Kuching! Ever heard of it? It’s in Borneo, Malaysia and is one of only two places in the world where Orangutans hang out. It also recently hosted the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) World Congress.

I was honoured to be invited as one of 20 Association Executives to attend the congress this year. It was the first time Associations had been purposefully integrated into the event and program so I was keen to understand more about ICCA and their motivation for having us there.

Most membership organisations run meetings, conferences and/or exhibitions. The attendees at the ICCA World Congress are essentially suppliers to the conference and events industry (e.g. convention bureaus, conference facilities and conference organisers). So, getting both parties (Associations and suppliers) into the room resulted in some great discussions and debates. 

“Associations on Fire” was the title of the session I was a panel member for. Our panel of Association Executives received challenging questions from attendees, some of which had clearly had a bad experience with an Association. The key take out from this session was there needs to be better communication between Associations and the event industry to ensure mutually beneficial outcomes. We need to understand their drivers and outcomes, just as much as they need to better understand our challenges, motivations and success factors. It was the start of what I am sure will be an ongoing and beneficial dialogue. Watch a short video here. 

As the Association for conference and congress professionals, you’d think ICCA would know a thing or two about running a good one. They did. And I came away with plenty of insights, ideas and connections which will be infused into our future events. Let me know if you want specifics.

One of the best things about being in Kuching was actually hanging out with Orangutans and getting my hands dirty cleaning cages, preparing food and hand feeding them as part of the Heart to Heart program. It was simply amazing.

Finally, my sincere thanks to everyone who has renewed AuSAE membership for 2017. Your ongoing/support is very much appreciated and every day the AuSAE team strive to deliver value and benefits to our community. Watch out for more great things to come in 2017 as AuSAE goes from strength to strength.

Brendon Ward

Chief Executive Officer

Australasian Society of Association Executives

The Auckland Kindergarten Association has applauded the Government’s decision to consult on its update of the early childhood education curriculum, ‘Te Whariki’.

Association CEO Tanya Harvey said today (04 November) there was ‘deep affection’ for the existing curriculum. And she and others in the early childhood education sector ‘appreciate and applaud’ the Minister’s decision to consult more widely on how it was to be changed.

Ms Harvey said the curriculum update had been undertaken so far by seven government-appointed ‘writers’, and was set to modify the way children were taught in early childhood education services throughout New Zealand.

She said it was ‘a tricky job’ to refresh the 20-year-old curriculum for a new generation whilst retaining the ‘spirit and essence’ of the old document, and it was ‘a very good idea to ask those working in the early childhood education sector to help achieve this’.

Ms Harvey said government was seeking to update educational content, review learning outcomes and how they were assessed, create links between the early childhood and primary school curricula, and strengthen advice on curriculum implementation.

The review seemed to be ‘on track to produce something that would work well for everyone’, but it was likely that input from the sector would make it even better, Ms Harvey said.

The Auckland Kindergarten Association was founded in 1908, and is the largest kindergarten association in New Zealand. It runs 107 kindergartens, four KiNZ early learning daycare centres (with a fifth set to open in Orewa), and five play groups. It cares for more than 8500 children a year.

This press release was originally sourced from Scoop.

Representatives from the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, the leading industry organisation for restaurants, cafes and other members of the hospitality sector have travelled to Kaikoura today to offer support to local businesses through a pop-up advisory office in the region.

The Association is offering ongoing help and advice to members and the wider hospitality community covering what they need to be thinking about in the aftermath of last week’s earthquakes and how they can work through any challenges that may lay ahead.

CEO Marisa Bidois says the Restaurant Association wants to help wherever it can.

“Our members have banded together to assist their fellow hospitality professionals and so many have come forward to offer their support to those in need. We want the industry to know that the Association is here to assist. Our knowledge of the industry and learnings from the Christchurch earthquakes can provide valuable insights for restaurateurs and café owners in Kaikoura.”

Christchurch restaurateur and member of the Association, Michael Turner joined the trip to Kaikoura. He has first-hand experience of rebuilding a business after an earthquake.

Michael Turner says, “Having rebuilt my business after the Christchurch earthquakes I know how helpful it is to hear from people who have had a similar experience.”

Restaurant Association Canterbury Branch President Sam Crofsky will also travel to Kaikoura alongside Turner and Bidois.

The Association was approached by the Marlborough Food and Health Board to make the journey to Kaikoura.

This Media Release was originally sourced from Scoop. 

The AFL has cautiously entered into a new one-year deal with the AFL Coaches' Association with a view to the industry body becoming less financially reliant on the league in future.

With the AFL and the players still significantly apart in their pay dispute, football boss Mark Evans and AFLCA chief Mark Brayshaw on Tuesday agreed on a short-term agreement for 2017, which is worth about $900,000.

The previous deal struck between Andrew Demetriou and Brayshaw's predecessor, Danny Frawley, ran for five years.

The AFL grant – the same amount as 2016 – has come with new conditions from Evans who has called upon the coaches to reshape their so-called "growing the game appearances" to work more closely with the AFL's game development strategies.

Brayshaw said the coaches had embraced the new agreement.

"Our members have said they'd like to do more for game development," he said.

"We've already moved our Sydney-based coaches into school programs and we're looking to do more in terms of multicultural development, working with academies, pathway coaches and mentoring programs."

Under the AFL grant the 18 senior coaches each receive $3750 annually for professional development while about 160 assistant coaches are granted about $1000.

The AFL deal also funds Brayshaw and his team to mentor coaches, help develop the recently introduced level four program and oversee their rules discussions and agreements with broadcasters and AFL Media.

The coaches association underwent a facelift in 2014 when Alastair Clarkson orchestrated something of a coup installing Brayshaw and reshaping the AFLCA board.

AFL boss Gillon McLachlan has worked to improve the coaches' relationship with head office and include the coaches in semi-regular discussions and debates over rules and game style.

The senior coaches and club chief executives will dine together in Sydney on Thursday night on the eve of the 2016 national draft with the coaches coming together the following day to discuss any potential amendments to the laws of the game.

This article was originally sourced from SMH. 

The Australian Society of Association Executives has partnered with The Growth Faculty to offer you the chance to take part in the 'Start with Why' Leadership Forum’ in in Sydney and Melbourne in March 2017. Book now to take advantage of early bird rates and our special member discount!

This powerful one-day program presented by Simon Sinek and Peter Docker, a contributing partner of “Start with Why” will help you:

• Develop an action-plan for implementing your WHY
• Understand your organisations golden circle
• Learn how to inspire your team and organisation to greatness
• Understand why some organisations are more innovative, more profitable and command greater loyalty from customers and employees alike (and how you can too).

Speakers

Simon Sinek | Leadership Expert Described as “a visionary thinker with a rare intellect,” Sinek teaches leaders and organisations how to inspire people. With a bold goal to help build a world in which the vast majority of people go home everyday feeling fulfilled by their work, Sinek is leading a movement to inspire people to do the things that inspire them. Simon Sinek explores how leaders can inspire cooperation, trust and change. He's the author of the classic "Start With Why", "Leaders Eat Last." And his latest book is “Together is Better”

Peter Docker | Leadership expert Peter Docker is passionate about enabling others to be extraordinary. Working with individuals and organisations inspired by Simon Sinek’s theory of “The Golden Circle,” as illustrated in Simon’s bestselling book, Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action, Peter helps to harness the power of “why” to create extraordinary cultures and sustainable high performance. A leadership consultant and executive coach, Peter has engaged at senior levels with several of the world’s largest companies, developing an understanding of a wide range of industries.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear one of the most sought after leadership thinkers around the globe, Simon Sinek share his strategies on how to influence positive change, increase employee engagement and grow key leadership competencies.

When:

Melbourne - 3 March 2017

Sydney - 7 March 2017

Timing:

• 09:00 – 12:00 Leadership Presentation with Simon Sinek
• 13:30 – 16:00 Implementation Workshop with Peter Docker

EARLY BIRD ENDS 16 DECEMBER 2016

Special Rates for AuSAE members

• Non-Member Rate: $895 per person
• AuSAE Rate: $795 per person
• Group Rate (10 +): $695.00 per person

Platinum Tickets: $1295 per person (limited available)

• Reserved front of house seating, an intimate VIP lunch including Q&A with Simon Sinek, access to VIP lounge area and a copy of a Simon Sinek book.

MORE INFO | BOOK NOW | PLATINUM TICKETS

Frustrated with your old and clunky software or website? How to choose the right software for your association or not for profit. Consider the following as you decide on your key requirements.

What do you need? - The software you ultimately choose needs to make your processes and procedures more efficient. It’s a good idea to first consult with your admin team to determine their most common duties and which of these take the longest time. For example, processing membership renewals may currently involve paper-based or PDF forms which use up valuable staff resources and time better spent on alternative tasks.

Write a list of your specific needs – taking your processes into account – in advance of approaching software vendors and the various options available to you. These should be added to a requirements document. Don’t be swayed by the bells and whistles of the latest trends and sales pitch: If you look at software options before creating your requirements document, you will almost certainly miss out features that you need. Be resolute with your requirements to avoid costly overspends on functionality you won’t use.

Must-haves and nice-to-haves - Rate each of your requirements in order of necessity. For example, if you have 50,000 members, you’ll need to choose a robust database system that can support that number. Conversely, sending your members text message reminders on upcoming events might fall into the nice-to-have category.

Another major prerequisite to consider is currency, as some American-based software systems don’t support payments in Australian or New Zealand dollars.

Matching your organisation goals to your requirements - Consider what your current goals, challenges and priorities are. Requirements that relate to these priorities should be ranked more highly than those that don’t.

For instance, if your goal is to attract new members and finding the best way to communicate value, a main requirement for your organisation would be to have a highly polished website which showcases your value proposition throughout. The ability to run complex financial reports for your board will not attract new members. Focus on what’s important to your association or not for profit currently as you prepare your requirements document (a software system that helps you do more than this is a bonus!).

Why do you want to change software? - Have you stopped to think about why you’re keen to move to a new software system? Associations and not for profits are often frustrated that their existing setup can’t do X or Y. Consult with your whole team or committee, adding the salient points to your requirements document.

Type of system - Ideally, it’s recommended that you select an integrated solution over multiple pieces of software. The idea is to avoid having to, for example, update member details in a CRM or events tool, as well as in a separate database and an email newsletter system.

Benefits of integrated software tools include the ability to tackle…

• Your website (news/events/general content)
• Events registration
• Donations
• Members’ area(s)
• Registrations
• Renewals
• Member directory
• CRM/database
• Email newsletters

Tools like Okta will allow your members sign in to your software, plus any other associated systems you have, e.g., CPD online training portal.

If you like what you read you can get more tips and download the full article at http://www.convergedesign.com.au/choose

The AMA is now accepting applications for the 2017 AMA Indigenous Peoples’ Medical Scholarship. The successful applicant will receive $10,000 each year for the duration of their course. AMA President, Dr Michael Gannon, said today that a highly skilled medical workforce that includes more Indigenous doctors and health professionals will help reduce health inequalities for Indigenous Australians. “There is evidence that there is a greater chance of improved health outcomes when Indigenous people are treated by Indigenous doctors and health professionals,” Dr Gannon said.

“Increasing the number of Indigenous doctors and health workers improves access to culturally appropriate health care and services, and ensures medical services respond properly to the unique needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

“Previous AMA Scholarship recipients have graduated to work in Indigenous and mainstream health services, and some have spent time providing care in their own communities. These wonderful doctors are now the pride of the medical profession and their communities, and role models for Indigenous Australians who want a career as a doctor or other health professional. The Scholarship has assisted many Indigenous men and women, who may not have otherwise had the financial resources to study medicine.

“The AMA strongly encourages Indigenous students to apply for the scholarship.”

Dr Gannon said the Scholarship, the AMA Indigenous Health Report Card, and the work of the AMA Taskforce on Indigenous Health are all part of the AMA’s commitment to reconciliation. Applications for the Scholarship must be received by 31 January 2017.

To be eligible for the Scholarship, applicants must be currently enrolled at an Australian medical school, and be in at least their first year of medicine. Applicants must be people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander background. For further information on how to apply for the 2017 AMA Indigenous Peoples’ Medical Scholarship visit: https://www.ama.com.au/indigenous-peoples-medical-scholarship-2017

Information on previous recipients can be found at https://ama.com.au/advocacy/indigenous-peoples-medical-scholarship

This Media Release was originally sourced from AMA.

The Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) announced today it had appointed a new chief executive officer, following a comprehensive search process. Mike Felton has agreed to join the MFAA in the role, following a series of operational and executive roles in asset finance and banking over almost thirty years.

The MFAA sought a candidate with experience across the financial services spectrum, to ensure the MFAA could continue to respond to the inevitable and increasing changes facing the finance and mortgage broking industry. MFAA chairman Cynthia Grisbrook said they couldn’t be happier to have secured Mike for the role, he has worked in financial markets, treasury, asset finance and program management, as well as in executive roles. Each of these elements of his career has equipped him with skills and knowledge that will benefit the MFAA.

The Board also saw the value in appointing a CEO with a depth and breadth of perspective, but whose experience lies outside of the broking industry. Felton, a 29-year veteran of banking and financial services, both here in Australia and overseas, said he saw the role as the perfect fit for his experience set. "I am honoured and grateful to the Board for the opportunity to lead the MFAA team and excited about the challenge this role presents,” Felton said. “There is change on the horizon with a mature trend in interest rates, proposed regulatory changes, ongoing adjustments to lending criteria and predicted volatility in housing markets, all of which will need to be navigated. Most of my career has been in high-change environments and I look forward to working with the team to drive outcomes for the MFAA and its members in the coming months and years.

“My first priority, however, will be to listen and learn. I’m looking forward to spending time with the Board, the MFAA team, members and other stakeholders to understand and take stock of our current position,” Felton said.

"I’d like to thank the Board, interim CEO Chris McRostie and the entire MFAA team for continuing to drive our agenda of advocacy, education and support for the industry as we conducted this search," said Grisbrook.

Mike will commence work with the MFAA on Monday 5th December 2016.

This Media Release was originally sourced from Broker News. 

Gain insights that reduce stress and increase revenue at your event. When scouting conference venues, event planners rely on their trusty site-visit checklist. Make sure your list includes these four questions to help uncover the lesser-known services conference venues provide.

How can you help me generate more sponsorship revenue?

Think of your venue as an event partner that can enhance your sponsorship program. “Planners should meet early on with the venue’s business solutions manager to learn about the full range of services and revenue opportunities offered by the venue and its partners,” said Élaine Legault, director of production services at the Palais des congrès de Montréal.

Ask the venue what programs it has in place, and how it might offer options for your unique needs. The Palais, for instance, provides advertising platforms to supplement a conference’s sponsorship program, such as digital displays, video walls, a WiFi login page, a mobile app, and an exhibitor portal.

What should I know about moving in and out of your venue?

“The last thing we want is our client incurring stress on the eve of their event,” said Luis Ribeiro, director of sales and marketing at the Centre Mont-Royal, an event venue in Montréal. He recommends finding out the exact measurements of loading docks and elevators as well as height and weight restrictions. “Tour the loading dock at a site visit, especially if it’s a venue you haven’t worked in,” said Ribeiro. “Take note of the number of loading docks and who else needs to use them when you do.”

Can you help us design our conference space?

Venue staff members have seen hundreds of events hosted in their space. Ask for their help in designing an atmosphere for learning and networking. “Where you see a roof terrace, others have seen a log cabin with a camp fire. Where you see emergency exits, others have seen alcoves for networking lounges,” said Legault. “Your dedicated event manager is like a Pinterest board: a starting point to unleash your own creativity.”

What type of shipping assistance can you provide our exhibitors?

Don’t let worries about international customs and shipping scare off potential exhibitors. “On our first site visit, the Palais brought up the shipping issue right away,” said Ewa Jodlowska, director of operations at Python Software Foundation, a technology nonprofit organization based in Delaware.

“They introduced us to a customs broker from Mendelssohn Commerce who explained how they would make it a smooth experience for our exhibitors.”

Customs brokers handle the logistics of shipping across borders and all the accompanying red tape. By officially registering your meeting with a customs broker such as Mendelssohn, exhibitors can have access to onsite customs clearance at approved venues such as the Palais.

This article was originally sourced from Associations Now.

The vegetable industry has become the 12th industry partner to join the Government Industry Agreement (GIA) biosecurity partnership, signing the agreement on November 8 at Parliament. Vegetables New Zealand represents all fresh vegetable crops other than potatoes, onions, tomatoes, asparagus and buttercup squash.

It represents more than 900 growers who produce more than 50 crops with a farm gate value of $390 million per annum. They join TomatoesNZ, Kiwifruit Vine Health, Pipfruit New Zealand, New Zealand Pork, New Zealand Equine Health Association, Onions New Zealand, the Forestry Owners Association, The New Zealand Avocado Growers' Association, New Zealand Citrus Growers Incorporated and the Ministry for Primary Industries under GIA.

This Media Release was originally sourced from NZ Herald