AT Newsletter Volume 32, March 2023

 
 
 
Mark's Words of Wisdom
 
 
IoT and Home Automation

Spring has almost arrived. For those of us in the Chicagoland area it cannot come soon enough. I thought this month would be the perfect time to cover one of my favorite topics - IoT (Internet of Things) and Home Automation. Part of my "spring cleaning" routine is to review my home automation setup...yes that is the IT geek in me coming out.

 

I've been a home automation addict for quite some time. It started years ago with a simple task of "automating" the task of turning our holiday lights on. Insteon was my product of choice and I quickly began automating every possible lamp in my house. Instead of smartphones we had dedicated controllers to control the lighting. I'm quite convinced it didn't really make things any easier (but it was fun). In 2023 we have come a long way and it is hard to find a product that doesn't actually come with a built-in internet connection...my refrigerator is connected...why?!

 

There are several of us at AT that share this hobby (for some it's an addiction). I'll let Ben tell you about Raspberry Pi but for now I'll share a few of my personal favorites.

SmartThings

This is my go-to app. It has been around for a while and is constantly evolving (I believe a new version just came out). Most (I wish I could say all) of my devices can be controlled through the application. The application makes it easy to create Scenes (controlling multiple devices at once) and Routines (scheduling devices based on timing or actions).

Hue

These are my favorite "smart" bulbs. They tend to be a bit pricey but are very reliable and are very configurable. Note: that most brands have their own apps but I still prefer using the Smartthings app.

Alexa

Amazon's Alexa is my virtual assistant of choice. It integrates nicely with the SmartThings application and makes it easy to control devices with simple voice commands. It also can be entertaining for the kids!

Sonos

The "original" whole house audio solution. I was one of the early adopters of this system and it is still one of my favorites. Originally it was connected to a local PC where my entire music collection was stored...now I can stream just about anything throughout my entire house.

 

Some of my other favorites:

Arlo - security

Rachio - Irrigation

Brillant - Amazing light switches

GE - Appliances, yes this is a bit overkill

iRobot - cleaning

Smartthings sensors and plugs

Ring, Harmony, Eero, Wemo,

 

Technology has definitely made this hobby much easier but if you are ever looking for advice drop me an email.
 
 
Partner Showcase
 
 
 
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Tech Tips
 
 
Team AT's Favorite Tech
The AT staff shares what technology they couldn't live without. 
Amy Bohn-AT Tech Team!  Available to keep my technology running – responds quickly to my needs!
Andy Pawlak- iMIS and SQL are the two that are integral for getting my work done. One allows me to view data in a friendly view. Two other items include:
TechSmith Snag-It – screen and video capture tool w/functionality to mark-up and include additional notes. I’ve been using this tool for more than 15 years for documentation and training notes and iTunes/Spotify/SiriusXM/Online Radio – I always have music playing while working, except while in meetings. The melody helps me to concentrate.
Bryan Hartsock - the remote start on my car 
Cindy Meyers - My wifi controlled heated bathroom floor! It’s my newest toy and I LOVE it!
Dave Bertalmio - Kwikset Halo Wi-Fi Smart Lock - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081FYNZ7B?th=1
Not having to get keys out of my pocket with a kid in my hands is a game changer.
Ed Sirijintakam - SONOS – Great sounding home-speaker system that connects to lots of 3rd party services and allows you to play the same music in different rooms, at the same time.
Jim Meyers - For me, it’s Teams – from Video meetings to file collaboration, I use all day long. Great to have an organized way to collaborate on internal projects, client needs, and prospects.
Lisa Kulig - My iPhone, it's the one thing that I always have with me. I love that I can talk to friends and family, video chat with my college daughter, stream music or listen to a book, play games and scroll social media from anywhere.   
Matt Bernatz - In the context of work, I think the windows screenshot shortcut is a great tool that I think not enough people know about. Hold windows key + shift + s and you can take a screenshot of anything on your screen. This is different than windows snipping tool which needs to be open in order to use. This is a great way to take quick screenshots on demand. In my personal life, I use the seek app every summer, all summer long. It allows you to point your camera at any plant or animal and it tells you what it is. It is surprisingly accurate and works on anything from trees to bugs and even larger animals like my dog.
Michele Brandt - I could not live without the ability to stream music through Spotify, Youtube or Apple. I feel so spoiled to be able to listen to anything at any time.  I can never go back!
Noah Barbel - Discord is by far the piece of software I use the most. Whether it’s playing video games, watching TV shows / movies, or just catching up, Discord gives me the ability to keep in contact with my friends and family no matter where they are.
Tricia Marshall - My favorites are:
  • Alexa – From reminders and shopping lists to controlling my lights.  Alexa helps to keep me organized and streamlined so I can focus on the important things.
  • Spotify – I love running Spotify from anywhere on anything. Having music playing really helps me to be able to tune out the other noise when I am needing to be heads down without interruptions.
  • Snagit – Makes grabbing that visual (image or video) simple.
Tyler Schenk -  Android Auto/ Apple Carplay
 
 
Industry News
 
 
Fragrance Group Launches Robust Data-Gathering Effort
The Fragrance Creators Association’s Policy Insights Program centralizes industry data to better anticipate advocacy and member needs.

Read More
 
Why the Hybrid Office Still Isn’t Settled Yet
Four-day workweeks? Fully remote? Plenty of options are still on the table for leaders. And now is a good time to look into what works.

Read More
 
 
Upcoming Events
 
APRIL
20
12:00 PM CST
REGISTER
NiUG Webinar: Fundraising Best Practices
Location: Online

Are you currently using iMIS Fundraising or looking to purchase the module? We have developed a professional fundraising panel of iMIS experts to talk about all things fundraising. From best practices, understanding uses for 2017 and through the most current releases of iMIS EMS in the way of new functionality, moves management and so much more!
 
APRIL
24
  9:00 AM - 4:00 PM CST
REGISTER
ASAE's CEO Issues Forum
Location: American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL

The Association CEO’s role has evolved and become increasingly complex. Between social issues, the political and social divides, the mental health and wellness of employees (and themselves), and consistently examining new ways of doing business, the CEO is challenged with many issues that are increasing in urgency and need. This shift begs the question "What is the association CEO’s role in the world right now?" This spring, join skilled facilitators, researchers, and fellow CEOs as ASAE debuts a new program designed to broaden thinking, uncover current trends in the industry, and provide key insights from late-breaking ASAE research around new business models for associations and how associations are successfully navigating ESG.
 
MAY
23
9:00 AM   
REGISTER
Association Forum's Association 101
Location: Association Forum, 10 S Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60606
 
An orientation for association professionals, Association 101 is designed to provide a solid foundation of knowledge and appreciation for the unique environment, culture and dynamics of associations. After attending this session, you’ll be able to:
  • Learn the nature and scope of associations
  • Receive information to support career advancement
  • Gain understanding of the working relationships between volunteers/members and staff
  • Enjoy networking opportunities
 
AUGUST
5-8
REGISTER
ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition
Location: Atlanta, GA, US
 
AUGUST
21-23
REGISTER
NiUG International iMIS User Conference
Location: Rosemont, IL

Mark your calendars for the iMIS Annual User Conference! Many of you know it as Discovery, this year the conference will be on August 21-23 instead of later in the Fall. The conference will be in Rosemont, IL, just miles from downtown Chicago.