At Novi Summit 2024, members voted for a data request tool as their top feature request. After nearly 1,000 planning, development, and testing hours, we’re excited to introduce Novi Census—a new way for associations to collect, confirm, and clean up member data with minimal admin effort.

Whether you’re tracking membership data, updating staff rosters, confirming custom fields for dues calculations, or requesting speaker bios, Novi Census brings data collection directly to your members—eliminating manual follow-ups and outdated spreadsheets.

This roundtable demo covered how Census works, key settings, real-world use cases, and insights from beta testers.

What is Novi Census?

Novi Census is a structured data request tool that helps associations prompt members to review and update their information in a simple, intuitive way.

How It Works

Admins create a Census project – Choose what type of Census to create and decide what data to collect.
Members receive a prompt via email and Member Compass – A direct link takes them to the Census, making it easy to update data without necessarily logging in.
Responses are automatically tracked – Admins can see real-time responses and review any changes that require approval.
Census projects close on a set due date – Keeping data collection focused and timely.

Key Features

Multiple Census Types – Request updates from individuals, companies, or company staff lists.
Customizable Fields & Approval Settings – Choose what’s required and which changes need admin review.
Automated Email & Member Compass Prompts – Ensuring higher response rates.
Smart Group Targeting – Send to committees, member types, or custom groups.
Reminder Emails – Schedule a follow-up reminder for those who haven’t responded.

What We Learned from Beta Testers

Several customers beta tested Novi Census and shared how they’re already using Novi Census and their biggest takeaways.

Disaster Relief & Housing Assistance

The Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles used Novi Census to quickly gather housing availability from their members to assist wildfire victims. By automating data collection, they were able to compile and publish a relief resource faster than ever before.

"Overall, very effective, very easy to use. We didn’t have to worry about approving submissions because we set up a section of custom fields that went directly to our site. The information flowed very quickly.”

- Matt, AAGLA

Simplifying Dues Calculations

Associations that calculate dues based on student enrollment, operating budgets, number of staff, unit count, or premium volume are using Novi Census to automate data collection, reducing back-and-forth emails and manual updates.

"Most importantly for MISBO, our membership dues are based on student count. Every spring when we’re getting ready to run renewals, we need to do a lot of very manual analysis. Now, we’ll send a Census on that custom field to the primary contacts, and all those updates will be taken care of.”

- Michelle, MISBO

Keeping Speaker & Sponsor Information Updated

Instead of chasing speakers for updated headshots, bios, and dietary restrictions, IAIABC is planning on using Novi Census to send structured requests and automate the process before events.

"We keep record of our speakers and sponsors for each event throughout the year. Wow, how great is it going to be to push out a Census to get updated headshots, updated bios... No more last-minute reprints or begging the chef for a few extra vegan dishes.”

- Brianna, IAIABC

Tracking Volunteer & Member Engagement

The Southern Association of Independent Schools is using Novi Census to regularly update members’ volunteer preferences, making it easier to match them with relevant opportunities.

"We have thousands of members who have indicated they would be willing to be a volunteer in a certain kind of capacity. But their potential as a volunteer is based on their job title, their job function, their experiences and expertise—all data that’s in Novi. So we’re super excited to be able to send out a Census to make sure we’re getting that updated on a regular basis.”

- Clay, SAIS

Q&A Highlights

What happens if a member doesn’t complete the Census?

Members will continue to see the Census notification in their Member Compass until it’s completed or the Census closes. You can also schedule automated reminders to be sent at a later date.

What if a member’s email address changes before they respond?

If a member logs into the website, their Member Compass will display the Census request, even if their original email has changed.

Can members forward the Census email to someone else to complete?

If login isn’t required (this is the default setting), the Census link can be forwarded to someone else at the company to complete.

What’s Next?

General Release – Novi Census will be available to all customers by mid-February 2025.

Want Early Access? – Join the beta program by writing into Intercom with the word “Census”.

Live Workshop at Novi Summit – If you’re attending Summit 2025, don’t miss the hands-on Novi Census workshop, where the team will help you set up and launch your first Census project in real time.

Final Thoughts

From dues calculations to staff rosters, event prep, and volunteer tracking, Novi Census is making it easier than ever to keep member data accurate and up to date.

If you’re ready to start using Census, join the beta today—or look out for its full release in February 2025!