How to Build Your Chapter’s 2026 Marketing Plan in One Hour

Creating a marketing plan doesn’t have to feel like a big, formal project. For chapters, it’s really about getting everyone on the same page—knowing what you want to accomplish next year, how you’ll communicate with members, and what events you want to bring to your local community. With a simple structure and a little bit of focused time, your chapter can put together a clear, practical 2026 plan that supports your goals and makes leadership easier.

This step-by-step guide walks you through how to build that plan in about an hour.

Step 1: Define Your Chapter's Goals (10 minutes)

Every strong plan starts with clarity.

Before jumping into events or social posts, answer this question:
“What 2–3 things do we want to achieve in 2026?”

Common chapter goals include:

• • Increase event attendance
  • Improve communication with local members
  • Launch or strengthen sponsorships
  • Host a successful AMPP course
  • Engage younger professionals
  • Support certification training in your region

Example Goal Set

1. Increase technical dinner attendance by 20%.
2. Bring in two new sponsors.
3. Post consistently on social media (at least twice a month).

These goals become your roadmap for the year.

Step 2: Outline Your 2026 Events & Key Activities (15 minutes)

You don’t need every detail—just a simple list of what you plan to host.

Event Categories to Include

• • Technical meetings
  • Networking socials
  • Facility tours
  • AMPP courses (revenue opportunity!)
  • Chapter fundraisers
  • Community service activities
  • Scholarship announcements
  • Chapter meetings

Example 2026 Event Outline

• • February: Technical dinner
  • April: Coating demo + networking
  • June: AMPP training course
  • August: Facility tour
  • October: Joint event with neighboring chapter
  • December: Holiday social
    
    Even a loose framework helps you stay organized and communicate early with members.

Step 3: Choose Your Marketing Channels (5 minutes)

You don’t need to “be everywhere.”
Instead, pick 2–3 channels you can use consistently.

Most chapters should rely on:

• • Email — still your most effective communication tool
  • LinkedIn — strong for professionals and sponsors
  • Facebook — helpful for local community reach
  • Your Chapter Website — home base for all event info

Optional Extras

• • Instagram
  • LinkedIn Events
  • WhatsApp groups
  • AMPP Chapter Community Page

Pick what works for your chapter—not what works for national companies.

Step 4: Build a Simple Monthly Marketing Calendar (20 minutes)

Now combine your goals, events, and channels into a simple one-page plan.

For each month, outline:

• • What event or initiative is happening
  • Emails you’ll send
  • Social media posts
  • Any sponsor promotions
  • Member spotlights or photos

Example January–March Calendar

January

• Email: New year welcome + Save the Date for February event
• Social posts: 2 (New Year message + event flyer)
• Website: Update officers & events

February

• Technical dinner
• Email: Reminder + thank-you recap
• Social posts: event flyer + photos

March

• No event? Use a “value month”:
  • Member spotlight
  • Sponsor appreciation
  • “Did you know?” certification fact

This keeps your chapter visible even in quiet months.

Step 5: Assign Responsibilities (5 minutes)

A plan is only useful if someone owns each task.

Create a simple lineup:

• • Events: Vice Chair
  • Emails: Secretary
  • Social media: One volunteer or officer
  • Photos at events: Rotate among board members
  • Sponsors: Treasurer or a sponsorship lead

Pro tip: Ask each officer to commit to one small marketing task per month.

Step 6: Gather Your Tools & Templates (5 minutes)

You don’t have to start from scratch.

Direct leaders to the AMPP Chapter Resources Page, where they’ll find:

• • Templates
  • Event flyers
  • Social media graphics
  • Sponsorship templates
  • Training course hosting guide
  • Webinar recordings (“Canva Made Simple,” “Social Media Made Simple,” etc.)

Using templates saves time and keeps your chapter aligned with AMPP’s branding.

Step 7: Review & Finalize (5 minutes)

Before calling your plan complete, ask:

• • Is this realistic for our chapter size?
  • Does each task have an owner?
  • Are we balancing value and effort?
  • Do our goals feel achievable?

Then save your plan in a shared folder (Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.) so the entire committee can access it.

If you need templates, tools, or inspiration, don’t forget: the AMPP Chapter Resources page and the Lead & Succeed blog are full of ready-to-use materials to support your chapter’s success.

That's It-Your 2026 Plan Is Done

In just one hour, your chapter can walk away with:

• • Clear goals
  • An event roadmap
  • A simple monthly marketing calendar
  • Defined responsibilities
  • Tools and templates to make marketing easier

This kind of structure doesn’t just help your group stay organized—it helps your members feel connected, informed, and supported throughout the year.

Have question or need help getting started? Reach out to chapters@ampp.org. We are here to help!

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We're here to help you grow and strengthen your chapter. If there's a topic you'd like us to cover, let us know—we’re always looking for ways to support you better!