Association managers have a lot on their plates, and using association management software will lighten the load to allow you to focus on future planning and larger projects. Better engage members, get real-time data to make more informed decisions, and grow your association, all with the help of association management software.
Ensuring that members are engaged, that your association is growing, and that members attend events are all part of managing an association. Association managers are responsible for HR management, financial management, meeting management, project management, member recruitment, fundraising, and the list goes on. Feeling overwhelmed as an association manager is pretty normal based on everything you have to manage, and that’s where association management software comes in.
Association management software streamlines communication, membership renewals and dues, event management, and so much more. When used correctly, it can simplify your day-to-day while simultaneously increasing member engagement.
We’ve researched the 10 best association management software tools available on the market. Take advantage of the free trials and see how much more time your team will have to focus on future planning and the bigger picture.
If you don’t have the time to read through our research, jump down to our quick comparison table.
Our Top Picks
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Best all-in-one association management software
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Good for event management
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Good for job posting
Why trust us?
Our team of unbiased software reviewers follows strict editorial guidelines, and our methodology is clear and open to everyone.
See our complete methodology
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Tools considered
34
Tools reviewed
13
Best tools
chosen
What to Look For in a Association Management Software
- Membership database – store, update, and easily search for member information
- Payment processing – send reminders, collect fees and dues, and send receipts
- Improved communication – email members, send reminders, and newsletters
- Event management – members can register and pay for upcoming events
- Accounting and finance – track all received and expected revenue
- Reporting and analytics – collect data and analyze metrics important to your association such as revenue, event attendees, new members, etc.
- Ongoing support – implementation is the start, but you will need continued support moving forward with system maintenance, upgrades, technical support, etc.
The 13 Best Association Management Softwares of 2024
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Connecteam — Best all-in-one association management software
Connecteam’s association management software includes features to increase member engagement and better manage events and memberships.
Member engagement is improved through better communication and management. Members can reach out to each other through the app, where the member directory is easily accessible and searchable. When new members are added, they are automatically updated into the member directory so old members can contact the new members, and the new members can contact all members.
Whenever an event is being planned, the organizers can send notifications, surveys, and registration forms to all members or specify to which members. Events are easily managed using digital calendar tools, social feeds, and RSVPs.
Not only are you more easily able to manage events and memberships through Connecteam, but you can use the many reporting features to see relevant data to further improve employee engagement and understand the needs of the members.
Key Features
Member portal
Reporting and analytics
Pros
Highly customizable
Easy to use
Process automation
Extremely responsive customer support
Cons
Needs internet or wifi access to work
Pricing
Free-for-life plan availablePremium plans start at $29/month for 30 users
14-day free trial, no credit card required
Start your free trial -
MemberClicks — Good for event management
Available on
- Web
MemberClicks is an association management system that offers a platform for both professional associations and trade associations. The professional association management system focuses on the automation of member management, whereas the trade association management system is geared towards financial management.
MemberClicks also offers an event management platform to host in-person or online events. The event management tools include registration forms for both mobile and desktop use, promotional websites, and ticket issuing. Reports can be created from the data such as who attended the event, how many members were engaged in the event, and financial information associated with the event.
Key Features
- Member directory
- Dues management
- Reporting and analytics
- Event management
Pros
- Ease of use
- Knowledgeable support agents
Cons
- Not mobile-friendly
- Slow customer support response
Pricing
Starts at $250/month Trial: No Free Plan: No
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Raklet — Good for job posting
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
Raklet association management software focuses on engaging association members by sending notifications, using in-app messaging, and using a social network for members.
The association management system also includes automated emails and reminders to members in the contact database. The database can be customized to include fields important to your organization. Newsletters, discussion boards, job boards, and events can be managed using the association’s contact database. Mass reminders and emails can be sent, but also personalized text messages can be sent to individual members.
Key Features
- Invoicing and receipts
- Contact management
- Member directory
- Dues management
Pros
- Easy to use
- Customizable
Cons
- Feature limitations
- Poor customer service according to reviewers
Pricing
Starts at $49/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: Yes
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GrowthZone — Good for large associations
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
GrowthZone offers a mobile app for all staff members to check-in event attendees, view contact details, and process payments. It also provides an app for association members to pay for events, view career opportunities, view all announcements, and access files on the go.
The association management system allows members to view the member database and make changes to their own profiles. Using the member database, the association management software can send out email campaigns to specific committees ensuring the right people receive needed information.
GrowthZone association management software was created with large associations in mind. Targeting trade and professional associations and chambers of commerce with up to 50 employees.
Key Features
- Contact management
- Billing
- Event management
- Member center
Pros
- Customizable
- Helpful customer support
Cons
- Many bugs reported by users
- Limited reporting features
Pricing
Starts at $249/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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SilkStart — Good for brand integrity
Available on
- Web
- Windows
- Mac
SilkStart association management software offers member management, event management, communication, job board, donation, and website creation.
The website creation features use templates explicitly built for member-based organizations. You can use the website to fit your association’s brand without needing to code. The website includes a member portal where members can join, renew, and update their contact info. The website is available on desktop and mobile devices.
Using contact information stored in the association management software, you can reach those members anywhere using email and chat features. You’re able to announce upcoming events, and members can respond and purchase tickets using their smartphones directly through the app.
Key Features
- Email marketing
- Donations and payments
- Member directory
- Event calendar
Pros
- Knowledgeable customer support
- Ready-to-use templates
Cons
- No admin dashboard for overviews
- Reviewers claim it is difficult to customize
Pricing
Starts at $200/month Trial: Yes Free Plan: No
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MemberNova — Good for reporting
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
MemberNova association management software focuses on membership growth and retention, workflow automation, and reporting features.
Membership retention focuses on communication features. The membership management features allow for members to be sorted into categories. These categories are created by your association depending on its needs. Once the categories are created, the smart categories can be used to segment members to send out mass emails, newsletters, event invites, and more based on the relevant category.
Workflow automation gives the association staff the ability to focus on the bigger picture and automate repetitive tasks. Real-time reporting features give the association data that can be used to create change based on the given data.
Key Features
- Dues management
- Event management
- Member directory
- Email marketing
Pros
- Process automation
- Helpful customer support
Cons
- Not intuitive
- Not as customizable as users would like
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: No
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GlueUp — Good for cultivating relationships
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
- Windows
- Mac
GlueUp association management system was created to “help build and grow your community through events, memberships, and other digital tools.”
Events can be created using the GlueUp app from anywhere. Events can be created on branded event pages where members can purchase tickets, and the coordinators can even create VIP tickets and offer discounts.
Promoting events can be done through email marketing, newsletters, and branded invitations. Members can respond and check in to the events through the app.
Members can network at events and share digital business cards with other members through the association management software, helping to cultivate relationships between members and the community.
Key Features
- Event management
- Membership automation
- Email campaigns
- Invoices and financing
Pros
- Easy to use
- Third-party integrations
Cons
- Email limitations
- Mobile app is not as friendly as the desktop version
Pricing
Starts at $125/month Trial: No Free Plan: No
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MemberSuite — Good member engagement
Available on
- Web
MemberSuite association management software focuses on member engagement. Two of their main features are event engagement and member management. Both are aimed at engaging members and keeping them connected.
Event engagement includes features geared towards exciting members before the event. These features include branded invitations and event websites, virtual check-in, automated health screening, communication features, and virtual events utilizing Zoom.
Member management focuses on registration, auto-renewal, different chapters and regions, the member portal, and collecting revenue. The association management software also focuses on corporate benefits, tiered membership pricing, document management, and more. MemberSuite focuses on the needs of nonprofits and associations alike.
Key Features
- Member portal
- Directory
- Email marketing
- Payment processing
Pros
- Third-party integrations
- Customizable
Cons
- Not intuitive to use
- Not enough reporting features
Pricing
Pricing is not publicly available Trial: No Free Plan: No
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NimbleAMS — Good for customization
Available on
- Web
NimbleAMS is an association management software that teamed up with Salesforce. It was built for membership management, process automation, and reporting tools.
Membership management using NimbleAMS can help associations deal with multi-tiered dues, variable duration, and sliding scale with one-time and recurring payments. Members can access the portal to register for events, get certifications, and access their account information.
NimbleAMS can be customized to fit the needs of your association. You can brand all documents and invoices and create branded templates for emails.
Key Features
- Event management
- Member directory
- Dues management
- Payment processing
Pros
- Customizable
- Intuitive to use
Cons
- Limited reporting features
- Unresponsive customer support
Pricing
Starts at $160/month Trial: No Free Plan: No
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ToucanTech — Good for finding mentors
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
ToucanTech is an association management system focused on reporting features, event management, communication, and finding mentors.
The reporting features offered by ToucanTech include the ability to see financial data, member engagement data, event data, and more. You can customize the fields to ensure that you gather the data most relevant to your association.
Communication features offered in ToucanTech’s association management system include a CRM, website, and member portal. Using these features, associations can send emails, news updates, surveys, and events to active members.
Building professional connections is possible using the job and mentor features. Connections can be created within industry groups and forums and can even lead to a mentor match.
Key Features
- Communication features
- Donor management
- Dues and fees management
- Member database
Pros
- Helpful customer support
- Comprehensive features
Cons
- Not intuitive to use
- Limited customization options
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: No
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iMIS — Good for member recruitment
Available on
- Web
iMIS association management software includes features used to manage data, members, and the association’s website.
Members are able to search, save and update member contact info using the data management features. Member management includes features for members to sign up for different membership models, join and register online, and update memberships using the member portal. Chapters and groups can monitor member participation and chapter membership as well.
Website management gives associations a way to create a website with no coding and allows each chapter to manage its own webpage.
Key Features
- Donation tracking
- Contact management
- Reporting and analytics
- Member communication
Pros
- Customizable
- Automation
Cons
- Not user friendly according to users
- Difficult to learn to use
Pricing
Contact vendor for price Trial: No Free Plan: No
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NetForum Enterprise — Good for donor management
Available on
- Web
NetForums association management system includes member management, fundraising management, member engagement, and certifications.
Member management includes everything from registration to renewal. Member engagement utilizes NetForums scoring system used to enhance retention and drive revenue. Pricing models are made to fit your association’s needs, from tiered to multilevel.
Fundraising management gives donors their own portal to track their profiles, payment methods, and recurring gifts. The association can manage prospective donors and existing donors to analyze and predict future movements. NetForums has prospect research to help find potential new donors and create a scoring system.
Key Features
- Document management
- Member database
- Event management
- Member portal
Pros
- Third-party integrations
- Easy to navigate
Cons
- Very basic
- Many bugs according to reviewers
Pricing
Pricing is not publicly available Trial: No Free Plan: No
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StarChapter — Good for multiple chapters
Available on
- Web
- iOS
- Android
StarChapters association management system combines membership management with event registration.
Event registration utilizes the website builder to promote upcoming events and sell tickets. Ticket pricing can be split into member and non-member pricing. Tickets can also have multiple questions attached to the purchase, like meal options.
Membership management ensures all member data is up-to-date because members can manage their profiles. Chapter data is updated whenever the national records are updated, maintaining the most current information. When searching, your association can filter searches by member type, chapter, committee, and member/non-members.
Key Features
- Dues management
- Member communication
- Payment processing
- Registration management
Pros
- Responsive customer support
- Easy to use
Cons
- Multiple clicks for event responses
- Lacking reporting features
Pricing
Starts at $83/month + set-up fees Trial: No Free Plan: No
Compare the Best Association Management Softwares
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Start for free
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Starts at just $29/month for the first 30 users
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Starts at $250/month
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Starts at $49/month
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Starts at $249/month
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Starts at $200/month
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Contact vendor for price
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Starts at $125/month
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Pricing is not publicly available
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Starts at $160/month
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Contact vendor for price
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Contact vendor for price
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Pricing is not publicly available
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Starts at $83/month + set-up fees
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yes
14-day
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no
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yes
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yes
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yes
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no
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no
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yes
Free Up to 10 users
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yes
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no
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no
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no
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no
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no
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no
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no
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no
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| Use cases |
Best all-in-one association management software
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Good for event management
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Good for job posting
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Good for large associations
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Good for brand integrity
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Good for reporting
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Good for cultivating relationships
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Good member engagement
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Good for customization
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Good for finding mentors
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Good for member recruitment
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Good for donor management
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Good for multiple chapters
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| Available on |
Web
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Web, iOS, Android
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Web, iOS, Android
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Web, Windows, Mac
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Web, iOS, Android
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Web, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac
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Web
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Web
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Web, iOS, Android
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Web
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Web
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Web, iOS, Android
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What is association management software?
Association management software is a digital tool to help manage and run associations. Association management software systems help manage member registration, collection of dues, communication, events, and more. The software automates processes when possible to streamline these tasks.
Not only does the association management software help to ease daily operations, but it also helps to manage member information, create needed reports, and even help build your association’s website.
Association management software is an all-in-one management software aimed at helping associations run more efficiently.
How does association management software work?
Association management software works by helping employees perform administrative tasks more efficiently.
These tasks include
- Member registration and database management
- Processing payments such as dues and fees
- Event management, including the purchase of tickets, reminders, and registration information
- Website builder to promote newsletters, event registration, and anything else
- Communication with all members
- Member database that’s easy to search, filter, and update
- Creating reports to help the association understand data
What are the benefits of using association management software?
There are numerous benefits to using association management software. Your association will be able to save time and resources and ensure nothing gets lost through the cracks.
The association management software will automate processes such as collecting dues automatically, saving your team time and allowing them to focus on more important matters.
Using the communication features, you can ensure that all members are given the same information. Firstly, freeing up your team to focus on other tasks, and secondly, retaining member engagement.
When your team is freed from doing routine, time-consuming tasks, they are able to focus on creating programs, establishing partnerships, and planning for the future.
How much does association management software cost?
As with all things in life, the price depends on the product. Association management software is generally priced on a monthly or annual basis, and some companies charge a set-up fee. Expect to pay between $30 and a few hundred dollars per month.
FAQs
What does AMS software do?
AMS (association management software) is software that helps professional and trade associations efficiently manage their organization. The association management system can be used to manage the day-to-day operations, allowing the team to focus on future planning and larger projects.
What is an association management system?
An association management system is a system where associations can manage daily operations, engage members, and build upon existing member relationships.
What is an AMS website?
An AMS is an all-in-one tool used by associations to manage membership functions. The tool generally includes a website where members can view newsletters, pay fees, register for events, and more.
The Bottom Line On Association Management Software
As you can see, numerous association management software tools are available that may meet your association’s needs.
Choosing the right software will affect productivity, your members’ experience, and the growth of your association. Research each company and how exactly they can benefit your specific needs.
Take advantage of the free trials offered. Connecteam offers a 14-day free trial, no credit card is required, and customer success agents are eager to help you learn about the software and how it can meet your association’s needs.
Take into account your budget, number of members, and any features you know you need to ease the day-to-day management of your association to find the association management software right for you.