Client-Specific Applications

Expanding value; leveraging Association Catalyst platform to deliver client-specific applications

Association Catalyst is designed to provide for the addition of client-specific applications. The Association Catalyst Commend Center allows for using the existing administration and security infrastructure. The client-specific application integrates directly with both website referencing or posting to the member data files.

Example: American Business Media Neal Awards

The Situation

American Business Media (ABM) is the global association serving the print, digital and event needs of business information providers. ABM successfully implemented Association Catalyst to solve the typical association challenges; increase efficiency of the operations for managing member data, online registrations of multiple events, member and committee communication.

ABM's next challenge involved managing one of their largest award programs: the Neal Awards. Called "the Pulitzer Prize of the business media," the prestigious Jesse H. Neal Awards recognize editorial excellence in business media. Over the years there has been significant growth in the number of awards, categories and judges, dramatically increasing the staff time needed to manage the complexity of the award process.

To improve the process for both members submitting nominations, members serving as judges and ABM staff, an application was needed to seamlessly integrate with both the ABM website and member database.

The Solution

The ESX, Inc. development team created an application within ABM's Association Catalyst command center to manage the complete Neal Awards process. ABM now has an automated registration system which includes:

• Checking to make sure the entry candidate is an ABM member
  
• Taking applications online
  
• Processing payment
  
• Checking for judging overlaps
  
• Tabulating scorecards and tracking for future references
  

The Results

ABM is able to confirm all entry candidates are members of their association. Because Association Catalyst is directly integrated to their membership database, this process is automatic, checking the database and saving hours of manual checking. 

ABM seamlessly integrates all of the applicant's membership information. Because all of the applicant’s data is stored in the database the applicant does not have to re-enter required membership data again.

ABM accepts online registration and payments. Once an applicant is registered and online payment has been processed, Association Catalyst automatically places the registrant in the appropriate category in the database and sends an email confirmation to the applicant.

ABM saves valuable time and money. Because the entire process is automated and integrated with the member database, ABM staff doesn't have to spend countless hours manually checking the information.

Speed to market. The reusable platform capabilities decrease development time and costs by allowing the infrastructure to be shared and reused across the website and the database. 

Ease of use. The automation of the Neal Awards has freed up the staff to focus on maintaining and increasing member satisfaction.