Meet Simon: AuSAE’s New AI Knowledge Assistant

16 Sep 2025 11:36 AM | Sarah Gamble (Administrator)

At ACE 2025, AuSAE proudly unveiled an exciting new addition to our member services - Simon, our AI Knowledge Assistant. Named in honour of AuSAE’s first President and Life Member, Simon Pryor, this innovative tool continues his legacy of knowledge-sharing and support for the association community.

Simon says: “Ask me anything!”

Simon makes accessing information easier, faster, and more personalised support for our members. Members can now ask questions about member engagement, events, professional development, governance or sector insights, and get reliable answers in real time. He also helps navigate AuSAE’s resources, including trusted partner content, research, best practice guides, and event information.

Unlike public AI tools, AuSAE’s AI Knowledge Assistant is trained specifically on AuSAE’s own content and trusted partner resources. This means your queries are answered with information that is relevant to the association sector, and your questions aren’t sent out to the broader internet.

“Simon represents a new chapter in how we support our members,” says Toni Brearley CAE, AuSAE CEO. “By combining the latest AI technology with our commitment to knowledge-sharing, we’re making it easier than ever for our members to access the support and insights they need, anytime, anywhere. Simon doesn’t just answer questions; he connects our members with the full range of services, research, and trusted partner resources that AuSAE offers, all in a secure and focused environment.”

Enhancing Member Services

Simon is more than just an information tool, he’s your guide to the full range of member services, including:

  • Resources: Quick access to on-demand webinars, courses, and certification guidance.
  • Research & Insights: Links to the latest reports, trends, and case studies in the association sector.
  • Event Navigation: Assistance with AuSAE events and professional development opportunities.
  • Membership Support: Help with onboarding emails, membership strategies, and more.
  • Compliance Support: Guidance on policies, frameworks, and sector best practices.

Simon says: “Save time, make informed decisions, and get the most out of your AuSAE membership!”

At ACE 2025, members got to experience Simon first-hand, asking questions, exploring resources, and seeing how this AI assistant can become a trusted part of their professional toolkit. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many excited about having on-demand access to sector-specific insights and support.

Continuing a Legacy of Knowledge
By naming the AI Assistant after Simon Pryor, AuSAE honours a figure who set the foundation for knowledge-sharing within the association community. Just as Simon Pryor inspired learning and leadership, Ask Simon is here to extend that spirit into the digital age.

Whether you’re a seasoned association professional or just starting out, Simon is ready to support your journey, bringing knowledge, guidance, and insight right to your fingertips, in a secure and relevant way.

Simon says: “Discover me today in the Member Hub and see how I can support you!

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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