Enhancing Member Engagement with Matchbox Virtual Media

TL;DR

Member engagement is a persistent challenge for associations. With busy professionals feeling overwhelmed by forums, fundraisers, and events, keeping them actively involved is no small feat. Arianna Rehak of Matchbox Virtual Media and Amanda Kaiser of Smooth the Path set out to address this issue by focusing on what members consistently crave – networking opportunities. They found a creative solution in Piccles, which served as an icebreaker, data collection tool, and conversation companion during virtual meetings.

The Challenge

Associations struggle to engage their members, who often find it difficult to participate actively in various activities due to their busy schedules. Arianna and Amanda sought a way to make networking more appealing and accessible during virtual meetings, ensuring that members felt connected and involved without feeling overwhelmed.

The Piccles Activation

To tackle this challenge, Arianna and Amanda introduced Piccles during virtual meetings. The tool was first presented through a simple and engaging activity: drawing a doodle. This creative icebreaker immediately captured the participants' attention and set a relaxed, playful tone for the rest of the meeting.

Engaging Conversations and Data Collection

Piccles wasn’t just a fun distraction; it served multiple purposes. After the initial doodle, the conversation shifted to more substantive topics, such as "Do you even like networking?" Participants used Piccles to draw their responses, which were then transformed into a compelling data visualization. This visual representation of opinions sparked deeper discussions and insights into members’ preferences and needs.

Adding Color to the Conversation

To add even more vibrancy to the meeting, participants were invited to draw a flower. This activity not only provided a creative outlet but also symbolized the growth and flourishing of new ideas and connections within the association.

Positive Reception and Future Potential

To wrap up the experience, a poll was conducted to gauge participants' feedback on Piccles. The results were overwhelmingly positive, with Piccles being voted as the most likely offering association professionals would consider for their members. This endorsement highlighted the tool’s potential to revolutionize member engagement by making virtual interactions more interactive and enjoyable.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Arianna Rehak and Amanda Kaiser demonstrated that Piccles could effectively enhance member engagement in the association industry. By incorporating creative activities into virtual meetings, associations can provide the networking opportunities their members desire in a fun and accessible way. This case study underscores the power of Piccles to transform member engagement, making it a valuable tool for associations looking to connect with their members on a deeper level.