YMCA 360 — an on-demand video platform with thousands of pieces of content and an operations tool for YMCA professionals — was created with serving YMCAs across the country in mind. Ronn McMahon, the CEO and president of the Greater Wichita YMCA, founded the platform with Dan Dieffenbach, the executive producer of YMCA 360 Studios. From the beginning, its purpose was to improve member and staff experience.
“We recognized member experience starts at home,” explained McMahon. “We started thinking about a mobile app and virtual digital experiences and wanted a platform where members can sign up for classes, check into the Y and be recommended healthy foods to eat at home. All these pieces became a part of YMCA 360. We’re using it to enhance membership and create loyalty through programs, challenges and rewards through the app.”
The comprehensive database of content ranges from exercises that can be done at home to cooking and youth sports. In fact, McMahon noted one example of how the youth sports experience has improved. After meetings, coaches can assign members to watch videos on YMCA 360 to help athletes build their skills.
For YMCA leaders, McMahon emphasized how this platform can serve as a one-stop-shop for programming, operations and more. It’s meant to help YMCAs in multiple facets and can cut down the costs when integrating multiple technologies. As such, more resources and energy can be poured into staff and connecting with members.
Modern Technology in a Modern Era
However, these capabilities were not possible before recent advancements in technology. As such, using YMCA 360 helps usher a Y into the modern era. The platform is especially valuable for modern members who have heightened expectations.
“Ten years ago, this wouldn’t have been possible,” said McMahon. “For us to be able to pull it off is exciting for me as an operator. These days, people interact with any organization or brand through technology. We’re working hard to make sure the Y is meeting those expectations of members.”
In fact, McMahon stated 90% of Greater Wichita YMCA members found value in using YMCA 360, many taking advantage of it two to three times a week, some even daily. He explained how operators’ goals have shifted from getting people to visit the facility four times a week to having people digitally interact with the YMCA every day.
Personalizing Experiences Through YMCA 360
Through YMCA 360’s vast media library, members have the agency to dictate their own experiences and engage with content they’re interested in. It also helps members create connections with each other which is the most important goal for McMahon and many other YMCA leaders.
“Members can choose their own individual experiences, but we’re also connecting everyone,” said McMahon. “It doesn’t matter how good our programs are until they’ve made connections with each other. The technology is helping us achieve this goal and people to understand the value in what we’re doing.”
Similarly, McMahon hopes using YMCA 360 can connect YMCA professionals. The platform evolves based on operators’ feedback and is a product of the investment from Ys across the country. Different organizations’ involvement keeps YMCA 360 running and helps unite organizations from across the country.
“I think what we’re trying to say is let’s act as one organization,” said McMahon. “We’ve all chipped in together to create the best technology and same top-quality experiences for members. Everyone who takes advantage of that can save significant money and provide a service to members like no other.”
Want more resources like this sent straight to your inbox each week? Sign up for a digital subscription here.
