Associations have been working to make the world a better place for over a century. The National American Woman Suffrage Association lobbied for the ratification of the 19th amendment 100 years ago. In the 1980s, the National Council on Disabilities advocated for passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act. Fast forward to today, in a tense political climate, where associations and organizations across many industries are standing up for what they believe in.
Associations provide many benefits to their members. From setting industry standards to professionalizing fields of work, associations protect and help advance the careers of their members. Many associations choose to operate on their own, but with technology rapidly advancing, it can be hard for staff members to manage all aspects of their associations while also working toward their personal and professional goals.
That’s where association management companies come to the rescue. Often referred to as AMCs, these groups use their extensive knowledge to provide professional services to associations and help them streamline their day-to-day processes.
Elevanta is a dynamic professional services firm that offers a full suite of association management services, including executive leadership, administrative support, financial management, convention services and advocacy. Continue reading to find out how an AMC like Elevanta can benefit your association.
Subject-Matter Experts Provide Extensive Knowledge
One benefit of AMCs is that they have staff members who are subject-matter experts on the association industry. After meeting extensive requirements and passing a 200-question exam, professionals can become a Certified Association Executive (CAE). According to the American Society of Association Executives, only about 5% of association executives across the United States have received a CAE credential.
These professionals are not only experts on the association industry, but also have extensive experience working with several brands at once, often across different industries. Because association executives are able to use their expertise with each group they manage, association staff are able to focus on the core competencies of their association.
In addition to CAE credentials, many companies have a fully staffed office with experts on other services for your association, such as communications and marketing, accounting, government relations and more.
AMCs Have Access to Resources and Technology
Human capital is just one benefit of an association management group. Often these companies also have access to tangible resources that might otherwise be expensive to obtain.
For example, most AMCs have customer relationship management and accounting software to keep track of member information, dues and more. These software platforms could cost an association hundreds or even thousands of dollars to maintain.
They also have the tools to distribute information to members, foster membership and even plan meetings and events for your associations.
Services Are Customizable to Every Association’s Needs
If you are an association executive, you know that each association has specific needs depending on industry, size and other factors.
Many AMCs offer customizable solutions – from full-service management to a la carte options like administrative support, finance management, or marketing and communications.
As work styles are shifting more toward remote work and outsourcing, it might be a good time for you to consider whether hiring an AMC could be right for your association. When using an association management company, associations, members and staff can spend less time worrying about the small administrative details for their organization and dedicate more time to advancing their industry.
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Elevanta is a full-service association management group with a goal to move organizations forward. Because we’re committed to your goals, membership and industry, our team is driven to bring long-term benefits that solve operational and management challenges and increase membership satisfaction and growth, as well as bring best-in-class resources that are scalable, affordable and efficient.
Our CEO, Christy Williams, earned her CAE in 2019 and has experience working with a broad range of associations, specifically franchisee associations. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
