What “integration-ready” actually means — and what vendors might leave out.
In today’s interconnected tech landscape, the ability of a vendor’s solution to integrate smoothly with your existing systems isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s mission-critical. Yet too often, integration challenges only surface after the contract is signed, leading to unexpected costs, delays, or disappointing outcomes.
Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you know exactly how a solution will fit into your ecosystem. This program helps you do just that — thoughtfully, strategically, and with clarity.
Key Takeaways:
About APIs, data mapping, and synchronization.
- How to uncover limitations or hidden costs tied to custom development, middleware, or licensing.
- Best practices for preparing your database to support vendor integration.
- How to evaluate real-world compatibility between your CRM/AMS and proposed platforms.
- Risk mitigation strategies to avoid disruptions in member data, reporting, or automations.
Whether you’re evaluating new email platforms, CRMs, event tools, or other technologies, this session will empower you to engage vendors with confidence—and avoid costly missteps.
EXTRA 30
Due to the popularity of this topic, we’re adding an EXTRA 30 minutes with the panelists from 3:00 to 3:30. This is your opportunity to ask questions and share ideas on Spring Cleaning your website with the other participants and panelists.
How to Submit Questions
- Register for the program and submit your question/s in the registration form.
- Think of additional questions after you register? No problem. Just email additional questions to theciohour@501works.com during the month to have new questions added to the next month’s 501 CIO Hour.
- Ask questions during the program via the chat function.
The CIO Hour will be recorded each month in case you miss it. However, we hope you attend and engage with the industry experts and other participants regularly so you continue to boost your IT-IQ.
Speakers
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CAE
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Holly Rice, CAEHolly leads CRM and data strategy at IDSA, where she and her team connect people, process, data, and technology to support the organization’s mission. With 18 years of experience in the association space, she focuses on scalable systems, smart integration, and cross-functional collaboration to drive insights, improve operations, and support ongoing innovation.
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James MarquisCIO, 501WorksJames is a seasoned senior executive with more than 20 years of experience working with associations and non-profits of all sizes. James possesses excellent communications skills allowing him to function as a trainer, technology evangelist and to bridge the divide which frequently exists between functional business units and information technology specialists. Coupled with his ability to deep-dive into technology, these key skills allow James to operate across department lines and organizational levels to better integrate technology with the strategic and tactical needs of an organization
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Moira EdwardsPresident, Ellipsis PartnersMoira Edwards, MS, CAE is the President of Ellipsis Partners and focuses on the impact of technology on organizational strategy. Ellipsis Partners works exclusively with associations and non-profits on technology assessment, digital strategy, and system selection and implementation. Moira joined Ellipsis Partners after 15 years as an association leader and staffer. She is a co-founder of AWTC, Association Women Technology Champions. She volunteers with ASAE and was the 2017 Chair of the Technology Council. Hailing from Dublin, Ireland, she holds a BA in Business & Economics, an MS in Psychology, and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE).
