Buying Tech Without Regret
Smarter Decisions for Smarter Associations
At the CSAE 2025 Annual Conference in Victoria, BC, Jeff Horne, CEO & Co-Founder of Wicket, and Adam Hostetter, CEO of FUSENext, teamed up to tackle a challenge that nearly every association leader is facing: how to make better technology decisions in an increasingly complex and fast-paced digital landscape.
To begin, a simple but revealing question: How confident are you in your organization’s last technology purchase? For many, the answer is uncertain. That’s because buying technology today is harder than ever. Tools evolve rapidly, the pressure to modernize is high, and the number of available solutions can be overwhelming. The risk of making a misstep is real and costly.
One of the biggest pitfalls associations face is “shiny object syndrome.” It’s easy to be captivated by slick demos and promises of transformation, but that doesn’t mean the product is right for your organization. Many associations fall into the trap of comparing options that aren’t truly comparable, or they overlook the fact that their internal processes, some of which may be custom-built, require thoughtful consideration. The reality is that you won’t always find a perfect-fit solution. Sometimes, getting the most out of your technology investment means adjusting expectations or evolving how your team works.
To help associations make smarter choices, we introduced what we call the Smart Buyer’s Playbook. First, understand what kind of vendor you’re dealing with: enterprise platforms are robust but expensive; mid-market solutions, like most association software, offer a balance of support and flexibility; and mass-market tools are often self-serve and low-cost but come with trade-offs. Second, prioritize vendors that are focused on innovation rather than repackaging outdated solutions. Ask hard questions about integrations, because having an API isn’t enough. You need systems that truly sync and work together in real time.
We also discussed the importance of understanding artificial intelligence not just as a trend, but as a valuable tool. AI is everywhere, but it’s important to evaluate whether it’s solving real problems or just adding hype. At the same time, organizations need to embrace the 80/20 rule: most platforms will meet 80% of your needs. The final 20%, often the most custom, complex features, may not be worth the cost or effort to implement. Know which features are your “hills to die on,” and which you can compromise on.
Beyond functionality, we urge associations to align technology decisions with their strategic goals. If a system doesn’t improve the member experience or move your mission forward, it’s likely not worth the investment. Define your desired outcomes up front and use measurable KPIs to track success. And don’t forget: building organizational consensus is essential. From leadership to marketing, IT to education, everyone needs to be aligned on priorities and what success looks like. Using a prioritization framework that separates “must-haves” from “nice-to-haves” is key to getting there.
To wrap up, our six key takeaways:
- Start with “What problem are we trying to solve?” – Every technology decision should trace back to an organizational objective. Challenge each staff member, when a new request arises, to articulate which strategic goal that request will help fulfill.
- Embrace the 80/20 rule – Focus on platforms that meet most of your needs and don’t overinvest in the last 20%.
- Understand the type of vendor you’re buying from – Know whether you’re engaging with an enterprise, mid-market, or mass-market provider.
- Be open to evolving your internal processes – Sometimes it’s easier and smarter to adapt workflows than to customize software.
- Create strategic alignment across your organization – Ensure all departments share the same priorities and success metrics.
- Define clear ROI metrics before you make the leap – Set measurable outcomes upfront to evaluate long-term value.
Ultimately, technology is no longer just a back-office decision. It’s a strategic lever that can help your association grow, connect with members in meaningful ways, and future-proof operations. When you choose smarter, you lead stronger.
Ready to continue the conversation?
Reach out to us anytime at jeff@wicket.io or adam@fusenext.com.
Let’s build better, together.
