I once came across a quote online that read, “The whole idea is not about the choice between using or not using technology. The challenge is to use it right.” While that quote was unattributed, I could not agree more with whoever said it.
In today’s society, technology is all around us. I challenge you to think of anything in your daily life that has not been affected or influenced by technology – I bet you will have quite a difficult time trying to do so. From the app that I use to check the ever-unpredictable D.C. weather, to the e-book I read on my train ride home at the end of the day, none of it would be possible without technology. Our dependence on technology may be scary to some, but to most of us, it is exciting because we can accomplish many great things by using it right!
And ABC is no different. Almost daily, we are striving to leverage new technologies to provide a better member experience – providing information and resources both effectively and efficiently.
If you attended the ABC Annual Meeting you were able to experience the launch of ABC’s first-ever mobile event app. I must admit, I was slightly nervous to introduce a new technology at our largest event of the year. But after much planning and widespread adoption by attendees, it was nothing less than a huge success! Attendees were thrilled to be able to use their smartphones or tablets to access speaker information and presentations, communicate with other attendees, and learn more about sponsors who helped make the event possible. Amazingly (or not so amazingly anymore) all this was available with the swipe of a finger.
The mobile app, which will be available to attendees at any ABC meeting or workshop, is just one of the many technology-driven advances that ABC is developing and integrating into the member experience. A much anticipated, more user-friendly member website is set to launch this spring – providing members easy access to everything ABC. We are also working toward improving the means and channels by which members can interact, share and learn from each other, and access educational resources and training – all without having to leave the comfort of their offices.
Technology is all around us, opening doors to new opportunities nearly every day. And asyourprofessional trade association, we are not simply choosing to use technology, we are enthusiastically embracing it to help you get the most out of your ABC membership.
Abbey Nunes, Chief Member Experience Officer; anunes@americasblood.org