Association Management Software is an important tool for organizations committed to enhancing member engagement, optimizing operational efficiency, and elevating the overall experience of both management and members. In this blog, we’ll explore the relevance of an association management platform, what makes a good association management platform, and the capabilities of some of the Best Association Management Software for 2024.
What is an Association Management Software?
Association Management Software is a tool used by professional associations to manage their members and functionality related to membership. It is designed to act as a unified platform, facilitating tasks like member communication, event planning, financial reporting, member retention tracking, and more.
Some of the best association management platforms empower organizations to go beyond membership management by automating time-consuming administrative tasks like updating contact details, responding to general requests, and keeping track of membership dues. This can help an association foster better relationships and streamline many of its processes for a better membership experience.
Selecting the right association management platform for your organization calls for a careful assessment of your organization’s specific needs. Each Association Management Software comes with its unique features, making it essential to select one that aligns with your organization’s goals and requirements.
More than 70% of associations using Association Management Software pair their platform with a dedicated event management software like Whova to deliver the best member experience.
What Makes a Good Association Management Software?
A good AMS goes beyond basic functionalities. Here are some key elements to consider:
- Customizations: A customizable Association Management Software allows organizations to tailor the platform to match their brand identity, workflows, and other requirements. Customizations extend beyond aesthetics and should allow organizations to fine-tune functionalities based on their requirements.
- Provides Reporting, Analytics, and Automation: Effective reporting and analytics tools encourage data-driven decision-making, eliminating uncertainties and errors. Pairing reporting and analytics with automation will allow organizations to streamline many of their administrative tasks and redirect resources to other tasks.
- Integrates With Other Software/Platforms: An Association Management Software that seamlessly integrates with other tools and platforms will provide a cohesive and efficient workflow. Whether it’s integrating with other Customer Relationship Management systems or communication platforms, integration eliminates silos and promotes operability.
- Helps You Connect and Manage Members Effectively: Member engagement is the cornerstone of an association success. An Association Management Software should serve as a dynamic communication and collaboration platform for those working in association management and the members of that association. The system should also empower associations to manage member events and activities with ease to ensure every member’s journey is personalized and meaningful.
Now, let’s explore some of the best association management platforms available in 2024.
Best Association Management Platforms: Review & Comparison
1. Wild Apricot
G2 rating: 4.0 out of 5
Wild Apricot comes with an intuitive interface coupled with robust membership management capabilities. It is user-friendly and allows organizations to effortlessly create contacts, newsletters, and distribute emails, making it a great option for both seasoned administrators and those new to association management tools.
Editor’s Note: Whova is proud to serve many of the customers of Wild Apricot and other Association Management Platforms mentioned below with our outstanding event management tools to manage their annual conferences and major events.
2. MemberClicks
G2 rating: 3.7 out of 5
MemberClicks is an all-in-one association management software that is suitable for small staff organizations. The platform’s user-friendly interface caters to organizations with limited staff resources, ensuring that these associations can easily navigate and leverage its features. While it may not have the highest rating, MemberClicks’ focus on simplicity makes it a top choice for organizations looking for an accessible platform.
3. iMIS
G2 rating: 4.1 out of 5
iMIS is designed to meet the unique needs of a diverse range of associations like unions, clubs, and nonprofits. One of its standout features is its powerful API with hundreds of integrations, providing flexibility and scalability for organizations with evolving requirements. iMIS’ adaptability allows it to seamlessly integrate with other tools and promises to meet the unique needs of associations requiring a more diverse structure.
4. YourMembership
G2 rating: 3.3 out of 5
YourMembership focuses on engagement and growth by offering features like a member directory and automated renewal reminders. The platform is very growth-focused and provides various ways an association can add value to its members. While YourMembership contributes to engagement, user-friendliness may be a concern for some organizations
5. StarChapter
G2 Rating: 4.2 out of 5
StarChapter stands out with its integrated approach covering event planning, membership databases, and more. This integrated approach can help an association simplify several operational processes and enhance its overall member user experience. Organizations will also have the support of their 24/7 customer service and online technical support.
6. Novi AMS
G2 rating: 5 out of 5
Novi AMS comes with features that simplify association management, such as automated invoicing, membership tracking, and integrated financial management features. Associations using Novi AMS can benefit from the platform’s emphasis on automation. This can help many associations streamline their operations and enhance overall efficiency.
7. MemberLeap
G2 rating: 4.7 out of 5
MemberLeap is an all-in-one solution that combines membership management, event registration, and communication tools for streamlining association processes. The platform’s comprehensive suite of features ensures you can manage various aspects of your operation within a unified ecosystem. This makes MemberLeap a preferred choice for organizations looking to combine multiple functionalities in one tool.
8. SilkStart
G2 rating: 4.3 out of 5
SilkStart is a modern, cloud-based platform with features like member engagement analytics and customizable member directories. The platform offers a contemporary solution that leverages cloud technology to enhance accessibility and flexibility without ignoring the importance of member engagement. SilkStart’s focus on analytics allows you to gather valuable insights into member analytics, which can help you make more data-driven decisions.
9. GrowthZone
G2 rating: 4.6 out of 5
GrowthZone is a well-rounded association management platform that includes features for member recruitment, event management, and financial tracking. This allows associations seeking to expand their membership base the ability to attract new members while retaining current ones.
10. Fonteva for Associations
G2 rating: 4.5 out of 5
Fonteva for Associations, built on the Salesforce platform, combines the power of a Customer Relationship Management platform with association management capabilities. This is a powerful choice for associations with a large membership database as it allows you to effectively manage your members while leveraging other functionalities, including payments, event planning, and real-time data.
11. ClearVantage
G2 rating: 3.2 out of 5
ClearVantage also offers a robust Customer Relationship Management system that aims to increase member communication and engagement. Coupled with other functionalities for event planning, certification management, and financial management, ClearVantage is a powerful association management platform for organizations looking to strengthen their member relationships.
12. MemberSuite
G2 rating: 3.9 out of 5
MemberSuite is a cloud-based platform encompassing membership management, event planning, financial tracking, and more. Its cloud-based approach ensures organizations and members can access their features from anywhere and anytime. Even though its features are geared towards nonprofits, MemberSuite is still a viable option for associations looking for a comprehensive solution that is flexible and efficient.
13. AMO (Association Management Online)
G2 rating: 3.7 out of 5
Association Management Online (AMO) focuses on automation by streamlining tasks related to membership renewals, event registration, and member communication. The platform’s emphasis on automation allows growing associations the opportunity to streamline repetitive tasks and, instead, allocate resources more effectively. While it does not have the highest rating, AMS is still a viable choice for organizations looking for an all-in-one platform that’s user-friendly and efficient.
14. WebLink Connect
G2 rating: 4.6 out of 5
WebLink Connect is a customizable association management software with features built for building member communities and keeping track of a comprehensive database. The platform provides associations with the necessary tools for effective management and the option to tailor those tools to meet their operational needs. WebLink Connect focuses on customization and can be a helpful tool for organizations looking for flexibility and adaptability in their association management software.
Elevate your Association Management with the Right Tools
Choosing the best Association Management Software is a decision that can impact the experience of your members and the success of your organization. The association management platforms listed above come with unique strengths like a user-friendly interface, a cloud-based approach, and a focus on member experience or scalability. These features should work for your organization and members and allow you the time to focus on more important tasks.
The best Association Management Software will depend on the size of your organization, its goals and objectives, and the specific services you need to achieve those goals. Take the time to carefully evaluate your requirements and explore the options. With the right association management software in place, your organization can thrive, foster a vibrant community, and deliver exceptional value to your members.
Bonus: Manage Your Association Events Like a Pro
If you’re running annual conference or training with your association members, consider using Whova’s event management software. Whova is an all-in-one event management solution that makes events modern and trendy, attracts and engages attendees effectively, and helps event organizers save time on managing event logistics. Whova’s platform consists of an award-winning event app, efficient online event registration, powerful event marketing, and time-saving event management tools.