Global Association Hubs
Newsletter – July 2020
A schizophrenic business mindset is a useful trait for international associations in this Age of Uncertainty. Being able to hold two entirely different and sometimes contradictory ideas simultaneously might normally be a severe disability for an organisation, but today it can help map a path through treacherous terrain.
Traditionally long lead-times mean that associations' future big events can be booked up with confidence. We're seeing numerous examples from three to eight years ahead. With deals that were unthinkable when corporate meetings were at their recent peak! For 2020 and 2021, on the other hand, risk aversion and virtual pivoting are the norm.
Financial survival means desperately holding on to members and partners by every method necessary, experimenting and tinkering, with lots of fingers in the dyke. But longer term survivability depends on reimagining Mission and Vision, knowing that work, education, societal value and social justice are being radically redefined. Associations can't afford to ignore either!
This edition of our Newsletter has a similarly split personality: lots of practical advice on immediate challenges, from tech to translations, but plenty of food for thought about some of the big issues of our times, with expertise from all of our partner cities: Brussels, Dubai, Singapore and Washington DC.
Martin Sirk
Global Association Hubs International Advisor
ms@associationhubs.org
Free Virtual Event Tech Guide 2020 from EventMB
10 key trends, 94 providers analysed, 1,000+ planners surveyed!
Associations & The Uncertainty Principle
Boardroom article written by Martin Sirk, Global Association Hubs International Advisor, on the nature of the business and societal environment facing international associations and some of the steps they can take to navigate successfully.
14 day free trial: check out these practical new video courses on social impact, marketing, member engagement, virtual events and much more!
Singapore association voices
Discover the commitment to young researchers that led IUMRS (Int'l Union of Material Research Societies) to locate their global office in Singapore from 2021 to 2025, and how APACRS (Asia-Pac Assoc of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons) partnered with Singapore's public healthcare network to raise professional standards across the whole region.
This article contains a powerful and moving contribution towards the debate on Black Lives Matter and social justice by Elliott Ferguson, President and CEO of Destination DC.
Brussels offers practical assistance & advice
As well as regular "Midweek Talks" for international associations based in Brussels (with worldwide friends welcome!), visit.brussels Association Bureau is happy to advise on free translation services for associations and other SME's.
2020 HSBC MENAT Future of Cities
Dubai features prominently at or near the top in all key metrics in this deeply-researched economic analysis of the cities within the MENAT region (Middle East, North Africa, Turkey).
ASAE virtual Annual Meeting & Exposition
10-12 August 2020
Now free registration for members, & very low prices for non-members!
Virtual replacement for cancelled Las Vegas show. Put Oct 12-16 in your diary, and look out for great association content from the IMEX team!
Manifesto for Economic Recovery
Two-part JMIC/Iceberg webinar: how business events will drive societal progress during and after Covid-19, with dozens of experts including Prof Greg Clark (world-renowned on future of cities) and Global Association Hubs' Martin Sirk.
PART 1 - 45 minutes
PART 2 - 34 minutes
Covid-19 resources at your fingertips
Comprehensive advice and resources!
Global Association Hub partner cities: official Covid-19 advice & resources
Find the latest information and policy in each city here:
Brussels | Dubai | Singapore | Washington DC
