In this episode of The Association Insights Podcast, we wrap up our August series on artificial intelligence with a standout example of AI in action. Host Colleen Gallagher sits down with Dave Dellin, Chief Executive Officer of the American Paint Horse Association (APHA), to explore how a tech-forward mindset is transforming a legacy association.
From reducing call volume to enhancing 24/7 member support, Dave shares how APHA’s AI-powered chatbot, BeccaBot, is making life easier for both members and staff—and what’s next as they plan to use AI across their digital ecosystem.
🎧 Whether you're leading a small staff or managing a large membership base, this episode offers smart, grounded insights into how associations can implement AI with intentionality, purpose, and clear member value.
Key Highlights:
Why AI, Why Now?: Dave shares what drove his team to explore AI in the first place—and how curiosity, peer learning, and strategic pain points led to a practical use case that delivered results.
Meet BeccaBot: Named in honor of APHA’s founder, BeccaBot is an AI-powered chatbot trained on 400+ pages of complex rulebooks and website content—offering clear, accurate answers to more than 1,000 member questions each month.
Staff Impact: 36% Fewer Calls: With over 4,000–6,000 member calls per month, BeccaBot has helped reduce call volume by more than a third—giving staff more time to focus on meaningful member support.
Better Insights, Better Service: From flagging confusing processes to identifying member pain points in real time, Dave explains how BeccaBot is also helping APHA streamline operations and improve service design.
What Makes a Good Chatbot?: Dave breaks down the key lessons from months of training, testing, and refining BeccaBot—and why not all chatbots are created equal.
Beyond the Bot: What’s Next for AI at APHA: From personalized content to smarter classifieds, Dave offers a peek into how APHA is exploring AI to strengthen member engagement and create new digital experiences.
Advice for Association Leaders: If you're still on the fence about AI, Dave shares candid, practical advice for getting started—including how to identify use cases, vet vendors, and build internal buy-in.
🎧 Tune in for a real-world look at how one association is embracing AI with clear goals, thoughtful implementation, and a deep commitment to its members.
Stay Connected:
Subscribe to The Association Insights podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube Podcasts to ensure you never miss an episode.
Follow us on LinkedIn at OnWrd & UpWrd for the latest in association trends and strategies.
Coming Soon: We’re continuing to sit down with top association leaders for real-world insights on what’s working, what’s changing, and how they’re navigating the challenges—and opportunities—ahead. Stay tuned!
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.