As we complete the first quarter of 2026, the momentum across AMC Institute reflects a strong, engaged community committed to advancing the association management industry. From new member growth to expanded professional development and global engagement, AMCI continues to make meaningful progress toward its ambitious 50 by 50 Strategic Plan.

Growing Our Community
AMCI is proud to welcome eight new member firms in the first quarter of 2026. They are:

• C2C Association Management Solutions, Jefferson City, MO
• Catalyst Management Solutions, LLC, Arlington, TX
• Kelly Dando Consulting, Dallas, TX
• Knowledge Works Global, Glen Allen, VA
• Momentum Association Management, Madison, WI
• Next Wave Group, Severna Park, MD
• Parrish Technical Administration Services, Fort Collins, CO
• Virtual, Inc., Wakefield, MA

This continued growth underscores the value of the AMC model and the increasing demand for peer-to-peer engagement and knowledge.

Advancing Accreditation & Global Reach
A milestone achievement this quarter includes the addition of AMCI’s first accredited AMC in Australia, Finehaus AMC. This is an important step in expanding the global footprint of accreditation, bringing greater awareness of our valued association management model, and reinforcing the credibility of AMCs worldwide. We were thrilled to welcome Finehaus AMC to their first-ever AMCI annual meeting!

Director and Co-Founders, Nicki Hauser and Connie Finestone at the AMCI Annual Meeting in Spokane, Washington last week by AMCI Chair, Sarah Timm, CAE, CMP-HC, AMCI President & CEO Tina Wehmeir, CMP, CAE and AMCI Senior Director Anita Nelson.

Elevating Professional Development
AMCI’s Professional Advancement initiatives are gaining traction, with focused efforts to:

• Build a comprehensive AMC Career Pathways framework
• Modernize core educational offerings, including AMC 101
• Enhance the certificate and badge programs

In addition, the new AMCP credential is currently in its testing phase, marking an important step toward strengthening professional recognition within the industry.

Upcoming webinars and EduSeries will continue to equip members with practical tools and strategic insights, including sessions on digital marketing and partnerships. Find out more by visiting AMCI’s Calendar of Events.

Signature Meetings & Industry Recognition
The 2026 Annual Meeting delivered strong engagement and community connection, setting the stage for what’s ahead.

AMCI Annual Meeting, 2025

Looking ahead, AMCI’s flagship summer event, AMCs Engaged, will take place July 27–29 in Milwaukee, uniting our community under the theme “Architects of What’s Next.” Beth Knight, CEA, MCI and the entire Content Committee are hard at work finalizing superior education that will benefit our AMC community.  We’re deeply grateful to our hosts, Visit Milwaukee and The Pfister Hotel, and we’re excited to experience everything this vibrant city has to offer. Registration is now open — visit our website to explore the program, speakers, and event details.

The Awards of Excellence program is also underway, celebrating innovation and impact across the AMC community. With strong participation already, the program highlights the meaningful work AMCs deliver for their clients and the broader association sector. We will celebrate the honorees at the Awards of Excellence Celebration on Tuesday, July 28 at The Baird Center in Milwaukee. 

Awards of Excellence Celebration, 2024

Strategic Marketing & Member Value
AMCI’s strategic communications efforts are actively bringing the 50 by 50 strategy to life. Through coordinated messaging, member storytelling, and new, soon-to-be released tools like a Digital Marketing Toolkit, AMCI is empowering members to elevate their own impact in this exciting journey.

Ongoing collaborations with our marketing partners are enhancing initiatives such as:

• The Trusted Advisors program
• Integrated Model marketing campaigns
• New case study development focused on cost savings, purchasing power, and staff optimization.

We are always looking for new content and case studies to use in our digital marketing efforts to the association community. If you have a great story to share on how you helped your association client grow, we need it, want to hear it, and to share it with the association market. Please let us know by emailing Bethany Jordan with questions and submissions.

AMCI on the Global Stage
AMCI continues to represent the AMC industry and showcase our strength as a strong and vibrant community. Most recently, I participated in a global panel at the IAPCO Annual Conference alongside other industry association CEO leaders from PCMA and ICCA, among others, highlighting the importance of partnership and innovation in shaping the future of meetings and highlighting our collaborative economic power.

Additionally, AMCI Chair, Sarah Timm and I participated in the ASAE Exceptional Boards Forum. This intensive workshop fosters effective governance and optimizes effectiveness through best practices in board organization, structure, and operations. This reflects AMCI’s commitment to strengthening governance and leadership excellence within our own organization.

Powered by Volunteers
Behind every AMCI initiative is a dedicated network of volunteer leaders who generously contribute their time, expertise, and passion. From committees and workgroups to event planning and strategic initiatives, our volunteers play a critical role in advancing AMCI’s mission and shaping the future of the AMC industry. Your commitment is instrumental in turning vision into action and ensuring continued progress toward our shared goals. Thank you for all that you do! 

Looking Ahead
With a strong start to the year, AMCI remains focused on delivering value to members, advancing industry standards, and fostering innovation. None of this progress would be possible without the dedication of our leadership, volunteers, partners, and the entire AMC community.

Together, we are not only navigating change, but we are also shaping what comes next.

Tina Wehmeir, CMP-Fellow, CAE

President & CEO

AMC Institute