Redefining your Engaged Members

19 Dec 2016 2:14 PM | Deleted user

We talk a lot about member engagement: How to boost it, how to appeal to different people/generations, how to take advantage of seasonal ups and downs, etc. But let’s take a step back for a second: How do you define an engaged member?   Is it someone who…

  • Attends every meeting and event
  • Volunteers for nearly everything
  • Reads every article/blog post you publish
  • Shares your content on social media
  • All of the above
  • None of the above

Think of it like this: If you were to envision your most engaged member - the one you KNOW is going to renew next year - what would that look like/who would that be? Chances are, it’s someone you see often. Someone who attends every meeting and event, volunteers for nearly everything, etc.

But what about the members you don’t see? Are they automatically unengaged or less engaged? Not necessarily. In fact, some of your most engaged members may actually be those behind the scenes. They may be the members who are reading every single thing you publish - on social media, on your website, in your online social community, etc. They may not be sharing it, but they’re reading it, and that counts for something.

Here’s an example: I read Associations Now every day. Sometimes I share the articles, but sometimes I just take the information in. Either way though, it’s a part of my daily routine. Wouldn’t it be nice to become a part of your members’ daily routines? You might already be. Your members might not be showing up to all of your meetings and events, but if they’re thinking of and turning to your association daily, that’s a pretty lofty achievement.

The point here is this: Rather than thinking about membership engagement in terms of those we can or cannot see, why not think about it in terms of value? A really engaged member is someone who finds something in your organization (whether it be an event or content) invaluable. Still need help engaging your organization’s membership? Check out our free guide, Membership Engagement for Small-Staff Associations, below!

Membership Engagement - Download this guide here. 

This article was originally sourced from Member Clicks and 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