For many associations, the annual conference or flagship event is the centrepiece of the calendar. It’s where members come together, key updates are shared, and real value is delivered.
But outside of those moments, there’s often a gap. And that gap is becoming harder to ignore.
The challenge: engagement doesn’t stop after the event
Members today expect more than one or two touchpoints per year. They want:
• Regular updates
• Ongoing education
• Access to insights when it suits them
• A sense of connection to their industry or community
Relying solely on large, in-person events makes it difficult to maintain that level of engagement — especially as expectations continue to shift.
What we’re seeing across associations
More associations are starting to rethink how they stay connected with their members. Instead of focusing everything on one major event, they’re building ongoing engagement throughout the year. This often includes:
• Regular webinar series
• Panel discussions or industry updates
• Hybrid delivery for key announcements
• On-demand content libraries
Not as a replacement for in-person events — but as a way to extend their impact.
Where things can become challenging
While the idea makes sense, execution is where many teams run into issues. Most associations are working with:
• Lean internal teams
• Limited time to plan and deliver events
• Pressure to get important sessions right
• Increasing expectations from members
Some of the common challenges we hear include:
• “We want to do more, but don’t have the capacity”
• “Each webinar feels like starting from scratch”
• “There’s always some level of technical stress”
• “We’re not getting enough value out of the content afterwards”
A more sustainable approach
The associations that are doing this well aren’t necessarily doing more — they’re doing it more consistently and more strategically. A few simple shifts can make a big difference:
• Creating a regular cadence (e.g. monthly or quarterly sessions)
• Using a consistent format (so each event becomes easier to deliver)
• Reducing technical complexity (so internal teams aren’t carrying the load)
• Repurposing content (turning one session into multiple touchpoints)
Over time, this builds into something much more valuable than a single event.
It’s not about doing more events
It’s about making each event work harder. When done well, a single webinar or hybrid session can:
• Reach members who can’t attend in person
• Create content that lives beyond the live event
• Reinforce your association’s role as a trusted source of insight
• Keep members engaged between major milestones
Where to start
You don’t need a full program straight away. For many associations, it starts with:
• One additional session between major events
• Testing a simple webinar format
• Exploring how content can be reused
From there, it becomes easier to build consistency.
Final thought
Associations don’t need to replace their flagship events. But in a world where expectations are shifting, those events alone are no longer enough to stay connected.
A more consistent, thoughtful approach to engagement can make a significant difference — both for members and for the association itself.
Thinking about how to better engage your members?
Whether you’re running one major event a year or looking to build a more consistent program, a small shift can make a big difference. At
Loghic Events, we work with associations to:
• Deliver reliable webinars and hybrid events
• Reduce the pressure on internal teams
• Create more value from each session
If you’re exploring how webinars or hybrid delivery could fit into your approach, we’re always happy to share what’s working across other associations. It’s just Loghical.
FAQs
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How are associations using webinars to improve member engagement?
Many associations are using webinars to stay connected with members between major events. Regular association webinars provide ongoing education, industry updates, and accessible touchpoints that help maintain strong member engagement throughout the year.
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How often should associations run webinars?
There’s no fixed rule. Some associations run monthly webinar programs, while others deliver quarterly sessions alongside key events. The most effective approach is building a consistent rhythm that supports member engagement without overloading internal teams.
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Are webinars replacing in-person events for associations?
No — webinars are not a replacement for in-person events. Most associations use webinars and hybrid formats to complement their conferences, helping extend reach and keep members engaged between face-to-face events.
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What are the benefits of hybrid events for associations?
Hybrid events allow associations to reach both in-person and remote audiences at the same time. This increases accessibility, improves attendance, and ensures important updates or announcements can be delivered more widely and reliably.
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How can associations get more value from their webinar content?
Association webinars can be repurposed into on-demand recordings, short video clips, and member resources. This helps extend the life of each event and creates ongoing value beyond the live session.
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Do association webinars require a lot of internal resources?
Running association webinars can be time-consuming without the right setup. Many associations look for ways to simplify delivery, reduce technical complexity, and create repeatable formats that minimise internal effort.
