Glue Up AMS Software Review for Association Executives
- Oct 13
- 13 min read
Glue Up AMS Software Review for Association Executives: All-in-One Community Engagement Platform
Selecting the right Association Management Software represents one of the most strategic technology decisions Association Executives will make. This review provides an objective analysis of Glue Up, an all-in-one CRM platform designed specifically for associations, chambers of commerce, and nonprofit membership organizations seeking to streamline operations and enhance member engagement.
Summary of the Glue Up AMS Software
Glue Up, formerly known as EventBank, is a cloud-based association management platform founded in 2013 and headquartered in McLean, Virginia [1]. The company employs between 51-200 team members and operates from over 10 offices globally, serving organizations in more than 70 countries [1]. According to the company, over 5,000 member-based organizations use Glue Up to attract, engage, and retain their members [1]. In recent years, the company and its product have significantly expanded and are clearly a strong contender in the market with lasting influence.
The company describes the platform as providing organizations with a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline operations, modernize processes, and eliminate engagement challenges. As stated on their website, "Glue Up gives you the tools to monetize your professional community in under 25 minutes per day" [1]. The company emphasizes that clients range from small associations and nonprofits to large chambers of commerce with dozens of chapters [1].
A notable partnership includes the NVIDIA Inception Program, which provides Glue Up with access to NVIDIA's state-of-the-art AI technology, marking a major step in transforming association management with next-gen AI solutions [1]. Additionally, Glue Up is an ASAE Alliance Partner [1], demonstrating commitment to the association management community.
The Purpose Statement of the Glue Up AMS Software
Glue Up exists to transform professional communities by providing an all-in-one engagement management platform that consolidates essential association functions into a single, cohesive system. The software aims to eliminate the complexity and inefficiency of managing multiple disconnected tools by offering membership management, event management, CRM, email marketing, community engagement, and financial management in one integrated platform [1][2].
The vendor's core mission centers on helping associations focus on growth and member engagement rather than administrative burden. As articulated by the company, their purpose is to enable organizations to build, manage, engage, and understand every member of their community while automating busywork [1][2]. This reflects a fundamental belief that associations should spend their time strengthening their mission rather than wrestling with technology.
What Makes Glue Up a Fit for the Association Market and Unique
Glue Up differentiates itself in the association management software market through several distinct capabilities that address common pain points faced by membership organizations.
Robust Chapter Management: Glue Up's chapter management capabilities allow organizations to create multiple organizations and grant permissions to users, enabling efficient management of various chapters using a single software solution [1]. This feature proves particularly valuable for associations with complex multi-chapter structures.
Dual Mobile Applications: The platform provides two mobile applications at no additional cost—one designed for organizations and another for their communities [2]. This approach ensures both staff and members can engage with the platform from anywhere, enhancing accessibility and real-time interaction.
Speed Networking and Community Features: Glue Up includes innovative engagement tools like Speed Networking for virtual connections, digital business cards that members can create and share, and 1-on-1 chats with the option to exchange business cards [1]. These features foster meaningful professional relationships beyond traditional event attendance.
AI-Powered Capabilities: Through the NVIDIA partnership, Glue Up integrates artificial intelligence to optimize workflows. The AI Copilot can automatically handle tasks like survey preamble writing, create compelling event invitations with captivating subject lines and preview text in seconds, and customize campaigns with ease [1]. Regardless of Tier level, this is a leader in AI development within the AMS systems today, 2025.
Rapid Implementation: Most Glue Up clients go live less than a week after signing the agreement [1], which represents significantly faster deployment compared to many enterprise AMS solutions that can take months to implement.
All-in-One Approach: Glue Up eliminates manual work by automating renewals, finances, events, and member communications, allowing associations to focus on growth rather than administrative tasks [2]. The platform consolidates functions that typically require 3-5 separate software systems.
Functional Goals of the Glue Up AMS Software
Based on vendor documentation, public roadmaps, and user feedback, Glue Up addresses the following core functional areas for association management:
Membership Management: Customizable online application forms, multiple membership types, automated renewal workflows with email and push notification reminders, auto-billing functionality, tiered membership structures, and member directories with detailed profiles [1][2].
Event Management: End-to-end event planning for both in-person and virtual events, online registration systems with customizable ticketing, QR code check-ins, event budgeting and financial tracking, dedicated event pages, attendee networking features, and webinar management capabilities [1][2].
Customer Relationship Management (CRM): Centralized contact database with cloud-based storage, activity history tracking including event attendance and email engagement, sales pipeline management with custom deal stages, Outlook email synchronization, member segmentation and smart lists, and comprehensive member analytics [1][2].
Community Engagement: Online community platform with groups and forums, direct messaging between members, business card exchange functionality, member-only content access, public member directories, and mobile app for year-round engagement [1][2].
Email Marketing: Campaign management tools, automated email workflows, pre-designed templates, A/B testing capabilities, email deliverability tracking, and integration with member data for targeted communications [1][2].
Financial Management: Automated invoicing and payment processing, multiple payment gateway support including credit cards and wire transfers, recurring payment management, integration with QuickBooks and Xero, financial reporting, and multi-currency transaction support [1][2].
Website and Content Management: Drag-and-drop website builder, customizable membership widgets, WordPress integration for member-only content, responsive design templates, and SEO optimization tools [1].
Training and Certification Management: Course and credit tracking, certification management, learning management system integration, and continuing education administration [2].
Project Management: Task delegation and tracking, team collaboration tools, workflow automation, and progress monitoring [2]. A very unique functional area for AMS systems.
Reporting and Analytics: Real-time engagement dashboards, customizable reports, member behavior insights, financial analytics, event performance metrics, and data export capabilities [1][2].
Where Does Glue Up Fit in the Market
Using the SmartThoughts Tier Classification Framework [3], Glue Up positions itself primarily within Tier III of the association management software market. In the current technological landscape, it's not uncommon to see it competing with other Tier levels and being included in projects where specific functional areas, such as AI, community management, or chapter management, are prioritized.
Tier Justification: The platform explicitly states it serves organizations ranging from small associations with 50 members to large organizations with 5,000 members [1], which spans the Tier III (small associations with operating budgets comfortably up to $3.5 million) and Tier II (mid-size associations with operating budgets of $2.5 million or more) categories [3].
With pricing starting at $2,500 annually [2], Glue Up positions itself as an accessible solution for small to mid-sized associations seeking comprehensive functionality without enterprise-level investment. The all-in-one approach—consolidating membership, events, CRM, email marketing, and financials into a single platform—aligns with the "Swiss Army knife" characteristic of Tier III solutions while offering greater depth in specific functional areas typical of Tier II systems [3].
Market Comparisons: Within the Tier II and Tier III space, Glue Up competes most directly with:
Wild Apricot (Tier III/TierIV modal): Wild Apricot holds a 4.4-star rating and emphasizes website integration and ease of use for smaller associations Comparing the Best Association Management Software • Glue Up [2]. Glue Up differentiates itself with stronger community engagement features, chapter management capabilities, and more robust event management tools. Wild Apricot generally caters to smaller organizations, which is why it frequently appears in many Tier IV opportunities. In contrast, Glue Up is better suited for scaling mid-sized associations.
MemberClicks (Tier III): MemberClicks holds a 4.3-star rating and offers user-friendly interfaces with comprehensive features for professional associations Comparing the Best Association Management Software • Glue Up [2]. Glue Up competes by offering dual mobile applications included at no additional cost, AI-powered features through the NVIDIA partnership, and superior chapter management functionality. MemberClicks focuses more on professional trade associations, while Glue Up serves a broader range of membership organizations, including chambers of commerce like MemberClicks.
GrowthZone (Tier III): GrowthZone serves as an alternative for associations seeking robust features and customer service Top 10 GrowthZone Alternatives & Competitors in 2025 | G2 [2]. Glue Up differentiates through faster implementation timeframes, more extensive community engagement tools, and a more modern user interface. GrowthZone tends to serve established associations with complex needs, while Glue Up accommodates both growing and established organizations.
Ideal Client Profile: The best-fit organization for Glue Up is a small to mid-sized association or chamber of commerce with:
Operating budget between $500,000 and $5 million
Membership base ranging from 100 to 5,000 members
Need for integrated event and membership management
Desire for community engagement beyond traditional communications
Multiple chapters or affiliates requiring centralized management
Limited IT resources requiring rapid deployment
Staff seeking to reduce time spent on administrative tasks
Organizations prioritizing member engagement and retention over highly specialized functionality
What is the price for the Glue Up AMS?
Glue Up pricing starts at $2,500 per year Glue Up: Pricing, Free Demo & Features | Software Finder [2], with contracts billed annually by default [1]. The vendor offers customized pricing based on organizational needs, including considerations for the number of contacts, events, emails, administrators, and required integrations [1][2].
Organizations can purchase add-ons and limit upgrades for events, emails, admins, contacts, or integrations at any time [1]. For organizations requiring usage for a single event, webinar, or special project, the company can develop pricing that suits specific short-term needs [1].
The platform provides two mobile applications at no additional cost [2], which represents value compared to competitors that charge separately for mobile app access. Additionally, personalized onboarding with a Customer Success Manager, kick-off calls, and training are included [1], helping associations realize value quickly without extensive professional services fees.
Important Disclaimer: In the end, it is recommended to contact the software vendor directly for the latest pricing information, as costs vary significantly based on organizational size, feature requirements, and implementation scope.
Glue Up AMS Peer Reviews and Unique Feature Insights
Glue Up maintains strong ratings across multiple peer review platforms: 4.6 rating with over 250 reviews across Capterra and G2 Comparing the Best Association Management Software • Glue Up [2], 4.4/5 on GetApp Glue Up 2025 Pricing, Features, Reviews & Alternatives | GetApp [2], and 4.5/5 on Capterra Glue Up Reviews 2025. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra [4]. The platform won the 2023 "Best Ease of Use" award from Capterra, Leader Summer 2023 and Momentum Leader Summer 2023 from G2, and Category Leaders recognition from GetApp Glue Up 2023: A Year in Review and Annual Awards Highlights [2].
Positive Reviews - Strengths:
Ease of Use: A verified user stated:
"We are very pleased with the simplicity of the system. We rarely spend time training staff as most users simply 'get it'. It's a simple and fast out-of-the-box solution. We now have 4 client accounts running on Glue Up software" All-in-one Association Management Software • Glue Up [1].
Comprehensive Functionality: One user noted:
"I would definitely recommend Glue Up because it has streamlined all our membership management and event management processes. As a one-person office, Glue Up is my virtual assistant. Glue Up is very user-friendly and has simplified managing our organization. Whether you're a small association with 50 members or a large organization with 5000 members, Glue Up is a great system to use for managing your database" Community management software • Glue Up [1].
Demonstration and Transparency: A reviewer appreciated:
"When we started connecting and talking with Glue Up, you guys were excellent in showing me the back end, how it actually works with live data. I could get in and see the system and see how it worked and see how the data was behaving and the functionality live and that's huge" All-in-one Association Management Software • Glue Up [1].
Value Proposition: Users highlight affordability:
"Affordability is a critical aspect for non-profit organizations. Glue Up is affordable and has everything you need to manage your memberships, donations, fundraising, and events" All-in-one Association Management Software • Glue Up [1].
Customer Support: Reviews consistently praise customer service:
"Customer service has drastically improved (including response time and helping us solve issues) from the time we started using it in early 2023, and we've had great customer success managers" Glue Up 2025 Pricing, Features, Reviews & Alternatives | GetApp [2].
Consolidation of Tools: Multiple reviewers emphasized:
Critical Reviews - Areas for Improvement:
Learning Curve: One administrator noted:
"Since it's a complex platform, we are still learning and observing what works for us and what doesn't while using it. It was difficult to identify all details from the onboarding period since it was our first experience with a membership management tool" Glue Up Pricing, Alternatives & More 2025 | Capterra [4].
Feature Flexibility: Some users desire greater customization:
"No flexibility; difficult to navigate; cannot customize many of the communications messages; website content management is very restrictive" Glue Up Software Reviews, Demo & Pricing - 2025 [2]. However, it's important to note that this represents a minority viewpoint, as the majority of reviews praise ease of use.
Platform Discrepancies: A user reported:
"There have been several discrepancies between the app and desktop version of the platform that is yet to be resolved (it's been 3 months)" Glue Up Pricing, Alternatives & More 2025 | Capterra [4], suggesting occasional synchronization challenges between mobile and web interfaces.
Reporting Capabilities: Users seek enhanced reporting:
Cost Growth:
A long-time user noted,
"As our membership, emails, and usage have grown, the program costs have risen significantly. However, Glueup has consistently been willing to negotiate pricing to accommodate our organization's needs." Glue Up Pricing, Alternatives & More 2025 | Capterra [4].
Analyst Expert Analysis and Reasoning from SmartThoughts
From the viewpoint of an objective analyst with over 20 years of experience in assessing enterprise software solutions, Glue Up offers a convincing value proposition for small to mid-sized associations aiming to streamline their technology stack while maintaining functionality and user experience.
Strategic Positioning: Glue Up has effectively targeted and caters to a vital market segment—organizations that have surpassed the capabilities of basic solutions like Wild Apricot but do not need (or cannot justify the cost of) the complexity and investment of full-scale enterprise systems like iMIS or Fonteva. This strategic positioning in the Tier II/III market is supported by the vendor's deliberate focus on quick implementation, user-friendly interfaces, and comprehensive pricing.
Technology Architecture & Artificial Intelligence: The collaboration with NVIDIA for AI capabilities highlights an innovative product strategy. Unlike many AMS vendors that talk about AI in theoretical terms, Glue Up's incorporation of functional AI tools, such as content generation and survey optimization, delivers immediate value rather than hypothetical future advantages. This offers a substantial competitive edge for associations aiming to optimize their limited staff resources.
Chapter Management Differentiation: The robust chapter management functionality differentiates Glue Up from most Tier III competitors and rivals' capabilities found in more expensive Tier II systems. For associations with complex multi-chapter structures, this feature alone can justify the investment by eliminating the need for separate systems or complicated workarounds.
Mobile-First Approach: Providing two purpose-built mobile applications at no additional cost reflects an understanding of modern association needs. Many competitors charge premium fees for mobile access or offer limited mobile web experiences. Glue Up's dual-app strategy (one for administrators, one for members) acknowledges that these constituents have different needs and workflows.
Implementation Velocity: The ability to go live within one week stands in stark contrast to enterprise AMS implementations that frequently extend 3-6 months or longer. For associations needing to replace failing systems or launch quickly, this speed to value proves critical. However, organizations with highly complex or unusual requirements may find the rapid implementation timeline challenging if extensive customization is needed.
Pricing Transparency Considerations: While the starting price point of $2,500 annually provides a helpful reference, the lack of published tier-based pricing may frustrate budget-constrained organizations seeking to understand the total cost of ownership before engaging in sales conversations. The comment about costs increasing as usage grows suggests associations should carefully model future growth when evaluating long-term affordability.
Community Engagement Innovation: Glue Up's features like Speed Networking, digital business card exchange, and year-round community engagement showcase their insight that associations are meant to foster professional connections, beyond just handling administrative tasks. These social and networking tools surpass what most AMS vendors provide and are well-suited to the post-pandemic demand for hybrid engagement models.
Review Sentiment Analysis: The consistently high ratings from over 250 verified users, ranging between 4.4 and 4.6 out of 5 on various peer review platforms, instill confidence in the product's ability to fulfill its promises. The product receives particular praise for its ease of use, responsive customer support, and the integration of multiple tools, which affirms the vendor's core value proposition. Critical feedback mainly addresses edge cases or the depth of specific features, rather than any fundamental product flaws.
Potential Concerns: The mixed feedback regarding customization flexibility and the occasional report of slow customer support response times suggest that associations with highly specialized needs or those requiring extensive hand-holding may need to carefully evaluate whether Glue Up's out-of-the-box approach aligns with their requirements. The platform appears optimized for organizations willing to adapt some processes to match software capabilities rather than those requiring extensive system tailoring.
Leadership and Product Direction: With stable leadership (CEO Eric Schmidt has led the company since its EventBank days) and the strategic rebrand to Glue Up reflecting market positioning around community "gluing," the vendor demonstrates thoughtful long-term planning. The ASAE Alliance Partner status and NVIDIA technology partnership indicate a commitment to the association sector and continued product innovation.
Ideal vs. Problematic Fit: Glue Up proves ideal for growing associations seeking to consolidate disparate systems, chambers of commerce managing multiple chapters, and organizations prioritizing member engagement over highly specialized functional depth. The platform may prove less suitable for associations requiring extensive financial accounting capabilities, highly complex certification/learning management needs, or organizations unable to adapt existing processes to align with software workflows.
Competitive Sustainability: As the AMS market continues to consolidate and larger vendors acquire smaller players, Glue Up's focus on a specific market segment with differentiated capabilities (chapter management, dual mobile apps, AI integration) positions the company for sustainable competition. The global presence across 70+ countries provides revenue diversification that enhances long-term vendor stability—a critical consideration when selecting systems intended for 5-10+ year deployments.
Ready to Explore Your AMS Options?
Selecting association management software requires careful evaluation of your organization's unique needs, budget, and growth trajectory. As an independent analyst with over 20 years of experience helping associations navigate technology decisions, I provide objective guidance without vendor bias.
If you are a confirmed Association Executive (not presently collaborating with a consultant) looking to assess if Glue Up—or any other AMS solution—fits your organization's requirements, I encourage you to arrange a free 30-minute evaluation call.
During this conversation, we'll discuss:
Your organization's current challenges and future goals
Whether Glue Up's Tier II/III positioning matches your requirements
How Glue Up compares to alternative solutions in your specific context
Estimated total cost of ownership based on your organizational profile
Critical questions to ask during vendor demonstrations
For associations seeking more comprehensive guidance, I offer a detailed Smart Report analyzing multiple AMS options tailored to your specific requirements, budget, and organizational complexity. This in-depth analysis extends beyond publicly available information to provide strategic recommendations based on hundreds of software selection projects.
Contact SmartThoughts LLC to schedule your free evaluation call and receive objective, expert guidance on your association management software decision.
Sources Cited
[1] Glue Up Official Website. (2025). All-in-one Association Management Software. Retrieved from https://www.glueup.com/
[2] Glue Up Reviews. (2025). Capterra, G2, GetApp, and Software Advice verified user reviews. Retrieved from https://www.capterra.com/p/134209/Glue-Up/reviews/, https://www.g2.com/products/glue-up/reviews, https://www.getapp.com/customer-management-software/a/glue-up/
[3] SmartThoughts LLC. (n.d.). Membership Software Tiers: Where Do You Fit? Retrieved from https://www.smartthoughts.net/post/membership-software-tiers-where-do-you-fit
[4] Glue Up Pricing Information. (2025). Retrieved from https://www.glueup.com/pricing
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