Associations invest an enormous amount of time and care into building credible certification and learning programs. But when learners get stuck—can’t log in, can’t find an answer, or aren’t sure what to do next—the experience can quickly shift from empowering to frustrating. At Holmes Corporation, we see customer support as a critical part of protecting…
The challenge isn’t finding learners who want professional development. It’s having the resources to serve them. New research from Leading Learning’s Strategic Outlook for Association Learning Businesses 2026 reveals a surprising truth: internal constraints, not market demand, are the primary obstacle holding association learning businesses back. For leaders who’ve spent years worried about competition from…
In my October article, I outlined five key trends shaping education and training in 2026. One of those trends—the ecosystem approach—highlighted that no single entity can or should tackle workforce development alone. This is where professional associations come in. I have a firm belief that professional associations, like those Holmes Corporation (HC) has been partnering…
Have you heard? The U.S. Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act just transformed 529 plans from college-only savings accounts into flexible career development tools. So what does this mean for you? This change means your U.S.-based members can now use their 529 funds for professional certifications, licenses, and credentialing programs. Quick refresher: What’s a…
One of my favorite parts of working in the broader education and training industry is connecting with other impact-focused leaders. There’s a genuine willingness to share ideas, collaborate on solutions, and ultimately drive improved outcomes. Because at the core, most leaders are working at companies like Holmes Corporation (HC) that are focused on the double…
As Holmes Corporation (HC) continues to evolve our digital learning experiences, our goal remains clear: deliver products that exceed the expectations of our learners, instructors, and association partners. A vital part of this dedication to product excellence centers around understanding the needs and motivations of our users and validating assumptions as we innovate. We can’t…
For most associations, the annual conference represents the pinnacle of member engagement: a few energizing days packed with networking, education, and inspiration. It’s your association’s Dundies awards ceremony—exciting, memorable, and full of energy. But what happens in the 360+ days between conferences? For too many organizations, member engagement flatlines faster than Michael Scott’s attention span…
The Holmes Corporation team had the privilege of hosting a discussion at ASAE’s Annual Meeting on the topic of microcredentials. Our panelists were incredible, and their expertise was so well-received that we decided to write a two-part article on why and how associations should develop microcredentials. Part one was published in September: Why Should Associations…
Remember that exciting back-to-school feeling? An over-filled backpack with new school supplies, a cool new outfit, and that mix of anxiety and anticipation about what the school year would bring. Well, guess what? That ready-to-learn energy doesn’t disappear when we become working professionals, and that’s great news for professional associations! At Holmes Corporation, we’ve been…
The Holmes Corporation team had the privilege of hosting a discussion at ASAE’s Annual Meeting on the topic of microcredentials. Our panelists were incredible, and their expertise was so well-received that we decided to write a two-part article on why and how associations should develop microcredentials. Here’s part one. Watch for part two in September.…