Savannah hosted a compelling and future-forward event for this year’s—AMCs Engaged, July 20-21. Attendees enjoyed digging into the top opportunities and complexities shaping association management today – particularly in the AMC space. Hot topics included AI, scaling, talent pipelines and legal safeguards. The event blended future-ready foresight and practical tips that attendees can put into action right away.

Here are the five themes that defined the conversation for me:

1. AI Integration with Strategic Intent

 

Nearly all attendees indicated they’re experimenting with AI with a broad spectrum reported on how firmly they are embracing AI tools. AI applications from website automation and industry research to personal coaching tools and staffing analysis. AI is not limited to automation, but has potential for differentiation while ensuring data integrity and offering flexibility for client-specific customization.

2. Smart Scaling and Growth Readiness

Michael Silverman, Smithbucklin, Hugh Webster, Webster, Chamberlain & Bean

In a panel led by AMCI veterans, the message was clear: growth must be designed, not improvised. Whether scaling talent or service lines, AMCs were encouraged to build systems that support vision-driven expansion, reduce burnout, and keep margin a priority, even in periods of investment.

3. Talent Strategy as a Growth Lever

Beth Knight, CAE, MCI USA 

Sessions on executive search, mentorship, and team adaptability underscored how the people side of the business and importance of fostering enduring client relationships. Experiences were shared about growing the team, using data and metrics to assess client relationships and considering fractional roles and leadership development programs to meet evolving client needs.

4. AI-Driven Marketing and Insightful Storytelling

Greg Pollack, Vice President of Sales Enablement and Engineering, Higher Logic

In an era of content saturation, meaningful storytelling matters. Presenters in one session shared how AMCI serves as an example of how to convert audience/member pain points into marketing wins via targeted ads, compelling case studies, and lead-generating downloads.

5. Governance, Legal Resilience, and Operational Excellence

Jim Zaniello, President, Vetted Solutions; Sarah Timm, CAE, CMP-HC, President/CEO, Parthenon Management Group; Bennett Napier, President/CEO, Partners in Association Management; Jeanne Sheehy, CMO, Bostrom 

From indemnification clauses to portfolio risk assessments, operations leaders highlighted the critical components for AMC contracts. With client and staff expectations rising, the need for clarity, compliance, and communication is paramount, especially around emerging AI tools and employment law.

In short, AMCI 2025 Engaged didn’t just provide ideas. It gave AMCs a roadmap for resilience, relevance, and results as business continues to be anything but “the usual.”

Feature provided by Paul Hanscom, CEA, MA, Chief Growth Officer, Ewald Consulting

Paul Hanscom, CEA, MA, Chief Growth Officer, Ewald Consulting