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Sneak Peek: 2025 Membership Performance Benchmark Report

Written by Claire Fitzgerald | January 6, 2025 at 2:45 PM

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:

  • Recruiting and retaining members
  • Optimizing your tech stack
  • Achieving growth in 2025

 

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.

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.

 

Sneak Peek into the 2025 Membership Performance Benchmark Report

 

📣 The Best New Member Recruiting Strategies

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.

 

💻 2025 Membership Tech Trends

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.

 

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.

 

☀️ Things Are Looking Up in 2025

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.

 

❓ What Else Is in the 2025 Membership Performance Benchmark Report?

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:

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.

Don’t miss your chance to be among the first to access the full resource. Subscribe now to get notified as soon as we release the report. It’s your opportunity to gain actionable insights and ensure your organization thrives in 2025 and beyond.

 

🗨️ Join Us Live to Take a Deep Dive into the Results

Join us for an exclusive deep dive into our 2025 Membership Performance Benchmark Report!