AuSAE - CEO Message - Insights from #ASAE18

CEO Message - Insights from #ASAE18

27 Aug 2018 4:31 PM | Deleted user

Having literally just touched down from attending the ASAE Annual Meeting in Chicago last week, the team were very keen for me to share my insights with you in time for this newsletter. Whilst my thoughts are not yet fully formed, I have, whilst in transit, tried to share with you some of my initial insights from the meeting.

Firstly, let me paint the picture. The scale of this conference is incredible. Some 6092 attendees inhabited a convention centre the size of a city block with an exhibition floor of 713 Exhibitors. 2 keynotes, 5 mini keynotes and some 115 learning sessions. This is in addition to the amazing networking events – the welcome function was a music concert…. seriously! So what did I learn?

1. We’re doing ok

Whilst our associations don’t operate on the scale of our US counterparts (I had to explain on several occasions that our entire population across both countries is only 30 million) I do believe the maturity of our organisations, the sophistication of membership models and acceptance of associations as part of the fabric of our society is at the very least on par with our US counterparts.

2. Same, same but different

The sessions I attended I noted fundamentally similar challenges for associations big and small. Getting the governance right, providing real value to members, adapting to the changing consumer market, chapter management, ensuring the sustainability of our associations, and the engagement of the next generation were the basis of the majority of the breakout sessions. The way in which we problem solve these challenges are in some ways different (scale allows investment at levels we can only dream of!) however evolving technology is certainly bridging this gap. In fact, my observation from my attendance 2 years ago is that the “technology gap” has closed significantly.

3. We are still not using our data

I had the pleasure of spending some time with our friends at Marketing General, who produce the largest global association benchmarking report and work with 100’s of associations across the country. They report that many associations are still not making data-driven decisions, and no matter what system you use or size you are, there is data in your associations that you can use and learn from.

4. They are all in it together

Whilst culturally we don’t tend to “shout from the rooftops” our achievements, the pride in delivering and communicating the value of what ASAE do for their members is inspiring. I have to say the sector feels very united and indeed fiercely supportive of their peak body. Every member regardless of their classification is valued as part of the ‘association eco-system’ and the strength of a single voice is very apparent.

5. Diversity as a movement

There was a definite and deliberate conversation about diversity (beyond gender) running through the meeting that I would identify as being far more evolved than the current conversations in Australia and New Zealand. With the ASAE advocacy efforts for transgender individuals to a highlight speaker for me being a self-proclaimed queer Latinx millennial woman to the newly elected and first openly gay ASAE Chair, Sal Martino diversity and inclusion as a strategic intent was very evident.

Well there you have it. My top line observations. I would love to have more conversations and share my learnings with anyone who would like to talk further, please just email and or call me.

Wishing you a fabulous September!

Toni

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.

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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