By leveraging specialty techniques like custom bindings, premium coatings and variable data printing, you can elevate your publication from ordinary to unforgettable. These enhancements not only captivate readers but also reinforce your brand and demonstrate the value of membership.

Why Print Quality Matters

High-quality print signals professionalism, care and credibility. For professional and membership associations, this translates to increased trust in your organization and a deeper emotional connection with your content. Members are more likely to open, read and keep your publication if it looks and feels worth their time.

Smart printing options add tactile and visual interest that digital formats can’t replicate. They encourage readers to linger longer and associate positive experiences with your brand, which are important factors in member retention.

Let’s explore some of the top printing techniques that can elevate your member publications.

1. Specialty Bindings that Impress

Your binding choice affects both the look and usability of your publication. While saddle stitching and perfect binding are common, there are other options that can better serve your goals.

Perfect Binding

Perfect binding creates a clean, flat spine ideal for publications with thicker page counts like quarterly journals or annual directories. It offers a professional finish that members are likely to keep on hand longer.

Lay-Flat Binding

If your publication includes charts, graphics or spreads that cross the gutter, lay-flat binding is worth considering. It eliminates the curve of the spine, allowing content to display seamlessly, excellent for visually driven publications.

Wire-O or Spiral Binding

Useful for handbooks, guides and calendars, these formats allow for easy flipping and note-taking. They’re especially appealing for publications your members are likely to use regularly as a reference.

2. Coatings That Add Protection and Pop

Coatings do more than protect your pages – they add a polished aesthetic that can set your piece apart.

Gloss Coating

Gloss coatings enhance color vibrancy and provide a smooth, shiny finish. They’re great for photo-heavy publications or covers that need visual impact.

Matte Coating

Matte coatings offer a softer, more sophisticated look. They reduce glare and improve readability, particularly useful for text-heavy pieces or audiences who prefer a more understated style.

Soft-Touch Coating

This velvety finish invites readers to linger. Soft-touch coatings create a tactile experience that reinforces a premium aesthetic and encourages readers to interact with your piece more thoughtfully. Coatings influence not just how your magazine looks, but how it feels – connecting with your members through multiple senses.

3. Spot UV and Foil for Strategic Accents

If you really want to turn heads, finishing techniques like Spot UV and foil stamping deliver that wow factor.

Spot UV

Spot UV involves applying a high-gloss finish to specific areas of a page like a logo, title or image. It contrasts beautifully with matte backgrounds, guiding the reader’s attention and creating a powerful visual experience. 

Foil Stamping

Foil adds shimmer and sophistication. Available in a variety of colors – gold, silver, holographic – foil stamping can elevate titles, logos or graphic elements to create a sense of prestige.

These techniques are especially powerful on covers, helping your publication stand out in a member’s mailbox or on a coffee table. They signal care and attention to detail, reinforcing the professionalism of your organization.

4. Variable Data Printing for Personalized Communication

In the digital age, personalization is expected – and it’s possible in print too, thanks to variable data printing (VDP). VDP allows you to customize text, images and graphics for each individual recipient.

Name Personalization

Addressing members by name on the cover or inside pages adds a human touch that strengthens relationships.

Custom Content

Tailor content based on member interests, location or membership tier. For example, regional chapters can include event updates relevant to their area or high-tier members can receive exclusive inserts.

Targeted Offers

Include membership renewal reminders, donation appeals or event invitations that are personalized based on a member’s behavior or history with your organization.

This level of customization makes your publication more relevant, increasing the likelihood it will be read and acted upon.

5. Inserts, Gatefolds and Interactive Elements

Creative formats can make your publication more engaging and functional.

Inserts

Include postcards, bookmarks or detachable membership cards to add utility and interactivity. Inserts also offer valuable real estate for sponsorships or targeted calls to action.

Gatefolds

Gatefolds – pages that fold out to reveal larger content – are ideal for infographics, timelines or visual storytelling. They’re unexpected and memorable, encouraging readers to spend more time exploring.

Tip-Ons and Die-Cuts

Small extras like tip-ons (glued-on pieces) or die-cut shapes give your piece dimension and personality. These features invite touch, turning your publication into a multisensory experience.

6. Sustainability Enhancements

Today’s members value organizations that prioritize sustainability. Luckily, high-impact print doesn’t have to come at the expense of the planet.

Consider recycled paper options, soy-based inks or certified sustainable printing facilities. You can even call out your eco-conscious choices in a sidebar or publisher’s note, showing your commitment to environmental responsibility.

Putting It All Together

The best member publications do more than inform – they inspire. They showcase your organization’s achievements, highlight your members’ stories and reinforce the value of belonging.

By incorporating smart printing options, you transform your publication into a premium experience. A foil-stamped logo, a personalized note, a gatefold timeline – each detail builds trust, pride and connection.

If you’re unsure which enhancements are right for your next issue, work with an experienced print partner who understands the unique needs of associations. They can help you strike the right balance between creativity, practicality and budget.

Enhance Your Member Publication with ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ

In a time when digital content dominates, your printed publication has the power to break through the noise. It’s something members can touch, keep and come back to – an important reminder of their connection to your organization. Leveraging specialty printing techniques can go a long way toward keeping your members engaged, inspired and coming back year after year.Need help choosing the right print enhancements for your publication? The experts at ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ can guide you through every step, from creative planning to high-quality production and efficient mailing. Contact us today, and let’s make your next issue your best yet.

* This article was developed with assistance from OpenAI’s GPT-4 large language AI model.

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At ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ, we work with magazine publishers across a range of industries and know what it takes to deliver a publication on time and on budget. Whether your magazine is monthly, quarterly or something in between, following a streamlined production process ensures your final product lands in your members’ mailboxes when expected.

Here are practical tips to keep your magazine project on schedule from start to finish.

1. Start with Strong File Preparation

One of the most effective ways to avoid production delays is by submitting properly prepared, print-ready files. Many common schedule setbacks are caused by file issues that could have been identified and resolved during pre-press.

To keep your project on track, follow these best practices for file preparation:

• Use high-resolution images – All images should be 200 dpi at 100% of their final print size.
  
• Embed fonts or convert them to outlines – This prevents unexpected font substitutions.
  
• Include proper bleeds and margins – Allow for a 0.125″ bleed beyond trim size. We recommend maintaining a 0.25″ margin within the trim to ensure important content isn’t cut off, but require at least 0.125”.
  
• Prepare print-ready PDFs – You can download our Adobe InDesign export settings from our website.
  
• Set color mode to CMYK – Files should be created and saved in CMYK color mode, not RGB, to ensure accurate color output in print.
  

Providing your designer with a detailed checklist and understanding the proper export settings for print can significantly reduce the need for back-and-forth revisions and help avoid costly corrections. For complete instructions, refer to ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ’s Quick Start Submission Guidelines, which walk you through every step of file preparation.

2. Pay Attention to Pre-Press

Pre-press is the bridge between your design and the printed magazine. It’s where your files are reviewed for technical accuracy, and it’s where small mistakes can either be caught or cause major issues.

At ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ, our pre-press team reviews every file to ensure it’s ready for print. We look for color mismatches, missing images, font conflicts and more, but you can help us help you by submitting files early. Giving your pre-press team enough time to review and communicate any fixes will keep your job on schedule and stress levels low.

3. Communicate Early and Often

Strong communication between you and your printing partner is one of the most important elements of a successful magazine project.

Keep your printer informed about:

• Your production schedule and mail date goals
  
• Any changes in your timeline or content plan
  
• Format updates or special finishing requests
  

A good print partner like ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ will also keep you in the loop. We’ll confirm milestones, let you know when proofs are ready and flag any issues that could delay production. The more transparent and collaborative the relationship, the smoother the process.

4. Choose the Right Printing Method

Understanding the pros and cons of digital versus offset printing can make a big difference in how quickly and efficiently your magazine is produced.

• Digital printing is ideal for shorter runs, quick turnarounds and targeted publications. If you’re producing fewer than 1,500 copies or need variable data personalization, digital is often the way to go.
  
• Offset printing delivers high quality and cost efficiency at higher volumes. It’s better suited for longer runs where production speed is key.
  

At ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ, we help our customers determine the right method for their specific needs. We offer both offset and digital capabilities under one roof, so you can trust you’re getting the best fit for your project, without compromising quality or timeline.

5. Plan Around Mailing Logistics

One of the most overlooked steps in magazine production is the mailing process. It’s not just about printing on time – it’s about understanding how to get your magazine into readers’ hands efficiently.

To make mailing a strategic part of your production process:

• Verify your mailing list early and ensure addresses are up to date.
• Design with USPS regulations in mind – cover placement, barcode areas and aspect ratios matter.
• Understand your mailing class – Certain attributes of your publication may cause it to fall into a different mailing class, such as First Class, Marketing Mail or Periodicals. These classes come with different prices and stipulations, so make sure you have an expert on your team who can help you navigate postal regulations.

¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ’s mailing experts can work with you to identify the best mailing strategy, navigate postal regulations and avoid unnecessary delays or fees.

6. Stick to a Repeatable Schedule

If your magazine is recurring, build and follow a predictable production calendar. It should account for:

• Editorial deadlines
  
• Design and layout time
  
• Proofing and revisions
  
• Print production
  
• Mailing and distribution
  

When everyone – editorial, design, print and fulfillment – is aligned on the same timeline, it’s easier to stay on track. If you work with ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ, we’ll help you develop a custom production schedule that reflects your unique needs, then stick to it.

7. Keep Flexibility in Your Toolkit

Things happen. Contributors miss deadlines, cover stories change and edits go long. That’s why it’s helpful to pad your schedule with a little flexibility, especially in the early phases of your magazine workflow.

Aim to finalize your content and design a few days before you truly need to. Give your internal stakeholders a hard deadline that’s earlier than the one your printer needs. This buffer can be the difference between hitting your mail date or slipping into the next delivery cycle.

And if something does shift, communicate with your print partner as soon as possible. ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ has years of experience problem-solving around delays and can help you adapt without sacrificing your end goal.

8. Rely on Your Printing Partner’s Expertise

Your printer isn’t just a vendor – they’re a vital part of your publishing team. At ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ, we’ve helped countless associations and membership organizations produce magazines that engage, inform and arrive on time. We understand the unique needs of membership-driven publishers and offer strategic guidance from initial planning to final mailing.

We work as an extension of your team to:

• Offer suggestions for efficient formats and paper stocks
  
• Recommend ways to save on postage or printing
  
• Provide updates and advice throughout the process
  

When you work with a partner who cares about your success, your magazine becomes more than a project. It becomes a reliable, consistent connection to your audience.

Streamline Your Magazine Production with ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ

Getting your magazine from concept to mailbox doesn’t have to be a stressful scramble. With careful planning, strong file prep, clear communication and the right printing partner, you can keep your project on schedule and your members engaged.¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ is here to help every step of the way. From your first brainstorm to the final delivery, we act as an extension of your team by offering expert guidance and support throughout the entire printing process. Learn more about what ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ has to offer by contacting us today.

* This article was developed with assistance from OpenAI’s GPT-4 large language AI model.

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From beautifully designed magazines to commemorative member books, printed materials give associations a powerful way to connect with their members on a deeper, more emotional level. The tactile nature of print can’t be replicated by digital experiences. And when done well, print becomes more than a communication tool – it becomes a valuable benefit of membership.

At ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ, we’ve partnered with professional organizations and membership associations of all sizes to help them create high-quality printed materials that strengthen loyalty, increase retention and drive meaningful engagement. Here’s how your association can do the same.

The Power of Print in the Membership Experience

In a crowded digital world, print cuts through the noise. An email can be deleted with a tap; a push notification ignored. But a well-designed magazine on a coffee table or a personalized postcard in the mailbox has staying power. Print engages the senses in a way digital simply can’t – members can hold it, flip through it, feel the texture and even notice the scent of the ink and paper.

This sensory experience makes print memorable and emotionally resonant. Studies have shown that people are more likely to recall information from print compared to digital media. For associations, that means your messages, stories and calls to action are more likely to stick when they’re delivered on paper.

But beyond delivering content, print conveys value. When members receive a high-quality publication or a keepsake member book, they feel recognized and valued. That feeling translates to increased loyalty and ultimately higher retention rates.

Print Strategies That Strengthen Member Engagement

To fully leverage the power of print, associations should be intentional in both what they produce and how they deliver it. Here are several effective print strategies to build stronger connections with members:

1. Invest in a High-Quality Member Magazine

A print magazine remains one of the most effective ways to keep members informed and engaged year-round. Unlike digital newsletters, which often get buried in inboxes, a print magazine commands attention. It’s a tangible reminder of membership and a symbol of the association’s professionalism and credibility.

To make the most of your member magazine:

• Tell stories that matter. Highlight member achievements, industry news, trends and success stories from your community.
  
• Use thoughtful design and photography. A visually stunning magazine is more likely to be read, shared and kept.
  
• Include personalized touches. Consider segmenting content for different member groups or using variable data printing to personalize magazines with members’ names.

A well-crafted magazine can be a centerpiece of your retention strategy – something members look forward to receiving and are proud to display.

2. Create Member History or Anniversary Books

Milestone years, such as a 25th or 50th anniversary, offer a perfect opportunity to celebrate your association’s story and honor the members who made it possible. Commemorative books are a meaningful way to mark these moments.

These books can feature historical timelines, profiles of long-time members, letters from past presidents and highlights of major milestones. When printed with high-quality materials (think foil stamping, rich imagery and perfect binding) they become treasured keepsakes that reinforce the value of being part of your organization.

3. Send Personalized Print Communications

Personalization is a proven engagement tactic, and print is no exception. Postcards, letters or self-mailers with the member’s name and tailored messages can remind them of upcoming events, offer special renewal incentives or simply say thank you.

The key is to make it feel special. Avoid generic templates and lean into messaging that acknowledges the member’s role, history and contributions. Handwritten notes or limited-edition prints can also go a long way in making members feel truly appreciated.

4. Incorporate Print Into Your Member Onboarding

First impressions matter. When someone joins your association, they should immediately feel like they’ve made a valuable decision. A welcome packet with high-quality printed materials, like a member handbook, branded notecard or association directory, can set a professional tone and build immediate trust.

Printed onboarding materials can include:

• A welcome letter from leadership
  
• An overview of member benefits
  
• A calendar of events
  
• A recent issue of your magazine

This tangible welcome reinforces your association’s credibility and helps new members feel grounded in your community.

5. Enhance Event Engagement with Print

If your association hosts conferences, summits or local chapter meetings, printed materials can elevate the entire experience. High-quality programs, brochures and takeaway materials contribute to a cohesive, professional environment.

You can also use post-event print communications, such as thank-you cards or recap booklets, to maintain the momentum and keep members engaged well after the event ends.

Why Print Quality Matters

Not all print is created equal. A flimsy postcard or poorly printed magazine can do more harm than good, making your association appear disorganized or outdated. On the other hand, investing in high-quality paper, finishes and design elevates your brand and reflects the value you place on your members.

Quality printing:

• Demonstrates professionalism. Members associate the look and feel of your materials with your organization’s standards.
  
• Supports your messaging. Premium materials and finishes create an emotional response that enhances the impact of your communication.
  
• Encourages retention. Beautiful printed pieces are more likely to be kept, displayed and shared, keeping your association top of mind.

When working with a printing partner, it’s important to choose one with experience, flexibility and a deep understanding of association needs. That’s where ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ comes in.

Partner with ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ for High-Quality Association Printing

¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ is a trusted print partner for professional and membership-based associations across the country. We specialize in creating high-impact print materials that help you engage, retain and inspire your members.

Our team understands the unique challenges associations face: tight budgets, evolving member expectations and the need to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Whether you need magazines, commemorative books or member directories, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life with care, precision and exceptional quality.

We offer:

• Expert guidance from concept to delivery
• In-house design services
• Offset and digital printing capabilities tailored to your brand
• In-house mailing and fulfillment services
• Sustainable printing practices and eco-friendly paper options
  

At ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ, we don’t just print – we partner with you to elevate your member experience.

Drive Member Engagement With ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ

When associations invest in high-quality print, they invest in stronger relationships with their members. From magazines and books to personalized mailings and event materials, print helps you build emotional connections that lead to lasting loyalty.

In a world filled with digital distractions, your members are craving something real – something they can hold, feel and connect with. Print delivers that experience.Ready to enhance your member engagement strategy through the power of print? Connect with ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ today to learn how we can help your association thrive.

* This article was developed with assistance from OpenAI’s GPT-4 large language AI model.

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Associations want their business relationships to be like their member relationships: long-term, and mutually beneficial. Given this, a choice to change isn’t made lightly. At the most basic level, it’s a business decision. An association might shift to a new printing partner for better service, superior products or the extra solutions they can provide.

No matter why the switch is made, the relationship should be built on trust and understanding. You need a printer that not only provides consistent services, but one who actively seeks out ways to create additional value for your organization.

These days, there are more organizations vying for your members’ attention and wallets than ever. Subscription fatigue is real. Given this troubling reality, it’s never been more important to support and retain current members. If your printer isn’t playing an active role in doing just this, it may be time to consider a switch.

Whether a customer has been working with a printer for two decades or two weeks, ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ believes in the importance of developing personal relationships. It is through these relationships that we continually understand customer needs on a fundamental level and identify areas we can create value with personalized solutions.

At ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ, we understand the importance of creating value for customers with quality, consistent products, as well as additional services like digital storefronts and fulfillment. We also know the challenges new customers face during a transition to a new printer.

When you join our family, we work hard to create value for you from the first handshake. For new customers, that involves going the extra mile to make the transition seamless, stress-free and ultimately a decision that helps create value for your organization. Through this value you can continue to support, retain and even expand your membership.

¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ’s Worth It for the Zoological Society of Milwaukee

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee is an association whose mission is to educate the public and support wildlife conservation globally as well as at the Milwaukee County Zoo. To support these efforts, they publish Alive Magazine and the Wild Things Newsletter three and four times per year, respectively.

Both publications tell the story of the association’s conservation and education efforts locally as well as across the globe. The 16-page, 4-color publications feature high-quality wildlife photography and is part of the association’s 70-plus year history of using print publications to engage members.

There was certainly positive anticipation when the Zoological Society of Milwaukee transferred some of its printing to ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ. At the same time, there was also some anxiety working with a new print partner, especially given the unique needs of their publications. ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ prints both publications, one of which is a non-standard size, as well as numerous inserts promoting sponsors, programs, and other association initiatives.

“Changing printers was a very big decision for us,” said Christian Keene, the Zoological Society of Milwaukee’s Creative Director. “We have a lot of moving parts with our projects, and we wanted to ensure thatˇŻs ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ was able to handle everything seamlessly before making the move. We were very impressed with the company’s time investment in us. The transition has been flawless.”

With personalized attention to the needs of this association customer, we were able to create additional value for their organization. In addition to our print solutions, we created additional value for the Zoological Society of Milwaukee through polybagging and mailing Alive Magazine throughout the year. These services help reduce costs and get each publication in the hands of members undamaged, and without delay. The personalized attention of our dedicated team has helped create an immediately successful relationship and value-added beyond just print products.

“We feel like we are your only client. Everyone is very responsive, and the print quality is always high. We choose ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ for the quality, customer service and competitive pricing.”

At the foundation of this relationship is trust, with the personalized attention necessary to not only get the project off the ground but also to find ways to create value from the get-go. It’s not the easy route, but it’s the path a good print partner should take.

#PrintWith¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ

This blog post is part of our “¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ is Worth It” series. This series uses real-life success stories to highlight how commercial printers can overcome common issues and create additional value for customers across a variety of segments.

The post Easing the Transition for New Association Customers appeared first on ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ.

The does a great job with their , which helps parents learn about and encourage healthy dental habits in their children. Another association that does well is the . When I searched “skin cancer,” the AAD’s information for the public showed up twice on the first page of results.

How can your association get results like these? Keywords are a great place to start!

Using and Researching Keywords

We all use language differently, but there are plenty of shared phrases and patterns. Because of the way search engines work, common words and phrases are a powerful way to draw traffic to your website.

How much traffic to your website comes from search engines? And how much of that is Google? By carefully researching the keywords used in your industry and incorporating them into your writing, you’re more likely to show up at the top of the results. It’s been said that the best place to hide a body is on the second page of the Google search results. If you want to be found, you need to be on page one.

In “,” author Ann Smarty said keyword research “lies at the foundation of any article you intend to write.” So let’s go over Smarty’s advice on how to make the most of keywords and keyword research for associations.

What is it?

According to Smarty, a keyword consists of two parts: a core term and a keyword modifier. For example, the AAD uses “skin cancer” as a key term, but then uses “spot” as a modifier. Think about how many people search terms like “how to spot skin cancer?” when they’re looking for information.

Modifiers make a term less competitive. When I search “skin cancer,” the AAD is the fifth result on the page, but when I search “spot skin cancer,” the AAD is the first result on the page.

How do I do that?

Getting results like this requires research. Smarty suggests mulling over the core terms that interest your already formed audience.

Think about how the core terms you use to draw potential members to your website differ from the core terms you use to draw an audience of non-members. The AAPD may use terms like “pediatric dentistry residency” when trying to draw traffic from dental health professionals and potential members, but are more likely to use terms like “little teeth” or “dental braces” when creating content for parents and educators.

The Tools of the Trade

You can move your research along with a few tools recommended by Smarty.

1. The thesaurus. I like . This is especially useful if you know what your association members are likely to search but need some help with synonyms more likely to be used by non-members.
2. , a website that’s basically Google auto-suggestions on steroids. If you type in a term, Answer the Public provides a mind map of what people are actually searching for online. You can see the questions people ask that include that term. The results also include frequently used modifiers that go along with that term.

Smarty has more tools and suggestions for using keyword research. You can read more at .

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About the AAPD

The AAPD supplies content to three different audiences: professionals looking for on pediatric dentistry (like information on how to complete a specific oral surgery for children), a broad (like dental hygienists), and the (especially parents and educators). The AAPD provides continuing education for pediatric dental professionals while also working to inform parents, the general public and policy makers about children’s oral health. Their slogan is “THE BIG AUTHORITY on little teeth.”

Working with ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ

¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ provides the print manufacturing for many of the AAPD’s publications, including professional journals, PDT magazine, their membership directory, annual conference program book, and brochures and reports.

The AAPD also uses multiple websites, eCommerce, certification programs, a podcast and a mobile app to keep their audience engaged. They have more than 10,000 members and a strong retention rate. Their retention rate was 92 percent for fiscal year 2018. Membership is nearly evenly divided by gender, with more than half of members between the ages of 30 and 49. The bulk of their membership is made up of those actively working in the field, but they also have a strong showing from retired professionals and postdoctoral students.

AAPD engaged ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ to create a mobile app version of The Handbook of Pediatric Dentistry, a vital reference book for pediatric dentistry professionals. A complete and enhanced digital representation of the 500-page, six-pound book is included in the mobile app. Hansen shared that the digital edition makes the content convenient for professionals to quickly reference during interactions with patients.

The searchable format allows them to quickly find information. However, the print version is still in demand, as professionals have said they prefer print for study. ˇŻs¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ also developed a way to enable sales of the app through the AAPD’s eCommerce site, avoiding the commission fees often associated with traditional app stores.

“App building was easy for AAPD,” Hansen said. Their goal was to create something that is “updatable, portable and searchable.” The app serves to help connect their website, eCommerce and journals. The push notifications provide an added tool for member engagement.

¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ also helped design and implement the AAPD’s eCommerce solutions. The online storefront is integrated with the AAPD’s association member management system and ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ’s fulfillment center. This means that orders can be expediently processed, packed and shipped. It also provides the AAPD with activity reporting, visibility to inventory levels and obsolescence monitoring, among other benefits.

Benefits for the AAPD

The AAPD offers their mobile app and print versions with a bundle discount, but they can also be purchased separately. Hansen reports that thousands of app downloads means “the app has paid for itself many times over.”

“We have been working with ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ 20 years and look forward to continuing our partnership,” Hansen said.

Learn More

Check out ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ’s work with the AAPD and the solutions we provide by downloading our case study.

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How many did you come up with?

There aren’t many. That makes Association Media & Publishing’s annual meeting all the more special. It’s one of the few events that can help associations in their endeavors to grow memberships and keep members engaged. It is one of the few events focused on immersing attendees in association success models, best practices and insights from industry peers.

The 2019 will be held in Washington, D.C., on June 24-26. If you haven’t previously attended, you may not be aware that it’s the only comprehensive event that serves association, nonprofit and alumni publishing and communication professionals.

Those who attend will hear from the brightest and most influential association professionals and thought leaders. Speakers and panels allow attendees to glean insights on the latest publishing, communications and marketing trends, and best practices. As an added bonus, attendees have the opportunity to network with association colleagues and exhibitors and build important career connections.

This year’s keynote speakers include , General Manager of TicToc and Global Head of Strategy and Business Development for Bloomberg Digital, and , President and CEO of The Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers.

Session topics range from brand positioning and content workflow to social media and media kits.

If you’re still on the fence about attending, read on for several recaps from last year’s session topics to get a sense of the highly relevant and beneficial knowledge you’ll gain in attending.

Promoting your Publication and Increasing Ad Sales

If you know who your audience is, it will make all of the difference in helping advertisers get to their target market. This session, “How to Promote your Publication and Increase Ad Sales,” focused on how to attract the best advertisers for your audience. Some of the tips included thinking in terms of selling impact versus selling ads, doing an audience audit and how to determine if an advertiser is right for you. Our full recap is available here.

Technology and Your Publication

Member experience is an area that associations are always looking to improve and technology provides many routes to do just that. In one of the AM&P sessions, “Where Technology Can Take You – and Your Reader,” a panel of technology experts shared their expertise and addressed concerns to help associations understand which technologies should be on their radar – and why. Read more about the panel participants and topics like mobile apps, mobile sites and reader engagement, here.

Publication and Communication Frequency

How often is often enough or not enough when it comes to publishing for your audience? Sarah Black, the Senior Manager of Editorial Services at Red Chair Communications, addressed that question in her session, “The Strategy of Frequency in Publications and Communications.” You can read more here about the questions to ask, best practices for channel strategy and how to measure results.

The AM&P Benchmarking Study Panel

This AM&P’s 2017 benchmark study covered a range of topics: from publishing revenue, to outsourcing trends, to distribution costs and more. The panel for last year’s AM&P Annual Event focused on publishing revenue and the panelists discussed the future of print, social media, data collection and revenue possibilities to consider. Read our full recap here.

AM&P Excel Awards Gala

One more important note—coupled with the annual meeting is AM&P’s 39^th Annual , which recognizes excellence and leadership in nonprofit association media, publishing, marketing and communications. You can read about this year’s Excel Awards finalists . The Gala takes place on June 24 and tickets, which are expected to sell out, are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

To get a taste of some of the awards, and to read more about ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ customers who won 2018 Excel awards, check out our Excel Awards recap article.

Register to Attend

Last year’s meeting was great, and this year’s annual meeting promises to be just as good (or even better!). The meeting is of interest to anyone within the world of associations and association publishers looking to augment and further their unique expertise within this landscape.

Visit AM&P’s to learn more about this year’s and . And make sure to .

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The term refers to volunteer opportunities to complete small tasks necessary for the success of a larger project. The opportunities typically take only minutes or an hour to complete and don’t require a long-term commitment.

Your association staff is busy. Your members are busy. No one has the bandwidth to take on new projects, even when they may be impactful.

It’s the familiar struggle to balance “need to do” efforts that sustain an organization with “want to do” efforts that help organizations grow, evolve and improve.

That’s where micro-volunteer opportunities can be an effective solution.

A recent Associations Now article shares the story of an association chapter that isˇŻsˇŻsto contribute to the chapter’s newsletter, blog and social media in bite-size ways. These contributions not only help free up staff for other projects, but they freshen content ideas and they increase member engagement.

In that article, Michelle Chavez, Communications Chair for the Austin chapter of National Association for Catering and Events (NACE), explains, “Micro-volunteering opportunities are something new that we are trying out this year. We hope this will inspire members to get more involved over time, with the eventual goal that they might enjoy it so much they want to be on the board.”

As Chavez also mentions in the article, members are eager to get involved in small but meaningful ways.

That sounds great, right? But, sticking with the theme of micro and bite-size, how can your association get started without “biting off more than it can chew?”

In our article aboutˇŻscreating content and increasing engagement with member storytelling, we mention that your organization’s events are a great place to get started. At one of your member conferences, experiment by setting up an area for capturing stories on camera where you can control elements that impact video quality, like equipment, lighting and background noise.

Since members will already be on site, their travel and lodging is already covered, reducing the cost of such efforts. And, since attending members are away from their normal duties, they are much more likely to volunteer a few minutes to contribute to your content gathering effort.

Another idea is to weave micro-volunteering opportunities into theˇŻscharitable activities your association is already using to support your organization’s mission. Consider how you can engage members who don’t have enough time to attend this year’s charitable events, but who can contribute by sharing personal stories about their rewarding experience from previous events.

Take note, however. As MissionBox shares inˇŻs, members will lose interest in volunteering opportunities if they’re not well organized or if communication is poor.

Start small and experiment. As Katie Domanowski, Director of Communications for The American Academy of Dermatology, said inˇŻsthis article about developing new content efforts, “Sometimes you just need to try things to see what works.”

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As we describe in Make Connections and Engage Readers with Storytelling, the idea of using personal stories to engage readers isn’t new.

And as we shared very recently, associations are successfully using storytelling to engage members at association events too.

So, when we saw that the (AGU) had partnered with to create their in honor of their 100th anniversary, we knew we needed to share the idea.

The mission of AGU’s project is to use member stories to engage the science community and to inspire the general public.

Many advancements have been the result of small and incremental contributions by individuals motivated to benefit science and humanity. The stories gathered by AGU’s project are an opportunity to reflect on those contributions and inspire others to contribute what they can, even if they think their contribution seems insignificant.

While your association’s mission may differ from AGU’s, the idea of gathering and sharing stories to engage and motivate others still applies.

And, since engaging your audience with audio podcasts has become so much easier, your association can use storytelling to complement your content creation efforts without major investment.

For the audio stories that are getting a lot of traffic and listens, you might consider recruiting those story tellers to make a video for you. This will help attract the attention of members who prefer a visual element to keep them engaged.

As we’ve shared in Five Ways Your Association Should be Using Video to Engage Members, these storytelling videos could be used to help:

• increase current members’ feeling of connection through direct involvement,
• recruit new members, and
• promote your association’s events.

To make your video efforts cost effective, you could consider setting up an area for capturing stories on camera at one of your association events. Members will already be taking care of travel and lodging costs. And you’ll be able to control environmental elements that can impact video quality, such as equipment, lighting and background noise.

Does this sound like an engagement idea your association could take advantage of?

You can read more about how AGU partnered with StoryCorps .

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If your organization is like many we’ve spoken with, chances are good that you aren’t yet taking full advantage of what mobile can accomplish.

Engage, ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ’s newest app platform, can help.

Powered by a platform built with associations in mind, ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ’s Engage apps are stacked with functionality associations need to increase member engagement and provide an easy and affordable way to leverage mobile to extend the reach and engagement of the content you print with us.

The apps don’t stop there. In addition to handling content, the apps are designed to manage all aspects of association events, eCommerce, notifications, sponsorship and analytics.

In short, Engage apps provide associations a 360-degree view of their membership.

Grant Fritch, ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ’s App Architect, said, “We’ve been creating award-winning apps for associations for a while. But, because of the wide range of association needs, we’ve been working to create a holistic app solution at a more affordable price.”

The new app platform focuses on the three E’s of associations: Education, eCommerce and Engagement. And its SaaS-like scalability enables associations to manage member access at the individual level, even if they have a large membership.

Engage apps provide a single source of information for association membership, including:

• Publication content
• Event management for meetings and conferences
• Membership renewal and access to benefits
• News, blog, education and certification content

Publication content is formatted for mobile device readability with quick navigation and potential for continuous publishing in real time. Member retention functionality is included, and targeted messaging and notifications are supported. And sponsorship functionality provides associations the opportunity to increase advertising revenue with in-app promotions.

By integrating with association AMS systems, the app’s role-oriented structure enables management of gated content, and provides a high level of personalization. This is especially beneficial during association events, when members can receive notifications of the sessions they have planned to attend during a conference. There is even geo-fencing capability to send personalized welcome messages when they’ve arrived at the association’s event space.

Are you ready to see how ¶¶Ňő¶ĚĘÓƵ’s Engage app can meet your association’s needs and increase member engagement without a huge investment of time or money?

Request a demo today and speak with our apps team.

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