Associations play a vital role in any society, as they not only foster collaboration but also facilitate social interaction more easily and smoothly. For the benefit of society, these organizations often participate in charity and community service as well.
In this guide, we will look into what an association is, the types of events that business associations can host, different kinds of associations, how Airmeet can assist you in hosting association events virtually, and more.
What is an Association?
An association is a group of people who work together to achieve common goals and share interests. It is not a profit-driven enterprise or a company. In fact, it is a team of individuals who come together to focus on engaging with members in a meaningful way, fostering collaboration, and aiming to reach the association’s primary goal, whatever it may be.
These associations can be sports clubs, conservation trusts, employee unions, professional associations, residents’ associations, voluntary associations, advocacy associations, and more.
Types of Events That Associations Host
Associations host a wide variety of events, including:
1. Conferences
Associations frequently host conferences for their members to help them advance in their respective fields. Through conferences, associations provide members the opportunity to connect with people who can guide them to advance in their personal and professional growth. Conferences often include expert keynote speeches to inspire, motivate, and educate the members, while providing insights on the latest industry trends.
2. Educational Workshop
Associations hold educational programs to help members gain new knowledge & skills, keep up with industry developments, and provide opportunities for continued development. These workshops not only educate the members, but also increase their engagement. Educational events are held in either an in-person, virtual, or hybrid format, depending on the diverse learning preferences and needs of members.
3. Networking Events
Networking events focus on building new connections and facilitating meaningful partnerships, which is why associations prioritize them. By hosting networking sessions, the association gives members an opportunity to connect with peers, industry leaders, and expand their professional network. Through such events, associations enable their communities to grow professionally.
4. Fundraising Events
Fundraising events are gatherings held to gain financial support for a specific cause, charity, or non-profit organization. Associations frequently organize charitable fundraisers to raise money for the project they are working on. Through this initiative, the association is able to reach out to existing donors, attract new patrons, and raise awareness for their cause.
5. Trade Shows or Expos
Trade associations host expos, aiming to promote products or services. These events serve as a central hub for members to showcase their latest innovation, network with potential customers & partners, and learn about new trends and technologies in their field.
6. Award Ceremonies
Associations primarily host awards ceremonies to celebrate the outstanding achievements of members in their particular industry or community. Members receive significant recognition as well as earn credibility for their accomplishments.
7. Annual Meetings
Associations typically host annual meetings to discuss important organizational decisions. At these gatherings, financial reports are also reviewed to gauge the organization’s financial health.
8. Certification Programs
Associations teach relevant skills to their members to bridge the emerging skills gap and provide them with accredited certifications through programs.
Examples of Popular Associations
The American Accounting Association is the largest community of accountants in academia. Founded in 1916, they have a rich and reputable history built on leading-edge research and publications. The diversity of their membership creates a fertile environment for collaboration and innovation. Collectively, they shape the future of accounting through teaching, research, and a powerful network, ensuring their position as thought leaders in accounting.
Founded in 1978, the American Association of Finance and Accounting (AAFA) is an association of executive search firms specializing in the recruitment and staffing of finance and accounting professionals.
They focus on extensive contacts and close working relationships to provide uncompromising service to their employers, job seekers, and fellow AAFA members.
With offices in 40+ metropolitan areas and staffed by over 200 specialized accounting and finance professional recruiters, AAFA gives every accounting and finance candidate a national partner who brings local knowledge to their search.
The National Society of Accountants (NSA) has been serving tax and accounting professionals for over 75 years, with the primary mission of helping these professionals be more successful.
Members who have established their businesses can take advantage of member benefits and discounts that positively impact the bottom line of small businesses. NSA also enhances the value of membership by staying in constant touch with members through email newsletters, announcements, publications, social media, and surveys. This open and transparent communication allows leadership and staff to develop better programs to help members succeed.
NSA also creates and sponsors educational programs, such as the Live Enrolled Agent Exam Review Course, which has helped many professionals pass the EA exam the first time. NSA is closely aligned with ACAT, producing exams and study materials that allow prospective credential holders to earn the prestigious ACAT designation.
The American Design Drafting Association is an international non-profit, professional membership and educational organization born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, in 1948. It is dedicated to the professional growth and advancement of professionals, students, instructors, and related organizations working in the professional design drafting/graphics community.
The Association of Architecture Organizations (AAO) is an international member-based network that connects, supports, and advocates for organizations and individuals devoted to advancing the role of architecture, planning, and design in service to society. AAO, founded in 2009, serves nonprofit architectural groups and interested individuals in 75 cities across the United States and 10 countries. They conduct public programs, design a “matter conference” as well as build virtual communities for sharing ideas and resources.
NABE is the premier professional association for business economists and other professionals who work in economics-related areas. Since 1959, NABE has attracted the most prominent figures in economics, business, and academia to its membership through its highly regarded conferences, educational and career development offerings, industry surveys, and unparalleled networking opportunities. NABE’s mission is to advance the practice of economics and the application of economic principles for the greater good.
CMMA is a non-profit professional development organization founded in 1946 that provides managers in all areas of media development and production with the tools they need to lead now and in the future.
Through peer support, professional development, networking, and the use of technology, CMMA truly strives to advance the field of communications media management and leadership.
The Association of American Educators (AAE) was founded in 1994 and represents over 30,000 teachers, retired teachers, and pre-service teachers across the country. For 30 years, AAE has been a pioneer in individual teacher rights and advocacy.
AAE is committed to education that is student-centered, respectful, and personally fulfilling. It is dedicated to restoring the voice of real teachers in policy debate and implementation, and focuses on quality benefits, teacher professionalism, and real protections at a fair price.
NAEP is an interdisciplinary organization dedicated to developing the highest standards of ethics and professionalism in environmental business. Its members are public- and private-sector professionals who promote excellence in decision-making in light of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of those decisions. NAEP not only provides you with access to grow as a professional, but also provides a network.
NAEP hosts a number of initiatives to support impacted professionals, including a free webinar on transitioning to the private sector, a virtual job fair, and a LinkedIn networking effort. NAEP is always ready to help professionals during these times of rapid change.
The American Financial Services body (AFSA), founded in 1916, is the leading trade association for the consumer credit business, dedicated to preserving lending and consumer choices. Its ultimate mission is to provide safe, ethical lending to responsible, informed borrowers and to improve and protect consumer access to credit.
AFSA provides a voice in Washington, D.C., for the consumer credit industry and the consumers it serves, as well as outreach to the media and investment community. It also provides policy advice and issue management at the federal and state levels.
AFSA members provide consumers with a wide range of credit, including traditional installment loans, direct and indirect auto financing, mortgages, payment cards, and credit for non-auto retail customers.
How Airmeet Can Help Host Associations’ Events?
Airmeet is a feature-rich virtual and hybrid event platform that can transform your association’s event experience. With its rich set of features and capabilities, you can make your association events not only engaging but also impactful.
Let’s see how Airmeet empowers associations globally to host a variety of events and programs.
1. Branding & Customization
Airmeet offers a multitude of branding and customization options to help associations create events that showcase their brand identity in a compelling way. Whether it is a webinar, conference, annual meeting, or something else, tailoring your event to your brand will let you deliver a memorable experience for your members.
You can include brand logos, colors, and fonts as well as high-quality visuals in virtual lobbies, event stages, and networking and reception areas, and create a visually appealing environment that members can remember forever. Our branding and customization features will help associations create an event experience that reinforces their brand in attendees’ minds.
2. Supports Multiple Event Types
Airmeet supports various event types, offering a range of formats to meet the diverse needs of associations, including conferences, webinars, workshops, annual meetings, meetups, seminars, award ceremonies, fundraising events, trade shows, certification programs, celebration events, and networking events.
3. Audience Engagement Tools
Airmeet offers a range of engagement tools for association events such as live chat, real-time polls, and Q&A. We know how important member engagement is for associations, especially in a virtual environment. Our interactive tools foster real-time interaction and encourage members to stay active during the meetings.
Airmeet has a “raise hand” feature that empowers participants to join speakers on stage during live sessions and pose questions, which leads to enriching learning experiences and two-way interactions. Another element that elevates audience participation is emoji reaction, which allows participants to express their thoughts through emotions.
With Airmeet’s breakout room feature, participants can be divided into smaller groups to voice opinions, ask questions, and contribute to discussions. You can gamify your events with our gamification elements like a leaderboard, points, and badges, and create a competitive environment.
4. Advanced Networking Features
Airmeet offers a range of advanced networking features such as speed networking, networking lounge, one-on-one meeting, and fluid space, to help create meaningful connections among members and boost their engagement across virtual and hybrid events.
Speed
If you want to give your members a group networking experience, Airmeet allows you to host private roundtables and create discussion tables for up to 50 people and have large group discussions.
5. Backstage Area
Airmeet provides a backstage area for your keynote speakers, hosts, panelists, trainers, and industry experts to prepare well before they take the big stage.
Your speakers and presenters can use backstage space to communicate, discuss presentation points, and make last-minute changes if needed, without disrupting the live audience experience.
Your behind-the-scenes communication will be invaluable in providing a cohesive and positive experience for virtual participants.
6. Mobile Event App
Airmeet offers a mobile event app, which allows your members to participate in association events using tablets or smartphones. It is available on both Android and the App Store, making it easy for members to attend the event right from their mobile devices.
Regardless of where your members are located, they can participate effortlessly in virtual club activities from anywhere. The only thing needed is a strong internet connection (and a device to log in from).
7. Analytics and Reporting
Airmeet offers comprehensive analytics and reporting capabilities for associations that host events on their platform. In order to determine the return on investment (ROI) of the event, the platform offers real-time dashboards and detailed post-event reports once the event is over.
Airmeet enables you to track metrics like registration details, session attendance overview, members’ engagement, speed networking data, and more
8. 24/7 Customer Assistance
Airmeet offers a 24/7 customer support lounge via email and chat to resolve any issues you may encounter during your live event. Our email support at [email protected] is always available to address queries.
Airmeet also offers “AirCare Services” for more thorough assistance, which include stage management, event setup, in-event technical support, in-depth platform training, and more.
Final Thoughts
Associations play an essential role in bringing about change in society. They stand as a group and make combined efforts to achieve specific goals or solve common concerns. From promoting cooperation to encouraging social interaction, these organizations help drive societal change.
Associations truly serve as knowledge hubs, offering resources, valuable information, and educational opportunities to their members. Through seminars, workshops, conferences, and training programs, they help members gain skills and expertise needed for their professional growth.
By organizing charitable events, associations not only address social issues but also contribute to the betterment of society. In essence, events that are hosted by an association are not just a gathering; they are more than that.
FAQs
Not always. Some association activities are only open to members of their respective groups. But some associations allow non-members to attend events so they can onboard new members and expand their reach.
Associations organize a variety of events to fulfill the various needs of their members and achieve several objectives, such as providing members with professional development opportunities, encouraging networking and community building among members, and educating and engaging existing members as well as attracting new members.
