The conversation around AI in associations has shifted from “Should we use AI?” to “How can we use AI effectively?” While many association leaders are excited about AI’s potential, others remain uncertain about where it fits within their daily operations.
Enter Datascout, an AI-powered solution designed specifically for associations using iMIS. Datascout’s solution is one that some of our clients are using, and we have been very impressed with its capabilities. We interviewed Heather Murray, Datascout’s Head of Product, and Alex Dowbor, Datascout’s co-CEO, to tap into their expertise and get their insights.
They told us that by integrating AI directly into existing workflows, Datascout eliminates the need for your staff to learn new tools or disrupt their processes. Instead, it enhances what you already do, helping you make better use of your data, personalize member outreach, and automate time-consuming tasks.
From Data Overload to Actionable Insights
One of the biggest challenges associations face is fully taking advantage of all the member data you have.
While vast amounts of information exist within iMIS and the other software applications associations use, associations struggle to extract meaningful insights, especially across data that is siloed in third-party applications.
Datascout changes this by allowing staff to ask natural language questions like:
- How many members have renewed so far this year, and how does that compare to where we were last year?
- Which members have engaged across our latest events, publications, and products?
- What are the most common career paths among our members?
Unlike traditional search functions that simply retrieve stored answers, Datascout calculates responses in real-time, providing accurate, up-to-date insights without IQAs, SQL queries, or custom reports.
Alex Dowbor explained, “We started trying to lower the bar in terms of having real use of your data. With the tools emerging, it’s becoming really obvious how important data can be for associations. Once they see how AI can automate processes, like creating a custom newsletter or surfacing insights about members, it changes everything.”
Hyper-Personalization at Scale
Associations strive to personalize member communications, but limited resources often mean marketing resorts to generic email blasts. Datascout helps solve this problem by analyzing data on each member and generating tailored engagement suggestions.
For example, if a member recently changed jobs, Datascout can recommend sending them:
- A congratulatory email
- A list of relevant professional development opportunities
- An invitation to a networking event in their local area
This automation ensures that members receive relevant, timely, and personalized messages—without adding extra work for staff.
The ‘Engagement Flywheel’ Effect
Heather Murray describes their vision as creating an “engagement flywheel”—where the more an association personalizes interactions, the more members engage, generating better data insights, which in turn makes possible even deeper personalization.
Instead of static, one-size-fits-all communication, associations using Datascout can:
- Identify member interests based on external sources like LinkedIn
- Instantly create AI-generated member profiles for deeper relationship-building when a member contacts the association
- Provide recommendations for content, events, and volunteer opportunities based on each member’s unique journey
AI as a ‘Night Shift’ for Association Staff
One of Datascout’s most innovative concepts is the idea of an AI-powered “night shift.” After staff log off for the day, Datascout continues working—analyzing data, identifying engagement opportunities, and preparing summaries for the next morning.
Instead of spending hours sifting through records, staff can start their day with a concise report of key member activities—such as new registrations, job changes, or lapsed memberships—allowing them to be more proactive and focus on strategic outreach rather than data retrieval.
AI Without the Fear Factor
One of the major hurdles for associations adopting AI is fear of the unknown. Many professionals worry about:
- Data security
- AI replacing human jobs
- Learning complex new tools
Datascout addresses these concerns by:
- Embedding AI within iMIS, so staff don’t need to switch platforms
- Providing controlled AI experiences, where humans always review AI-generated recommendations before sending messages
- Ensuring data privacy and compliance with industry regulations
What’s Next?
Datascout is already increasing member engagement and retention for early adopters, with some associations doubling their engagement rates using AI-powered personalization.
The team is also exploring future capabilities, including:
- Predictive analytics to anticipate membership trends
- Deeper integration with event planning and volunteer management
For associations looking to harness AI without disruption, Datascout offers a compelling solution—transforming data into insights, insights into engagement, and engagement into stronger member relationships.
If you’re wondering how AI can fit into your association’s strategy, let’s talk. Our team works directly with associations to implement AI solutions like Datascout in a way that aligns with your goals, workflows, and member engagement strategy.
Reach out to us for a conversation—we’ll help you determine the right approach and ensure you’re making the most of AI-driven innovation.