Shared Interest Groups (SIGs)

Shared Interest Groups

Connect, Learn, and Grow with Shared Interest Groups (SIGs)

A Free, Long-Standing Member Favorite

Shared Interest Groups (SIGs)™ are one of Association Forum’s most treasured and time-tested member benefits—and they’re completely free to members! For decades, SIGs have brought association professionals together to build relationships, share ideas, and stay ahead of industry trends in a casual, collaborative setting.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your knowledge, expand your network, or just exchange ideas with peers who “get” your world, SIGs are the perfect place to start.

Explore Our Current SIGs

Click on a SIG below to learn more and find your community:

Component Relations

This SIG deals with information and idea sharing around the management of any affiliated or independent unit of a bigger organization. The names for these units vary from association to association. Some common ones are chapters, branches, special-interest groups, divisions, practice specialties or even the division of international, national, regional, state and local subsidiaries of the same association.

Educational Program Development

This SIG provides members with information on the development and management of curriculum in continuing education, training, professional development and/or staff training for their organization.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Formerly the No. 2/COO SIG
This Shared Interest Group brings together C-suite and equivalent association leaders—including CEOs, COOs, Executive Directors, and Deputy CEOs—for peer connection and strategic conversation. It’s a trusted space to exchange ideas, tackle leadership challenges, and strengthen executive-level collaboration. 

Finance

This SIG focuses on a variety of issues related to association finance. CFOs, directors, managers of finance and others with accountability for financial issues are welcome.

Fundraising and Development

This SIG’s discussions will concentrate on independent foundations, subsidiary foundations and relations with parent associations and the place of development within them. Topics may include: engaging the non-profit board; foundation and fundraising resources; research and proposal preparation; and corporate and foundation relations to name just a few. Learn the varied methods and techniques necessary for successful fundraising.

Governance

This SIG is for individuals involved in governance activities who want to share ideas and network with others in this field. Meeting topics focus on a variety of issues related to association governance like elections, committee appointment process, by laws, and referendums. Board policies and procedures, board relations and affairs, and board minutes are also covered by this group.

Information Technology

The purpose of this SIG is that of support, communication, expanding the knowledge base, sharing, and using online communication to add value to the services of our associations and ultimately to benefit members.

Marketing & COMMUNICATIONS

The Marketing & Communications SIG serves as a collaborative hub for professionals involved in communication and marketing across membership organizations. This SIG focuses on idea-sharing, networking, and staying informed on current trends and issues related to publications, public relations, media relations, advertising, marketing, and more. Expert speakers and members alike share effective strategies in key areas such as member recruitment and retention, event promotion, education program marketing, publication sales, dues renewals, sponsorships, and exhibit space sales, ensuring best practices across all association activities.

Meeting Professionals

This SIG explores the many areas of association meeting management from logistics to site selection, international meetings, technology, the law, and much more.

Membership & ENGAGEMENT

This SIG provides Forum members who have a membership/marketing interest with a professional support network for professional growth. It also serves as an idea laboratory for all participants.

Public Policy and Advocacy

This SIG provides an opportunity to meet, learn and share ideas with people who are actively involved in government relations, public policy and advocacy. Topics may include; trends, lobbying rules and regulations, technologies for grassroots mobilization, communication efforts, policy development and management and more.

WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT®

The Welcoming Environment (WE) SIG supports members in creating inclusive, psychologically safe spaces through shared learning, evolving resources, and peer-driven programming in this member-led learning group. 

Young Professionals

The Young Professionals SIG is designed for association professionals under the age of 35 looking to meet with peers to share experiences, learn more about the association industry, and network in a fun, social environment. The purpose of the SIG is to help young association professionals establish contacts and develop leadership skills to succeed in the association industry. The SIG meets to discuss topics relevant to members' career and personal development needs, interspersed with social events.

What Are SIGs?

SIGs are peer-driven communities of association professionals centered around specific roles or topics. They meet twice a year to discuss challenges, share solutions, and foster meaningful professional connections. These sessions are interactive, informative, and offer a no-pressure space to engage with your community.

There are currently 13 SIGs available—join one, two, or as many as interest you!


Not a Member Yet?

We’d love to have you! Non-members are welcome to attend one SIG meeting for free before joining. It’s a great way to experience the value of Association Forum membership firsthand. Click here for more info on the benefits of membership.

Coming SIG Events