As many of you know, WhatsApp has been a handy gathering place for several regions and Practice Groups over the past few years. It gave members a fast way to connect, ask questions, and share opportunities. But it also came with a few realities we can’t ignore: limited security, no direct link to our member database, and—let’s be honest—more manual staff intervention than anyone should have to wrangle in 2025.
With the launch of NPAconnect, our new 365 mobile app, we’re finally able to give you the secure, dynamic, member-centric platform you’ve been asking for. This is connection the way it should be done—real-time updates, real-time member data, direct conference registration, built-in communities and forums, and one home for all things NPAworldwide.
So What’s Happening?
NPA will sunset the NPAworldwide WhatsApp Community by December 31, 2025.
After that date:
- WhatsApp groups may continue as member-administered spaces only.
- They may not use NPA branding (logo, name, icons, etc.) since they will no longer be sponsored or managed by NPA.
- A volunteer in each group can assume admin rights if the group wishes to continue.
This returns WhatsApp to an informal peer-to-peer tool rather than an NPA-operated communication channel.
Why the Change?
Simply put, it’s time to move to a platform that’s built for the future of this network.
Security & Privacy
WhatsApp isn’t built for organizational administration. It has no data validation, no integration with our systems, and no controls to ensure members are who they say they are. NPAconnect, on the other hand, connects directly to our member database, giving you real-time, verified member information.
Efficiency & Accuracy
NPA staff simply can’t keep manually maintaining WhatsApp groups—adding people, removing people, confirming identity, updating phone numbers… you get the idea. NPAconnect eliminates all that. When your profile changes in the database, the app updates automatically.
Consistency & Clarity
All official NPA news, updates, announcements, and conference logistics will be shared in NPAconnect going forward. We don’t want members relying on fragmented channels and missing important information.
A Key Reminder: You Must Join NPAconnect Yourself
Because the app is tied to our secure member database, NPA cannot add members to the app on their behalf. Each member needs to download the app and log in using their own credentials.
We strongly, strongly encourage every member to join. If you’re not in the app, you will miss important NPA news, updates, and opportunities—plain and simple.
We Know Change Has Been a Hot Topic
Some regions have been vocal about wanting to keep WhatsApp. We hear you. Familiar routines are comfortable, and WhatsApp threads hold years of shared history. But part of NPA’s strength is our ability to evolve together—keeping what works, improving what doesn’t, and staying aligned as a global network. The good news here is that established group threads will not be lost. They will continue to be visible once NPA disengages.
This shift isn’t about shutting down conversation. It’s about bringing our members into a unified, secure, purpose-built platform that supports real connection 365 days a year.
What You Can Do Now
- Join your communities and forums inside the app.
- Encourage your region and PG colleagues to do the same.
- If your WhatsApp group will continue informally, make sure a member volunteer steps up and becomes the admin who will add/remove members and monitor the chat to ensure no NPA branding occurs (please contact Veronica Blatt at vblatt@npaworldwide.com) if you would like this role).
Moving Forward—Together
The future of our network depends on consistent communication, secure platforms, and easy access to the right information at the right time. NPAconnect delivers exactly that.
And honestly? It’s time to leave the patchwork of platforms behind and move into a single, well-built space that truly supports our network.
Thank you for embracing this transition with us. We’re excited for what this next chapter of connection will look like.