State of AI in Associations 2026
What impact is AI having on Australian associations?
A national benchmark study of how associations are using AI, what it has changed for them, and what it means for the industries and professions they represent.
The survey opens soon. Register and we will send you the link when it does.
Why this study
Associations are making AI decisions without sector evidence.
AI is already changing how associations operate and how their members work. What's missing is a clear view of how far that change has gone across the sector, and what it means for the support members will need.
For your board
Credible comparisons on adoption, staffing, cost and member support, rather than assumption.
For your members
Evidence on how AI is changing the professions and industries associations represent, and where support is needed.
For the sector
An evidence base for conversations with government and other stakeholders about the role associations play in Australia's AI transition.
What the survey covers
Six areas, one picture of the sector.
- Where AI is already in useAdoption stage, the tasks it supports, the tools in place and the time it saves each week.
- What it has changedEffects on workload, service quality, revenue and operating costs over the past twelve months.
- Barriers and prioritiesWhat is holding value back, where spending is heading, and the priorities for the year ahead.
- Impact on the professionHow associations expect AI to affect the industries and professions they represent.
- Member adoptionHow many members are using AI, what evidence associations hold, and where the risks sit.
- Supporting membersWhat associations are doing to help members adapt, and the support they need to do it well.
Built with the sector, for the sector
Help build the national picture of what associations are doing.
Every association that takes part adds to a shared evidence base the whole sector can learn from. The more associations involved, the clearer and more useful that picture becomes for everyone.
- A sector benchmarkSee how your association compares on adoption, impact and member support.
- Case studies from the sectorProfiles of how associations are putting AI to work, so you can learn from what others are doing.
- Results before public releaseParticipating associations receive the benchmark report ahead of the public launch.
Take part
Add your association to the benchmark.
Individual responses remain confidential and results are reported in aggregate, unless you separately agree to take part in a case study. Where exact figures are not available, best estimates are welcome.