Reflecting on the past year, it is clear that 2026 has been a transformative period for our community. We have seen a remarkable expansion of our network, characterized not just by numbers, but by the seniority and global diversity of the executives joining our ranks. This influx of senior leadership has been matched by a vibrant renewal of face-to-face engagement, with event attendance rising significantly as members sought to connect, learn, and collaborate.
Most encouragingly, we have witnessed an unprecedented surge in event attendance: by 48%.
Community Expansion
The association experienced a robust expansion of its professional network, welcoming thousands of new executives from nearly a thousand different associations. This intake was notably international, with the majority of new members originating from International and European associations with a robust growth from the UK.
The profile of these new members is highly senior; the community is now bolstered by a significant number of Directors, Heads of Departments, and Senior Managers, who make up the vast majority of the new intake.
Events and Engagement
Member engagement saw a positive upward trend. The association hosted a diverse range of events, primarily focusing on Seminars and Member Meetings, alongside larger flagship gatherings like Congresses and Leader Symposia.
This active calendar drove a tangible increase in participation, with total attendance figures rising by 48% compared to the previous year.
Association Congresses
Our Associations World Congress and Associations UK Growth saw substantial growth in 2025. We expect this to grow nearer to pre-covid levels in 2026, as we deploy a dedicated events marketer from January, and produce comprehensive promotional campaigns.
Content and Resources
The AAE continued to act as a major knowledge hub for the sector, producing a high volume of industry-specific content. This library of resources was predominantly driven by Association News updates, supplemented by a collection of Video Talks, ensuring members stayed informed on the latest developments.
Sector Recruitment
The association saw a massive surge in advertised job vacancies, recording a 220% increase compared to 2024 levels, suggesting a highly active recruitment market for association professionals.