Market Research
As one of the top market research companies, McKinley has successfully conducted countless research engagements. Each is custom-tailored to the needs of our clients in order to provide sound, actionable insights.
Business Intelligence
The breadth of McKinley’s client base allows us the opportunity to provide real-time insights into association trends. While we design custom solutions for each client, we also provide benchmarking intelligence from both trade associations and professional societies.
Field and Industry Studies
McKinley’s research team is able to tap into key resources to ensure associations aren’t only receiving insights on their members, but their field at large. From workforce studies to impact assessments, our team is equipped to provide needed knowledge across sectors and industries.
Individualized Approach
Though we’ve conducted thousands of surveys, focus groups and interviews, we recognize that every member is unique and every association is on a journey to better understand its members and serve their needs.
Diagnostics and Assessments
Before embarking on a journey of change, it is important to understand the perceptions, needs and values of members and non-member stakeholders. Our research team aids associations in capturing a “current state” view to build from.
Understanding What’s Next
Our research practice is designed to aid associations in strategizing for what’s next. Our team will conduct qualitative and quantitative research to identify industry trends and future opportunities.
Range of Capabilities
Our association research experts are highly trained and offer a wide variety of research types, including one-on-one interviews, focus groups, surveys, competitive benchmarking intelligence and marketplace assessments.
Providing the Information You Need
There is no standard member survey at McKinley. We collaborate with each client to understand their needs and provide customized research solutions to meet each association’s unique goals.
Benchmarking Across Associations
Not only do our clients receive rich insights into their own organizations, but our research team is also able to benchmark key insights across the association industry and within specific sectors.
Trending Data
Being one of the top market research companies has allowed McKinley to serve as a long-term research partner to associations, allowing us to identify trends over time and shifts in the market.
In-House Expertise
Our in-house research practice generates rich insights and data-fueled intelligence for clients across our solution areas. Our collaborative approach means each client engagement is based on a foundation of research.
The Highest Standards
Our research team is trained to complete a broad array of research, meeting the highest of academic and professional standards. Our researchers ensure each study is conducted thoughtfully and provides a depth of understanding that leads to actionable insights.
Planning for the Future
Industry trends can shift quickly. Looking outside an association to broader changes in the field can help organizations strategize to meet the needs of the future.
Gaining Non-Member Insights
Our network of partners allows us to gain insights from professionals outside of our clients’ reach, leading to a rich understanding of non-member needs and painting a complete picture of the competitive landscape.
Industry Experts
Our researchers connect with leading experts in our clients’ fields to extract insights and points of view outside of the traditional association lens. We ensure the research we provide is robust and representative of the industries our clients serve.
Meet our Research and Insights Team
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Chief Practice Officer
Patrick Glaser, M.A., MPA
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Practice Director
Candace Vanderpoel, M.A.
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Practice Director
Alison Bramer, MSW
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Senior Consultant
Jennifer Dickinson, MBA
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Associate Research Manager
DayQuan P. Garrett, M.A.
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Associate Research Manager
Habiba Shah, M.S.
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Senior Consultant
Meghana Deshmane
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Associate Research Manager
Shelby Young, M.A.B., M.S.
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“When we initially approached McKinley about the WE project expansion, we had a vision and some goals. The racial injustices of 2020 were harrowing but they gave us an opportunity to help our members and stakeholders take real and measurable action. McKinley pivoted with us, translating the research data into compelling stories, facilitating honest and sometimes personal conversations about DEI with our members, and helping the community commit to next steps.”
Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE
Former President and CEO, Association Forum
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