CEO Message April - Australia

24 Apr 2019 5:04 PM | Deleted user

As we are now just over 6 weeks away from #ACE19 and super excited about hosting you all in our home town of warm, sunny Brisbane, you will in the coming weeks receive a few (!) emails from us about the conference …. So apologies in advance for #conferencespam

As association executives, part and parcel of the job is many nights away from home, many days out of the office, an abundance of functions and too much food (or is that just me?) so the prospect of attending another event can sometimes seem too hard. Let me take a few minutes to remind you of the value of having a whole bunch of people just like you in the same space at the same time.

It reminds you why you do what you do.

I remember the first time I attended the American Society of Association Executives annual meeting and feeling a real connection to a much bigger picture than my day to day job. Hearing the stories of so many individuals working across so many professions and industries reminded me of the collective impact of this sector and why I was so proud to be a part of it.

The value of a random connection

Admittedly I am an extrovert, so I never mind having a conversation with someone I don’t know, but events such as ACE put you in a situation where you are able to meet people you ordinarily wouldn’t and you can make a connection with someone that could dramatically impact how you approach a situation or a problem or who knows someone who does. Also you might just meet that person that will facilitate the next step in your career.

Answers to what keeps you up at night

Chances are some of the things that keep you up at night about your role will be the same as someone else and a conference should provide you with at least one “ah-ha” moment of how to solve or approach a pain-point. It might be directly from a speakers presentation or by having a conversation with someone over a drink at a networking session but getting a different perspective is often a thought starter to approach something in a different way.

Give yourself an advantage

You don’t know what you don’t know, so stepping outside of the everyday, forging connections, listening to a speaker from outside of the sector, having a conversation with someone inside the sector, seeing a new a product or service all give you an advantage over someone who doesn’t. That in my opinion is the real value of what a conference can bring.

I hope to see you in Brisbane in June. Register here #deliberateplug

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

                    
        


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