Rapid advances in technology, the influence of the global pandemic, and the higher standards of inclusion have all created the perfect mixture, supporting a new genesis of innovation in business. Leaders are now expected to think “outside of the box” to ensure their organization maintains a steady pace towards growth and development. But, how do you achieve this for your association?

Associations run on volunteers. Depending on your industry, however, volunteers might be hard to come by. People are often working full-time jobs, taking care of their families, and maintaining a social life outside of all of that. This schedule does not always leave much time to volunteer additional time to an association, not to mention that members might belong to multiple associations!

As I end my term as the President of the Wisconsin Chapter Meeting Professional International, I am proud as a peacock to announce that our chapter has received the accommodation of a Top-Preforming Chapter. This is only given to the top chapters in the world and is based on a formula of member satisfaction, retention, recruitment, educational offerings, and chapter reserves. After a year like 2020, I say hats-off to any president and board that lived through it. This year certainly did not end the way any of us could foresee and when I was asked what our keys to successes were, I came up with a few take-aways.