Artificial intelligence (AI) is making waves across every industry—and associations are no exception. From member engagement to personalised service delivery, and data-driven insights for strategic planning, AI holds real promise for improving how associations operate and deliver value.
But as interest grows, so does an interesting pattern:
Some associations are investing in AI before setting up the digital foundations needed to make it effective.
It’s tempting to jump into emerging technologies, but AI depends on strong operational foundations and systems in order to deliver meaningful results and insights.
In practice, this means:
Clean, centralised data is essential. AI needs structured, reliable information to provide insights or automate tasks.
Automated membership renewals for example, provide data that AI learns from. Yet many associations are still renewing memberships manually – and, using valuable time that prevents teams shifting their focus to higher-value activities, like learning how to apply AI or improving member services.
Integrated systems - handling membership, events, CPD, finances, and communications, ensure data is up-to-date, accessible, and connected- all while feeding into the bank of data available to optimise the value of AI.
Every automated task, from renewals to reminders, generates activity insights that can help AI understand patterns, predict behaviours, and offer smarter suggestions. Even basic analytics from automated workflows become a vital source of training data for intelligent tools.
Associations still relying on spreadsheets, disconnected CRMs, or manual processes often find that AI tools simply don’t work as expected. Not because the tools aren’t powerful but because the foundation isn’t in place to support them.
When these core functions are managed efficiently, associations are better positioned to invest time into adopting AI. Whether that means training a digital assistant, automating insights, or enhancing member service.
This isn’t about choosing between AI or foundational tools. It’s about sequencing.
By focusing on foundational systems first, associations build a platform that supports smarter, more strategic technology choices. The time saved through automation, and the insights gained from structured data, create capacity and clarity, making AI adoption smoother and more successful.
AI can unlock enormous potential for associations but only when it’s built on the right foundation. Before investing time and energy into advanced tools, it’s worth asking:
Starting with the basics doesn’t slow you down, it sets you up to go further, faster.
Contact us to find out how Membes AMS can support your AI journey.