At their core, communities have always been about bringing together like-minded people for a common purpose. And because of that, it’s clear to see why professional associations are primed for building active, flourishing communities that members want to flock to.
NCTE partnered with Forj to reimagine their signature event as a dynamic, immersive virtual convention that delivered value to attendees and accomplished the organization’s goals of learning, collaborating, and connecting. The consensus from the community was clear—NCTE’s members were energized by the opportunity to share their collective voice and impact.
When it comes to your online professional community, “if you build it, they will come” may not be the best mantra.
It comes as no surprise that attention spans - and content consumption habits - have changed. And through this shift, association leaders have struggled to maximize members' engagement with and the monetization of their rich libraries of content.
The environment we’re working in today is complex and constantly changing. We’re faced with an accelerating need for digital transformation. We’re trying to keep pace with evolving member and consumer expectations. We’re uncovering what the new “world of work” looks like.
Forj, a leading member experience and virtual events platform for associations and professional community organizations, launched its MX Maturity Model, a comprehensive framework to help leaders identify where their association lies on the continuum of excellence in member experience.
The concept of community in professional associations has significantly evolved in recent years, with organizations investing in building online environments that foster more meaningful member connections. And as their communities continue to grow and change, they’re eagerly anticipating the future.
Finding ways to reach new people has been a happy advantage of many associations shifting to a digital-first approach. Reacting to a rapidly changing environment, many association leaders have increased their reliance on virtual events and other opportunities for online engagement.
As people seek new and better ways to link with like-minded peers and learn from industry experts, many see professional associations and their member communities as the best way to forge those connections.
