What 400+ Implementations Taught Us About AMS Success 

Meet Kristina Jakstas, Vice President of Professional Services at re:Members and your personal guide through the AMS implementation . With experience in tech startups, nonprofits, and associations, Kristina understands implementation from multiple perspectives. She’s here to show you how preparation and partnership transform implementation from a source of dread into an opportunity for growth. 

The fear is valid. Your staff already juggle multiple priorities. You’re worried about the AMS taking two years to implement and about the toll on your team’s daily responsibilities. 

It’s a common dilemma. When time feels scarce, it’s tempting to delay big decisions. Kristina has been there herself. “I once put off implementing a new project management tool because I didn’t think I had time. But I regretted it later. All I did was kick the can down the road.” 

Sometimes we live with a less-than-ideal situation because we can’t bear the thought of change. But procrastination only makes things worse. Kristina admits, “The time I spent on manual workarounds that year alone was way more than I would’ve spent implementing a new tool. Instead of being totally comfortable with a great new system at my fingertips, I was a year behind!” 

Delaying the decision didn’t save her time. It just postponed the inevitable. 

This fear is often based on bad memories or instinctual reactions to change. “I can appreciate where that’s coming from because change is scary, especially if you already have a full plate of other responsibilities.” 

Everyone has a different appetite for change. You might have team members who’ve been using the same method since 2005 to handle event registrations. The new system will make this process more efficient and automated—but it’s still change. 

The re:Members team includes people who’ve worked for associations. “We’ve experienced the anxiety from your side of the table. That’s why we tailor our best practices and methodology to your association’s particular needs.”  

Every re:Members project starts with a dedicated planning phase. Kristina says, “We take time up front to assemble the team, talk about the timeline and process, understand your business needs, and get to know you.” 

“We bring best practices to the table but also listen to you so we understand your situation. Then we create a tailored plan that fits your people and business needs.” The result? “It takes all the uncertainty away.”

Imagine driving cross-country without GPS or road signs. That’s how the implementation phase can feel—endless, with no clear destination. 

re:Members breaks the project into distinct phases with a clear path to follow. “You know exactly what’s coming up next and exactly what’s coming up after that. It’s like having a ‘you are here’ sign with mile markers along the way.” 

“With this roadmap, there’s no aimless wandering or undetermined timelines. We set markers, deadlines, and dates upfront so you know exactly what lies ahead.” 

“Implementation is a partnership and the start of a long-term relationship. It’s not a transaction we’re checking off the list.” 

During the planning process, re:Members asks about your biggest concerns and risks. “We get all of that out on the table. We also want to know your success criteria. Is it reducing manual processes and freeing up staff time? Increasing membership revenue? Improving retention?” 

We track your definition of success throughout the project to ensure we don’t lose sight of your goals. “We’re walking side by side with you through this. Your success determines our success.” 

Neither team can succeed alone—associations need AMS expertise, and re:Members needs your institutional knowledge. Here’s how we algin the two core elements of a successful partnership. 

Successful AMS implementation requires the convergence of two distinct types of expertise. 

Luckily, AMS product knowledge is our day job. “We know all the tips and tricks to configure your AMS according to association best practices. We’ve worked with every conceivable business model and membership structure.” 

The association brings something equally valuable: institutional knowledge about business operations and processes. “You know your members, your unique workflows, and your organizational culture. These two sets of expertise need to come together for a successful implementation. They meet in the middle.” 

Associations don’t have to be technology or change management experts. “If you don’t know how to do something, like data migration, we come in and make sure those knowledge gaps are filled. Otherwise, it’d be easy to get a little freaked out by the idea of some tasks.” 

The goal is to take the mental load off your team so they can focus on what they know best—your business needs. “You’re supported by our safety net. We’ve got you.” 

Start assembling your implementation team: 

• Project manager: the main point of contact who wrangles the troops on your end 
• Key decision makers: people who can make business decisions (membership director, meeting planner, finance lead, etc.) 
• Power users: staff who will use the AMS in depth daily 
• Technical administrators: people who understand your current database 

These roles might overlap in smaller organizations. “But don’t have one person making all the decisions about implementation. Engage the appropriate stakeholders.” 

Account for major events, renewals, fiscal year-end, and staff availability when planning your timeline. 

Get any fears and concerns out into the open early. What might delay your progress or throw a wrench in the works? “We’re not afraid to talk about what keeps you up at night. In fact, we welcome it. The sooner your concerns are identified, the sooner they can be addressed.” 

What does a successful implementation look like for your association? Is it increasing revenue? Reducing manual processes? Be specific about your goals. “The more you think about these things early on, the more you can share with us, the smoother it’s going to be.” 

While not required, researching data extraction options and checking your AMS vendor contract for export clauses saves time later. 

“You don’t have to figure this out on your own before kickoff, but it could save time and headaches later. Don’t worry, we’ll give you guidance and walk you through it.”