Alexandria, VA (April 7, 2021) — Advanced Solutions International (ASI), a leading global provider of software and services for associations and non-profits, today released its worldwide 2021 Membership Performance Benchmark Report — COVID Edition. Learn more here.
The 6th annual survey, conducted in late 2020, explores membership retention, engagement, acquisition, and technology advancements against a backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. Association professionals from across the globe shared how they managed during the crisis, their top priorities for the coming year, post-COVID plans for events and workspaces, and their outlook on the future.
More than 500 association and membership executives from North America, Asia-Pacific, and Europe/Middle East/India/Africa (EMEIA) took part in the survey consisting of 23 questions in three categories: Demographics, Technology, and COVID-19. This is a 48% increase over the previous survey's response rate. Key findings included:
- 70% of respondents reported that staff could access systems/applications from home.
- Member engagement increased for 49% of respondents, while member retention was up or steady for 57%.
- Overall membership levels increased or stayed the same for 58% of respondents.
- 70% were able to keep staffing levels steady.
- 30% report that at least some staff will now permanently work from home.
- Net revenue declined for 53% and 21% had to reduce staff.
- Respondents ranked their growth/sustainability over the next year on a scale of 1 to 100; the average score was 66.
"The worldwide association community proved to be incredibly resilient throughout the COVID-19 crisis," noted Edward Wendling, Global Vice President of Marketing. "Most had systems in place to allow virtual work and some organizations actually increased member engagement and retention. This is a real accomplishment in the best of times but it is particularly remarkable during a pandemic."
About ASI
Advanced Solutions International (ASI) is a leading global provider of products, programs, and services that help associations and non-profits improve operational and financial performance. Since 1991 we've helped thousands of clients grow revenue and reduce expenses by providing industry expertise, best practice advice, and proven solutions.
ASI is the developer of iMIS EMS, the world's #1 association and non-profit software solution, and the only Engagement Management System (EMS)™ – fusing database management and web publishing into a single system – leading to operational efficiencies, revenue growth, and continuous performance improvement. Harnessing the power of Microsoft Azure's cloud platform, iMIS EMS is purpose-built to meet the most important challenge facing associations and non-profits – Engagement. We have a global network of nearly 100 partners to provide you with a full range of services to implement and support your iMIS EMS platform.