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  • 1.  memberships

    Posted 04-07-2020 05:44 PM
    What seems to be the prevailing practice for extending memberships?  By calendar quarter? For each day closed tack on a day at the end?  We'd love to hear your best practices.  Many thanks in advance

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    Andrea Caldwell
    Community and Government Relations Manager
    San Diego Zoo Global
    San Diego CA
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    AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, Baltimore, May 16-19, 2024, click to learn more


  • 2.  RE: memberships

    Posted 04-08-2020 07:41 AM
    ​Good morning Andrea, 

    We are extending our memberships by the number of months that we are closed, tacking on a month to the membership for each month we are closed. We let our members know by phone and email that we would be providing additional "free" months.

    Best, Sheryl

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    Sheryl Mays
    Museum Director
    Cape Fear Museum of History and Science
    Wilmington NC
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    AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, Baltimore, May 16-19, 2024, click to learn more


  • 3.  RE: memberships

    Posted 04-08-2020 09:30 AM
    Hi Andrea,
    The majority of museums and zoos that I work with are extending memberships for renewing and current members for at least the number of months that they are closed. Some organizations are also proactively offering free months to encourage new members to join while they're closed. FYI Dan Sullivan with Cuseum has also started a Coronavirus Preparedness Community Document for organizations to share resources and ideas during this difficult time-there is a tab on the sheet specifically about membership extensions. 

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    Rosie Siemer
    FIVESEED
    rosie@fiveseed.com
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    AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, Baltimore, May 16-19, 2024, click to learn more


  • 4.  RE: memberships

    Posted 04-08-2020 10:18 AM

    Andrea, a lot of people are extending extra monthis to membership commensurate to the nber of months of closure.  So some orgs have already announced to members via email thst they will be getting an extra month or two of membership tacked into their current renewal date. Some membership programs have CRMs that allow them to do a global change.  Those that cannot do that are saying that the extra months will be added on their next visit. 


    a couple of warnings.  This will pus some revenue into your next fiscal year, which will only exacerbate the lower revenues everyone will already be experiencing this year. So be prepared!

    Also, since membership is really one of the only cash flow generators during these times, even though you are extending an extra month or two, continue to solicit members for April snd May now even though those people will now have renewal dates of May and June now.

    finally, don't be afraid to ask you members for added support!  Now!  Make your case of no gate, cafe or shop revenues now, meaning you need there help more than ever! 

    we have a client now who is doing renewals, a special appeals, and a lapsed member appeal right now and the money is pouring in. Your members love you snd they will come through for you, but you have to ask!!

    Best of luck to you!

    Dana Hines
    Dana@Membership-Consultants.com




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    Dana Hines
    Vice President Membership Marketing

    Membership Consultants, A Gabriel Group Company
    Earth City MO
    Dana.Hines@gabrielgroup.com
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    AAM Annual Meeting & MuseumExpo, Baltimore, May 16-19, 2024, click to learn more