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
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.
Webinar Replay: Why industry data matters to your association’s success
October 2025
Associations have always been powerful voices for their professions, but in today’s data-driven world, stories alone aren’t enough.
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.
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.
Not just a checkbox: How to use quantitative research to truly understand your members
July 2025
Too often, member surveys are treated like a tick-the-box task, something to do once a year, then move on. But when used well, quantitative research can do much more than report on satisfaction. It can reveal what members actually value, where you're underdelivering, and which levers really drive engagement and retention.
Generational or career stage? Understanding what really drives young professionals to join associations
July 2025
In the final article of our Gen Z series, we compare two major studies, seven years apart, to unpack what really drives younger members to join and stick with associations. The results might surprise you. Turns out it’s not about being ‘digital natives’ or chasing trends. It’s about where they are in their careers.
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.
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.
Navigating uncertainty: Why member insights are critical during times of change
May 2025
Associations can’t afford to rely on assumptions—especially during times of change. Timely member insights are the foundation for strong advocacy, smart strategy, and meaningful support.
Industry associations shape national policy—their evidence is their strongest asset
May 2025
In a time of political change, global volatility, and shifting national priorities, associations need to lead with data. The stakes are high—and the organisations that invest in evidence now will be best placed to deliver results for their sectors in the years ahead.
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.
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.
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.
Professional vs. industry associations: Is the value proposition different and does it matter?
February 2025
After working with associations for over 15 years, one thing has become crystal clear, member engagement is never one-size-fits-all. Professional and industry associations are both essential to members, but their members have very different priorities.
Unlocking success: what 15,000 members say about the true value of association membership
February 2025
Our analysis has uncovered key insights that answer the burning questions on the minds of association executives and boards. In this edition we reveal the top six drivers of membership.
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.
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.
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
Digital marketing channels and effectiveness in Australasian associations
May 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, associations are strategically employing various paid and unpaid digital channels to enhance member engagement, drive event attendance, and achieve broader organisational goals.
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.