Issue link: http://digital.corporatepress.com/i/255499
10 | january/february 2014 | Facilities Manager executive summary executive summary H appy Anniversary, APPA, as the association enters its centennial year! There are many people and accomplishments we are (and will be) celebrating over these past 100 years. We launched the celebration at the close of the APPA 2013 Conference in Minne- apolis, Minnesota. We will culminate it at the APPA 2014 Conference this coming July 21-23, 2014 in beautiful downtown San Diego, California (online registration goes live on February 1). Celebrating the traditions and rich his- tory of this fine association is one aspect of our focus and attention this year. Yet we remain steely-eyed on the future—the next 100 years—and what that portends. The intent being to reflect on the future of the association given the driving forces, chal- lenges, and radical changes necessary for continued relevance well into the future. A NEW ECONOMIC ORDER Ian Davis, worldwide managing direc- tor for McKinsey & Company, stated: "It is increasingly clear that the current down- turn is fundamentally different from reces- sions of recent decades. We are experiencing not merely another turn of the business cycle, but a restructuring of the economic order." Indeed, a restructuring of the economic order is well upon us as we face "the new normal." A world filled with heightened competition in the face of a convergence of fundamental changes in markets, member engagement preferences, and technology. This is described in greater detail in a couple of books titled Race for Relevance and Road to Relevance. The authors, Harrison Coerver and Mary Byers, respectively, have targeted their research and experience on the nonprofit association marketplace. Their concepts and premise are strategically important to consider by APPA, its Board of Directors, and the membership. IDENTIFY AND CHANGE The authors identify six pressures from market changes and external forces that have created a new landscape for non- profit associations, along with five radical changes for adjusting and modifying structures and delivery systems to ensure relevance and vitality in the future mar- ketplace. The six challenges facing today's associations are: 1. Time Pressures – The traditional association model is too time inten- sive given today's pace of change and competing work life/personal life balance issues. Members are compelled more than ever before to reexamine their time commitments and corresponding engagement in an association's programs, products, and services. 2. Value Expectations – There is a renewed focus on demonstrated value and a clear return on investment of time and money. 3. Member Market Structure – Mem- ber markets are more dynamic and rapidly changing. We must consider our existing market niche and rethink markets in light of those we can competitively serve. We cannot be all things to all people. Associations and "The New Normal" By E. Lander Medlin executive summary