Yep, associations are taking a major hit in this recession. But what are association execs doing about it? Going virtual according to ASAE and the Center for Association Leadership’s Spring 2009 Associations and the Economy study. The interesting part: The Winter 2009 version of this study surveyed 8,500 association members, and reported that only three percent of those attending a face-to-face meeting said they would go to virtual events the next year. Even more interesting: nine percent of those attending virtual events want to participate in face-to-face meetings. The migration is just the opposite of what the execs are doing. Is it just me, or is there a train wreck coming?
Regardless of what happens, experts will be tapped to offer their content virtually. Have your pricing strategy down. Many associations expect you to do it free. My alternative idea: share the revenue. No risk for them and upside for you. To pitch this, have stats on your community and promo plans ready. You need to show that you will partner with the association to promote.
Click here to check out the Spring study.
Tags: associations, Marketing, Speaking, strategy, Vickie Sullivan, virtual events