Rethinking Chapters: What the Latest Benchmarking Data Reveals

Rethinking Chapters: What the Latest Benchmarking Data Reveals

In this episode of The Association Evidence Project, host Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF, is joined by Peggy Hoffman, FASAE, CAE, president and executive director of Mariner Management, and Peter Houstle, CEO and COO of Mariner Management, to explore key findings from their latest chapter performance and benchmarking report. Drawing on data from associations and chapter leaders across the industry, they examine how evolving member expectations are reshaping chapter engagement, volunteer leadership, and organizational structures. The conversation highlights the growing challenge of sustaining volunteer leadership, with both associations and chapter leaders reporting increasing difficulty recruiting and retaining volunteers. Hoffman and Houstle discuss why traditional chapter models may no longer align with members’ available time, interests, or preferred ways of engaging, and how factors such as member personality, mentorship opportunities, and purpose-driven experiences can influence participation. They also share examples of associations rethinking their chapter structures through regional councils, hub-and-spoke models, and other flexible approaches designed to reduce administrative burdens while strengthening local connections. The episode explores the importance of moving beyond compliance-focused metrics and toward measures that better reflect member value, including belonging, loyalty, and meaningful engagement. Throughout the discussion, the guests offer practical insights for association leaders seeking to create more adaptable chapter ecosystems that better serve members while building a sustainable future for volunteer leadership. Access the report, 2025 Chapter Performance & Benchmarking Report, here: https://marinermanagement.com/2025-chapter-performance-benchmarking-report/ [https://marinermanagement.com/2025-chapter-performance-benchmarking-report/] The Association Evidence Project is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

Designing for Everyone: Advancing Neuro Inclusion in Associations

In this episode of The Association Evidence Project, host Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF, is joined by Celia Zamora, CAE, Executive Director of the American Council of Academic Physical Therapy, and Jen Mehltretter, CAE, Director of Membership and Constituent Services at the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science, to discuss new research from the ASAE Research Foundation and MPI Foundation, Enhancing Neuro Inclusive Practices in Associations. The conversation explores why neuro inclusion is gaining urgency—shaping how associations foster belonging, support learning, and create meaningful connections—while also unpacking why it often goes unaddressed due to stigma, uncertainty, and fear of getting it wrong. Together, they outline a shift from reactive accommodations to proactive, universal design, sharing practical approaches for meetings and workplaces, from advance materials and flexible formats to sensory considerations and intentional breaks. They also discuss how to embed neuro inclusion into strategy, governance, and measurement—moving beyond individual champions to sustained organizational commitment. The episode highlights the role of thoughtful data, continuous feedback, and iteration in improving engagement, retention, and authentic participation across the association community. Access the report, Enhancing Neuroinclusive Practices in Associations, here: https://foundation.asaecenter.org/research/neuroinclusion/ [https://foundation.asaecenter.org/research/neuroinclusion/]   The Association Evidence Project is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

When Education Drives Impact: Strategic Clarity for Association Education Programs

In this episode of The Association Evidence Project, host Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF, speaks with Celisa Steele, co-founder and managing director of Tagoras, about new research examining the strategic outlook for association learning businesses. Steele explains that while many associations see strong potential for growth in their education portfolios—and recognize learning as both mission-critical and a source of non-dues revenue—progress is often limited by internal capacity challenges in areas such as staffing, marketing and sales, technology, and data use. The conversation explores how strategic clarity can guide decision-making and how associations can differentiate their learning offerings through “credibility capital,” including trust, expertise, standards, credentials, convening power, and peer learning. Steele also discusses growing interest in AI, the likelihood of increased experimentation, and emerging trends shaping the future of association learning, from workforce alignment to rising learner expectations and alternative credentials.   The Association Evidence Project is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

Bridging the Gap: What Associations Still Miss About Member Needs

In this episode of The Association Evidence Project, host Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF, speaks with Tirrah Switzer, vice president of product marketing at Momentive Software, about insights from the 10th Annual Associations Trends Research Report “Bridging the Gap: Aligning Association Professionals and Members for Success” and what it reveals about alignment between association professionals and their members. Together, they explore the ongoing disconnect around career advancement, noting that members prioritize job opportunities more than organizations often realize. The conversation also examines how the competitive landscape is shifting with the growth of influencer-led communities and niche platforms, along with emerging trends in professional development, events, and the expanding role of technology and AI in shaping the future of associations.   Show notes Read the 10th annual Association Trends Study: https://momentivesoftware.com/research-study/association-trends/ [https://momentivesoftware.com/research-study/association-trends/]   The Association Evidence Project is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].

Why Evidence Matters: Turning Research into Strategy for Associations

In the inaugural episode of the Association Evidence Project, host Lowell Aplebaum, EdD, FASAE, CAE, CPF, sits down with three leading voices in association research and strategy: Sheri Jacobs, FASAE, CAE, president and CEO of Avenue M Group; Dean West, FASAE, founder and president of Association Laboratory Inc.; and Andrea Wieters, director of strategic and future-focused research at ASAE. Together, they examine the current state of association research, including persistent challenges around data utilization, survey fatigue, and turning insights into action. The discussion centers on how associations can move beyond collecting information to using evidence as a strategic asset, supporting better decision-making, stronger collaboration, and more future-focused planning. The episode sets the stage for building research-driven cultures that continuously engage members and use evidence to drive meaningful impact.   The Association Evidence Project is produced by Association Briefings [https://associationbriefings.com/].