Sector and AuSAE News

  • 14 Aug 2013 5:40 PM | Deleted user

    The Not-for-Profit sector is a vital component of Australia’s economy.  It consists of over 60,000 organisations, is worth around $43 billion and accounts for approximately 8% of national employment.

     

    A Changing Paradigm


    Since its early religion-based beginnings of the 1800s to the welfare-based paradigm of the 1970s, the Not-for-Profit landscape has undergone continual evolution but arguably never more so than in recent years.  The sector has now fragmented into a complex marketplace of private and community businesses in an environment more commercial than ever before. Leaders of third sector organisations are now faced with the realisation that having a worthy cause may no longer be enough to ensure survival.

     

    Good Governance

     

    The aim of Governance is essentially to ensure that organisations act in the best interests of society. This is reflected in Management programs developed for leaders in the sector – for example, one-quarter of ACU’s Graduate Certificate in Management of NFP Organisations course content deals with governance, a topic the university also run frequent in-house workshops on. 

     

    ACU Honorary Professor Geoff Kiel identifies the 10 steps to good governance as…

     

    1. Recognise that good governance is not just about compliance
    Boards need to balance conformance (i.e. compliance with legislation, regulation and codes of practice) with performance and strategy


    2.      Clarify the board’s role in strategy
    The board has a significant role to play in the formulation and adoption of the organisation’s strategic direction. This must be clearly agreed with management.


    3.      Monitor organisational performance
    Ensure that corporate decision-making is consistent with strategy and owner expectations. Do this by identifying key performance drivers and establishing appropriate measures for determining success


    4.      Understand that the board employs the CEO
    The board/CEO relationship is the crucial link between the board’s role in determining the organisation’s strategic direction and management’s role in achieving corporate objectives.


    5.      Recognise that the governance of risk is a board responsibility
    Effective risk management supports better decision making because it develops a deeper insight into the risk-reward trade-offs that all organisations face.


    6.      Ensure the directors have the information they need
    Better information means better decisions. Regular board papers will provide directors with information that the CEO or management team has decided they need.


    7.      Build and maintain an effective governance infrastructure
    To ensure that the line of responsibility between board and management is clearly delineated, it is particularly important for the board to develop policies in relation to delegations.


    8.      Appoint a competent chairperson
    As the “leader” of the board, the chairperson should demonstrate strong and acknowledged leadership ability, a sound relationship with the CEO, and the capacity to conduct meetings and lead group decision-making processes.


    9.      Build a skills-based board
    A board should seek to ensure its members represent an appropriate balance between directors with experience and knowledge of the organisation and directors with specialist expertise or fresh perspective.


    10.     Evaluate board and director performance and pursue opportunities for improvement
    Board effectiveness can only be gauged if the board regularly assesses its own performance and that of individual directors. It’s critical that any agreed actions from an evaluation are implemented and monitored.

     

     

    By Lauren Hamilton-Thompson, ACU Executive Education
    ‘10 Steps to Good Governance’ courtesy of ACU Honorary Professor Geoff Kiel.

  • 14 Aug 2013 9:30 AM | Deleted user

    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

  • 13 Aug 2013 7:59 PM | Deleted user

    AuSAE are pleased to welcome new annual partner, Rusher Rogers Recruiting, to the AuSAE community. Any AuSAE member that engages Rusher Rogers Recruiting on an exclusive basis to recruit any permanent staff roles will be offered a flat fee of 15% based on the total annualised remuneration package, regardless of the seniority of the role with a 90 day guarantee period. For exclusive temporary staff recruitment a 2% margin reduction off Rusher Rogers Recruiting's standard hourly fee will applyPlease click here for more information on this offer.

  • 12 Aug 2013 5:16 PM | Deleted user

    An Australasian-wide study conducted by Survey Matters into membership of professional associations has found that a stable or increasing demand for professional associations is predicted by an overwhelming majority of members.  This is very good news for the sector.  And in even better news – the increase in demand is more likely to be forecast by young members – despite industry concerns around difficulties recruiting and retaining members in the younger age brackets.


    But, there are signs that the traditional model of professional associations is reaching its “use by date”.  Whilst members still join for networking opportunities and the credibility that membership affords them, the study found that their main reason for joining is for access to relevant information - they are looking to their association to be the leading, authoritative source of news about their profession.  Additionally, the study found that members also want their association to promote their profession to the general public and advocate for qualified, accredited professionals.


    The findings also show a definite need for clear segmentation in the way that professional associations deliver their messages to members.  Age, but more importantly career stage, plays a big part in how members want to receive information and interact with other members.  “One size does not fit all” was a dominant message that came out of the results.


    No longer just providers of member services and discounts, professional associations need to look to the practices of other leading service providers and adapt their strategies to suit.  Members want access to recent, relevant and credible information about their profession, they want quality professional development and accreditation programs that enhance their career prospects and standing within their profession.  The professional association of the future needs to be a journalist, an editor, a digital content manager, a researcher, a trainer and a curator – gathering, synthesising and disseminating quality information and learning resources in a timely and appropriate manner.

     

    About the Study


    Survey Matters conducted this research independently to meet the need for sector wide research.  Respondents in the Associations Matter: 2013 State of the Sector Study for Professional Associations were drawn from the members of 23 participating professional associations, across a diverse range of industries.   The study was conducted using a quantitative on-line instrument, and was distributed by email only between April 1 and 31 May, 2013 The findings contain analysis based on 7,749 responses, received from a distribution of 48,129 surveys.

     

    Click here to download a copy of the Research Report.

     

    If you have trouble downloading the report, please email info@ausae.org.au and we can email you a copy.


    About Survey Matters


    Survey Matters was formed in 2010, and provides a fresh approach to gathering feedback. We believe that the people who contribute to your organisation matter. That their feedback matters. And that their input into your organisation - its direction, strategy and performance - is an integral part of your success. 


    Stakeholder surveys provide the most effective way to gather this feedback. When done correctly, the information and ideas generated enable you to develop strategies that increase engagement and retention, improve products and services, create loyalty and build community. 


    Survey Matters are the experts in member-based research.  Our Member Surveys are tailored to suit your strategy and objectives and created with the outcomes in mind to ensure we deliver information you can act on.  For help with your stakeholder survey visit us at www.surveymatters.com.au or call us on +61 3 9452 0101.

  • 12 Aug 2013 2:00 PM | Deleted user

    A number of powerful generation, cultural and economic forces are colliding to create a perfect storm that will make the next 5-20 years some of the toughest ever faced by associations. Associations who don't adapt face a slow decline into obscurity as they are replaced by newer, more innovative, less bureaucratically challenged, less change resistant competitors. While the idea of membership will continue, the antiquated models of recruiting, retaining and engaging members cannot survive in an increasingly challenging and ever-changing operating environment. Our webinar presenter, Belinda Moore, has assisted thousands of not-for-profit organisations with their membership challenges. She specialises in training, motivating and up-skilling boards, staff and volunteers to improve membership performance. This webinar will look at the major trends affecting associations and the actions associations need to take in order to adapt. Join us on Tuesday August 27, at 11am for this special webinar.

  • 09 Aug 2013 8:30 AM | Deleted user

    The Brisbane Marketing Convention Bureau has made a flying start to the 2013/14 financial year, helping to secure seven new conferences for the city. Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said the conferences would inject more than $16 million into the city’s economy, while bringing 5,600 delegates to Brisbane. Cr Quirk said some of the wins were the result of bids done in partnership between Brisbane Marketing and Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC).

     

    He said the winning bids, all secured in July, include:

    • Asia-Pacific Model United Nations Conference (2014)
    • Australian Lung Cancer Conference (2014)
    • Zoonoses Meeting (2014)
    • International Congress on Traffic and Transport Psychology (2016).

    “These wins confirm that Brisbane is a hotspot for conventions in the Asia-Pacific,” Cr Quirk said. “They’re yet another sign of Brisbane’s emergence as a new world city as we gear up for the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November 2014. “Brisbane’s growing appeal to conference organisers is also reflected in the latest International Congress and Convention Association City (ICCA) Rankings. “We jumped to 56th on the list with 40 meetings in 2012, up from a ranking of 87 with 24 meetings in 2011.”

     

    The ICCA City Rankings is a league table of cities based on the number of international association meetings they attract. Cr Quirk acknowledged the role Brisbane Marketing played in helping to bring important conferences to Brisbane. “Brisbane Marketing’s strategic focus of attracting conferences that align with Brisbane’s key sectors has driven much of our recent conventions success,” he said.

     

    ”Conferences attract thousands of high-spending national and international delegates to Brisbane annually, injecting over $250 million a year into the local economy.

    “Over the longer term, conferences also help to attract talent and investment to Brisbane, driving the city’s ongoing economic growth and development.”

     

    Brisbane Marketing Convention Bureau Director Annabel Sullivan said the Bureau provided an effortless one-stop-shop of free independent advice and support services to help plan, promote and stage a successful event in Brisbane.

     

    “Brisbane Marketing’s services include assisting with bidding for national or international conferences right through to promoting conferences to potential delegates,” she said.

    “We also offer a great range of online tools including our recently revamped Brisbane Event Planner, Australia’s only dedicated online city directory.

     

    “The planner showcases information about venues, accommodation and services suitable for anyone organising conferences in Brisbane.” For more information visit www.BrisbaneEventPlanner.com.au or www.brisbanemarketing.com.au/conventionsupporttoolkit.

     

    For more information on the free, independent advice and support available from Brisbane Marketing visit www.meetinbrisbane.com.au

  • 05 Aug 2013 9:51 AM | Deleted user
    Electronic funds transfer system company, eftpos Australia wants to donate $2 million dollars to charity - doubling last year’s donation - and it will again ask Australians for their opinion about which worthy cause should get the money. Initially, Australian charities are being asked to submit proposals for the expanded eftpos Giveback 2013 campaign before the August 30th deadline.

    Read more at: http://www.probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2013/08/eftpos-ups-ante-2-million-give-away-aussie-charity#sthash.Eds2eJDc.dpuf
  • 05 Aug 2013 9:30 AM | Deleted user

    On Friday August 2, the Rudd government put on ice Wayne Swan's proposal to put a taxable cap of $2,000 on self-education expenses until July 2015. 


    This proposed cap could have affected nearly two million workers, cost the nation $1.6 billion in lost tax revenue and cut national productivity by up to $6 billion – while delivering only $520 million in revenue. Treasurer Chris Bowen announced the cap deferral as part of the Government’s Economic Statement.


    AuSAE, as a member of the Scrap the Cap Alliance, have been lobbying against the proposed cap since former Treasurer, Wayne Swan, released the ill-informed policy back in April and are pleased with this government announcement.


    AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said the decision by the Government to defer the introduction of the proposed $2,000 cap on work-related self-education expenses until July 2015 would allow proper informed discussion that should lead to the removal of the proposed cap by the next Government.


    If you have any questions please contact the AuSAE team on 1300 764 576

  • 02 Aug 2013 9:48 AM | Deleted user

    Register today for our networking lunches in Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne.

    Topics include: Boards Behaving Badly, Strategically Managing Workplace Culture, Governance, The Art of Networking and How to be extraordinary at your number one role as a leader.

    All Networking Events are FREE for AuSAE members! 

  • 01 Aug 2013 2:30 PM | Deleted user

    Singapore, 30 July 2013 – In its efforts to continuously drive and strengthen the Malaysian business events industry, Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB) has carved another significant milestone with the launch of Malaysia Twin Deal ++ (MTD++) at a product presentation for corporate meeting & event planners  in Singapore today. MTD++ is aimed to support Tourism Malaysia’s objective to welcome 28 million tourists to the country under the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 campaign.

     

    Targeted at international corporate meeting & incentive groups, MTD++ entitles international groups of 50 pax and above to enjoy various exciting value-added support. Following a similar concept as the MTD Programme, MTD++ maintains the approach of Deal 1 and Deal 2 which offer rewards for both participants and meeting & events planners. Tailored to enhance the corporate meetings & incentive groups experience in Malaysia, the privileges included in Deal 1 ranges from limited edition welcome gifts, cultural showcase to a complimentary dinner for the groups. Deal 2 offers various exciting rewards for meeting & event planners such as a vacation for two in Malaysia and an iPad mini. This is applicable for meeting & event planners who bring in an accumulative 500 participants and above.

     

    In addition to Deal 1 and Deal 2, MTD++ is also collaborating with participating hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, Sabah and Sarawak to provide value added benefits from the properties.  These special value-add items include discounts on meeting packages, complimentary rooms with minimum 25 paying rooms and free welcome amenities. The impressive line-up of participating hotels includes global brands such as Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Le Meridien, Four Points by Sheraton, Berjaya Tioman Resort and 31 more hotels.*

     

     “MyCEB would like to invite all meeting & event planners to grab this opportunity offered under the MTD++. Our aim is to provide more interesting options and ideas for the meeting & events planners, which would facilitate them to influence their clients in choosing Malaysia as their next destination to organise corporate incentive programmes”, enthused Ms. Ho Yoke Ping, General Manager of Sales & Marketing, MyCEB.

    All confirmed booking must be made between 1 August 2013 and 31 December 2013 for group arrival in 2014.

     

    To know more about MTD++, meeting & event planners are invited to contact Ms Jackie Caldwell, MyCEB’s representative based in Australia & New Zealand on Tel +6 (0) 403 892 289 or email jackie@myceb.com.my. Planners can also visit http://www.myceb.com.my/promotions for more information.


The Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE)

Australian Office:
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011 Australia
Free Call: +61 1300 764 576
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955
Email: info@ausae.org.au

New Zealand Office:
Address: 159 Otonga Rd, Rotorua 3015 New Zealand
Phone: +64 27 249 8677
Email: nzteam@ausae.org.au

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