Selecting the Right System Is Only Half the Battle.
Upgrading or replacing your Association Management System (AMS) is one of the most critical technology investments your organization will ever make. Yet, over 50% of software projects run over budget, miss deadlines, or struggle with staff adoption.
The truth? Most implementation problems come from how the project is run, not from the software itself.
Join industry experts Susannah Mechem (Dennison & Associates) and Marti Hejl (Aplusify) as they pull back the curtain on what a truly well-run AMS project looks like. Drawing from real-world success stories and lesson-learned scenarios, this practical session will show you how to navigate common project hurdles, keep internal teams aligned, and hold implementation partners accountable.
Whether you are actively selecting a new AMS, preparing for cutover, or looking to fix an active implementation, you will walk away with actionable strategies to ensure your new platform delivers lasting value.
What You’ll Learn
Why Implementations Struggle
The 6 Keys to Implementation Success
Vendor & Partner Alignment
Data & Adoption Readiness
Featured Speakers
Chief Operating Officer, Dennison & Associates
Susannah Mechem, AAiP
Susannah Mechem brings more than 20 years of experience helping professional societies and trade associations achieve their goals through technology. Her expertise spans technology assessments, software selection, and implementation, including project management, requirements gathering, data conversion, reporting, and staff training. She also helps association teams adopt AI in practical, responsible ways and holds the AAiP certification.
Director of Customer Experience, Aplusify
Marti Hejl
Marti Hejl focuses on helping clients achieve seamless software adoption and derive maximum long-term value from their technology investments. With over 30 years of experience working with and for nonprofit associations, she helps staff serve their members and fulfill their missions through expertise in AMS implementation, feature design, constituent experience, and customer satisfaction.
Who Should Attend?
Association Executives & CEOs
Looking to protect their technology investment and organizational alignment.
IT & Operations Directors Responsible for system integration, data strategy, and technical architecture.
Membership, Events, & Finance Leaders Serving as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) or project champions during system transitions
Project Managers overseeing digital transformation initiatives within their association.