October saw us deliver our final networking series events for 2019 under the banner of “Why Associations Matter”.  It was a pleasure to bring together association leaders in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Canberra to discuss the impact of associations.  Through robust discussions and frank conversation there were clear themes that presented which include

• As a sector Associations make a significant contribution to the economy through workforce development, upholding of standards and influencing policy.  There is an association in almost every industry and profession contributing to society, and this is largely unseen.
• Professional Governance frameworks and skilled Directors are essential to an association’s future
• Associations need to take a stand on issues that matter on behalf of their members
• Collaboration within industry sectors could and should be improved.  It is possible to work with “competing” associations without losing your identity
• Rather than an Apocalypse or Utopia – Associations are in a phase of “Phoenix rising” with those that are willing to evolve, listen to their members and be fit for purpose will survive and thrive.

A big thank you to all our panelists and participants who made for such rich discussions, and we look forward to bringing you more on this important topic in the new year.

In the so close but yet so far run to the end of the year we have many events and professional development opportunities to engage in, including our new Member Experience #MX2019 in Melbourne on 25 November.  We are looking forward to a fresh format, lots of discussion and the opportunity to talk all about membership for the day. We are delighted to welcome via video link “the Membership Economy” author, Robbie Kellman Baxter who will share her research around creating the ‘forever’ transaction.

#WIAL events will return in December and we are exploring the theme “Diversity beyond Gender”.   Dr Elizabeth Shoesmith will keynote the events and share her research on building truly inclusive organisations.  

We are also re-looking at how we deliver value for membership and will be introducing a new membership structure for 2020 with will deliver better value and more opportunities for members to up-skill, network and connect.  Look out for your membership renewals in your inboxes in the coming week.

And finally, we have announced our premier event of the AuSAE calendar, the AuSAE Conference and Exhibition (ACE) will be held in Melbourne 31 March – 2 April at Melbourne Pullman on the Park. Early registrations are open now!

I hope to touch base with many of you in the next few months and wish you well in the last few weeks of the decade!

Toni