PAR Member Accelerator Groups
Join your fellow PAR members in these structured peer-to-peer groups for industry insights, guidance and collaboration
Within the PAR community, the Business Development Accelerator Groups unite association professionals committed to driving revenue growth and advancing their organization’s mission. Beginning in 2026, the program expands to include two distinct cohorts—Leadership and Sales Practitioner—to deliver even more focused peer-to-peer learning experiences.
Each cohort fosters an interactive environment where members exchange insights, refine strategies, and strengthen the skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive association sales and partnership landscape.
Business Development Leadership Cohort
This cohort is designed for association executives and senior professionals responsible for leading business development teams or shaping their organization’s growth strategy. Members engage in high-level discussions and case studies that explore advanced leadership practices, stakeholder alignment, and long-term revenue innovation.
Purpose: Strengthen the strategic and operational leadership capabilities that drive organizational growth and team success.
Topics may include:
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Structuring and scaling revenue programs
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Building cross-functional alignment between business units
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Coaching and incentivizing business development teams
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Measuring and communicating sales performance to leadership
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Strategic partnerships and sponsorship management
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Forecasting and pipeline development at the executive level
Business Development Sales Practitioner Cohort
This cohort is tailored for account executives, member recruitment specialists, and frontline sales professionals seeking to sharpen their tactical skills and grow through practitioner-to-practitioner collaboration. Members share best practices, troubleshoot challenges, and refine day-to-day techniques for member recruitment, sponsorship, and partnership success.
Purpose: Elevate the hands-on skills and consultative approaches that deliver measurable sales outcomes.
Topics may include:
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Prospecting and lead qualification
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Objection handling and closing strategies
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Negotiation and relationship management
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Presentation and storytelling techniques
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Effective questioning and listening
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Turning transactions into value-driven partnerships
Together, these two cohorts create a unified Business Development community within PAR that bridges strategy and execution—empowering both leaders and practitioners to accelerate revenue success across their associations.
2026 Accelerator Group Structure
PAR members may apply to join Accelerator Groups using the application form below. Inclusion in Accelerator Group is a one-year commitment. Each group will meet virtually on a bimonthly (6x annually) basis, focusing on a specific topic each meeting. Accepted members will also have access to a private online forum specific to their group. Acceptance and inclusion in an Accelerator Group is open to PAR members only.
Groups will commence in early 2026.
7 Ways to Accelerate Your Growth
Targeted Focus
These groups are designed to concentrate on specific aspects of association business, allowing members with similar interests or challenges to connect directly.
Practitioner & Leader Interaction
The groups bring together both practitioners and leaders in particular areas, enabling peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Networking Opportunities
By grouping members with similar focuses, the Accelerator Groups create a platform for professionals to build relationships and expand their professional networks.
Resource Sharing
Members can directly share resources, experiences, and best practices related to their specific area of association business.
Problem-Solving
The direct exchange format allows members to collectively address challenges and develop solutions specific to their area of expertise.
Learning & Development
Through peer-to-peer interactions, members can gain new insights and learn from others' experiences in their field.
Collaborative Environment
The groups foster a collaborative atmosphere where members can freely exchange ideas and information without intermediaries.