Elevating your existing practice demands more than expertise; it requires building professional relationships and access to continuous learning opportunities. Management consulting clubs offer a valuable platform for consultants to grow their skills and find connections within the industry.
These clubs not only provide professional development through workshops, certifications, and networking but also track and distribute their latest industry insights.
In this article, we will introduce you to our pick for the top 10 best management consulting clubs globally. We have picked and ordered these clubs based on their prestige, value for members, and unique offerings.
Each club below has carved out a unique niche and benefits for its members. Keep reading to discover which club/association would be best for you or your firm to join.
1. Professional & Technical Consultants Association (PATCA)
Location: International, based in Silicon Valley, SF, USA.
Since 1975, PATCA has been a leading nonprofit professional association dedicated to the high standards of the consulting industry. It differentiates itself by providing a rigorous qualification for members and a strict adherence to ethics.
Benefits: Unique services such as Post-a-Project leads, an online consultant database, personalized email addresses, networking events, a mentor program, professional development seminars, and access to a knowledge library, all designed to support consultants in growing their practices.
Fees: Individual membership is $150, and corporate is $300 annually.
Website: https://patca.org/
2. IMC USA
Location: International, based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
IMC USA is a professional association for consultants offering a platform to learn, connect, and grow within the industry. It upholds high standards and ethics in the consulting profession and helps members get found by potential clients through its directory.
Benefits: Online and face-to-face educational programs, a community for online networking, in-person networking, access to business tools at discounted rates, and visibility through the "Find a Consultant" directory.
Fees: $325 annually, plus a $50 application fee.
Website: https://imcusa.org/
3. Management Consultancies Association (MCA)
Location: UK
The MCA is the representative body for the UK's leading management consulting firms. It provides a voice for the consulting industry and promotes its values to the business and public sectors. The association includes prominent firms like PwC, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and IBM. It covers over 50% of the UK consulting industry and actively engages in educational, networking, and development initiatives.
Benefits: Enhanced reputation through quality commitment, opportunities for awards and recognition, access to industry data, networking events, job opportunities, and professional development for teams. Additionally, it provides a platform for influence in public debate and policy-making.
Sign-up fee: Determined based on annual UK consulting income.
Website: https://www.mca.org.uk/
4. Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants (AASBC)
Location: International
The AASBC is the only global association specializing in training and certification for small business and SME consultants. It gives consultants a prestigious certification through a comprehensive 40-hour video lecture series, exam reviews, and a detailed 400-page training book.
Benefits: Access to video lectures, the SEMP Approach training book, checklists, monthly newsletters, PowerPoint presentations, and a knowledge center with various resources.
Fees: $999 initial fee, with a $149 annual renewal fee.
Website: https://www.aasbc.com/
5. Association of Consultants to Nonprofits (ACN)
Location: United States and Canada
ACN is a community of professional nonprofit consultants who provide expertise in various areas to strengthen nonprofit organizations. With over 30 years of experience, ACN members are thought leaders in areas ranging from Association Management to DEI and Strategic Planning.
Benefits: Build and maintain non-profit networks, professional development events, and tools for enhancing consulting practices. Members can publish articles, submit RFPs, access educational resources, explore career paths, and join special interest groups.
Fees: $150 for new consultants, $250 for individuals, and $375 for organizations.
Website: https://www.acnconsult.org/
6. CMC-Global (International Council of Management Consulting Institutes)
Location: International
CMC-Global certifies management consultants globally and promotes professional standards and ethical practices. It is recognized internationally and holds NGO status with the United Nations.
Benefits: Certification recognition, access to professional development, strong professional network opportunities, and adherence to an international code of professional conduct.
Fees: Ranges from €3000 for provisional application to €1000 for full membership assessment, with a basic annual membership of €1495 and additional variable fees.
Website: www.cmc-global.org
7. International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (IARFC)
Location: International, based in Middletown, Ohio, USA.
Founded in 1984, the IARFC fosters public confidence in the financial services profession, supports financial consultants, and promotes ethical standards and professional education.
Benefits: Credentials, continuous education, professional branding, and opportunities to build a strong network.
Fees: $100 nonrefundable application fee, $600 examination fee, annual recertification fees of $600-$700, and a $25 late fee after 60 days.
Website: info@iarfc.org
8. CMC Association
Location: International.
The CMC Association's multiple locations work together to raise the consulting industry's standards and award certifications, like the CMC mark, to top-notch consultants who meet their high standards in education, experience, ethics, and more.
Benefits: Industry insights, best practices, research reports, training programs, webinars, networking events, and credibility from a globally recognized certification.
Fee: Between $50 and $3,000, depending on membership level.
Website: https://www.c-m-c.org/
9. Association for Consulting Expertise (ACE)
Location: North America
ACE supports B2B consultants, coaches, and solo professionals by providing mutually beneficial opportunities to build and enhance their professional networks, develop business skills, and increase the visibility of their expertise.
Benefits: Networking opportunities, educational events, affiliate discounts, and a platform for members to publish articles and share expertise,
Fee: Individual members are $175, with additional affiliate opportunities.
Website: https://consultexpertise.com/
10. Association of Internal Management Consultants (AIMC)
Location: International
AIMC is a network for internal consulting professionals that offers access to a variety of resources across practice areas. It serves as a platform for skill development, meeting people, and certification in internal management consulting.
Benefits: Professional development events, a members-only virtual conference, certification programs, and interactive learning forums. They also gain insights from global, cross-industry collaborative perspectives and contribute to optimizing organizational consulting spend.
Fee: Individual at $250, Corporate at $750 for three members, and Academic at $50 annually.
Website: https://aimc.org/
11. Society for Process Consulting
Location: International
This community of consultants focuses on "process consulting," a form of engagement in which consultants use humble inquiry and guidance to help organizations co-create solutions. It was founded on principles set nearly 50 years ago by Dr. Edgar Schein of the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Benefits: Thought leadership resources, discounts on courses and events, early notifications about new offerings, access to an online portal for professional networking, and engagement with a community devoted to the practice of process consulting.
Sign-up fee: Membership is $150 per year.
Website: https://www.societyforprocessconsulting.com/
12. The Society of Professional Consultants (SPC)
Location: International
Founded in 1986, the SPC supports independent consultants through networking, mentoring, and educational resources, promoting professional growth within a collaborative community.
Benefits: Access to workshops, mentoring, newsletters, event updates, and professional development tools.
Fees: $225 for regular membership, $95 for associate membership, $75 for affiliate membership annually.
Website: https://spconsultants.org