A professional association, by definition, is an entity charged with maintaining and enforcing standards of training and ethics in a given profession. They frequently offer educational opportunities to their members to update skills or gain professional certification and increasingly, these educational opportunities are in the form of a group trip or destination meeting. Chances are you’re a member or even on the board of one of the thousands of professional associations and business organizations around the world. Does your association know the benefits of group travel?

Because members of a professional association may be geographically distant from one another or even globally located, destination meetings and group trips are a popular way to bring the participants together. It’s widely accepted that face-to-face interaction is highly productive and association travel offers some real benefits to the organization itself as well as the individual members.

Relationship Building

Traveling with someone is a distinctive way to get to know them. With the common bond of similar professional interests, the scene is set to build camaraderie and enhance business relationships. Networking comes naturally and business connections are forged as groups explore sights and destinations that have meaning to the association. For example, members of the Modular Building Institute use association travel to facilitate connections with potential customers and partners while visiting modular construction sites in other countries. Their prototype trip to England in 2011 was so successful, they chose Ireland in 2012. 

  

Education

Whatever your profession, new methods develop as technology, materials or experience advance. When association members travel together creativity and brainstorming are enhanced as they see their profession implemented in different ways.  For example, on a trip to the Dominican Republic, the Association of General Contractors of Virginia toured a sustainable resort with the builder who illustrated the methods used in building under strict ecological protection. They learned about emerging eco trends and regulatory issues that affect their business. On another trip to Italy, they enjoyed a private meeting with the stonemason who did restoration work on the famous Florence Duomo to learn stone techniques – an exclusive opportunity arranged just for their group.

Membership growth

In addition to the individual member benefits, the association can grow and prosper from group travel. An intriguing travel itinerary that combines sightseeing pertinent to the association’s industry with social gatherings of like-minded professionals can be the carrot to draw new members. Associations can also build in a fund-raising element to the trip cost. Since most professional associations are non-profit, the extra revenue can help with administrative expenses, industry public relations or member perks. Could your association benefit from developing a group trip around member interests?

Traveling with members of a professional association creates bonds and enhances creativity among the participants. Travel experiences can advance members’ education on industry issues and help the association grow and promote their cause. For specific ideas of how your professional association and its members can benefit from a group trip, contact the creative planners at Covington Meetings & Events.