International events are often measured by attendance, exhibition space and the number of business meetings held. Increasingly, however, their longer-term value is judged by what continues after delegates return home. Opening the 11th Singapore International Water Week (SIWW2026), Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry, Gan Kim Yong, described water as “fundamental to the economy, society, and life itself—and in a world facing climate change and growing uncertainty, a matter of resilience.” That theme ran throughout the four-day event, where governments, cities, utilities, academia and industry came together to explore practical solutions for strengthening water security, climate resilience and […]

For many associations, the annual conference remains the biggest event of the year. It generates revenue, attracts new members, and brings communities together. But increasingly, association leaders are recognising that one successful conference is no longer enough to sustain member engagement throughout the year. Associations are shifting towards a year-round engagement model that keeps members connected through online communities, mentoring programmes, virtual learning, and special interest groups between major events. This shift reflects changing member expectations. Rather than waiting months for the next conference, members increasingly expect continuous opportunities to learn, network and collaborate. This approach appears to be delivering […]

For many associations, membership dues and annual conferences have long formed the financial foundation of the organisation. But recent years have shown how vulnerable that model can become when economic uncertainty, changing member behaviour, or disruptions affect attendance and participation. New research suggests that association leaders are responding by placing greater emphasis on revenue diversification—not simply to increase income, but to strengthen long-term organisational resilience. According to the 2026 State of Associations Report released by ASAE, financial pressure remains one of the sector’s biggest concerns. Nearly 39% of association CEOs reported worsening financial conditions, while meetings continue to be one […]