Membership World

How to Make Associations Work Effectively?
2025-10-22 16:00 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8863498137
Running an association successfully requires balancing member needs, sector demands, and strategic priorities—all while navigating the challenges that come with leadership. This interactive roundtable invites association leaders, aspiring founders, and sector professionals to explore what really makes associations effective—drawing on real-world experience and practical insights.

Led by Russell Hamblin-Boone, a seasoned association leader, we’ll discuss strategies for meeting member expectations, managing stakeholders, and ensuring long-term impact. This session is participatory, with space for peer discussion, your questions, and practical advice you can apply in your own association.
Discussion Themes:
Meeting Member Needs
Understand how to identify and deliver the services, support, and value your members expect.
Stakeholder Management
Learn practical approaches to balancing the interests of regulators, industry partners, and internal teams.
Strategy in Action
Explore what works—and what doesn’t—when implementing association strategies, from finance and advocacy to innovation and governance.
Interactive Q&A
Bring your questions, challenges, and experiences. Russell will provide insights to help you apply these lessons in your own context.
What You’ll Take Away:
You’ll leave with actionable ideas for running an effective association, practical strategies for common pitfalls, and inspiration from someone who has led multiple associations to success.
Featured Guest:
Russell Hamblin-Boone has extensive experience in the membership sector, having led several trade associations from the ground up. He shares firsthand insights into member engagement, sector collaboration, and association management, drawing on decades of leadership experience.

Essential Skills for Leaders of Professional Membership Associations
2025-10-14 14:00 - 15:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8863498137
With the role of associations evolving faster than ever, today’s leaders must balance vision, agility, and operational excellence. It’s no longer enough to manage day-to-day demands—executives must cultivate a diverse skill set to inspire teams, deliver member value, and navigate an increasingly complex environment.

This executive roundtable invites association CEOs and senior leaders to explore the essential skills now required to succeed. Led by Adam Boddison, CEO of the Association for Project Management, the session will uncover real-world leadership lessons, candid reflections, and actionable strategies for strengthening executive capacity in professional membership organisations.
Discussion Themes:

Adaptive Leadership in a Changing Landscape
How do leaders balance long-term vision with short-term pressures?
Engaging and Retaining Members
What skills matter most for building meaningful connections and sustaining value?
Financial and Strategic Acumen
Why do leaders need to be as comfortable with numbers as they are with narratives?
Building High-Performing Teams
What does it take to motivate, empower, and retain top talent in associations?
Governance and Influence
How can CEOs navigate boards, stakeholders, and policy landscapes effectively?

What You’ll Take Away:

You’ll leave with a clearer picture of the leadership toolkit required for today’s association executives—practical insights you can apply immediately to strengthen your impact, sharpen your strategy, and lead with confidence.

Featured Guest:
Adam Boddison, CEO of the Association for Project Management (APM). An experienced chief executive, Adam has built his career on blending education and enterprise to drive social change. He has expanded the reach of national charities, positioned the chartered project profession as a driver of social mobility, and influenced government policy across education, health, and social care. With experience spanning teaching, governance, and international development, Adam brings a wealth of insight into what it takes to lead membership organisations in today’s world.

Member Engagement in Action: How to Build Impactful Special Interest Groups
2025-09-24 14:00 - 15:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8863498137
In an era where personalized experiences and community-driven engagement matter more than ever, Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are becoming an essential part of association strategy. But launching or scaling SIGs effectively requires more than enthusiasm—it takes structure, support, and a clear sense of purpose.
This peer-driven session will explore how high-performing associations are leveraging SIGs to deepen engagement, develop leadership pipelines, and increase member value. Whether you’re building from scratch or optimizing existing groups, you’ll leave with actionable insights and proven ideas to strengthen your SIG strategy.
Discussion Themes:
Why SIGs Matter
Understand how SIGs can create more relevant, targeted value for your members—and why they’re key to modern association models.
Autonomy vs. Alignment
How do you empower SIGs while keeping them connected to the broader mission?
Leadership Development & Succession
Discover how SIGs can be incubators for future board members, volunteers, and champions.
Technology & Tools
Explore the platforms that support engagement, management, and communication for thriving SIGs.
Measuring What Matters
Learn how to define success and measure the ROI of your SIG efforts—from engagement metrics to member retention.
What You’ll Take Away:
You’ll leave with frameworks, tools, and peer-tested strategies to build (or reboot) SIGs that drive real member value—while strengthening your overall community and leadership bench.
Featured Guest:
Robin Osterley, Chief Executive of the Charity Retail Association, representing the UK’s vibrant network of charity shops. With a background spanning music, education, and the third sector, Robin has led CRA since 2015, advocating for social impact, sustainability, and community retail. A former choral conductor and seasoned membership leader, he brings decades of experience in governance, marketing, and organisational leadership.

Essential Leadership Tools: Strategic Planning for Association Executives
2025-09-18 14:00 - 15:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8863498137
With constant shifts in member needs, technology, and funding models, today’s association leaders must move beyond reactive decision-making and into purposeful, strategic planning. This executive roundtable invites association CEOs and senior leaders to explore how to build strategy frameworks that are not only actionable—but truly impactful.
Led by Kim Bayley, CEO of the Entertainment Retailers Association, we’ll unpack the full cycle of strategic planning—from initial framework design to implementation and measurement. Expect real-world examples, candid lessons learned, and space for peer insights.
Discussion Themes:
Strategic Frameworks That Work
What does a strong planning model look like, and how can you tailor it to your association’s mission?
Who’s at the Table?
Explore who should be involved in shaping your strategy—and how to foster alignment across stakeholders.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Learn from past challenges and discover practical ways to keep your plan on track.
From Plan to Practice
How do you measure progress, adjust when needed, and bring your strategy to life?
What You’ll Take Away:
You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to approach strategy planning with intention, how to engage your leadership team effectively, and how to ensure your plan doesn’t sit on a shelf—it drives results.
Featured Guest:
Kim Bayley, Chief Executive of the Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA), representing major digital services and retailers such as Spotify, Amazon, YouTube, HMV, and indie record shops. A lawyer-turned-investment banker, Kim has led ERA since 2004, transforming it into a powerhouse voice for digital and physical entertainment retail.

Exclusive Event for Suppliers: Strategies to Win More Association Business
2025-09-08 16:00 - 17:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8863498137
With associations navigating increasing complexity—from tighter budgets to shifting member expectations—suppliers need to bring more than just great products. Standing out today means understanding the association landscape and positioning your offer as a strategic solution.
This exclusive session is designed for association suppliers who want to deepen their impact and win more business. Led by Gordon Glenister, Former Association CEO and Founder of Membership World, you’ll get insider perspectives, real-world examples, and practical actions you can take immediately.
Discussion Themes:
Key Challenges Facing Associations TodayGet a behind-the-scenes look at the most pressing issues associations are grappling with right now—and what that means for suppliers.
Standing Out in a Crowded MarketLearn how to craft a value proposition that resonates, builds trust, and opens doors.
5 Actionable Tips to Win More BusinessWalk away with concrete steps you can take today to attract, engage, and convert more association clients.
What You’ll Take Away:
You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of the association buyer mindset, smarter ways to market your offering, and a set of practical strategies to grow your pipeline in the membership sector.

Essential Next Steps: How Associations Can Embrace AI
2025-08-28 16:00 - 17:00 | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8863498137
With AI adoption accelerating across every sector, associations are under increasing pressure to understand and apply these tools to stay relevant, efficient, and impactful. This executive roundtable brings together leading AI experts to explore what associations should be doing right now to harness the power of artificial intelligence.
Through peer exchange and expert insights, we’ll examine how pioneering organizations are moving from experimentation to practical application—unlocking opportunities to engage members, drive growth, and streamline operations.
Discussion Themes:
Current Use Cases and Early Wins

How are associations already using AI to improve efficiency and member experiences?
Learn from examples such as personal GPTs, automated content creation, and AI-powered service.

Scaling AI Adoption

What are the most promising areas to expand AI capabilities?
Explore approaches like AI hackathons, speed networking formats, and low-risk pilot projects.

Tools for Engagement, Growth, and Management

Discover leading AI platforms and tools tailored for associations.
Understand how to select and integrate solutions that deliver measurable results.

Navigating Challenges and Building Capabilities

What cultural and operational shifts are needed to leverage AI successfully?
Discuss data privacy, training, and change management considerations.

What You’ll Take Away:
You’ll leave with a clearer roadmap to integrate AI into your association’s strategy, fresh ideas to experiment with immediately, and insights from peers already on the journey—so you can move forward confidently in a rapidly changing landscape.
Featured Speakers:
Bryan Cassady, Author of The Generative Organisation and The AI Playbook; Nadio Granata, Founder of the AI Collective and creator of multiple personal GPTs; and Tim Bennett, Founder of Powerhouse Digital and a leading AI training provider.

Driving 365 Engagement: Community Apps for Year-Round Member Value
2025-07-22 14:00 - 15:00 | https://www.membershipworld.com/event/building-online-community-apps-with-365-engagement/
As associations seek to deepen member connections and deliver value year-round, many are exploring custom-built community apps as a key tool in their digital engagement strategy.
This executive roundtable brings association leaders together to explore what it takes to build and sustain an online community app that truly engages—365 days a year. We’ll examine the strategic choices, platform capabilities, and engagement tactics that can turn your app from a static resource into a vibrant digital home for members.
Through expert insights and peer-led discussion, you’ll gain clarity on how to align tech investments with community goals, foster continuous interaction, and track the impact of your digital efforts.
Discussion Themes:
Purpose & Strategic Alignment

What role should a community app play in your broader engagement strategy?
How do you define and design for long-term member value?

Driving Daily Engagement

Explore practical features—from content and gamification to networking and peer support—that spark ongoing participation.
What keeps members coming back?

Technology, Integration & Scalability

Review essential tech considerations: platform choices, CRM/AMS integration, scalability, and analytics.
How do you ensure a seamless and adaptable experience?

Measuring Success & Demonstrating ROI

What metrics indicate real engagement and community health?
How do you evolve your strategy based on member behavior and feedback?

What You’ll Take Away:
You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of what it takes to build or refine an online community app that delivers ongoing value. Expect peer-tested ideas, key success metrics, and a clearer path for integrating digital community into your long-term engagement strategy.

Networking for Membership Leaders - June 2025
2025-06-27 14:00 - 15:00 | https://www.membershipworld.com/event/networking-membership-leaders-june-2025/
Connect. Collaborate. Grow.
Join us for a relaxed yet purposeful networking hour with peers across the membership sector. This event is open to association leaders, unions, and charities who want to build relationships, exchange ideas, and stay connected with others shaping the future of membership organisations.
Whether you want to explore collaboration, share insights, or meet like-minded professionals, you’ll leave with valuable new connections.
🗂 What to expect:
🟠 Welcome from host Gordon Glenister, Founder of Membership World
🟠 A look ahead at upcoming Membership World events
🟠 Rotating small-group networking sessions (breakout rooms with up to 4 attendees)
🟠 Dynamic conversations guided by prompts and shared experiences
🟠 A full hour of focused, high-quality connections
Spaces are limited to keep the experience intimate and engaging.
Secure your spot now and grow your professional network with Membership World.

Retention is Revenue: Building Member Experiences That Make Them Stay
2025-06-24 15:00 - 16:00 | https://www.membershipworld.com/event/retention-is-revenue-building-member-experiences-that-make-them-stay/
Retention is Revenue: Building Member Experiences That Make Them Stay
Most associations don’t have a retention problem—they have an experience problem.
Members rarely leave over price. They leave because the experience didn’t deliver ongoing value, connection, or purpose.
This 1-hour webinar is designed to help association, charity, and membership leaders rethink retention—not as a standalone metric, but as the natural result of a meaningful, well-designed member experience.
Led by Francisco Opazo, VP of Growth & Community at Membership World, this session will help you connect the dots between engagement, experience, and long-term revenue.
Structure:
Welcome & About Membership World
An introduction to the host and our mission to support membership professionals
Core Session: Retention is Revenue
• Why most members leave—and what you can do to change that
• How to build value that compounds over time
• Engagement loops that stick without overwhelming
• Simple ways to recognise loyal members and boost advocacy
Live Q&A
Ask questions, share your challenges, and get practical insights directly from Francisco
You’ll walk away with:
• A practical retention framework built around experience
• Tools to increase renewals and member lifetime value
• Ideas you can implement immediately—no tech overhaul needed
• A stronger understanding of how retention supports sustainable growth
About the Speaker
Francisco Opazo is the VP of Growth & Community at Membership World and organiser of London Community Week, the largest event for community professionals in Europe and the UK.
He’s led growth and member-led strategy at fast-growing startups like Circle.so, BuddyBoss.com, and Bettermode.com, and is the founder of Led by Community, a global initiative supporting membership and community professionals.

Stand Out and Sell In: Winning Business with The Association Supplier Playbook
2025-06-11 14:00 - 15:30 | https://www.membershipworld.com/event/stand-out-and-sell-in-winning-business-with-the-association-supplier-playbook/
Want to work with more associations? This workshop is built for you.
​If you’re a supplier or service provider targeting associations, charities, or membership bodies, you already know this market is unique. The way associations discover, evaluate, and purchase services requires a different approach—one rooted in trust, credibility, and long-term value.
​This 90-minute online workshop will equip you with the strategies, insights, and tools you need to connect with associations more effectively, generate more leads, and close more deals—while also elevating your personal brand as a trusted expert in the space.
​✅ What you’ll learn:
​🟠 State of the Association and Membership Market
​Understand key trends shaping the sector, what associations care about today, and how to align your services with their priorities.
​🟠 How Associations Buy
​Gain insight into how decisions are made, who’s involved, and how to navigate long buying cycles and committee-led approvals.
​🟠 Lead Generation and Sales Strategy
​Learn how to build a pipeline of qualified leads and convert them into long-term clients using proven strategies and simple adjustments.
​🟠 Leveraging Social Media and Thought Leadership
​Discover how to position yourself as a go-to expert through strategic content, consistent messaging, and personal brand visibility.
​🟠 50+ Practical Tips and Immediate Actions
​Walk away with over 50 proven tips, tools, and techniques you can implement right away—shared directly from real association CEO insights.
​🎯 You’ll come away with:
​• A proven sales and marketing strategy framework tailored for selling to associations
​• Over 50 actionable tips drawn from the experience of leading membership professionals
​• A strong focus on building personal authority to boost trust and visibility in the sector

👤 Facilitator: Gordon Glenister

​Gordon is the Founder of Membership World, a former association leader of 11 years, and the host of the Influence Global Podcast. He’s led multiple membership organisations and is the author of the best-selling book Influencer Marketing Strategy. In 2025, Gordon co-hosted the first ever AI Hackathon for Associations to rave reviews and continues to help industry leaders position themselves as experts in their niche.
​Ready to grow your association client base and stand out in a competitive market?
