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 rapidly approaching, I wanted to introduce everyone to the MemberClicks team members who will be in Washington DC. I’ll be profiling one Clicker this week and one next week. First up? Solution Adviser Hannae Berhanu. (Pronounce her first name like you would the capital of Hawaii: Honolulu.)

Hannae has worked at MemberClicks for almost three years, and she’s been a part of implementing solutions for more than 300 small-staff associations during that time! Not only is she a fantastic problem solver, Hannae always has a positive outlook and her amazing attitude is infectious in the office.

These skills are a great asset as she helps organizations find the most appropriate technology solution, whether it’s MemberClicks or not. She’s always able to maintain a good perspective when working with potential customers and has a knack for listening to and understanding their needs.

Hannae is looking forward to meeting as many small-staff association professionals as possible in Washington DC and she’s psyched to learn more about their technology issues and needs. Whether MemberClicks is the right fit for you or not, she’s happy to discuss your technology needs and point you in the right direction.

When she’s not advising associations on membership- and data-management technology, the Georgia State University graduate likes to watch independent and foreign films, as well as makeover shows. Hannae also loves spending time with her family and trying new restaurants in the Atlanta area.

For more information, feel free to e-mail Hannae at hannae@memberclicks.com, or follow her on Twitter at @hannaeb. And don’t forget to stop by and say hi at Booth 326 in a few weeks!