How to Get Started

Develop a Brief Profile of Your Organization

1. A history of your organization, its purpose, target audience, past management and programs.
2. A list of competitive organizations and your estimated share of the membership market.
3. A copy of your long-range plan, or a statement of your mission and goals.
4. A description of your group's current operating plan.
5. A description of your membership types.
6. A description of your leadership structure, including board positions and committees, along with their terms of office; and the staff services required by various committees.
7. A list of the meetings you hold each year with attendance, exhibitor and sponsorship information.
8. A list of your publications, including frequency of publication and circulation.
9. A summary of contracts now in place for publications, office lease, equipment leases, auto leases, etc.
10. If you are a national or international organization, describe your relationship to regional, state, provincial, or local groups.
11. Secure copies of the following documents:
    • Current bylaws and any proposed changes in bylaws
    • The three most recent year-end financial statements, including a current balance sheet
    • Current operating budget and fiscal year

Determine Your Future Goals and Expectations

1. A summary of your group's particular concerns/goals — for example: securing financial stability, membership growth, progress in achieving your mission, improving planning, resolving governmental, legislative or regulatory issues or improving governance and staffing.
2. A description of new services you will require beyond those presently provided.
3. The date that the management company should be prepared to assume responsibilities.

Contact EAI to Secure a Proposal

Call Jim or Rick Slawny today at 847-427-9600