We're giving you a few key insights before the report is released. Check out 2025's top member recruiting strategies and most popular tech trends.
Every year, our Membership Performance Benchmark Report uncovers the trends, strategies, and innovations shaping associations, unions, and non-profits. Set to release later this month, this report paints a promising picture of the future. It also gives top strategies for:
Want to be notified as soon as we release the report? Subscribe to iMIS emails now to make sure you don’t miss this valuable resource.
The full report is now live! Tap into what your peers are using to drive member recruitment, engagement, and retention.
In this sneak peek, we’re sharing three key takeaways from the report. From the standout success of events in recruitment strategies, to top tech trends, these findings highlight the industry’s resilience and adaptability. Plus, we’ll close with some promising statistics that show why 2025 could be a banner year for membership organizations.
Ready to explore what’s driving success for your peers and how you can stay ahead? Let’s dive in.
Attracting new members is critical for associations, unions, and non-profits. This year’s Membership Performance Benchmark Report reveals the strategies delivering the most success.
Leading the charge is hosting events and meetings, with 52% of respondents citing this as a top-performing method for recruitment. Whether in-person or virtual, events provide a dynamic platform to connect with prospects, showcase value, and foster meaningful engagement.
Close behind, member referrals emerged as a powerful second, with 46% of organizations reporting this as a successful method. Encouraging current members to spread the word continues to be one of the most effective ways to reach like-minded individuals who are likely to find value in your offerings.
But events and referrals aren’t the only successful approaches. Curious about the other three strategies that organizations are leveraging? Be sure to check out the full report, releasing later this month, for the complete breakdown of what’s working in member recruitment. Subscribe to iMIS emails so you can download the report as soon as it's available.
Technology continues to be a top priority for membership organizations, with many planning significant investments in 2025.
Leading the way, 68% of respondents reported plans to invest in AMS/CRM/Membership Management Software. These systems should be the core of your operations, helping you streamline processes and improve member engagement. If you’re exploring options for your next system, don’t miss The Ultimate Guide to Association Software. This is a must-read for choosing the right platform for your needs.
Close behind, 50% of respondents are investing in CMS/Website Management systems to enhance their online presence and deliver a more seamless experience for members.
The iMIS Engagement Management System (EMS) connects you directly to your members. Only iMIS is purpose-built with native CRM, AMS, and CMS capabilities.
With all of your member data flowing through one source, you'll streamline processes, automate mundane tasks, personalize the member experience, and grow your membership.
But these aren’t the only areas where organizations are channeling their tech budgets. The full 2025 Membership Performance Benchmark Report dives deeper into the other top tech investment trends shaping the year ahead. Subscribe to iMIS emails so you don’t miss your chance to discover how your peers are leveraging technology to drive success.
The outlook for membership organizations in 2025 is bright, with several key indicators pointing to positive trends.
For starters, 73% of organizations reported above-average member satisfaction, showing that efforts to improve member experiences are paying off.
Retention rates also remain strong. Three out of four organizations saw their retention rates either hold steady or increase, with 32% reporting an increase. Only 20% experienced a dip, reflecting overall stability and a focus on retaining members.
Beyond these highlights, the full 2025 Membership Performance Benchmark Report delves into even more compelling trends, membership growth rates, renewal rates for first-year members, and member engagement levels. Want to know where your organization stands or how to leverage these insights for success? Be sure to grab the full report when it releases later this month. Subscribe to iMIS emails so you don't miss the report going live.
This sneak peek only scratches the surface of the insights packed into the full 2025 Membership Performance Benchmark Report. Inside, you’ll find a deeper dive into the trends shaping membership organizations, including:
Membership growth rates and member engagement levels
The top three ways to win back lapsed members
The most common reasons members don’t renew—and how to address them
The measurable impact of having a member engagement plan
How many associations, unions, and non-profits are in the Cloud
Top goals & challenges membership organizations are prioritizing for 2025
With so much valuable information, this year’s report is a must-read for associations, unions, and non-profits looking to stay ahead of the curve.
The full report is now live! Tap into what your peers are using to drive member recruitment, engagement, and retention.
We're giving you a few key insights before the report is released. Check out 2026's top member recruiting strategies and most popular tech trends.
Discover the top 5 insights from our 10th annual report on member retention, engagement, and growth.
Discover this year's top tech investments, like membership and website management platforms, and learn how they boost engagement and streamline...