You must make contact with the society to learn of their activities and their publications. This year's conference in Denver, CO, from May 6-9, offers scores of lectures by experts in many areas of the genealogy field. It also hosts a huge collection of vendors selling books, software, CD-ROM's, forms, and all sorts of paraphernalia. The societies also announce upcoming events, performing a valuable service to members by keeping them apprised of other organizations' activities. Members who attend the group meetings can learn from others' presentations.
Remote members learn through the publications mentioned above.
They may also make contact with other members or people who write articles for the publications. The larger organizations may act as vendors to sell things such as pedigree charts, family group sheets, abstract forms, and archival storage supplies. If you live in a remote area without access to a place that sells genealogical supplies, this may meet your needs. If you live in a place other than where you're researching and can't afford the trip, you may want someone to perform research for you. Genealogical and historical society members may be willing to do research for you.