Contact: Meghan Higgins
CMA Association Management
1 (609) 297-2218
mhiggins@cmasolutions.com

The latest recipient of CMA's Intern Elite award, Gabriella Carbonetto, with CMA President and CEO, Jeffrey Barnhart (left) and Executive Vice President, Burt Lambert (right).

Gabriella Carbonetto Awarded with CMA Intern Elite Recognition

PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ – May 17, 2013 – Awarded for her fresh perspectives and significant contributions, Gabriella Carbonetto was recognized by CMA Association Management (CMA), a full service association management firm based in Princeton Junction, New Jersey, as its latest Intern Elite award recipient.

Supporting the firm over the past semester with various tasks including database management, client research and the development of a new CMA webpage, Gabriella quickly proved to be a valuable asset to the team. Showcasing her abilities to interject ideas, efficiently execute tasks and demonstrate a thorough understanding of the importance of collaboration, Gabriella worked alongside the account teams and other interns to execute several projects that will help move the firm forward well into the future.

CMA provides students with an opportunity to strengthen both their background and resume through the inclusion of real world experiences and accolades. Putting forth a positive presence and work ethic, Gabriella left a lasting impression on the firm and earned herself a place in the Intern Elite circle of recipients. This recognition aims to position Gabriella at the forefront of a competitive marketplace post-graduation.

“Adapting to the CMA core values and bringing a fresh perspective to the firm, Gabriella has proudly been named as this semester’s Intern Elite award recipient,” said Jeffrey Barnhart, President and CEO of CMA. “Gabriella’s strong work ethic and collaborative nature will bring her much success in the future and we wish her the best of luck as she enters the workforce.”

As this semester’s Intern Elite, Gabriella was recognized with a certificate and photo-op with the CMA executive team. Graduating in the spring of 2013, Gabriella will earn her Bachelor’s degree in marketing from Rider University.

For over 25 years, CMA has provided a range of association and event management, as well as marketing services, for regional, national and international clients. CMA is one of only 70 companies of its kind worldwide accredited by AMC Institute. For more information, visit www.ThinkCMA.com or visit our blog www.AssociationsCentralBlog.com.

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About CMA Association Management
|CMA Association Management is a full-service association management firm that has provided a diverse range of association management, event management and strategic marketing services to achieve measurable results for regional, national and international association clients for over 25 years. Based in Princeton Junction, NJ, CMA is one of only 70 association management companies worldwide accredited by the AMC Institute. For more information, please visit www.ThinkCMA.com, call 1-609-297-2235 or e-mail us at info@cmasolutions.com.

Contact: Meghan Higgins
CMA Association Management
1 (609) 297-2218
mhiggins@cmasolutions.com

From Left to Right: Kaitlin Friedmann and Jacob Friedmann, Angel McAndrew and “Boomer,” Diane Webster-Sweeney and Stephanie Frost attend the CASA Kids Superhero 5K.

CMA Association Management Team Walks In CASA Kid Superhero 5K

Princeton Junction, NJ – May 1, 2013 – Supporting the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), an independent, non-profit organization committed to speaking up for the best interests of abused and neglected children in Mercer and Burlington Counties, CMA Association Management (CMA), a full-service association management firm based in Princeton Junction, New Jersey participated in the CASA Kids Superhero 5K on April 27, 2013.

CMA’s team of “Warrior Princesses” included Kaitlin Friedmann, Public Relations Manager; Diane Webster-Sweeney, Association Manager; Angel McAndrew, Bookkeeper; and Stephanie Frost, Association Manager. In keeping with the run/walk’s Superhero theme, the event saw participants dressed-up like Superman and The Flash.

“Organizations like CASA aiming to support the needs of children are important to the vitality and betterment of our community,” said President and CEO of CMA, Jeffrey Barnhart. “Partaking in CASA’s 5K was a small way CMA could contribute to the cause and we are happy to lend support in any way we can.”

Raising awareness of Mercer County children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect and are living in out-home-placements, the event drew in approximately 350 attendees, with 170 walkers committed to the 3.1 miles stretch of support starting at the Princeton Pike Corporate Center. Serving the organization as the honorary chair, President and CEO of the MIDJersey Chamber of Commerce, Robert Prunetti, congratulated all participants and supporters at the end of the walk during the trophy ceremony.

“It was a fun event but the need to recognize and support the real Superheros who advocate for neglected or abused children is serious. We are honored to have so many members of the community like CMA embrace our mission and support CASA through events like the 5K,” said Randy Kirkpatrick, Director of Community Development, CASA.

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About CMA Association Management
CMA Association Management is a full-service association management firm that has provided a diverse range of association management, event management and strategic marketing services to achieve measurable results for regional, national and international association clients for over 25 years. Based in Princeton Junction, NJ, CMA is one of only 70 association management companies worldwide accredited by the AMC Institute. For more information, please visit www.ThinkCMA.com, call 1-609-297-2235 or e-mail us at info@cmasolutions.com.

Trade organizations embrace social media in order to remain the go-to resource for their members

By Lynn McCullough
May 1, 2013

Associations and their meeting strategies have been evolving in recent years as more associations embrace digital technology such as social media to augment on-site meetings as venues for member interaction.

Associations have always been, by the very nature of their missions, “social” organizations, but now the social benefits have significantly evolved as associations leverage new digital and program strategies for advancing their industries and the professional development of their members.

The traditional value of face-to-face networking and camaraderie with industry peers at events remains a strong and compelling benefit for association members. However, forward-looking associations are now striking a strategic balance between in-person member events and the wide-ranging deployment of digital engagement.

Associations are increasingly using online settings, whether their websites or social media channels, to enhance their organizational appeal to members and support year-round, member-to-member connections and continuing education.

On-site Meets Online
Associations are a natural fit for social media. Strip the intent of any association to its essence and the gleaming nugget remaining is a fraternal alliance of individuals united by an allegiance to common challenges and aspirations. Social media energizes that impulse for camaraderie in the digital space, enhancing connections between association members and accelerating the exchange of ideas to advance an association’s mission and its success.

If association members are planning to attend an event, they can connect with each other on the association’s Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or Pinterest pages. This interaction drives buzz about the meeting as members talk up the event before and after.

Social media tools are now as pervasive at meetings as the ubiquitous smartphones that enable access to them. Twitter in particular has increased communication among attendees as they tweet about different seminars, speakers, and exhibitors. Twitter also helps those unable to attend the event to stay in the loop back at the office.

My company, CMA Association Management, has advocated integrating Twitter contests into meetings to spur attendee interactivity and instill an element of fun. The association posts a list of 10 things for on-site attendees to accomplish using Twitter (get your picture taken with the keynote speaker or tweet your main take-away from a certain seminar, for example).

In addition to incorporating traditional social media into their programming, associations are also establishing private online communities, built around areas of specialization or committees so members can chat with one another about their areas of interest. Online communities foster real-time discussions about marketplace issues, solution sharing, service provider referrals, and the exchange of resources.

Planning Interactivity Into Events
The emphasis on social media interaction between members on-site at an event is just one aspect of a growing association focus on planning event components that encourage greater face-to-face interactivity among members.

We counsel our association clients to move beyond the same cookie-cutter agenda every year – the general session, the sit-down dinner, etc. We work with associations to develop new features each year that encourage interaction to change things up. Attendees want to experience something different where they have opportunities to engage more with other people at the meeting.

Changing up programming features could include a speed-networking program between members and a series of suppliers. Learning lounges encourage small group discussions with vendors to learn more about their products or services. It could be mini-roundtables with a small group of people discussing a specific industry topic and then presenting their consensus to the larger group. Try moving away from plated dinners to buffet stations to encourage members to mingle. Think of fun icebreaker features to add to receptions or opening sessions.

Additional opportunities for engaging members include voluntourism activities-off-site opportunities organized for attendees to advance a charitable cause that benefits the host city’s local community. A city’s convention and visitors bureau is a great resource to coordinate this. Such activities get people interacting for a good cause and sharing the camaraderie of helping to make a difference.

Striving for Greater Industry and Member Impact
Associations are re-engineering and transforming their websites into robust, go-to portals for industry intelligence, on-demand training modules, interactive member forums, and other dynamic resources for connecting members in real-time. These websites are virtual libraries packed with archived articles, webinars, past conference presentations, interactive member directories, and buyers’ guides, all serving as an industry crossroads where members can interact and advance their professional development.

Other association trends we see and work on with our association clients are an increase in association professional certification initiatives and awards programs recognizing innovation and excellence in the products or services member companies provide.

Professional certifications administered through an association provide added member value and differentiation for members and their employers. By meeting industry-verified certification criteria, a member benefits from the association’s trusted third-party validation of the member’s industry expertise and professional knowledge. This is a powerful association benefit that can be a significant membership and revenue driver.

In a similar vein, association awards recognizing member companies’ excellence, quality, or innovative products or services raise a company’s visibility within its industry and its credibility in the minds of customers. Both of these strategies are competitive differentiators that members value. Such programs also fuel an association’s public relations campaign.

With so many options and information chains available today, associations stay poised as “the go-to resource.”

Contact: Meghan Higgins
CMA Association Management
1 (609) 297-2218
mhiggins@cmasolutions.com

3PM Conference Reaches New Heights After CMA’s Response to Unexpected Challenges

Despite Hurricane Sandy Impacts, 3PM Annual Conference Stands Strong

Princeton Junction, NJ – April 30, 2013 – After rescheduling the conference as a result of Hurricane Sandy’s impact on New Jersey and New York, CMA Association Management (CMA), a full-service association management firm based in Princeton Junction, New Jersey, assisted the Third Party Marketers Association (3PM), a global association of independent, outsourced sales and marketing firms that support the investment management industry worldwide, overcome obstacles to host a successful annual conference that achieved record-high registration.

Originally scheduled to take place two weeks after Hurricane Sandy at the Seaport Boston Hotel in Boston, Massachusetts, CMA’s experts in crisis management worked with 3PM’s Board to rapidly defuse current contracts and coordinate the postponement with the venue, registrants, speakers and sponsors. For international and distant registrants who already arrived on-site when the conference was rescheduled, CMA and the association promptly organized valuable networking meetings for them with local 3PM members.

Proving valuable, all those who registered for the Boston meetings in the fall, also attended the rescheduled conference on April 3-4 at the same venue. Achieving its highest registration in 3PM event history, CMA and the association also re-sold all sponsorship opportunities. Additionally, scheduled for two-days to allow separate and dedicated sessions for 3PM members and investment managers, the association received an overwhelming response from managers who continued registering for event sessions while on-site.

“Hosting a record-breaking conference with 3PM’s Board after rescheduling it from the unexpected obstacles that arose, was a true showcase of CMA’s expertise in crisis and event management,” said President and CEO of CMA, Jeffrey Barnhart. “The CMA account managers and 3PM’s Board handled this situation seamlessly and were gainfully rewarded for their efforts through the success of this year’s event.”

For over 25 years, CMA has provided a range of association and event management, as well as marketing services, for regional, national and international clients. CMA is one of only 70 companies of its kind worldwide accredited by the AMC Institute. For more information, visit www.ThinkCMA.com or visit our blog www.AssociationsCentralBlog.com.

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About CMA Association Management
CMA Association Management is a full-service association management firm that has provided a diverse range of association management, event management and strategic marketing services to achieve measurable results for regional, national and international association clients for over 25 years. Based in Princeton Junction, NJ, CMA is one of only 70 association management companies worldwide accredited by the AMC Institute. For more information, please visit www.ThinkCMA.com, call 1-609-297-2235 or e-mail us at info@cmasolutions.com.

April 30, 2013

By Lynn McCullough

There’s no doubt that the crucial time to reinforce an association’s value to new members is the first few months after they join. If a member does not feel welcome, he or she will immediately begin to re-evaluate their dues investment and look elsewhere for the benefits your association offers. So, instead, make sure to roll out the welcome mat and create a lasting bond. Here are three ways in which to do so:

Make a well-intentioned introduction. In such a fast-paced and often impersonal world, more members feel welcome when they receive some kind of personalized communication. While a mailed welcome kit that includes a letter from the board president or executive director are standard greetings, consider the way that your members prefer to communicate nowadays. You may want to upgrade your printed member kit to an electronic, more interactive version that might better demonstrate your association’s commitment to technology as well as its concern about environmental impact.

One association client recently created an online platform called the “new-member concierge desk,” a perfect concept for an organization in the hospitality industry. This was the go-to spot for new members to learn about the association and find out how to get involved in committees and association initiatives, and it even featured a welcome video from association staff.

Additionally, social media has quickly become one of the “new basics” for association communications. You can utilize it by announcing new members on your group’s social networks so they feel instant recognition.

Give new members the tools to successfully navigate their membership. Now that your members have been given the initial welcome, help them to make the most of their membership, both online and in person. Using webinars or podcasts, you can explain the different member benefits conveniently and in-depth. Some associations have created webinars to help users navigate the “members-only” section of the group’s website, which might include helping them set up their profiles, post discussions, join committees and find mentors.

To encourage a new member’s personal involvement, make a point of integrating a new member event into your annual conference. For instance, every new member can be partnered with a more long-standing member who can then encourage them to get involved in a committee. Many association clients have retained newcomers by recruiting committee members early on, citing this involvement as a major source of networking benefits and camaraderie.

Your event might also distribute programs or member magazines that feature write-ups about new members so that your existing base can get a sense of who the new members are and what they do.

If your group doesn’t already have a key contact for new members, it should enlist one. That person can act as an ambassador between new and long-standing members, forging relationships between the two groups and making all new members feel welcome.

Follow up frequently. You should check in with new members often during the first six-to-nine months of their membership, either via phone or email. Use these occasions to remind them of certain upcoming events and initiatives, and encourage them to participate. Some association clients have instituted special “meet-and-greet” subcommittees just for this purpose. Members of the subcommittee act as group mentors for newcomers’ first few months and also work in tandem with the association’s membership committee on member retention.

A more formal mentor program can also be implemented and run one of two ways: Mentors can either help new members acclimate to the association or they can help someone new to the industry learn the ropes and make key acquaintances.

All in all, investing in new members is important, so it’s vital to make an impact early on and set the tone for a positive experience with your association. When you can enrich members’ careers and assist them with a better professional education and important connections, you’re assisting them in ways that will make them appreciate your group’s value for years to come.

Lynn McCullough is the director of meetings and association management for CMA Association Management. She can be reached at lmccullough@cmasolutions.com.

Contact: Meghan Higgins
CMA Association Management
(609) 297-2218
mhiggins@cmasolutions.com

CMA’s Latest Crew Star, Kaitlin Friedmann, Exudes Energy and Enthusiasm

Princeton Junction, NJ – April 9, 2013 – Demonstrating continued dedication to the company’s core values, CMA Association Management (CMA), a full-service association management firm based in Princeton Junction, New Jersey, recognized Kaitlin Friedmann, Public Relations Manager, as the latest Crew Star award recipient.

Noted for her energy, enthusiasm and exceptional work ethic, CMA recognizes one individual each quarter for their demonstration of the company’s core values and willingness to go above and beyond for clients and fellow employees. Kaitlin’s positivity and forward thinking mentality, consistently positions the company and clients for current and future success and for that, she has proven to be a true asset and a valuable team player to CMA.

Responsible for all media strategy and communications, as well as the overall management of the public relations team, Kaitlin has made numerous successful matches between association clients and reporters by keeping a finger on the pulse of the media and creatively suggesting angles that increase media attention. Raising awareness for company brands and entire industries, Kaitlin also provides guidance to organization’s whose messages may require greater care when dealing with sensitive issues.

“Well-deserving of this recognition, Kaitlin’s contributions to our company from both an internal and external perspective completely represent CMA’s core values,” said President and CEO of CMA, Jeffrey Barnhart. “Kaitlin’s public relations expertise paired with her passion for the profession continuously shines through and we are proud to recognize her as our latest star-player.”

Kaitlin’s dedication to the firm has earned her a prime parking spot, lunch with the executive team, a gift certificate and her picture displayed proudly in the CMA lobby.

For over 25 years, CMA has provided a range of association and event management, as well as marketing services, for regional, national and international clients. CMA is one of only 69 companies of its kind worldwide accredited by the AMC Institute. For more information, visit www.ThinkCMA.com or visit our blog www.AssociationsCentralBlog.com.

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About CMA Association Management
CMA Association Management is a full-service association management firm that has provided a diverse range of association management, event management and strategic marketing services to achieve measurable results for regional, national and international association clients for over 25 years. Based in Princeton Junction, NJ, CMA is one of only 69 association management companies worldwide accredited by the AMC Institute. For more information, please visit www.ThinkCMA.com, call 1-609-297-2235 or e-mail us at info@cmasolutions.com.

Meghan Higgins
CMA Association Management
1(609) 297-2218
mhiggins@cmasolutions.com

CMA Helps NAACO Surpass Attendance and Sponsorship Records at 2013 Annual Conference

Princeton Junction, NJ – March 28, 2013 – Held in the nation’s capital, CMA Association Management (CMA), a full-service association management firm based in Princeton Junction, New Jersey, helped carry out a notably successful 13^th Annual Conference for the North American Association of Commencement Officers (NAACO) at the Mayflower Renaissance Hotel in Washington, D.C. Focusing the speakers, events and activities around the conference theme, “Capitalizing the Commencement Experience,” the conference not only saw high participation, but soaring attendance, exhibitor and sponsorship rates, as well.

CMA worked assiduously alongside NAACO Board members to ensure the quality, efficiency and seamless execution of all elements involved in the conference. CMA’s efforts to secure exhibitors and sponsorships included crafting personalized letters to be sent out to a targeted prospect list that was skillfully developed over the past year. Followed up by phone calls and additional outreaches, these efforts saw the largest exhibitor and sponsorship turn-out in NAACO history and transformed the Mayflower Hotel into an industry-focused tradeshow.

Also achieving its highest conference attendance since the association’s inception, CMA helped to raise awareness of the event through the development of marketing promotions driving 335 attendees to this year’s event. Developed by CMA’s marketing experts, promotional pieces included a postcard, brochure and e-blast. CMA also promoted the event through publications and social media.

Implementing a social media contest, CMA capitalized on the location of the conference, and developed a spy-themed Twitter contest allowing participants to explore D.C. and maximize networking opportunities with fellow attendees. Providing attendees with a list of photos to take and questions to answer, those participating in the contest uploaded their findings along with the conference hash tag, #NAACOConf on Twitter. The high level of engagement in the contest provided both the association and conference with heightened outbound awareness and presented attendees with a unique networking platform.

“The success of this year’s event was an exciting achievement for both CMA and NAACO,” said President and CEO of CMA, Jeffrey Barnhart. “Surpassing the historical attendance, sponsorship and exhibitor records was a true display of our team’s dedication to the organization and we look forward to our continued partnership with NAACO.”

For over 25 years, CMA has provided a range of association and event management, as well as marketing services, for regional, national and international clients. CMA is one of only 69 companies of its kind worldwide accredited by the AMC Institute. For more information, visit www.ThinkCMA.com or visit our blog www.AssociationsCentralBlog.com.

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About CMA Association Management
CMA Association Management is a full-service association management firm that has provided a diverse range of association management, event management and strategic marketing services to achieve measurable results for regional, national and international association clients for over 25 years. Based in Princeton Junction, NJ, CMA is one of only 69 association management companies worldwide accredited by the AMC Institute. For more information, please visit www.ThinkCMA.com, call 1-609-297-2235 or e-mail us at info@cmasolutions.com.

PRINCETON JUNCTION, NJ – March 8, 2013 – Continuing CMA Association Management’s dedication to mentoring future marketing and public relations talent, Kaitlin Friedmann, Manager of Public Relations, participated in Rowan University’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) Professional Speed Dating event on Wednesday, March 6, 2013.

The event invited students of the PRSSA chapter to meet and engage with PR and social media professionals in a relaxed atmosphere while absorbing valuable industry information and engaging in constructive  networking opportunities.

Friedmann has spoken at previous events for the Rowan University chapter of PRSSA. “I’m honored that the Rowan PRSSA chapter has asked me to provide their members with a ‘real world’ perspective on PR, once again. I look forward to helping these highly-motivated students determine their specialties, while serving as a resource to help guide them through this competitive field,” she said.

Students and participants connected over timed ‘dates’ where they discussed various topics in public relations. Friedmann opted to speak about her expertise in PR and social media for non-profit organizations, as well as for business-to-business clients. With her nine years of experience in public relations, Friedmann has worked with several major clients and organizations including corporations in the electro-technology industry, documentary filmmakers, political campaigns and non-profit organizations.

For over 25 years, CMA has provided a range of association and event management, as well as marketing services, for regional, national and international clients. CMA is one of only 69 companies of its kind worldwide accredited by the AMC Institute. For more information, visit www.ThinkCMA.com or visit our blog www.AssociationsCentralBlog.com.

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About CMA Association Management
CMA Association Management is a full-service association management firm that has provided a diverse range of association management, event management and strategic marketing services to achieve measurable results for regional, national and international association clients for over 25 years. Based in Princeton Junction, NJ, CMA is one of only 69 association management companies worldwide accredited by the AMC Institute. For more information, please visit www.ThinkCMA.com, call 1-609-297-2235 or e-mail us at info@cmasolutions.com

Meghan Higgins
CMA Association Management
1 (609) 297-2218
mhiggins@cmasolutions.com

Two New Team Members Support Growth for CMA Association Management

Princeton Junction, NJ – February 26, 2013 – CMA Association Management (CMA), a full-service association management firm based in Princeton Junction, New Jersey, welcomes two new crew members, Krista Slowikowski and Rick Verbanas, aboard the CMA team.

Leading CMA’s marketing and programming efforts for association clients, Marketing and Business Development Manager, Rick will be accountable for proactively maintaining a presence in the company’s core markets, while driving growth. Bringing over ten years of agency and independent marketing experience to CMA, Rick has launched and managed two prosperous retail and e-commerce businesses through the utilization of strategic marketing and customer loyalty tactics. Holding a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware, Rick has also completed programs at the University of Alabama and Rutgers University and currently resides in Somerville, New Jersey.

Bringing a valuable background of customer service, marketing and administrative skills to the firm, Krista will handle day-to-day association management activities for several CMA clients, while also assisting with conference support and membership management. Krista’s prior experiences working with a local Chamber of Commerce and several other companies in the Mercer County area provided her with a strong professional background and a vast knowledge base. A graduate of Rider University, Krista earned her Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations and Event Planning and currently resides in Ewing, New Jersey.

“Starting off 2013 with an up-turn in business, we are delighted to welcome Rick and Krista to the CMA team,” said President and CEO of CMA, Jeffrey Barnhart. “As our business continues to prosper, it is vital to have the right people in place to support company growth and we are looking forward to the value both Rick and Krista will bring to the firm.”

For over 25 years, CMA has provided a range of association and event management, as well as marketing services, for regional, national and international clients. CMA is one of only 69 companies of its kind worldwide accredited by the AMC Institute. For more information, visit www.ThinkCMA.com or visit our blog www.AssociationsCentralBlog.com.

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About CMA Association Management
CMA Association Management is a full-service association management firm that has provided a diverse range of association management, event management and strategic marketing services to achieve measurable results for regional, national and international association clients for over 25 years. Based in Princeton Junction, NJ, CMA is one of only 69 association management companies worldwide accredited by the AMC Institute. For more information, please visit www.ThinkCMA.com, call 1-609-297-2235 or e-mail us at info@cmasolutions.com