Association Industry Reports
CEO Chair Partnership: Built By Design
Published Summer 2026 by Vista Cova
Built by Design explores one of the most influential relationships in association leadership: the partnership between the CEO and board chair. Drawing on interviews with 45 association chief executives, the report examines how strong CEO/chair relationships are intentionally developed through trust, communication, role clarity, shared leadership practices, and governance discipline. The report translates field insights into practical guidance, offering eight leadership questions that help CEOs, chairs, and boards strengthen governance effectiveness, improve decision-making, navigate risk, and advance organizational mission together.
Association Benchmarketing Report
Published Summer 2026 by Association Advisor
How does your association compare with your peers? The 15th Annual Association Adviser Association Benchmarking Report features insights from more than 600 association professionals on the trends, challenges, and priorities shaping the industry. From member engagement and communication strategies to workforce development and revenue opportunities, the report provides data-driven benchmarks to help inform your decisions and plan for the year ahead. Download your complimentary copy today, available exclusively from Association Adviser.
An Employer's Guide to Successful Internships
Published Summer 2025 by The Florida Chamber
The Florida Chamber has released a practical, step-by-step guide designed to help Florida's
business leaders build high-quality internship programs with real impact. The Guide includes best practices for recruiting and onboarding interns, tips for supervision and performance evaluation, and guidance on transitioning interns into full-time roles.
Future of Association Boards (FAB) Community Dialogue Report
Published Summer 2025 by re:Members and Foresight First
Over the last year, more than 360 association community stakeholders have been discussing issues related to the present and future of our community's boards. This Report includes nine recommendations for the association community, boards, CSEs, and other governing contributors.
AI Usage in Associations
Published Spring 2025 by Association Societies Alliance
FSAE and six other state SAEs surveyed members to learn more about how organizations are currently using AI tools. Over 300 association professionals across the US participated.
Thank you to all our members who contributed!
ASAE Association Economic Impact
Released Summer 2024 by ASAE
ASAE has organized the most definitive national research on associations to date, analyzing the massive economic impact generated by associations in the U.S. The results show associations boost America’s economy and generate opportunity in every state through good jobs with competitive pay, events that support local businesses, and substantial tax payments to all levels of governments. Data is available state by state as well.
Association Benchmarking Report
Published Summer 2025 by Naylor Association Solutions
As a partner with Association Adviser, we are excited to share that the 2025 Association Benchmarking Report is ready and available to download. This one-of-a-kind report provides an in-depth look at the current state of association member engagement, shares best practices based on historical progress and future trends, and helps associations in crafting a strategy that provides value and increases revenue.
This year, we discovered that associations are facing evolving challenges, including the pursuit of generating non-dues revenue, the need for customized communications, engaging young professionals, and a multitude of association and member needs that require more attention.
Board Preparedness and Strategy Planning Reports
Published Summer 2024 by Vista Cova
The Vista Cova consulting firm has released several white papers on board preparedness, strategic planning and strategy sessions.
Trade Association Executive Survey Findings
Published Summer 2024 by Vetted Solutions
CEOs and other C-level executives expressed confidence in their industry associations’ outlook and ability to address challenges, per The 2024 Trade Association Executive Survey. More than half of respondents feel better off than last year and anticipate membership and revenue growth. Among the top strategic alignment opportunities reported are being a top resource for information, updates, and trend reports and improving public awareness and perception of their industries. Revenue diversification is even more important than five years ago, according to respondents, and three of four are confident of their organizations’ ability to navigate the 2024 election cycle.
Vetted Solutions collaborated with Potomac Core Association Consulting and Edge Research on development and release of the survey.
Looking Forward Impact Data
Published Winter 2024 by Association Laboratory Inc.
The results from Looking Forward Impact, the nation's leading environmental scan of the association industry are now available for review, customization, and download from the Looking Forward Dashboard. This year's study investigated more than 60 factors impacting the association business model. Key insights include the impact of technology convergence, changing audience needs, and association competition.
The Looking Forward Dashboard provides you with complimentary access to ten different sector studies. You can customize and download the data to guide volunteer leader and staff conversations. The Dashboard is the world's leading source of sector data on the association industry. An Executive Summary is also available.
New Member Engagement Study
Published by Dynamic Benchmarking and Kaiser Insights
New members are many associations’ most at-risk members. At the same time, new members are also the most interested in member messaging. Let’s take advantage of this dynamic and start getting them engaged.
But how? And what strategies and tactics really move the needle on new member engagement?
Good news! We have these answers for you.
