For consortia, generating non-dues (i.e., membership fees paid by members of a consortium) revenue can be a helpful resource to supplement growth and sustainability. Relying solely on membership dues can limit a consortium’s potential, but by exploring alternative revenue streams, these collaborative groups can fund new initiatives, enhance member services, and strengthen their overall financial health. Here are the top five ways consortia can generate non-dues revenue:
1. Educational Programs and Training
One of the most effective ways for consortia to generate non-dues revenue is by offering specialized educational programs and training sessions. Consortia often have access to a wealth of specialized knowledge and expertise across their member organizations, making them uniquely positioned to develop industry-specific training programs. These can include webinars, workshops, certification courses, and online modules that provide valuable skills and knowledge. By charging registration fees or offering these programs as part of a paid membership tier, consortia can create a steady stream of revenue while also providing significant value to their members and the broader industry.
2. Research and Publications
Consortia can leverage their collective expertise to conduct in-depth research and produce high-quality publications. These might include white papers, industry reports, case studies, or market analyses that are highly relevant to their field. Such publications can be sold individually, offered as part of a premium subscription service, or used to attract sponsorships. Additionally, by positioning themselves as thought leaders through these publications, consortia can enhance their reputation and influence within their industry. This not only generates revenue but also demonstrates thought leadership, and attracts new members and partners who value the insights and data the consortium can provide.
3. Corporate Sponsorships
Corporate sponsorships can offer a lucrative revenue stream for consortia. By partnering with companies that want to reach the consortium’s audience, consortia can secure sponsorships for events, publications, digital content, and more. These sponsorships might include branded content, advertisements, or sponsored sessions at conferences. In return, sponsors gain visibility and access to a targeted audience, while the consortium benefits from the financial support to fund its initiatives. Building strong relationships with corporate sponsors can lead to long-term partnerships that provide ongoing revenue and additional resources for the consortium.
4. Conferences and Events
Organizing conferences, trade shows, and networking events is another powerful way for consortia to generate non-dues revenue. These events serve as valuable platforms for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and industry networking. Consortia can charge registration fees, sell exhibitor spaces, and offer various sponsorship packages to generate income from these events. Additionally, well-organized events can enhance the consortium’s brand, attract new members, and strengthen ties within the industry. By providing meaningful experiences and opportunities for attendees, consortia can turn events into significant revenue generators.
5. Consulting Services
Many consortia consist of organizations with deep expertise in their respective fields, making consulting services a natural extension of their offerings. By providing consulting services to external organizations or businesses, consortia can generate non-dues revenue while leveraging the specialized knowledge of their members. These services could range from strategic planning and industry-specific advice to technical support and project management. Charging fees for consulting services not only brings in revenue but also enhances the consortium’s reputation as a trusted advisor within the industry.
Diversifying income streams is crucial for consortia looking to expand their impact and reduce reliance on membership dues. By tapping into these top five non-dues revenue opportunities—educational programs, research and publications, corporate sponsorships, conferences and events, and consulting services—consortia can ensure their financial sustainability and continue to deliver value to their members and the broader industry. ISTO can help consortia plan and implement these approaches to revenue generation and by embracing these strategies, it can help consortia to grow, innovate, and thrive in a competitive landscape.
ISTO was established (by the IEEE) in January 1999 to meet the needs of global emerging technology alliances, industry consortia, trade associations, and other technology collectives. ISTO provides the infrastructure, support, and expertise to support standards development efforts and market adoption of emerging technologies. ISTO can help your organization reach your goals and help propel the adoption of your technology through consortia. ISTO is a neutral, safe harbor for industry and government to build relationships, successfully collaborate, and fulfill their missions.
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