Special Initiatives
Goals is to keep members involved of current developments and issues related issues. Topics may vary.
Provides an opportunity to meet, learn and share ideas with people who are actively involved in certification. Topics may include; implications of a program on our association, scoring methodologies, evaluation process, trends, recertification, technologies for the certification process, staffing, budgeting and many more.
Conferences and Programming
Responsible for our Expos around the World.
Communications
This SIG focuses on the idea-sharing and networking of those involved in communication activities at their associations to keep them informed of current developments and issues. This includes publications, public relations, media relations, advertising, marketing, and other related areas.
Component Relations
This SIG deals with information and idea sharing around the management of any affiliated or independent unit of a bigger organization. The names for these units vary from association to association. Some common ones are chapters, branches, special-interest groups, divisions, practice specialties or even the division of international, national, regional, state and local subsidiaries of the same association.
Educational Program Development
This GIG provides members with information on the development and management of curriculum in continuing education, training, professional development and/or staff training for their organization.
Accounting and Corporate Finance
This SIG focuses on a variety of issues related to association finance. CFOs, directors, managers of finance and others with accountability for financial issues are welcome.
Fundraising and Development
This SIG’s discussions will concentrate on independent foundations, subsidiary foundations and relations with parent associations and the place of development within them. Topics may include: engaging the non-profit board; foundation and fundraising resources; research and proposal preparation; and corporate and foundation relations to name just a few. Learn the varied methods and techniques necessary for successful fundraising.
Governance
This SIG is for individuals involved in governance activities who want to share ideas and network with others in this field. Meeting topics focus on a variety of issues related to association governance like elections, committee appointment process, by laws, and referendums. Board policies and procedures, board relations and affairs, and board minutes are also covered by this group.
Information Technology
The purpose of this SIG is that of support, communication, expanding the knowledge base, sharing, and using online communication to add value to the services of our associations and ultimately to benefit members.
Marketing
The Marketing GIG provides an exchange of ideas and effective practices for marketing professionals in all types of membership organizations. Expert speakers, as well as Marketing GIG members, share effective practices in marketing and research methods for all association activities and programs, including member retention and recruitment, event and education program marketing, publication sales, dues renewals, and advertising, sponsorship and exhibit space sales, and other related areas.
HOSPITALITY Meeting Professionals
This SIG explores the many areas of association meeting management from logistics to site selection, international meetings, technology, the law, and much more.
Membership Development and Services
This SIG provides Forum members who have a membership/marketing interest with a professional support network for professional growth. It also serves as an idea laboratory for all participants.
No. 2 Executives/COOs
The No. 2 Executives/COOs SIG deals with the myriad issues facing chief operating officers and No. 2 executives in associations. Some topics are related to functional areas of associations and others to the unique nature of being second in command. Membership is only open to association No. 2 executives, COOs, CFOs, and vice presidents. Pre-approval is required.
Public Policy and Advocacy
This SIG provides an opportunity to meet, learn and share ideas with people who are actively involved in government relations, public policy and advocacy. Topics may include; trends, lobbying rules and regulations, technologies for grassroots mobilization, communication efforts, policy development and management and more.