Association management companies provide services to associations, handling operations like membership recruitment, conference and trade show planning, and financial management. The role of association management has changed immensely. "A group of popcorn processors led by Orville Redenbacher hired our founder William E. Smith to bring the processors together to promote the snack," said Matt Sanderson, the president and CEO of SmithBucklin, an association management company. "By relying on an association management company, board members have the time and energy to focus on what's important to them; furthering the goals of their association and having a real impact on their industry or profession," added Sanderson. According to the American Society of Association Executives, there are over 60,000 trade and professional associations based in the United States.

Source: Huffington Post June 28, 2016 16:45 UTC