Survey Reports
Associations Forum regularly undertakes practical surveys which are used by the associations and charities sector as standard reference points and are free to members that participate. Our surveys include Associations Salary Survey, Board Survey, Membership and Services Survey, and Association Events Survey.
For more information or to purchase a copy of any of our survey reports please call 02 9904 8200 or email info@associations.net.au
Association Events Survey 2026
The 2026 Association Event Survey is NOW OPEN. Building on insights from previous years, the survey provides valuable benchmarking data on the planning, delivery and performance of events across the association sector. It explores key areas including event types, attendance, factors influencing event decision-making and event locations, helping association professionals make informed decisions and plan more effective events.
The closing date for the survey is Friday, 6th November 2026. Click here to participate.
Key Findings From 2025:
- The conference remains the single most important event for the majority of associations with 76% holding this event annually.
- Two-thirds of respondents (66%) plan their major conference more than a year in advance, underscoring the necessity of securing key dates and venues early.
- Attendance figures are trending positively, with 36% of respondents reporting an increase of more than 5% in attendees compared to the previous year.
- The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in events continues to increase with 76% of respondents now leveraging AI for tasks, including content creation, reporting, event planning and marketing communications.
Contact our team for more information or if you have any questions.
The final report is free to Associations Forum members. For non-members (NFP organisations only) who do not participate in the survey, the report can be purchased for $200.
We would like to thank Federal Hospitality and Doltone House for sponsoring the 2026 Association Events Survey.
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Association Board Survey 2026
The 2026 Association Board Survey is the 18th annual Associations Forum Board Survey in Australia, and provides valuable insights into the governance, composition and performance of association boards across the sector.
- The size of Australian boards, from respondents to our survey, was slightly smaller in 2026. The average number of directors decreased to 8.5 from 8.9 in 2025, while the median decreased from nine to eight.
- Gender representation on boards was almost equal. Women now represent 49.6% of directors, up from 48.1% in 2025.
- The Board, rather than the membership, continue to elect the President/Chair in 67.2% of organisations.
- Directors’ fees were paid by 15.0% of respondents, down from 16.2% in 2025.
- The CEO/Head of Staff undertook the Company Secretary/Public Officer role in 46.0% of organisations, while 8.1% outsourced the role. Overall, 48.6% reported that the role holder had formal qualifications.
The final report is free to Associations Forum members. For non-members (NFP organisations only) who do not participate in the survey, the report can be purchased for $200.
We would like to thank Our Cat Herder for sponsoring the 2026 Association Board Survey 2026.
Associations Salary Survey 2026
The Associations Salary Survey explores remuneration and employment trends across the associations sector and examines how organisations are responding to changing workforce and market conditions. Associations Forum has been conducting the Associations Salary Survey for 17 years to develop a comprehensive understanding of salary benchmarks and employment practices across a wide range of associations and charities.
Key Findings From 2026:
- Changes in remuneration were more active over the past year, with an overall average increase of 5.1%. This is a notable shift compared to the 1.8% average increase reported in last year's survey.
- 93.4% of respondents indicate flexibility with hours and location continued to be the main driver in attracting and retaining staff, followed by an organisation's purpose and reputation (78%).
- While there are some large increases in the following specific categories, overall we are seeing the variation in remuneration flattening across small to medium size organisations.
The 94 page Associations Salary Survey 2026 can be purchased for $300 (Members) or $600 (Non-members NFP organisations only). Contact our team for more information.
Association Membership and Services Survey
Associations Forum would like to thank the 216 organisations that participated in the 2026 Association Membership and Services Survey. This marks the 17th edition of the Associations Forum Membership and Services Survey in Australia. Membership and member services are at the core of associations, with the ongoing challenge of delivering offerings that members find essential and highly valuable.
Key Findings From 2026:
- On average, associations are welcoming new members at an encouraging 12.7%. However, at the same time, attrition is sitting at 9%. Growth is happening, but so is churn.
- Budget restraints is the clear number one reason why members do not renew. Members are weighing up every dollar, and associations need to prove the return on that investment.
- Email remains the most preferred way to communicate with members, but many tell us they get too many emails. That tells us relevance matters more than frequency.
We would like to thank Higher Logic for sponsoring the 2026 Association Membership and Services Survey.
The survey is FREE for members or can be purchased for $200 (NFP organisations only). Contact our team for more information.
