1. Jeffers Miruka African Association of Agricultural Economists : jmiruka@aaae-africa.org : @jnyagiro: jeffersn : jeffers.nyagiro : @jnyagiro: jeffersn : jeffers.nyagiro

2. The world we live in is made of associations, right from our familiesThe world we live in is made of associations, right from our families Associations have a multitude of names… they are all associations.Associations have a multitude of names… organizations, federations, alliances, institutes, guilds, societies, foundations, clubs, congresses, coalitions, centers, networks, unions, chambers, bureaus, fraternities, sororities… they are all associations.

3. For almost every association in existence today, there was a beginning when a group of people bonded together for a common purpose and declared, "We need our own grouping."For almost every association in existence today, there was a beginning when a group of people bonded together for a common purpose and declared, "We need our own grouping." An urgency or need prompts people to work together to pursue certain goals and interests.An urgency or need prompts people to work together to pursue certain goals and interests.

4. For your group, it might have been an industry crisis, a need to certify members of a new profession, or the desire to split away from a parent organization.For your group, it might have been an industry crisis, a need to certify members of a new profession, or the desire to split away from a parent organization. According to the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), there are simply lots of associations around the world and the number keeps growingAccording to the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), there are simply lots of associations around the world and the number keeps growing

5. Americans are forming more than 1,000 new associations and clubs each yearAmericans are forming more than 1,000 new associations and clubs each year Whatever the motivation, the decisions you make during the start-up will have a profound impact on the success, effectiveness and longevity of your associationWhatever the motivation, the decisions you make during the start-up will have a profound impact on the success, effectiveness and longevity of your association

6. An association is a group of persons banded together for a specific purpose, having common opinions and organized for a certain end.An association is a group of persons banded together for a specific purpose, having common opinions and organized for a certain end. These groups of people find strength in numbers while sharing common interests in industries, professions, charities, hobbies, philanthropic actions, etcThese groups of people find strength in numbers while sharing common interests in industries, professions, charities, hobbies, philanthropic actions, etc

7. A common thread of interestA common thread of interest Safety in bondingSafety in bonding Safety in numbersSafety in numbers Find a sense of togethernessFind a sense of togetherness

8. We voluntarily join associations because we want to work together on a common cause or interest.We voluntarily join associations because we want to work together on a common cause or interest. Political, trade, religious, profession, cultural & aesthetic, philanthropic are examples of associations which are in existence todayPolitical, trade, religious, profession, cultural & aesthetic, philanthropic are examples of associations which are in existence today

10. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention

11. National Association for Self-Esteem

12. Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement

14. Association for Crime Scene Reconstruction

15. National Association of Professional Pet Sitters

16. There are probably hundreds of thousands of associations in Africa. Kenya alone has over 20K registered associations A few are active associations, while majority are dormant.

17. Legally, associations cannot exist in a vacuum, each country, has laws governing such groups At the end of every financial year, associations file returns. So, if all associations must adhere to the law, what’s the problem with our associations?

18. This begs the following questions; 1. What happens to our associations once registered? 2. What are the objectives of our associations if they cannot live up to their purpose? 3. What role do elected officials play? 4. Do our governments know the importance of associations in economic growth?

19. The answer to these questions is simple; “African associations must wake up and live to their purpose and objectives and help in economic empowerment of our continent”

20. In 1830, French statesman and author Alexis-Charles-Henri de Tocqueville toured America and remarked that “the new nation seemed to be succeeding so well at democracy because Americans of all ages, all stations of life, and all types of disposition were forming associations”. This trend toward community coordination has shaped and advanced America since its birth and has historically set USA apart from many other nations on earth.

21. Until we in Africa realises the significance of associations like America did in the 19 th Century… we still have a long way to go and that should be our WAKE UP CALL!

22. This year, ICCA released a reportThis year, ICCA released a report on meetings worldwide between 2004-2013, based on the ICCA Association Database

23. Number of Meetings Worldwide based on ICCA Association Database Continent / Year2004200520062007200820092010201120122013TOTALS Africa 202 266 250 297 364 418 389 385 344 375 3,290 Asia/Middle East 1,275 1,352 1,594 1,783 1,922 2,022 2,200 2,123 2,240 2,179 18,690 Europe 4,124 4,381 4,757 5,166 5,578 5,891 6,265 6,598 6,627 6,313 55,700 Latin America 638 723 812 911 997 1,113 1,161 1,241 1,294 1,243 10,133 North America 1,036 1,075 1,107 1,211 1,336 1,351 1,404 1,448 1,398 1,291 12,657 TOTALS 7,275 7,797 8,520 9,368 10,197 10,795 11,419 11,795 11,903 11,401 100,470

24. Key 2004 2005 20072008 20092010 2011 2012 2013 Worldwide Number of Meetings Based on ICCA Association Database YEAR Number of Meetings

25. RegionPercentage % Africa3 Asia/Middle East19 Europe55 Latin America10 North America13 Market share per region by number of meetings.

26. 2013: Africa Country Destinations CountryWorld RankingAfrica RankMeetings South Africa341118 Kenya55238 Morocco61330 Tunisia71418 Egypt & Ghana74517

27. 2013: Africa City Destinations CityWorld RankingAfrica RankMeetings Cape Town52145 Durban97225 Nairobi99324 Jo’burg & Marrakech 136418 Accra148517

29. MembershipMembership Dues PaymentDues Payment Our business modelsOur business models FundingFunding Capacity building

30. SustainabilitySustainability ManagementManagement PartnershipsPartnerships Investing in R&D to help create effective strategiesInvesting in R&D to help create effective strategies

31. Demographic shift - Traditionalists prior to 1946, Baby Boomers (1946-1964), Gen. X (1965-1979), Gen. Y/Millenials (1980-2000), Post Millennial (2001-present)Demographic shift - Traditionalists prior to 1946, Baby Boomers (1946-1964), Gen. X (1965-1979), Gen. Y/Millenials (1980-2000), Post Millennial (2001-present) Technology advancement – Internet, Social mediaTechnology advancement – Internet, Social media

32. Economic DynamicsEconomic Dynamics - -A paradigm shift in economic policies - -Over reliance on supposed growth measures - -Deficit budget burdens on most world economies - -Mixed government controlled emerging markets

34. Can be said to be akin to –A volunteer job –A business arrangement –A marriage

35. How Effectively do you demonstrate value to members? Your members are looking for benefits that add value to their businesses and lives, not merely a basket of products and services. Your members are looking for Value On Investment

36. They also want experiences that give them a sense of belonging without leaving them feeling like they've had to earn the privilege. Your association value statement needs to concisely express the reason why membership is not only important, but necessary. It needs to address why prospective members should join and existing members renew.

37. When done properly, it helps your association become a natural choice, stand out from competition and win over prospective members Communicating the real value of membership to aspiring members helps your association demonstrate and deliver a compelling membership VOI proposition.

38. TransparencyTransparency PermanencyPermanency HonestyHonesty LoyaltyLoyalty

39. The most successful member benefits solve a problem or deliver a positive experience or emotion. Regularly survey members to monitor those changing needs. Nothing can replace the open, honest feedback you receive from members.

40. Non-dues revenue, is any revenue generated by an association from a source other than membership fees.Non-dues revenue, is any revenue generated by an association from a source other than membership fees. Non-dues revenue activities encompass services, ranging from training, accreditation, group buying programs etcNon-dues revenue activities encompass services, ranging from training, accreditation, group buying programs etc

41. A common myth is that non-dues revenue is just about increasing revenue and diversifying income sources.A common myth is that non-dues revenue is just about increasing revenue and diversifying income sources. However, successful non-dues revenue activities are those that create additional benefits for members.However, successful non-dues revenue activities are those that create additional benefits for members.

42. It’s not just about adding value for the organizations; it’s also about adding value to members.It’s not just about adding value for the organizations; it’s also about adding value to members. Creative association executives should also think about how non-dues revenue can play a role in both member recruitment and retention.Creative association executives should also think about how non-dues revenue can play a role in both member recruitment and retention.

43. As employers, associations require numerous skill sets to effectively serve their members.As employers, associations require numerous skill sets to effectively serve their members. There are career opportunities in traditional fields like finance and accounting, marketing, advertising, communications and public relations, government relations, legal,There are career opportunities in traditional fields like finance and accounting, marketing, advertising, communications and public relations, government relations, legal,

44. information technology, and in industry- specific areas like membership marketing, foundation grant-writing, event planning, and trade show management.information technology, and in industry- specific areas like membership marketing, foundation grant-writing, event planning, and trade show management. Due to breadth and diversity of the profession, there is literally something of interest for everyone.Due to breadth and diversity of the profession, there is literally something of interest for everyone.

45. Corporate memberships safeguards that payments are made within specific times.Corporate memberships safeguards that payments are made within specific times. This ensures that even non-active members will still have their dues by their corporate companies which could be difficult when depended on individual membershipThis ensures that even non-active members will still have their dues by their corporate companies which could be difficult when depended on individual membership

46. Collaborations – work with government of the day to bid for regional conventions where you can generate income thru registrations and other outdoor activities such as excursions and group tours. By that, you also market your association.Collaborations – work with government of the day to bid for regional conventions where you can generate income thru registrations and other outdoor activities such as excursions and group tours. By that, you also market your association.

47. Partnerships – build partnerships for training with other countries to help members to build capacity, to network, and to develop exhibitions.Partnerships – build partnerships for training with other countries to help members to build capacity, to network, and to develop exhibitions.

48. Technology - The potential of our industry is immense and while technology is starting to leverage the incredible opportunities, there is still a long way to go.Technology - The potential of our industry is immense and while technology is starting to leverage the incredible opportunities, there is still a long way to go.

49. Knowledge sharing – since most association membership are professionals in their own right, you can start a consulting wing where required knowledge can be given out at a fee. This will benefit both the members individually and also the associationKnowledge sharing – since most association membership are professionals in their own right, you can start a consulting wing where required knowledge can be given out at a fee. This will benefit both the members individually and also the association

50. Research & Development – Investing in R&D would help associations to understand the changes in membership needs, and what new business models that need to be targeted for the benefit of the association and its membership.Research & Development – Investing in R&D would help associations to understand the changes in membership needs, and what new business models that need to be targeted for the benefit of the association and its membership.

51. Conventions - A study from the Convention Industry Council calculated that the contribution of the meetings industry to the USA economy in 2012 alone, was in the order of $770.4 billion (that is not a spelling mistake).Conventions - A study from the Convention Industry Council calculated that the contribution of the meetings industry to the USA economy in 2012 alone, was in the order of $770.4 billion (that is not a spelling mistake).

52. Total contribution to GDP was $393.8 billion.Total contribution to GDP was $393.8 billion. Meetings activity in 2012 supported approximately 5.3 million jobs and generated $234.6 billion in total labor income.Meetings activity in 2012 supported approximately 5.3 million jobs and generated $234.6 billion in total labor income. More meetings bring more jobsMore meetings bring more jobs