IABC moves to an association management model

By IABC staff | Feb 5, 2020

IABC recently made the strategic decision to partner with an association management firm. Effective 1 July 2020, SmithBucklin will manage our association’s day-to-day operations, allowing us to better focus on delivering a great member experience that truly helps us to advance the communication profession.

The landscape of global business is changing rapidly, and it’s imperative that we, as an association, not only keep up, but leapfrog ahead in order to serve our members. We are excited to have the opportunity to work with a top-notch association management firm like SmithBucklin to help us ensure that we continue to provide excellent member value.

SmithBucklin is a highly regarded firm, headquartered in Chicago, and also has experience in working with international associations like ours. We have been consistently impressed by their strategic capabilities, commitment to operational excellence, and their customer-centric approach. Partnering with SmithBucklin will allow us to leverage their deep expertise in helping organizations like ours innovate, grow and thrive.

What’s next?

While the experience of members will remain the same over the coming months, we’ll be busy behind the scenes managing this transition, planning for IABC’s 50th anniversary celebration at our World Conference in Chicago this June, growing our certification program, and continuing to deliver all the education, resources and benefits you expect from us.

Our interim executive director, Janet Rapp, will continue to lead the association while we begin the search for a permanent executive director this year.

If you have questions about IABC’s decision to work with an association management firm, please check out the FAQs on our website.