Crises are not things any organization looks forward to dealing with, but it’s crucial to always have a contingency plan.

ASAE and The Center’s move on Tuesday to cancel the Technology Conference and Expo was the right call. Even though the event is the organization’s third biggest event of the year, the winter weather presented too many risks to attendees and exhibitors alike.

On top of making the safe decision, ASAE also announced everyone would be issued a full refund.

This is an extremely refreshing move on ASAE’s part. Obviously, no one can control the weather, but ASAE kept it classy with full refunds and apologies. To be honest, on Tuesday morning, I didn’t think the event would be cancelled. But as I continued to keep up with the #Tech10 Twitter stream throughout the day, I realized that the risks far outweighed the benefits.

Long lines at the Atlanta airport...

Our own MemberClicks crew made it as far as Richmond, Va. They were supposed to fly to D.C. this morning, but when flights started getting axed, we sent them up early, anticipating that the show would go on. When it was cancelled, we decided it wasn’t safe for them to drive from Richmond to D.C. on snowy, icy roads, and they returned to Atlanta.

...and long lines at the Richmond airport.

We’re going to be virtually attending UnTech conference, which will last from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday. If you’re in the D.C. area and can get to the Renaissance Hotel, try to be there in person! If not, they will be streaming some session live. If you’re on Twitter, be sure to follow the #UnTech10 stream, as well.

We were truly happy to see ASAE make this right, albeit difficult, decision and hope small-staff association professionals in the D.C. area take part in the UnTech conference. Or, just sign up and attend virtually! Many speakers will be presenting their planned sessions, and this is a great opportunity to take part in the association community, ASAE-official or not.

Since the 2010 Technology Conference and Expo is next week, I wanted to introduce everyone to the MemberClicks team members who will be in Washington DC. Last week, I introduced you to Solution Adviser Hannae Berhanu. This week? Customer Maximization Lead Duncan McCreery.

Duncan has worked at MemberClicks for two years now, and just recently moved into the Maximization Team Leader position. Prior to that, he was a solution adviser, and helped implement more than 50 small-staff associations during his time in that role.

Last fall, we developed the Customer Maximization Program to ensure that we always stay engaged with our customers and be certain our solution meets their ever-changing technology needs. As Customer Maximization Lead, Duncan trains our organizations’ administrators each month to help them put their data to better use and get the most from their MemberClicks solution. He focuses on enhancing our customers’ knowledge and use of the MemberClicks solution through trainings, consultations and optimizations.

Because we serve so many different organizations and their purposes and missions run the gamut, Duncan enjoys the change that comes with his role each day. Prior to joining MemberClicks, Duncan was an English teacher in Russia, which is a huge asset as he assists and trains customers. And his interest in the ever-expanding world of technology doesn’t hurt, either!

When he’s not helping our customers offer amazing membership experiences, the Cleveland native (and huge Browns fan) likes to read fiction and newspapers, and also brush up on his Russian. He’s looking forward to meeting with as many small-staff association staffers as possible, and is always ready to chat about technology solutions, whether MemberClicks is the right fit for you or not.

For more information, feel free to e-mail Duncan at duncan@memberclicks.com, or reach out to him on his LinkedIn page. And please stop by booth 326 next week at the Technology Conference and Expo!