Australian Sports Professionals Association Gets Official Launch

24 Apr 2019 10:55 AM | Deleted user

The Australian Sports Professionals Association (ASPA) has been officially launched, at a recent event in Perth, with 25 state and national bodies in attendance. The event kicks off a national launch calendar that will see inaugural events in most states and territories of Australia.

ASPA is an industry body for individuals who work in sport, ranging from administrators of small state/territory sports to chief executives and board members of large national bodies, and provides opportunities to connect, communicate and collaborate with other professionals in the realm of sports management.

Opened by WA Sports Federation Chief Executive Rob Thompson and hosted by Rowing WA, the Perth event headlines an initiative that has seen over 40 organisations in the Australian Sports Industry already signing up as founding members for the benefit of their staff and volunteers.

ASPA has also officially partnered with the NSW Sports Federation (Sport NSW), Queensland Sports Federation (QSport), Western Australian Sports Federation (WASF) and the South Australian Sports Federation (Sport SA) to deliver and promote the network nationally.

The format of the network is that of a member-based subscription for professionals within the sporting industry.

Sports industry professional Alex Mednis addressed the launch event in Perth on behalf of the organisers, stating "everyone in our industry is facing similar challenges. We need to make this easier for ourselves. We need a better, smarter way to connect to and learn from each other.

"Every conference we attend is full of talk, but so short on actionable steps. This needs to change, and the industry acknowledges we cannot do this alone. Every person here has overcome challenges in their sporting careers and has the ability to share that with others who may be facing the same struggles.

"The feedback from the industry as we launch this network from state and national governing bodies has been fantastic. We're excited to be able to introduce an association by the industry, for the industry. The long term goal is to have an association that is self-sustaining."

Sport NSW Chief Executive Darren Simpson added “the Australian Sports Professionals Association has been designed to encourage communication and collaboration between the many passionate and committed professionals working in Sport across Australia.

:Sport NSW is proud to be a foundation partner of ASPA as we truly believe shared resources and collaboration are imperative for the growth of our industry. It is about adding value to existing initiatives and organisations such as ours, rather than reinventing the wheel.”

More information can be found at the ASPA website at www.sportsprofessionals.co.

Originally published by Australian Leisure Management. View the full article 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.

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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

                    
        


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