This year, ACN launched the Member Alliance Program, a platform where users with similar job functions can connect to exchange best practices, find solutions and share experiences. In this article, we’re breaking down the strategy behind the evolution of the chapters program to the Member Alliance Program as well as highlighting the Program’s wins from this year.
Evolution of Chapters to Alliances
For many years, ACN chapters were local networking and education groups which provided a space where members could connect with industry experts and other Applied users to share solutions to common product questions and issues. After the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and subsequent shifts in the industry, in-person chapter meeting frequency and attendance declined. This factor, combined with the increasing popularity of easily accessible online meeting options, led ACN leadership to evaluate the opportunities to evolve this key member benefit to further facilitate connections and knowledge sharing across the ACN community.
Chapter meeting engagement data and member feedback showed that a virtual meeting model worked well for ACN members following the shift in work standards post-COVID. After thoughtful evaluation of the data and envisioning of a program to more effectively bring together like-minded members of the ACN community, ACN leadership launched the Member Alliance Program. This program offers an improved opportunity to meet and learn alongside fellow ACN members of similar job functions and work environments without geographic limitations. The consistent meeting format of Alliances allows the program to reach a broader network and community while providing user-led education and connections.
Persona-based Alliances
The Applied community is diverse and spans dozens of different job titles, perspectives and support needs. To efficiently share information across a wide range of educational needs, the Member Alliance Program is comprised of seven persona-based alliances. Each Alliance’s goal is to build a supportive community where members can share best practices, develop skills and collaborate effectively based on shared job functions or organizational characteristics.
Persona-based Alliances:
- Personal & Commercial Lines Alliance
- Employee Benefits Alliance
- Owner/ Principal Alliance
- Operations, Managerial, & Finance Alliance
- Large Agents Alliance
- EZLynx Alliance
- Canadian Alliance
Each of these Alliances support distinct persona-based needs through specialized educational content and connections, bringing together users experiencing similar responsibilities and challenges. Alliance meetings are held quarterly and are a free benefit exclusive to members.
Success and Growth
The Alliances have offered members access to an experienced community eager to share advice and offer support to colleagues. EZLynx Alliance Leader Beaux Pilgrim reflected on the success of his Alliance this year:
“This year marked the exciting launch of the EZLynx Alliance, and we couldn’t have asked for a better start. We kicked things off with two highly successful webinars, each drawing close to 100 attendees. Our first session dove deep into automation within EZLynx, walking users through the various options available—from the built-in, done-for-you templates to semi-automated processes and fully customized, robust solutions tailored to specific needs.
The second webinar featured a recap of highlights and product development notes from Applied Net 2024, with special guest Ryan Beukema. The value of this session was evident, as it helped us more than triple our EZLynx user attendance at Applied Net, growing from 100 attendees in previous years to over 300 this year.
The momentum hasn’t stopped there. We’ve seen a surge of activity in the EZLynx Forum, where users are sharing valuable tips, discussing various topics and helping each other find solutions. This community-driven engagement has only strengthened what has been an incredible launch year for the EZLynx Alliance. I’m excited to see where we go from here!” — Beaux Pilgrim, Owner of Reed Insurance
No matter your role within the industry, there is an Alliance fit for you and ready with the tips and support you need. Find a persona-based Alliance best suited to your field. Stay up to date on upcoming meetings and join an Alliance today.