Organization Design Workshop: Bridging the Divide Between Bold Strategy and Operational Reality

In a time of rapid technological change, evolving member expectations, and increased regulatory complexity, associations must ensure their organizational structures can support their strategic goals.

This interactive workshop will help association CEOs and COOs examine the gap between strategy and day-to-day operations. Participants will explore practical approaches to organizational design, capability assessment, team alignment, and change management—whether they are strengthening current operations, preparing for growth, or navigating a merger, affiliation, or other organizational transition.

Through discussion and applied exercises, attendees will gain actionable tools to identify operational bottlenecks, clarify roles and responsibilities, strengthen leadership alignment, and create an organization positioned to deliver greater member value and long-term growth.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify organizational and staffing barriers that can prevent strategic plans from moving forward.
• Apply key organizational design principles to better align talent, structure, processes, systems, and capabilities with organizational priorities.
• Assess current capabilities and operational practices against future member needs and organizational goals.
• Use clear communication and change-management strategies to reduce uncertainty and build support for change.
• Develop practical next steps to strengthen organizational performance, leadership alignment, and long-term sustainability.

Workshop Agenda

11:00–11:30 a.m. | Welcome: The Power of Organizational Design
Explore the association trends, strategic challenges, and leadership considerations shaping today’s operating environments.

11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Diagnosing Organizational Bottlenecks
Examine the key elements of organizational design and learn how to assess talent, structure, capabilities, processes, and systems against current and future needs.

12:30–1:30 p.m. | The Human Side of Change
Discuss how communication, emotional intelligence, role clarity, and leadership alignment can help organizations navigate uncertainty and build support for change.

1:30–2:30 p.m. | Structural Integration and High-Performance Teams
Consider approaches for evaluating organizational structure, staffing, management practices, and performance to support growth, transition, and long-term effectiveness.

2:30–3:00 p.m. | Q&A and Action Planning
Reflect on key takeaways, address participant questions, and identify practical next steps to strengthen organizational performance.

Who Should Attend

This workshop is designed for association CEOs and COOs who are responsible for organizational strategy, operations, culture, staffing, and long-term growth.

RSVP

Attendance is open to current CEO Update members who serve as a CEO or COO. Roundtable participation is not required.

Space is limited, and advance registration is required.

Thank you to our Partner: