Drawing on a series of pulse polls conducted over the past year, the report examines financial performance, meetings trends, workforce dynamics, advocacy shifts, and the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI). Together, the findings offer association leaders, policymakers, and industry partners a clearer understanding of where the sector stands – and where it is headed.

“Associations are foundational to how industries function, how professionals advance, and how society progresses,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE, AAiP. “This report reinforces both the resilience of our sector and the urgency of adapting to a rapidly changing environment. It also underscores the opportunity for associations to lead – with greater clarity of purpose, stronger data, and expanded impact.”

Key findings from the first-ever State of Associations report include:

• Financial Headwinds Persist
  The sector’s financial outlook remains challenged, with nearly 39% of CEOs reporting decline versus 10% reporting improvement. Professional societies face the greatest pressure, while trade associations show modest gains, reinforcing the need to demonstrate clear impact and value.
• Meetings Under Pressure, Strategies Evolving
  Meetings continue to be the most affected revenue stream, driven by declining attendance, including reduced international participation. Associations are adapting through hybrid models, pricing adjustments, partnerships, and technology investments to enhance accessibility and experience.
• Partnerships and New Business Models on the Rise
  In response to financial pressure, nearly two-thirds of associations are pursuing partnerships and more than 60% are diversifying revenue. Over half are launching new offerings, while dues increases have more than doubled year over year.
• AI Adoption Accelerates – But Readiness Gaps Remain
  AI use is widespread—87.5% for content and 44.3% for data—but readiness lags, with most organizations citing limited expertise and data privacy concerns. Investment in skills and governance is critical.
• Membership Challenges Persist
  Retention and engagement remain the top challenge, cited by nearly one-third of respondents. Associations are increasing investment in membership and marketing while rethinking how to deliver and demonstrate member value.

The report highlights a sector at an inflection point – facing ongoing disruption while actively evolving to meet it. Across financial models, workforce development, and technology adoption, associations are adapting in ways that will shape their future relevance and impact.

“As the professional home for the association community, ASAE is uniquely positioned to bring these insights forward,” Mason added. “The State of Associations report is designed not only to inform, but to equip leaders with the clarity and confidence needed to navigate what comes next.”

The report can be downloaded for free on ASAE’s 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)