TechSmart NFP 2025: where AI meets membership reality

TechSmart returned this year for the first time since Covid, and it was clear how much the sector values coming together. Hart Square created a space where membership professionals, suppliers and partners could share not just ideas but practical solutions.

On stage with Tim Flagg

I was pleased to join Tim Flagg, CEO of UKAI, the UK’s only trade body dedicated to AI. Tim brought the perspective of both a membership leader and an AI industry voice. Together we explored the reality of AI adoption in the UK, why success rates are often low, and what practical steps organisations can take.

My role was to show how ReadyIntelligence, alongside ReadyMembership, is built specifically for membership organisations. Unlike generalist tools, RI works with your own data and permissions to deliver insight and support where members and staff need it. We are not chasing scale for its own sake but designing technology that serves this community.

Keynotes and conversations

The plenary speakers set a high bar. Mike Potter reminded us that meaningful change can be achieved without huge budgets. Carolyn Brown shared how the BMA is introducing AI with trust and strategy at the centre. And Ha Cole from Microsoft spoke about “intelligence on tap”, which struck a chord with many of us.

It was also a reminder of the contrast in approaches. Tools like Microsoft Copilot show the scale and speed global technology firms can deliver. ReadyIntelligence is different. It is purpose-built for membership organisations, working with your data, your permissions and your members. The two are not in competition so much as serving different needs. What matters most is making sure AI delivers real value to people, whether that is through broad productivity tools or sector-specific platforms like RI.

My reflections

A few things struck me across the day:

• Membership organisations want clarity, not hype. The appetite for AI is real, but leaders are asking what problem it solves tomorrow, not in five years.
• Value remains the anchor. Whether it is personalisation, predictive analytics or efficiency, the question is always how it translates into better member experience and stronger organisations.
• Builders and doers need to be in the same room. As someone who builds technology, I found it invaluable to sit alongside membership leaders delivering services daily. It keeps us focused on real-world outcomes, not abstract features.
• Thirty minutes goes very fast. Tim and I had a lot to cover and even with some very speedy talking on my part, we ran out of time. The Hart Square team were quite right to keep us to schedule, but the only shame was how many good questions we couldn’t answer. We could easily have carried on until the end of the day. However, we’ve collected those questions and will be recording a follow-up session to answer them all.

Outside the sessions, some of the most valuable conversations happened at our stand and over coffee. It was good to reconnect with long-standing clients, meet new organisations, and hear where the pressure points are.

In the pink

The day finished with the drinks reception, sponsored by ReadyIntelligence. True to ourbrand colour, everything was pink. From the fizz to the games to the prizes, our marketing team went all in. I went along with it. It may not have been my idea of winding down but it gave people a chance to relax, share a laugh, and head home with a few prizes and some ReadyIntelligence socks (pink of course).

Looking forward

For me, TechSmart reinforced the value of being part of the sector conversation, not just as a technology builder but as a partner learning from those delivering services every day. It reminded me that innovation matters most when it makes a difference to members.

If we did not get to speak to you at TechSmart, I would welcome the chance to continue the discussion.

Alex Skinner, CEO, Pixl8 Group