The New Frontier of Member Engagement and Recognition

Netforum’s “Association Trends Study 2024” presents several key findings that shed light on the priorities and challenges associations are facing and priorities over the next 12 months. For example, 90% of associations have made events, such as recognition awards a key priority over the next 12 months, reflecting the need to engage and retain members. The report also highlights that 76% of associations see enhancing member engagement as a top priority, while 63% are focused on improving operational efficiency.

Additionally, 66% of associations cite data privacy and security as a growing concern, and 62% of associations are eager to leverage data insights for better decision-making. The survey also reveals that many association professionals feel average or lacking in their adoption of technology, which affects their ability to manage programs like member recognition awards, scholarships, grants, abstracts, fellowships, and board nominations effectively.

The Opportunity for associations to leverage Reviewr to Address These Key Findings

Given the trends outlined in Netforum’s study, Reviewr is uniquely positioned to support associations alongside industry leaders such as Netforum in overcoming these challenges. By adopting Reviewr’s dedicated software for recognition awards, scholarships, grants, board nominations, conference abstract/speakers, and more,, associations can address the pressing concerns highlighted in the survey.

1. Enhancement of the Member Experience

With 76% of associations making member engagement a priority, it’s clear that delivering meaningful experiences is essential. Recognition awards provide a valuable way to celebrate member achievements, and Reviewr enhances this experience by offering interactive nomination workflows, member celebration, and fair, non-bias, selections. By leveraging these features, associations can create a more engaging and rewarding experience for their members, which strengthens retention and loyalty.

2. Improving Business Operational Efficiencies

Administrative burdens are a key concern, with 63% of associations focused on improving operational efficiency. Reviewr’s automation capabilities help streamline awards management, from nomination collection to the review process. This reduces the manual workload, allowing staff to focus on higher-level strategic initiatives. Additionally, potential integration with Netforum ensures that member data is centralized and consistent, improving operational flow and reducing redundant tasks.

3. Attracting and Retaining Members

Recognition awards are a powerful tool for attracting and retaining members. The ability to acknowledge and celebrate achievements fosters member satisfaction, leading to higher retention rates. By offering fair and transparent awards programs through Reviewr, associations can attract new members who value the opportunity to be recognized by their peers and the organization.

4. Growing Non-Member Revenue Through Paid Award Submissions

As associations look to diversify their revenue streams, paid award submissions offer a unique opportunity. Reviewr’s platform makes it easy to collect and manage submissions while integrating payment processes seamlessly. This allows associations to grow non-member revenue while maintaining the integrity of their recognition programs.

5. Improving Efficiencies Through Automation

Reviewr’s automation tools reduce the burden of manual tasks like managing nominations, communicating with reviewers, and tracking submissions. This helps associations run large-scale awards programs with fewer resources, which is crucial for organizations seeking to improve efficiency. 63% of associations are looking for ways to streamline operations, and Reviewr offers a proven solution.

6. Ensuring Data Privacy and Security (Reviewr SOC Compliance)

Data privacy is a top concern for 66% of associations, and Reviewr’s SOC 2 compliance ensures that sensitive member information is securely handled. From document submissions to reviewer communications, Reviewr safeguards all interactions, offering peace of mind for both members and administrators. Outside of industry standard data security and privacy controls, Reviewr has dedicated workflows to protect associations and enhance member experiences through fair, non-bias, and compliant selection processes such as the redaction of personal identifying information, quantitative selection/scoring, randomization of submission to evaluator pairings, and normalization of personal judging tendencies. 

7. Delivering Business Intelligence and Analytics

Reviewr provides robust reporting and analytics, enabling associations to track submission trends, evaluate reviewer performance, and assess the overall success of their awards programs. 62% of associations want to leverage data more effectively, and Reviewr’s business intelligence tools offer actionable insights that allow associations to make data-driven decisions and continuously improve their recognition programs.

8. Leveraging AI with Reviewr’s “Sidekick” Tool

According to Netforum’s “State of Association Trends Study 2024,” 45% of associations see AI as a growing priority, with many organizations looking to incorporate AI tools to streamline operations and enhance their programs. As associations adopt AI-driven solutions, ensuring the integrity and originality of content submitted for awards, scholarships, and other programs becomes essential. Reviewr’s “Sidekick” AI tool addresses this need by helping associations detect AI-generated content and identify plagiarized material in submissions.

Netforum’s survey reveals that that associations are exploring or concerned about how to implement AI-driven tools effectively. Many professionals feel underprepared in terms of technology adoption, yet they recognize the importance of integrating AI to keep up with evolving member expectations and industry trends. By adopting Reviewr’s “Sidekick” AI tool, associations can take a meaningful step toward leveraging AI to safeguard the integrity of their programs and enhance operational efficiencies.

With the rise of AI-powered content generation, it’s critical for associations to protect the fairness and transparency of their programs. “Sidekick” allows associations to ensure that submissions reflect authentic, original work while streamlining the review process.

9. Satisfying Association Employee Needs with Award Management Software

Many association professionals feel that their technology adoption is average or below average, which can hinder their ability to run complex programs like awards. Reviewr provides a dedicated platform that simplifies awards management, empowering staff to handle all aspects of the program efficiently. By using Reviewr, associations can give their employees the tools they need to succeed, resulting in better program outcomes and improved job satisfaction.

Tying in Other Use Cases for Reviewr for Associations

In addition to recognition awards, Reviewr is a versatile platform that can support other key initiatives for associations. These include:

1. Conference Calls for Abstracts and Speakers: Reviewr automates the submission, review, and selection process for conference abstracts and speakers, reducing manual work and improving the quality of conference content.
2. Leadership Academy Programs: Reviewr’s tools help manage leadership program applications, evaluations, and progress tracking, ensuring associations can cultivate future leaders effectively.
3. Scholarships, Grants, and Fellowships: Managing scholarship and grant applications is simplified with Reviewr’s centralized platform, automating document collection, compliance checks, and reviewer feedback.
4. Board Nominations: Reviewr ensures fairness and transparency in the board nomination process, automating nominations and voting while providing a secure and compliant environment.

Across all these use cases, Reviewr delivers the same operational efficiencies, security, and data insights that associations need to thrive in an increasingly complex environment. Whether managing awards, scholarships, or leadership programs, Reviewr helps associations modernize their processes, attract and retain members, and grow non-member revenue—all while providing the tools needed for long-term success.

The Positive Impact on Associations Across Programs

By implementing Reviewr across multiple use cases, associations can experience the following benefits:

• Enhanced Member Experience: Reviewr helps associations create engaging, tech-driven programs that appeal to members and increase retention.
• Improved Operational Efficiency: Automation reduces the manual workload, freeing up staff to focus on strategic initiatives.
• Revenue Growth: Paid submissions for awards offer a new, non dues, revenue stream for associations.
• Attraction and Retention of Younger Members: Reviewr’s modern, tech-friendly platform appeals to younger members, helping associations attract a new generation of leaders. Programs such as new member of the year or 30 under 30 awards can also be deployed directly to that demographic of member.
• Improved Data Security: Reviewr’s SOC 2 compliance ensures that sensitive data is handled securely across all programs.
• Actionable Data Insights: Reviewr’s reporting tools provide associations with the data they need to refine their programs and make informed decisions.

Netforum’s “Association Trends Study 2024” highlights the critical need for associations to adopt modern technology solutions for key initiatives like recognition awards, scholarships, and leadership programs. Reviewr offers a dedicated platform that helps associations overcome challenges in technology adoption, member engagement, operational efficiency, and data security. By leveraging Reviewr across multiple use cases, associations can ensure their programs are successful, scalable, and aligned with the strategic goals outlined in the Netforum study, ensuring long-term success and sustainability.