Imagine a fully automated membership process with online membership applications, validations and payments. Users can access “members only” content. Their names appear in the member directory. Automatic e-mails are sent a month before a membership expires and the member renews the membership and pays dues online. All this is done without direct involvement from staff, cutting down labor costs immensely.

Now imagine a fully automated event registration process: members register and payments are processed — all online. Members don't have to reenter data that is already on file. They don't have to use a stamp, envelope, or check. E-mail receipts and confirmations are sent out automatically. Badges are generated and labels are printed for mailing agendas, e-mail lists are generated and members are presented with follow-up surveys online after the event.

The more technology you use, the more value you provide to your members, and the more money you save. The downside, however, is that technology is expensive.

A good way to keep costs in line is to use an association management company that has the ability to leverage existing technologies across multiple associations. The company invests in the technology to save client associations time and money while adding benefits for members.