I’ve just arrived back from the American Society of Association Executives annual conference in Atlanta. With over 5,000 delegates this event provides association executives with access to an amazing range of professional development and networking opportunities. Our own Executive Officer, Belinda Moore, spoke at the event as well delivering her talk on membership which was exceeding well received. 

 

As someone who has worked as an association executive for 23 years, I still find these events critically important. The ideas, inspiration and motivation they provide are invaluable in assisting me to achieve the objectives of my organisation – as well as my personal career objectives.

 

I hope you will take the opportunity to join me at the New Zealand Leadership Symposium (Wellington, September 27) or the Australian Leadership Symposium (Melbourne, October 24-25).

 

Relationships with ASAE have developed further and we are investigating any opportunities where we can work together for the benefit of members in Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

 

I must say the appreciation the Americans have for the importance of the not for profit sector is fantastic and after my social visit to Washington in the days following the conference I came to an understanding of their first amendment to their constitution which highlights and cements the value the USA put on their right to freedom to associate. It’s a message we need to get to the community in both our countries.

 

The First amendment: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

  

Regards,

Tony Steven

AuSAE President and CEO of Australian Medical Association (Tasmania)

 

Pictured: AuSAE President Mr Tony Steven, Newly Elected Chair of ASAE Ms Arlene Pietranton, and Past Chairman ASAE Mr Peter O’Neill