachers can easily learn about each individual learner by talking to them directly and getting to know them throughout the lesson or course. Traditional classrooms are often given credit for the personalized experience they provide learners, but you may be surprised to learn that live streams can boast a similar capability!

In fact, modern learning platforms can create customizable experiences for learners. Instructors can track user performance, productivity, and usage to determine how their learners learn best. Leveraging data analytics helps educators understand what’s working (and what’s not), enabling them to make better, more informed decisions (Panigrahi, 2024).

They can choose to integrate new techniques into their lessons–or even adapt their training on the fly to better accommodate those watching!

That’s not all, though, because live streams also offer…

4. Interaction and Collaboration

Just like with traditional learning, live stream teachers are able to interact with their viewers–the difference here is that, where traditional learning will have in-person conversation, live streams typically make use of the online “chat” function. Some live streams may even allow voice or video conferencing!

One of the commonly cited drawbacks of asynchronous online education is that users can’t interact in real time with instructors or other learners. With live streams, however, interactivity and collaboration are easy and effective. Viewers can talk to each other, comment, and ask questions from anywhere in the world, all in real-time. Through online chats and forums, these discussions can even take place without interrupting the instructor or other viewers!

Similarly, live streams allow learners, training groups, and organization members to collaborate from a distance. No matter where they are, people can log in to a live stream and discuss a project, have a meeting, or participate in a workshop together. Even in cases where learners or teachers are sick or otherwise incapable of attending a lesson, they can simply log in to the live stream and not miss out on the material discussed that day.

5. Reduced Cost

In general, online continuing education tends to cost less for both administrators and learners. The training typically has lower overhead costs than in-person training, and these savings can be passed on to members.

Additionally, online training tends to reduce or eliminate physical textbooks and travel, which can lead to considerable savings. Add in the fact that online learners can be more selective in their course and program choices when their search parameters are increased so dramatically, and the price point for education can plummet in many cases–a big win for member-based organizations!

Live streams typically function a little differently from formal online training; many live stream programs are nothing more than a simple add-on to an existing setup. For instance, consider a live stream of an already running organization event lecture or a demonstration. Even at the most basic level, it’s simple to set up a phone or two to capture the session; then, once an organization is established and accustomed to the technology, they can begin to add fancier equipment to their streaming setup.

Additionally, streams typically have fewer barriers to access than traditional online programs–especially when they’re provided for a lower (or no) cost. This means that streamed events can open up to the young, the old, the curious, the immobile, and the socially anxious–and sometimes even transcend language barriers!

6. Added Mobility

While live streams have increased the access and geographical reach of continuing education, the technology has also made education far more mobile.

As we become more reliant on smartphone technology, that number will only go up–and mobile learning is one of the fastest-growing e-learning markets! And really, it just makes sense:

• Learners can watch their lessons entirely from their phones.
• They can contribute to discussions and even complete their coursework or make notes.
• And not only do smartphones have the technology to play nearly any live stream, but, in many cases, mobile devices are actually the preferred vehicle for live streams because they allow for multitasking and come equipped with a camera, microphone, and text capability.

But wait, it’s not just the benefit of mobility we’re celebrating; we’re also potentially looking at better learning behavior! Many studies demonstrate that mobile learning enhances learners’ affective factors such as attitudes, interests, and motivation (El-Sofany & ElHaggar, 2020; Kang, 2024; Li & Li, 2024).

So, when it comes to live streaming, smartphones and streams go hand-in-hand, helping continuing education feel more accessible, practical, and connected to the way people learn today.

You may also like: We’re All Watching: Why Video is the Most Engaging Medium

Conclusion

The emergence of live streaming technology has ushered in a new era for the continuing education industry, helping to revolutionize the way we learn online.

As we continue to harness the full potential of live streams, educators are empowered to provide a more effective and engaging learning experience to viewers worldwide. The benefits of live online learning are vast, and they make continuing education more inclusive, dynamic, and efficient–not to mention cost-effective!

The future is now, and live learning online is at the forefront of digital education transformation.

 References

El-Sofany, H. F., & El-Haggar, N. (2020). The effectiveness of using mobile learning techniques to improve learning outcomes in higher education. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (IJIM), 14(08), 4. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v14i08.13125

Kang, J. (2024). Benefits and Challenges of Mobile-Learning Brought to Student Learning Outcomes in Higher Education: A Systematic Review from 2014-2023. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.6007/ijarped/v13-i1/20698

Lederman, D. (2018). New data: Online enrollments grow, and share of overall enrollment grows faster | Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved August 27, 2021, from Insidehighered.com website: https://www.insidehighered.com/digital-learning/article/2018/11/07/new-data-online-enrollments-grow-and-share-overall-enrollment

Li, J., & Li, Q. (2024). Enhancing Educational Design Capabilities through Interactive Mobile and Adaptive Learning Platforms: An Empirical Study. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (IJIM), 18(08), 87–101. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v18i08.48875

Los Angeles Pacific University. (2023, October 30). Benefits of Online Education: The Pros of Virtual Learning | LAPU Blog. LAPU – Los Angeles Pacific University. https://www.lapu.edu/post/benefits-of-online-education

Panigrahi , P. (2024, July 5). Leveraging data analytics to enhance student success and institutional performance in the education sector. Compunnel. https://www.compunnel.com/blogs/leveraging-data-analytics-to-enhance-student-success-and-institutional-performance-in-the-education-sector/

Smedley, J. (2010). Modelling the impact of knowledge management using technology. OR Insight, 23(4), 233–250. https://doi.org/10.1057/ori.2010.11

The post The Future is Now: Live Learning Online 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 those who have yet to master the art of live streaming and develop their own methods, however, the process can seem daunting–and even a little overwhelming. While there is no one way to build a guaranteed-successful live stream, your organization can dramatically improve its odds of triumph by following a set of tried and tested guidelines.

That’s where we come in! Today, we’ve compiled a list of steps that can serve as a helpful roadmap, filled with tips on where to start and what to look out for. Before long, your organization will have high-quality live streams up and running. Your audience will thank you for it!

1. Simplify Your Setup

It can be tempting to go out and get the biggest and best live stream setup available, but unless you really know what you’re doing, it might be better to opt for something more simple at first. The more components your setup has, the more complex your system is, and the greater the room for error.

Remember, a simple setup can still generate an extremely high quality live stream if done right!

In the beginning, your organization should focus on mastering live stream basics. Use only the most crucial tools and components to lower your odds of facing technical errors. With enough experience over time, you’ll build a more informed understanding of what you lack and what you can upgrade in order to improve.

Remember to KISS: Keep it Simple, Silly. Take things one step at a time!

2. Plan, Test, Practice

Long before you take your stream live, you should have a plan drawn up.

Think:

• What parts of the event will be streamed?
• Where will the cameras be positioned?
• Does the lighting look good from every (filmed) angle?
• Does the audio pick up clearly on every camera?
• Who is operating what equipment, and when?

Be sure to check each piece of equipment that you plan to use, and do a rehearsal “test run” before starting up the live stream engines. It’s also wise to try the stream out on multiple devices to see how everything looks and runs before going live.

Finally, it’s not a bad idea to have a backup plan in place should anything go wrong. Even a quality smartphone or two can do in a pinch!

3. Getting Connected

Your internet connection and choice of streaming methods are every bit as important as the technical setup itself.

Assuming you’re using the internet, it’s always best to use a wired connection whenever possible. WiFi is convenient, but if it blips, you could encounter problems. It’s also good practice to set up an isolated connection so that no other users can interrupt your connection.

When deciding on the quality to generate for the stream, you’ll need to know a few things:

• What bandwidth is available to you?
• How many attendees are expected?
• How long is the stream?

Generally, you’ll want a bandwidth that is two times that of the desired stream bitrate.

4. Changing the View

Depending on the technology you have available to you, your live stream could benefit from multiple camera angles and perspectives.

If you have the resources, try setting up different cameras to catch different aspects of the presentation. With a video switcher, you can move between cameras with the click of a button. You can also create presets on the switcher to catch more unique and dynamic shots, including things like:

• Microphone closeups
• Projector screen views
• A Q&A angle
• Even the audience!

The type of switcher you use is completely up to your personal preferences and budget–there’s one to suit every association, so don’t be afraid to look into them.

No matter the tools you choose, presenting a variety of camera angles and perspectives can break up the monotony of a single shot and give the audience a more dynamic experience. This can go a long way in simulating actually being present at the event as well–making viewers feel more engaged and “in the moment”!

5. The Skinny on Encoding

Encoding is the process of turning a recording into a live stream. The technology used to do this varies considerably. Your organization may choose between a free encoder, software, or hardware. Before you choose one method, look into the pros and cons of each and decide on which would be the best fit for your organization and event.

You’ll also need to decide how you want the streams transcoded to your viewers: do it yourself onsite, or have another organization take care of it offsite?

Many streaming services now allow you to submit a single stream at the highest possible bitrate and then permit viewers to choose their preferred quality. As always, consider your audience and what would work best for them.

6. Start Early and End Effectively

One of the best ways to ensure that viewers join the live stream on time is to start the stream before the actual event is set to begin. Open the virtual room ten or fifteen minutes early and let your audience join and get comfortable. You can even chat with participants while you wait!

Additionally, if your stream doesn’t start until the last possible minute, you shouldn’t expect viewers to join early. While some early visitors may wait patiently for a stream to start, a blank screen or a black screen may give them the impression that your live stream is experiencing technical difficulties. Instead, give early visitors a sign that you are on schedule. You could:

• Stream the empty stage
• Stream a graphic indicating the stream will begin soon
• Talk with early joiners (like a pre-show meet and greet!)

Whatever method you choose, letting your audience in early and notifying them of the event start time will ensure that everyone is ready to go when you are.

When it comes time to end the stream, you should avoid the fade-to-black method. The period after a stream ends is a great opportunity to present a call to action, such as encouraging members to sign up for the next event or directing viewers to your organization’s website.

But wait, there’s more! Many stream locations also provide a video replay, which allows viewers to rewatch the stream to catch up on anything they missed–a great way to help your audience to get the most out of your event.

7. Record and Store all Content

While you may not want to live stream everything at your event, if you have the technology and the cameras available, it can be incredibly beneficial to record each session. You never know when something will become useful, and storing the additional video shouldn’t take up too much space. Remember: it’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it!

After the event, you can look into various ways of repurposing the content or adding the material to other areas. You may want to turn recorded sessions into on-demand webinars for your association (which can help you earn more non-dues revenue!) or cut it into snippets to help market your association and promote future events.

Finally, these recordings can also give your organization plenty of test material to see what works and what doesn’t, helping you improve your future live streams. The more streams you host, the more experience you’ll gain, and the better value you (and your members!) will reap from it.

You may also like: We’re All Watching: Why Video is the Most Engaging Medium

Conclusion

In the end, mastering the art of live streaming requires a little planning, a bit of technical know-how, and a solid commitment to delivering high-quality content to your audience. By following the steps above, hosting lots of informative streams, and improving your approach with every event you throw, you’ll soon be leading engaging and successful live streams that captivate and connect with your audience!

Sources

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