Every year, my predictions issue is one of the most shared pieces I publish, and this year I wanted to bring it to the podcast with more context, examples, and real-world nuance. In this episode, I break down my five predictions for how memberships, programs, and community-driven businesses need to evolve in 2026.

I talk about why shorter, more personalized programs are replacing long courses, why unique frameworks matter more than ever in an AI-heavy world, why innovation is no longer optional, and why retention and trust are the real growth levers moving forward. I also dig into flexible programming, async engagement, and what platforms like Circle are seeing in terms of emerging community trends. This episode is about building better products, not just more content, and designing experiences that actually respect your members’ time.

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I was reminded this week of one of my favorite cognitive biases: the IKEA effect. It’s the idea that we place a disproportionately high value on anything we helped create. And in community, this explains everything. When your members shape the programming, contribute ideas, share feedback, or help build the experience, they stay longer. They feel ownership& they feel belonging. And those two things drive retention more than any piece of content ever will.

In this episode, I break down how the IKEA effect shows up inside community products, why co-creation is the ultimate retention strategy, and the simple ways you can give your members more authorship over their experience in 2026. I also share how we’re using this exact approach inside CreativeMornings Baltimore and why it works every time.

Interested in working with my team? Book a discovery call here

Let's be friends:

• Connect with Becky on Instagram or LinkedIn
• Read the newsletter at beckypierson.com
• Learn more about Affinity Collective

In this episode, I’m diving into the idea of your membership becoming a true third space for your people. Sociologist Ray Oldenburg coined the concept to describe the places we gather outside of home and work. Today, community builders have the opportunity to create those spaces online and in-person. I share a personal story about a Denver dive bar that became my own third place, plus an example from my friend Ellen Frost, whose members start their day with “bloom scrolling.” We talk through why some members naturally log in every day, how to identify those daily active users, and what their behavior can teach you about designing rituals that make your space feel like home.

Interested in working with my team? Book a discovery call here

Let's be friends:

• Connect with Becky on Instagram or LinkedIn
• Read the newsletter at beckypierson.com
• Learn more about Affinity Collective