In this episode of Reboot IT, host Dave Coriale sits down with Rob Wenger, CEO and Chief Product Officer at Higher Logic, to discuss the evolving landscape of association technology, the impact of AI and automation, and strategies for enhancing member engagement.

Summary:

AI and Automation:

• Rob emphasizes the importance of AI and automation in the association world, highlighting how these technologies can streamline tasks and improve efficiency. 
• He discusses the use of various AI tools, including ChatGPT, Cursor, and Glean, to enhance productivity and decision-making. 
• Rob shares insights on the balance between using AI for personal and professional tasks, and the importance of data security and compliance.

Member Engagement:

• The conversation delves into the significance of member engagement in associations and how technology can facilitate this.
•  Rob explains the concept of member journeys and how predictive analytics can help identify and support members at different stages of their engagement.
•  He highlights the role of community platforms and marketing tools in fostering meaningful interactions and delivering personalized content.

Ethical Considerations and Future Outlook:

• Rob and Dave discuss the ethical implications of AI, including concerns about data privacy and the potential for job displacement.
•  They explore the role of associations in creating valuable, forward-thinking content and the importance of maintaining high standards in content creation.
•  Rob shares his vision for the future, emphasizing the need for associations to adapt to technological advancements while safeguarding their core values. 

Episode Summary:
Dave Coriale sits down with Gretchen Steenstra, Director of Project Strategy and Leadership at DelCor, and Niko Cribb, Technology Consultant at DelCor, to unpack what happened at the DelCor Bootcamp during AMS Fest. They explore the evolving challenges of AMS selection, the importance of ecosystem and context diagrams, and how associations can better prepare for system adoption. From peer-to-peer learning to the impact of private equity on vendor trust, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for association professionals navigating the complex world of association management systems. 

Topics & Themes:

• Inside the DelCor Bootcamp at AMS Fest
  • A vendor-free, candid environment where association professionals can ask real questions and get honest feedback.
  • Bootcamp helps attendees feel more confident and prepared before engaging with vendors.
• Ecosystem and Context Diagrams
  • Attendees were asked to draw their current tech ecosystem to visualize integrations and ownership.
  • The process of creating the diagram was more valuable than the final product.
• Writing Better Requirements
  • Participants practiced writing user story-based requirements, often for the first time.
  • Emphasis on considering multiple perspectives: membership, finance, and member services.
• Understanding the Role of the Business Analyst
  • Associations don’t need to turn staff into BAs, but must understand the BA role.
  • Clear requirements are essential for selection, configuration, and adoption.
  • Most AMS issues stem from poor adoption, not poor functionality.
• Balancing Ecosystems vs. All-in-One Platforms
  • Discussion around whether to consolidate or diversify systems.
  • Risks of over-reliance on a single platform vs. complexity of multiple systems.
• Private Equity and Vendor Trust
  • Mergers and acquisitions are eroding trust in vendors and direct access to decision-makers is more difficult.
  • Associations must take ownership of training, documentation, and vendor relationships.
• Change Management and Adoption Fears
  • Some staff fear change and struggle with system transitions.
  • Bootcamp helps surface these concerns early in the process.
• Peer Learning and Community Support
  • AMS Fest’s value lies in shared experiences and peer advice.
  • One piece of advice from a peer can shift an entire selection strategy.
• Final Question: What’s Got You Worked Up?
  • Gretchen: Frustrated by the lack of payoff from private equity investment in platforms.
  • Niko: Wants more associations to engage in the conversation and learn from peers.

Host Dave Coriale re-releases the very first episode of the podcast in honor of Loretta DeLuca, DelCor’s Founder and CEO. Joined by longtime colleague Brian Sheehan, the trio reflects on the early days of DelCor, their shared journey through decades of tech evolution, and the values that shaped the company’s culture. This heartfelt conversation offers a glimpse into the foundation of DelCor, the transformation of the association community, and the enduring legacy Loretta leaves behind.

In this redrop of Season 1, Episode 1, Dave, Loretta, and Brian discuss:

• DelCor’s Origin Story 
  • Loretta, Dave, and Brian share how they met and began working together.
  • Early days of crawling under desks, rebuilding Novell servers, and programming in dBase and R:Base.
  • Loretta’s role as one of the first Gold Novell resellers in the DC area.
• From Law Firms to Associations 
  • Transition from serving law firms and insurance agencies to focusing exclusively on associations.
  • The moment Loretta identified associations as DelCor’s true market.
  • The cultural and mission-driven differences that drew them to the nonprofit sector.
• First Association Clients & Conferences 
  • Memories of their first association clients and attending their first conference in Las Vegas.
  • The excitement (and exhaustion) of exhibiting for the first time.
  • Longstanding client relationships, including one that began in the early ’90s and continues today.
• Technology Evolution in the Association Space 
  • The shift from on-premise to cloud computing started around 2008.
  • The impact of .NET and the rise of integrated systems.
  • The growing importance of data analytics and AI in decision-making.
• Strategic Role of Technology 
  • Technology’s evolution from a task-based tool to a strategic enabler.
  • The need for IT to have a seat at the leadership table.
  • Challenges associations face in fully leveraging their data and systems.
• Looking Ahead: What Associations Need Now 
  • Cultural shifts around how organizations view and use technology.
  • The importance of aligning IT with strategic goals.
  • Encouragement for associations to invest in analytics and integration.
• DelCor’s Culture & Values 
  • Reflections on 30+ years of shared values, growth, and collaboration.
  • Pride in building a company culture where people stay for decades.
  • The essence of DelCor: a team driven by purpose, community, and mutual respect.

Catch up with Juan and Hannah from Inteleos and hear their fascinating update about how the organization is using blockchain to reduce friction, create efficiencies, and increase value to its members.

This week Dave is joined by George Breeden, CIO at American Society for Microbiology. George shares his epic thoughts on being curious, experimenting, and innovating. We also talk about IT’s responsibility to align the organization's technology with the mission and business objectives - and much more. Lastly, you win if you had “punch cards” on your Reboot IT BINGO card. 

Dave is worked up again this week. What's on his mind? Wordsmithing. 

Tune in as Dave talks with Gretchen Steenstra, project strategy and leadership at DelCor, and Laura Sparks, director of marketing and web manager at ENTSOC. They discuss the key factors that contribute to a successful partnership between IT and marketing.

*Recorded while Laura was at ENTSOC, now Director of Marketing and Communications at IEDC

This week, Dave is worked up about constantly being bombarded with surveys. Tune in to hear his advice on ensuring your organization uses survey tools effectively. 

Dave talks to Carol Martinez about the Project Management Institute’s (PMI) use of technology to support the organization’s mission. At PMI, the technology goes beyond operations and management, thereby allowing Carol and her team to measure the global community impact of project management.

Dave is joined by Reggie Henry, Chief Information and Performance Excellence Officer at ASAE, to discuss artificial intelligence. They discuss the reality of AI: its positive aspects, its effectiveness as a tool, and the importance of ethical implementation.