Guest blog by Christine Doyle

In these industry times when professional individuals and organizations are looking to get the most for their money, one of the most expendable items are association memberships. Maybe the value of one isn’t clear or it seems too expensive for what they get out of it. No matter what the reason, belonging to an association could be one of the most valuable items to hold onto. If the individual or group is selective in which association to belong to, the benefits can be phenomenal.

Let’s face it — association memberships are expensive. Not only is there a yearly membership fee, but there are luncheons and other monthly events that cost money to attend. If you’re going to make the investment then you might as well get something out of it. Instead of joining every association that may fit your need, focus on one that could bring you the most benefit.

As an independent meeting professional, I chose to join the Greater Orlando MPI (Meeting Professional International). The reason I joined is so I can network with other professionals who may be able to help me in future business opportunities, to gain valuable education and for accreditation. As an independent business owner of a meeting planning company, I wanted to belong to an association has very high standards, is an industry leader, and gives members important tools to encourage them to be better meeting planners.

Once you’ve chosen an association to join, you need to get involved. Help make the organization be what you want it to be. I immediately joined the Marketing and Communications Committee in the chapter. This committee alone has taught me how to understand and handle social networking, how to create and implement a marketing plan, the importance of the website and trade publications and what our members are looking for so they can do their jobs better.

The skills I have developed and the knowledge I have learned from being a part of this committee is irreplaceable. I have served on the board for a year and a half and I help shape what the chapter is today. I have a very talented committee that teaches me something new every time we meet. All of us learn together and we pass this information on to the membership. I’m glad I chose to join this one association. If I had been trying to focus on more than one organization, I wouldn’t have learned the skills I know today.

The next time you are contemplating giving up your membership, remember that you don’t necessarily have to give all of them up. Just pick one, get involved and get something out of it. You definitely will get out of it what you put into it.

Christine Doyle, CMP and owner of Meeting Planning For You, has more than 10 years of experience in the meetings and hospitality industry. She has planned meetings and events ranging from 10 to 10,000 attendees, including trade shows, incentive trips, sales meetings, team-building events, golf tournaments, venue buy-outs and fundraising events. She is currently the vice president, marketing and communications, of Meeting Professionals International (MPI) Greater Orlando chapter.