New association management system creates personalized member experience

NEW ASSOCIATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

creates personalized member experience

As mentioned in this issue’s Message from the CEO, CIQS offi cially launched its new association management system in November. The team worked for close to a year to create a user-friendly interface that is powered by state-of-theart cloud-based technology. This new member portal is designed to have the look and feel of a social media profi le and includes a member’s personal information, upcoming events, invoices, and volunteering/engagement details. It allows account holders to update their personal information in real time and gives them access to member-specifi c information, the ability to pay for renewals, online store products, and events, directly from one convenient space. A certifi cation module has also been created for use by individuals going through the TPE process.

This new portal is easily accessible via our newly designed, award-winning website, which was designed with userexperience front-of-mind. Information is available via a navigation tool at the top of the page, as well as inside each of the website sections, to minimize additional scrolling as much as possible. There has also been deliberate effort to make sure that information can be found within two-to-three clicks to make the site experience as informational and effi cient as possible.

Member-specifi c information is available in the member resources section, which appears only once a member has logged in. This area includes documentation and information, such as CIQS by-laws, member directory, CIQS exams and registrations, CPD program details, and information about the new, member-only, online home and auto insurance program.

CIQS recipient of iMIS Great Things

Award for newly designed website This award is managed by Advanced Solutions International (ASI) and awarded to outstanding websites that are built on the RiSE platform and powered by the iMIS engagement management system. Winning websites are judged on criteria such as overall design, navigation, and functionality.

“The CIQS website was intuitive, easy to navigate and attractive. It was clear that a great deal of thought was given as to the layout of the pages and also what content was necessary and what was not (the site is uncluttered). The site includes good use of photos and video which brings people into the site and puts faces to names and titles. We especially liked how you treated your chapter pages providing each with a page and identifying the chapter chair with a biography.” -Nathan Slovin, ASI

CIQS takes technology to the next level

Over the last year, to offset the loss of in-person events, CIQS has increasingly utilized virtual platforms to increase engagement opportunities for members. CIQS chapter executives across the country have hosted virtual networking events, aptly named Chapter Chats, which offer the opportunity for their members to build their network with fellow members from across the entire chapter region.

As reported in the last issue of Construction Economist, CIQS hosted its fi rst virtual Congress this year which was well-received by everyone who attended. The annual general meeting was once again held virtually, allowing members from across Canada, as well those residing outside our borders (Membersat-Large), to make their voices heard through a user-friendly, online voting app.

The AGM was followed by a Year in Review which was presented in the form of a video, narrated by the CIQS CEO and PR/Marketing Consultant. The power of video has been utilized more extensively by CIQS over the past year to promote a variety of programs and events on channels such as eblasts, YouTube and LinkedIn.

As we move into 2022, the use of virtual platforms and technology software will be expanded to continually increase member experience and accessibility of CIQS learning and networking opportunities. As an example, starting in 2022, the CIQS podcast, Knowledge Counts, will become a hybrid model where some interviews will be held in studio while others will be virtual to allow the host, Wendy Hobbs, to invite guests based on topic and knowledge, not geography.

About the author Alexandra Parliament

is a Marketing and Communications Consultant with 25+ years of experience. She has a formal education in print journalism and has worked in the marketing and communications departments of a PR Agency, a major Marketing Agency, a national magazine, an annual three-day festival, provincial and national non-profi t organizations, and one of the largest loyalty programs in Canada. She has been published in a variety of magazines and online publications. She has been working with CIQS in a PR/Marketing capacity since November 2018.