In a world where innovation and leadership are paramount, recognising and nurturing emerging leaders becomes a cornerstone of progress. The 2022 Future Leaders program, a joint initiative by the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) and the Adelaide Convention Centre, aims not only to acknowledge exceptional individuals but also to provide them with the tools and opportunities needed to shape the future of various sectors. We are thrilled to introduce and celebrate the recipients of the 2022 Future Leaders Scholarship.

Congratulations to the 2022 Future Leaders

Amid a pool of outstanding nominees, a select few have risen to the top, earning the well-deserved title of the 2022 Future Leaders. These remarkable individuals have demonstrated not only their present capabilities but also a promising potential to shape the future of their sectors. Through their innovative thinking, dedication, and commitment to growth, they have showcased qualities that make them stand out as true leaders of tomorrow.

Meet the Future Leader Scholarship Program recipients for 2022

• Cassandra De Conno, Operations Manager - SMSF Association (SA)
• Samuel French, National Membership Development Officer - Australian Institute of Architects (VIC)
• Jessica Landers, Deputy CEO and Manager of Accreditation and Certification - Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association (VIC)
• Louise Reid, Communications and Marketing Manager - Cooperative Research Australia (ACT)
• Tracey Rudd, General Manager - Australian Rheumatology Association (NSW)

The 2022 Future Leaders embarked on a journey, one that will equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to drive change, inspire progress, and create a lasting impact. With the support of the AuSAE and the Adelaide Convention Centre, these recipients attended the AuSAE Conference & Exhibition (ACE) 2023 to leverage opportunities for their associations and connect with like-minded peers.

Shaping the Future, One Leader at a Time

The Future Leaders program is more than just an accolade; it's a stepping-stone toward a future that is rich in innovation, leadership, and positive transformation. As associations continues to evolve, these emerging leaders will be at the forefront of shaping industries and communities, leading by example, and setting new benchmarks for success.

We extend our congratulations to the recipients of the 2022 Future Leaders Scholarship. May your association management journey be filled with discovery, growth, and meaningful connections.

For more information, visit www.ausae.org.au/Future-Leaders-2022

We are thrilled to announce that AuSAE (Australasian Society of Association Executives) has formally partnered with Survey Matters, a leading provider of research and data analytics for the association sector. This partnership brings together two organisations committed to providing valuable resources and support to the association sector in Australia and New Zealand.

As an association professional, you understand the importance of gathering reliable and accurate data to inform your marketing and organisational strategies. Through this partnership and collaboration, association executives will gain valuable insights into members’ needs, preferences, and satisfaction levels. These insights can be used to enhance membership engagement and retention and deliver change that matters.

As an Alliance Partner, Survey Matters will work closely with AuSAE to provide resources and support to help associations better understand and engage their members. In addition, Survey Matters will conduct a monthly poll, “Associations Matter”, and provide valuable insights into the thoughts and opinions of association leaders, giving us a better understanding of the sector and its needs.

Toni Brearley, CEO at AuSAE, says, "We are excited to partner with Survey Matters to provide our members with access to a wealth of data that can be used to compare their associations performance to others in the sector. This new partnership will enable AuSAE members to benefit from Survey Matters' research expertise and vast experience in the sector.”

“We are excited to see the positive impact this partnership will have on the association sector.”

Brenda Mainland, Managing Director at Survey Matters, "We are thrilled to partner with AuSAE and support their mission of empowering association executives with resources needed to succeed. We look forward to working with AuSAE to provide high-quality research and support to their members."

We believe that this partnership will create significant value for our members, and it will also strengthen our mission of supporting association executives in achieving their organisational goals. We look forward to working closely with Survey Matters to support our members in achieving their goals.

About the Associations Matter Monthly Poll

An integral part of the Partnership will be the Associations Matter Monthly Poll. To be launched in the Friday, 12 May 2023, the Poll will be a short, three question survey that aims to provide valuable insights into the thoughts and opinions of association leaders, giving us a better understanding of the sector and its needs. 

By participating, you can contribute to the ongoing dialogue around the challenges and opportunities facing the Australasian association sector. You will also gain an understanding of what other associations are experiencing and help shape the future of the industry.

We want to know the topics that interest you most. Tell us by completing the Introductory Poll here!  https://research.surveymatters.com.au/n/6xncNgy

To learn more about AuSAE, visit www.ausae.org.au or email info@ausae.org.au

AuSAE is pleased to announce that eight association executives have recently earned their Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from the CAE Commission of ASAE. They join the growing cohort of CAEs in Australia and New Zealand, with more than 4,700 industry leaders worldwide who hold the CAE credential.

Here are our new eight Certified Associations Executives:

AUSTRALIA

• Thomas Dunsmore, CAE – Director at the Residential Community and Certification at Torres Strait Kaziw Meta
• Nikki Kelso, CAE - Director of Corporate Engagement at the Australian Dental Industry Association
• Lyndal McPherson, CAE - Chief Executive Officer at the Australasian Society for Ultrasound in Medicine
• Kathy Nguyen – Manager Client Services at Associations Forum
• Michelle Rose, CAE – Chief Executive Officer at the Association of Rotational Moulders Australasia
• Ariel Tate, CAE – Marketing & Communications Manager at the Australian Dental Association

NEW ZEALAND

• Rowan Dixon, CAE – Chief Operating Officer at the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ)
• Lynne Umbers, CAE - Relationships and Events Manager, Philanthropy New Zealand

AuSAE's Chief Executive Officer, Toni Brearley CAE, said, “We are proud to have this new cohort of CAEs join the CAE community.” The CAE designation demonstrates the individual's dedication to the profession and ongoing professional development.

The first localised CAE program in Australia and New Zealand was launched by AuSAE, in partnership with ASAE in 2021. We are committed to championing this important credential for the sector and advancing the association management profession.

The Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential signifies an association professional who has demonstrated a comprehensive range of knowledge essential to managing an association in today's challenging environment.

Visit the AuSAE website – www.ausae.org.au/cae  - to learn more about the CAE credential or to register for the February 10-Week CAE study program.

The Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) and Adelaide Convention Centre is pleased to announce the 2022 Future Leaders Scholarship program recipients.

The 2022 Future Leaders program cultivates leadership qualities across the association sector. It supports emerging leaders and creates a network of committed individuals ready to take their organisation and the sector to the next level and contribute to the future success of the Association sector.

The program brings together a group of diverse professionals working within a not-for-profit organisation or association to engage with current and relevant themes affecting the industry's future at the 2022 ACE Conference & Exhibition in Melbourne.

Five dynamic and skilled members of the association community have joined the sector's professional and personal development program, Future Leaders. The 2022 Future Leaders Scholarship program recipients are:

Meet our 2022 Future Leaders

• Cassandra De Conno - Operations Manager, SMSF Association (SA)
• Samuel French - National Membership Development Officer, Australian Institute of Architects (VIC)
• Jessica Landers - Deputy CEO/Accreditation and Certification Manager, Australian Orthotic Prosthetic Association (VIC)
• Louise Reid - Communications & Marketing Manager, Cooperative Research Australia (ACT)
• Tracey Rudd - General Manager, Australian Rheumatology Association (NSW)

AuSAE would like to acknowledge all the nominees for their submissions and dedication to the sector and congratulate the 2022 Future Leaders.

AuSAE’s Chief Executive Officer, Toni Brearley said, "We have been pleased with the high calibre of applicants for the 2022 Future Leaders program; the applications this year were outstanding. We look forward to working with our Future Leaders and can't wait to see our rising stars' future progress."

"The successful applicants represent a group of diverse professionals from the association community with several states represented and comprising individuals from across the breadth of the sector," Toni said.

“Adelaide Convention Centre was delighted to partner with AuSAE on this important initiative designed to support the development of future leaders in the association sector. Association conferences and exhibitions are a critical platform to imagine the future, bringing together the best minds to collaborate, network and share knowledge to ultimately elevate industries. The successful candidates came from a highly competitive field and we warmly congratulate each of them, along with all participants in the 2022 Future Leader Program” said Melissa Reilly, Head of Sales at Adelaide Convention Centre.

"By supporting the next generation of association leaders today, we hope to inspire a bright future for the association sector," Toni adds.

To learn more about the 2022 Future Leaders Scholarship Program recipients, visit www.ausae.org.au/future-leaders-2022.

The Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) today announced its partnership renewal with Advanced Solutions International (ASI) that will support and strengthen the association sector in Australia and New Zealand.

ASI is a leading global provider of cloud software and services exclusively for associations and non-profits — and the developers of the iMIS Engagement Management System.  iMIS is the #1 association software platform and world’s only Engagement Management System (EMS). 

AuSAE and ASI has held a continuous premium alliance partnership since 2017. The new two-year partnership will support AuSAE's professional education and event initiatives, which aim to build the capacity and capabilities of association leaders. ASI's sponsorship will also contribute to important industry advocacy efforts on behalf of members fostering a robust association sector.

ASI will have a strong presence at AuSAE's upcoming 2022 Leadership, Insights & Networking Conference (LINC) in Blenheim in September and the 2022 ACE Conference & Exhibition in Melbourne in December. The company will also participate in several AuSAE webcasts, events, and roundtables in the coming months.

Toni Brearley, AuSAE's Chief Executive Officer, said, "We are delighted to renew our partnership and work with our partner ASI – at the global, national and local levels – built upon shared vision and goals of placing our members at the centre of everything we do. The collaboration with ASI will help our members and community achieve great things for their associations. Their continued support allows us to expand the scope of our programs and ensure our members get the highest quality professional education, support, and advocacy possible. We have an exciting year ahead of us, and we appreciate ASI's investment in AuSAE's mission."

Paul Ramsbottom, Managing Director of ASI Asia-Pacific, said, "We are thrilled and honoured to continue our strong partnership with AuSAE. They are making a positive difference in the sector and advancing the association management profession in Australia and New Zealand, as well as internationally. It’s important to us to support AuSAE as the only non-profit association that supports and represents association professionals

“We believe the work of associations and non-profits is of vital importance to the world, and our continued partnership with AuSAE allows our clients to focus on their mission, not their technology,” added Paul.

About AuSAE
The Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the only not-for-profit professional society representing more than 10,000 individual leaders working in organisations throughout Australia and New Zealand. With offices in Australia and New Zealand, AuSAE's purpose is to provide the tools, information, and networks not-for-profit professionals need to achieve the visions of their organisations. Learn more about AuSAE at www.ausae.org.au

About ASI
Advanced Solutions International (ASI) is a leading global provider of cloud software and services for associations and non-profits. ASI helps clients digitally transform, streamline operations, and grow revenue through industry expertise, best-practice advice, and high-quality solutions. Our portfolio of solutions includes iMIS for association and non-profit management, TopClass LMS for learning management, and OpenWater for application and review management.   ASI is a proud AuSAE Premium Alliance Partner. Learn more at www.imis.com

The first dedicated digital transformation conference for innovative associations proudly presented by Causeis. Causeis are the leaders in association digital transformation and growth strategies.

In conjunction with our technology partners, Causeis has proudly designed a face-to-face conference The Digital Academy Summit 2022. Set over two-days, 12^th and 13^th October at the convenient Citadines on Bourke Melbourne.

It's time to focus on your association’s growth. Everything you need is here. Experts. Peers. Inspiration. We hope you and your team will join us, be sure to register early as numbers are strictly limited.

The 2022 Summit has been designed to provide you with the skills, tools and strategies to prepare your association for accelerated digital transformation. Sessions will include masterclasses, presentations, training, and industry knowledge bursts.

This event will provide you with more networking opportunities beyond what a virtual event can do. You will have access to networking among your association peers, industry experts and global leaders in association digital transformation.

If your association is focused on data, technology, continuous improvement, digital transformation, growth and improving your customer's experience then this event is for you. With over 10 industry thought leaders presenting across two streams: technology and strategy.

Learn directly from IKEA, AuSAE, Higher Logic, Association Analytics and iMIS. With topics ranging across Customer Experience, Data Analytics, Data Security in the Cloud, Automation, Membership onboarding Strategies, Integration and iMIS workshops. 

Every association can benefit from attending the 2022 Summit. Register now as tickets are strictly limited.  Discover the 2022 Summit at www.causeis.com.au/summit

Bookings are flowing in for Wellington’s new purpose-built convention and exhibition centre, Tākina (www.takina.co.nz), as opening approaches.

Construction is on track to open June 2023 and conference organisers are locking in dates, with more than 80 conferences already penciled in at the central city venue.

Among the lineup of events confirmed for Tākina is the 22nd International Sedimentological Congress (ISC) in 2026, expected to attract up to 1,000 participants to Tākina and deliver an estimated $3.4m to the economy.

Lead organiser and Senior Geologist at GNS Science, Dr Mark Lawrence, says: “This congress will be an excellent opportunity to showcase New Zealand.

Sitting across two levels and ideal for conferences up to 1,600 delegates, Tākina sits at the heart of New Zealand’s compact, walkable capital.

The centre will be operated by Tākina Events alongside conference venue and national museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa, enabling business events planners to access and book the spaces and services of two of Wellington’s premium conference venues together. Situated just across the road from each other in the heart of the vibrant, walkable capital, it’s also ideal for delegates.

Tākina Commercial Development General Manager David Perks says he is excited that in less than a year Tākina will be open and the floors alive with conferences of a size unseen before in New Zealand’s capital city.

“Tākina is already on course to be a key strategic asset for Wellington, driving the city economy and bringing a buzz to the city as conference delegates visit all year round. Combining the events service at Tākina with Te Papa provides conference organisers with a diverse set of venues to choose from, on a scale not previously available in Wellington.”

To enquire about booking a conference or event in Wellington, contact Business Events Wellington BDM in Australia, Tania Barnes: tania.barnes@wellingtonnz.com or phone +61 459 031 091

The Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), working with partners and other system stakeholders, is developing a refreshed National Careers System Strategy to:

• Strengthen and future-proof New Zealand’s careers system;
• Support the system to help New Zealanders make careers decisions; and
• Support New Zealanders to grow the skills and capability needed now and in the future.

We warmly welcome careers system stakeholders and community representatives to attend an online hui session that will run for 1.5 hours and provide information on the Strategy background and progress to date. All attendees will then have the opportunity to ask questions, share their views and provide input through online feedback tools and kōrero. There are several date/time options to choose from and some sessions focussed on Māori and Pacific Peoples perspectives.

Register now

Click here to register for a session time/date that suits you.

General Sessions

• Friday 19 Aug, 10.30am–12.00pm
• Tuesday 23 Aug, 2.00pm–3.30pm
• Thursday 25 Aug, 12.00pm–1.30pm

Māori Perspectives Sessions

• Wednesday 17 August, 3.00pm–4.30pm
• Thursday 18 August, 1.00pm–2.30pm

Pacific Peoples Perspectives Sessions

• Monday 22 August, 3.00pm–4.30pm
• Wednesday 24 August, 10.00am–11.30am

Please feel free to share this invitation with your contacts that would be interested in attending.

We look forward to you joining us.

Ngā mihi,

The TEC National Careers System Strategy Team

If you’re leading an association which has no strategic plan, you’re not alone!  The metaphorical beaches are filled with heads in the sand.  

It’s not uncommon for the leaders of associations to spend too much of their time ‘in’ the business rather than ‘on’ it. Does your board spend a lot of each meeting debating what software to use to handle regular procedures, addressing issues within the team, reviewing venue options for events and other such operational topics? If so, you’re stuck in the weeds, you’re limiting success and you aren’t adding your highest-level value.

Effective strategic planning is simple and clear.

Having a solid strategic plan (including a set of goals with a 3-year horizon and a detailed action plan for the coming 12-months) is the single best tool to help keep the board focused in the right areas. The process of determining a strong strategy includes many steps, the first of which is to be clear on:

• Who your organisation does and doesn’t do.
• What drives you and what you stand for.
• What problem do you solve for your members.
  
  

Step 1:
In other words, you need to be crystal clear on your mission, vision and values (MVV). Check out our Mission, Vision, Values Cheat Sheet which will help you to easily get clear on these guiding principles for your organisation.

Step 2:
The next step is to develop a three-year strategy; a set of aims addressing where you want to get to and what you want the organisation to look like in the future. You will be guided by your MVV while developing the strategic plan. We recommend between 3-5 key pillars or goal areas, with between 3-5 key goals under each one. A simple 1-page document is enough to lay it all out.

Step 3:
The final step in the planning phase is the development of a detailed plan of action for the following 12-month period. What do you need to achieve in the next year in order to set you up for success in three years? Broken down into quarterly goals and month-by-month actions, this document becomes your working roadmap.  At its most drilled-down level, this is your to-do list!

Planning is a continuous cycle
The planning cycle – in the diagram below – is a continuous cycle of assessment, action-taking and review. 

The benefits of solid planning are many: spend less time questioning decisions, eliminate time-wasting on non-core activity, get all your stakeholders ‘on the bus’, have the knowledge you need to plan and budget for the resources you’ll require, deliver the value your members want. And for the board; you can get back to your rightful role - in the driver’s seat.

For more detail on simple strategy development, contact onsomble.

AuSAE is excited to announce that nine association executives recently earned their Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from the CAE Commission of ASAE. 

They join the growing cohort of CAEs in Australia and New Zealand, with more than 4,600 industry leaders worldwide who hold the CAE credential.

AUSTRALIA

• Jill Brookfield, CAE - Chief Executive Officer, Association of Australian Certifiers
• Kym De Britt, CAE - Chief Executive Officer, Australian Dental Industry Association
• Kim Harland, CAE - Marketing Manager, Skin Cancer Clinics
• Lindsay McGrath, CAE - Chief Executive Officer, Swimming Pool & Spa Association of Australia
• Joanne Phillips, CAE - Director Member Services, Australian Retailers Association
• Jonathan Seller, CAE - Senior Director of Development – APAC, AVIXA
• John Winter, CAE - Chief Executive Officer, Australian Restructuring Insolvency & Turnaround Association

NEW ZEALAND

• Allison Delaney, CAE - Executive Director
• Brett Francis, CAE – Chief Executive Officer, Window & Glass Association NZ

Toni Brearley CAE, Chief Executive Officer of AuSAE, says, “We are proud to welcome this new cohort of CAEs and have them join the CAE community.” Earning the CAE demonstrates their commitment to the profession and ongoing professional development and activities in association and not-for-profit management.

AuSAE, in partnership with #ASAE, launched the first localised version of the CAE credential in New Zealand & Australia in February 2021. We are committed to championing this important credential for the sector and advancing the association management profession.

The Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential is an international marker of a committed association professional who has demonstrated the wide range of knowledge essential to manage an association in today’s challenging environment. 

For more information about the credential or to register for the September 2022 study group, visit the AuSAE website - ausae.org.au/cae