Membership organisations are adapting fast. The way people connect, attend events and engage with communities has shifted with expectations higher than ever. Members want choice, convenience and to get the most value out of their membership.
Across sectors, we’re seeing practical ways organisations are modernising both events and engagement. Here are five areas that are shaping the future.
1. Hybrid events are on the rise.
More membership organisations are choosing a hybrid event format, combining in-person and online access to grow their events. By combining in-person gatherings with online access, organisations can reach members who otherwise wouldn’t attend. A regional event can suddenly become national or international.
Hybrid formats also make events more inclusive. Those with time, travel or accessibility constraints can still participate. With recordings and follow-up content, hybrid events extend their impact long after the live session ends.
2. Events That Live Beyond the Day
It’s no longer just about the event itself. Many organisations are extending the life of their events by recording sessions, sharing key takeaways or making content available on-demand.
For members, this means they can benefit even if they couldn’t attend live. For organisations, it’s a way to increase value and reach more people without additional events.
3. Digital Membership Cards for Access
Membership cards are increasingly moving to mobile. A digital card allows members to verify their identity and access events quickly, with a simple scan or tap replacing paper lists and manual checks. This shift not only removes the cost and effort of printing and distributing physical cards but also gives members a modern, seamless way to attend events.
4. Small, Regular Engagement Wins
Engagement today goes beyond the traditional newsletter. Members want updates and opportunities to connect across channels they already use. Discussion spaces, resource libraries and targeted emails make it easier for people to participate on their own terms.
The key is consistency. Small but regular touchpoints often have more impact than occasional large campaigns. By using platforms that link communications with membership data, organisations can match the right message to the right group.
5. Decisions Backed by Data
Instead of guessing what works, membership organisations are using data to refine their approach. Event attendance, resource downloads and communication response rates all highlight what members value most.
This doesn’t mean tracking everything. It means picking the signals that matter and using them to make better decisions.
From Ideas to Implementation
There isn’t a single blueprint for modernising events and engagement. Each organisation adapts in its own way, but the trend is clear: hybrid formats, digital tools and regular touchpoints are reshaping how members connect.
If you’d like to see how VeryConnect’s membership and event software can help streamline events and engagement for your organisation, fill out the form below and we’ll get in touch with you.
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