who we are
we're a "partner-first" organization creating content strategies that engage, one member at a time.
We provide engaging, data-driven content solutions for membership organizations of all sizes.
our mission
this is our why
Look, we get it. We know many large players in the industry focus on creating member communications for organizations like yours. In fact, our founder was an integral part of growing the digital newsletter division of one of the largest companies in the space.
For over a decade, he put his blood, sweat and tears into creating a unique (and successful) product that would enhance an association’s voice and overall communication plan. He understood what worked, and more importantly, what didn’t. But as companies grow, products often evolve, leadership changes, and the competition continues to build. In the end, initial goals and objectives often change as well. That’s where Association Briefings was born.
We’re here to turn that cycle around with a “partner-first” promise to always elevate and empower the voices of the organizations who work with us. We center our technology platform, design process and editorial focus on the needs of our association partners. As a company, we embrace the value of association data, not as a benefit to a sale, but as a benefit in creating quality, engaging publications.
And when needed, we take the importance of data and engagement beyond a digital newsletter, encompassing every realm of an association’s content-focused marcom strategy, including branded content, social media, email and content marketing.
our partner-first commitment
FOCUS
We’re focused 100% on the association community and committed to the industries they serve. This commitment drives every piece of content and publication we create.
PASSION
Our desire to produce quality content for our partners is through the roof. We’re all in! We treat each publication, social post, email campaign, and piece of content as if we have equity in your organization – truly becoming an extension of your team.
ADAPTIVE
Your industry is in constant change. And we understand that your needs as an organization will change as well. We get it…and we’ll adapt with you, allowing your association to take full advantage of unforeseen opportunities.
TEAM-ORIENTED
With Association Briefings, you immediately acquire a qualified AB team member to add to your own team. Our team members are experts in everything from content editing to content generation to social media management. And we work as a unit for one goal – to make your organization look great!
data ownership
It's simple. Your data always remains your data. Period.
this is what makes us different
meet the team
colby horton
founder + ceo
Colby is a digital publishing veteran with 20 years of experience in the association space. He’s a journalist turned marketer and understands the importance of good, strategic content and its place within an association-centric marketing funnel. He founded Association Briefings in 2020 as the association community was forced to find new, cost-effective ways to market and communicate to members and the industries they served. Today, he guides the company’s overall strategic, editorial, and technical direction and brings freshness and clarity to an industry of products and services where commercialization has often outweighed quality and engagement.
Colby sent out his first text-only email newsletter for a national trade association in 2000, reaching subscribers through a basic listserv platform. Then, applying strong visual design and engaging content, he’s continually evolved the email newsletter as a core communication tool for organizations, helping hundreds of professional and trade associations reach millions of subscribers on a weekly basis.
Colby resides in Mansfield, Texas, with his wife and three kids. He’s an avid baseball and football fan, and keeps his fingers crossed every year that his Texas Rangers will win the World Series. And so far, he's been highly disappointed.
/colby-horton
frank humada
chief business development officer
As a leader in relationship management, Frank has devoted 14 years of his professional career to understanding the association space and the challenges within the community. Focused on providing association publishing solutions and driving non-dues revenue, he’s formed deep relationships with hundreds of association executives and their teams. As a key member of the Association Briefings executive team, he is responsible for not only growing the company’s association partnerships through acquisition and ongoing nurturing, but also forming strategic partnerships with like-minded companies in the industry.
Frank’s experience in the association publishing space is vast, including the management of a diversely experienced content team; leading the operations and sales initiatives of an international office; and developing strong relationships with associations of all sizes and structures. With a bachelor's degree in communication from Texas A&M University, he understands the importance of storytelling for association brands and the technology that drives those initiatives.
A San Antonio enthusiast at heart, Frank resides in Washington, D.C. He’s an avid runner and loves to travel. He likes to revisit the year 2014 as often as he can – the last time his San Antonio Spurs won an NBA championship.
/frankhumada
But enough about us...let’s talk about you.
Whether you need a partner to help create a weekly digital email newsletter, create branded exclusive content, generate industry-specific content, or become a dedicated marcom manager for your association, we’ve got you covered so you can continue to focus on your members.
let's connect
