Smithbucklin announced it has acquired McKinley Advisors, bringing together two firms focused on serving associations and mission-driven organizations. The combination adds McKinley’s research and strategic advisory capabilities to Smithbucklin’s long-standing association management and event services platform.
The deal brings together Smithbucklin and McKinley Advisors, an association consultancy known for its work in research, governance, strategy, and business transformation. The combined organization will also leverage Smithbucklin’s event-focused agency, 360 Live Media, to expand offerings for association clients seeking support with growth, innovation, and mission execution.
Smithbucklin said the acquisition strengthens its portfolio by integrating McKinley’s research-based advisory services with its own expertise in association management, education, events, marketing, and technology. The combined organization will include nearly 650 employees across offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C.
McKinley Advisors will continue operating under its existing brand and leadership. President Jay Younger and the firm’s senior leadership team will remain in place while collaborating with other Smithbucklin businesses to expand services and develop new solutions for association clients.
Smithbucklin, which has operated for more than 75 years, provides services that help associations modernize operations and deliver stronger outcomes for members and stakeholders. Its affiliated companies include 360 Live Media, The France Foundation, and SDI Meetings and Incentives.
McKinley Advisors focuses on helping associations identify strategic opportunities and address organizational challenges through four main practice areas: strategy and innovation, organizational excellence, business transformation, and research and insights.
KEY QUOTES:
“Contemporary associations increasingly need high-capability partners to help them successfully navigate new challenges and opportunities. McKinley is a highly respected, trusted advisor to the world’s leading associations and a natural extension of our current capabilities. We are excited to bring their talent and expertise into the fold and tap our collective knowledge for insights that can strengthen associations.”
Matt Sanderson, President And CEO, Smithbucklin
“From our initial conversations, we saw incredibly strong alignment on the most important things – mission, vision and values. Both firms share a deep, fundamental commitment to helping associations advance mission-driven work for the benefit of humanity. Given that starting point, I’m confident that we will unlock a host of impactful new solutions for our clients that wouldn’t have been possible independently.”
Jay Younger, President, McKinley Advisors
