ACE 2025: Unmasking the Future – Why You Should Be There

19 Aug 2025 11:42 AM | Sarah Gamble (Administrator)

The future of associations isn’t something that just happens—it’s something we create together. And there’s no better place to do that than ACE 2025: Unmasking the Future.

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

  1. Make real connections
    Meet people who get it. The conversations here often spark collaborations and ideas that actually take off.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Dive deep into what matters
    Open-format discussions and case studies give you actionable insights, not just theory.
  5. 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

Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connections: AuSAE and Tourism New Zealand Business Events Renew Partnership

Association professionals across Australia and New Zealand have even more reason to explore trans-Tasman opportunities. AuSAE is proud to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events, celebrating 11 years of collaboration.

For over a decade, this partnership has strengthened connections between the two countries, helping associations expand networks, share knowledge, and deliver world-class events.

Toni Brearley, CAE, Chief Executive Officer at AuSAE, said:

“Our partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events has opened doors for association leaders to plan unforgettable events and connect with peers across the Tasman. Together, we’ve created opportunities, shared knowledge, and elevated the experiences of our members and their delegates. This partnership reinforces our commitment to fostering strong trans-Tasman collaborations, helping associations innovate, grow, and deliver outstanding value to their members.”

Helen Bambry, Business Events Manager at Tourism New Zealand, added:

“Partnering with AuSAE means we can directly support association professionals in bringing their next international business event to New Zealand – offering assistance, funding, and support to ensure exceptional experiences for both organisers and delegates.”

Watch the Tourism New Zealand Business Events video

What this partnership means for you

For Australian associations:

  • Receive expert guidance and support to bring conferences or member events to New Zealand.
  • Access funding assistance through Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
  • Expand your network and build partnerships with New Zealand peers and industry leaders.
  • Deliver international experiences for members and delegates just across the Tasman.

For New Zealand associations:

  • Strengthen professional connections with Australian association leaders through AuSAE’s network.
  • Share expertise and collaborate on professional development, governance, and member engagement initiatives, and more.
  • Gain visibility within the broader association community in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Access opportunities to host international association events and delegates in New Zealand, boosting local engagement and knowledge exchange.

About AuSAE:

The home for association professionals, the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the leading - and only not-for-profit, member-based - organisation supporting association professionals in Australia and New Zealand. For 70 years, AuSAE has been a trusted partner for those working in associations, providing professional development, support, and networking to help association leaders achieve organisational goals, advance their careers, and strengthen the wider sector.

About Tourism New Zealand Business Events:

Tourism New Zealand Business Events provides expert guidance, funding, and support to attract conferences, incentives and corporate events to New Zealand.

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For more information about AuSAE, please contact Toni Brearley, CAE:
Toni Brearley, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, AuSAE

E: toni@ausae.org.au
T: + 61 458 000 155

To apply for funding and support to host a conference in New Zealand contact Helen Bambry:
Helen Bambry
Business Events Manager, Tourism New Zealand

E: Helen.Bambry@tnz.govt.nz
T: +61 415 933 325


The Australasian Society of Association Executives

Contact us:

Email: info@ausae.org.au
Phone: 1300 764 576 (within Australia)
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955 (outside Australia)
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011, Australia

                    
        


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