Over the years I have had the opportunity to experience first hand (both as a member and as head of membership engagement) how industry associations and institutes value their members and why people join these organisations. In many cases they tell me they join because it adds credibility to their own company or personal profile. Member benefits offer opportunities to network, to lift the profile of a brand via logos on websites and in member magazines, to participate on committees and basically to join a 'tribe'. However these member benefits haven’t changed much over the past 20 years. Then there is the ongoing requirement to spend more money on event tickets, conferences and professional development courses and yes, there are member discounts, however as many of these events are sponsored and the speakers offer their services for free, I wonder why the hefty price for participation in these not for profit organisations. I know and have worked with associations who do this brilliantly, who know their members well and actively assist with introductions to maximise the investment of their membership and I'd love to hear about your own positive experiences
