What if we took the risks so our members didn’t have to?
I attended the Engaging Associations Forum last week and the event hosts do just that. Much of the conference is an experiment in plain sight. Not only are they trying new formats, floor plans, sessions, speakers, food and ideas they also share how they did it.
On the second day we tried out a (maybe first ever?) association hack-a-thon; groups of participants wrestled with some common association problems. Post hack-a-thon we had a discussion about what would make the experience even more productive next time. The event hosts, Doreen and Meagan from Greenfield Services, have been testing, getting feedback and iterating for 3 years while throwing a bunch of new things into the mix each conference.
Participants not only learn content relevant for running our own associations we also see first hand how to introduce new, fun, more engaging experiences into our events.
Think about everything you provide members. Think about every touch point you have with members. Think about every new experience members have as they interact with your association. How can you take the risks so your members don’t have to?
Onward!