Association Hub Podcast - Episodes , Membership ManagementAssociation Hub Podcast - Episodes , Membership Managementhttps://www.associationhubpodcast.com/episodes/membership-managementMon, 06 Apr 2026 19:33:24 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[#73: Building Belonging: DAPA’s Bold Shift to a Community-First Membership Model]]>https://www.associationhubpodcast.com/episodes/post/73-building-belonging-dapa-s-bold-shift-to-a-community-first-membership-modelWe unpack how DAPA is balancing financial sustainability with inclusivity, why Marty believes connection matters more than membership numbers, and what this shift means for the future of associations across Australia.]]>

We unpack how DAPA is balancing financial sustainability with inclusivity, why Marty believes connection matters more than membership numbers, and what this shift means for the future of associations across Australia.

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What does it really mean to put community first in an association? In this episode, Olena chats with Marty Thomas, CEO of the Dental Assistants Professional Association (DAPA), about reimagining membership through a community-first lens. With a background in commercial enterprise and a passion for volunteer-led organisations, Marty brings a fresh perspective to association leadership.

During this conversation, we discussed DAPA’s transformation journey from a traditional transactional model to one grounded in engagement, advocacy, and accessibility. We unpack how DAPA is balancing financial sustainability with inclusivity, why Marty believes connection matters more than membership numbers, and what this shift means for the future of associations across Australia.

If you’re curious about innovative membership strategies or grappling with how to make your organisation more relevant and representative, this episode is a must-listen.


P.S. To download the Purpose Under Pressure: Global Association Trends in 2025 report we mentioned at the beginning of the episode, ⁠click here⁠.

]]>Wed, 11 Jun 2025 09:47:31 +1000<![CDATA[#64: The New Era of Association Chapters with Cecilia Sepp]]>https://www.associationhubpodcast.com/episodes/post/64-the-new-era-of-association-chapters-with-cecilia-seppIn this episode, Cecilia Sepp, an association and non-profit management expert and author of Association Chapter Systems: From Frustrating to Fruitful, shares how to transform outdated chapter systems into vibrant, member-focused networks.]]>

In this episode, Cecilia Sepp, an association and non-profit management expert and author of Association Chapter Systems: From Frustrating to Fruitful, shares how to transform outdated chapter systems into vibrant, member-focused networks. 

 Available on

In this episode, Cecilia Sepp, an association and non-profit management expert and author of Association Chapter Systems: From Frustrating to Fruitful, shares how to transform outdated chapter systems into vibrant, member-focused networks. This conversation transcends geographical boundaries, offering insights that apply globally to associations striving to modernise and deliver greater value to their members.

Key discussion points include:

💡Why the current chapter system struggles in today’s world and how to embrace purposeful transformation.

💡Lessons in building relationships and creating alignment between chapters and organisational goals.

💡The critical role of listening, collaboration, and cultural understanding in association success.

💡Practical advice for leaders feeling overwhelmed by chapter management and how a positive mindset can make all the difference.

Whether you’re an association leader, volunteer, or curious about reimagining organisations, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways and inspiring perspectives.

Join us as we remove geographical boundaries from the conversation and explore ideas to create associations that are truly future fit!



]]>Tue, 25 Feb 2025 10:24:02 +1100<![CDATA[#51: Growing Pains: When Membership Growth Shakes the Business with Rob Di Leva ]]>https://www.associationhubpodcast.com/episodes/post/growing-pains-when-membership-growth-shakes-the-business-with-rob-di-leva-51Rob takes us behind the scenes to discuss the necessary changes driven by Speech Pathology Australia's recent remarkable expansion.]]>

Over the past decade, Speech Pathology Australia has doubled its membership, and Rob takes us behind the scenes to discuss the necessary changes driven by the recent remarkable expansion. 

 Available on

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena chats with Rob Di Leva, Chief Operating Officer at Speech Pathology Australia, to explore the positives and challenges of exponential growth within associations. Over the past decade, Speech Pathology Australia has doubled its membership, and Rob takes us behind the scenes to discuss the necessary changes driven by the recent remarkable expansion. He'll cover everything from adapting to external factors like the NDIS and increasing public awareness, to enhancing internal strategies in advocacy, professional development, and strategic marketing.

While growth is often celebrated, it also brings its fair share of challenges. Rob opens up about the operational pressures that come with rapid scaling, how to manage resources effectively, and the pivotal role technology plays in supporting organisational change. He also shares his experience balancing forward-thinking leadership with the practicalities of day-to-day management, offering advice on when to take bold steps and when to focus on preparation and risk management. Rob also emphasises the importance of remaining true to your organisation’s core purpose, even when opportunities for expansion arise.

This episode is packed with actionable advice and thoughtful perspectives for association leaders at any stage of their growth journey. Don’t miss out – listen in, subscribe, and share it with your colleagues!
]]>Thu, 24 Oct 2024 10:32:19 +1100<![CDATA[ #49: Unlocking Member Engagement with the 2024 Index with Nikki Walker]]>https://www.associationhubpodcast.com/episodes/post/unlocking-member-engagement-with-the-2024-index-with-nikki-walker-49In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Angela Shelton sits down with Nikki Walker, Global VP for Associations & Communities at MCI Group, to dive into the 2024 Association Engagement Index.]]>

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Angela Shelton sits down with Nikki Walker, Global VP for Associations & Communities at MCI Group, to dive into the 2024 Association Engagement Index.

 Available on

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Angela Shelton sits down with Nikki Walker, Global VP for Associations & Communities at MCI Group, to dive into the 2024 Association Engagement Index.

This episode dives into how associations can foster deeper connections with their members by moving beyond passive engagement and embracing innovative strategies like the Engagement Loop. Nikki shares actionable tips on personalisation, agile engagement, and multichannel outreach that can transform your association’s approach to strengthen member relationships.

Whether you’re aiming to boost participation or drive co-creation, this episode is filled with valuable insights you won’t want to miss!
Connect with Nikki Walker
Download the Association Engagement Index (2024) Report
]]>Tue, 08 Oct 2024 11:46:04 +1100<![CDATA[ #40: Member Benefits That Matter with Penny Cornah, MPAQ]]>https://www.associationhubpodcast.com/episodes/post/member-benefits-that-matter-with-penny-cornah-mpaq-40Penny provides invaluable insights on how associations can develop and implement effective member benefit programs that truly add value and meet the needs of their members.]]>

Penny provides invaluable insights on how associations can develop and implement effective member benefit programs that truly add value and meet the needs of their members. 

 Available on

Uncover the secrets of member benefits that matter with Penny Cornah, CEO of the Master Plumbers' Association of Queensland (MPAQ). 

Discover how MPAQ offers an incredible array of benefits to its members, from contract preparation and accounting advice to workplace safety and technical support. 

Penny shares the whole process of member benefits development —from understanding member needs, to generating ideas, to developing industry partnerships and promoting benefits to members. Penny provides invaluable insights on how associations can develop and implement effective member benefit programs that truly add value and meet the needs of their members. 

Whether you're looking to enhance your own association's offerings or simply curious about the best practices in the industry, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples.
Whether you're looking to enhance your own association's offerings or simply curious about the best practices in the industry, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples.
Learn more about MPAQ
]]>Mon, 22 Jul 2024 09:12:00 +1000<![CDATA[#38: For associations who want to be more engaging right now, where should they start? Amanda Lea Kaiser ]]>https://www.associationhubpodcast.com/episodes/post/for-associations-who-want-to-be-more-engaging-right-now-where-should-they-start-amanda-lea-kaiser-38Join us for a conversation with Amanda Lea Kaiser as we dive into the essentials of member engagement in our latest episode!]]>

Join us for a conversation with Amanda Lea Kaiser as we dive into the essentials of member engagement in our latest episode!

 Available on

Are you looking to boost engagement within your association but don't know where to start? Join us for a conversation with Amanda Lea Kaiser as we dive into the essentials of member engagement in our latest episode, For Associations Who Want to Be More Engaging, Where Should They Start?


In this episode, Amanda shares her expert insights on:

  • Building strong communities that foster connection and support.
  • Avoiding common pitfalls in engagement strategies.
  • Offering many opportunities for members to connect.
  • Understanding engagement is from our members’ point of view.
  • Engaging the most critical of member segments—new members.
  • Whether you're a seasoned association professional or new to the field, this episode is packed with practical tips and actionable advice to help you enhance engagement and drive growth in your community.


Tune in now and learn how to create meaningful, impactful engagement that resonates with your members!

Visit Amanda Lea Kaiser Website
]]>Tue, 09 Jul 2024 09:01:30 +1000<![CDATA[#19: Evolution of Association Membership Models, with Belinda Moore, SMS ]]>https://www.associationhubpodcast.com/episodes/post/evolution-of-association-membership-models-with-belinda-moore-sms-19Join us in this episode with Belinda Moore as we explore the 'Evolution of Association Membership Models.']]>

Join us in this episode with Belinda Moore as we explore the 'Evolution of Association Membership Models.'

 Available on

Join us in this episode with Belinda Moore as we explore the 'Evolution of Association Membership Models.' We'll dive into the shift from traditional structures to modern, AI-driven strategies, highlighting the trends that are shaping how associations connect with members. Tune in for insightful perspectives and actionable tips on adapting to this dynamic landscape in the association space. 
Learn more about SMS
]]>Mon, 18 Dec 2023 15:41:00 +1100<![CDATA[#4: Crafting a Winning Member Value Proposition with Braden Clark, ANZASW ]]>https://www.associationhubpodcast.com/episodes/post/crafting-a-winning-member-value-proposition-with-braden-clark-anzasw-4Braden shares his experience of reshaping ANZASW's MVP statement to make the association more relevant and engaging, especially for younger members.]]>

Braden shares his experience of reshaping ANZASW's MVP statement to make the association more relevant and engaging, especially for younger members.

 Available on

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Braden Clark, CEO of the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW), joins as a guest to discuss the importance of a well-crafted member value proposition (MVP) statement. Braden shares his experience of reshaping ANZASW's MVP statement to make the association more relevant and engaging, especially for younger members.

The team worked together to develop a new statement emphasising the association's role as a community of social workers, promoting, supporting and protecting the social work profession and advocating for social change and justice. The episode explores the power of inclusive language and how the MVP statement can be used in marketing communications.

Tune in to this episode to learn actionable tips on crafting an impactful MVP statement that drives member engagement and growth. Discover how a clear and compelling value proposition can resonate with different audiences and effectively communicate the benefits of association membership. 

ANZASW's member value proposition statement: "Together, we are a community of social workers. Develop, support, and protect social workers. Enhance our professional identity. Promote the social work profession. Advocate for social change and justice. Together, we are ANZASW."
Learn more about ANZASW
]]>Tue, 13 Jun 2023 11:37:00 +1000