What is Association Forum?
Association Forum is the premier resource and community for association professionals in the Chicagoland area. Often called the "association for associations," it serves as the central hub where leaders at all levels connect, collaborate, and grow through high-impact networking, learning, and professional development—empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potentials.
Who can become a member?
Anyone working for or with an association, nonprofit, or supplier organization.
How do I join or renew my membership?
Join or Renew Here →
What are the benefits of membership?
View Membership Benefits →
How do I know which membership type is best for me?
While descriptions are provided on our Membership page, we understand choosing the right type can be confusing. Here's a quick summary:
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Professional – Individuals working at an association (non-CEOs).
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Supporting – Individuals working for an industry supplier or consulting firm.
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Student – Full-time students at an accredited college or university not employed full-time by a voluntary member- or donor-based organization.
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CEO – Individual Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) working at an association.
Do you have a membership for organizations and their staff that includes a discount?
Yes! Association Forum offers the Forum Plus Membership, an organizational membership that allows multiple staff members from the same organization to access member benefits at a discounted rate. To learn more or to enroll, please contact membership@associationforum.org.
How do I renew my individual membership?
You can renew your individual membership by logging into your account at www.associationforum.org, navigating to "My Profile," and selecting "Renew Membership". If you need assistance, reach out to us at membership@associationforum.org.
How do I renew my organization’s Forum Plus Membership?
The primary contact listed for your organization’s Forum Plus Membership will receive a renewal notice by email. To renew, they should log into their profile, access the organization dashboard, and follow the renewal instructions. For support or to update the primary contact, please email membership@associationforum.org.
What are Association Forum’s annual membership dates?
Association Forum memberships follow our fiscal year, which runs from April 1 through March 31. If you’re a new member joining in the first six months of the membership year (April–September), you pay the full annual rate. If you join in the second half of the year (October–March), you pay a half-price rate for the remainder of the membership year.
Are hardship memberships available?
Yes, hardship accommodations may be available on a case-by-case basis. While we do not broadly advertise this option, please contact our membership team directly at membership@associationforum.org to confidentially discuss your situation.