Program
All session times are subject to change.
Wed 26 April 2023
4.00PM
Associations 101
Facilitated by Governology.
A session designed for those who are taking baby steps in the world of associations. An essential guide to the inner workings of an association, models, and common challenges.
Watersedge at Campbell's Stores: 1 Hickson Road, Bay 3 of Campbell Stores NSW 2000.
Opera Room, Level 2, Bay 4 & 5
5.00PM
First-timers and Solo Attendees Meet & Greet
Facilitated by Associations Forum.
Watersedge at Campbell's Stores: 1 Hickson Road, Bay 3 of Campbell Stores NSW 2000.
Opera Room, Level 2, Bay 4 & 5
6.00PM
Welcome Drinks
Watersedge at Campbell's Stores: 1 Hickson Road, Bay 3 of Campbell Stores NSW 2000.
Opera Room, Level 2, Bay 4 & 5
Drinks will finish at 8pm.
8.00PM
Optional Casual Dinner
The Squire's Landing (Brewhouse Bar). Northern end of the Overseas Passenger Terminal, Circular Quay W, The Rocks (This is not included in your registration fee).
Thu 27 April 2023
7.00AM
Registration Opens
8.00AM
Arrival Coffee & Tea
9.00AM
Opening Plenary & Keynote
Speakers: Peter J. O'Neil, Chief Executive Officer, ASIS International
Ainslie van Onselen, Chief Executive Officer, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand
Steve Knott AM, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association
Welcome from Sponsors:
10.30AM
Morning Tea & Exhibition
Session 2A
11.15AM
Strategic Directions for Successful Events
Association events provide a meeting place, generate revenue and advance members' education. Event experts will share knowledge on:
- Growth in size and profit
- Expanding scope and frequency
- The future mix of hybrid, virtual and in-person events
- Increasing costs and its impact on planning future events
- Planning sustainable events
Sponsored by Business Events Geelong.
Chair: Loretta York, Professional Development Manager, Gastroenterological Society of Australia
Speakers:
Nadine Giatras, Conference & Events Director, Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine
Elmarie Snyman, General Manager - Conference & Events, Early Childhood Australia
Kassandra Koudelka, General Manager Events & Partnerships, Australasian Railway Association
Session 2B
11.15AM
Advocacy: Being a Powerful Voice for Your Members
Associations advocate for their industry or sector when under pressure but it is important to maintain an advocacy strategy all year round. This session will examine:
- Secrets for running successful advocacy campaigns
- Advocacy tactics, tips, and techniques from real case studies
- Communicating to members the benefits of your advocacy approach
- Challenges of inconsistency in consultation processes
- Obtaining traction with Government departments, regulators and ministers
Chair: James Goodwin, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Airports Association
Speakers:
Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon, Chief Executive Officer and Non-Executive Director, Australian Forest Products Association
Nicola Grayson, Head of Public Affairs, Australia Council for the Arts
James Coward, Director Policy & Communications, Retail Drinks Australia
Session 2C
11.15AM
Merging, Amalgamating or Restructuring Your NFP
Associations may merge for improved advocacy, greater efficiencies and deliver on their mission. This session will provide insights into reasons, challenges and learnings, including:
- Understanding steps and work involved
- Managing staff issues in a potential merger
- Crucial communications and consulting
- Preserving culture and community
- Post-merger impacts on the association and members
Chair: Michael Bell, Senior Associations Advisor, Associations Forum
Speakers:
Tom Symondson, Chief Executive Officer, Aged & Community Care Providers Association
Louise Schaper, Chief Executive Officer, Australasian Institute of Digital Health
Phil Anderson, Chief Executive Officer, Association of Financial Advisers
12.45PM
Lunch & Exhibition
Session 3A
1.45PM
Change in Major Associations
Change is inevitable for an association's growth. With the global changes we’re experiencing today it’s imperative to adapt to new ways to work. Those that survive disruption will focus less on internal processes and more on people's experiences.
Chair: Simon Grant, Group Exec - Advocacy & International, Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand
Speakers:
Chris Vein, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Computer Society
Kate Miranda, Director, New South Wales, Australian Red Cross
Anne Palmer, General Manager, Education & Professionalism, Financial Advice Association Of Australia
Session 3B
1.45PM
Dynamic Membership Strategies
Members are the focus of all associations. This session will share tips and best practice for:
- Retaining current members - and engagement to keep them happy
- Recruiting new members - and the less-used role of sales
- Targeting specific segments eg young members or rural and regional members
- Practical membership tips (staffing and technology)
Chair: John Maroney, Former Chief Executive Officer, Self Managed Super Fund Association
Speakers:
Sue-Ann Fresneda, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Master Builders Queensland
Tania Rizoski, General Manager Member Services & Operations, Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia
Sandra Blair, Membership Engagement Manager, Australian Information Security Association
Session 3C
1.45PM
Common Governance Challenges For Associations
This facilitated workshop will examine hypothetical situations involving governance challenges and issues for associations. These are based on real life cases encountered by Governology and Associations Forum through work with clients and members over the past years. Problematic constitutions, board dysfunction, board-CEO relationships and conflicts of interest are some of the matters that will be explored in this session.
Facilitators:
Kathy Nguyen, Senior Lawyer, Governology
Andrew Gosbell, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum
3.15PM
Afternoon Tea & Exhibition
Session 4A
4.00PM
The Importance of Associations of Professionals
Skilled and ethical professionals are crucial to society - and their membership organisations bring them together for peak impact. This session will consider:
- Setting and policing professional standards
- Being a voice for public policy
- Nurturing new leaders
- Advocating in the interests of both members and the community
- Supporting research
Sponsored by Business Events Wellington.
Chair: Claire Hewat, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum
Speakers:
Elayne Grace, Chief Executive Officer, Actuaries Institute
Prof Andrew Conway, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Public Accountants
Lyndal Macpherson, Chief Executive Officer, Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine
Session 4B
4.00PM
Why Industry and Trade Associations Matter to Parliament and Beyond
Industry & trade associations provide members with a range of services. The session discusses:
- Opening parliamentary doors with your industry’s profile
- Becoming the go-to source of policy advice for parliamentarians and the media.
- How using industry statistics and case studies raises the profile of your sector and positions it as a thought leader
Chair: Finola Carey, Chief Executive Officer, Optical Distributors & Manufacturers Association of Australia
Speakers:
Troy Williams, Chief Executive, Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia
David Buley, Chief Financial Officer, Association of Independent Schools of NSW
Session 4C
4.00PM
Designing a practical association plan and strategy
To thrive and grow in today’s complex and competitive landscape, a comprehensive association plan is crucial in setting the organisation’s strategic priorities. A quality plan will determine:
- How to achieve outcomes
- Using available resources
- Realistic timeframes.
This workshop will explore the planning process with a focus on practical outcomes.
Sponsored by Tourism New Zealand.
Facilitator:
Andrew Gosbell, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum
5.30PM
Close of Day 1
6.30PM
Conference Dinner
Doltone House Darling Island: Waterfront Promenade Entrance,
48 Pirrama Road, Pyrmont NSW 2009 (Directly opposite The Star)
10.30PM
After Party
The Star, Sports Bar, 80 Pyrmont St, Pyrmont NSW 2009
(This is not included in your registration fee)
Fri 28 April 2023
7.00AM
Pack your running shoes!
Join us to kick off day two with a 30 minute early morning run/walk at Centennial Park, Royal Randwick on Friday, 28th April 2023. Meet at The Greenhouse cafe at 7am. Optional coffee and breakfast at The Greenhouse cafe afterwards. Email us if you are interested in attending.
8.00AM
Registration Opens - Arrival Coffee & Tea
8.15AM
Special Plenary
Not-for-profits and taxable status: What you need to know!
Jennifer Moltisanti, Assistant Commissioner - Not For Profit Centre, Australian Tax Office will share the new changes and rules around Income Tax Exemptions for 2023.
Session 5A
9.00AM
Member Benefits
The real value of member benefits and how to quantify them to understand your members.
Chair: Tony Gleeson, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Institute of Refrigeration Air Conditioning & Heating
Speakers:
Matthew Lunn, Chief Executive Officer, Turf Australia
Ilan Werbeloff, General Manager - Marketing & Innovation, Australian Property Institute Ltd
Alex Waldren, National Director Industry Policy, Master Builders Australia
Session 5B
9.00AM
Charities
Charities play a key role in making a difference to the world we live in. The panel will address key challenges to charities and how they can collaborate to identify common solutions.
- Volunteering
- Fund raising
- Delivering socially good dividends
- Plus an update from ACNC
Chair: Dominic Cudmore, Principal Lawyer, Governology
Speakers:
Jonathan Smithers, Chief Executive Officer, Arthritis Australia
Kristina Vesk, Chief Executive Officer, Cat Protection Society of NSW
Anna Longley, Assistant Commissioner, General Counsel, Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
Sureka Goringe, Board Member, Australian Council for International Development and Chief Executive Officer, UnitingWorld
Session 5C
9.00AM
Financial Issues for Associations
Associations must raise income, control expenditure and guard retained earnings. This practical session will examine:
- Internal controls for effective financial management
- Financial reporting to Boards and annual reporting to Members
- Ensuring long-term viability
Chair: Michael Bell, Senior Associations Advisor, Associations Forum.
Speakers:
Colin Walker, Chair of the Board of Directors, Institute of Certified Bookkeepers
Mike Cullen, Chief Compliance Officer, Australian Computer Society
Margaret Heppell, Finance Manager, Girl Guides Australia NSW, ACT & NT
10.30AM
Morning Tea & Exhibition
Session 6A
11.15AM
Leadership in Associations
Associations require leadership - ideally from a combination of the Board plus CEO. This session will consider:
- Role of the Chair, working relationship with the CEO and culture
- Balancing Independent boards and nurturing leaders within the association
- Creating an environment for innovation and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance)
Sponsored by Destination Gold Coast.
Chair: Tony Gleeson, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Institute of Refrigeration Air Conditioning & Heating
Speakers:
Jon Bisset, Chief Executive Officer, Community Broadcasting Association of Australia
Michelle Funder, Chair & President, Osteopathy Australia
Graeme Kruger, Executive Director, Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia
Session 6B
11.15AM
The Delegate Experience
Conferences and exhibitions need to cater to evolving and demanding needs from attendees. This session will examine:
- What matters - content, destination or networking?
- New and fresh initiatives
- Practical tips for smooth running events
- Getting sufficient attendees in times of reduced attendance
Sponsored by Australian Turf Club.
Chair: Eve Propper, Events, Sponsorship & Foundation Manager, Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia
Speakers:
Stephanie Elliott, Director - Corporate Affairs, Customer Owned Banking Association
Alison Fallon, Conference and Events Executive Manager, Australian Orthopaedic Association Limited
Session 6C
11.15AM
Communicating with Members and Multiple Stakeholders
Communicating with members and stakeholders in an association is vital yet complex. This session will cover:
- An association’s unique position as chief storytellers and brand protectors
- Clear and right communication strategy
- Matching the audience, the message and the correct medium
Sponsored by Good Talent Media.
Chair: Claire Hewat, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum
Speakers:
Greg Harford, Chief Executive, Retail NZ
Tom Bicknell, Digital Marketing and Communications Professional
Kelly Chan, Marketing and Communications Manager, Australian Society of Anaesthetists
12.45PM
Lunch & Exhibition
Session 7A
1.45PM
Managing the Association’s Most Vital Resource: its People
People management and motivation are the key to excellent human resources in an association. Hear from experienced leaders about:
- Increased compliance and major workplace regulatory change
- Resourcing your association
- The new workplace and wellbeing
- The economy - Preparing for a downturn, support for employees, wage pressure, L&D budgets and redundancy
- Real strategic HR and a requirement to take a broad business, customer, stakeholder and external view
Sponsored by Business Events Perth.
Chair: Claire Hewat, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum
Speakers:
Sarah McCann-Bartlett, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Australian HR Institute
Amber Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Resolution Institute
Emma Lowes, General Manager, People and Performance, Standards Australia
Session 7B
1.45PM
Effective Use of Technology in Associations
Associations need to harness technology to improve efficiency, yet budget reality will dictate what can be bought. This session will look at big picture tech developments and trends plus practical measure, such as:
- Digitising many aspects
- Data analysis
- Databases
- Cyber Security
- Apps
- Insource or outsource?
Sponsored by Dell Technologies.
Chair: Andrew Gosbell, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum
Speakers:
David Millar, Chief Executive Officer, Concrete Institute of Australia
Branko Ninkovic, Board Director, Australian Information Security Association
Session 7C
1.45PM
Education, Training and CPD as Key Member Service
Education, learning and development is a key member service for many associations - and often an important responsibility. This experienced panel will consider:
- Curriculum
- Delivery methods
- Intellectual property
- Micro Credentialing
- Distributors and partners
- Pricing and profit
Chair: Dominic Cudmore, Principal Lawyer, Governology
Speakers:
David Jenkins, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia
Susan Greenbank, Head of Online Courses & Strategic Programs, Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
3.15PM
Afternoon Tea & Exhibition
3.45PM
Closing Plenary & Prize Draw
Speaker: Jana Pittman, Dual Sport Olympian, World Champion, Author, Doctor, Mum
Sponsored by ICMI Speakers & Entertainers.
Prize Draw Sponsors Impero and Bridgeclimb Sydney.