01/03/2025

Mastering Strategic Leadership: Crossing Borders

Associations looking to expand their global scope have more options than ever

Many associations experienced an influx of attention from international audiences during the [COVID-19] pandemic, be it through increased attendance at virtual meetings or other forms of engagement. Often, that new engagement led to new members—but not always—which has prompted a lot of leaders to consider what to do next.

"Associations that previously have not done much internationally are seeing themselves in a position of, 'We now have X number of new members coming from new countries, how do we engage them?'" said Jakub Konysz, MBA, IOM, CAE, founder and CEO of Global Navigators, a consulting firm.

One important first step, Konysz said, is to determine if your international goals are altruistic—promoting the mission of the association’s industry—or are revenue-driven. The answer will help determine where to reach out and what to reach out with. That may mean offering meetings, or membership, or simply a sense of community.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Associations Now.