STATE OF AI IN ASSOCIATIONS 2026

What impact is AI having on Australian associations?

A national study of how associations are using AI, what impact it is having on their operations, and what it means for the members, industries and professions they represent.

The survey opens soon. Register your interest and we will send you the survey to participate and receive the report when it does.

WHY THIS STUDY

Associations are asking for reliable information about AI adoption across the sector.

AI is rapidly changing how associations operate and how their members’ work. What’s missing is a clear view of how far this change has gone throughout the sector, what impact it is having and what it means for the support associations and their members need.

FOR YOUR BOARD

Compare your associations adoption, investment and operational impact and approach to supporting members with others across the sector.

FOR YOUR MEMBERS

Understand how associations expect AI to affect the professions and industries they represent - and where members need further support.

FOR THE SECTOR

Provide credible evidence to inform discussions with government and other stakeholders about the contribution associations are making to the AI transition.

What the survey covers

A practical view of AI adoption across the association sector

The survey examines six areas.

  • Where AI is being usedThe association’s stage of adoption, the functions and tasks where AI is used, the tools in place and estimated weekly time savings.
  • What difference it is makingReported effects on workload, service quality, revenue and operating costs over the past 12 months.
  • Barriers and prioritiesThe factors limiting adoption or value, expected investment and the association’s priorities for the next 12 months.
  • Impact on professions and industriesHow associations expect AI to affect the work, skills and future needs of the professions and industries they represent.
  • AI adoption among membersWhat associations know about members’ use of AI, the evidence available and the main opportunities and risks they see.
  • Supporting membersHow associations are currently helping members adapt, what they plan to do next and what would help them respond more effectively.

A NATIONAL ASSOCIATION SECTOR BENCHMARK

Contribute to a clearer picture of AI adoption across the association sector.

Each participating association will strengthen the evidence available about AI adoption across the sector. Broad participation will allow the research to identify common patterns, important differences and areas where associations may need further support. Participation is free, and associations who take part will receive:

  • Early access to results before public release

  • A sector benchmark to see how your association compares on AI adoption, impact, governance and member support

  • Case studies of what other associations are doing, what has worked and what they have learned

The survey is being conducted by Survey Matters, specialists in research for associations. Individual responses will remain confidential, and findings will be reported in aggregate.