Struggling to manage your members, events, or dues with outdated tools? If you’re searching for the best association management software to streamline operations and boost member engagement, you’re not alone. Many nonprofits, alumni associations, and professional networks face the same challenge—manual systems slow them down, lead to errors, and hurt retention.

That’s where a powerful association management platform (AMS) can help.

A current study reveals that 73% of associations with next-generation AMS platforms have over 30% greater member retention. Next-generation association management software (AMS) revolutionizes your operations by automating mundane tasks, streamlining communications, and offering real-time insight for better decision-making.

Rather than managing spreadsheets, emails, and half a dozen apps, an all-in-one AMS puts everything-membership, events, payments, communications, and reporting-in one place so your staff can spend more time on what is most important: your members.

Don’t let behind-the-scenes systems hold you back. Learn how a new, connected AMS can increase retention, simplify operations, and power your team. In this blog, we’ll explore what to look for in AMS software and why AlmaShines is a top choice for growing mission-driven associations.

What is Association Management Software?

Association Management Software (AMS) is an integrated system designed to manage the day-to-day operations of membership-based organizations. It consolidates all essential features into one platform, including:

• Membership Database Management

• Member Participation & Communication

• Event Registration & Check-In

• Web Hosting & Shared Content

• Web-Based Secure Voting

  Instead of using separate applications, admins can manage everything from a single, unified dashboard, reducing errors, saving time, and providing a top-tier experience for members.

The Need for Modern Association Management

In the age of personalization, instant connection, and friction less experiences, old-school methods like Excel spreadsheets, paper forms, and stovepipe communication have become outdated. While these methods were once acceptable, they are now holding back the growth, engagement, and efficiency of many associations.

As membership numbers grow and organizations expand, the administrative burden becomes overwhelming. Tasks like updating membership rolls, sending reminders, handling event registrations, and conducting elections are often done manually, leaving little room for strategic thinking, creativity, or effective member communication.

That’s where software for associations comes in—transforming how associations operate and improving their day-to-day functionality.

Choosing the best AMS depends on specific needs and budget. It’s crucial to assess factors like required features, scalability, budget, and customization options before making a decision. Many AMS providers offer demos and consultations to help organizations understand their solutions better.

The Subtle Costs of Old-School Management

When associations rely on outdated manual systems, the costs aren’t always visible on the balance sheet, but they are felt deeply in several areas:

• Inaccuracy of Data: Manual data entry often leads to errors and outdated information.
• Wasted Time: Time is lost on repetitive tasks such as sending reminders, chasing payments, and managing spreadsheets.
• Lack of Personalization: Members expect personalized communication, which manual systems often fail to provide.
• Low Member Participation: Without the right tools to analyze and engage, members can become disengaged over time.

Ultimately, inefficiencies can harm trust, lead to burnout, and prevent your association from reaching its full potential.

Challenges Faced by Industry Associations

Even with AMS tools in place, associations often face the following challenges:

• Low Member Engagement: Over time, many members lose interest or fail to engage with the association’s activities.
• Ineffective Communication: Outdated communication methods, like emails or newsletters, struggle to maintain timely and relevant communication with members.
• Event Management Difficulties: Managing events—whether virtual or in-person—becomes complicated without a streamlined system.
• Low Member Retention: Keeping members engaged and loyal over time can be difficult without ongoing, personalized interactions.
• Outdated Technology: Many associations still use siloed or outdated systems, which lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities.
• Data Security Issues: Associations store sensitive member information, making it crucial to adhere to security and legal standards.

12 Top Association Management Software

1. AlmaShines

• Built for: Alumni networks, NGOs, and membership-led associations
• Key Features: Events, secure voting, member engagement, communication tools
• Strength: Designed specifically for alumni engagement with dedicated support
• Pricing: Starts at $100/month

2. Tendenci

• Built for: Associations with technical teams or those who prefer self-hosting
• Key Features: Content management, forums, fundraising, event tools
• Strength: Open-source and highly customizable
• Pricing: Free (self-hosted) or $199/month (hosted)

3. Aptify

• Built for: Mid-to-large organizations
• Key Features: Modular design, supports feature upgrades, team collaboration
• Strength: Scalable and enterprise-ready
• Pricing: Contact for pricing

4. Novi AMS

• Built for: Associations seeking simplicity and strong operational control
• Key Features: Clean data, engagement tools, QuickBooks integration
• Strength: Built by association professionals for day-to-day efficiency
• Pricing: $685/month + $2,495 setup fee

5. DoubleKnot

• Built for: Museums, zoos, and cultural nonprofits
• Key Features: Visitor and member management, ticketing, event registration, fundraising
• Strength: Tailored for dual-purpose organizations (visitors + members)
• Pricing: Contact for pricing

6. MemberClicks

• Built for: Professional and trade associations
• Key Features: Membership and financial management automation
• Strength: Streamlines operations for associations of all sizes

7. Wild Apricot

• Built for: Small staff organizations
• Key Features: User-friendly membership management, event planning
• Strength: Simple interface and robust tools for growing groups

8. iMIS

• Built for: Unions, clubs, nonprofits, and diverse associations
• Key Features: Flexible platform that adapts to specific organizational needs
• Strength: Broad functionality across different types of member-based groups

9. StarChapter

• Built for: Associations needing integrated management
• Key Features: Event planning, membership database, communication tools
• Strength: All-in-one solution for chapters and associations

10. YourMembership

• Built for: Growth-focused associations
• Key Features: Member directories, renewal reminders, engagement tools
• Strength: Helps boost member interaction and retention

11. MemberLeap

• Built for: Associations with custom needs
• Key Features: Automated billing, event planning, customizable modules
• Strength: Flexible and scalable membership management

12. Raklet

• Built for: Online communities and organizations
• Key Features: Memberships, events, communication, payment processing
• Strength: All-in-one modern platform for building engaged communities

How a leading AMS Solves These Challenges

Various platform are deigned for this,let’s take an example of leading solution-Almashines designed to help associations tackle the most pressing challenges they face today. Here’s how it helps:

• Member Engagement: It offers engaging tools like forums, surveys, and personalized content to keep members actively involved.
• Improved Communication: With built-in messaging and automated alerts, Almashines ensures members are always in the loop with timely, relevant updates.
• Streamlined Event Management: It simplifies event planning with tools for ticketing, RSVP handling, and virtual hosting, lightening the administrative load.
• Increased Retention: It helps create continuous engagement plans that provide ongoing value and keep members coming back year after year.
• Upgraded Member Management: A centralized dashboard makes it easy to track member activity and engagement, ensuring personalized experiences.
• Data Security:It meets high standards of data protection, keeping your members’ data secure and ensuring your association stays compliant with relevant regulations.

Key Features this platform offers:

Almashines is a sophisticated AMS platform packed with powerful features, including:

• Comprehensive Member Dashboards: View member activity and communications all in one place.
• Smart Event Management Tools: Organize and monitor events, manage RSVPs, and host virtual events seamlessly.
• Automated Communication Channels: Schedule and send messages automatically, keeping members informed on the latest news.
• Membership Growth Tools: Use advanced segmentation and personalization to attract new members and retain current ones.
• Data Analytics: Real-time insights allow you to measure member engagement and event performance, enabling data-driven decisions.
• Secure Payment Solutions: It includes built-in payment processing to handle membership dues, event registrations, and donations securely.

Why Almashines is Essential for Modern Associations

Traditional methods may still work for now, but they can’t keep up with the expectations of today’s tech-savvy members. Almashines is vital for the following reasons:

• Increased Efficiency: Automation reduces the need for manual tracking and correspondence, saving your team valuable time.
• Better Member Engagement: Almashines allows you to provide ongoing engagement through personalized content, targeted messaging, and interactive tools.
• Improved Member Retention: By providing consistent value and engagement, Almashines helps associations build lasting member relationships.
• Attract New Members: The platform’s modern features and user-friendly interface appeal to younger, digitally-savvy professionals, helping associations grow their membership base.
• Cost Savings: By automating tasks and reducing administrative overhead, Almashines helps associations save money.

Empower Your Association to Do More

The world is evolving, and your members are evolving with it. To keep up, your association needs to adapt and embrace modern tools that streamline operations and enhance member experiences.

Choose platform that :

• Automate your workflow
• Maximize member engagement
• Free up your team to focus on what matters: building connections and driving growth

If you’re looking for the best association management system to help your organization grow and thrive in 2025, AlmaShines is built for you.