Russ Webb, Executive Director of the BAAA, on his FOMO Event Strategy

In today’s crowded event and meeting landscape, how do you create events that are so unique that members feel a sense of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) when they miss one of your events? How do you lead with enthusiasm to create energy among your staff and members?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Russ Webb, Executive Director of the Bay Area Apartment Association. Russ introduces the BAAA, shares his journey to becoming Executive Director, and then shares how BAAA is thriving with increased membership and increased non-dues revenue. He talks about:

• How to encourage your Board to lead AND let you and your staff execute on their vision and plan.
• How to identify and nurture superhero members in your organization. In BAAA’s case, they have a Leadership Lyceum program that helps BAAA identify future leaders.
• Post-event surveys and deep dives after EACH event.
• A pandemic strategy that forced the BAAA to bring education to where members  are.
• A FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) event strategy where each BAAA event is different, never to be repeated. The same event even moves around throughout the year!
• Leading with enthusiasm!

References:

• BAAA website
• BAAA Events