Josh, SMS can be a very effective tool for exactly this type of communication, especially when the request is time-sensitive and email is getting missed.
I would think of SMS less as a replacement for email and more as a strategic reinforcement channel. Email can still carry the details, links, and documentation, while SMS can drive attention to the action needed.
For abstract presenters, that could include:
"Your abstract has been accepted. Please check your email for next steps."
"Reminder: your presenter confirmation is due tomorrow."
"We still need your scheduling preference. Please respond by 5 PM today."
The key is to keep SMS short, permission-based, and action-oriented. It works best when it is tied to a specific workflow, not used as another general broadcast channel. Nobody needs one more firehose, even if it fits in their pocket.
I recently wrote an article on SMS as part of a broader mobile engagement strategy for associations and nonprofits. You can see it here:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/sms-mobile-engagement-strategy-associations-nonprofits-hgdee?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&utm_campaign=share_via
Happy to discuss if you'd like more information. Also, if you're going to MMC & Tech, feel free to stop by and visit us at booth 403.
Cheers,
Mark
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Mark Wallach, MBA
CEO Emeritus
561-385-2323
mark@engagementmobile.com------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: May 06, 2026 04:16 PM
From: Joshua Blair
Subject: Experience with SMS/Text notices to authors?
Does anyone have experience with SMS/Text for communicating acceptance and scheduling to abstract presenters, whether integrated directly with the abstract platform or not? We send information to authors and other meeting participants exclusively by email and it seems like people are less and less likely to check email regularly for quick turnaround requests.
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Josh Blair
American Chemical Society
Washington, DC
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