Disclosed are systems and methods for conditioning air using a liquid-to-air membrane energy exchanger (LAMEE) as a pre-dryer, in combination with a direct evaporative cooler (DEC). The LAMEE and DEC can be arranged inside a process plenum configured to receive and condition air for delivery to an enclosed space. The LAMEE can circulate a liquid desiccant to remove moisture from the air, before passing the air through the DEC. As a result, the DEC can cool the air to lower temperatures and improve overall efficiency. In an example, a regeneration system can regenerate at least some of the liquid desiccant prior to recirculation through the LAMEE. In an example, the DEC can use removed water recovered in regeneration as make up water for the DEC. In an example, a liquid to air or liquid to liquid heat exchanger can cool the liquid desiccant, prior to recirculation through the LAMEE.