ASSOCIATION STRATEGIC PLANNING
Strategic Planning That Transforms Associations
- Sequence Consulting
- Association Consulting Services
- Association Strategic Planning
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ASSOCIATION STRATEGIC PLANNING
At Sequence Consulting, we create strategic plans that change the future for associations — plans that are insight-driven and execution-ready.
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 produce 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 that works in complex, high-stakes association environments:
Grounded in Insight, Not Assumption
We begin with a deep understanding of your members, your market, and your competitive landscape — combining qualitative research, quantitative data, and environmental scanning. This ensures decisions are based on trusted, relevant insight.
Defines Where You Can Win
Using our proprietary Way-to-Play framework, we identify your unique assets and match them to the unmet needs of your market. This sets a clear strategic position your organization can own.
Built for Resilience
We design plans with 4–5 critical goals, guiding principles, and scenario thinking so they adapt to change — whether that’s member needs, market shifts, or new technology like AI.
Secures Ownership Before Execution
We engage the right voices — board, staff, active members, and underrepresented segments — at the right points in the process to build buy-in and trust before the plan is finalized.
Connects Strategy to Action
Every plan includes a living roadmap with initiatives, timelines, KPIs, and accountability structures, so execution begins on day one.
Success Story:
American Psychological Association — First major strategic plan in over a decade, achieved near 100% member approval and led to 25% growth in membership and revenue.
Our process isn’t about filling flip charts with ideas. It’s about making the hard strategic choices that will move your association forward — and building a plan your leaders can trust and execute.
1. Discovery with Depth
We go beyond surface listening. We capture trusted insight from the voices that matter — influential board members, staff, active and underrepresented member segments — and combine it with market data, competitive scans, and industry foresight. This ensures the plan is rooted in both lived experience and hard evidence.
2. The “Way-to-Play” Framework
This is our signature step — identifying the intersection of your unique assets and the unmet needs in your market. It defines where you can lead, not just participate, and becomes the backbone of your strategy.
3. Strategic Priorities That Pass the Real-World Test
We work with your leadership to set no more than four or five critical goals — each supported by clear success measures, guiding principles, and scenario plans so they remain relevant under changing conditions.
4. Stakeholder Alignment by Design
Our facilitation is structured to resolve differences and build consensus. By the time the plan is finalized, the people who must champion it are already invested in it.
5. Execution Roadmap and Ownership
We don’t stop at approval. We map the sequence, dependencies, and resources for each initiative; align governance and structure to support the work; and build metrics dashboards so progress is visible and momentum is sustained.
Success Story:
American Medical Association — Tripled member growth in one year and achieved the highest membership and satisfaction levels in 30 years.
American Psychological Association — First major strategic plan in over a decade, approved by nearly 100% of members, led to 25% growth in membership and revenue.
American Medical Association — Tripled member growth in one year, achieving the highest membership and engagement levels in 30 years.
The Executives’ Club of Chicago — Defined a new strategic position, expanded market reach, and doubled membership in three years.
IEEE Power & Energy Society — Developed a strategy that re-energized chapters, created new non-dues revenue, and reached the highest membership ever within six months.
Association Experts — We understand governance, culture, and market realities unique to associations.
Data-Driven — Every recommendation is backed by evidence and insight.
Collaborative — We partner closely with your team to ensure ownership and alignment.
Results-Focused — Every plan is designed to deliver measurable outcomes.
Proven in Complex Environments — Trusted by some of the largest and most visible associations in the world.
Let’s Build Your Association’s Future Together.
If you’re ready for a strategic plan that delivers growth, resilience, and impact, we’re ready to help.
See more Strategic Planning for Associations success stories.
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