Who We Are

About Association Forum

Association Forum is the “Association of Associations” in Chicago.

About Association Forum

Association Forum is the hub for the large, yet close-knit Chicagoland association industry. We provide our members with resources, education and networking opportunities that enhance and elevate the association management profession, both on a personal and organizational level. We serve as a connecting point for association executives and professionals to meet and exchange ideas. As a future-focused organization, we have our finger on the pulse of the industry in order to help guide our members and assist them in solving the problems they face both today and tomorrow.  

What is an Association?

Founded in 1916, Association Forum has:

  • Nearly 3,000 members.
  • These members represent more than 44,000 association professionals from nearly 1,600 Chicago organizations.
  • These organizations serve 27 million individual members, have 9 million donors and generate $10.3 billion annually in economic impact.

We’re an independent organization and incorporated under the Illinois Not-For-Profit Corporation Act and tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code.


Membership at a Glance


Mission, Goals, & Promise

 

Our Mission

To advance the professional practice of association management.

 

Our Purpose and Major Goals

To be the definitive resource for learning opportunities that address the varied needs of association professionals as they advance in their association management careers, to provide an environment that engages the association community and industry partners and be recognized as the preeminent resource for tools and best practices in the field of association management.

 

Our Promise

To provide our members with essential learning, compelling experiences and powerful resources.

LEARN ABOUT BECOMING A MEMBER

 

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Bylaws

If you’re a member, be sure to read our bylaws. Bylaws are the heart of our association governance and structure.

History

We are the first “association of associations”? It’s true! We were founded on September 28, 1916. Our Centennial Anniversary is September 28, 2016.

Committees

We have 15 member committees that govern everything from our Forum Forward and awards program to association governance.

 

Leadership

We’re governed by a 13 member board.

Staff

We have an eight member professional staff.

Members

We have nearly 4,000 members from more than 1,100 regional associations, non-profits and supplier partner companies.

Headquarters

Next to Washington, D.C., Chicago is the nation’s leading association headquarters city.

 

 

 

Public Policy Positions

As part of our mission, we focus action on legislative or regulatory matters affecting Chicagoland associations.

Association Forum Foundation

The Association Forum Foundation is a separate 501(c)3 organization founded in 1987 in order to enhance our programs and services with new education, research and scholarship initiatives.

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