Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Falls Church, VA, the Association Software Technology Council (ASTC) was created as a forum for associations to discuss technology-related issues. The ASTC serves as a link between associations and software developers, helping these developers to conceive and deliver software solutions that best meet the ever-changing needs of member-based organizations.
In early 2002, executives from a wide cross-section of focus areas in the industry held a meeting to discuss the topic of technology trends, both current and emerging, of association software. Amongst the discussions, a study of software interests and concerns of association executives was commissioned to determine the true needs in the industry. Through that forward-thinking study, the need was established for a formal council to serve as a liaison between associations and software providers.
The mission of the Association Software Technology Council is four fold:
- Provide a voice for associations in the industry on technology topics
- Drive the trends of association technology software
- Foster open communication between associations and industry software providers
- Better equip associations to capitalize on technology advancement in the member-based industry through education
Today, the ASTC is comprised of over 1000 council members representing over 600 organizations, and the council’s number are growing ever day. One of the primary functions of the ASTC 40-person staff is to educate the industry on new technology and advancement in association software. The ASTC strives to create an informed and technologically confident member-based industry through educational opportunities and open debate.