The Portage Group 
 Pulse For 
 Associations

In partnership with the Canadian Society of Association Executives

During the COVID 19 pandemic, TPG published a series of free resources that tracked the impact of COVID 19 on the association sector and that delve into how associations are adapting, retooling, and refocusing not just to survive, but hopefully to thrive in our new reality.

With special thanks to the Canadian Society of Association Executives for supporting this important initiative.

TPG Pulse research can also be viewed on CSAE’s website.

The Agile Association in 2024

The Agile Association in 2024

The Agile Association in 2024

Few association executives and board directors today would dispute that these are extraordinarily challenging times to be in a position of leadership.

Agility is essential to organizational survival and success but is something that eludes many associations today

So how are successful associations building agility into their strategy, structure, processes, and culture?

This whitepaper summarizes four practices that could help you position your association for increased agility and nimbleness in 2024, and beyond.

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Volume 8 – COVID 19 Impact Update: Revenue and Staff

Volume 8 – COVID 19 Impact Update: Revenue and Staff

In the August edition of the TPG Pulse for Associations, it was reported that professional and trade associations were poised for revenue decreases of 1.6 billion dollars for the twelve months ending March 2021. The latest edition digs deeper into the areas where those losses are occurring and also provides an update on the impact on staffing in the sector.

The results are based on a survey completed by 279 Canadian associations and other not-for-profits between July 22 and July 30, 2020.

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Volume 7 – Focus on Finance

Volume 7 – Focus on Finance

Focus on Finance: COVID 19’s Impact on the Bottom-Line of Canadian Associations

For the associations positioned to weather the storm of the initial months of the COVID 19 pandemic, many are finding themselves with a bit of breathing room in terms of immediate cash flow and financial viability issues. Inevitably, many of those that were without a sufficient financial cushion or access to government supports have not fared so well.

The August edition of the Association Pulse provides the latest critical data and insights into the financial impact of COVID 19 on Canadian associations. It is based on a survey completed by 279 Canadian associations and other nonprofits between July 22 and July 30, 2020.

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Volume 6 – Four Months In

Volume 6 – Four Months In

Four Months In: How Canadian Associations are Coping During COVID 19

At the time the survey was conducted at the beginning of June, there had been a number of changes in Canadian jurisdictions related to COVID 19 since the previous survey was conducted in early May. This edition of the Pulse provides an updated look at the financial viability of associations as well as what associations are doing to engage and recruit members in our “new normal”. Volume 6 of the TPG Pulse for Associations is the second article based on responses from 311 Canadian associations from June 3-11.

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Virtual Planning Do’s and Don’ts

Virtual Planning Do’s and Don’ts

In our contacts with organizations and research about the impact of COVID 19, we’re hearing from leaders that they are re-calibrating their business plans and/or will update their strategic plan in the near future. We have some advice based on successful strategic planning in a virtual setting from our experiences with clients and want to share them with you.

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COVID 19 Pulse for Associations: Results Coming Wednesday

COVID 19 Pulse for Associations: Results Coming Wednesday

Volume 5 of the TPG Pulse for Associations will be released on June 24. Based on responses from 311 Canadian associations from June 3-11, this month’s focus is on how the association sector is planning their return to the office. Click on the link below for a sneak peek of some of the key findings. Check your inbox next week for the full report. Not a subscriber? Sign up at the bottom of the page to have these and other timely research and resources emailed to you directly!

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Volume 5 – Return to the Office for Canadian Associations

Volume 5 – Return to the Office for Canadian Associations

When COVID 19 restrictions went into place in March 2020, many associations and other nonprofits closed their offices and had staff work from home. As many Canadian jurisdictions look to ease restrictions in the coming weeks, there has been much speculation and debate about the longer-term impacts of COVID 19 on working in the office. Volume 5 of the TPG Pulse for Associations is based on responses from 311 Canadian associations from June 3-11, and is focused on understanding how the association sector is planning their return to the office.

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Volume 4 – Rethinking Events in the Wake of COVID 19

Volume 4 – Rethinking Events in the Wake of COVID 19

When the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic as result of COVID 19 in March 2020, the impact on events involving public gatherings was immediate and significant. Volume 4 of the TPG Pulse for Associations focuses on the impact of COVID 19 on in-person events. The findings are based on a quantitative survey that was completed by 372 Canadian associations and other nonprofits between April 29 and May 8, 2020.

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Volume 3 – Job Search in a Pandemic

Volume 3 – Job Search in a Pandemic

With news of record layoffs rivalling the Great Depression, an economy in deep recession, and the universal unknown of what the future holds, it may surprise people to learn that some associations have been hiring. For those now starting a job search or looking to hire, this article provides some insights for both employers on what they will face in terms of securing candidates and, especially for job seekers, the competencies being sought.

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Volume 2 – Early Impact of COVID 19 on Canadian Associations

Volume 2 – Early Impact of COVID 19 on Canadian Associations

Volume 2 of the TPG Pulse for Associations focuses on the impact of COVID 19 on membership, financial viability and staffing. The findings are based on a quantitative survey that was completed by 372 Canadian associations and other nonprofits between April 29 and May 8, 2020.

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COVID 19 Pulse for Associations: Results Coming Thursday

COVID 19 Pulse for Associations: Results Coming Thursday

Volume 2 of the TPG Pulse for Associations will be released on Thursday May 21. The upcoming Pulse will discuss results from a recent survey of 372 Canadian associations and will focus on the impact of COVID 19 on membership, financial viability and staffing. For a sneak peek, click on the link below to see the infograph.

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Volume 1 – Association Strategy in Times of Crisis

Volume 1 – Association Strategy in Times of Crisis

In the midst of a crisis, it can be hard to think and act strategically, but it is critically important. In this inaugural publication of the TPG Pulse for Associations, The Portage Group shares some of the initial steps and strategic considerations associations have been addressing head-on the last few weeks, along with some of the big questions that must be tackled next.

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