By Janice Martin, Director of Programs & Membership

It’s no surprise that groups made up of members need in influx of new individuals to maintain numbers. And to grow? That means even more newcomers. Whether we are talking about the club level or the international level, member-based groups organizations need members or they cease to exist. 

Word of mouth is probably the most common method of bringing in new members, and community presence still has the effect of getting noticed in local communities with active clubs visibly serving those they serve. Social media can help, but only if others can find a club or organization's page.  

So what can a club do? Is there a better way to bring people in? Enter the Joining Fair. 

In case that is a new concept, a Joining Fair is a collaborative event where multiple membership-based groups and organizations come together in one space to showcase what they offer to attract new members and help people find where they belong. 

What’s better than a combo of a community event where each group can showcase themselves. Let me paint a picture: 

• A Sertoma club that focuses on hearing health might host hearing screenings or collect donated hearing aids at their booth and share how the devices help individuals in the local community.

• Scouting groups could provide interactive experiences to youth in attendance to show how much fun they have at their activities.

• Fitness, hobby, and gaming groups may find it fun to come up with a game related to their chosen focus to attract interest from both adults and youth.

• Churches can offer attendees a glimpse into their community and what is offered.

Joining fairs create energy, variety, and momentum that simply can’t be achieved alone. 

Why Joining Fairs Work 

The secret of a Joining Fair’s success is that they tap into human connection, which is a very powerful base to build on. Research shows that in-person interaction builds trust and long-term relationships better than digital outreach alone. Nearly 100% of professionals say in-person networking strengthens relationships, and 80% consider networking essential for success. (1)  

Now layer that into a fair setting where attendees can: 

• Explore multiple groups in one visit 

• Talk directly with real members 

• Compare opportunities side-by-side 

There’s also strong evidence that events remain one of the most effective tools for member engagement and growth. In a 2025 benchmarking report, associations ranked networking events as among the most valuable way to connect. (2)

From a broader perspective, fairs themselves are proven to have significant impact. Another 2025 national study found that fairs and similar events drive community engagement, visitor turnout, and economic activity, reinforcing their value as gathering points. (3)

The Bottom Line

Joining fairs work because they combine networking, convenience, and community energy. These three ingredients consistently drive participation. 

Hopefully this has peaked your interest and created some excitement around the potential for your club. Stay tuned for a future post sharing the in’s and out’s of setting up a Joining Fair! 

CITATIONS:

1 35 Important Networking Statistics Everyone Should Know [apollotechnical.com] 

2 2025 Association Benchmarking Report: Engagement Gains, Revenue Pains, and the Road Ahead [naylor.com] 

3 New Report Highlights Major Economic Impact of Fairs and Fairgrounds on Local Economies Across U.S. [prnewswire.com]