Managing Matters Inc.

09/30/2024

Today, on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, we honour the survivors, families, and communities affected by residential schools. Let us take this day to listen, learn, and reflect on the truths of our history. By deepening our understanding, we can commit to building a future rooted in respect, understanding, and reconciliation.

09/19/2024

Choosing a new association management system (AMS) is a big decision. There is so much to consider in terms of usability and functionality, but also integrations, cost, and security. If you're just beginning your AMS search, take these key factors into consideration:

- Needs Assessment
- User Experience
- Integrations
- Scalability
- Support/Training
- Data Security

Looking for support in choosing your next AMS system? Connect with us to learn about options, current AMS audits, and full AMS transitions.

09/12/2024

Active member engagement is the heartbeat of any thriving association. It fosters community, drives growth, and ensures long-term success. By connecting and involving your members, you create a vibrant, dynamic network that benefits everyone. Member engagement initiatives could include:

- Volunteer opportunities
- Member spotlights
- Member awards
- Mentorship programs
- Peer-to-peer support groups
- Online communities

Highlighting and implementing these types of member engagement can significantly enhance the value and experience for association members, leading to higher satisfaction and retention rates. Looking to learn more about member engagement strategies? Connect with us!

09/06/2024

Our MM Gives Back Committee has returned with a new 2024 initiative! Each year our MM Gives Back Committee chooses a charitable organization or initiative to support, and this year we have selected the Migrant Farmworkers Project. The Project brings together seasonal farmworkers, farmers, community partners, and volunteers in the Niagara region and provides the seasonal migrant workers access to important services. Their staff and volunteers come together to support the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs of the seasonal migrant workers.

How Your Donation Helps:

- Repair and repurpose bicycles for easier transportation
- Stock the food pantry with nutritious options
- Enhance healthcare services with translators
- Expand the clothing bank and welcome kits

Every contribution counts! Learn more about the project and help us make a difference: https://gofund.me/167ab547

08/09/2024

🌟 Planning an event? Don't just focus on the logistics—think bigger! While securing the perfect venue, engaging speakers, and incredible vendors is crucial, crafting a powerful marketing plan from the get-go is key to your event's success. Discover how strategic marketing can take your event to the next level. Check out our latest blog: https://www.managingmatters.com/post/importance-of-strategic-marketing-in-driving-success-for-events-registration

07/24/2024

🎉 We're thrilled to share that we've been named one of the Best Workplaces in Professional Services in Canada for 2024! 🏆 This recognition reflects our commitment to fostering a supportive and innovative environment where our team can thrive and truly enjoy what they do. A very special thank you to our team, who make our workplace exceptional. Great Place to Work Canada

07/10/2024

The treasurer role is crucial to organizational health. Determined by the board, the treasurer monitors the health of the organization, works with outside accounting support, leads the finance committee, presents key findings and helps plan for the organization's financial future. Needless to say, their role is invaluable.

Here are several strategies to ensure your treasurer is well-equipped and informed to lead the organization's financial health.

07/04/2024

In the not-for-profit space, fundraising can be a challenge. One way to help grow your donations is through a strategic fundraising mix, which ensures you have varying tools and tactics to raise funds that offer consistent revenue for your organization. Check out our latest blog to learn why your organization should prioritize a fundraising mix: https://www.managingmatters.com/post/what-is-a-fundraising-mix-and-why-does-it-matter

06/20/2024

Associations do more than offer professional development and opportunities to network - they unite and amplify collective voices, and advocacy is the heart of collective power.

Advocacy work for associations isn't just beneficial - it's essential. By prioritizing advocacy work, boards and leaders can drive meaningful change, improve member value, and benefit their profession. Advocacy work demonstrates your organization's commitment to the wellbeing of its members and the advancement of their interests. This work includes but not limited to:

- Legislative Advocacy
- Regulatory Advocacy
- Public Awareness Campaigns
- Professional Standards & Ethics
- Coalition Building

Are you looking to implement an effective advocacy campaign for your organization? Connect with us!

06/03/2024

“Good governance is about best practices and not the bare minimum.” - Pamela Shin, Partner, Dentons

One of our MM team members attended a fireside discussion this past May titled Governance Essentials: Navigating the Duties of Directors in the Non-Profit and Charitable Sector, hosted by Dentons Canada and RBC. Topics of discussion included:

- Fiduciary duties, responsibilities and liabilities of the board under the ONCA/CNCA.
- Managing conflicts of interest, board resignations, and removals.
- Practical examples and helpful tips for implementing good governance principles.

Here are 5 things every association professional should know about quality governance.

05/24/2024

The worry of an upcoming recession is shaping how organizations manage their budgets. While it's crucial to be strategic with spending, cutting core needs out of caution can harm your organization's long-term health.

Marketing and communications are often dismissed as 'nice to haves.' This mindset not only jeopardizes your association's visibility and member engagement but also negatively impacts your bottom line.

Without consistent communications and marketing:

- How will you tell members about your upcoming conference?
- How will you update industry professionals on certification opportunities?
- How will you promote your revenue-generating educational courses?
- How will you engage your community on the significant advocacy work you are doing?

You can't. You won't.

Instead of pulling back, consider implementing strategic marketing and communications strategies that support your objectives while optimizing your budget and resources. Want to learn more? Connect with us to discover how consistent and organic marketing and communications efforts will drive your association's success.

05/16/2024

Is your organization ready for a cybersecurity attack? In today’s digital landscape, where the threat of cyber attacks is significant, safeguarding your digital assets is fundamental to the wellbeing of your organization. Learn more about the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework in our latest blog post:

In today’s digital landscape, where the threat of cyber attacks is significant, safeguarding your digital assets is fundamental to the wellbeing of your organization. Managing Matter’s Tech Manager, Tom, has recently attended a webinar hosted by LastPass, to gain a deeper understanding of the la...

04/25/2024

Are you wondering how to be a more effective and impactful leader? Check out our latest blog post on the positive impact strong leadership can have on your organization:

There is often a sentiment in non-profits to do more with less. This line of thinking leads organizations to limit their capacity...

04/24/2024

We had an incredible time celebrating at the 2024 Best Workplaces in Canada Awards Ceremony last night. We are proud to be ranked #37 out of 100 in our GPTW category of under 100 employees! Congratulations to all the winners last night, but most importantly, congratulations and thank you to our amazing team at MM who support each other, care about the work they do, and make us a great place to work.

04/17/2024

According to Volunteer Canada, up to 65% of organizations in the country are struggling with a volunteer shortage. Associations rely on volunteers to deliver member value, and appreciating volunteers and their work is more important than ever.

If your association is looking for ways to celebrate and appreciate your volunteers meaningfully during volunteer week, or anytime throughout the year, try some of these initiatives.

04/15/2024

Over the past two decades in business, we have had the privilege of collaborating with thousands of volunteers across various industries. From firsthand experience, we've witnessed the profound impact each volunteer brings to their association! Today, we celebrate the incredible, selfless work you do to support your communities. We are grateful to collaborate with such dedicated, and passionate individuals. Happy National Volunteer Week!

04/11/2024

Did you know business events generate about 242,000 direct jobs in Canada, with a $47B direct economic impact? Today is Global Meetings Industry Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the positive social and economic impact meetings, trade shows, exhibitions, conferences, conventions, and incentive travel programs bring to people, businesses, and communities across the country. We take this opportunity to remind everyone that events are:

• A catalyst for collaboration, investment, and trade
• A critical source of business income, high-value jobs, and tax revenue
• An opportunity to leverage Canada’s key economic sectors to a global audience

To learn more, visit: https://meetingsmeanbusiness.ca/calendar/global-meetings-industry-day-2024/

04/05/2024

By 2031 it is estimated that millennials will account for 34.6% of the working-age population. This begs the question: Is your association doing enough to attract new millennial members?

What worked in the past will not work now, and to attract new, younger members, it's important to know what they want and what they value. Here are 5 proven tips to engage a younger membership demographic:

Source: Statistics Canada. (2021). Census 2021 Report. Retrieved from Stats Can - Census 2021

04/03/2024

Wondering how to create effective strategic plans for your association? Look no further! One of our executive directors, Pamela Hicks shares 4 important steps to consider, check them out below:

03/25/2024

Our recent company retreat in Niagara Falls was an absolute blast! Two full days with enriching professional development sessions, exciting team-building activities, and invaluable industry networking opportunities.

A tremendous thank you to our incredible partners in Niagara, who made this unforgettable experience possible! Your support allowed us to explore Niagara Falls and foster a deeper understanding of the region and all it has to offer for our clients. We also created unforgettable memories that forged deeper connections within our team.

Our team retreats are an essential space for us to learn, grow, and evolve to better serve the needs of our clients. Thank you for providing us with the perfect place to continue our journey of growth and development. To everyone involved, thank you for your dedication and enthusiasm throughout the retreat. Here's to more memorable experiences and continued success in serving our clients to the fullest.

Sigma Promotions Inc.
Sheraton Fallsview
Niagara Falls Business Events
Niagara Falls Tourism
Niagara Parks
Clifton Hill
Niagara Falls Marriott on the Falls
Niagara Falls Convention Centre
Trius Winery, Niagara on the Lake

03/19/2024

Members join associations for varying reasons, at the top of that list are usually networking and mentorship opportunities offered.

Building a robust and successful program is crucial for member engagement, but that's not to say there won't be challenges along the way.

Establishing and communicating clear for the program, building training, and encouraging honest and open feedback are all tools that can help manage and your mentorship program.

Check this article from Hannah Carvalho as she provides tips on how to handle post-connection challenges:

https://associationsnow.com/2024/01/ghosting-mentorship-programs/

: The Center for Association Leadership

Tackle mentorship “ghosting” with training and tough conversations. Learn how ISACA empowers participants to address issues for more meaningful connections.

03/15/2024

Say goodbye to those overflowing swag bags! Check out our latest blog, where we uncover the details of swag success. Good is all about being useful, long-lasting, , and original. Dive deep into how to cater to your attendees’ desires while being environmentally friendly.

Ready to level up your swag game? Click the link below, and comment below: https://lnkd.in/d3hJvNDW

03/12/2024

Special announcement! 🌟 We are proud to share that Managing Matters has been named one of the Best Workplaces Managed by Women in 2024!

Managing Matters received this honour after a thorough and independent analysis conducted by Great Place to Work®. The list is based on direct feedback from employees of the hundreds of organizations that were surveyed by GPTW.

We are firm believers in empowering each individual and enabling everyone at MM to unleash their unique talents. We are proud to receive this recognition.

03/08/2024

Did you know, according to the Ontario Nonprofit Network that Women make up 80% of workers across Ontario and Canada's nonprofit sector? Today, we celebrate and honor the amazing women who shape our field.

Happy International Women's Day! Check out this timeline about women's footprint in history, which provides an overview of women who have paved the way for future generations, pushing boundaries for a more inclusive world. Let's continue together:
https://interactive.unwomen.org/multimedia/timeline/womensfootprintinhistory/en/index.html

03/05/2024

AI is top-of-mind as we move into 2024, and if you're not analyzing the opportunities can offer your organization, you're already falling behind. Data analytics and insights, advanced automation, personalized learning, and cybersecurity are only a few of the ways AI can improve how associations function.

AI can help answer the question: How can we do more for our members with the same amount of time?

If you're looking to adopt new AI practices, it's important to:

- Consider the ethical implications and risk

- Determine how to provide transparency to your audiences

- Ensure User Privacy

- Implement proper team training

Learn more on how to leverage AI for your association: https://www.nimbleams.com/blog/artificial-intelligence-101-associations/ #

Leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) at your association to boost staff efficiency and deliver a better member experience. Learn more.