Associations Forum National Conference


30 April - 1 May 2024, National Convention Centre Canberra

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Learning Labs/Conversation Corner

 

Click here for Conversation Corner. Learn about this new initiative and the program.

Join our Learning Labs to make the most of industry experience and get your questions answered. Each session will run for 30 minutes concurrently to the main conference sessions. Sessions will be run by:


Thursday, 27 April 2023

11:15am - 11:45am | MemberBoat

Designing Member-Centric Experiences
Is your association member-centric? Perhaps you're immediately thinking, "Certainly!", but is member-centricity really as simple as it sounds? During this workshop, you will learn about:
• What is member-centricity?
• Member journey mapping
• Service touchpoints
• Personalised services and communication
• The role of technology, data and analytics in optimising member experiences.

Olena Lima, Founder and Principal Consultant, MemberBoat
MemberBoat is a digital marketing agency dedicated to helping professional associations, industry bodies and other membership organisations embrace emerging digital marketing tools, create a more commercial mindset and simplify their journey to digital transformation. With an extensive background in services marketing, over the past decade, Olena has worked with a number of professional associations, corporate and industry bodies, government-supported social and health sector associations, and self-supported associations for business. The focus of her work has been on member engagement, marketing and communications, digital strategies, technology implementation and young members.

12:00pm - 12:30pm | Good Talent Media

Countering the Narrative
Despite the measures in place for balanced reporting, it can feel that some issues are only being reported from one point of view as experts sit on the sideline wishing they could have their say, to step in and counter what is being reported. This session, facilitated by an expert with experience on both sides of the mic, will teach organisations how to intercept a narrative and offer the other side of the story to stem the tide of one-sided analysis before it becomes the only line of reporting.

Tony Nicholls, Founder and CEO, Good Talent Media
Founder and Principal Consultant of Good Talent Media, Tony Nicholls is an accomplished journalist who has held roles for more than ten years with the ABC, SBS and Network Ten, covering thousands of news stories across Victoria, Australia and in the international media. Tony has seen first-hand how the media landscape has evolved, changing the roles of journalists, politicians and media spokespeople. His deep experience of the media age places him ideally to deliver the immediate media advice to achieve presence and results.


12:45pm - 1:45pm | LUNCH

2:00pm - 2:30pm | Good Talent Media

The critical word is ‘media’
Whether it’s traditional media, multi-media or social media, you need to ‘sync and link’ them all to represent your organisation. The media is on the hunt for good talent and strong industry leaders to speak to. Learn how to leverage your social channels with PR. You can put yourself in the frame by leveraging the platforms within your control to promote yourself as a strong advocate and commentator. By the end of this session, you will utilise your social media, podcasts and digital touchpoints to maximise your visibility to the media.

Tony Nicholls, Founder and CEO, Good Talent Media
Founder and Principal Consultant of Good Talent Media, Tony Nicholls is an accomplished journalist who has held roles for more than ten years with the ABC, SBS and Network Ten, covering thousands of news stories across Victoria, Australia and in the international media. Tony has seen first-hand how the media landscape has evolved, changing the roles of journalists, politicians and media spokespeople. His deep experience of the media age places him ideally to deliver the immediate media advice to achieve presence and results.


2:45pm - 3:15pm | Beaumont People

Why your EVP might be more vital than your MVP to your association
In this dynamic, lightening session discover why your EVP needs elevating to increase, attract and retain your members. You will learn:
1. Why a human centric Employee Value Proposition is crucial for associations 
2. Why your EVP might be more important than your MVP in 2023
3. What organisations predicting high growth all have in common
4. Inspiring & refreshing ideas to boost your culture and create meaningful brand ambassadors for members

Jo Brown, Recruitment Manager, Beaumont People
Jo joined Beaumont People in January 2012, and now has over 15 years' experience in Human Resources and Recruitment having worked with large corporates in both the UK and Australia.Having developed the Associations & Membership team at Beaumont People over 8 years ago, Jo is a specialist in temporary staffing and is passionate about the benefits associations can reap from the utilisation of temporary workers. Jo is a natural communicator, strategic thinker, and enjoys helping her clients solve their staffing challenges through strong relationships, innovative solutions, and thoughtful candidate care.

3:15pm - 4:00pm | AFTERNOON TEA

4:15pm - 4:45pm | Pink Cow Social

Using social media to build loyal and engaged members who are advocates for your business
• How to create consistent, value driven, engaging content
• Using stories to connect and build rapport
• Understanding the importance of Direct Messages and its effectiveness
• Learning how to personalise the organisation
• Use social media to drive membership engagement and increase renewals

Briana Graydon, Founder, Pink Cow Social
Briana is a skilled and committed social media expert who understands the importance of associations and their communication with members. As the previous Social Media & Student Engagement Executive for ADANSW and having worked with multiple associations, Briana has developed a deep understanding of how to leverage social media to build and strengthen relationships with members. 

Briana knows that effective communication is key to keeping members engaged and connected. She is a master at creating engaging content that resonates with audiences, and she knows how to use social media to communicate that content in a way that captures the attention of association members.


Friday, 28 April 2023

9:00am - 9:30am | Intuto

Get more value from your existing webinars
Drive member engagement and revenue opportunities through converting webinars to interactive online courses. In this learning lab we will:
• Explore the advantages and disadvantages of webinars
• Look at ways to extract more value from webinars through alternative delivery mediums
• Complete a hands-on activity that will help you understand how to convert webinars into online courses for increased revenue and engagement opportunities.

Caitlin Tennant, Head of Customer Success, Intuto
Caitlin works closely with associations across Australia and New Zealand to digitise their member education and CPD. Recognising that successful programmes require buy-in from members, association executives and subject matter experts, Caitlin is well placed to share best practice and a fresh perspective from across Intuto’s customer base. With a career spanning healthcare, hospitality and IT, Caitlin has been Head of Customer Success at Intuto for the last 3 years. In that time Intuto’s customer support has won numerous accolades including “Best Customer Support 2022'' from Software Advice and “Top 5 B2B Customer Service 2021” from Help Scout. Caitlin keeps Intuto HQ looking green with her passion for all things plant related.

9:45am - 10:15am | Good Talent Media

The critical word is ‘media’
Whether it’s traditional media, multi-media or social media, you need to ‘sync and link’ them all to represent your organisation. The media is on the hunt for good talent and strong industry leaders to speak to. Learn how to leverage your social channels with PR. You can put yourself in the frame by leveraging the platforms within your control to promote yourself as a strong advocate and commentator. By the end of this session, you will utilise your social media, podcasts and digital touchpoints to maximise your visibility to the media.

Tony Nicholls, Founder and CEO, Good Talent Media
Founder and Principal Consultant of Good Talent Media, Tony Nicholls is an accomplished journalist who has held roles for more than ten years with the ABC, SBS and Network Ten, covering thousands of news stories across Victoria, Australia and in the international media. Tony has seen first-hand how the media landscape has evolved, changing the roles of journalists, politicians and media spokespeople. His deep experience of the media age places him ideally to deliver the immediate media advice to achieve presence and results.


10:30am - 11:15am | MORNING TEA

11:30am - 12:00pm | Roundbox Consulting

5 things you should consider before buying a new CRM
Associations increasingly rely on their digital channels and technology to deliver their services and engage with their stakeholders. The primary system used to do this is a Customer Relationship Management system (CRM) which is usually their most expensive investment. However, does your organisation have enough knowledge to make this important decision? This Learning Lab will cover 5 things you should consider before buying a new CRM including: Functional considerations, Vendor considerations, Implementation considerations, Price considerations, and Cybersecurity considerations.

If time allows, this will also be a great time to get your CRM questions answered.

Tammy Ven Dange, Founder and CEO, Roundbox Consulting
Twenty-five years ago, Tammy Ven Dange helped a client set up a new charity to support military veteran organisations. Since then, she’s remained heavily involved in the Not for Profit (NFP) sector while concurrently working in the IT industry for much of her career. Today, Tammy helps Not for Profits make strategic IT decisions, especially around IT investments with her business, Roundbox Consulting. It may be for the selection of an individual solution or a full transformation roadmap that includes a review of their entire enterprise architecture.

12:15pm - 12:45pm | Governology

Trending legal issues for associations
Join this learning lab to hear about recent law cases and what the court rulings mean for your association.


Kathy Nguyen, Senior Lawyer, Governology
Kathy has extensive experience working with associations both nationally and in the Asia-Pacific, on association structure, operations and governance. She has reviewed hundreds of constitutions, and regularly presents to organisations on membership, governance and events. Kathy has worked for Associations Forum, the Governance Institute of Australia, Ernst & Young, the Trade Association Forum in London and for the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. Kathy holds Bachelors of Laws & Business.

Kate Yan, Lawyer, Governology
Kate Yan holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Sydney. Following her graduation, she was admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales. Prior to joining Governology, Kate worked as an in-house lawyer and compliance officer for New Hope Group and KONE. Kate is experienced in providing legal advice in relation to corporate governance, compliance and due diligence for merger and acquisitions.


12:45pm - 1:45pm | LUNCH

2:00pm - 2:30pm | Good Talent Media

Countering the Narrative
Despite the measures in place for balanced reporting, it can feel that some issues are only being reported from one point of view as experts sit on the sideline wishing they could have their say, to step in and counter what is being reported. This session, facilitated by an expert with experience on both sides of the mic, will teach organisations how to intercept a narrative and offer the other side of the story to stem the tide of one-sided analysis before it becomes the only line of reporting.

Tony Nicholls, Founder and CEO, Good Talent Media
Founder and Principal Consultant of Good Talent Media, Tony Nicholls is an accomplished journalist who has held roles for more than ten years with the ABC, SBS and Network Ten, covering thousands of news stories across Victoria, Australia and in the international media. Tony has seen first-hand how the media landscape has evolved, changing the roles of journalists, politicians and media spokespeople. His deep experience of the media age places him ideally to deliver the immediate media advice to achieve presence and results.


2:45pm - 3:15pm | Governology

Crazy Constitutions and Ridiculous Rules
Constitutions are the key governance document for all not-for-profit organisations. They can be somewhat dry documents and fail to capture the interest of your board regarding their importance.Governology has developed an exercise that highlights the perils of a bad constitution. This session will show you what NOT to do when drafting or updating your constitution. Vagueness in membership criteria, misunderstanding the role of Directors, chaos in agendas for AGMs and filling constitutions with unnecessary matters all negatively impact your not-for-profit organisation.

Kathy Nguyen, Senior Lawyer, Governology
Kathy has extensive experience working with associations both nationally and in the Asia-Pacific, on association structure, operations and governance. She has reviewed hundreds of constitutions, and regularly presents to organisations on membership, governance and events. Kathy has worked for Associations Forum, the Governance Institute of Australia, Ernst & Young, the Trade Association Forum in London and for the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. Kathy holds Bachelors of Laws & Business.

Kate Yan, Lawyer, Governology
Kate Yan holds a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Sydney. Following her graduation, she was admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales. Prior to joining Governology, Kate worked as an in-house lawyer and compliance officer for New Hope Group and KONE. Kate is experienced in providing legal advice in relation to corporate governance, compliance and due diligence for merger and acquisitions.