There’s something special that happens when association professionals come together, and ACE 2025 at Marvel Stadium proved it once again. For two-and-a-half days, the stadium was buzzing with energy, ideas, and connections that you just can’t capture on a screen.

From the welcome function, where laughter and conversations filled the room, to the final debate and toast over wine and cheese, ACE was more than just a conference. It was a community coming alive.

As AuSAE CEO Toni Brearley CAE said so perfectly:

“For me, the best part is the people. You could feel it from the very first moment - the energy, the generosity, the way everyone leans in to connect and share. That’s what makes ACE so powerful. It’s not just about the content; it’s about the community. And this community is extraordinary.”

That sense of community was echoed by AuSAE President John Winter CAE, who summed up ACE beautifully:

“Got to be my favourite ACE of all time. Loved it!! ACE isn’t just a conference - it’s where the association sector comes alive. You don’t just sit in a room and take notes; you share, you challenge, you walk away with ideas that can transform your organisation. Every conversation has the potential to change the way we lead our organisations, and that’s what makes this event so unique. AuSAE is going from strength to strength!”

Key moments that had everyone talking:

• Rosie Thomas OAM set the tone with a heartfelt keynote on Building Communities, Creating Change that left the room buzzing.
• Nigel Collin challenged us to embrace a Growth Mindset of Change, inspiring plenty of “aha” moments.
• Big ideas and fresh insights from association leaders and experts in AI, governance, events, and member engagement and more.
• The ACE Exhibition was a hub of innovation, showcasing the latest solutions and tools designed to help associations work smarter, engage members, and stay ahead in a rapidly changing sector.
• Rita Arrigo took us boldly into the future, unpacking AI in Associations and what’s possible when we embrace innovation.
• Tracey O’Neill brought it back to our roots, asking whether volunteering is our sector’s true superpower.
• Interactive sessions and panels packed with tools and takeaways to bring back to your association
• Recognising and celebrating our newest Certified Association Executive (CAEs):  Jennifer Bowden CAE – Mathematical Association of Victoria, Marie Walters CAE – Country Fire Authority, Jon Cullum CAE – The Royal Australian & New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Rachel Corby CAE – Australian Water Association, Chris Marrs CAE – Migration Institute of Australia and Leigh Clarke CAE – Victorian Healthcare Association
• The launch of AuSAE’s Council of Professions (ACoP) chapter, a milestone moment for our community.
• And of course, meeting Simon, AuSAE’s new AI Knowledge Assistant, who made his debut at ACE. Named in honour of AuSAE’s first President and Life Member, Simon Pyror, continuing his legacy of knowledge sharing.

And then there were the in-between moments: swapping ideas over coffee, reconnecting with old colleagues, and making new connections at Cocktails on the Boundary sponsored by Marvel Stadium. These are the kinds of memories you take home and the kind of momentum that creates real change back in your associations.

Why you don’t want to miss the next one

If you weren’t with us this year, you missed the spark. You missed the chance to be in the room when new ideas were designed, when challenges were tackled head-on, and when the future of our profession was imagined together.

As one of our delegates, Saskia Moon, shared on LinkedIn:

“My first conference with you, thanks for a wonderful 2 days! I met so many great people and attended some thought-provoking sessions. Very well organised, I definitely hope to be back next year.”

To all who joined us – association professionals and leaders, speakers and partners - thank you for bringing your energy, your curiosity, and your voices. You made ACE 2025 what it was: unforgettable.

See you in 2026!