The AMC Model
Considerations when partnering with an AMC
Q. Can AMCs adapt to our organization’s culture? Will we lose the “personal touch” that members appreciate?
Your AMC staff functions very much like a staff that is directly employed. Staff specialists learn about your organization and issues. They care about your mission and members. And they come to work every day hoping to contribute and make a difference. AMCs are in the business of building your business.
Q. How long before an AMC can be effective for my organization?
The AMC model is built on the concept of experienced staff, proven practices and shared resources. Because AMCs have experience working with multiple associations and nonprofits, their experience and knowledge base are broad and substantial. An AMC’s staff specialists bring that experience to your organization’s programs, meetings, publications and general operation from day one.
Q. Will my association be able to maintain its identity after partnering with an AMC? Will members of my organization notice a difference?
Transitioning an organization’s operations to an AMC, or transitioning a project like an annual meeting, is a critical component in the long-term success of your partnership with the AMC. AMCs are experts in developing and managing such transitions. The transition strategy and implementation will be developed with guidance from association leaders to strike the right notes with volunteers, members and staff members to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
Q. How can the AMC model fit into our existing business model? Is it one size fits all?
To capitalize on time and energy, AMCs provide associations and nonprofits with the expertise they need, when they need it. AMCs customize client services, assigning staff specialists as needed to carry out specific goals. Each association pays only for the services rendered, finding more value in concentrated, professional expertise. There are large and small AMCs to meet your organization’s needs, as well as AMCs that specialize in a particular industry or field.
Q. What kind of specialists will we have access to?
AMCs offer the complete range of services required by today’s nonprofits. Some AMCs have all of the services in-house, while some work with outside specialists to deliver some programs. Services available typically include all aspects of executive and strategic management, administration, membership, education, accreditation, meeting and convention management, finance, marketing, communications, standards, research, government relations, information systems, web services, mail room and reception.
Q. Can we change the scope of work with an AMC, if and when our needs change?
As your programs' size or scope increase, additional staff and/or new specialists can be added to your team to provide the additional services to meet those needs.
Q. How can shared resources across AMCs benefit my association?
AMCs provide cost-effective solutions to staffing, equipment, facilities, budget considerations and more. Overhead costs are shared across each AMC’s clients, providing access to better facilities, technology, training and resources than an organization could afford on its own. Your association can “plug in” immediately to the newest and most efficient software and hardware available, instantly boosting the level of service you provide to your members. No need to worry about upgrades, training or maintenance.
In addition, associations and nonprofits managed by AMCs are able to leverage extensive buying power when it comes to meeting planning, marketing and communications, creative services and technology, among others. By working with vendors suppliers on a regular basis, and negotiating contracts on behalf of multiple associations, AMCs realize savings which are then passed along to you.
Q. Beyond shared resources, do AMCs share ideas and solutions among the associations they manage?
Sharing ideas and experiences is one of the great benefits of working with an AMC. Because they work with multiple clients, AMCs can develop best practices and standards based on the collected experience of their staff members and clients. That leaves more time for staff and volunteer leaders to develop custom programs and solutions for your organization that are based on what really works.
Q. How can partnering with an AMC benefit my board?
Association boards are best utilized when they are making strategic management and policy decisions related to their field and scope of practice. HR is a headache; the issues of employment compensation, benefits, withholding tax, continuing education, hiring and firing drain valuable time and energy from the board. By outsourcing functional areas to AMCs, board members and executives are freed up to concentrate on strategic initiatives.