Membership organization effectiveness: automating event registration and email
The client: A local technology trade association whose mission is to serve as both a source of networking and support for member companies and also a catalyst for high-tech economic growth in a region that had experienced significant job loss and business departure
The challenge: The organization was struggling to stay in touch with members and to administer the events that formed a core part of the organization’s mission. The organization was able to attract the participation of reputable and important board members, event panelists and members, and there was a high level of interest in the community at large in the organization’s activities and events. However, the organization’s administrative workload threatened to overwhelm volunteer staff, and the organization’s reputation was beginning to suffer as a result.
The solution: iData implemented the Synapse PublisherTM content management system and Event ManagerTM online event registration system, allowing the organization to easily communicate with members through the Web site, publicize upcoming events and handle online registration for those events. An online registration system had previously existed that allowed event registrants to pay for events online, but no verification of credit card numbers was done, and credit card details had to be downloaded from the event registration system back end and manually processed. With Event ManagerTM, online event registration is completely automated, no re-keying of credit card numbers is required and there is no risk of not being able to collect for declined cards after an event because authorization is performed at the time credit card details are entered.
The Synapse CommLinkTM email platform was implemented to allow the organization to send event notices and newsletters to members and Web site visitors who have opted in to the mailing list. Previously there was an opt-in mechanism and a way to send member emails, but they were unrelated, so managing opt-ins was a time consuming and error-prone process. With CommLinkTM, opt-ins, unsubscribe requests and user profile changes are automated through the Web site, and all update a central repository of user data.
The results: Instead of devoting the bulk of volunteer time to administrative tasks, volunteers and board members spend the bulk of their time working to connect with members and develop programs that will better serve both the membership and the larger community.
Learn more about iData's solutions for enhancing the effectiveness of membership organizations and non-profits in the following areas:
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