AI and the Global Association

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are transforming the association management space in a variety of ways. As explored in a recent World Café hosted by ASAE's International Associations Advisory Council, successful associations are mainstreaming AI within their operations and prioritizing it within the larger technological infrastructure of the organization. There must also be safeguards in place that balance the need for innovation with risk management imperatives.

Association Leaders Are Bullish about AI; Investments in Capacity Are Needed

A recent survey of associations in developing and emerging markets around the world conducted by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) revealed a significant rate of AI adoption within associations overall. Half of associations have used AI tools, and 16 percent were unsure—indicating a lack of understanding or awareness of the ways in which AI might be leveraged by staff or present within existing enterprise technologies. The most common uses of AI in associations are for marketing/communications and data analysis/reporting. Generative AI (e.g., large language models and image content generators) are being used far more than any other tools.

Operational efficiency is viewed by association leaders as the primary benefit of using AI, which is especially relevant to organizations with limited resources and staffing. Ultimately, operational gains are only a means to advancing the mission of the organization. To that end, AI-driven enhancements to member services, marketing and communications, and data analysis and reporting are considered the primary pathways.

Please select this link to read the complete article from ASAE's Center for Association Leadership.