From 10–12 September 2025, Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium will become a hub for big conversations, bold ideas, and real connections—the kind that change the way we lead and work in our associations.
Opening Keynote: Rosie Thomas OAM – Building Communities, Creating Change
We’re kicking things off with Rosie Thomas OAM, founder of PROJECT ROCKIT and one of Australia’s most inspiring change-makers. Her keynote isn’t just about ideas - it’s about action. Rosie will show us how building stronger communities can create real, meaningful change. It’s energetic, thought-provoking, and the perfect way to start ACE 2025.
Your host for the conference: Andrew Klein, MC
Andrew will guide you through the program, keep the energy high, and make sure every session flows seamlessly.
Sessions You Won’t Want to Miss
Reinvention in Practice: Real Stories of Reinvention, Revenue and Risk-Taking
A panel + white paper launch moderated by Deanna Varga, with speakers Debra Cerasa, Bernard Depasquale, and Brenda Davy. Real stories, practical lessons, and plenty of inspiration.
One Association, Many Communities
Hear from Mary Louise Huppatz, CEO of ATEM, on how associations can embrace diversity in all its forms.
Membership Exchange
Join Paul Ramsbottom and your peers for a practical, peer-led discussion packed with fresh ideas, benchmark data, and strategies for growing membership, boosting engagement, and smoothing the member journey.
Beyond Duty: Designing Governance Environments that Attract and Engage the Right Directors
Steven Bowman dives into governance that actually works for people, not just processes.
The Partnership Playbook: How to Attract, Engage and Grow Your Association's Corporate Partnerships
Mike Barouche shows how to create partnerships that really deliver.
Cutting Through the Noise: Creating Communications that Members Actually Notice
With Felocity Zadro & Debbie Bradley, learn how to make your communications stand out in a busy world.
5 Reasons You’ll Love ACE 2025
- Make real connections
Meet people who get it. The conversations here often spark collaborations and ideas that actually take off.
- Be challenged and inspired
From global voices to sector leaders, the speakers will push you to think differently—and leave you buzzing with new ideas.
- Discover tools that actually work
Whether it’s tech, strategies, or fresh approaches, ACE 2025 is packed with solutions to help you create more value for your members.
- Dive deep into what matters
Open-format discussions and case studies give you actionable insights, not just theory.
- Hit refresh on your purpose
Sometimes stepping back is the best way forward. ACE gives you space to think, plan, and reconnect with why you do what you do.
ACE 2025 isn’t just another conference - it’s where ideas turn into action, connections become collaborations, and you leave ready to make the future happen.
Register now - www.ausae.org.au/ace
