The Weight We Carry: What Teams Wish Leaders Understood

Association professionals are feeling the strain of relentless change—burnout, shifting expectations, and emotional fatigue are reshaping the workplace. How can leaders respond with empathy and action?

Association Forum Releases the 2026 FIRE Report, a Strategic Signal for a Sector in Transition

Association Forum unveiled the 2026 FIRE Report at Holiday Showcase, delivering strategic intelligence to help association leaders navigate economic volatility, talent challenges, and rapid AI-driven transformation.

Association Forum Celebrates 2025 Scholarship Recipients and Launches Member Support Fund

Association Forum Foundation celebrates the 2025 scholarship recipients and launches a bold new Member Support Fund to ensure professionals facing financial hardship can stay connected, reskill, and thrive through transformative learning opportunities.

How to Invest in Your Own Professional Development (Without Breaking the Bank)

Professional development doesn’t have to cost a fortune…especially when you’re a Forum member!

Member Spotlight: Lori Granich, MBA, RDN, CAE, DES

From clinical care to crafting transformative learning experiences, Lori Granich, MBA, RDN, CAE, DES, is redefining what it means to lead in the association space.

The Secret to Building a Strong, Reliable Professional Network

Authenticity, shared vulnerability, and common interests are the keys to creating a network that truly empowers and enriches your life.

Latest articles

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Do They Think Before They Post? What Social Media Ethics Means to Your Association

One viral post can damage a profession’s reputation overnight. Associations must be ready to guide ethical online behavior.

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Association Forum Announces New Board Officers and Members

Association Forum has announced the appointment of three new directors and one new officer to its Board of Directors, effective April 1, 2026. The newly elected leaders bring deep expertise across governance, marketing, engagement, and strategy—strengthening the organization’s commitment to advancing the professional practice of association management.

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You Don’t Have a Retention Problem. You Have a Promotion Problem.

Women leave when their expertise is overlooked and advancement stalls. The glass escalator explains why—and how to stop it.

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BAE Chicagoland Kicks Off: Join the Movement!

Black Association Executives (BAE) is officially in Chicagoland, bringing a bold new community to Black association executives in the region.

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Association member group shot showing diverse members
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Exploring Unique Pathways to Recruiting Diverse Members

The importance of creating an accepting, open environment for staff and customers is critical to the health of organizations.

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Emerging Leaders Think Tank

In 2019, the Association Forum board of directors approved the evolution of the Association Forum Foundation into a Think Tank for the association industry.

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Communication, Humility and Self-Awareness

Association Forum’s president and CEO, Michelle Mason, CAE, FASAE, interviewed Henry S. Givray, the chair and former CEO of Smithbucklin, about the topic of leadership.

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Final Overtime Pay Rules

I read that the on-again, off-again new overtime pay rules are now final. What does my association need to know?

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