In this episode, Gordon Glenister is joined by Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA). Emma shares insights into the beer and pub industry, the role pubs play as community hubs, and the importance of strong membership engagement in shaping the sector’s future. With over 100 members representing 90% of the UK’s beer production and half of the country’s pubs, Emma explains how the BBPA champions its members, influences policy, and supports one of Britain’s most loved industries. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The scale and influence of the beer and pub sector in the UK economy. How the BBPA advocates on behalf of members with government and regulators. The challenges facing pubs post-pandemic, including energy costs, staffing, and shifting consumer behaviours. Why pubs are more than just businesses — they are vital community anchors. Strategies the BBPA uses to keep members engaged and aligned. Emma’s perspective on leadership in a membership organisation. About Emma McClarkin Emma McClarkin has been CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association since 2019. She leads efforts to ensure the sector thrives despite significant challenges, from policy pressures to cultural shifts. A passionate advocate for pubs as places of community, connection, and tradition, Emma brings both strategic vision and a deep commitment to the people behind the industry. Episode Highlights “We represent 90% of the beer produced in the UK — it’s an enormous responsibility.” “Pubs aren’t just businesses; they are the beating heart of the high street.” “Membership is about making sure every voice is heard, from small brewers to national pub chains.” Links & Resources Learn more about the British Beer and Pub Association: https://beerandpub.com Connect with Emma McClarkin on LinkedIn Follow Gordon Glenister for more membership insights

In this episode of the Membership World Podcast, Gordon Glenister sits down with Robin Osterley, CEO of the Charity Retail Association, to explore his journey from the commercial world of sales and IT to leading one of the UK’s most recognised membership bodies in the charity retail sector. Robin shares his professional story, lessons from the arts and charity sectors, and insights into the challenges and opportunities facing charity retail today. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Robin’s personal career journey, from sales and IT to music, arts, and ultimately charity retail. The mission and role of the Charity Retail Association in supporting over 9,000 charity shops across the UK. How charity shops contribute not only financially but also socially and environmentally. The challenges the sector has faced — including sustainability, volunteer recruitment, and the impact of COVID-19. How membership organisations can remain relevant, support their members, and advocate effectively. Robin’s advice on leadership, managing change, and building resilient communities. Key Quotes: “It wasn’t just about selling things — it was about creating impact that mattered.” “Charity retail is one of the most visible and trusted faces of the sector on the high street.” Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] Robin’s unconventional career path and move into the charity sector. [00:08:00] The role of charity shops in communities and in the circular economy. [00:15:00] Post-pandemic challenges and opportunities in charity retail. [00:25:00] Leadership insights from running a membership association. [00:35:00] Advice for future leaders in the charity and membership world. Resources & Links: Learn more about the Charity Retail Association Connect with Robin Osterley on LinkedIn Explore more episodes of the Membership World Podcast  

In this episode, Gordon Glenister speaks with Stephen (Steve) Weiss, a Director at the International Coaching Federation (ICF). With a career spanning sports coaching, event production, and leadership roles in membership organisations, Steve brings unique insights into marketing international associations on a global scale. Together, they explore how the ICF builds its worldwide community of professional coaches, the challenges of engaging members across diverse cultures, and the strategies that enable associations to thrive internationally. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Steve’s career journey — from athletics coaching to association leadership — shaped his approach to membership growth. The role of the International Coaching Federation in setting global standards for professional coaching. Key strategies for marketing and growing international membership organisations. How cultural differences affect engagement and communication. The importance of storytelling, trust, and brand consistency when operating globally. Leadership lessons for building communities that span continents. About Stephen Weiss Stephen Weiss is a Director at the International Coaching Federation, a leading global organisation for professional coaches with tens of thousands of members worldwide. With decades of experience in membership organisations, Steve is passionate about connecting communities, raising professional standards, and ensuring members find value in belonging. Episode Highlights “This is career number three for me — each one has given me skills that I bring into the membership world today.” “When you’re global, you can’t just replicate one strategy everywhere — you have to adapt to local cultures.” “Coaching is about people and transformation — and so is building a membership community.” Links & Resources Learn more about the International Coaching Federation (ICF): https://coachingfederation.org Connect with Stephen Weiss on LinkedIn Follow Gordon Glenister for more insights into membership organisations

SummaryIn this episode of the Membership World Podcast, host Gordon Glenister speaks with Rona Hunnisett, Deputy Director at Logistics UK, about the groundbreaking Generation Logistics campaign. Rona shares how the initiative is inspiring young people, women, and underrepresented groups to consider careers in logistics, an industry that keeps the world moving but is often overlooked. The conversation explores the challenges faced during the pandemic, the perception shift needed to attract new talent, and the creative strategies behind an award-winning campaign. Listeners will gain insight into how trade associations can go beyond advocacy and policy to actively reshape the future of their industries. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why logistics is essential but often invisible to the public. How the Generation Logistics campaign is tackling workforce shortages. The importance of collaboration between government, industry, and associations. Practical lessons in running campaigns that inspire and engage. Success stories and recognition the initiative has already achieved. Guest Bio Rona Hunnisett is Deputy Director at Logistics UK, one of the leading trade associations for the logistics sector. With a background in communications and public affairs, she has spearheaded initiatives to raise the profile of logistics and attract the next generation of talent into the industry. Resources & Links Logistics UK Generation Logistics Connect with Rona on LinkedIn (insert direct link)

In this episode we talk with Dennis Howes and Daniel Goddard, co-founders of association recruitment specialist Membership Bespoke. Membership Bespoke launched 14 years ago, has seen a rapid expansion in growth since the pandemic and now plans to expand into the US market. By having a strong niche in this sector, has allowed the team to really have a deep understanding of many of the different roles and organisational types from Royal Societies, to trade bodies and membership organisations. As a vetted partner to Membership World all the jobs will be posted on our job board.Dennis has also been behind the very successful Salary Review Guide that has been an invaluable guide for association leaders to benchmark their teams remuneration packages. Find out more www.membershipbespoke.co.uk

In todays episode we talk about why digital transformation projects sometimes fail and what needs to be done in all parts of the process. A lot of this is due to mindset and a desire to change. We draw on examples in the association world where there are often multiple stakeholders involved.  Nej talks more about the importance of Digital Evolution and why associations need to be constantly evolving in the digital landscape.  If you want to find out more about GRM Digital head over to the Membership World Solutions Centre or connect with Nej on Linkedin

In this episode we talk with Russell Hamblin Boone, who is CEO of the Civil Enforcement Association. The Association deals with civil enforcement for local authorities & government bodies and represents bailiffs.  Here we talk about the challenge the industry has around bailiff reputation and particularly since austerity and the cost of living crisis. Often people that don’t know too much about what they do have a strong opinion of them. Russell alludes to why its good for associations to bring in experienced professional trade association experts, rather than industry-experienced individuals. When he went for the interview for the role he said, "If you are looking for a Yes Man, I am not it, because I will challenge positions, in order to move the organisation forwards. Never did I think I needed to be a master of diplomacy, but its true - as a CEO you do. You have wide opinions and voices across the membership and Board.  Associations often need to show their value to the membership trough an issue, not only might they have to deal with external issues, but also internal challenges within the sector". Russell set up the Energy Retail Association which went onto to be Energy UK. He also shares his experiences at the Finance and Leasing Association through the credit crunch.  We round up by talking about managing crisis and why the Professional CEO has to often be the face of the issue. Navigating around member key stakeholders and communicating the right message is essential for the CEO. If you want to follow Russell on Linkedin, you can reach out to him here This episode is sponsored by global membership events app RD mobile RD Mobile | Virtual Event Platform and Member Engagement App (resultsdirect.com)

Dario Betti, the Chief Executive Officer of the Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF), is a distinguished figure with over 20 years of experience in spearheading initiatives within the mobile phone industry. Betti's comprehensive knowledge of the mobile ecosystem, coupled with his strategic vision, has been pivotal in shaping MEF's influential role in addressing the multifaceted dynamics of the industry. Renowned for his expertise in mobile entertainment, consumer safeguarding, and fostering industry-wide collaboration, Betti has emerged as a prominent authority in the mobile sector. His unwavering commitment to nurturing sustainable and secure mobile ecosystems has significantly contributed to fostering strategic growth and industry-wide collaboration, cementing MEF's position as a trailblazer in driving impactful change within the mobile ecosystem. This episode is sponsored by global membership events app RD mobile RD Mobile | Virtual Event Platform and Member Engagement App (resultsdirect.com)

In this episode Heather Lishman, Director of the British Professional Conference Organisers, talks about the changing face of association events.   One of the most stressful jobs, the professional event organisers role has changed considerably over the years, with them having to grapple around event tech, sustainable events, tighter and tighter budgets and more demanding sponsors.  One of the areas we talk about is the growth in event legacy and Heather cites some great examples of what associations are doing. This episode is sponsored by global membership events app RD mobile RD Mobile | Virtual Event Platform and Member Engagement App (resultsdirect.com)  

The law hasn’t stopped discrimination misogyny, homophobia, prejudice and sexism it has simply gone underground. This has made it more difficult to prove. Why concrete evidence is needed if the law is to step in. The problem that discrimination, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder; can you as a reasonable person, know whether a raised voice and/or aggressive action is aimed at you because you are gay, a woman or of ethnic origins? A personal story to illustrate this; the word of one person against another; laws are there to protect individuals but in practice they don’t prevent inequality, injustices or discrimination. Along with the incident that caused global outrage with the Spanish Football President, this is just some of the areas we cover in this insightful podcast episode with the Patron of the National Association of Licensed Paralegals, Amanda Hamilton.  Find out more from the Association here.   This episode is sponsored by global membership events app RD mobile RD Mobile | Virtual Event Platform and Member Engagement App (resultsdirect.com)    

Simon joined the Finance & Leasing Association (FLA) as their Head of Asset Finance in 2014. In 2021 he became Director of Advocacy. He is responsible for the FLA Asset Finance Division and the cross-organisational advocacy work that the FLA undertakes. This includes representing asset finance members to government and the regulators, developing relationships with stakeholders, overseeing the FLA’s asset finance policy work and ensuring that they have a joined-up advocacy programme that demonstrates their members contribution to the UK, so that they can raise their profile and influence public policy. Simon’s background is in public affairs and communications. Previously, he worked for membership bodies and the commercial sector, including the Chartered Institute of Taxation, the Association of Consultancy and Engineering. LexisNexis and in leading market research agencies. He has also been named one of the top 100 UK lobbyists. When he is not working, he and his wife raise two children and one cat. The jury is still out on which species is the easier to guide through life.   This episode is sponsored by global membership events app RD mobile RD Mobile | Virtual Event Platform and Member Engagement App (resultsdirect.com)

In this episode we talk about the power of working with volunteers for your membership organisation, with the CEO of the Scouts movement. Matt Hyde is Chief Executive of the Scouts, the UK’s largest youth movement. Formerly Chief Executive of the National Union of Students (NUS), he’s undertaken a number of leadership roles in the charity sector and as Chief Executive of the Scouts has contributed to a period of record membership growth since joining in 2013.  He has led award-winning campaigns, spearheaded work to support the growth of Scouts in areas of deprivation and oversaw the development of a new age range, called Squirrels; opening up Scouts for four and five year olds. Matt is Co-Founder of The Big Help Out, an initiative to dramatically increase volunteering numbers across the UK as part of HM King Charles III’s Coronation, which saw over 7.2m volunteer. He is a trustee of Comic Relief, a Patron of UNLOCK (the charity for people with convictions) and was previously Vice-Chair of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).  Matt was awarded an OBE in the 2020 New Year Honours List, an Honorary Fellowship from Queen Mary University of London in 2012 and an Honorary Degree from the University of Hertfordshire in 2023.   This episode is sponsored by global membership events app RD mobile RD Mobile | Virtual Event Platform and Member Engagement App (resultsdirect.com)

The British Orthopaedic Association has over 5,000 members throughout the UK and overseas and is the special surgical speciality association for trauma and orthopaedics. Annette Heninger is the director of communications, and in this episode shares her insight about how they communicate and engage with their members and how they are even exploring a new membership tier for their retirees. For more information on the BOA viist https://www.boa.ac.uk/   This podcast has been sponsored by RD Mobile - the complete events and membership engagement platform.  Find out more RD Mobile | Virtual Event Platform and Member Engagement App (resultsdirect.com) #membership #engagement  The go-to technical creative agency | Pixl8 @gordon@gordonglenister.com

In this episode industry veterans Russ Magnusson, CEO and founder of RD Mobile and Membership digital agency founder Alex Skinner talk about the some of the trends facing the membership sector post Covid. Skinner commented, one client had 70% of income from physical training accounts so were motivated to make decisions to move online very quickly. Culture played a big part to do something different. How do you managed a large remote distributed team, this was new ground for a lot of membership bodies. .  Some decisions during the Pandemic were made at speed and in some cases now having to re-evaluate as not all the these products were talking to each other in one centralised platform.  Magnusson suggests not many organisations have gone for a hybrid model and a desire for in-person events has been very high.  Find out more from this riveting interview. This podcast has been sponsored by RD Mobile - the complete events and membership engagement platform.  Find out more RD Mobile | Virtual Event Platform and Member Engagement App (resultsdirect.com) #membership #engagement  The go-to technical creative agency | Pixl8 @gordon@gordonglenister.com

The Regional Studies Association is a learned society - there are about  26,000 learned associations around the world. The RSA has membership from all over the world and its members range from academics, geographers, political scientists, planners, journalists, and rise from students  up to professors . The society was established in 1966 and the current CEO Sally Hardy is coming up to her 37th year.  Members love the networking most, says Sally. What they are looking for are those personal connections, people doing the same things they are.  They have a huge global conference programme and publish a number of journals. They talk about how their app has helped boost membership engagement. This has helped the organisation grow its online community particularly younger audiences This episode is sponsored by global membership events app RD mobile RD Mobile | Virtual Event Platform and Member Engagement App (resultsdirect.com)  

Richard John has spent over 30 years in the industry.  In this episode we discuss why taking on a university “event” apprentice can be a great thing to do.  His turnover has gone up 400% since the Pandemic and all of which has this has come from online events.  People will dip in and out of sessions from an online event, whereas at an exhibition you tend to go for the day.  Consumers and members are very keen to look at more snackable content. Education has been one of the benefits for associations particularly in terms on online delivery. Ted Talks tend to be delivered quickly and less than 15 minutes. Find out more from Richard Looking for the best in event training, development online or in person services? Contact Realise   This episode is sponsored by global membership events app RD mobile RD Mobile | Virtual Event Platform and Member Engagement App (resultsdirect.com)  

In this episode we talk about the Friends model of the membership society and in this case it’s the Membership Officer of the Royal College of Music Siti Osman. The RCM is a top conservatoire in the UK and Europe attracting local and international talent – with students coming from 56 nations; they have approximately 900 students studying at one time.   The Friends and Family loyalty membership is aimed at attracting friends and family members of the students.   There are lots of talks from leading academics and special events. Siti talks about how they offer priority events and how they promote it to their Friends scheme.  For less than £4 a month you can become a member of the Royal College of Music and its such a great way to support their students.  The RCM have a number of Ambassadors  which are loyal “friends” and so the power of this word of mouth is very strong.  If you want to find out more about the RCM go visit  Home | Royal College of Music (rcm.ac.uk)

CEO of the National Hairdressers Federation, Richard Lambert talks about how a campaign to find the top 100 influencers in the industry drove phenomenal engagement on social media. An industry hit massively by the pandemic, this initiative run by the NHBF achieved so many amazing results across all social media, and helped drive membership.  Richard talks about the whole campaign from inception through to the livestream event to launch some of the winners.  It has been such a success that the 6500 member strong association wants to run it again, but on an even bigger scale. https://www.nhbf.co.uk/   This episode was sponsored by RD Mobile - leaders in online event and member management RD Mobile | Virtual Event Platform and Member Engagement App (resultsdirect.com)   #nhbf #top100influencerindex #influencers #membership #association

Maria Franzoni is an experienced speaker booker. She has held senior positions with 2 of Europe’s leading bureaus; CSA Celebrity Speakers and the London Speaker Bureau – named by the New York Times as “the only international speaker bureau”. In 2007 she founded her own multi-million-pound international bureau, Maria Franzoni Ltd. (MFL), and in this podcast Maria talks about how associations can find the right speaker for conferences, awards evenings and training events. Maria also talks about how you can work with speakers to build your event.  Always thinking of how you want your audience to feel afterwards, she talks about how she once booked a hostage negotiator who was a massive hit with the audience. Speakers get booked up, so the longer the lead-time that organisers can give a bureau the better choice they have. And what happens when your big keynote speaker falls ill on the day of the event? what do you do? Maria has all the answers and a whole lot more.   This episode was sponsored by RD Mobile - leaders in online event and member management RD Mobile | Virtual Event Platform and Member Engagement App (resultsdirect.com)   About (mariafranzoni.me)   #speakerbureau #speaker #association #conference  

In this episode, host Gordon Glenister talks with Adam Donnan, the CEO of the Institution of Environmental Science.  The IES represents individual consultants, academia, those working for Natural England, The Environment Agency and local government. This gives them the opportunities and the tools to create real system change, by having a strong purpose at the core of what they do. Adam says membership bodies need to have a sense of purpose at the heart of the organisation. CEOs want to grow their membership, they want an engaged and active membership, alongside staff that know they are doing and why they are doing it. Purpose can fulfil all those aims.  Growing your membership is broken into two areas, Adam says. The first is a transactional one based on a range of services offered that meets the needs of the member; but the other is a more altruistic one. The altruist is more about the well being of the sector and a sense of wanting to give back; and in many instances this can be a deeper relationship than the transactional one. Find out more at what Adam has to say on this. This episode is sponsored by RD Mobile, online event and engagement platform providers to the membership sector. RD Mobile | Virtual Event Platform and Member Engagement App