AMPAC to Offer ASI's Market-Leading iMIS Association Software to its ClientsAlexandria, VA (July 2, 2018) — Advanced Solutions International (ASI), a leading global provider of software and services for associations and non-profits and the company behind the iMIS 20 Engagement Management System (EMS)™, announced today that it has added AMPAC Systems to its global channel of Authorized iMIS Solution Providers (AiSP).
AMPAC Systems plans to integrate, bundle, and sell its Appointment Scheduler, Application and Awards Submission, and Abstract and Call-for-Papers solutions with iMIS association software. The company also plans to continue to develop AMPAC solutions, provide support for existing clients, and offer clients the option to migrate to iMIS. AMPAC Systems Founder Bob Mossadeghi said, "Joining with ASI will make us a better and stronger company and we're looking forward to bringing our event-related solutions to the iMIS community. We're also excited that clients using AMPAC software will have the option to migrate to the full iMIS system if they choose but we will also continue to support the product line as before. It's a win-win for our clients." ASI Chairman and CEO Bob Alves said, "We are excited to partner with AMPAC Systems. Their deep association experience is exactly what we look for in new partners. By working with us they can leverage our proven iMIS platform, along with their experience, to deliver an exceptional solution. About AMPAC Systems AMPAC Systems, founded in the mid-1980’s as Morant Systems, is the developer of AMPAC software for associations and non-profits and AMPAC-based solutions for the iMIS 20 Engagement Management System (EMS)™. Learn more at www.activeams.com. About ASI Advanced Solutions International (ASI) is a leading global provider of software and services to associations and non-profits. Founded in 1991, ASI focuses on helping clients increase operational and financial performance through best practices, proven solutions, and ongoing client advisement. ASI is the provider of iMIS, a complete association and non-profit management software system that is cloud-based, mobile-ready, and PCI-validated. It includes options for membership, fundraising, events, product sales, certification, marketing, website management, and more.
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By Norman E. Wallis, Ph.D. President, PAI Management Corporation Bethesda, Maryland, USA (from A&A: Assembly and Association Stale program Research in the US has shown that the major stimulus to attendance is the quality of the educational program and what can be learned by attending. Members and non-members will travel significant distances and will pay reasonable fees if the program is recognized as an investment in their professional or personal development. However, for many business and trade associations the annual convention is seen principally as an opportunity for social interaction, with the quality of the program a secondary consideration. Similarly, many scientific and professional societies ignore the potential for informal or unstructured education, and tend to overschedule formal presentations. The phenomenal growth of ‘poster’ sessions at scientific meetings demonstrates that more informal methods of presenting complex information can be readily accepted. The program content of the meeting must be on the cutting edge of the discipline. While scientific meetings can usually retain the same format for a number of years, since the main stimulus for attending is to learn about the latest research or clinical findings, featuring the ‘same old crowd’ of speakers each year will eventually drive away bright newcomers, who will move on to develop their own meetings. And an annual meeting of a trade association will attract a larger attendance if keynote speakers who can ‘draw’ are engaged. However, a balance must be established between paying for a ‘name’ and the quality of the rest of the program. A well-known authority or exciting plenary speaker can be an attraction at a food function. And recognize that breakfasts are fast becoming more attractive than heavy lunches or boring ‘banquets.’ Small break-out sessions and workshops providing an opportunity for personal expression and ‘hands-on’ experience are also sure-fire attendance boosters for all associations. No one likes to listen to other people talk all the time. Also, carefully planned social events provide ideal opportunities for informal ‘networking’. Meeting others who are willing to share ideas to improve a member’s business or hobby often will be remembered as a valuable part of a meeting. So allow plenty of unstructured time between formal sessions. 45 Ways to Grow Membership Revenue
ABOUT THE ACTIVE WEB COMPANY
For more than 30 years, the Active Web Company has been providing Membership, Meetings, and Hosted Buyer Event services to Associations throughout the U.S. and Canada. These are complete turnkey solutions include expert professional services and unique AMPAC software available only from Active Web Company. Call the Active Web Company at (888) 667-2681, email them at sales@activeams.com, or visit them online at www.activeams.com to learn how they can help your Association. Some associations that could capitalize on industry support, either from an exhibition or educational grants, believe it is beneath their dignity. Unless there is a clear conflict of interest for either the association or its members, the financial support available from industry suppliers can often be the difference between a surplus and a loss. Even a relatively small conference of 200 scientists can usually interest 15 to 20 industry suppliers, particularly if the group is influential and/or very specialized, and the cost of setting-up an exhibition is usually minimal.
The industry representatives benefit from the contacts made and the members and guests benefit from another informal educational experience. However, make sure that the exhibition is an integral part of the conference and schedule liberal exhibition hours that do not conflict with the program. One method of gaining industry loyalty is to serve food functions in the exhibit hall, which creates more opportunities for additional industry support. With a special sign at the buffet station, a breakfast can be sponsored by a company. Even the cost of a sit-down lunch can be covered for little more than an opportunity for an industry representative to be recognized and thanked during the meal, or by table cards announcing the name of the sponsor. Another source of industry support is the sponsored lecture; but insist on picking the speaker and the topic so that both will be consistent with the quality of the program. ‘Too little, too late’ sums up the marketing and promotion of most poorly managed conferences. Both characteristics invariably occur because the program committee did not set, and/or did not abide by, agreed deadlines. Along with setting the meeting dates and location at least 12 months in advance, a definite time table for program development and marketing must be established and agreed to by everyone involved.
Constant reference to the meeting site, dates and topics should be made in all association literature, including letters (e.g., print the conference dates and location on the letterhead!). As the program takes shape, keep members informed through the newsletter and other communication pieces. This will build expectation, so that members will be mentally prepared to receive the main promotion piece. Direct mail to members and non-members should be done at the lowest cost and with maximum frequency, consistent with the adopted budget. The main brochure with complete program and registration information should reach members three months before the meeting. Follow-up reminders, such as specially printed postcards (which are very cost-effective to print and post), should arrive two months and, ideally, one month out. (Note: since this was published the availability of blast emails has replaced the post cards). Reach non-members by obtaining mailing lists in label form from other associations with similar interests, or from list brokers who will help with the selection. As with membership marketing, always measure the response from all lists. This will give you data for selecting commercial lists in future years. Discount the meeting fees significantly for early registration, which will reduce the number of on-site registrations. The emphasis must be on rewarding the early birds rather than penalizing with a late fee, the member who registers one week before or on-site. The cut-off date for the discount should be one month before the event. Registration's received by this date will provide a good indicator of the final attendance (needed for accurate and therefore less costly food estimates). |