At CrowdComms, we’ve had the privilege of working alongside many associations this year — helping to deliver events that are not only informative but deeply engaging for members.
Across those events, one thing has become clear: member expectations are evolving. Flexibility, value, and ease of access now sit at the heart of successful association experiences.
So, what’s really working?
Here are five things we’ve seen consistently drive member engagement — from CPD to content delivery — across the association events we’ve supported so far this year.
Seamless CPD Tracking That Boosts Repeat Attendance
For many associations, CPD (Continuing Professional Development) (link to CPD event advice video page) is a core value proposition. But it’s not enough to simply offer it — how you deliver CPD matters just as much.
We’ve seen that events with seamless CPD integration perform better across the board. That means:
- Automatic certificate generation upon session completion
- Clear visibility on which sessions offer CPD points
- Easy retrieval of records post-event
When members know they’ll walk away with something valuable — and it’s effortless to claim — they’re more likely to attend again. Even more importantly, they’re more likely to recommend the experience to others.
✅ Pro tip: Enable CPD certificates to be downloadable directly from your post-event hub to keep value front of mind, even after the event has ended.
Flexible Content Delivery (Live + On-Demand)
Not every member can attend a live session — and in today’s work-from-anywhere world, flexibility isn’t just a bonus. It’s expected.
That’s why we’ve seen a huge increase in associations offering blended content formats:
- Live sessions with interactive Q&A
- Follow-up access to recordings
- Downloadable presentations and handouts
This model serves both live and on-demand audiences, increasing reach without requiring extra event production. One association even saw a 45% boost in session views after the live event had ended.
And here’s the bonus: providing long-tail access to content adds perceived value to membership itself — not just the event.
With CrowdComms, you can very easily deploy a hybrid event model to your event. You can read how RCEM did just that and evolved their event offering here: RCEM Case Study
Intuitive Event Platforms That Don’t Require a Degree to Use
If your platform confuses attendees, you’ve already lost half the battle.
Simplicity is key, and we’re seeing more associations lean into polished, user-friendly platforms that offer:
- Custom branding that feels professional and familiar
- Mobile-first navigation for on-the-go access
- Clear schedules and content access
Your event platform is an extension of your brand — so it should be clean, cohesive, and above all, easy to use.
And it’s not just about attendees. Many of the associations we work with are run by small teams (or volunteers), and they need tech that empowers them, not overwhelms them.
Hybrid Features That Actually Add Value
Gone are the days of hybrid being a checkbox on a format list.
Associations in 2025 are making intentional choices about how hybrid event functionality enhances value — not just for remote attendees, but for the entire audience.
We’ve seen associations successfully use:
- Live chat for remote attendees during keynote broadcasts
- Hybrid networking rooms where virtual and in-person attendees can connect
- Polling and live Q&A to bring remote voices into the conversation
This isn’t about making everything hybrid — it’s about using hybrid tools to bridge gaps, improve inclusivity, and meet members where they are.
Built-In Member Engagement Touchpoints
The most engaging events don’t wait for interaction to happen — they design for it.
That means building in touchpoints throughout the event, like:
- Live polling and Q&A during sessions
- Session feedback forms
- Gamified challenges or leaderboards
- Networking lounges (both virtual and in-person)
When members are invited to actively participate, they feel more connected — not just to the content, but to the community.
We’ve also seen associations use engagement data to shape future events, track session popularity, and understand what really lands with members.
TLDR: What’s Driving Member Engagement in 2025
🎓 CPD that’s seamless to access and track builds loyalty and return attendance
🎥 On-demand content extends reach and value long after the live event
🧭 Simple, intuitive platforms keep the focus on the experience — not the tech
🌍 Hybrid tools work best when used strategically
🤝 Interactive touch-points turn passive viewers into active participants
Ready to Level Up Your Association Events with CrowdComms?
Whether you’re planning your next AGM, annual conference or member training series, the right event platform can make a big difference to how members perceive and experience value.
At CrowdComms, we support associations with event solutions that are:
- CPD-ready
- Easy to manage
- Scalable and secure
- Built for engagement
👋 Want to see how it works? Let’s talk.
Or try our Event Health Check Scorecard to benchmark your current approach.
