ATS recently attended and exhibited at the 2014 Technology Affinity Group (TAG) Conference in Austin, TX from November 11 -14, 2013. TAG is a membership organization of foundations that promotes the understanding of how information and communications technology can help its members further their philanthropic goals. ATS has always been at the forefront of bringing technology innovations to its clients including foundations, associations and nonprofit organizations. It was the perfect opportunity for us to meet and share ideas with like-minded people that are at the forefront of using technological advances in shaping the future of the nonprofit sector. The conference was a resounding success – attended by over 225 technology professionals representing more than 100 foundations. Over two days, the conference included a series of educational sessions ranging from grants management to cloud technologies, and other emerging technologies. We have shared some our key takeaways from the conference below:

1. As in most, if not all market segments, “cloud” is top of mind, particularly as it relates to SaaS versions of the grant management systems (GMS) so critical to a foundation’s operations.
2. There is a great deal of concern about privacy and security.
3. There is a significant need for integration and interoperability among the various components of their technology platform, including but not limited to the GMS, donor management systems (DMS) and accounting packages.
4. Austin is a great town offering great food and music!

We enjoyed our time and learned a lot. We are already looking forward to be a part of the TAG 2014 in sunny Florida next year! For related nonprofit blogs, check out our Top Three Technology Trends Shaping the Nonprofit Sector and Microsoft Office 365 for Nonprofit Organizations.