The AuSAE MX 2023 event series has come to a close, and what an incredible journey it has been! From the vibrant city of Sydney to the bustling streets of Melbourne and the charming vibes of Adelaide, we embarked on an incredible journey deep into the realm of association management, focusing on the critical aspect of membership. The events brought together membership professionals from various industries, providing a platform for connection, collaboration, and learning. 

We kicked off the event with a bang, thanks to the brilliant Sarah Sladek, CEO of the Membership University. She took the virtual stage and blew our minds with her keynote on membership strategy. Sarah dove headfirst into the fascinating world of MemberShift, where she explored the reasons behind why members leave associations and shared invaluable tips on how to bring them back. Her keynote set the tone for the rest of the event, igniting curiosity, and sparking meaningful discussions. 

But that was just the beginning. Brenda Mainland, the Co-Founder and Director of Survey Matters, took over and wowed us with her presentation on membership insights. She dug deep into what truly matters to members, the secret sauce that drives engagement, and the reasons why individuals join and stay connected with associations. The "aha" moments were aplenty! 

And let's not forget about the awesome workshop led by Felicity Zadro, the Managing Director at Zadro. Communication is everything, my friends, and Felicity showed us just how crucial it is to effectively communicate the value of an association to its members. We brainstormed and explored various strategies and techniques to ensure that our members truly understand and appreciate the amazing benefits they receive as part of their membership. 

Of course, we can't overlook the epic session by Lindsay McGrath, the CEO of SPASA Australia. He took us on a thrilling deep dive into the art of mastering member experience. Lindsay emphasised the importance of delivering exceptional experiences to our association members and shared some tips and real-life examples to inspire us all. We left that session ready to take our member experience game to a whole new level! 

But it wasn't just the incredible speakers that made this event series a hit. We had the privilege of hearing remarkable case studies from associations - Australian Institute of Project Management, Australian Traditional-Medicine Society, Local Government Professionals NSW, Canegrowers, Speech Pathology, Family Business Australia, Water Research Australia, Australian Boarding Schools Association, and Civil Contractors SA, that are truly making waves in their industries. From redefining member value propositions to successful advocacy and engagement campaigns, to engaging younger members and building online communities, and using learning as tool for growth and navigating the ESG journey, we were treated to a buffet of inspiration. The dedication and impact showcased by these associations reminded us why we do what we do—it's all about making a difference for our members and communities. 

To all the attendees, speakers, partners who joined us on this journey, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude. Your passion, expertise, and commitment created an atmosphere of growth, learning, and connection that made this event series truly unforgettable. You are the true rock stars of association management, and we salute you! 

As we wrap up this event series, we carry with us a renewed sense of purpose and a deep appreciation for the power of associations. The MX 2023 events in Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide have left an indelible mark on the association management community, equipping professionals with the knowledge and inspiration to drive positive change and enhance the experiences of our members. 

So, here's to the future! Let's continue to flourish, adapt, and thrive as associations, championing the needs and aspirations of our members. Until we meet again at the next AuSAE event, let's carry the spirit of collaboration and innovation, transforming the landscape of association management one step at a time.