Our Thinking

108 ideaspace at ASAE Annual Meeting and Exposition: A Round-Up of Insights and Connections

ASAE Annual - In Unity We Thrive

The ASAE Annual Meeting and Exposition 2024 was far more than just another conference. It was a gathering of association leaders, decision-makers, and innovators who came together in Cleveland to exchange ideas and plan for the future. With the theme “In Unity We Thrive,” the event highlighted the importance of collaboration in driving associations forward.

The four-day event was filled with keynotes and sessions on pressing topics, with a highlight being SuccessFest, presented by 108 ideaspace in collaboration with Association Analytics and several other partners. There was so much to take in, but every session left a lasting impact, underscoring how teamwork and fresh strategies are essential to the future of associations.

Booth #545: Where Ideas and Insights Met

On the expo floor, Booth #545 became a meeting point for meaningful conversations and networking. Our team—Ashish Malik (CEO), Sunil Dua (Senior Salesforce Consultant), and Nupur Warke (VP of Client Success)—spoke with association leaders looking to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

One standout conversation was with an executive director from a mid-sized professional association, who shared her concerns about the post-pandemic decline in membership. This led us to discuss how personalized, data-driven strategies can help with member recruitment and the role advocacy plays in bringing members back to the profession. These moments remind us of the real impact we can make in helping associations build stronger connections with their members.

The sessions at ASAE Annual 2024 were not only informative but also packed with actionable insights that will shape the future of associations:

  • AI for Associations: The Future Has Arrived
    AI was not just a trend—it’s already transforming member engagement and operations. In the session “Navigating the AI Landscape,” strategies were shared that we are excited to implement with our clients, showing how AI can boost both efficiency and personalization.
  • Rethinking Risk in a Disruptive World
    With disruption becoming the norm, associations need to stay agile. The session on “Risk Oversight in the Age of Disruption” emphasized the need for adaptable strategies to anticipate and manage emerging risks.
  • Empowering Small Associations with Technology
    Technology is helping smaller associations level the playing field. In the session “Empowering Small Associations,” the focus was on how even small teams can make a big impact with the right technology stack.
  • Revolutionizing Sponsorships for Greater Impact
    The session “Revolutionizing Sponsorships” offered fresh ideas on turning sponsorship programs into impactful partnerships that align with an association’s mission, rather than being just revenue generators.

SuccessFest: Celebrating Community and Collaboration

SuccessFest was more than just a fun event; it celebrated the spirit of community and collaboration. We were proud to contribute to the $10K worth of prizes, which added excitement to the evening. Beyond the prizes, the event was about connection. The shared moments, conversations, and collaborative energy perfectly reflected the theme of unity. We were especially thrilled to see one of our clients, Amanda Henderson, among the prize winners!

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Journey Together

Reflecting on the ASAE Annual 2024, we’re energized by the connections we made and the insights we gained. But this is just the beginning. As we continue to innovate and evolve, we invite you to stay connected with us at 108 ideaspace.

If you’re ready to explore how we can help your association achieve its goals, we’d love to continue the conversation. Let’s keep the momentum going—because, as the theme reminds us, In Unity We Thrive.

We look forward to seeing you at next year’s ASAE Annual Meeting 2025 in Los Angeles!