In many associations, critical knowledge lives in people’s heads. Long-tenured staff know why a process exists, which reports the board trusts, or how data should be entered to avoid downstream issues. When that knowledge goes undocumented—or is buried in lengthy manuals—it becomes fragile. Staff turnover, system changes, or even a busy season can quickly turn institutional memory into institutional risk.
Documentation is how associations make that memory visible.
Effective documentation is more than writing instructions; it is about creating shared understanding. Associations rely on complex systems—AMS platforms, reporting tools, financial workflows—and clarity matters. When documentation is visual and accessible, it reduces errors, accelerates onboarding, and builds confidence in the data that supports decisions.
I’ve been a fan of TechSmith Snagit (techsmith.com) for many years because its screen capture and recording capabilities support a more user-centered approach to documentation. A screenshot with clearly labeled fields or a brief recording that walks through a process can convey intent far faster than a page of text. Instead of describing where to click or how to interpret a screen, documentation can simply show it. For busy staff juggling multiple responsibilities, that clarity makes a meaningful difference.
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Good documentation also creates a practical foundation for data governance. Associations often think of governance as policies, committees, or technology investments. In reality, it begins much earlier, with basic questions: Where does this data come from? Who uses it? What decisions rely on it? Clear documentation helps answer those questions consistently, long before formal governance structures are in place.
For example, documenting how member renewals are processed or how events are set up—complete with screenshots and callouts—does more than train staff. It establishes shared definitions, reinforces business rules, and highlights downstream impacts such as reporting, dues billing, or communications. Over time, these small efforts create a clear map of how data moves through the organization.
Documentation should also be treated as a living asset. Systems evolve, processes change, and expectations grow. For association leaders, investing in clear, accessible documentation is a low barrier, high return step. It preserves institutional knowledge, supports staff at every experience level, and quietly strengthens data governance; ensuring that when people change, the association’s understanding does not. |
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We offer a growing library of practical training videos available directly on our website. These videos are designed to help you use everyday technology tools more effectively, improve security awareness, and find help when you need it. Accessing the training library is quick and easy:
- Go to assctech.com
- Select “My Account” in the upper-left corner
- Sign in using your work email address
- Click “Training Videos”
ModusCloud Spam Filter Essentials – Part 1 & Part 2
These videos explain:
- How the spam filter works
- What to do when legitimate emails are blocked
- How to review and report suspicious messages
Together, they provide a solid foundation for protecting your inbox and avoiding phishing attempts.
Outlook and Other Apps on Your Phone
It’s a helpful resource for anyone accessing work tools on the go.
- Setting up Outlook on a mobile device
- Managing email, calendar, and notifications
- Best practices for using work apps securely on your phone
We encourage everyone to bookmark the Training Videos page and check back periodically as the library continues to grow. If you have any issues accessing the portal or have ideas or suggestions for training topics, please email [email protected]
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| The Association’s Guide to Member Value Through Real Engagement |
Did you know that member engagement is one of the strongest predictors of retention and long-term value?
According to the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), members with multiple meaningful engagement touchpoints are dramatically more likely to renew, and in some cases, those with three or more high-value engagements are nearly 100% likely to stay.*
That’s because member value isn’t just delivered, it’s experienced through interaction, connection, and participation.
This is exactly where Breezio stands apart.
Breezio is a modern community and engagement platform designed to create a true live destination for your members, not just a static content hub.
With Breezio, your organization can:
- Create real-time engagement through posting, commenting, replies, and live chat
- Deliver content directly in-platform including video, podcasts, and discussions
- Facilitate ongoing peer-to-peer interaction, one of the strongest drivers of member value
- Keep members engaged continuously, not just at events or through email
Associations use Breezio to move beyond one-time touchpoints and create continuous engagement experiences that drive retention, strengthen member value, and build lasting communities.
Meet the Team
*Source: ASAE research on member engagement and retention |
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Usability testing is the practice of observing real users as they attempt to complete tasks within a product, system, or service. Its goal is simple: determine whether people can use an application easily, efficiently, and without frustration. Rather than relying on assumptions or internal opinions, usability testing reveals how users actually behave—and where designs fail to support their needs.
The importance of usability testing lies in risk reduction. It helps teams catch issues early, before they become costly to fix or damage user trust. Even small usability problems—confusing labels, unclear navigation, or poor feedback—can prevent users from completing key tasks. Testing ensures that products are not just functional, but intuitive and accessible.
Among the many usability methods available, moderated and unmoderated testing are two of the most widely used. Understanding their differences is essential to choosing the right approach:
Moderated Usability Testing involves a facilitator who observes participants completing tasks in real time. The moderator asks follow‑up questions, encourages users to think aloud, and explores moments of confusion. This approach is especially useful when testing complex workflows, early concepts, or unfamiliar experiences where understanding user reasoning is critical.
Unmoderated Usability Testing removes the facilitator from the session. Participants complete tasks independently—often remotely—following predefined instructions. This method allows teams to test with more users, collect results quickly, and identify patterns at scale. While it offers less insight into user thought processes, it excels at validating known flows and measuring usability performance.
Neither approach is universally better and here at Association Technologies, we love both! Moderated testing provides depth and context; unmoderated testing provides speed and volume. Most successful usability programs use both strategically, based on what they need to learn.
In the next article, we’ll look at how to plan and run moderated and unmoderated usability testing effectively. |
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| Press Play: AT Walk-Up Songs |
If our office had a scoreboard and stadium lights, one thing’s for sure: nobody would be walking up to silence. Recently, our staff was asked: what would your walk‑up song be? You know, that signature tune that plays as you enter the room, the song you chose to hype yourself up. The results? A playlist as dynamic as our team.
From high‑energy pump‑up anthems to classic favorites, each song reflected the unique style of the person behind it. |
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AT Walk Up Songs
- Freaks -Timmy Trumpet (Alex)
- Operation New Me – Jingle Punks (Amy)
- Them Changes – Thundercat (Andrea)
- Move on Up – Curtis Mayfield (Andy)
- Song 2-Blur (Ben)
- Champion - Bishop Briggs (Cindy)
- Come On! - The Hives (Dave)
- Lose Yourself – Eminem (Dustin)
- Eye of the Tiger – Survivor (Hunter)
- You're Gonna Go Far, Kid – The Offspring (Jim H)
- Hungry for Heaven – Dio (Jim M)
- Cult of Personality – Living Colour (Jordan)
- Walking on Sunshine-Katrina & the Waves (Lisa)
- The Middle – Jimmy Eat World (Mark)
- Up! - Forrest Frank & Connor Price (Matt)
- Lightbringer – Pentakill (Noah)
- The Cowboy Song-Thin Lizzy (Steve)
- This fffire – Franz Ferdinand (Trevor)
- A Bar Song (Tipsy)- Shaboozey (Trica)
- Danza Kuduro – Don Omar ft. Lucenzo (Tyler)
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What stood out most wasn’t just the variety of genres, but how perfectly each song fit its person. Bold beats, feel‑good vibes, nostalgic favorites—it turns out you can learn a lot about someone by the song they’d strut into a meeting to.
More than anything, the walk‑up songs sparked great conversations, a little friendly teasing, and a lot of laughs. It was a fun reminder that while we may have different roles, playlists, and personalities, we all bring our own rhythm to the team.
So whether you imagine your walk‑up song playing before a big meeting or powering you through your to‑do list, consider this your cue to hit play and own the moment.
Our Playlist: AT Walk Up Songs |
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| Cybersecurity for Associations: Why “We’re Not a Target” Is the Biggest Risk |
Most association executives know that cybersecurity is important — but it doesn’t always feel urgent. According to Ben Kalkwarf, director of infrastructure and onboarding at Association Technologies, Inc., that mindset is exactly the problem.
Read More |
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| Leading in the Age of AI – the Impact on People and Operations |
Dale Carnegie once opined, “When dealing with people, remember we're not dealing with creatures of logic but of emotions.”
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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| iUG On-the-Go - Chicago |
Location: Government Financial Officers Association, 203 N LaSalle St, Suite 2700 Chicago, IL 60601
iUG On-the-Go! brings high-impact, in-person iMIS education directly to major cities with a strong iMIS user presence. This one-day event delivers practical, hands-on learning across core iMIS areas including IQA, automation, communications, dashboards, events, and data integrity.
Designed as a more accessible and economical training option, iUG On-the-Go! is open to all iMIS users - not just those local to the host city, and focuses on real-world skills attendees can apply immediately.
Don’t wait – space is limited and tickets for these events will sell out fast!
Who Should Attend
- iMIS system administrators and database managers
- Membership, events, fundraising, and communications staff
- IT and operations professionals supporting iMIS
- Newer iMIS users looking to build confidence
- Experienced users seeking efficiency, automation, and best practices |
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| ASAE MMC + Tech Conference |
Location: Walter E Washington Convention Center, Washington DC
If you’re ready to challenge legacy mindsets, propel your association into the future, and foster belonging in a changing world, ASAE’s Marketing, Membership, Communications + Tech Conference (MMC+Tech) is where you belong.
MMC+Tech is the only event dedicated to the professionals at the heart of associations—from the masterminds behind your campaigns to member acquisition and retention. |
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| Assocation Forum Honors Gala |
The Old Post Office, 433 W Van Buren St, Chicago, IL 60607
Celebrate a 110 Years of Innovation, Impact & Fearless Leadership
In celebration of Association Forum’s 110-year anniversary, we invite you to step back in time and experience an unforgettable evening where the rhythm of jazz meets the spirit of innovation. Join us for the 2026 Honors Gala: All Jazzed Up — a dazzling night inspired by the bold, soulful sounds of Chicago’s jazz legacy. Feel the beat, savor the flavor, and connect with leaders who continue to shape the future of the association profession.
What to Expect
- Entertainment – Immerse yourself in the smooth sounds and electric energy of Chicago’s legendary jazz scene.
- Elevated Dining Experience – Savor a curated menu that brings together classic style and modern flair.
- Honoring Visionaries – Celebrate outstanding individuals who embody leadership, innovation, and excellence in the association community.
- Networking with Soul – Mix, mingle, and make meaningful connections that will inspire your next big idea.
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| 2026 ASAE Annual Meeting |
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, Indiana
It’s time to shift from reacting to change to driving it—even when the journey moves in unexpected directions. Join association professionals nationwide at the ASAE 2026 Annual Meeting & Exposition in Indianapolis, where you’ll discover new ways to keep your momentum going strong. Don’t miss this chance to accelerate growth—for your mission, for your members, and for your mindset. |
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| Chicago Golf Outing to Benefit ASAE Research Foundation |
Eagle Brook Country Club in Geneva, IL |
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