Has your association embraced Artificial Intelligence (AI) yet? According to research from Momentive Software, only 18% of professional associations plan to integrate AI in the future. Despite this low adoption rate, AI is revolutionizing industries by automating processes, improving efficiency, and enhancing member engagement.
If your association hasn’t yet explored AI, now is the time to get started. Here’s how AI can transform your organization and five strategic steps to successfully implement it.
Leveraging AI for your association’s success
The latest Momentive Software Association Trends Study found that only 13% of associations have an AI policy. And 64% of associations’ boards have not discussed AI or are still determining their organization’s use of AI.
If used wisely, Artificial Intelligence can be the key to revolutionizing your association. AI can streamline operations, personalize member experiences, and enhance decision-making.
Follow these key steps to effectively integrate AI into your association’s strategy:
1. Define your AI strategy
To ensure a successful AI implementation, align your association’s AI initiatives with your mission and long-term goals. Consider these key questions when crafting your AI strategy:
- What objectives do we want to achieve with AI?
- How will we measure the success of AI integration?
- What is our expected timeline for implementation?
- Do we have the necessary technology and resources?
A clear strategic framework ensures AI is adopted with purpose and measurable outcomes.
2. Focus on one AI-driven goal
Rather than trying to overhaul your entire organization with AI at once, start small. Identify a single objective where AI can have the most immediate impact, such as:
- Improving member retention
- Increasing event registrations
- Enhancing continuing education offerings
Focusing on one specific goal makes AI adoption more manageable and increases the likelihood of success.
3. Audit your existing technology
Your association may already have AI-powered tools within your current tech stack. Review your association management software (AMS) and customer relationship management (CRM) platforms to identify AI capabilities.
Reach out to your software providers to explore AI-driven features that can enhance member engagement, automate workflows, and provide predictive insights.
4. Optimize data quality for AI success
AI thrives on high-quality data. Before deploying AI solutions, ensure your member database is clean and well-organized. Steps to improve data hygiene include:
- Removing duplicate records
- Standardizing data entry formats
- Categorizing and segmenting data for better insights
A well-maintained database enhances AI’s ability to deliver accurate analytics and member predictions.
5. Scale AI adoption gradually
As your team gains confidence in using AI, expand its application to additional areas of your organization. Start with small, high-impact projects and scale up based on effectiveness and member feedback.
If your association is in the process of selecting a new AMS or CRM, inquire about built-in AI capabilities. Investing in AI-powered technology now ensures your association remains competitive and forward-thinking in an evolving digital landscape.
Embrace AI and stay ahead of the curve
AI is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a transformative tool that can drive engagement, optimize operations, and enhance member experiences. By strategically implementing AI, your association can stay ahead of industry trends and maximize its impact.
Is your association ready to harness the power of AI?
Start today by defining your strategy, leveraging existing tools, and ensuring data readiness for a smarter, more efficient future.
