Association Cliques

Many association have "Power Cliques" who dominate their conventions.  These closed groupings of people who are not open to meeting new people and networking can harm the feelings of how others perceive their attendance experience.  Sometimes the cliques are even promoted by the association itself by creating VIP and board events that are publicized, but not open to everyone. 

It is no fun to have your face up against the glass looking in at all the fun.

While those in cliques usually feel there are no issues, people who are not part of these exclusive inner circles often have negative feelings about the ways the "mini-society" at a conference can leave them feeling like they are traveling second class.

At high school reunions the former "popular crowd" will often revile how their school days had no cliques... meanwhile those who were not at the "cool kids table" have a very different memory.  The same is true at meetings.

I talk many who plan events who are very aware of their "clique problems", but feel they are stuck catering to the power players.  

If you have cliques in your association... do not ignore them, talk about the elephant in the room and make it unacceptable to not be inclusive.  When the culture of the association changes, these closed off groups will either move on or open up.

When I talk about cliques I get a lot of interesting responses.  What do you think?

Have A Great Day

thom singer

Thom Singer is known as "The Conference Catalyst". He works with meeting planners and conference organizers to set the tone for a meeting. His presentations educate, inspire and motivate attendees to engage deeper in the event and make meaningful connections.  http://www.conferencecatalyst.com 

www.ConferenceCatalyst.com