When you’re in charge of running an association, it might feel like there are not enough hours in the day to get everything done. Between planning events, researching software, and communicating with members, you have a wide range of responsibilities to cover.
To reduce stress, save costs, and ensure they can focus on the parts of their organizations that require unique expertise, many associations turn to association management companies.
Association management companies provide the management, engagement, and organizational services your association needs to run smoothly. To help you assess if hiring an association management company is the right choice, this guide will answer a few common questions about these businesses before exploring our top recommended agencies.
Association Management Companies Associations FAQ
What is an association management company?
An association management company (AMC) is a business that handles key aspects of running an association, such as event planning, board governance, marketing, and government relations.
Essentially, if you need help managing a specific part of your association, chances are good that there’s an AMC with expertise in that aspect of association management.
What are the benefits of hiring an association management company?
Partnering with an AMC does mean taking on an additional cost. However, many trade and professional associations have weighed this concern and found the benefits are more than worth their initial investment.
For your association, assess your budget, organizational needs, and if you would like any of the following benefits:
- Increased help. AMCs can take on a wide range of tasks, freeing up your team’s time. An AMC might act as a consultant, outsourced service, or even additional staff depending on your needs and the AMC’s work model.
- Professional expertise. AMCs can bring skills and knowledge that your association’s team may not have. For example, your association might have great member relations but lack knowledge when it comes to managing your finances or filling out the right forms to maintain legal compliance.
- Cost-effectiveness. Your trade or professional association might not have the budget to hire additional permanent staff members, but you may be able to afford an AMC’s services. Also, while you should get your AMC up to speed on how your association operates, your AMC should provide experienced professionals, meaning you won’t need to go through the same training and onboarding processes you would with a brand new team member.
When you need help developing new member acquisition strategies, want guidance on developing your educational programming, or are looking to build a new association from the ground up, an AMC can help every step of the way.
What should my association look for in an association management company?
Every AMC has its own work model and specialized range of services. Keep your association’s needs top of mind when evaluating leading candidates. Assess AMCs by looking at their:
- Accreditations. Accredited associations have been independently reviewed and verified for having professional, reliable, and high-quality services. The primary association accrediting body is the Association Management Company Institute, which assesses associations on their ability to “deliver the highest level of customer service” in a number of areas, such as serving clients, financial management, insurance coverage, and employee training. To ensure your association finds a trusted AMC, our list of top providers exclusively includes AMC Institute-accredited organizations.
- Expertise and specialization. AMCs provide a range of services, from event planning to technology services to organizational structure development. When evaluating associations, explore their services and case studies to see what kind of work they usually do. Some AMCs are full-service organizations that can help almost any part of your association, whereas others have a few focus areas.
- Values. This includes both the AMC’s organizational values as well as its work model. Your employees and members will interact with your AMC’s staff on a fairly regular basis, so ensure that your teams can work well together and that your community will be receptive to these external agents.
If you’ve decided working with an AMC is the right choice for your trade or professional association, these criteria can help you find top candidates. To start your search for your AMC partner, let’s get started with our top recommendations.
10+ Best Association Management Companies for Trade and Professional Associations
1. WJ Weiser & Associates, Inc.
WJ Weiser & Associates, Inc. (Weiser) has been a leading association management company for almost 40 years, helping associations of all sizes, ranging from international to locally-based organizations. Weiser is a full-service association management company, and with its team’s years of experience, it has a wide network of connections it can leverage on your association’s behalf.
Services:
- Full-service association management
- Custom projects
- Government relations and advocacy
- Start-up services
- Transitional staff and executive services
2. Association and Society Management International, Inc.
Association and Society Management International, Inc. (ASMII) provides management services for trade and professional associations, political action committees, advocacy groups, and nonprofit organizations. ASMII is a full-service AMC, but it’s also ready to provide partial support as needed.
Services:
- Association management
- Trade shows and exhibits support
- Grant proposal writing
- Certification management
- Fundraising
3. Partners in Association Management
Partners in Association Management (Partners) is a full-service AMC with a separate dedicated consulting wing known as Partners Strategic Solutions, which provides consulting and training services for nonprofits and businesses. Partners takes a business-minded approach to its consulting with a philosophy that associations should “be run like a business with the expectation of a return on investment, strength of the balance sheet and adherence to the budget as the guiding forces.”
Services:
- Marketing and communications
- Technology
- Conventions
- Strategic leadership
- Member care
4. Association Management Solutions
Association Management Solutions (AMS) is a 100% women-owned, boutique, full-service AMC. Additionally, AMS focuses on sustainability, both in terms of associations building sustainable funding plans and in using recycled and low-waste equipment. This means that when working with AMS, you can create a positive impact on your association and the environment.
Services:
- Operational management
- Meetings and event planning
- Public relations and social media
- Membership services
- In-house association management software
5. IMN Solutions
IMN Solutions is a full-service AMC that serves trade and professional associations, corporations, faith-based groups, and more. With their strategic insights, they promise to spot hidden opportunities and protect clients from risks they may not have even known they had. They work with associations to tackle the time-consuming and technical work needed to bring their clients’ ideas to life.
Services:
- Leadership and governance
- Strategic sourcing and contracting
- Succession planning
- Revenue diversification
- Membership growth and engagement
6. Association Resource Center
The Association Resource Center provides comprehensive association management services to trade and professional associations, as well as membership-based nonprofit organizations. Their approach to association management is tailored to each client and involves assigning a dedicated staff contact who provides ongoing services.
Services:
- Organizational management
- Membership services
- Meetings and events
- Marketing and communications
- Operations management
7. Bostrom
Bostrom is a full-service AMC but understands that associations often need just a few select services. As such, they provide a “Build Your Own Customized Support Solution” offering where associations can pick and choose what services they need. This provides customers with a flexible experience designed to meet their exact needs.
Services:
- Human resources
- Membership services
- Financial management
- Technology
- Meetings and marketing
8. Strauss
Primarily serving associations in Vancouver, Toronto, and Winnipeg, Strauss declares itself as Canada’s most well-connected AMC. Strauss provides a range of association management services but specializes in event management. Specifically, Strauss helps associations plan signature events that energize members and inspire stakeholders.
Services:
- Specialized event management
- Professional development
- Strategic partnerships
- Transition plans
- Sponsorship management
9. Smithbucklin
Smithbucklin aims to create long-term partnerships with its clients, delivering tailored solutions that evolve along with your association’s needs. For instance, their business model provides comprehensive association management services, event support, and specific additional solutions. This means that if you need dedicated help for one part of your association this year and another the next, Smithbucklin is ready to adapt.
Services:
- Board development and education
- Industry partnership development
- Governance and committee management
- Visual design and multimedia production
- Advisory services
10. Raybourn Group International
Raybourn Group International is, as its name implies, an international AMC that serves clients in more than 100 countries. Despite this wide scope, Raybourn takes a personalized approach to each client by becoming a part of their team, sharing their passions, and forging a stake in their success.
Services:
- Strategic, long-term planning
- Public relations
- Marketing and graphic design
- Membership management
- Capital campaign planning
11. Capitol Hill Management Services, Inc.
Capitol Hill Management Services, Inc. (CHMS) is guided by three core principles: integrity, excellence, and commitment. In practice, this means that all CHMS staff strive to conduct themselves in a principled and honest manner while working diligently to provide associations with the highest quality services possible. With its professional staff, CHMS works as an extension of or even as stand-ins for your team.
Services:
- Executive director services
- Association headquarters management
- Board of directors management
- Committee support
- Publication support
12. Harrington Company
The Harrington Company provides association management services for associations of all sizes, including international, national, and regional organizations. Harrington prides itself on its transparency and flexibility, down to providing an hourly billing model so associations know exactly what they’re paying for and how their Harrington consultants are spending their time.
Services:
- Office and administrative assistance
- Website maintenance and management
- Board and committee coordination
- Member recruitment
- Marketing and public relations
More Association Management Resources
The best association management companies for trade and professional associations have verifiable expertise and experience that they’ll bring to your association. When assessing AMCs, consider your association’s specific needs. Do you need a full-scale service, temporary staff, or help with a specific problem?
Once you know what you need, you can begin your research and create a list of top candidates to reach out to. Introduce your association and ask potential AMCs any lingering questions you have about their services.
While an AMC can do much to improve your operations, they are just one part of your association’s management strategy. For more resources, check out these guides related to association management and technology:
- The 10 Best Association Websites + Must-Know Design Tips. Your website is your association’s main engagement hub. Learn how to improve your website and get inspired by examples from top associations.
- Association Management Software: 20 Top AMS Vendors. Association management software is essential for streamlining your organization’s operations. Discover top features and vendors.
- Top 9 Bettermode Alternatives Worth Trying This Year. If you’re looking to build a community at your association, you might consider a tool like Bettermode. Explore Bettermode and these alternatives as part of your research.
