Mervyn Pilley is a long-standing membership leader and advisor with decades of experience across professional membership bodies and is currently working with CIAT. Known for his candid, systems-level perspective, Mervyn explores how membership organisations must adapt to political, technological, and generational change to remain relevant and influential.

One of the most complex pressures facing organisations today is intergenerational membership. Expectations, behaviours, and motivations vary widely between age groups, making it increasingly difficult to design experiences that work for everyone.

Too often, organisations respond by creating silos, separate groups for different demographics. But intergenerational membership works best when knowledge, experience, and mentorship flow across generations rather than being divided.

The future of membership lies in connection, not fragmentation. Bringing generations together around shared purpose creates resilience, relevance, and long-term value.