Economists aren't the only ones who've noticed early signs of an economic recovery. Association executives have, too, and are becoming more optimistic about their revenue forecasts because of it, according to a new study by ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership.

Called "Associations and CEOs: A Report on Two Studies During a Down Economy," the study is the second in a series of association CEO surveys, and the fourth in a series of reports analyzing the impact of the economy on associations.

"I know everyone in our community welcomes this increased optimism as we eagerly await a full economic recovery," ASAE & The Center President and CEO John H. Graham IV, CAE, said in a statement. "While our sector may continue to see its ups and downs, the results of this survey show that the end of these turbulent times may be in sight. Though as I and many of my colleagues in the industry said many times before, we need to be patient as associations are a late indicator of the economy."

Conducted between Jan. 26 and Feb. 2, 2010, ASAE's survey of 960 association CEOs found that:

• 23.5 percent of association CEOs predict that their revenues will increase in the coming year, up from 11.6 percent in spring 2009, while 38.1 percent predict it will decrease, down from 63.9 percent.

• 11.4 percent of association CEOs believe membership will increase this year, up by more than 100 percent from 4.9 percent in spring 2009.

• 33 percent of association CEOs believe revenue from multi-day events will increase this year, up from 6.3 percent in spring 2009; 20.9 percent believe that revenue from multi-day education events will increase, up from 9.2 percent; 27.4 percent believe that revenue from sponsorships will increase, up from 13.4 percent; and 20.5 percent believe that revenue from foundation giving will increase, up from 11.7 percent.

• A majority of association CEOs predict that online tools will create new revenue streams this year, although only a third have reported an increase so far.

• CEOs at small associations are least confident that they'll see a revenue increase this year.

For more information, including results from past ASAE surveys, visit www.asaecenter.org/economy. This page is protected by Copyright laws. Do Not Copy