Summit of Stewards Membership Call Recording - May 2026-Recording of live conversation

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The transcript captures a NACE membership best-practices Zoom call with leaders from chapters across the country. After introductions, Melissa from the new Central Coast chapter asks for advice on boosting membership and re-engaging herself after an initial growth surge.  <br /><br />Several strategies are shared: divide prospect lists among all board or chapter members, schedule quarterly or monthly check-in calls, send post-event surveys, and assign board members to welcome first-time attendees so they feel a sense of belonging. Linwood emphasizes that membership is everyone’s responsibility, not just the membership chair’s. He also explains that lapsed members should be encouraged to renew before expiration to preserve tenure, and he offers to share email templates and tools.  <br /><br />For smaller markets, speakers suggest one-on-one coffee or lunch conversations, asking prospects about their professional goals, and using business referrals and sponsorships as leverage. Members also discuss offering member-only sponsor benefits, pricing differences between member and non-member attendance, and involving bosses or company decision-makers in special events to demonstrate value.  <br /><br />The group shares creative engagement ideas too, including themed membership drives, “mosh pit” calling events, passport-style cross-association networking events, sustainability-focused programming, and educational sessions that attract planners and vendors. The call ends with a reminder that national staff and chapter leaders are available to help with templates, outreach, and retention ideas.

Keywords

NACE membership

chapter leaders

member retention

prospect outreach

board engagement

welcome first-time attendees

renewal strategy

networking events

membership best practices