The Association Management Model
An association management company (AMC) is a professional service company that specializes in providing management services for associations on a fee-for-service basis. AMCs provide the professional staff, administrative support, office space, technology, and equipment an association needs to operate efficiently. An association management company typically manages several associations from one company location, providing a wide range of benefits including shared technology systems, access to expert specialized staff, and shared purchasing power.
The association management company industry is more than 110 years old. Today, there are over 600 AMCs worldwide that collectively manage associations ranging in budget size from $50,000 to $16 million and representing more than 3 million members.
Association management companies offer depth in a host of key association management functions. The AMC model typically provides experienced staff, ideas, and strategies well beyond what a volunteer-managed or even standalone staff might have access to or be able to afford. Nonprofit organizations can access this senior-level talent and experience through contracted or a la Carte services to match their needs. Because AMCs work in numerous industry segments and with a range of client types and sizes, they see and do everything with experienced, multifaceted professionals.
AMCs can manage all functions of the organization including events and meetings, providing any or all combinations of exhibit sales and management, registration management, sponsorship development, abstract management, and financial management. AMCs can provide not only the staffing to fit an organization’s specific requirements, but also the flexibility to change and expand as necessary so that the organization can perform with maximum efficiency and cost-effectiveness. An AMC staff truly becomes a seamless part of the fabric of the client with an in-depth understanding of the strategic goals and outcomes necessary to accomplish success and growth. This creates a wonderful partnership and a perfect example of the benefits of AMCs and what they do best.
Ticket to Change
There are common factors that often drive associations to consider an AMC move – some of which include, start up and aggressive growth plans, stagnation of staff or programs, turnover at the top, mushrooming human resource issues, and stressed member services.
All of these challenges leave staff and/or volunteers with little time to devote to the big picture, resulting in everything from weak strategic initiatives to outdated Web sites.
Shrinking resources or declining financial health and challenges finding or affording top executive talent though, are the two strong indicators that leaders should consider a new management model.
Authentic Management & Consulting Services
American Society of Association Executives- Diversity Executive Leadership Program, 2008-09 Fellowship Class
Authentic Management & Consulting Services is an AMC company specializing in professional and non-profit organizations. The principal, Pamala Silas has been an Association Executive for over 25 years working with a wide variety of community driven initiatives and membership organizations. After years of success in leading non-profit organizations, Pamala made the decision to form this AMC as a way to help small non-profits access the expertise they have struggled to find with limited budgets and membership base. Pam states,
“It has been a rewarding experience to watch community leaders from many different disciplines have profound impact on their respective communities. Witnessing that success, seeing more and more leaders reach their educational goals and then making a difference in their family, community and the world is inspiring and rewarding to me. Often their success has been supported by their community organizations, whether it be science, business, law, or other non-profits have blazed a path and provided the critical support to ensure educational and career success for thousands of people. All too often associations experience drastic highs and lows as they struggle for sustainable resources and the executive leadership with the skill sets and experience that match the business of running successfully. I believe bringing a new AMC into service, specializing in associations and non-profits would have profound impact in stabilizing these important organizations and make them even more powerful for their membership. The AMC model would bring an efficiency and cost savings, leveraging expertise and technology tools at levels unaffordable on their own.”
Click here to read more about Pamala’s background and experience.
