Associations need to stay ahead of the curve to remain relevant, efficient, and member focused. The right technology can streamline operations, enhance member engagement, and unlock new opportunities for growth.
This blog will explore the top four tech tools every association should be using to successfully move through 2025.
1. Association Management Systems (AMS)
An AMS like MemberClicks centralizes critical functions including membership tracking, event management, communications, and financial reporting into one platform. This streamlines operations, reduces manual work, and enhances the member experience.
For both staff and association volunteer leaders, an AMS provides the clarity and efficiency needed to focus on strategy, engagement, and delivering on your association’s mission.
2. Virtual & Hybrid Event Platforms
Platforms like Zoom make hybrid events easy to manage and more inclusive by connecting in-person and remote attendees with ease. Its interactive tools and recording capabilities allow associations to expand event reach, offer session replays as a member benefit, or generate revenue through paid content access.
3. Collaboration & Productivity Suites
Tools like Microsoft 365 also help associations collaborate efficiently in a hybrid work environment. Features such as Teams for instant communication, secure file sharing, real-time document editing, and Microsoft Lists for event timelines or task tracking support smooth operations and better coordination across committees and staff no matter where they’re located.
It also offers Artificial Intelligence (AI) features through Co-Pilot. From writing emails and creating presentations to analyzing data and summarizing meetings, Co-Pilot works alongside apps like Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams to automate tasks, suggest ideas, and helps to streamline efforts.
4. AI Tools for Marketing & Member Engagement
Along with Microsoft 365 Co-Pilot, other dedicated AI tools like CHATGPT have become increasing popular and in helping create content to build stronger engagement among members through heightened communications. How? From generating social media posts and newsletters to answering member inquiries and brainstorming event themes, AI tools help save time and boost creativity and serve as an additional resource to the association staff.
Check out this previous Strauss article on how AI can help association staff in event planning.
The Bottom Line
Adopting the right tech tools can help your association increase productivity, reduce costs, and enhance member value. Whether you’re managing operations, planning events, or leading communications, these technologies equip both staff and volunteer leaders to work smarter, not harder throughout 2025 and beyond.
To read more on the impact of technology on associations, check out this Strauss article.