Meet AuSAE's New CEO, Toni Brearley

26 May 2017 4:06 PM | Kerrie Green

ICYMI, Toni Brearley was recently appointed as AuSAE's new CEO. Toni has been with the organisation since 2013 and is looking forward to the new role and working with and supporting members to create a strong and robust association sector. Having been with the organisation for a few years now it's highly likely you have met Toni along your travels. However here are a few fun facts about AuSAE's new CEO that you might not have otherwise known.

  • What are you most excited about for your role as CEO of AuSAE?

Continuing the journey that has been started for me. I have seen AuSAE grow and mature in the past 4 years, and I am genuinely honoured to have the opportunity to represent such a broad, vibrant and important sector. But mostly, I am looking forward to continuing to support and work with our incredible members and promoting this wonderful profession we all belong to of Association Management.

  • Who inspires you / who do you admire and why?

Inspiration and admiration are an interesting thing. The older I get, more and more I find that ordinary people have extraordinary stories, sometimes you need to take the time and ask the right questions. Rarely do you find a person who has had a completely blessed path.

  • What do you do for fun?

Good friends, good food and good wine…. throw in a view of the ocean and I am complete.

  • iPhone or Samsung?

What is a Samsung ?

  • Favourite food?

Wine is a food isn’t it? Although lately I’m rather partial to GYG Nachos Fries.

  • Favourite TV shows?

This may be telling of what I do in my spare time (often the wee hours of night/morning when the house is quiet). So in no particular era or order:

  • The West Wing
  • House of Cards
  • Game of Thrones
  • The Good Wife
  • GirlBoss
  • And if I’m completely truthful – Real Housewives of Melbourne !
  • Drink of choice?

Coffee in the morning, wine in the evening (also refer to favourite food)

  • Favourite app right now?

Snapchat – because I enjoy embarrassing my 11 year old son and quite frankly the filters are amazing!

  • The best business advice you’ve ever received?

As a young child, my Dad always made me live by the mantra that in life you have the freedom to make whatever decisions you choose, however you must be prepared to stand by the consequences of those decisions and their impact. Something that has always stayed with me.

  • Favourite go to websites/blogs for news on your industry?

Whilst I always like to keep up with US Industry information from ASAE, I find LinkedIn the place where I uncover the stories of the great work associations and their members are doing here in Australia and NZ.

If you would like to chat to Toni at any time please email: toni@ausae.org.au, call her on 1300 764 576 or connect with her on LinkedIn here

Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connections: AuSAE and Tourism New Zealand Business Events Renew Partnership

Association professionals across Australia and New Zealand have even more reason to explore trans-Tasman opportunities. AuSAE is proud to announce the renewal of its longstanding partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events, celebrating 11 years of collaboration.

For over a decade, this partnership has strengthened connections between the two countries, helping associations expand networks, share knowledge, and deliver world-class events.

Toni Brearley, CAE, Chief Executive Officer at AuSAE, said:

“Our partnership with Tourism New Zealand Business Events has opened doors for association leaders to plan unforgettable events and connect with peers across the Tasman. Together, we’ve created opportunities, shared knowledge, and elevated the experiences of our members and their delegates. This partnership reinforces our commitment to fostering strong trans-Tasman collaborations, helping associations innovate, grow, and deliver outstanding value to their members.”

Helen Bambry, Business Events Manager at Tourism New Zealand, added:

“Partnering with AuSAE means we can directly support association professionals in bringing their next international business event to New Zealand – offering assistance, funding, and support to ensure exceptional experiences for both organisers and delegates.”

Watch the Tourism New Zealand Business Events video

What this partnership means for you

For Australian associations:

  • Receive expert guidance and support to bring conferences or member events to New Zealand.
  • Access funding assistance through Tourism New Zealand Business Events.
  • Expand your network and build partnerships with New Zealand peers and industry leaders.
  • Deliver international experiences for members and delegates just across the Tasman.

For New Zealand associations:

  • Strengthen professional connections with Australian association leaders through AuSAE’s network.
  • Share expertise and collaborate on professional development, governance, and member engagement initiatives, and more.
  • Gain visibility within the broader association community in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Access opportunities to host international association events and delegates in New Zealand, boosting local engagement and knowledge exchange.

About AuSAE:

The home for association professionals, the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) is the leading - and only not-for-profit, member-based - organisation supporting association professionals in Australia and New Zealand. For 70 years, AuSAE has been a trusted partner for those working in associations, providing professional development, support, and networking to help association leaders achieve organisational goals, advance their careers, and strengthen the wider sector.

About Tourism New Zealand Business Events:

Tourism New Zealand Business Events provides expert guidance, funding, and support to attract conferences, incentives and corporate events to New Zealand.

--- ends ---

For more information about AuSAE, please contact Toni Brearley, CAE:
Toni Brearley, CAE
Chief Executive Officer, AuSAE

E: toni@ausae.org.au
T: + 61 458 000 155

To apply for funding and support to host a conference in New Zealand contact Helen Bambry:
Helen Bambry
Business Events Manager, Tourism New Zealand

E: Helen.Bambry@tnz.govt.nz
T: +61 415 933 325


The Australasian Society of Association Executives

Contact us:

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

                    
        


Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software