Recreation Management Software Trends for JCCs and YMCAs to Watch in 2023 and Beyond

As we move into the last quarter of the year and plan for 2023 and beyond, there are key trends to watch for in the world of JCC, YMCA, and recreation center management software. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at these trends and examine how they will likely impact how JCCs and recreation centers operate in the years ahead.

Table of Contents

• Using a single software solution instead of multiple data silos and programs
• Ease of use for membership application forms
• My Account self-service tools for membership
• Automating your website as a membership machine
• Landing pages
• Story branding
• Calls to action
• Alert bars
• Dynamic reporting

Using a single software solution instead of multiple data silos and programs

As community and recreation centers continue to grow their membership and programs yearly, so does the need for efficient and effective software solutions. In the past, many JCCs and YMCAs relied on a patchwork of different programs to manage their operations. However, this often led to data silos and inefficiencies. Today, there is a trend towards using a single, total software solution that can handle all aspects of center operations. This provides many benefits, including: 

• Improved data management
• Reduced training costs
• Increased operational efficiency
• Better communication and collaboration among staff 
• Providing customers and members with a more consistent and cohesive experience

As the demand for recreation services continues to grow, JCCs and YMCAs will need to adopt modern software solutions to keep up with the competition.

Ease of use for membership application forms

To increase new memberships and revenue, recreation and community centers are looking for ways to make the sign-up process easier for potential members. In the past, membership forms have been lengthy and required a lot of personal information.

However, newer software trends are moving towards shorter forms that only require the essentials. This makes it easier for potential members to sign up and also helps to reduce the amount of time staff spend inputting data. In addition, many centers are now offering online membership options, which can be completed in just a few clicks. As more and more people look for convenient and easy ways to join organizations, this trend will likely continue to grow in popularity. [Read more about JCC and YMCA membership forms that convert here.]

My Account Self-Service Tools for Membership

Empowering JCC and recreation center members to take control of their account profiles, dues, program registration, and payment processing is another trend we see for JCCs and recreation centers. Using seamless membership management software for the user and your staff is paramount. Here are two questions to consider:

• Does the recreation management software have the proper My Account tools for members to check in to your facility using their phone, sign up for programs for the entire family, and pay their dues with a single login?
• Does the software ensure it can handle the increased demand for program registration and online payment processing as the number of members increases?

Automating your website as a membership machine 

Your JCC and recreation website should be a membership machine that signs new members up while your facility is closed. How can you automate this process? By turning your website into a Membership Machine! By using landing pages, story branding, calls to action, and alert bars, you can increase the chances that visitors to your site will become members.

Landing Pages

A landing page is a standalone web page designed to increase conversions by providing visitors with a specific offer. For example, you could create a landing page for a new program (winter camps, spring sports, preschool registration) at your recreation center and include a call to action for people to sign up.

Story Branding

Story branding is a marketing technique that uses storytelling to connect with customers on an emotional level. Creating a story about your recreation center and its members can make it more relatable and appealing to potential members. 

Calls to action

A call to action is an instruction or command that tells the reader what they should do next. For example, on your upcoming winter camp landing that uses compelling story branding that tells all the benefits and meaningful experiences your kids will have, you can include a call to action on your website for people to sign up today to reserve their spot.

Alert bars

Alert bars are stripes across the top of a website that contains important information, such as announcements or promotions. You could use an alert bar on your website to promote a special event, any time-sensitive news about a class or exercise program, or if you’re offering a membership promotion. 

Dynamic reporting

Keeping track of your community or recreation center’s data can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be with the right tools. A trend we see many JCCs switching to is dynamic reporting, which eliminates outdated sequel reports. 

For example, your recreation and community center might have 100,000 contact records. In the past, you might have had to run reports using 20 lines of code that not your average J staff would know how to use. Using dynamic reporting that is tied into your membership management software, you can easily report on all of your data using hypertables and use a filter for every member, whether it’s by age group or demographic. 

With Freedom Software for JCCs and YMCAs, there's no need for sequel reports. Everything is easy to access and use, so you can focus on what's important - providing an outstanding experience for your members.

Membership Management Software for JCCs and Recreation Centers

You might be wondering what inspired these JCC and recreation management software trends. Some of our customers, including Barshop JCC, Levine JCC, Stamford JCC, and Merage JCC represent a few of the largest JCCs in the country, are utilizing these membership management software trends to effectively and efficiently run their community centers. If your organization is looking for a total software solution that radically improves the member and staff experience while keeping at the forefront of technology, please contact us to connect with one of our digital strategists.

Here are some other articles you might enjoy reading:

12 Questions You Should Ask About Membership Management Software for Your Jewish Community Center

New Website & Total Software Solution Launch: Stamford JCC

New ySite Launch: Family YMCA of Emporia-Greensville