Beacon Blog
The First Step in AMS Selection Just Got Smarter
With hundreds of platforms, dozens of must-have features, and critical integration needs, it can feel daunting to begin your search for a new Association Management System (AMS).
But good news:
There’s a smarter, faster, and easier way to start your AMS selection journey.
Read on to learn more.
Why the First Step Matters More Than You Think
When the early stages of an AMS search are uninformed, unclear, or based on assumptions, problems quickly follow:
- Systems that don’t meet your needs end up on your shortlist.
- Internal teams misalign on goals and priorities.
- “Surprise” costs and delays show up later.
- Board confidence and staff morale take a hit.
And once those problems start, they’re hard to undo.
An AMS isn’t something you swap out like a new La-Z-Boy. It’s a multi-year investment that touches almost every part of your organization: membership, finance, events, marketing, and more.
When the foundation isn’t solid, frustration builds. Teams spend months trying to “make it work” with systems that were never the right fit. Member experiences suffer. Leadership confidence wavers.
And too often, the very technology meant to empower your mission becomes a daily source of friction instead.
Beacon: A Smarter Way to Begin
Beacon Tech Research was built specifically to solve these challenges for small to mid-sized associations.
Here’s how Beacon’s platform guides you:
Define Your Requirements with Confidence
You’ll walk through a guided online process that captures:
- Key features you actually need (not just “nice-to-haves”).
- Your budget both for implementation and annual costs.
- Integration priorities with your website, FMS, LMS, community, and other tools.
- Customization needs based on your association’s unique processes.
Get a Vetted Vendor Shortlist
Beacon’s platform isn’t a paid directory or a pay-to-play model.
It’s fueled by independent research, performance data, and industry expertise to deliver:
- Vendors who have been vetted for stability, service, and solution fit.
- Match scores to help you quickly compare your options.
- Clear insights into why each vendor is a match for you and perhaps, more importantly, clear insights into which vendors were excluded and why.
Instead of sifting through endless websites or relying on vendor marketing, you get a focused, research-backed solution.
Whether you’re driven by budget, integrations, support models, or all of the above, your Beacon recommendations will reflect your reality. No guesswork. No hidden agendas. Just a smarter, faster way to get to the right options. And avoid the wrong ones.
Access Expert Guidance (If You Want It)
Some associations prefer a little extra backup. Beacon offers optional expert support to:
- Review your requirements to make sure nothing important is missing
- Help you prepare for demos and ask the right questions
- Assist in evaluating proposals and negotiating contracts
You stay in control, and we’re here if you need assistance.
What Makes Beacon Different from Hiring a Consultant?
Consultants do great work. But full-service consulting engagements come with:
- Much higher costs
- Longer timelines
- More complexity
For small to mid-sized associations, Beacon is a new option: a “start smart” platform designed to give you clarity and confidence without the time and expense.
Working with Beacon helps you:
- Save time and money
- Empower your internal team
- Avoid “consultant dependency” right out of the gate
When Is the Right Time to Start with Beacon?
If you’re starting to hear questions like:
- “Do we need a new AMS?”
- “What would switching even look like?”
- “Can we afford it?”
…you’re ready for Beacon.
With Beacon you’ll:
- Speak with vendors from a position of strength
- Protect your budget and timeline from “scope creep”
- Build internal alignment that will make the whole project smoother
Start Smart. Choose Wisely.
Explore Beacon Tech Research risk-free. Define your needs and make confident decisions with our platform – no obligation, no pressure.
Ready to get started?
(your association, society, or non-profit email). A Beacon team
member will contact you to answer any questions and provide
you with access to your initial intake questionnaire.
