Summer is here, and so is the mad rush before a well-earned break. Before you switch off, here are three simple IT actions that will set your Association up for a safer and more strategic start to 2026.

1) Confirm IT support availability and emergency contacts
Holidays are one of the highest-risk times for cyber incidents. Hackers know organisations are running on minimal staff, including most IT providers. If something goes wrong, you don’t want to scramble for answers. Make sure you know your MSP’s and CRM’s holiday support hours and emergency contacts. A little preparation now can prevent major headaches.

2) Clarify your 26/27 technology priorities
Any significant tech investment, like a system replacement or new integration, can take months of planning. By the time everyone returns from the holidays, you’ll be only a few Board meetings away from budget season. Use December to confirm which digital priorities matter most next financial year. Even a short list helps you hit the ground running when teams are back.

3) Decide how you’ll stay informed in a fast-moving tech environment
Technology is changing faster than ever, and most Association policies and training struggle to keep up. You don’t need to become an IT expert… you just need a reliable way to stay current.

If you don’t have time to stay across all these changes yourself, consider following me on LinkedIn or subscribing to mymonthly newsletter. I share practical, plain-English updates tailored to Association and other Not for Profit leaders.

Tammy Ven Dange of Roundbox Consulting is a former Association President, charity CEO, and IT Executive. Today, she helps Association leaders make smarter tech decisions. Let her know if you need some help