AuSAE - Introducing Glen Harriss

Introducing Glen Harriss - ACE Rockstar!

26 Apr 2019 9:26 AM | Toni Brearley, CAE (Administrator)

This month, for a limited time only we are introducing you to a very special type of member – the Conference Rockstar! Our conference Rockstars are those members who have attended all the previous ACE conferences and have registered to attend #ACE19 (that’s 5 conferences in a row!).

Allow us to introduce our first conference Rockstar – Glen Harriss, State Manager – Queensland, Sports Medicine Australia. Glen will share with us why he hasn’t missed an AuSAE ACE conference and why he continues to commit time and resources to attend.

Tell us what you value the most about ACE?

Connections. Renewing past connections and meeting new connections. I actively look to sit next someone different in every session. It is an easy way meet someone new and you already have many things in common such as being association professionals and an interest in the particular session. It is also energizing knowing that the challenges I face in my organisation are very similar to those faced by others. I have received so many tips and ideas that have been easily translatable into my own organisation. I have also been able to share a couple too!

Can you share a tangible example of how attending the conference directly impacted your role?

I have my current role at Sports Medicine Australia because I met the CEO at ACE in Sydney. The position had been recently advertised, so I actively tracked him down and met him. The conference app was great to see what he looked like and to send him a message. I also had help from some friends who were also on the lookout for me!

How have you seen the conference evolve over the past 5 years?

Over the years, the choices have increased and the sessions are more interactive and modern. We are not drowning in PowerPoint presentations instead being actively involved in workshops and panel discussions. The addition of speakers from outside the association sector has been valuable providing an insight into what we do from a different perspective.

I feel there has been an increased focus on networking and providing delegates with numerous opportunities to meet other likeminded professionals. I have loved the addition of lunch sessions where first timers (who may not know many people) can meet and mingle with other first timers or where delegates can meet the AuSAE Board members and hear more about our organisation. The type of networking sessions has evolved to last year where we had an amazing time have drinks with Panda Bears at the Adelaide Zoo (who by the way is a fantastic membership organisation).

If you didn’t attend #ACE19, what do you think you would miss the most?

I would miss the food! For mine, the food is always sensational, but the first ACE conference at BCEC in Brisbane was absolutely the best. I look forward to seeing what they deliver this year!

I would also miss the networking opportunities. I would encourage everyone to attend and be actively involved in all the networking sessions. This has been where I have found and built some amazing relationships. More than any other conference I attend, I have always felt comfortable saying hello to the person next to me.

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