Based on survey responses from more than 200 senior association and association management company (AMC) leaders, the report finds that while fewer organizations are operating internationally than they were three years ago, those that remain active abroad continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to key markets and strategic partnerships.

“Associations are navigating a more complex and unpredictable global environment than they were just a few years ago,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, AAiP. “This research shows that association leaders are responding thoughtfully by balancing risk with opportunity and focusing their international efforts where they can have the greatest impact.”

ASAE first fielded its Global Strategy and Operations survey in 2023, when there was little indication of deglobalization or nearshoring trends. The 2026 results reflect a markedly different landscape.

Key Findings: 

• Overall decline in international operations: The percentage of associations reporting international operations declined from 66.08% in 2023 to 50.20% in 2026 – a drop of nearly 16 percentage points. Despite this decrease, half of respondents continue to maintain operations outside the United States.
• Geopolitical instability is the top challenge: More than half of respondents (57%) cited geopolitical risk or instability as their greatest challenge when working internationally.
• Maintenance over expansion: Among associations with international operations, 54% plan to maintain their current activities over the next 18 to 24 months, while 37% expect to expand. In 2023, expansion outpaced maintenance.
• Partnerships emerge as a growth strategy: Collaboration and partner opportunities showed the largest increase among current offerings and surpassed membership as the leading area for future expansion.
• Regional commitments remain strong: Although expansion plans have moderated across most regions, many markets remain stable or are seeing increased activity. East Asia and Pacific was the only region to show increased expansion plans, while the Middle East and North Africa remained among the top-ranked markets for future growth despite ongoing geopolitical volatility.

The report presents a nuanced picture of how associations are adapting to changing conditions. Rather than withdrawing from international engagement, many organizations are refining their approach, focusing on markets with the strongest strategic potential and investing in collaborations that help them extend their reach and manage complexity.

Beyond geopolitical instability, respondents cited regulatory and legal complexity (33%), travel and logistical barriers (32%), budget constraints (32%), and staff capacity (31%) as significant challenges. Other concerns included local partnerships and market demand (25%), visa requirements (20%), currency issues (13%), and cross-cultural understanding (13%).

To download the full report and explore other recent Insight Updates, visit the ASAE website.

 

MEDIA CONTACT: Chris Vest, CAE, 202-626-2798, cvest@asaecenter.org

 

About ASAE

ASAE is a membership organization of more than 50,000 association executives and industry partners. Since it was established 100 years ago, its members have and continue to lead, manage, and work in or partner with organizations in more than a dozen association management disciplines, from executive management to finance to technology. With the support of the ASAE Research Foundation, a separate nonprofit entity, ASAE is the premier source of learning, knowledge, and future-oriented research for the association and nonprofit profession and provides resources, education, ideas, and advocacy to enhance the power and performance of the association and nonprofit community. Visit ASAE at Welcome to ASAE — American Society of Association Executives (asaecenter.org)