Associations Next: Don’t Stop Engagin’

In this episode, we sit down with Christi Kokaisel, Senior Director of Membership and Amy Nostdahl, Associate Director of Member Leadership Development at American Academy of Neurology. They give us some valuable insight into how to engage your member base virtually.

1. Overall, members seem to be more engaged despite the state of the country and world. Christi said there has been a 13 percent increase in AAN’s community engagement on its online platform — and a whopping 52 percent increase in international member engagement. This may show that members are looking for engagement, so now is such an important time to lean into engagement.
2. Focus on community. Amy explains the importance of listening to her members during the pandemic to help them lead through crisis. As an association of medical professionals, she said it was important to be there and support her members at that time. Find out how you can be there to support your community.
3. Recognize that competition for your members’ attention is growing from many sources. Be ready to innovate to keep your share of audience.
4. While video is incredibly engaging, virtual meetings and events create fatigue among participants. Work to find the balance. Quick polls, breakout rooms and other tactics can help hold attention.
5. Focus on engaging discussion during meetings/training events, with about 80 percent of the time spent in dialogue. Christi recommends keeping it short, having breaks, and not going overboard with presentations. This keeps meetings efficient and engaging.

Listen to the episode: Don’t stop Engagin’