EKW,
I belong to two county clubs. Let me give you my take on each.
Club #1,
They are very active. So active with a week long state farm show, agriculture events, short courses, Keystone livestock expo, county days, 4-H programs, and so on. And while I think clubs should promote, and be active in the community, this club meetings borders on "recruitment hours" as they are always looking for a volunteer for this, and a volunteer for that. For the retired guy that can take time off almost every month to some extent, its no big deal. But for the members who just want some fellowship with beekeepers, its quite a schedule of events that makes you feel like your not doing your part.
Club #2,
Is 12 or 14 guys who somehow feel that geting out of the house one night a month is the primary reason to belong to the club. Of these 12 guys, 8 are old-timers, with a few dozing off by the time the meetings end.
I could go on and on, detailing whats wrong with each. Both clubs to me are missing the boat so to speak.
If I was to belong to a bike club, I would expect to occassionally ride. If I belonged to a horse club, I would expect to occassionally see a horse. For the many years, in both bee clubs....Want to guess how many beehives I've seen of another beekeeper in conjuction with a meeting or meeting event? ZERO!
Two things that keeps membership low is the monthly meetings, or lack of. Due to a schedule of events, meetings are not scheduled this month, or that month. And so, sometimes several months go by between meetings. I feel a regular meeting every month would be more helpful for the casual member. Half the times, I can't even remember when the next meeting is.
Next weekend is my annual picnic. I'll be conducting a paper survey to see what the interest may be for a backyard beekeeping club. No bylaws, no dues, and the like. Just an email list of beekeepers who may want to get together a few times throughout the year to visit someone's apairy, eat some snacks, and have a good time.
I think there are beekeepers who just want to talk bees, and see what others are doing.
I know you wanted what I like "MOST". Sorry. But maybe this will help in knowing what not to do..