If you’re heading to AMS Fest, you already know it’s not your typical conference. It’s a room full of people who really get it – association leaders, consultants, and tech pros all navigating the same AMS questions you are.
Think of AMS Fest as speed dating for technology: you might not leave knowing exactly what you want, but you’ll quickly discover what you don’t. That clarity alone makes the trip worth it.
Here’s how to make the most of your time at AMS Fest – and maybe even enjoy it.
1. Arrive in Time for Breakfast
Don’t hit the snooze button. The early-morning sessions are where the best connections happen – before the demos start, before everyone focuses in on their own goals, when people are open, relaxed, and chatty over coffee.
That’s when you’ll meet others asking the same questions you are. Even if they don’t end up in your selection cohort, they can become part of your long-term resource circle – people you’ll trade notes with later when the AMS conversation gets real.
Arriving early isn’t just about getting a good seat. It’s about finding your people before the day gets crammed.
2. Join a Cohort – It’s a Game Changer
If you take nothing else from these tips, take this: join a selection cohort.
You’ll be grouped with other association professionals who are also exploring their AMS options – led by consultants who’ve seen every version of “we thought we were ready.”
You’ll swap stories, compare experiences, and realize pretty quickly that you’re not the only one navigating this maze. It’s energizing, grounding, and often the start of some of the most valuable connections you’ll make during AMS Fest.
After all, the real gift of AMS Fest isn’t just the demos. It’s the conversations. And those conversations don’t stop when AMS Fest ends – they often turn into ongoing support networks that make the entire process feel a lot less isolating.
3. Know What You Want (and Be Ready to Explain It)
Before you head to D.C., take an hour to write down what success looks like for your organization.
What’s working now? What’s frustrating your team? What’s nonnegotiable?
Then boil it down into a short “elevator pitch” about your organization, needs, and goals. You don’t need a 10-point RFP checklist – just a clear picture of what matters most.
Having that focus helps you spot when something’s off and gives you language to talk about your needs with confidence.
4. Talk to the Independent Consultants
We realize we’re a bit biased here, but hear us out.
AMS Fest is full of experts, and the independent consultants – but the ones not tied to any single system are your secret weapon.
They can cut through sales language, help you translate “tech-speak” into plain English, and offer a clear-eyed perspective on what’s worth your time.
Don’t be shy about using those conversations to your advantage. Ask questions, big or small. See whose approach resonates with you. It’s not just free advice. It’s a low-stakes way to find out which consultants might be a good fit for you down the line.
Think of it as your own mini strategy session: quick, candid, and surprisingly insightful.
5. Build Your Community
The real power of AMS Fest isn’t just the content – it’s the connections.
This is a small conference, so find people running similar-sized associations, facing similar tech hurdles, or chasing the same membership goals. Talk shop. Swap stories. Share the real stuff that doesn’t make it into slide decks.
Those conversations are affirming, practical, and surprisingly satisfying. They’re also the ones that stick – the kind you’ll remember when you’re knee-deep in vendor demos later.
We don’t have a lot of opportunities for regional get togethers for associations. This is one of the few times you can meet people in your own backyard working in the same association space. Take full advantage of this moment to build the kind of support network you’ve been working toward.
6. Don’t Just Watch the Demos – Keep the Conversation Going
The demos are great for getting a quick sense of what’s out there, but don’t let that be your only interaction with the AMS vendors.
Grab a seat next to an AMS rep at lunch or catch them for coffee between sessions. That’s your chance to go deeper – ask about relevant client experiences, integration stories, and lessons learned.
The structured demos show you features. The side conversations reveal fit. That’s where you’ll get the insight (and honesty) you can’t find on a slide.
7. Bring the Right Questions
A little prep goes a long way. Write down the 5-10 questions you most want answered before you arrive.
Here are a few to start with:
- What size staff do you typically serve?
- Is your system an all-in-one with a website, or do we need a separate website?
- How much technical support do we need to run your system?
- Who codes the integrations? Your company or a developer we hire?
- When you say the dashboards are customizable, do you need tech knowledge to do that?
Coming in with clear, specific questions keeps your conversations focused and helps you compare vendors on substance, not sales polish.
8. Remember Why You’re There
Yes, AMS Fest is about technology. But the real takeaway isn’t just a new system – it’s the It’s the deeper understanding of the scope of the project you are undertaking, and a sense of the community available to help you succeed.
You’re surrounded by people who understand the magnitude of what you’re taking on: you’re not just swapping software; you’re retooling the engine that powers your membership. That’s a big, transformative change.
So breathe. Listen. Ask. Laugh. Connect. You’ll leave with clarity, confidence, and maybe even a few new friends who understand exactly what this journey feels like.
Let’s Connect Before AMS Fest
If you’re heading to AMS Fest this November, let’s talk before you go.
We’ll help you sharpen your goals, refine your AMS elevator pitch, and map out your top questions – so you walk into AMS Fest prepared, confident, and ready to make it count.
👉 Schedule your 1:1 conversation before AMS Fest
Because the best prep for AMS Fest isn’t just knowing what to look for – it’s knowing who’s in your corner.
