This post is authored by Mark Engle, DM, FASAE, Principal at Association Management Center and Chair of the AMC Institute's Board of Directors for 2022.

Happy New Year!

Are you ready for the New Year? I’m certainly ready (as many of you are) to retire the old one. The encouraging news is, as entrepreneurs, we typically anticipate and respond well to change.

In the past few months, associations have found it challenging or impossible to hold in-person strategic planning sessions due to global pandemic restrictions. However, strategic planning sessions are essential for organizations to chart their paths forward, and alternative approaches must be explored.

Typically, strategic planning sessions require an in-person format and last 1 ½ - 2 days.  This year the pandemic has impacted travel, participation numbers, and engagement spacing.  A virtual format is the most viable alternative given existing constraints.