About North Carolina Public School Maintenance Association (NCPSMA): The North Carolina Public School Maintenance Association (NCPSMA) was founded in 1959 and has since become a leading voice in public school maintenance across the state. The association’s mission is to aid in securing improvements to public schools, collaborate with PTOs, and convey the needs of public school maintenance to the public.
About NCPSMA Events: NCPSMA hosts two annual conventions in spring and fall, typically featuring 70-100 vendors and offering credit hour classes for continuing education.
Who We Spoke To: Kristie Payne, the Executive Director of NCPSMA. Payne has a rich background in the maintenance department of public education, having worked there for over 30 years before joining NCPSMA.
The Challenge: Modernizing Event Management and Member Communication
Before adopting MobileUp, NCPSMA faced several challenges:
- Strain on Staff: Handling last-minute schedule changes and responding to member inquiries, was time-consuming and inefficient. Without a centralized platform, staff had to rely on emails, phone calls, and paper-based systems, which often led to delays and miscommunication. The increasing demand for real-time updates and digital engagement further stretched resources, making it clear that a more streamlined solution was necessary.
- Outdated Communication: The organization, particularly Payne, was conscious of the fact that younger members preferred apps, and that they should meet members where they were.
- Information Accessibility: Members often lost physical programs, making it difficult to access important event information.
- Limited Real-time Updates: There was no efficient way to notify attendees about cancellations or changes during events.
- Year-round Engagement: The association needed a solution that could support not just conferences, but also fundraising and other year-round events.
The Solution: A MobileUp App
After evaluating several options, NCPSMA chose MobileUp after noticing that a fellow North Carolina organization already used them.
Key factors in choosing MobileUp included:
- Competitive pricing
- Year-round functionality beyond just the conference experience
- User-friendly interface – quickly and easily populate event content
- Comprehensive feature set
The onboarding process with MobileUp was incredibly smooth, with helpful training sessions and responsive support who fielded any and every question. NCPSMA initially implemented the conference app, later expanding to include the year-round membership app. On the technical side, Payne described the app as “very easy to understand.” Any features she initially wished the app had were quickly added in its latest release.
Key features utilized:
- Surveys for attendees and vendors
- Push notifications for real-time updates
- Door prize form
- In-app communication to replace mass emails
- Comprehensive event schedules
- Check-ins for continuing education
- Directories (Attendees, Speakers, Sponsors, & Exhibitors)
The Impact of Having a MobileUp App
Enhanced Information Access: The app enables quick dissemination of information, including last-minute changes or cancellations during events. “It’s very user-friendly; everyone seems to be able to find information really well,” Payne noted.
Improved Event Management: The administrative console allows for easy updates to class descriptions, teacher information, and exhibitor details, providing more comprehensive information than printed materials.
Better Member Engagement: Members who embrace the technology have experienced significant benefits, enjoying the app’s convenience, real-time updates, and streamlined access to important information.
Year-round Utility: Members can access contact information and other resources throughout the year, not just during conferences.
Sponsor Opportunities: Payne appreciated the fact that the app allows multiple vendors to sponsor multiple things throughout the app and can be only for each event or year-round presenting non-dues revenue opportunities.
NCPSMA’s Message to Others Considering a MobileUp App:
“I don’t think you’ll find anyone else out there who provides the services you do at the cost you do,” Payne stated. She emphasized the comprehensive nature of MobileUp’s features and the value provided for the price.
With an app, MobileUp has helped NCPSMA modernize its operations, enhance member communication, and provide a more engaging experience for its diverse membership base. The app’s year-round functionality and comprehensive feature set have proven invaluable for managing both large events and ongoing association activities.
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