4 Ways to Stay Engaged with Members Over the Holidays

02 Dec 2015 11:45 AM | Kerrie Green

The holiday season is officially here. And unfortunately, that can sometimes result in your members “going dark.” But not to worry. With these four tips, you can stay engaged with your members even over the busy holiday season.


1. Send out a few email messages

(Few being the operative word.) You definitely don’t want to bombard your members, but you do want to remind them that you’re still there. In early to mid-December, try sending your members an email wishing them a happy holiday season. Then closer to New Year’s, send them another email getting them pumped up for 2016. Maybe mention an upcoming event if you have one planned in Q1.


2. Pre-write and schedule blog posts

Now your blog probably won’t get a TON of traffic over the holidays, but it will get some, so it’s important to keep your pages active. If you’re planning on being out of the office during this time, pre-write a few posts and schedule them in advance. Here are a few easy blog post ideas to help you get started.


3. Stay active on social media

With so many people taking time off, the holidays are actually a great time to engage your members on social media. Now you don’t want to be “salesy” when you do this – you want to be festive and personal! Try posting pictures of your office decorated for Christmas or your employees volunteering at a local food bank. It’s little things like this that really resonate with people.


For more tips on leveraging social media during the holidays, click here.


4. Put together a highlight reel

The end of the year is a great time to look back at all of your organization’s achievements. Not only does it remind people of the value your organization brings, but it’s also a great way to tell your members thanks.


You can collect and display these moments in multiple ways. If you’re video-savvy, try putting together a quick video reel. Or if you’re really pressed for time, put together a simple Facebook album. Remember, the point here is to remind people of all the fun they’ve had with your organization and get them excited for 2016.


This article was originally sourced from Member Clicks here and was written by Callie Walker. 


Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connections: AuSAE and Tourism New Zealand Business Events Renew Partnership

Association professionals across Australia and New Zealand have even more reason to explore trans-Tasman opportunities. AuSAE is proud to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events, celebrating 11 years of collaboration.

For over a decade, this partnership has strengthened connections between the two countries, helping associations expand networks, share knowledge, and deliver world-class events.

Toni Brearley, CAE, Chief Executive Officer at AuSAE, said:

“Our partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events has opened doors for association leaders to plan unforgettable events and connect with peers across the Tasman. Together, we’ve created opportunities, shared knowledge, and elevated the experiences of our members and their delegates. This partnership reinforces our commitment to fostering strong trans-Tasman collaborations, helping associations innovate, grow, and deliver outstanding value to their members.”

Helen Bambry, Business Events Manager at Tourism New Zealand, added:

“Partnering with AuSAE means we can directly support association professionals in bringing their next international business event to New Zealand – offering assistance, funding, and support to ensure exceptional experiences for both organisers and delegates.”

Watch the Tourism New Zealand Business Events video

What this partnership means for you

For Australian associations:

  • Receive expert guidance and support to bring conferences or member events to New Zealand.
  • Access funding assistance through Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
  • Expand your network and build partnerships with New Zealand peers and industry leaders.
  • Deliver international experiences for members and delegates just across the Tasman.

For New Zealand associations:

  • Strengthen professional connections with Australian association leaders through AuSAE’s network.
  • Share expertise and collaborate on professional development, governance, and member engagement initiatives, and more.
  • Gain visibility within the broader association community in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Access opportunities to host international association events and delegates in New Zealand, boosting local engagement and knowledge exchange.

About AuSAE:

The home for association professionals, the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the leading - and only not-for-profit, member-based - organisation supporting association professionals in Australia and New Zealand. For 70 years, AuSAE has been a trusted partner for those working in associations, providing professional development, support, and networking to help association leaders achieve organisational goals, advance their careers, and strengthen the wider sector.

About Tourism New Zealand Business Events:

Tourism New Zealand Business Events provides expert guidance, funding, and support to attract conferences, incentives and corporate events to New Zealand.

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For more information about AuSAE, please contact Toni Brearley, CAE:
Toni Brearley, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, AuSAE
E: toni@ausae.org.au
T: + 61 458 000 155

To apply for funding and support to host a conference in New Zealand contact Helen Bambry:
Helen Bambry
Business Events Manager, Tourism New Zealand
E: Helen.Bambry@tnz.govt.nz
T: +61 415 933 325


The Australasian Society of Association Executives

Contact us:

Email: info@ausae.org.au
Phone: 1300 764 576 (within Australia)
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955 (outside Australia)
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011, Australia