Breakthrough Technologies

A few days removed from ASAE MMC + Tech, we're still thinking about many of the conversations we had with association leaders.

The topics varied. AI. Membership. Communications. Digital strategy. Modernization.
But many of the challenges sounded familiar:

• Teams are being asked to do more with limited resources.
• Data lives in too many places.
• Processes have evolved over time and become harder to manage.
• Organizations want to innovate without creating new complexity.

What stood out most is that technology isn't the goal. The goal is making it easier for staff to do their work and for members to find value, connect, and engage. It's what we love about our work.

Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and perspectives with us. The conversations were thoughtful, honest, and a good reminder that many organizations are navigating similar challenges.

We're looking forward to continuing those discussions in the weeks ahead.

A common thread across several sessions today: associations don't need more complexity.
They need systems that work together, member experiences that feel seamless, and tools that help staff spend less time managing processes and more time serving their communities.

From membership growth and retention to AI and automation, many of the conversations come back to the same challenge: reducing friction.

The technology matters, but making life easier for members and staff matters even more.

Let's talk!

One theme we've heard throughout ASAE MMC + Tech is that belonging doesn't happen by accident.

Whether the conversation is about membership, communications, AI, or digital strategy, the organizations seeing the strongest engagement are intentionally creating experiences that help people feel connected, valued, and supported.

Technology plays a role, but it's not the goal. The goal is helping members find what they need, participate more easily, and build stronger connections with their professional community.

It's been encouraging to hear so many association leaders focusing on people first and using technology to support that work.

Let's keep the conversation going! Booth 263.

Morning sessions at ASAE MMC+Tech 2026 are done and one thing is already clear: it's a great time to be in the association space! 🙌
Keynote speaker Princess Castleberry challenged leaders to integrate technology with discipline as AI moves fast, and that message wove through every session of the morning.
A few things that landed:
📄 Your big reports are invisible to AI search. Breaking them into smaller, accessible pieces isn't just good strategy, it's how you stay findable in a world where people ask AI instead of Googling.
🎙️ Members aren't just reading anymore. They want to read, watch, and listen. 158 million people tune into podcasts monthly, and 64% trust podcast hosts more than social media influencers. If your association isn't in audio, you're missing a lane.
🤖 Only 13% of associations have formal AI policies. We're adopting faster than we're governing. Simple, clear guidelines aren't a blocker. They're what makes responsible innovation possible.
📱 Apps command 90% of screen time. If your member is on their phone browsing the web, they're in an app, not a browser. Meet them there.
Still a full afternoon ahead and we're here all day! Come find us at booth 263 and let's talk about what you're taking back to your team. 👋

We’re heading to the ASAE MMC + Tech Conference in Washington, DC from May 28–29. Booth 263
https://mmct.asaecenter.org
This year, we’re especially excited to connect with association leaders navigating questions around:
• AI and governance
• Member experience
• Operational friction
• Platform modernization
• Legacy systems and integrations
• Digital strategy that actually supports staff capacity

More and more organizations are being asked to make meaningful technology decisions while balancing limited time, resources, and internal bandwidth. We’re looking forward to listening, learning, and having honest conversations about what’s working, what’s getting in the way, and where associations want to go next.

If you’ll be there, come say hello. We’d love to connect.

Not every association technology challenge starts with a solution. The best ones start with the right questions.

Before modernizing a platform, improving integrations, redesigning a member experience, or adding new digital tools, it’s worth taking the time to understand what is really getting in the way.

What are staff doing manually that should be easier?

Where are members getting stuck?

Which systems are not talking to each other?

What parts of your platform are becoming harder to maintain, update, or modernize?

What does leadership need to see more clearly?

At Breakthrough Technologies, we believe discovery is where better projects begin. It helps associations clarify priorities, reduce risk, align stakeholders, and make smarter decisions before committing to a full build.

Because the goal is not just better technology. It’s a stronger foundation for member service, staff efficiency, and long-term growth. If your association is trying to better understand a technology challenge, we'd be happy to talk.

Email our Director of Business and Development at [email protected]

🌱 It's Arbor Day, and we have something exciting to share!

Cleveland Metroparks’ mission is rooted in protecting nature, connecting people to the outdoors, and helping communities care for the natural world around them.

Their new how-to guide on planting trees is a great example of that mission in action. Whether someone is an experienced gardener or planting their first tree, this resource gives residents practical, approachable guidance they can use to make a lasting impact in their own yards and neighborhoods.

We’re proud to support work that helps Cleveland Metroparks extend its educational reach, inspire stewardship, and make conservation more accessible to the community.

A big shoutout to everyone who helped bring this guide to life. It looks fantastic! 🙌

👉 Check it out: https://treeselector-clevelandmetroparks.com/how-plant-tree

Every team has something that slows them down.

A manual step that should have been automated.
Systems that do not talk to each other.
Too many tools, too many workarounds, and not enough visibility.

Over time, those small inefficiencies add up. That is why we spend so much time thinking about integrations. When the right systems connect in the right way, teams move faster, work more clearly, and spend less time fighting process.

What is one thing slowing your team down right now?

When your team is juggling platforms, updates, and limited resources, every inefficiency adds up.
The right foundation makes all the difference.