Program

Association Governance Masterclass aT MELBOURNE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE (MCEC)

Click here to view the program & register.

John Peacock AM, Chief Executive Officer, Associations Forum

Future Directions for Association Events

Location: Grand Hall 3
Association meeting practitioners share their experiences on how to make your events grow in size and profit. They will explore areas such as: 

• Developing a profit-driven event strategy 
• Maximising sponsorship opportunities and value
• Trends in exhibitions, conferences and summits      
• The future of hybrid, virtual, and in-person events
• The impact of increasing event costs 
• Balancing merit with diversity of speakers   
• Building engaging programs
• Technology trends in events
• Should and could an association run a World Congress? 

Sponsored by:
Francis Child, Executive Chair, The Association Specialists

Chair:
Tony Gleeson, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Speakers:

Catherine Sayer, Chief Executive Officer, Family Business Association

Bill Wallace, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Evaluation Society

Gretchen Irvine, National Partnerships and Events Manager, Palliative Care Australia

Association Member Engagement and Retention

Location: Auditorium
Members are the lifeblood of associations. This session will delve into strategies that association leaders have implemented to grow membership, offering practical tips and best practices to drive success.

Sponsored by:
Jordan Baker, Account Executive, Higher Logic

Chair:
Lewis Kaplan, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Speakers:

Mick Crouch, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Meat Industry Training & Advisory Council

Alexis Apostolellis, Chief Executive Officer, ASHM Health

Helen White, Chief Executive Officer, Australian College of Midwives

Directions for the Australian Economy

Chair:
John Peacock AM, Chief Executive Officer, Associations Forum

Speakers:

Luke Achterstraat, Chief Executive Officer, Council of Small Business Organisations Australia

Paul Bloxham, Chief Economist - Australia, New Zealand and Global Commodities, HSBC

Vanessa Beggs, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Australian Banking Association

Intuto: Transform Your Education Program

Location: Foyer Outside Grand Hall

  Session is run concurrently to the conference program.

Beaumont People: World of Work Insights

Location: Foyer Outside Grand Hall

  Session is run concurrently to the conference program.

Utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Associations

Location: Grand Hall 3
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping how associations operate. AI offers exciting opportunities to enhance member engagement, streamline operations, and drive decision-making. However, integrating AI comes with its challenges. In this session, panellists will explore: 

• The transformative potential of AI in associations from improving member services to operational efficiency 
• Innovative AI applications that support strategic decision-making 
• The significant cost implications, with real-world examples 
• Strategies for balancing AI investments with cybersecurity needs 

Sponsored by:
Alex Skinner, CEO, ReadyMembership

Chair:
Tony Gleeson, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Speakers:

Tim McKibbin, Chief Executive Officer, Real Estate Institute of NSW

Greg Sawyer, Chief Executive Officer, Council of Australasian University Directors of Information Technology

Matt Hall, Chief Executive Officer, Healthcare Financial Management Association

Making Advocacy a Vital Member Service

Location: Auditorium
Advocacy can build support, galvanize and influence change in an association’s sphere of influence. The advocacy-experienced panellists will share insights drawing from real-life experiences and examples. This session will explore:   

• Successful strategies and approaches to ensure a strong voice   
• The importance of understanding government language 
• What catches the eye of the politician and government authorities
• Joint advocacy campaigns that worked or failed 
• Predictable opportunities that exist in political cycles
• How members can help with advocacy campaigns – multi-channels used for advocacy campaigns

Sponsored by:
Phoebe Netto, Managing Director, Pure Public Relations

Chair:
Claire Hewat, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Speakers:

Greg Harford, Chief Executive, Canberra Business Chamber

David Inall, Chief Executive Officer, Master Grocers Australia

Toli Papadopoulos, Senior Public Affairs Advisor, Victorian Healthcare Association

Legal and Governance Issues for Associations

Location: Tennis HQ 3&4
Join this session for an overview of perennial governance issues plus a summary of recent cases involving associations. Attendees will learn strategies to assist in safeguarding their association. 

Sponsored by:

Speakers:

Kathy Nguyen, Senior Lawyer, Governology

Andrew Gosbell, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Wisenet: Why associations need a student management system?

Location: Foyer Outside Grand Hall

  Session is run concurrently to the conference program.

Australian Visa and Immigration Experts: Understanding Australian Visas and Work Rights

Location: Foyer Outside Grand Hall

  Session is run concurrently to the conference program.

Income Generation through Commercialisation Strategies

Location: Grand Hall 3
Associations may have significant commercial opportunities on which they do not capitalise. The panellists will explore diversifying income streams and give actionable insights to help maximise financial sustainability. Key points include: 

• Learn innovative strategies to boost profitability within your association.  
• Identifying whether your association has significant commercial opportunities
• Where associations have brought in potentially large income streams over the years 
• Examples of commercialisation success by membership organisations

Sponsored by:
Sendur Kathir, Managing Director, CPD Valet

Chair:
Michael Bell, Senior Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Speakers:
Melissa Holdsworth, Chief Operating Officer, Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy

Lindsay McGrath, Chief Executive Officer, Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Australia

Tony Morganti, Chief Financial & Compliance Officer, GS1 Australia Limited

Merging, Amalgamating or Restructuring Your NFP

Location: Auditorium
Associations may merge for improved advocacy and greater efficiencies in delivering on their mission. This session will provide insights into reasons, challenges and key takeaways including: 

• Understanding the steps and work involved
• Managing staff issues in a potential merger
• Governance - leadership and engagement
  
  
• Crucial communications and consultation
• Preserving culture and community
• Post-merger impacts on the association and members

Sponsored by:

Chair:
Lewis Kaplan, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Speakers:

Alex Green, Chief Executive Officer, The Arthritis Movement

Lara Giddings AM, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Medical Association Tasmania

Jessica Pennay, National President, Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists’ Association

Small Associations: Kicking Important Goals for Members

Location: Tennis HQ 3&4
Although resources may be scarce, smaller associations can have major impact. The learned panellists will share insights on: 

• Benefits and challenges of running a small association    
• How to set strategic goals and deliver results for members 
• Advocating in a niche, specialised sector 
• Creating new and reliable revenue streams  

Chair:
Claire Hewat, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Speakers:

Leanne Boase, Chief Executive Officer, Australian College of Nurse Practitioners

Rob Walker, Chief Executive Officer, Regional Aviation Association of Australia

Ben Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, Australasian Cemeteries and Crematoria Association

Good Talent Media: Mastering Media Coverage

Location: Foyer Outside Grand Hall

  Session is run concurrently to the conference program.

Association People Leadership and Culture

Location: Grand Hall 3
Association leaders face challenges when transitioning from a reactionary, detail-oriented leadership style to a proactive, big-picture approach. Learn from case studies and personal stories from successful leaders who have made this transition effectively, including: 

Lea Rawlings, Chief of Staff, Occupational Therapy Australia

Jo Gullick, Group Executive, Finance and Risk, Engineers Australia

Jane Siebum, Chief Executive Officer, Freshcare

Being an Effective Association or Charity Chair

Location: Auditorium
Understanding the role and responsibilities of a Chair is important in ensuring the effective operation of the Board and governance within an association. Drawing from key leadership experiences, the panel will discuss: 

• Role and responsibility of the Chair
• How to structure discussions or tips for chairing meetings 
• Effective decision making
• What to do in a challenging situation 
• Managing Board dynamics 

 Chair:
John Peacock AM, Chief Executive Officer, Associations Forum

Speakers:

Garry Lavis, President, Massage & Myotherapy Australia

Jessica Pennay, National President, Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists’ Association

Ian Young AM, President, Australasian Military Medicine Association

Martha Itzcovitz, President, Australian School Library Association

150+ Years of Association Wisdom in 90 minutes

Location: Tennis HQ 3&4
Join Associations Forum advisors, each with decades of experience, as they address common association challenges and share practical solutions:

• Leading decisively while maintaining a positive Board relationship
• Effectively serving all members while managing a vocal minority
• Keeping your Board informed and achieving results (no surprises!)
• Collaborating for impact: advocacy campaign strategies
• Managing staff: employing (and keeping) the right people on the bus
• Essential and desirable personal attributes and tips for success

Speakers:
Michael Bell, Andrew Gosbell, Claire Hewat, Tony Gleeson and Lewis Kaplan, Associations Advisors, Associations Forum

Good Talent Media: Winning Media Strategies for an Election Year

Location: Foyer Outside Grand Hall

  Session is run concurrently to the conference program.

Benjamin & Benjamin Insurance Group: Tailoring insurance solutions specifically for Associations

Location: Foyer Outside Grand Hall

  Session is run concurrently to the conference program.

Practical Tips for Successful Association Events

Location: Grand Hall 3
Association events and meetings achieve results through a combination of strategic vision and down to earth implementation. This session will focus on the daily tasks necessary for success, including:

• What matters: content, destination or networking? 
• Getting sufficient attendees in times of reduced attendance 
• Increasing attendee satisfaction   
• Using AI to boost events  
• Event risk management 
• Delivering upon an event’s 'KPI 1'
  

Sponsored by:  
Sophie Tabet, Regional Manager, Sales Management, Cvent 

Chair:Tony Gleeson, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Speakers:

Kathy Parton, Chief Executive Officer, Aquatics and Recreation Victoria

Lisa Muston, Events Manager, Australasian Sonographers Association

Anna Smaragdi, Events Program Manager, Australian Association of Social Workers

Dynamic Stories of Associations Turnaround

Location: Auditorium
As they are run by humans, associations will go through cycles of achievement.  This experienced panel of leaders will explore how associations have overcome significant challenges and transformed themselves by: 

• Governance turnaround: getting structure and rules in order 
• Embracing change and innovation in operations 
• Inspiring stories of resilience to fix finances 

Chair:
Michael Bell, Senior Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Speakers:

Shakila Maclean, President, Australian Institute of Conveyancers (VIC Division)

Guy Micklethwait, Executive Director, Australian Science Teachers Association

Jonathon Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Environment Institute of Australia and New Zealand

Communication Rapid: Association Communication – Getting It Right

Location: Tennis HQ 3&4
Whilst it is inherent that an association must communicate, some organisations do it more successfully than others. This session is the rapid fire series of presentations where panellists will share: 

• How to identify communication problems and tailor messages to audiences    
• Creating strategic, achievable communications plans to ensure messages resonate 
• Driving member engagement and satisfaction. 
• How to leverage media to amplify your message  
• Reputation management and preparing for inevitable incidents and media crises.

Chair:
Andrew Gosbell, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Speakers:

Shane Allison, Chair, Communication and Public Relations Australia | Founder & CEO, Phronesis

Helen Dehen, Director, Hydora Lane Communications

Rachel Sharp, Relationships and Content Manager, PeaceWise

ReadyMembership: Unlock the power of AI for membership

Location: Foyer Outside Grand Hall

  Session is run concurrently to the conference program.

Vetassess: Assessing potential members with rigour and consistency

Location: Foyer Outside Grand Hall

  Session is run concurrently to the conference program.

Best and Brilliant Services to Boost Membership

Location: Grand Hall 3
Members will ask “what's in it for me?” The answer is a variety of high quality and relevant member services. This session involves experienced panel who will discuss: 

• Eternal services, such as events, communications and advocacy 
• The value of branded aspirational credentials 
• Finding new member opportunities through analysis of members needs 

Sponsored by:
Bruno Mazza, Business Development Manager, Dell

Chair:
Lewis Kaplan, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Speakers:

Amanda McKernan, Chief Executive Officer, Australasian Life Underwriting and Claims Association

Antony Nicholas, Chief Executive, Osteopathy Australia

Annie Gibbins, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Traditional Medicine Society

Association Education and Training: A Service and Responsibility

Location: Auditorium
Associations should provide practitioner education and training to advance the skills of members. These popular and vital services also maintain and elevate the profession's standards. Our expert speakers will share insights on:

• Innovation and member engagement in designing education and training programs 
• Workforce development – what are evolving skill needs? 
• Micro-credentials and skills enhancement 
• RTOs versus partnering for training 
• Collaboration accreditation and quality standards 
• Supporting viability of an association through education and training 

Sponsored by:
Tony Maguire, Regional Director, ANZ, D2L

Chair:
Claire Hewat, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Speakers:

Roni Beauchamp, Chief Executive Officer, Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine

Wendy Rowland, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Hand Therapy Association

Sophie O’Keefe, General Manager - Operations, English Australia

Workshops

Location: Tennis HQ 3&4

Facilitator:

Andrew Gosbell, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Governology: Should we become a charity?

Location: Foyer Outside Grand Hall
Session is run concurrently to the conference program.