Associations: The OG Influencers & Why They Should Lead the AI Charge

Picture this: It's 1884. The American Institute of Electrical Engineers forms, bringing together the brightest minds to share knowledge and shape a young and growing industry. A small, but influential group, AIEE's early members came together to support electrical professionals in bringing innovative solutions to humanity. Fast-forward 140 years, and that same spirit of collaboration is alive and well—only now, it's not just about electricity. It's about AI, and associations are once again poised to lead the charge.

Associations have always been the tastemakers of their industries. From setting professional standards to delivering cutting-edge research, they shape how entire fields evolve. Whether it's a medical association publishing groundbreaking studies or an engineering society defining best practices, these organizations have been quietly influencing the world long before hashtags and viral trends existed.

But here's the twist: In today's fast-moving digital age, associations aren't just keeping up—they have the opportunity to set the pace. An association may represent hundreds, thousands, or tens of thousands of professionals across an industry - and those professionals look to THEM, the association, as the leader in the field.

So, when it comes to new technology, like AI, it's up to the association to do as it has historically and lead the way by example.

When Associations Lead, Industries Follow

Think about it: If your association starts using AI to deliver faster answers, curate complex research, or personalize member experiences, your members will notice. As your organization becomes more efficient and innovative through AI, your members will experience the value created. And more than that—they'll take those ideas back to their own companies or organizations.

Imagine a medical professional who sees their association using an AI assistant to synthesize research updates. Suddenly, they realize their hospital could benefit from similar tools to keep their teams informed. Or consider an educational association using AI to provide instant access to policy changes—it's not a stretch to see those innovations trickling into school districts across the country.

When associations adopt and model new technologies, they aren't just helping themselves. They're shaping how entire industries work and think. The influence of the association extends beyond the members they touch directly. Those member organizations or individuals continue to pass on the spirit of innovation and the value that these tools provide to the people they interact with every day - the doctors, hospital administrators, teachers, and event patients and parents are the true beneficiaries of AI's value.

By leading the AI charge, associations aren't just setting standards for their industries. They're shaping the experiences of countless individuals who rely on those industries for critical services and innovations.

AI: Your Secret Weapon for Staying Relevant

Let's face it—members expect more these days. They want information now, not after a two-week email chain. They expect digital experiences that are intuitive, fast, and useful. And if they don't get it? They'll find another source that meets their needs. After all, there’s plenty of influencers out there these days...

AI helps associations deliver on member’s growing expectations. With an AI assistant, you can surface decades of archived content in seconds. You can provide 24/7 access to critical information. And you can free up your team to focus on high-impact work rather than answering the same questions on repeat.

In short: AI doesn't just keep you relevant. It keeps you indispensable.

Lead by Example

Here's the fun part—by embracing AI, you get to kill two birds with one stone: You can improve your own operations, while also showing your members what the future looks like. You're modeling how to experiment, how to innovate, and how to lead. And in the process, you’re creating a more efficient organization.

Ao, why not take the next step? Dive into AI. Play with the possibilities. Your members (and the individuals they represent or support) are watching—and they'll follow your lead.

After all, you've been influencing them for over a century. Why stop now?