T N E M E G A G N e Y IT N U M M O C SPARK
WITH A STRONGER VIRTUAL STRATEGY As people seek new and better ways to link with like-minded peers and learn from industry experts, many see professional associations and their member communities as the best way to forge those connections. Professionals have long relied on associations for industry knowledge, thought leadership, and networking. Their associations help them learn, grow, and find a sense of belonging. But in an increasingly digital world, their expectations of how associations deliver value are shifting. Members no longer want to wait for an annual conference to follow industry trends, expand their knowledge, and network with colleagues. Instead, they’re turning to online communities, social media, and virtual events to connect and learn any time of the day and throughout the year. Associations can give members more and meet their elevated expectations by stepping outside of their traditional engagement tactics. Strengthening your virtual strategy is the key to delivering more frequent, far-reaching, shared experiences for your community members.
Virtual Event Ideas to Drive Engagement • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Member Communication (Recruitment, Onboarding, Retention) Thought Leadership Webinars Panel Presentations Success Stories / Case Studies Sponsored Events Roundtable discussions Product Launches Chapter / Special Interest Group Meetings Continuing Education Focus Groups Career Fairs Alumni Events Fundraising Awards & Recognition Social / Holiday Events Workshop / Master Class Series (scheduled over several weeks) Virtual Conference (many tracks & sessions over multiple days)
virtual events are vital to member engagement
A bolder, broader approach to virtual events can help your association reach more members, create deeper connections, and deliver enduring value. Virtual events allow you to: create a catalyst: Virtual events promote member engagement, inspiring action beyond a single conference. Live and on-demand events and webinars bring members together and repurposed content in the forms of resource downloads and networking sessions keep members continually coming back.
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COMMUNITY LEADERS
DEC 21
DELIVER A MORE PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE: More frequent virtual events and on-demand recordings allow attendees to seek out and connect with the content most relevant to them at the moment they need it, leading to a more personalized experience and helping them get the most out of each event. INCREASE INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY: Some members can’t or won’t travel to your in-person events. Offering a cadence of virtual touchpoints ensures you’ll reach all your members, and everyone has equal opportunities to access your content and participate in the community. COLLECT POWERFUL DATA AND INSIGHTS: Members’ event attendance and content consumption will help you identify—and continuously deliver— what members want and need. The insights gained from their engagement are powerful tools to help you enhance future event experiences, refine your member value proposition and serve up personalized content.
virtual events DELIVER MORE MEMBER VALUE
Members are looking for more and different solutions from their associations today. Advances in technology have increased their expectations of the digital experience, and a quest for better balance has them asking for more flexibility. Virtual events position you to meet these needs with: EASE & CONVENIENCE: Members are short on time and, often, are faced with tightening budgets. Virtual events eliminate the need to travel, which combats those concerns. Plus, virtual allows you to extend your reach across geographies, which increases your opportunities to attract more attendees
