Is the Rise of Alternative Communities a Threat to Meetings Industry Associations?

Club Ichi and ELX offer a different type of meetings industry community. But are they a threat to industry associations?

The Stand-Up November 7, 2024 Edited by Miguel Neves View in browser Hi there,   With a yacht cruise in Croatia, a buzzing Slack channel, and 6,000 members in a year—Club Ichi is shaking up the meetings world with its mix of peer-driven conversations and unique experiences.   ELX, meanwhile, is pulling top corporate event leaders into an exclusive, invite-only circle that prioritizes confidentiality and collaboration.   Both communities take a different approach to traditional associations. They are built around a niche-focused, flexible model with low or no fees for members while maintaining high standards for connection and learning.   The appeal is clear: tailored networking, a direct and personal approach, and an emphasis on senior-level insights.   But as these communities grow, industry associations are feeling the heat, with sponsorship dollars and member attention on the line.   So the question looms: Do these communities complement industry associations, or are they competitors?   What do you think? Reply to this email to share your thoughts. Top Stories What Does a Trump Presidency Mean for Meetings? Based on his previous administration's policies, here are a few ways planners could be impacted by Trump's win. Is the Rise of Alternative Communities a Threat to Meetings Industry Associations? With a Barefoot Business yacht cruise in Croatia and its own Slack channel, Club Ichi might just be the sexiest group to ever hit the meetings industry. 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