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Managing an association requires a balance of meeting the needs of the industry with the needs of the membership and staff.
The AOE team has over 30 years of experience managing associations, enabling clients to take advantage of our expertise and knowledge of non-profit work.
Our shared service model offers financial savings while leveraging the skills of our professional team who excel in industry best practices.
The AOE financial services, HR and member/customer relations team members have the experience you need to successfully augment your staff.
In addition to assisting your team with these core operational functions, our marketing professionals help you identify and deliver the right message to your key target audiences.
Human Resources
& Compliance
The AOE Team has experienced and certified HR generalists to assist in the recruitment and retention of top, professional staff as well as assist you with compliance of federal and state employment laws.
Key Resources
FAQs about Association Management
What is association management?
Association management refers to the process of organizing and administering an association's operations with the goal of helping its members achieve organizational goals and develop programs. It involves various functions such as strategic planning, advocacy, resource management, communication, event planning, financial planning and legal compliance to ensure the association remains effective and impactful for its members.
AOE's association management services include strategic planning and guidance, membership development and retention strategies, event and conference coordination, as well as planning effective communication and marketing initiatives. Our marketing services include a broad range of opportunities for clients including social media management, content development, graphic design, video production, public relations and more. AOE also offers financial management and accounting services while ensuring strict adherence to legal and regulatory requirements.
What services do Association Management Companies typically offer to support associations?
Association management providers, often through Association Management Companies (AMCs), offer a wide range of services to support associations, including but not limited to:
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Strategic Planning – Helping associations define and achieve long-term goals.
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Advocacy – Representing associations on critical issues and influencing policy matters.
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Financial Management – Budget creation, accounting and financial compliance oversight.
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Membership and Community Management – Driving engagement and fostering member satisfaction.
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Event Planning – Organizing professional conferences, seminars, and networking events.
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Marketing and Communications – Developing and executing effective communication strategies.
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Compliance – Ensuring legal standards and governance requirements are met.
How can an AMC improve an association's daily efficiency and effectiveness?
AMCs bring industry expertise, best practices and specialized staff to streamline an association's operations. By delegating administrative tasks and business functions, incorporating an AMC allows the association's board members and staff to focus on their core missions, such as advancing their industry or serving their membership.
Key benefits include access to experienced professionals in areas like finance, marketing and HR, which increases bandwidth to focus on strategic goals rather than day-to-day management. Operations are streamlined through standardized and proven processes, and often an AMC will have access to advanced technology that helps improve efficiency.
What are the key benefits of partnering with an AMC for small associations?
For small associations, partnering with AMC offers the opportunity to tap into a multidisciplinary team of experts. This is particularly advantageous because hiring full-time staff with diverse skill sets might not be financially feasible for smaller organizations.
For instance, rather than relying on a single employee to handle a wide array of responsibilities like membership management, event planning and financial oversight, an AMC brings in specialized professionals for each of these critical areas. This means that each aspect of the association's operations is managed by an expert, ensuring efficiency and expertise without the financial burden of hiring multiple full-time employees. Additionally, AMCs often bring industry insights and proven strategies that can further enhance the effectiveness of the association’s activities, allowing small associations to focus on their core mission and objectives.
How should associations evaluate the cost-effectiveness of hiring an AMC?
When assessing the cost-effectiveness of an AMC, associations should take several factors into account.
One key consideration is the potential for overhead savings, as working with an AMC often lowers administrative costs by reducing expenses related to office space, technology infrastructure and employee benefits. Additionally, AMCs offer access to specialized expertise on an as-needed basis, allowing associations to pay only for specific hours of professional support, rather than hiring full-time employees. Finally, the financial benefits of partnering with an AMC can be significant, as their expertise often aids in boosting revenue through grants, sponsorship opportunities or innovative non-dues revenue streams.
What factors should associations consider when selecting the right AMC to meet their specific needs and goals?
When choosing an AMC, associations should evaluate several factors. Firstly, they should assess the AMC's industry understanding to ensure they have experience in that specific sector. Associations should also consider the cultural fit by ensuring the AMC aligns with the association’s mission, vision and values. Look for revenue expertise, seeking AMCs skilled in building non-dues revenue and diversifying income streams. Additionally, the AMC should offer strong marketing support to drive membership growth and event success. It’s also important to check if the AMC provides allied services, such as connections to lobbying professionals or legal consultants. Finally, associations should ensure the AMC aligns with their strategic goals and long-term plans.
What role does technology play in modern association management?
Technology plays a pivotal role in helping associations boost efficiency, enhance member services, and expand their operations. Association Management Companies (AMCs) leverage a variety of innovative tools and platforms to manage these functions effectively. For instance, Association Management Software (AMS) simplifies tracking memberships, managing renewals and fostering clear communication. Accounting software ensures financial transparency while handling complex accounting tasks with ease. Marketing platforms further amplify engagement by automating email campaigns, social media outreach, and event promotions.
Additionally, AI tools provide another layer of functionality by aiding in content creation, automating processes and providing valuable insights into member behavior, enabling smarter and more strategic decision-making. Together, these technologies enable associations to operate more efficiently and deliver greater value to their members.
A strong technology backbone is crucial for an AMC as it enhances member satisfaction and boosts productivity by streamlining operations. When implemented correctly, technology enables seamless communication and efficient data management, which in turn reduces administrative burdens significantly. This allows organizations to focus more on strategic initiatives and less on mundane tasks, ultimately leading to a more engaged and satisfied membership base.
What is the overall benefit of effective association management?
Effective association management is crucial for driving growth, boosting member engagement and enhancing operational efficiency. By focusing on member satisfaction, it ensures that their needs are met, fostering a sense of community and loyalty. Maintaining transparency and professionalism is key, as is prioritizing strategic development to adapt to changing circumstances and future challenges. A well-managed association not only meets current demands but also anticipates future needs, allowing for sustainable growth.
Interested in learning more about how effective management can transform your association? Or perhaps you need assistance in navigating the complexities of association management? Contact AOE today to explore how our comprehensive services can support your organization in thriving and achieving its long-term goals. We are here to help you succeed.