Membership dues have long been the foundation of association revenue, but that model is shifting. As dues make up a smaller share of the overall picture, associations must rethink how they generate income and deliver value.

In this episode, Christine sits down with Sheree Anne Kelly, CEO of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, which represents more than 10,000 chamber professionals worldwide. Sheree Anne has a front-row view of how associations are adapting to these changes and where new opportunities are emerging. 

They discuss innovative approaches to non-dues revenue, including freemium models, fee-for-service programs, and concierge-style offerings. If you want to future-proof your association’s revenue, or learn about innovative revenue ideas, this conversation is full of practical insight you can apply right away. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why membership dues are declining as a percentage of revenue.
• How freemium membership models work and when to use them.
• Real-world examples of associations driving rapid membership growth.
• Alternative revenue strategies, including fee-for-service and concierge-style offerings.
• What it takes to build resilience in today’s evolving association landscape.

About Our Guest: 

Sheree Anne Kelly is the CEO of the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. Under her leadership, ACCE has expanded services, grown membership, launched new research and thought leadership, and built strategic partnerships across the industry. She previously spent 16 years at the Public Affairs Council as a senior leader and brings additional experience from roles at the National Association of Home Builders and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, giving her a broad perspective on advocacy, membership, and organizational growth.

Resources:

Read Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Dr. Travis Bradberry and Dr. Jean Greaves.

Explore more on unlocking non-dues revenue. 

Learn more:

Visit: AssociationAdviser.com

LinkedIn: @naylorassociationsolutions

Connect with Sheree Anne Kelly & ACCE:

LinkedIn: @ShereeAnneKelly & @ACCE

Facebook: @ACCE

Visit: https://www.acce.org/

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