Association Strategic Planning
Association Strategic Planning
- Sequence Consulting
- Association Consulting Services
- Association Strategic Planning
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At Sequence Consulting, we create strategic plans that change the future for associations—plans that are insight-driven, execution-ready, and built for results.
For more than 25 years, leading associations have turned to us when they need more than a generic planning process. We combine the rigor of Big-Strategy consulting with deep association expertise to deliver strategies that drive growth, resilience, and mission impact.
Most strategic planning for associations follows the same formula: gather a group, brainstorm ideas, and write them down. The result? A shelf document that fails to deliver.
We take a different approach—one designed for the complexity of modern associations:
We begin with a deep understanding of your members, market, and environment—combining qualitative research, quantitative data, and environmental scanning. Every decision is grounded in trusted, relevant insight.
Using our proprietary Way-to-Play framework, we identify your unique assets and match them to unmet market needs—setting a clear position your organization can own.
Our plans focus on 4–5 critical goals, guiding principles, and scenario thinking so they adapt to changing conditions—whether in member needs, markets, or technology.
We engage the right voices—board, staff, active members, and underrepresented groups—at the right points to build buy-in and trust before the plan is finalized.
Every plan includes a living roadmap with initiatives, timelines, KPIs, and accountability so execution begins on day one.
Case Spotlight: American Psychological Association
Discover how the American Psychological Association revitalized its organization through innovative nonprofit strategic planning, fostering member engagement and strategic alignment.
Our process isn’t about filling flip charts—it’s about making the hard strategic choices that move your association forward and creating a plan your leaders can trust and execute.
Discovery with Depth – Capture trusted insight from the voices that matter most—board, staff, and key member segments—combined with data, competitive scans, and foresight.
The Way-to-Play Framework – Identify where your unique assets meet unmet market needs to define a position you can lead.
Strategic Priorities That Pass the Real-World Test – Set a focused set of goals with clear measures and scenario plans that hold up under change.
Stakeholder Alignment by Design – Build consensus through structured facilitation so the champions of the plan already own it.
Execution Roadmap and Ownership – Map initiatives, governance, and metrics so progress is visible and momentum sustained.
Association Experts – We understand governance, culture, and markets unique to associations.
Data-Driven – Every recommendation is grounded in evidence and insight.
Collaborative – We partner closely with leadership and staff to ensure ownership and alignment.
Results-Focused – Every plan is designed to deliver transformational growth and impact.
Proven in Complex Environments – Trusted by the largest and most visible associations in the world.
American Psychological Association – 25% membership and revenue growth after first major plan in a decade.
American Medical Association – Tripled member growth in one year, achieving record engagement.
Executives’ Club of Chicago – Defined a new strategic position and doubled membership in three years.
IEEE Power & Energy Society – Created new non-dues revenue and record membership within six months.
Ready to Define What’s Next?