I have five remaining 2008 association industry predictions. Let’s see how I did:
Prediction #6: Associations will really get interested in Facebook. Meanwhile, something like Second Life, but better, will be introduced and there’ll be another land rush among early adopters.
Uh, yep! As discovered in the Association Social Technologies survey, Facebook was the number one social media tool deployed by associations. (Full Association Social Technologies survey results will be out next month, by the way) The only social media activity employed by associations at a higher rate was monitoring the blogosphere. Second Life (SL) gets a bad rap in the association industry, but for good reason. Compared to other social media, there just aren’t enough people using it to justify the expenditure of time and money for most associations. As I’ve said, statistically speaking, you’re far more likely to encounter and potentially engage an association member in World of Warcraft than you are in SL. Still, I believe SL is the sacrificial lamb for whatever comes next. Virtual worlds didn’t become more prevalent this year, but they are certain to do so in the years to come. Playing around in SL now might not earn you quick results, but it could help you know what works and what doesn’t when SL’s more mainstream successor comes along.
Prediction #7: People will be saying “As good as Nashville” in the San Diego Convention Center during ASAE & The Center’s 2008 Annual Meeting (that would be a compliment, for readers who didn’t attend 2005’s Annual Meeting).
Yeah, I think ASAE pulled it off. I wrote an epic review. The thing that sticks out in my mind as confirmation of this is the very last post to our interactive mobile backchannel from J-Nott. It read, “best. annual meeting. ever. you know who you are.”
Prediction #8: The backchannel will be back and better than ever.
Well, duh. It was both back and better. And of course, there would be no Fogdirog if it hadn’t have been for the backchannel.
Prediction #9: There will be another Association Social Media Unconference or perhaps a Blog Camp for association folk.
I’m quite surprised this didn’t come together. I know Jeff De Cagna had the best of intentions for holding another one, but it just didn’t happen. Maybe there is too much social media education already out there. Maybe there aren’t enough people who feel comfortable enough to fully participate in a learner-led program. I participated in three peer-to-peer Unconference/Camp type events this year (organized two of the three) and they really are amazing events. Hopefully someone will pick up the baton and run with it.
Prediction #10: There will still be no movement on an EMSAL.
I wish I had been wrong on this one. This is really unfortunate. Every year I learn of another two or three seasoned trade association or professional society execs who enroll in Masters in Public Administration programs with a concentration in nonprofit management. But nonprofit management tends to focus on community and charitable organizations. There is obviously a niche market for this kind of education. It’s a blue ocean strategy. An EMSAL would do a world of good to increase the stature and professionalism of our industry.
That’s my take on 2008 in the association industry. Anything happen this year that surprised you?
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Bravo, Ben! Thanks for circling around to review your predictions for 2008. I think it’s fair to say that when it comes to social media there can be too much of a good thing. With the rapid rise of so many platforms, it’s not surprising that Associations have migrated to Facebook—especially given the demands of keeping social media current and up to date. Perhaps this is the “real” member engagement mechanism (or user contribution systems, if you prefer) associations have been seeking. I was surprised to see TXTmob pull up stakes in the SMS arena, but given the proliferation of other technologies perhaps it was due. Now onto 2009! Keep up the good work.
What does it mean to “fully participate” in a learner-led program?
@David: To both teach and be taught.