How to Build a Parent Communication System That Actually Works

The Real Problem With Mailchimp for Sports & Leisure

Mailchimp is often one of the first tools organizations think about when they need to send emails. And honestly, that makes sense. Newsletters, campaigns, email marketing… that’s exactly what Mailchimp is known for. But for sports & leisure organizations, the reality looks very different. You’re not just sending marketing emails. You’re managing registrations, reminders, cancellations, waitlists, parent communication, recurring programs, memberships, and day-to-day operational updates tied directly to your activities. And that’s where the disconnect starts. In this episode, Olivier and Will break down why Mailchimp often becomes limiting for sports and leisure organizations, and why tools designed for traditional marketing teams don’t always fit the operational reality of clubs, camps, swim schools, dance studios, gymnastics centers, and other class-based businesses. — * ✍️Want to share your story or questions? Write to us: olivier@activitymessenger.com * 📍Follow Olivier on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivier-rousseau-30509627/] * 🌐Discover Activity Messenger [https://activitymessenger.com/], the all-in-one platform for managing sports and leisure activities — ABOUT OLIVIER ROUSSEAU For over 10 years, Olivier has been growing a Sportball franchise with locations in Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa. Facing the daily challenges of registrations and operations, he co-founded Activity Messenger to help other business owners better manage and grow their sports activities

Why Google Forms Doesn’t Work for Sports Registrations

When you start a sports or recreation program, using Google Forms for registrations feels like the easiest option. It’s simple, free, and quick to set up. But as your organization grows, things become more complex. Managing registrations, payments, attendance, communication, and staff can quickly turn into a lot of manual work. In this episode, we explain why Google Forms can become limiting for sports and recreation registrations, and how to know when it’s time to upgrade your system. The goal is not to say Google Forms is bad at the beginning, but to help you understand when it stops being enough. — * ✍️Want to share your story or questions? Write to us: olivier@activitymessenger.com * 📍Follow Olivier on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivier-rousseau-30509627/] * 🌐Discover Activity Messenger [https://activitymessenger.com/], the all-in-one platform for managing sports and leisure activities — ABOUT OLIVIER ROUSSEAU For over 10 years, Olivier has been growing a Sportball franchise with locations in Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa. Facing the daily challenges of registrations and operations, he co-founded Activity Messenger to help other business owners better manage and grow their sports activities

Level Up Your Registration System with These 5 Advanced Features (part.3)

Choosing the right registration software is crucial for any sports & leisure organization. In this Part 3, Olivier and Will present 5 essential advanced features that every registration platform should have to work flawlessly and make daily operations easier. From seamless waivers and integrated ticketing to on-site POS, gift certificates, and automated space rentals, discover the tools that save time, reduce hassle, and help your programs run efficiently. — * ✍️Want to share your story or questions? Write to us: olivier@activitymessenger.com * 📍Follow Olivier on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivier-rousseau-30509627/] * 🌐Discover Activity Messenger [https://activitymessenger.com/], the all-in-one platform for managing sports and leisure activities — ABOUT OLIVIER ROUSSEAU For over 10 years, Olivier has been growing a Sportball franchise with locations in Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa. Facing the daily challenges of registrations and operations, he co-founded Activity Messenger to help other business owners better manage and grow their sports activities

5 More Must-Have Features Your Registration Software Should Have (part.2)

Choosing the right registration software is critical for any sports organization. In this Part 2, Olivier and Will dive deeper into the must-have features every registration platform should include, whether you’re switching to a new system or choosing your first registration software. From automated waitlists and staff management to makeup classes, surveys, and skill tracking, discover the practical tools that save time, protect revenue, and keep your programs running smoothly. — * ✍️Want to share your story or questions? Write to us: olivier@activitymessenger.com * 📍Follow Olivier on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivier-rousseau-30509627/] * 🌐Discover Activity Messenger [https://activitymessenger.com/], the all-in-one platform for managing sports and leisure activities — ABOUT OLIVIER ROUSSEAU For over 10 years, Olivier has been growing a Sportball franchise with locations in Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa. Facing the daily challenges of registrations and operations, he co-founded Activity Messenger to help other business owners better manage and grow their sports activities

Best Class Management Software? 6 Must-Have Features Before You Buy

Choosing the right registration software is one of the most important decisions for any sport & leisure organization. Pick the wrong one, and you’ll waste time, frustrate parents, and lose revenue. Pick the right one, and operations run smoothly, staff stay happy, and your programs grow. In this episode, Olivier shares the 6 must-have features every registration platform should include, plus practical tips to test software, avoid costly mistakes, and choose a solution that really works for you. — * ✍️Want to share your story or questions? Write to us: olivier@activitymessenger.com * 📍Follow Olivier on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/olivier-rousseau-30509627/] * 🌐Discover Activity Messenger [https://activitymessenger.com/], the all-in-one platform for managing sports and leisure activities — ABOUT OLIVIER ROUSSEAU For over 10 years, Olivier has been growing a Sportball franchise with locations in Montreal, Quebec City, and Ottawa. Facing the daily challenges of registrations and operations, he co-founded Activity Messenger to help other business owners better manage and grow their sports activities