Submission and review programs have always been a powerful way for associations to highlight excellence, showcase innovation, and strengthen the bond with their members. But the context we are operating in today makes the way those programs are delivered more important than ever.
Members are stretched thin, reviewers are busier than they used to be, and staff are expected to do more with fewer resources. If the process feels clunky or time-consuming, it risks discouraging participation at the very moment when these programs could be doing the most good.
Beyond Awards: A Broader Role for Submission Programs
While awards often take the spotlight, associations also rely on submission and review processes for many other mission-critical functions:
- Calls for speakers or presenters
- Calls for abstracts
- Scholarship applications
- Grant applications
- Fellowships
- Certifications
- Accreditation renewals
These programs are the lifeblood of conferences, talent development, and industry standards. When the process is difficult, participation drops and staff capacity is drained. When it’s easy, these programs become engines of engagement, learning, and growth.
The Member Perspective
For members, the barrier to entry has to be low. Many are already managing increased pressures in their day-to-day work, so a complicated application process can feel like one more burden.
When an abstract is easy to submit, or when certification renewals can be completed quickly online, members feel supported. They see the association as responsive and modern. That sense of respect carries through to how they value membership as a whole.
Ease matters in tangible ways:
- Submissions that can be started on a phone during a commute and finished later on a desktop.
- Clear, automated confirmation emails that reassure nominees their application is complete.
- Transparent tracking so participants know exactly where they stand.
Each of these small touches reduces friction and builds goodwill. Instead of frustration, members experience pride in being part of something meaningful.
The Reviewer’s Role
Reviewers are often volunteers: seasoned professionals, retirees, or leaders with deep expertise who lend their credibility to the process. They might be judging award entries, reviewing conference abstracts, or conducting peer review for certification programs. They do it because they believe in the value of the work, not because they have extra time to spare.
When reviewing becomes a chore – digging through spreadsheets, chasing missing files, or navigating clumsy systems – even the most dedicated people can burn out. The opposite is also true.
With straightforward tools, centralized dashboards, and real-time access to applications, reviewers can focus on what really matters: evaluating submissions fairly and sharing insights that strengthen the community.
Associations that prioritize ease of use signal that their time is valued. That respect pays dividends in the form of repeat participation, stronger buy-in, and a higher-quality program overall.
The Staff Burden
For association staff, efficiency is no longer optional. Many teams are working with fewer hands than they had even a few years ago. Every hour spent chasing emails or troubleshooting submissions is an hour taken away from advancing the mission.
Outdated, manual processes create stress and take the joy out of delivering programs that should inspire pride.
Modernizing your programs changes that dynamic. Automated communications, streamlined workflows, and integrated reporting free staff from repetitive tasks and allow them to focus on higher-value work, such as:
- Recruiting new sponsors for awards and scholarships.
- Expanding opportunities for conference presenters.
- Supporting members in achieving and maintaining certifications.
- Showcasing success stories that attract new participants and members.
Instead of being weighed down by administration, staff are empowered to amplify the impact of every program.
Why Timing Matters
The urgency to improve submission and review processes is tied directly to the moment we’re in. Members are seeking visible value from their associations. They want to see leadership, feel appreciated, and know their contributions are recognized. At the same time, budgets are tighter, and volunteer bandwidth is limited.
Programs that are easy to enter and thoughtfully managed meet those needs directly. They not only celebrate individuals but also create a sense of pride and belonging across the community. And they build the foundation for sustainable growth in participation, sponsorship, and reputation.
Ease as a Form of Respect
Ease has become more than a convenience; it is a sign of respect. By making participation simple and rewarding, associations send a clear message: we value your time, we understand your challenges, and we are committed to making your experience better. That message strengthens loyalty, encourages future participation, and enhances the reputation of the association as a whole.
Now is the moment to look closely at how your programs are run. Awards, calls for abstracts, scholarships, fellowships, certifications, and accreditations should showcase the best of your members and your industry. The experience of participating in them should reflect that same standard of excellence.
Learn More
Join us for our upcoming webinar, More Than Awards: How to Streamline Every Submission Process. We’ll explore how associations are modernizing programs across awards, abstracts, scholarships, grants, fellowships, certifications, and more – and how you can create a seamless experience that serves every participant while saving staff time.