2026 State of Member Experience report

AI isn't making associations irrelevant, it's making them irreplaceable. The 2026 State of Member Experience report reveals a pivotal shift: as AI commoditizes information, members are becoming more intentional about where they invest their time, attention, and trust. The data shows that human relationships, peer community, and credentialed expertise remain irreplaceable—but only for associations that build the technology infrastructure to deliver them. Discover what this year's findings mean for the future of member trust, and how forward-looking associations are turning expertise into trusted knowledge, digital experiences into personalized pathways, and community into lasting value.

Journey by Forj Virtual Tour

Take a self-guided tour on your own schedule of Journey by Forj: the only LMS + online community with built-in intelligence.

What Your Members Wish You Knew: Rethinking Tech to Build Trust, Spark Belonging, and Drive Growth

Your tech stack is telling your members a story—is it the right one?

Discover why seamless digital experiences are now table stakes for associations, and how misaligned technology undermines trust, creates friction, and limits growth. This practical guide reveals what members really want from your platforms, introduces the Experience-First Framework to transform your tech ecosystem, and provides actionable steps to reduce friction—even without a complete overhaul.

2025 State of Member Experience Report

Each year Forj surveys over 1,000 association members to develop a comprehensive understanding of member engagement and satisfaction trends to provide you with actionable intelligence and insights. 

Inside this report, you’ll find:

• Evidence of meaningful gains in member satisfaction, engagement, and content consumption
• Insight into how member expectations are shifting, especially around accessibility, personalization, and continuing education
• Actionable recommendations to help you maintain the momentum and continue to elevate the member experience
  
  

ecoAmerica Case Study

Uniting Learning and Community for Scalable Climate Action

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
ecoAmerica is scaling climate action from the ground up through its Climate Ambassador Program. When fragmented tools began limiting their impact, ecoAmerica partnered with Forj to unite learning and community on one seamless platform. The result? Frictionless ambassador onboarding, real-time collaboration, and powerful data insights that strengthen content, prove impact, and impress funders.

Bridging the Gap: Aligning Association Professionals and Members for Success

This report highlights the growing gap between what associations think members want and what members actually prioritise—especially around career development, flexible learning, technology adoption, and event expectations. It shows how these misalignments directly affect recruitment, retention, and revenue, and offers strategies for associations to realign and strengthen member value.

The Role of AI Operations (AI Ops): Charting a Path for the AI Revolution in Associations

Given the rapid evolution of AI, dedicating a person to staying abreast of AI developments is crucial to prevent it from becoming a distraction. The AI Ops role extends beyond technical implementation, fostering a  Through their work, the AI Ops specialist enables associations to utilize AI effectively, showcasing measurable results and achievements and ensuring a bright AI-driven future.

Leveraging the Power of AI

Watch this video to see how associations are leveraging AI

What Different Membership Tiers To Consider

Here is an extensive list of different membership tier terminologies in a structured table format.

The Social CEO Index Report

Members want to know that their organisation has real purpose, is making a real difference and delivering great value. Membership organisations want to be seen to be leading the conversations on the topics that matter most to their industry and their members.

At the heart of these organisations sits the Chief Executive. It is easier than ever to create content in an instant, meaning there is an abundance of content online and an increasing challenge to stand out and get the attention of our target audience. Add to this the declining trust in logos and increasing trust in people, it is more important than ever for employees and CEOs to represent their brands.

Algarve MICE Destination

The Algarve is an excellent destination for congresses, meetings, incentives, and product launches. Offering the perfect balance between work and relaxation, the Algarve has a wonderful mild climate with more than 300 days of sun a year and a variety of hotels, conference facilities and venues, as well DMCs and PCOs, leisure activities suppliers and golf courses, restaurants, and many other services with modern technical resources and qualified and creative staff that can meet all the requirements to host a successful event.

Membership Metrics Checklist

Over 37 different member metrics you can score plus membership engagement forumulas.

Membership Application Blueprint

Membership Application Form Blueprint

1. Applicant Information (Individual or Company)
2. Contact Details
3. Business Information (for Companies)
4. Membership Fee Calculation
5. Reason for Joining & Referral Source
6. Membership Agreement & Terms
7. Optional Add-Ons & Engagement

Introduction To Bristol & Bath

Located in the Southwest of England, Bristol and Bath are linked by the River Avon and are only an 11-minute train journey apart. The two cities lie in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, an area rich in history and culture, fast becoming a hub for growing businesses and innovation. Both cities have their own distinctive feel yet perfectly complement each other and with Bristol Airport close by and faster train links to London, the region is now a major gateway, with easy access from the rest of the UK and the world.

Home to Banksy’s world-class street art and with the accolades of ‘World’s best culinary destination’ and UNESCO City of Film, Bristol is renowned for its vibrant arts and culture scene.

How to use idloom for your Events

Create a community of members in which they can securely share content, collaborate on projects, and interact without boundaries.

Set up groups where members can share and work on documents, communicate with each other and with you, publish information, share articles and media, organize video conferences and events… all within one personalized platform.

Welcome to the new era of community platforms.

9 Reasons Why It’s Worth Investing in an Event Management Software

Event management has evolved significantly over the years, with the advent of technology revolutionizing how events are planned and executed. According to Statista, the global event industry had an estimated worth of around $890 billion. By 2028, this value is projected to exceed $2 trillion, indicating significant potential for substantial growth in the industry.]

Event planners seeking to elevate their event management game can find immense value investing in event management tools. This powerful tool offers many benefits that can significantly impact the success of your events.