ASAE Releases Inaugural ‘State of Associations’ Report

Last week, the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) released its inaugural "State of Associations" report, providing what it calls "the most comprehensive, data-driven snapshot to date of the association sector’s current condition and future trajectory."

Drawing on a series of pulse polls conducted over the past year, the report examines financial performance, meetings trends, workforce dynamics, advocacy shifts and the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in nonprofit organizations.

Together, the findings offer association leaders, policymakers and industry partners a clearer understanding of where the sector stands – and where it is headed.

Key findings include that financial headwinds persist for associations, with nearly 39 percent of CEOs reporting decline versus 10 percent reporting improvement. Meetings continue to be the most affected revenue stream, driven by declining attendance, including reduced international participation. Associations are becoming innovative in their response to financial pressure. Nearly two-thirds of associations are pursuing partnerships and more than 60 percent are diversifying revenue. Over half are launching new offerings, while dues increases have more than doubled year over year.

The report can be downloaded for free on ASAE's website.

This article was provided to OSAP by ASAE's Power of Associations and Inroads.