Association Matters News

Our updates provide practical ideas, benchmarking data, and research insights drawn from our extensive work with members and associations.

The Question Every Association Leader Must Answer
Rebecca Sullivan Rebecca Sullivan

The Question Every Association Leader Must Answer

October 2025

As artificial intelligence advances across Australia’s economy, reshaping work, productivity and the skills required for success, the question is no longer whether AI will impact your profession -it's whether your members will be ready when it does.

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More Than a Logo: Why Data Is the Backbone of a Strong Association Brand
Rebecca Sullivan Rebecca Sullivan

More Than a Logo: Why Data Is the Backbone of a Strong Association Brand

September 2025

Your brand is your reputation. It’s how members, policymakers, stakeholders, and the public perceive your authority, credibility, and value. And, in a crowded landscape where trust is the main currency, your brand is your most powerful strategic asset - anad it’s built on data.

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Unmasking Influence: Insights from ACE25
Rebecca Sullivan Rebecca Sullivan

Unmasking Influence: Insights from ACE25

September 2025

“There’s no policy without data.” This message from Jodie Mackenzie, CEO, Australian Counselling Association (ACA), anchored the Unmasking Influence panel discussion at AuSAE’s annual conference ACE25.

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What Gen Z expects from modern associations
Rebecca Sullivan Rebecca Sullivan

What Gen Z expects from modern associations

June 2025

What Gen Z wants from the membership experience once they’re in the door, and what associations need to offer if they want to attract and retain this emerging generation of professionals.

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Why Gen Z joins associations, and why they might not.
Rebecca Sullivan Rebecca Sullivan

Why Gen Z joins associations, and why they might not.

June 2025

To understand what drives young professionals to join associations, what keeps them engaged, and what turns them away, we recently surveyed more than 400 Gen Z members and non-members across Australia.

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DIY Survey Risks and Rewards
Rebecca Sullivan Rebecca Sullivan

DIY Survey Risks and Rewards

April 2025

Free tools make DIY member satisfaction surveys tempting. They're affordable, quick, and can boost direct member engagement. However, hidden pitfalls like confirmation bias, poorly designed questions, and biased sampling can severely compromise data reliability and strategic decision-making.

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Is your association advocacy ready? 
Rebecca Sullivan Rebecca Sullivan

Is your association advocacy ready? 

April 2025

With the election fast approaching, it’s important to consider the top five things association leaders need to prioritise to effectively shape future policy and funding decisions.

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How to create a safe space for honest feedback
Rebecca Sullivan Rebecca Sullivan

How to create a safe space for honest feedback

March 2025

If associations want to truly understand what their members value, they need to ask them. Member research is essential but how that research is conducted matters just as much as the insights it uncovers.

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The role of research in creating a strong brand and driving growth
Rebecca Sullivan Rebecca Sullivan

The role of research in creating a strong brand and driving growth

December 2024

An association’s reputation and brand are fundamental drivers of its financial sustainability. Research is the foundation for understanding how an association’s brand is perceived and how its activities align with member expectation and values.

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Common approaches to member engagement research.
Rebecca Sullivan Rebecca Sullivan

Common approaches to member engagement research.

November 2024

Depending on the stage you are at in you member engagement journey, most associations use a combination of strategic research and ongoing tracking surveys to continuously monitor and enhance member experience.

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Why member engagement research is essential for associations.
Rebecca Sullivan Rebecca Sullivan

Why member engagement research is essential for associations.

November 2024

Member engagement research is a powerful tool for associations to meet their members’ evolving needs and expectations. By gaining a deep understanding of member needs, associations can enhance their programs, retain members, and drive growth effectively

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Trends in association events
Rebecca Sullivan Rebecca Sullivan

Trends in association events

April 2024

In a sign that associations are adjusting to the new normal post-pandemic, a majority indicate their next annual event will be in-person only, and most are seeing greater attendance at in-person conferences and online webinars than pre-covid.

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