On October 14, 2025, Windows 10 will reach its end of support. It's essential to plan for an upgrade to Windows 11 before then to ensure continued security and performance.
Questions we can help with!
- Upgrade or rebuild?
- Is your existing hardware compatible
- Should you purchase new hardware?
Remember, staying updated is not just about having the latest features; it's about ensuring your devices remain secure and function efficiently in an ever-evolving digital landscape. Plan your upgrade strategy now to avoid the rush as the end of support for Windows 10 approaches. |
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a central theme in conferences across industries, and the association market is no exception. This time, we delve into practical use cases where AI can revolutionize association initiatives. Let’s explore how AI can empower your association’s everyday operations:
Streamlining Business Processes
- Challenge: Cumbersome manual processes slow down productivity and hinder growth.
- AI Solution: Implement AI-driven automation to streamline repetitive tasks. AI can handle routine operations efficiently, freeing up staff for more strategic work.
Data Governance and Management
- Challenge: Associations deal with vast amounts of data from various sources, leading to data silos and inconsistencies.
- AI Solution: Leverage AI for data governance. It can organize and manage multiple documentation sources. All while allowing for personalized access to the information.
Enhancing User Experience
- Challenge: Members and staff seek quick answers and seamless interactions online.
- AI Solution: Deploy AI-powered chatbots or FAQ systems. When members have questions about upcoming events or membership benefits, an AI-driven Q&A format simplifies their experience, reducing clicks and scrolling. Staff could ask questions about a member, or product/event and be provided with pertinent information such as recent transactions.
Data Standardization and Cleanup
- Challenge: Irregular data formats create confusion and hinder analysis.
- AI Solution: Use AI algorithms to standardize and clean up data points. Whether it’s contact information or demographic data, AI ensures consistency and reliability.
AI isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a practical tool that can transform association operations. By embracing AI, your association can boost efficiency, enhance member experiences, and stay ahead in a dynamic landscape. Start exploring AI solutions with us and get a tailored solution to your unique needs and watch your association thrive! |
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In last month’s newsletter, I talked about how we really use the web and how we are always in a hurry to accomplish something when visiting a webpage. For this month, I wanted to dive a little deeper on how we should format text so that it is easier to scan and get the information our end users want as quickly as possible.
- Case in Point: I bet if you scan this usability section, you will fully understand the content by just scanning, as opposed to reading every single word here!
Use Headings
The way we format our text can do quite a bit to make things easier for them. First and foremost, use plenty of headings. Well written, clear, and thoughtful headings interspersed in a body of text can act as an outline and table of contents for a page. It’s also a good idea to make sure headings stand out by making text larger, and a different color.
- Headings will tell you what each section of text is about - which helps our end-users decide what to read, scan, or skip.
Multi-Level Headings
Using more than one level of heading also helps our end-users find what they are looking for. However, it is important to note that each level should have an impossible-to-miss visual distinction between different levels.
Heading Spacing
Don’t let headers float with even space between two sections. Rather, make sure the heading is closer to the section they introduce than the section that they follow.
… ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo…
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… ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.
Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo…
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Keep Paragraphs Short
Long paragraphs of text confront the reader with a “wall of words”. Remember in our high school days, when the teacher assigned a set number of pages to read before the next day? We always looked to see how many pages, and how much text there was to read, and if there were pictures and graphs to help lessen the amount of reading. We do not want our end-users approaching your website with any amount of negativity.
- Shorter paragraphs are easier to scan. End users find relevant information faster, which makes them happy.
Forget English 101
My guess is you were taught that each paragraph should start with a topic sentence, three or more detail sentences, and a conclusion. However, nobody online has time to read all that, nor do they care.
- Single-sentence paragraphs are fine.
Use Bulleted Lists
Almost anything that can be a bulleted list, probably should be a bulleted list. If in your paragraphs you see a series of items separated by commas or semicolons, turn them into bulleted lists! They help break apart paragraphs, which support scanning, and makes those items more obvious to the end-user.
- For optimal readability, make sure there is a small amount of space after each list item, especially if any text wraps around to the next line.
Highlight Key Terms
Formatting the most important phrases or words in bold makes that information a lot easier to find. However, don’t highlight too many things because the technique will lose its effectiveness.
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| Keeping Your Technology Roadmap on Track |
Maintaining your tech plan is key to ensuring your tech projects align with your business goals.
Top Tips:
- Stay Updated: Make sure to review and update your tech plan regularly to match any changes in what you are aiming for.
- Talk it Out: Get everyone involved to share their thoughts and make sure to be on the same page.
- Set Priorities: Decide which projects are most important and make a clear plan for what comes first.
- Keep an Eye on Progress: Watch how things are going and fix any issues as soon as they pop up.
- Stay Flexible: Be ready to change things up if needed, whether it's new tech or a different direction for your goals.
- Keep Talking: Make sure you're all sharing updates and any problems that arise.
- Write it Down: Keep track of everything decided, so you can look back later and stay consistent.
Following these tips will help keep your tech plan aligned with your organization's goals.
Feel free to contact us if you're interested in collaborating with our team to develop a technology roadmap tailored to your needs. We're here to help you navigate the journey towards achieving your technological goals. |
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| Are you datably responsible: exploring permission-based sending models |
Compliance isn’t easy, particularly when it dictates an overhaul in thinking. So it’s understandable that adherence to new policies takes time. With that said, today’s compliance and privacy issues are moving at light speed. It’s no longer a ‘nice have’ to give your audiences some arm room. It’s a must. Google and Yahoo's (just to name a couple) new email authentication, unsubscribe, and spam policies are testament to this. And they're not the outliers. They're merely the pioneers. Soon providers across the board will institute customer-mindful consent and deliverability practices.
Associations continue to make moves to respect their members’ dance space when it comes to emails. Most of our clients have dimmed down the mass blasts and have truly started effectively incorporating tailored, targeted messages to their constituents.
But there’s still so much more that can—and should—be done from a compliance and privacy perspective. Let’s take a look at leading practices in compliance and consent.
What is email compliance?
This is an easy one. It’s your org’s way of adhering to regulatory standards and legal requirements in order to protect the data and privacy of your audiences. In the simplest terms, it’s:
- Will you go on a date with me? Check Yes or No.
READ MORE
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| Crystal Ball Tells All: Is Marketing Automation In Your Future? |
Location: Online
At this point, marketing automation is a thing. It’s a standard term. A commonly used technology. The principles around omni-channel platforms are getting more widespread adoption within the association community. And there’s a language around org-wide data automation that really speaks to marketers and assocation professionals. But—when it comes down to it, is it a thing for you? Join us as we dive into the true need indicators for marketing automation, along with tips on preparing for a marketing automation platform. Specifically, we’ll cover:
- What is true omni-channel, omni-data marketing automation
- How your org objectives align with marketing automation
- Impact of marketing automation on efficiency and efficacy
- Where your data plays a huge role in preparation and success
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How OpenWater Empowers Your Application & Reveuw Programs
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If you're running an application and review program, you're likely spending 100s of hours manually tracking down applicants, emailing judges, juggling multiple spreadsheets, and struggling to piece together a cohesive report.
If this is you and your team members, it's time to look at a simplified and streamlined process with the application and review software, OpenWater.
OpenWater does it all as an all-in-one software platform that enables your organization to collect and review any type of application and provide for easy online review processes such as awards, abstracts, grants, fellowships, and more.
Transform your application and review process with OpenWater to:
- Reduce and Remove Staff Overhead: Consolidate collection, review, and reporting all in one platform that also includes easy to use marketing tools like email automation.
- Engage Members: Provide your members with a simple, branded application experience that leads to more submissions, higher levels of engagement, and increased revenue.
- Simplify the Judging Process: Customize the reviewing process to your exact needs so reviewers can easily log in, view their assignments, and submit their scores
Visit us at openwater.com/demo to learn what OpenWater can do for you and see why OpenWater is a G2 industry leader. |
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The Salvation Army has touched countless lives in many different ways, but one of their missions has always been important to me personally.
As a recovering alcoholic (22 years sober) I understand how important a helping hand can be when things seem hopeless. Sobriety is not a goal but an ongoing battle against a foe that never lets up. Alcohol and drugs are so widely available in our society, an addict must always stay vigilant.
Though it is only a small part of all the good works the Salvation Army performs every day, their recovery program will always be close to my heart.
They say it better than I can, from their website: “For more than 100 years, The Salvation Army has operated rehabilitation facilities across the country that provide help and hope to individuals with a variety of problems, including issues relating to substance abuse. Our charitable residential programs offer spiritual, emotional, and social assistance in an environment designed to help participants live healthy, fulfilling lives.”
I am as guilty as anyone, forgetting about this great organization until I hear the bell and see the bucket, but they need our help throughout the year to continue the good works they do. Please consider joining AT in donating to help this wonderful charity. |
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Last month, I attended the Fonteva User Network (FUN) conference in Washington, DC. I learned a great deal about both Fonteva and the SalesForce platform, as well as numerous recent and upcoming enhancements such as:
New Features:
- SalesForce Lightening Web Components and Fonteva’s updates to take advantage of this performance upgrade from Salesforce
- Fonteva Payments, which simplifies payment processing and PCI-DSS compliance
- Fonteva Re-usable Components to accelerate custom page/form development
Upcoming Features:
- Enhanced chapter management
- Consumer Journey for improvement application/join process management
- Health Wizard
It was great to meet Fonteva’s team, hear their expertise in presentation and learn about Fonteva’s market advantages. An unexpected benefit of the conference was an opportunity to network with several of our integration partners, as those partners also integrate with Fonteva. |
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The Higher Logic SuperForum 24 - SPARK Conference was held April 10-12 at The Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. AT was a proud sponsor and exhibitor to nearly four hundred attendees at this two-day, high-energy conference.
Over two days, the SPARK Conference inspired attendees and their organizations with more than 60 breakout sessions designed to SPARK Creativity, SPARK Connections, and SPARK Change. Several sessions offered valuable CAE credits, as well.
Twenty sponsor/exhibitors showcased their solutions for attendees to SPARK their imaginations on how to improve their associations missions.
Wednesday evening attendees were treated to a Welcome reception with an opportunity to network with peers and exhibitors in a relaxed atmosphere to share ideas and get the creative wheels turning.
After breakfast, Thursday morning, Rob Wenger, CEO of Higher Logic kicked off the event with a powerful opening session that had all attendees ready to dive into the amazing sessions that were planned. Kate O’Neill (professional global keynote speaker) took the stage with AI, Automation and the future of Meaningful Human Experience, emphasizing the importance of ‘humanizing AI’, that the future of AI is keeping it human!
Higher Logic’s Customer Appreciation Party wrapped up day one with another amazing chance for attendees to relax, eat and drink, and discuss all the newly SPARKED ideas.
Day two was another great day of sessions and the main stage featured a Higher Logic Partner Panel that truly allowed attendees to see the future of creativity, connections, changes that are ahead, and also their Best AI ideas.
The crowd was very excited to see the announcement that Super Forum 2025 will be March 25-28 in Nashville, TN. Do not miss your opportunity to attend this very powerful event, we hope to see you there!
One of my personal highlights was when Floyd the frog – Higher Logic’s mascot - stopped by AT’s booth to make sure AT is doing our part to SPARK associations with our technology solutions for associations. |
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| Please reach out to Jim Meyers for any questions about Higher Logic or any of AT’s solutions. |
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| Three Steps For Becoming AI Ready |
Associations’ silos can get in the way of making progress around AI, one expert says. But they can leverage other assets.
Read More |
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| Behind an Association Journal’s Open-Access Move |
The Association for Computing Machinery, following a broader trend, has made its flagship publication available for free, part of an evolving business model for research-based organizations.
Read More |
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We have an archive of our newsletters and industry related
articles available on our website, click HERE to access them.
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| Higher Logic Webinar: Benchmarks for Success |
Location: Online
During this webinar, two association veterans – Sarah Spinosa and Kelly Whelan – will take a deep dive into benchmarks from Higher Logic’s most recent association email, community, and member experience data. |
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| Crystal Ball Tells All: Is Marketing Automation In Your Future? |
Location: Online
At this point, marketing automation is a thing. It’s a standard term. A commonly used technology. The principles around omni-channel platforms are getting more widespread adoption within the association community. And there’s a language around org-wide data automation that really speaks to marketers and assocation professionals. But—when it comes down to it, is it a thing for you? Join us as we dive into the true need indicators for marketing automation, along with tips on preparing for a marketing automation platform. Specifically, we’ll cover:
- What is true omni-channel, omni-data marketing automation
- How your org objectives align with marketing automation
- Impact of marketing automation on efficiency and efficacy
- Where your data plays a huge role in preparation and success
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| iUG Webinar: Building A Modern and Dynamic Website in RiSE |
Location: Online
Learn the benefits of using RiSE for a streamlined CMS experience within your iMIS ecosystem. See how to seamlessly manage website content without toggling between platforms, and provide customized content to members based on RiSE data. Harness the capabilities and perks of tagging and tagged lists to elevate search functionalities on your website, facilitating swift content retrieval for users. |
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| MAY |
| 21 |
| 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM CDT |
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| Association Forum: Association 101 |
Location: Association Forum office, 10 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 800, Chicago
Associations are known for having unique cultures, environments, and dynamics that can seem unfamiliar and intimidating for new professionals transitioning from school or another industry.
Association 101 is designed to provide foundational knowledge for navigating these dynamics and achieving success which, in turn, increases the likelihood of career success, the feeling of belonging, and overall job satisfaction. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet other association professionals new to the industry and begin building your industry network. |
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| MAY |
| 22 |
| 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT |
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| Association Analytics: Using Your Data to Move Away From One-Size Fits All Renewal Campaigns |
Location: Online
Limited resources, set budgets and competing priorities can make it difficult to go outside your comfort zone and try something new. But what if we told you the keys to better retention results are in the data you already have?
Join Part 5 of our 6-part Navigating the Member Journey with Data series on May 22 at 3pm EST to learn a data-informed approach for your most successful renewal season yet. We'll walk through how you can use your data to:
- Segment members during renewal season by demographics, behavior, tenure, type, and engagement
- Find out how each of your member segments interacts with you and what they value most
- Uncover your biggest retention gaps so you can focus your efforts on what will move the needle most
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| MAY |
| 30-31 |
| 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
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| ASAE MMC + Tech 2024 |
Location: Walter E Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
The Marketing, Membership, Communications +Tech Conference (MMC +Tech) gives association and nonprofit professionals the insights necessary to take their marcomm, membership plus technology strategies to new heights. Learn the latest in engagement, technology, and trends from industry innovators. |
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| HighRoad Solutions Webinar: Prepping Your Team For a Migration Journey |
Location: Online
We know no one looks forward to moving. While the end result is a new neighborhood, house or system, the journey to get there isn't always easy or simple. Migrating to new systems requires not only tactical planning and training, but knowing when to rally staff as they adopt new processes and manage change. Since technology, and more importantly, data is owned by more than one team, associations also have to figure out how best to move forward while maintaining business continuity. We'll share what to watch out for and how you can update your association technology stack while minimizing disruption and ensuring continued ownership and improvements. |
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| AAMSE Annual Conference |
Location: The Westin Savannah Harbor, Savannah, GA
The AAMSE Annual Conference provides the perfect platform to connect with medical society professionals and learn how to advance your society. From attending sessions and networking, to enjoying the historic city of Savannah, attendees will leave the event inspired with a renewed sense of purpose to address the challenges in organized medicine. Presented by leading experts and industry professionals, the hand-selected educational sessions will help grow membership, build loyalty, sharpen marketing skills, adapt to changing technology, and keep your association relevant. |
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| ASAE Annual Meeting |
Location: Huntington Convention Center, Cleveland, Ohio
The ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition is where thousands of association professionals and industry partners gather to exchange knowledge, resources, strategies, solutions, and more. Over three days of learning, growing, and finding inspiration, attendees are equipped with a year’s worth of support in their daily responsibilities as leaders in the association industry.
The ASAE Annual Meeting provides a unique opportunity to partake in authentic, engaging, thought-provoking, and positive community-building experiences for attendees that support the power of the association community to shape a better future for the industries we serve and for the world we share. |
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| iUG 2024 Annual iMIS Users Conference |
Location: Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, Virginia
The 2024 Annual iMIS Users Conference is your chance to jump start your career with the tools, strategies, training, and connections you need to advance both your career and your organization. |
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