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