Association management
Day-to-day administration, headquarters support, calendars, records, and project coordination. A dependable foundation for everything you do.
CHICAGO ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENTYour mission.
Your mission.
Our commitment.
One step further.
The team behind your association’s next chapter. We bring the organization, experience, and personal attention that help your board lead—and your community thrive.
ROOTED IN CHICAGO. INVESTED IN YOU.Behind the scenes.
Beside you every step.
Beside you every step.
40+years of association
management experience
management experience
Every scaleFrom small gatherings
to major conferences
to major conferences
Familyoperated, with relationships
at the heart of our work
at the heart of our work
SMALL BY DESIGN. COMMITTED BY NATURE.A real part of
A real part of
your organization.
Your board has a vision. Your volunteers have full calendars. Your members expect an experience that makes belonging worthwhile.
GSS connects it all. We work alongside professional associations, trade associations, and local chapters to manage the everyday details and move bigger priorities forward.
We’re a family-operated business built on lasting relationships. You get people who learn your organization, respond when you need them, and care about how things turn out.
How we work togetherTHE SUPPORT BEHIND YOUR SUCCESSEverything connected.
Everything connected.
Every detail considered.
Full-service association management, focused support, or a special project. We build our role around what your organization needs.
Board & committee support
Meeting preparation, agendas, minutes, volunteer coordination, and follow-through that help leadership decisions become action.
Membership services
Applications, renewals, database management, and member communications that support recruitment, retention, and a welcoming experience.
Financial oversight
Budget coordination, financial reporting, payment administration, and organized records that help boards make informed decisions.
Communications & partnerships
Email campaigns, website updates, social media, and sponsorship support that keep your community informed and your partners connected.
Meetings & event planning
From intimate workshops to major conferences and galas, thoughtful planning and hands-on coordination from the first idea to the final guest.
THE GSS DIFFERENCEProfessional expertise.
Professional expertise.
A personal way
of working.
Good management is about more than completing a checklist. It’s knowing the people, understanding the priorities, and taking responsibility for what comes next.
Responsive, because it matters.
Clear communication and thoughtful follow-through, so you know where things stand and who is taking care of them.
Real people. Lasting relationships.
Approachable, authentic partners who become familiar with your organization and the people who make it special.
Continuity through every chapter.
Support that keeps operations moving as boards change, volunteers rotate, and your association’s priorities evolve.
FROM THE FIRST INVITATION TO THE LAST DETAIL
Small gatherings.
Big occasions.
Big occasions.
The same care in every detail.
MEETINGS THAT MEAN SOMETHINGBring people together.
Bring people together.
Make it count.
A great event feels effortless to the people attending it. Behind that experience are hundreds of decisions, carefully coordinated.
GSS handles planning, logistics, registration, communications, and on-site coordination. We help your organization create meaningful opportunities to learn, celebrate, and connect.
Tell us what you’re planningA PARTNERSHIP THAT STARTS WITH LISTENING
Your next step can be simple.
01
Tell us where you are.
What’s working? What’s taking too much time? We start by understanding your organization, your people, and your priorities.
02
Build the right support.
We outline a scope that fits—from full association management to specific operational services or an upcoming event.
03
Move forward together.
We coordinate the transition, organize the details, and establish a clear working rhythm with your leadership.
A FEW QUESTIONS, ANSWEREDLet’s make
Let’s make
things clearer.
What does an association management company do?
An association management company provides the people and operational support an association needs to run effectively. At GSS, this can include board support, membership administration, financial oversight, communications, sponsorship coordination, and events.
Do we need full-service management?
Not necessarily. Full association management is our core offering, but we also provide selected ongoing services and project support. We’ll discuss the gaps you want to fill and recommend a scope that fits.
What kinds of organizations do you work with?
We focus on professional associations, trade associations, and local chapters, particularly in Chicago and surrounding communities.
Can you support an organization outside Chicago?
Yes. We can provide remote administrative and management support outside the Chicago area. For events that require on-site support, we’ll discuss location, travel, and staffing as part of the scope.
Can you help us transition from volunteers or another firm?
Yes. Whether volunteers are ready for professional support, an executive director is leaving, or you’re considering a new management partner, we’ll work with your leadership on a coordinated transition.
How much does association management cost?
Our proposals reflect the services, workload, and level of support your organization needs. Start with a conversation, and we’ll develop a tailored scope and pricing for your consideration.
LET’S TAKE YOUR ORGANIZATION ONE STEP FURTHERYou have a mission.
You have a mission.
Let’s help you move it forward.
Tell us about your association, your next event, or the support you’ve been missing. We’d love to get to know you.
Start a conversation admin@gss.net