Program

Future Directions for Association Events

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
• Exhibitions and trends in conferences and summits   
• The future of hybrid, virtual, and in-person events
• Increasing event costs and its impact   
• What is the impact of sustainability in events? 
• Effectively managing diversity of speakers
• Building engaging programs
• Technology trends in events
• Should and could an association run a World Congress? 

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

Member Engagement and Retention

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

Chair:
Lewis Kaplan, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Speakers:
Elizabeth Ringrose, President, Australasian Lymphology Association

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

Alexis Apostolellis, Chief Executive Officer, ASHM Health

The Political & Economic Landscape of Australia

Join us for an insightful discussion on the current political and economic landscape of Australia, featuring experts who will explore key challenges and opportunities shaping the nation’s future.

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

Utilising Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Associations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how associations operate, offering exciting opportunities to enhance member engagement, streamline operations, and drive strategic decision-making. However, integrating AI comes with its challenges - particularly the high costs involved. 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

Chair:
Tony Gleeson, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Speakers:
Matt Hall, Chief Executive Officer, Healthcare Financial Management Association

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

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

Making Advocacy a Vital Member Service

Advocacy can be a useful tool to build support, to galvanize and/or to influence change. The panellists will share insights drawing from real-life experiences and examples. This session will explore: 

• Successful strategies and approaches to have a strong voice 
• Importance of understanding the government language
• What works and what catches the eye of the politician and government authorities?
  
• Joint advocacy campaigns
• Predictable opportunities that exist in political cycles
• Members helping with advocacy campaigns – multi-channels used for advocacy campaigns 

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

Join this session for a summary of recent cases involving associations. Learn from recent case law and gain strategies to protect your association. 

Kathy Nguyen, Senior Lawyer, Governology

Andrew Gosbell, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Income Generation through Commercialisation Strategies

Associations often have significant commercial opportunities, but they rarely capitalise on them. Learn in this session innovative strategies to boost profitability within your association. The panellists will explore diverse income streams and actionable insights to help you maximise financial sustainability. Key points include:

• Identifying whether your association has significant commercial opportunities
• Where associations have brought in potentially huge income streams over the years
• Examples of membership organisations’ success in commercialisation

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

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 key takeaways including:

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

Chair:
Lewis Kaplan, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Speakers:

James Goodwin, Chief Executive Officer, Accommodation Australia

Alex Green, Chief Executive Officer, The Arthritis Movement

Lara Giddings, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Medical Association Tasmania

Small Associations: Kicking Big Goals

The speakers will share insights on- 

• How strategic goals are set & delivering for your members  
• Benefits of a small association
• Advocating for your members 
• Creating new reliable revenue streams
• Challenges of running an association 

Chair:
Claire Hewat, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Speakers:

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

Adrian Armitage, Chief Executive Officer, Australian College of Mental Health Nurses

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

People Leadership & Association Culture

This panel will explore the challenges faced by leaders as they transition 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. Key topics include: 

Jane Siebum, Chief Executive Officer, Freshcare

Lea Rawlings, Chief of Staff, Occupational Therapy Australia

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

Being an Effective Chair

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 archetypes and core competencies, 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 

The session will offer actionable insights on maintaining focus, driving consensus without stifling debate, and managing the dynamics between the chair and directors to reach high-quality decisions. 

Garry Lavis, President, Massage & Myotherapy Australia

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

150+ Years of Association Wisdom in 90 minutes

Join us in this session where seasoned Associations Forum Advisors share their invaluable insights and experiences. This dynamic session delves into practical lessons that will inspire and inform all attendees.
Speakers:
Michael Bell, Andrew Gosbell, Claire Hewat, Tony Gleeson and Lewis Kaplan, Associations Advisors, Associations Forum

New Developments in Successful Association Events

Successful meetings and events can directly assist the success of an association. 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 
• Increasing attendee satisfaction   
• Using AI to boost events   
• Event risk management 
• Delivering upon an event’s 'KPI 1'
   

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

Associations Turnaround

Explore how dynamic associations have transformed themselves by embracing change and innovation. This session highlights inspiring stories of resilience and successful turnarounds in the face of significant challenges. 

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

In this session, panellists will share how to identify problems, tailor messages to audiences, and create strategic, achievable plans to ensure messages resonate and drive member engagement and satisfaction. Learn how to leverage media to amplify your message and benefit from insights that will help professionals across associations improve communication and reputation management, while gaining pointers on managing the inevitable reputational incidents and media crisis that associations of every size can face.

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

Best Member Services to Boost Recruitment

Discover the latest and greatest member services designed to enhance recruitment and retention. This session will showcase effective strategies and best practices that association leaders are implementing to attract and engage members. 

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

Association Education and Training as a Service and Responsibility

This session examines how associations can leverage education and training to meet their members' needs while fulfilling their responsibility to foster professional growth. Discover innovative approaches that enhance member engagement and support talent development. The speakers will share insights on -

• How can associations innovate education for member growth? 
• Should associations establish RTOs or partner for training?
• How can micro-credentials enhance member engagement and skills?
• What strategies address demographic shifts in member training needs?
• How can associations ensure training relevance in changing markets?

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

Facilitator:

Andrew Gosbell, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum