Association Laboratory Inc. is one of the nation’s leading consulting firms specializing in the research and development of business strategy for associations.

Since 1999 the company has collected information on what works and what doesn’t work in association management through interaction and service to dozens of associations of sizes and types.

Data driven, analytic processes tempered by the knowledge of experienced association executives are the heart of the company’s proprietary strategy development processes.

Business Philosophy

Market Needs Business Strategy Business Structure

Association Laboratory Inc. believes that creating sustainable association growth is based on a fundamental understanding of the association’s market and the market’s unique needs.

This market understanding drives the development of organizational, marketing and delivery strategies to meet these market needs.

The selection of a specific business strategy drives the creation of the organizational structure necessary for successful implementation of this strategy.

Our professionals take a collaborative approach to consulting. We work with your staff to ensure that the learning from each engagement resides within your organization.

Key Benefits

Association Laboratory specializes in understanding the unique needs of trade, professional, credentialing and philanthropic associations.

Association Laboratory works exclusively with associations.

We understand the unique dynamic between volunteer leadership and members. We respect the unique role of staff and use this knowledge to develop more useful, effective services.

Association Laboratory staff includes seasoned association executives. These individuals have been responsible for nearly every aspect of association management including executive management, government affairs, conventions/meetings, membership marketing, professional development and industry promotion. Their experience includes advertising, publicity, direct marketing and online media.

Association Laboratory has extensive association industry experience, expertise and relationships.

Dean West, President and Founder has served as a member of the Board of the Association Forum of Chicagoland and is a Fellow of the American Society of Association Executives.

Association Laboratory has worked with leading organizations in the association and in the association conventions industry including the following:

American Society of Association Executives
Association Forum of Chicagoland
Professional Convention Management Association

This experience combined with the personal networks of staff as consultants and volunteer leaders creates an extensive network of relationships that can be leveraged on behalf of clients.

Association Laboratory staff are sophisticated marketing executives with practical business experience.

Association Laboratory staff has successfully developed organizational, marketing, product and delivery strategy for both association and for-profit enterprises. Our experience includes start-up, rapidly growing and mature businesses. This experience helps us develop and successfully implement marketing recommendations within your existing organizational and financial capabilities.

Association Laboratory has developed scalable, proprietary processes for the analysis of associations and the development of association business strategy.

Association Laboratory’s primary research into the needs of nearly 100 different associations has resulted in the creation of proprietary models for the development of business strategy and for leading data driven strategic planning processes. These models provide a framework for the research, development and communication of association business strategy.

Association Laboratory is a full service research consulting firm providing comprehensive, sophisticated services.

Association Laboratory has expertise and experience with both qualitative and quantitative research tools. Over the years, the company has implemented online, mailed, telephone and integrated quantitative research methodologies. In addition, the company uses a wide variety of qualitative techniques based on the needs and budget of your association.

We work with you to assess your research goals and custom-design a research process that maximizes the data collected and insight gained for the time and financial resources invested.

Strict confidentiality

Association Laboratory Inc. maintains strict confidentiality of your activities. Business plans, strategies, materials, and methodologies are not publicly released so that the work you pay for remains proprietary.