We Are Associations

The Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the professional community for association and not-for-profit professionals across Australia and New Zealand.

We bring together current and future leaders to build capability, share knowledge, develop their careers and strengthen the organisations they lead. Through professional development, events, practical resources, peer connections and expert support, AuSAE helps association professionals navigate challenges, discover new ideas and make a greater impact.

Whether you're new to the sector, building your career or leading an association, AuSAE connects you with people who understand the opportunities and challenges of association work.

As the only not-for-profit, member-based organisation dedicated exclusively to supporting association professionals across Australia and New Zealand, we have a unique understanding of the sector and the people who power it.

Our vision: An association sector that is valued and recognised.
Our mission: To advance the impact, recognition, and future of associations and the association profession through education, community, leadership and advocacy

Community
To cultivate a dynamic and future- focused professional community where association professionals build relationships, share experiences and strengthen the collective voice of the sector.

Career
To grow an informed, capable community by enabling members to access knowledge, contribute their experience, and progress along professional pathways that reflect the diversity and depth of association work.

Voice
To activate a confident and visible community of association professionals who influence policy, shape public discourse, and champion the essential role associations play in society.

Excellence
To ensure AuSAE is a resilient, future-ready organisation that reflects the strength of its community—powered by engaged people, aligned partners, and systems that enable participation and shared value.


AuSAE - The Driving Force of Associations

Australia and New Zealand's only not-for-profit organisation assisting Association professionals. From the beds we sleep in, to the clothes we wear, the cars we drive to the roads and bridges we travel on, the design and construction of the offices and homes we work and live in, to the professional services we access and the community organisations we benefit from, there is an association working hard to improve products, services, professionalism, public policy and ultimately society. We are your association join us Now!

AuSAE exists for one reason: to serve associations, by associations. Everything we do — our events, our education, our advocacy, our resources — is built by people who understand this sector because they work in it every day. That is not something you can replicate, and it remains our greatest point of difference.

AuSAE supports the people behind this important work.

The Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the leading professional community for association and not-for-profit professionals across Australia and New Zealand. We connect current and future leaders with the knowledge, skills, resources and relationships they need to succeed.

Whether you're a CEO, executive or emerging leader, AuSAE gives you opportunities to learn from your peers, build your capability, develop your career and stay connected to what's happening across the sector.

Membership designed for you

We've evolved our membership to provide greater value and more opportunities, with benefits designed around the different roles and stages of an association career.

And for organisations that want to invest in their people, Organisational Membership brings your whole team into the AuSAE community. Give your staff more opportunities to connect, upskill, share knowledge and grow together.

More connection. More capability. More value for you and your team.

Join the professional community that understands association work and is committed to helping you and your organisation make a greater impact.

Join your association

In 2011 the Australian Society of Association Executives merged with Associations New Zealand to become the Australasian Society of Association Executives.

In 2024, AuSAE celebrated its 70th year anniversary, and since then has continued to experience a period of unparalleled growth where it is expected to reach significant milestones including its largest ever membership peak. Now is an ideal time to become a part of this exciting history.

Past Presidents of Australasian Society of Association Executives

2023 - 2026 - John Winter, Australian Property Institute.
2019 - 2023 - Lyn McMorran, Financial Services Council NZ
2015 - 2019 - Graham Catt - Canberra Business Chamber
2014 - 2015 - Nick Hill - Building Officials Institute of New Zealand
2012 - 2014 - Tony Steven – Australian Medical Assoc Tasmania 
Simon Pryor – Mathematical Society of Victoria

Toni Brearley is our Chief Executive Officer

With 12 years experience in the Association Sector, Toni brings a depth of skills and experience to the AuSAE team. Prior to her association life, Toni held senior positions in sector peak bodies and community service organisations, Toni has particular expertise in stakeholder engagement, marketing and communications and policy development. 



And we’ve also put on some incredible events

From multi-day conferences with expert presenters to informal lunch meetings led by your peers, we have a variety of programs to meet help you do your job better and improve your association.

Whats On?


A place where you belong, connect with others, advance your career and be inspired
Joining AuSAE will be one of the most important decisions of your career. If you are passionate about your career in the association sector, AuSAE provides a full suite of educational and networking opportunities that focus on the evolving trends and challenges facing the industry; connect with like-minded leaders and invest in your career in associations. AuSAE welcomes all association professionals, from presidents and CEOs, specialist managers to entry-level coordinators, and everyone in between.

Find out more


Vision and Mission 

An association sector that is valued and recognised 

To advance the impact recognition and future of associations and the association profession through education, community, leadership and advocacy.

AuSAE Board and Constitution 
Information of the AuSAE Board members and Constitution can be found here


The Australasian Society of Association Executives

Contact us:

Ask Simon - AuSAE's AI Knowledge Assistant
Email: info@ausae.org.au
Phone: 1300 764 576 (within Australia)
Phone: +61 7 3268 7955 (outside Australia)
Address: Unit 6, 26 Navigator Place, Hendra QLD 4011, Australia

                    
        


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