AMS Geek blog

AMS Geek & Data Sangria Are Headed to ASAE MMC+Tech 2026!

Paige Anderson — Fri, 08 May 2026 19:09:21 GMT

Event Details
ASAE MMC+Tech 2026
May 28–29, 2026
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, DC
AMS Geek & Data Sangria – Kiosk #354

We’re excited to announce that AMS Geek and Data Sangria will be exhibiting at the ASAE Marketing, Membership, Communications + Tech Conference (MMC+Tech) 2026! 🎉

This year’s conference theme, “Bring On the Future,” perfectly aligns with the work we do every day helping associations modernize their technology ecosystems, improve operational efficiency, and create more connected member experiences.

As longtime partners in helping associations solve technology and data challenges, AMS Geek and Data Sangria bring together strategic consulting and powerful integration capabilities designed specifically for the association space.

This event brings together association professionals from marketing, membership, communications, and technology teams. Attendees explore new tools, fresh strategies, and innovative ideas that are shaping the future of associations.

According to ASAE, MMC+Tech is the only conference dedicated specifically to professionals focused on association marketing, membership, communications, and technology. The conference is designed to help organizations strengthen engagement strategies, improve member experiences, and prepare for the future of association operations and digital transformation.

The event brings together association executives, membership professionals, communications leaders, marketers, and technology strategists who are all focused on navigating evolving member expectations and rapidly changing digital landscapes. (mmct.asaecenter.org)

From smarter member engagement to connected technology ecosystems, MMC+Tech is one of the best places to have real conversations about the challenges associations are facing right now – and we’re thrilled to be part of it.

If you’re attending this year’s conference, be sure to stop by Kiosk #354 and say hello!

Meet AMS Geek & Data Sangria

AMS Geek

AMS Geek helps associations and nonprofits tackle complex AMS and technology challenges with practical, vendor-neutral guidance. Whether you’re evaluating a new AMS, improving workflows, planning integrations, or trying to make sense of disconnected systems, we help organizations build sustainable technology strategies that actually work.

Data Sangria

Data Sangria is an integration platform built specifically for associations. We help organizations connect AMS platforms, CRMs, event systems, learning platforms, communities, marketing tools, and more – creating cleaner data flows and reducing manual work for staff.

With pre-built connectors, scalable integrations, and a deep understanding of association technology ecosystems, Data Sangria helps organizations simplify operations and create more connected member experiences.

Together, AMS Geek and Data Sangria help associations modernize operations, improve member experiences, and make better use of their technology investments – combining strategic expertise with practical technical execution.

In addition, we help associations improve engagement strategies, streamline integrations, and automate workflows. As a result, organizations can create technology ecosystems that support both staff efficiency and stronger member relationships.

Why Visit Us at MMC+Tech?

Today, association teams manage more systems, more data, and higher member expectations than ever before. MMC+Tech focuses heavily on communications, marketing, member recruitment and retention, MarTech, and association technology strategy. In all of these areas, connected systems and clean data play a critical role.

At the same time, many organizations are working through challenges related to disconnected platforms, manual processes, data silos, and reporting limitations. Many teams also want to create more personalized digital member experiences. These are exactly the types of conversations we’re excited to have at the event. (mmct.asaecenter.org) At MMC+Tech, we’re looking forward to connecting with organizations that are:

Exploring AMS and CRM improvements
Trying to simplify complicated integrations
Looking for better reporting and data visibility
Improving member engagement and digital experiences
Reducing manual processes and operational headaches
Planning future technology roadmaps

Whether you are actively planning a technology project or simply looking for new ideas, we would love to chat.

Stop by our kiosk to:

Talk through your current technology challenges
Learn how associations are connecting systems more effectively
Explore integration and automation strategies
See how Data Sangria supports scalable association ecosystems
Grab some swag and meet the team behind the solutions

Let’s Connect in Washington, DC

MMC+Tech is always a fantastic opportunity to learn from association leaders, exchange ideas, and discover new approaches to member engagement, marketing, communications, and technology. The conference brings together association professionals and solution providers focused on helping organizations adapt to changing member expectations and evolving digital strategies. (mmct.asaecenter.org)

We’re excited to be part of those conversations again this year and look forward to meeting attendees from across the association community.

If you’ll be at ASAE MMC+Tech 2026, come visit AMS Geek & Data Sangria at Kiosk #354.

We cannot wait to connect, collaborate, and talk about association technology together.

Want to schedule time to meet with us during the conference? Reach out to our team ahead of the event!

From Login to Registration in One Step: YourMembership + Cvent - AMS Geek

Paige Anderson — Thu, 07 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

If you are using YourMembership and Cvent together, the registration experience can feel disconnected.

Members log in to one system, then have to re-enter their information in another. That creates friction, slows down registration, and leads to inconsistent data.

The National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF) wanted to fix that.

The Challenge

NONPF needed a smoother way for members to move from their AMS into event registration.

Specifically, they wanted to:

Let members log in once and access event registration
Pre-fill user data to reduce manual entry
Route users to the correct registration type based on membership
Maintain a clean and consistent experience across platforms

The Approach

So, we built a Single Sign-On solution that connects YourMembership and Cvent using a custom identity provider.

The goal was simple. Remove friction and make registration seamless.

Here is how it works:

Single Sign-On Experience

First, when a user clicks into event registration, the system prompts them to log in through YourMembership. Once authenticated, it passes their information directly into Cvent and redirects them to the registration page.

Pre-Filled Registration

Next, the system automatically fills in user details on the Cvent registration form. This reduces errors and speeds up the process.

Smart Registration Routing

In addition, the integration routes users to the correct registration type based on their membership status. For example, member types in YourMembership can map directly to specific pricing or access levels in Cvent.

Flexible Paths for Non-Members

At the same time, NONPF can keep separate registration paths for non-members. Those users can register without going through the SSO flow when needed.

The Outcome

Now, members move from login to registration without interruption.

Because of that, NONPF can:

Deliver a smoother registration experience
Reduce duplicate data entry and errors
Ensure consistent data between systems
Improve overall event engagement

Final Thoughts

When your AMS and event platform are not connected, registration becomes a barrier.

However, when you introduce a clean SSO experience, that barrier disappears.

That is what a well-designed integration should do. It should feel invisible to the user while making everything easier behind the scenes.

Connecting YourMembership and Salesforce Without the Data Chaos - AMS Geek

Paige Anderson — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

If you are running both YourMembership and Salesforce, you have probably felt the disconnect.

Membership updates live in one system. Events and registrations live in another. Revenue data gets scattered across both. As a result, your team ends up piecing everything together manually.

That was the situation Grounded Solutions wanted to fix.

The Challenge

They needed a way to keep their data aligned across platforms without relying on manual processes.

Specifically, they wanted to:

Keep members and organizations in sync
Track event activity inside Salesforce
Push donations, dues, and purchases into one system
Maintain accurate, up-to-date data without constant effort

The Approach

So, we built a custom integration using our middleware platform, Data Sangria, to connect YourMembership and Salesforce.

The goal was simple. Keep data clean, connected, and automatically updated.

Here is how it works:

Membership and Contact Data

First, the integration creates new members in Salesforce and updates existing records. It also links organizations and contacts correctly, so relationships stay intact.

Events and Engagement

Next, it syncs events into Salesforce as campaigns. When someone registers, the system connects them to that campaign automatically. This gives the team a clear view of engagement.

Revenue Tracking

In addition, the integration pushes donations, dues, and store purchases into Salesforce. It then ties each transaction to the correct contact, making revenue easy to track.

Ongoing Sync

Finally, the integration runs on a regular schedule and processes only new or updated data. This keeps both systems aligned without extra effort from the team

The Outcome

Now, instead of chasing data across systems, the team works from a single, reliable view of their members and activity.

Because of that, they can:

Spend less time on manual updates
Trust their reporting
Act on real engagement and revenue data

Final Thoughts

When your AMS and CRM are not connected, your data works against you.

But when you connect them the right way, your systems support your team instead of slowing it down.

That is the difference a well-built integration can make.

From Opens to Action: Improving Advocacy and Member Engagement with Smarter Testing - AMS Geek

Paige Anderson — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

For associations, effective communication is at the heart of everything, from advocacy campaigns to ongoing member engagement. But one common mistake we see is focusing too heavily on delivery and open rates, without enough attention on what really matters: action.

Our integration partner, VoterVoice, recently shared a timely reminder. Getting your emails into inboxes is only the first step. The real question is: what are your members doing once they read them?

Advocacy Success Starts with Action

Whether you’re asking members to contact legislators, participate in a campaign, or engage with your organization, success comes down to response. And improving that response requires a willingness to test, learn, and adapt.

What Should You Be Testing?

Small changes can have a meaningful impact on performance. VoterVoice recommends experimenting with:

Subject lines to improve open rates
Messaging approaches (emotional vs. informational) to drive action
Email format and visuals to influence engagement and conversions

For associations, this applies not only to advocacy alerts but also to newsletters, event promotions, and renewal campaigns.

A/B Testing: A Practical Way to Improve Results

A/B testing is one of the simplest ways to make smarter decisions about your communications. By sending variations of a message to different segments of your audience, you can identify what resonates most with your members.

Over time, this leads to:

Higher engagement rates
More effective advocacy campaigns
Better alignment with member preferences

Connecting Advocacy and Member Data

This is where the integration between platforms becomes critical.

By connecting VoterVoice with your AMS through solutions like AMS Geek, associations can better understand how advocacy engagement ties into overall member behavior. That visibility helps you:

See which members are most engaged
Tailor communications more effectively
Strengthen long-term member relationships

The Takeaway

Advocacy campaigns, and member communications more broadly, should never be static. The most successful organizations treat every message as an opportunity to learn.

Test, measure, refine, and repeat.

What Earth Day Can Teach Us About Technology - AMS Geek

Paige Anderson — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Earth Day has a way of putting things into perspective.

Lately, it is hard to ignore how much of the conversation in tech revolves around AI. It is everywhere, promising smarter systems, faster insights, and better experiences.

And to be clear, AI is powerful.

But it is also resource-intensive.

The compute. The energy. The cooling. The water.
It all adds up.

As organizations think more intentionally about sustainability, it is worth asking a simple question:

Are we using the right level of technology for the problem we are solving?

A More Grounded Approach to Technology

At AMS Geek, we believe in using AI where it truly adds value.

But we also believe something that gets lost in the hype:

Not every problem needs AI.

In many cases, especially in the association space, the biggest gains do not come from adding complexity. They come from getting the fundamentals right.

Things like:

Clean integrations
Thoughtful automation
Reliable, structured data flow

These are not flashy. They do not make headlines.
But they are what actually power better member experiences behind the scenes.

Where Associations See the Biggest Wins

When systems are designed with intention, small improvements create real impact.

We see it every day in areas like:

Member data automation
Automatically populating and syncing member information during registration and engagement flows
Platform connectivity
Keeping marketing, advocacy, and AMS platforms aligned without manual work
Structured data management
Writing clean, usable data back into your AMS so it supports reporting and decision-making
Authentication and access
Streamlining login and SSO experiences to reduce friction for members

None of this requires over-engineering.
It requires clarity, discipline, and the right architecture.

Efficiency Is a Design Choice

There is a broader idea here that connects directly to Earth Day.

Efficiency is not just about performance.
It is about intentionality.

When teams default to heavier, more complex solutions than they need, they create technical overhead, operational burden, and unnecessary cost.

On the other hand, systems that are:

Lean
Purpose-built
Easy to maintain

Create value across the board.

A Simple Principle for Earth Day

This Earth Day, we are keeping it simple:

Use what you need. Not more than you need.

At AMS Geek, that is how we think about building systems.
And it is how we help associations simplify what has become unnecessarily complex.

If Your Systems Feel Heavier Than They Should

You are not alone.

Many organizations have layered on tools, integrations, and processes over time, often with good intentions but without a clear long-term structure.

The result is friction where there should not be any.

If that sounds familiar, it might be time to simplify.

Let’s build something that works better, without adding more than you need.

Turning Member Data into Marketing Power: How SHAPE America Connected MemberSuite to Mailchimp - AMS Geek

Paige Anderson — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

For associations, your member data is only as powerful as your ability to use it.

Too often, organizations are sitting on rich, up-to-date member information in their AMS. But when it comes to marketing tools like Mailchimp, that data is outdated, incomplete, or requires manual work to stay in sync.

That was the situation the Society of Health and Physical Educators (SHAPE America) was facing.

The Challenge: Great Data, Disconnected Systems

SHAPE America needed a better way to connect their core member data in MemberSuite with their marketing efforts in Mailchimp.

Their goals were simple:

Keep Mailchimp audiences up to date with the latest member data
Enable smarter, more targeted communications
Capture engagement data like opens and clicks and bring it back into their AMS

But like many organizations, they were dealing with a familiar issue. Their systems were not connected in a meaningful way.

Manual exports, outdated lists, and missing engagement insights were slowing everything down.

The Solution: A Smart, Automated Integration

AMS Geek implemented a two-way integration between MemberSuite and Mailchimp using our middleware platform, Data Sangria.

Here is what that looks like in practice:

Always-Up-to-Date Marketing Lists

Member data is automatically synced from MemberSuite into Mailchimp on a daily basis.

Any new or updated records flow directly into Mailchimp with no manual uploads required.

Smarter Segmentation

With accurate data in Mailchimp, SHAPE can build targeted audiences using real member attributes like:

Demographics
Membership status
Engagement history

Closed-Loop Reporting

Mailchimp engagement data like sends, opens, clicks, bounces, and unsubscribes is written back into MemberSuite.

That gives SHAPE a full view of how members are interacting with their communications without leaving their AMS.

Efficient, Incremental Syncing

The integration only processes changes since the last successful run.

This keeps things fast, efficient, and scalable.

Why This Matters for Associations

This is not just about connecting two systems. It is about making your data actually usable.

With this integration in place, SHAPE America can:

Send more relevant campaigns
Reduce manual work for their team
Make better decisions using real engagement data
Keep MemberSuite as the single source of truth

Better data leads to better communication. Better communication leads to stronger member engagement.

Built on Data Sangria

This integration runs on AMS Geek’s Data Sangria platform, built specifically for associations.

It provides:

Reliable, automated data syncing
Visibility into what is happening behind the scenes
Flexibility to expand into other systems over time

The Bottom Line

Most associations do not have a data problem. They have a data connection problem.

When your AMS and your marketing platform are aligned, everything gets easier. Campaigns perform better. Reporting becomes more meaningful. Teams spend less time on manual work and more time making an impact.

SHAPE America now has connected systems and is seeing the benefits every day.

If your AMS and marketing tools are not in sync, it might be time to fix that.

Let’s talk.

The Difference Between a Tech Stack and a Tech Strategy - AMS Geek

Paige Anderson — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Most associations have a tech stack.

However, far fewer have a tech strategy.

At first glance, those might sound like the same thing. In reality, they are not.

And that gap is usually where problems start.

A Tech Stack Is What You Have

Your tech stack is the collection of systems you use every day.

For example, that includes your AMS, your CRM, your event platform, your email tool, and your learning management system.

Over time, that stack grows. As new needs come up, teams add new tools. At the same time, older systems stick around because they still serve a purpose.

Eventually, you end up with a mix of platforms that all do something important.

That is your stack.

A Tech Strategy Is How It All Works Together

A tech strategy is not about the tools themselves.

Instead, it focuses on how those tools connect, how data moves between them, and how your team actually uses them.

It answers key questions like:

Where does our source of truth live?
How does data move between systems?
What should be automated versus manual?
How do we support future growth with what we have today?

Without clear answers, even the best tools will fall short.

Why This Difference Matters

You can have a strong stack and still struggle.

In fact, we see this all the time.

Organizations invest in good platforms, but they do not define how those platforms should work together. Because of that, teams create workarounds, data becomes inconsistent, and reporting gets harder.

So, the issue is not the tools.

It is the lack of alignment between them.

More Tools Do Not Equal a Better Strategy

When something is not working, many teams respond by adding another system.

For instance, one platform promises better reporting. Another promises better engagement. A third promises better automation.

Sometimes those tools help. However, without a strategy behind them, they often add more complexity.

As a result, instead of solving the problem, they simply move it somewhere else.

What a Real Strategy Looks Like

A strong tech strategy focuses on clarity and connection.

For example:

Systems have clear roles
Data moves intentionally between platforms
Integrations support real workflows, not just technical connections
Teams understand how and where to work

This does not always mean fewer systems.

Instead, it means better alignment between them.

Where to Start

If your tech stack feels harder to manage than it should, start by stepping back.

First, look at how your systems interact today.

Then, identify where data breaks down, where processes rely on manual work, and where your team lacks visibility.

From there, you can define how things should work instead.

Final Thoughts

A tech stack is something you build over time.

On the other hand, a tech strategy is something you choose.

And that choice determines whether your systems support your organization or slow it down.

How NHCAA Eliminated Manuel NetForum Access Setup - AMS Geek

Paige Anderson — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Managing web access in NetForum can get complicated, especially when teams add new members across different member types.

That’s exactly what the National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association (NHCAA) faced. Every new individual required manual setup: assigning web access codes, setting login credentials, and making sure permissions matched the right member type. While the process worked, it didn’t scale well and often slowed teams down.

The Challenge

Each new record triggered several manual steps. First, staff had to determine the correct access level. Then, they needed to assign web access codes and set login credentials. After that, they had to make sure users updated their passwords and adjust access when memberships changed.

As a result, the process took time and increased the risk of errors.

What We Built

To solve this, AMS Geek automated the entire workflow inside NetForum.

Now, when a new individual is created or linked to a membership, the system immediately:

Assigns access based on member type
Sets the login start date
Generates secure default credentials
Prompts users to update their password on first login

In addition, we built logic to handle edge cases, such as different individual types. We also gave administrators the ability to manage mappings between member types and access codes through a simple configuration.

Keeping Access in Sync

However, onboarding was only part of the problem. Access also needed to stay accurate over time.

So, the system now:

Applies access when memberships are added later
Removes or disables access when memberships end
Ensures recently created records are processed correctly

Because of this, access stays aligned with each member’s status without manual updates.

The Impact

With automation in place, NHCAA now:

Onboards members faster
Maintains consistent access across all member types
Improves security with required password updates
Reduces administrative work for staff

Why It Matters

First impressions matter. When members can log in right away, they engage sooner and have a better experience.

By removing manual steps and automating access, associations can scale more easily and operate more efficiently.

Why Associations Struggle with “System Sprawl” - AMS Geek

Paige Anderson — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Associations rarely start with a complicated technology ecosystem.

Most organizations begin with a simple setup: an Association Management System (AMS), an email tool, and maybe a website platform.

But over time, things expand.

A learning platform gets added.
An event system comes online.
A community platform launches.
Marketing automation enters the mix.

Before long, the technology stack looks less like a system and more like a collection of disconnected tools.

This is what many organizations experience as system sprawl.

When Systems Stop Talking to Each Other

System sprawl happens when new platforms are introduced without a clear plan for how they should work together.

Each tool may solve a specific problem, but when systems operate independently, new challenges appear.

Associations often find themselves dealing with:

Member data stored in multiple systems
Manual exports and imports between platforms
Reporting that requires combining data in spreadsheets
Staff spending time managing systems instead of serving members

Individually, these issues may seem manageable. Together, they create unnecessary friction.

Why It Happens So Often in Associations

Associations rely on several specialized tools to support their mission.

An AMS manages member records.
An LMS supports education programs.
Event platforms power conferences and webinars.
Marketing tools handle communications.

Each platform is valuable on its own. The challenge is making them work together as part of a single ecosystem.

Without a clear integration strategy, systems quickly become isolated silos.

The Fix Isn’t Fewer Tools

Solving system sprawl doesn’t necessarily mean eliminating platforms.

Instead, it means focusing on how systems connect and share data.

When integrations are thoughtfully designed:

Member information stays consistent across platforms
Events, learning, and engagement data flow back to the AMS
Staff spend less time moving data manually

The goal isn’t fewer systems.

It’s better-connected systems.

Technology should support the work associations are doing, not make it harder.

With the right strategy and integrations in place, organizations can turn a collection of tools into a connected ecosystem that supports both staff and members.