Associations can leverage the mission-driven nature of their work to help employees find meaning at a time when many are struggling to rediscover their passion for their work.

By Michael Hickey Nov 30, 2021

National trends indicate that at least some of your team is suffering from burnout. Some of the issues that drive burnout are a part of today’s work life: a stressful public health environment, questions around remote work, and isolation.

But there’s one factor behind burnout that associations are uniquely positioned to combat: a loss of purpose. After all, associations are built on a mission.

“The work that we do is mission-driven, purpose-driven, serving certain industries and communities,” said Mariama Boney, president and CEO of Achieve More LLC. “Recognizing the impact we make in the world is absolutely critical.”

How can associations help their employees revitalize their sense of purpose? Consider these tips from Boney.

Connect Employees With the Community They Serve

Associations often do work on behalf of a particular community or group, but employees may not always be able to see that impact firsthand. Organizations can revitalize employees’ sense of purpose by sharing member stories that demonstrate that impact. Have you received correspondence from a community member lauding the work that your organization does? Pass that on to the entire staff to give employees a chance to connect to the community in a way that doesn’t add to burnout by placing additional demands on their time.

“[Connecting with the community] is helpful so long as it’s not giving employees one more thing to do. That’s where we get to burnout, because people already feel like they have enough stuff to do,” Boney said.

Dan Cable, author of Alive at Work, presented a real-world example of this in Harvard Business Review: A leader at pharmaceutical company F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG shared a story of the profound impact a new technology had on a patient with diabetes, which made those who developed the technology “feel more purpose” for months afterward.

Let Employee Voices Be Heard

If workers feel their concerns and suggestions aren’t being heard, they may start to believe that their hard work and long hours are for nothing, further disconnecting them from your organizational sense of purpose. Show employees that their input matters by providing plenty of opportunities for them to voice their thoughts: town halls, all-hands meetings, one-on-ones with direct reports, surveys. From there, show the impact employees have by working to implement their ideas.

“Pulling people together, asking them for their ideas, allowing them to utilize their expertise, and taking some of their ideas creates a sense of connection, belonging, purpose, confidence, and pride,” Boney said.

Provide Opportunities for Continual Growth

One of the hallmark signs of burnout is a feeling of cynicism or hopelessness toward one’s career, which could arise if someone doesn’t think there’s any possibility for growth or advancement. Organizations can keep this feeling at bay by consistently giving employees opportunities to learn new things, pick up new skills, and develop relationships with senior leadership.

“People want to continue to grow,” Boney said. “They want training and learning around what they do every day.”

Professional development can take many forms—training courses, webinars, workshops, certifications—but Boney emphasized coaching, where managers and senior leaders mentor younger employees and guide them to the next stages of their careers.

Humanize Your Organizational Culture

Because the pandemic has brought on challenges that may erode one’s connection with others, organizations should focus on humanizing their cultures so that employees can develop genuine connections with each other, which will help reinvigorate their sense of purpose. And the job starts with leadership, who should be checking in frequently to get a pulse for how employees are feeling, what they’re struggling with, and what they need right now.

“It’s key that we have inclusive and compassionate leadership, because of the way in which the world of work is changing and the trauma we’ve seen on a number of different levels,” Boney said.

It’s also about finding ways for your staff to come together, such as planning staff retreats or events outside the workplace.

I was riding on a bus in Rotorua the other day and thought about associations and how they interact with society. If you ride on a bus – you’re dealing with the Bus and Coach Association.

As you step off the bus and walk on the footpath…

Let’s think about the footpath for a moment. There have been multiple associations that have assisted in developing and building one important product. Architects NZ, Planning NZ and Engineering NZ for designing the concrete. The Concrete NZ Association for ensuring the correct concrete is supplied and laid. Civil Contractors NZ members build the footpath. The Building Officials Institute of New Zealand trains and supports the local council that signs off the finished product. Taituarā and Local Government NZ supports the council. Retail NZ and Business New Zealand members supply the products and tools that were purchased to make the footpath. I’m sure I’ve missed other associations along the supply chain that have also assisted in some way to build that footpath.

With all processes there must be standards, both in delivery and specifications. This is one of the most important explanations as to why trade and professional membership organisations exist in New Zealand and around the world. And this is just the footpath. As I walked down the street I saw fences, houses, cars – every single one of these items have had multiple dealings with associations. Associations touch every single item in our daily lives.

Think about when you’re sitting down at your desk, looking at a magazine or book. How was it produced, how was it delivered to you? It is of a high standard to ensure the best user experience. How many associations assisted in this? Even your ability to read the magazine – how many associations have touched your education? Early Childhood New Zealand, kindergarten associations, NZEI, Primary and Post Primary Schools Association, New Zealand School Trustees Association and many more.

Conferencing and meetings touch all associations. They are held to discuss new ideas and be educated by subject matter experts and their peers. When we hold our conference, there is an expectation of delivery standards. Think about how many associations a delegate / client uses when they are at a destination. From the airport, to using a taxi or transportation vehicle, to a hotel or motel, to a restaurant or bar, to the venue, to the products and services that are utilised when running a conference. That’s just at the conference – how many people purchase gifts or go shopping when they’re in your destination? Every single one of these services that delegates use is attached to an association. When associations can finally meet safely, hopefully in the early part of 2022, the big questions need to be asked of the conferencing community, as many organisations have not delivered many face-to-face conferences and meetings for numerous months.

What support are you going to give delegates to ensure that they can meet safely, over and above any government-mandated policy? Are you communicating this to the respective associations to ensure delegates have confidence in coming to your venue / hotel or destination? I believe the most important question is what do the delivery standards look like for delegates that are conferencing at your place? Like the footpath we don’t want it to crumble when walking on it. And at the same time, we don’t want our conference to fall over because of delivery and service standards. The question for the industry is who you are looking to, to ensure that your standards are not compromised when we lead back into recovery mode from this awful mess where are in at the moment?

What standards are you striving to achieve? Think about that when you’re walking along the footpath.

Truly yours Brett Jeffery

Brett Jeffery Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) Phone 027 249 8677

December 2021

We recently invited our Premium Alliance Partner, Advanced Solutions International (ASI), to talk to association leaders about what they should be looking forward to and planning for in 2022.

In our webinar, Paul Ramsbottom, Managing Director of ASI, shares his insights on how associations can focus on continuous performance improvement and be a learning organisation.

To become a learning organisation, having good data to make good decisions is the key. It allows you to be agile and accelerate your digital transformation, keep driving member engagement and retention, and deliver a modern online learning experience for your members.

Given that many associations are planning for 2022, we want to ensure that you can access this relevant and timely resource. We encourage you to watch the webinar recording to hear your year-end checklist for planning for a successful 2022.

Key Takeaways for Planning for 2022

• Create an “innovation group” to test and pitch new ideas
• Use strategy as the key driver for technology
• Eliminate legacy systems and processes, and data silos
• Build a member journey map to better understand your members
• Create and test a “digital-only” product or service such as micro-credentials - digital accreditation member cards
• Consider a mobile app as a digital-only offering for your members

We hope this resource will help your association plan for 2022.

New Zealand’s Business Events industry will be at AIME 2022 in force, with three new convention centres aiming to attract new events business.

Tourism New Zealand will be anchoring the stand with an increased number of New Zealand partners on board to showcase their new developments.

Tourism New Zealand General Manager Domestic & Business Events Bjoern Spreitzer says: “Our industry revolves around meeting face to face, and New Zealand is very excited about returning to AIME and meeting in-person again. We’ll be turning up with a bigger contingent than last time to showcase what we have to offer the Australian and regional market.

“We can’t wait to update the world on what’s new in New Zealand, from our amazing incentive activities to our three new, purpose-built convention centres in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland.”

This includes Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, which is due to open its doors imminently. Its 28,000 sqm of flexible space includes: a 1,400-seat tiered auditorium, divisible into two 700-seat venues; a 1,000-seat banquet space overlooking the beautiful Avon River; plus extensive meeting space and expandable exhibition halls.

Next in the pipeline is Tākina, the new Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, opening in 2023 in New Zealand’s capital city. Tākina can be customised to accommodate a plenary of up to 1,600 delegates, with two divisible plenary halls on separate levels which can be easily combined; plus a 1,800sqm exhibition hall, stand-alone meeting rooms, and fully integrated best-in-class AV and ICT systems.

Meanwhile, work continues on the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in the heart of Auckland city. Its flexible convention and event space can cater for up to 4,000 people across 32,500 sqm. The configurable spaces over 4 levels present opportunities for a wide range of events including theatre capacity for 2,850 and up to 33 meeting rooms.

For more information on holding your next event in New Zealand, head to: businessevents.newzealand.com

Deliver the Goods

If an abrupt pivot wasn’t part of your previous business experience, it’s on your radar now. One of my personal pandemic resets taught me that sometimes a sudden challenge is also an “aha moment”. Of the many shifts in strategy .orgCompanies made over the last year, .orgCommunity’s approach to sponsorship held one of those epiphanies.

When the pandemic drove our signature events to a virtual platform, like everyone else, we had to rethink how we could offer value to the partners who help make our conferences possible. We found success in a new sponsorship equation. Instead of looking at how sponsors could contribute to .orgCommunity, we began considering what our partners could offer our members and how we could use digital strategies to deliver that value.

Shift Perspective

Even before the online migration, it was clear that sponsors were searching for new kinds of relationships with associations. Logo placements and exhibit booths are one-and-done events. The for-profit world understands that technology puts a continuous stream of communication and value within reach.

Although visibility will always be important, thought leadership and education take brands to a new level of recognition. Companies realize that by creating their own expert content, they can bypass the gatekeeper and step into a new and more influential role.

In the past, it was not uncommon to view the associations/sponsor relationship as a minefield of potential conflict of interest. Interaction was primarily transactional and, at times, adversarial. There were more barriers than enhancements to communication.

This shift in perspective may seem like a threat. But when associations take the initiative to utilize their partner’s expertise, it becomes an opportunity. .orgCommunity’s Solutions Center is an example of how we’re delivering on the new sponsorship equation.

The Solutions Center is a hub on our website where our preferred partners post up-to-the-minute information about their products and services. Video case studies, testimonials, and a host of other materials allow the viewer to self-educate.  Members have a 360-degree view of multiple providers that is searchable in a variety of ways. The information is available 24/7, maintained by the sponsors themselves, and offered in a variety of formats.

Video is prominent on the Solutions Center platform. We give the medium pride of place because it is a gateway to deeper engagement and a preferred communications vehicle for younger generations.

Dan Stevens, and his company WorkerBee.TV, helped .orgCommunity maximize our video capacity. WorkerBee.TV specializes in making video accessible for associations. Their Virtual Videographer technology and service lets any group create professional productions. Dan is an authority on all things small screen, an expert at multimedia marketing, and is always at the head of the pack on technology strategy.

During a recent webinar, Dan and Doug Coombs, WorkerBee.TV’s Director of Client Solutions, shared five of their most innovative ideas. These are strategies that offer value for both members and sponsors. This post recaps highlights of our conversation.

Serve What Your Members Want

When you serve the menu members are looking for everyone wins.

When we offer the menu members are looking for, everyone wins.

“Members want three things,” Dan advises. “They look to the association to be informed, educated,  and inspired. Sponsors are seeking to position themselves as thought-leaders and share expertise. Integrating sponsorship goals with your content model is a good strategy to ensure that these interests intersect.”

Each of the five strategies Dan presented fulfill these criteria:

• Benefit both members and sponsors
• Generate non-dues revenue
• Are a proven success
• Offer a lifetime of at least one year, and often longer

These are powerful ideas because, although they begin with video, there is the potential to repurpose and restructure in a variety of mediums at a wide range of price points. This flexibility aligns well with what I call Association 4.0™ leadership and the digital marketplace.

1. Reimagine the Magazine

When was the last time you purchased a magazine? These days, it can even be hard to find one in an airport. A video-zine gives the old-school format a truly contemporary makeover.

“The idea,” Dan advises, “Is to produce lively or thought-provoking content on a consistent theme over a determined time period. The topic might be best business practices, member profiles, or an exploration of a professional innovation or challenge.”

A video-zine gives the old school format a contemporary makeover

This format provides opportunities for multiple partners to contribute content and sponsorship at varying levels. You can structure your video-zine to deliver premium, midrange, and lower-priced solutions. Just like a print publication, you can offer a full-page ad, a front or back cover, or a range of alternatives. The options are only limited by creativity.

2. Make Your Best Content Better

Whether the event is in-person, virtual, or hybrid, associations invest precious resources in producing conferences. That content is too valuable to sit on the shelf.

“We tend to firehose our members with content. That’s not a good digital strategy,” Dan cautioned. “Facebook and the other big online platforms release content at a continuous slow drip so users keep coming back. You can do the same thing.”

Members don’t want to consume all their content in one bite. An ongoing stream of quality information gives your brand and your sponsors continuous visibility. Review your best offerings and consider how you can repackage them to meet users where they are at a given moment.

For example, you might consider turning a full-length presentation into a two-to-three-minute microlearning video or even a social media post. Or create a multipart podcast series or a Video-Zine based on your annual meeting.

3. Promote the Pundits

Your members aren’t the only experts out there. Sponsors have access to cutting-edge information and research. Find out who the pundits are in your corporate community and give them the thought leadership they are seeking. They can help you create an entire portfolio of learning materials with minimal effort and resources. Just be sure that the topics are timely and of interest to your constituents.

When your sponsor posts the video on their website, everyone gets double points. The association maximizes its brand reach, and your partner gains the credibility that only a professional organization can offer.  

4. Provide Solutions

“Exhibitor portals at virtual events typically had a poor result,” Stevens observes. “That’s because they were a temporary solution. After the event, finding your way back to that information is a challenge. Also, gatekeeping sponsor exposure based on a company’s level of support isn’t helpful to members who want to educate themselves and shop online. Members are looking for more than a logo.

A Solutions Center, similar to the site that .orgCommunity created, is a strategy that exemplifies both the new sponsorship equation and a digital perspective. Members can filter, find, and search vendor offerings on their own time. And sponsors receive continuous exposure to the largest possible audience.

5. Distribute Broadly

 Omnichannel distribution is an idea that WorkerBee.TV is piloting with a new docuseries on the future of work, called “Jobs of Tomorrow.” Dan believes the rate of change in the workplace, compounded by a talent shortage, will be a hot-button issue for associations and their members.

“Each episode is designed to tell the story of a member’s changing career,” Dan explains. “We’ll explore how their profession is being transformed by technology, industry, and culture. There’s the opportunity to feature a member or a student in every segment, and highlight experts and sponsors who are helping make these jobs better, faster, safer, and perhaps, greener.”

The series will be promoted in a multimedia campaign. But WorkerBee is also taking distribution a step further by planning to launch the documentary on OTT (over-the-top, or streaming across different devices) distribution, such as Amazon Prime.

“This more public-facing exposure builds awareness about the profession and is a pipeline into organizational pride for today’s members and perhaps for tomorrows too,” Dan observes. “We sold out season one in the first 10 days.”

Use Data

Successful sponsor relationships depend on proving that you can deliver a return on investment. A significant benefit of being digital is the ability to provide those results. When I interviewed Dan for our book Association 4.0: An Entrepreneurial Approach to Risk, Courage, and Transformation, he made this observation.

 “Today, you can measure engagement, satisfaction, and revenue. But many associations are still asking sponsors to support activities where success can’t be evaluated. It’s impossible to count the sales leads you received from having your logo on a lanyard or a sign on the door. When the 60-year-old chief marketing officer retires, the new 35-year-old executive is going to say, ‘I can’t buy it, if I can’t measure it.’ Associations that are empowered to change are seeing incredible gains.”

Whether you try one or all of these ideas, it’s important to remember that in the new member/sponsor equation, digital strategies deliver the value.

Originally posted here

I’LL START WITH the obvious: 2020 and 2021 have brought a new operational mode for associations and for the members you serve. Everyone is operating in crises – and staying relevant is not only a challenge … it is a make-or-break proposition for all associations, industries, organisations and workers.

As we have been isolated from one another, and largely unable to meet in physical spaces in our normal ways, we also find ourselves “out of sight, out of mind” such that communication isn’t another thing. It is the only thing. Communicating with our members and employees effectively impacts everything from membership and retention to worker attrition, productivity, success at the legislature and the success of our programs. And all of that adds up to your members’ sense of value from the dues they pay your association.

The thing about a crisis is that, while disruptive, it can show what your association is made of to your membership, partners and employees. How you behave in those trying times is a glimpse into your worth, your expertise, your temperament and how you serve. Right now is when you can really show why your association is invaluable – and your members won’t understand that unless you are in touch.

As COVID-19 response, social justice and other #TXlege issues continue to eclipse business as usual, you need to know how to get your message through with confidence … even when you don’t know what’s around the corner. Here are some of the best practices we learned and helped support with associations and other sectors throughout the past year and a half:

In a crisis, it comes down to if your people care about you.

This year, we all saw a lot of industries and associations in crisis.

Some failed and some floundered. But the ones that survived and even thrived did so in large part because they had done the work beforehand of learning about their workforce and customers – establishing trust and a sense of mutual respect. This was the glue that kept people loyal and as companies had to pivot. Where people cared about the brand, they were willing to follow.

But of course, just having the appreciation for your membership doesn’t cut it. You need to say it and you need to show it. Reliable communication on platforms your members frequent – with compelling and concise storytelling – is key. You may think your newsletter is great, but if your open and click-through rates aren’t strong, you may need to rethink your efforts. Thought leadership in trade publications, video, podcasts and live streams may be worth exploring IF your stakeholders use those platforms.

Communication is essential.

“Marketing is the first thing to go” people like to quip. But as it turns out, when push comes to shove, communication is a discipline that stands firmly in the middle. In a time when we’re separated physically amid great uncertainty, it is communication that keeps people informed and confident and productive. Think of the industries, colleagues and other brands in your life that took the time to tell you what they knew, what they didn’t and their plan to keep you safe and comfortable throughout the pandemic. That created loyalty and value whether or not you realized it along the way.

When delivering unquestionable value to your members via communication, you must be timely, respective of their time and attention, attuned to their needs and make each transmission a must-view for them. The best messages are always concise, compelling, authentic and thought provoking. Every time you connect with your audience, you want them to remember why they belong to your association – and how they belong within it.

MacGyver had the right idea.

The 1985 series starring Richard Dean Anderson as the guy who could get out of any tricky situation with his ingenuity was fun to watch because it seemed just within the bounds of reason. In 2020, we’ve been reminded of just how cunning people can be. Watching our respective industries and colleagues piece together platforms and new best practices from other fields with their innovative mindset has taught us that the settings and tools are unimportant.

It is not uncommon to have your association’s communication efforts revolve around what you have always done or what leadership likes to see (or even what other associations do). But if you are tired of putting them together, there’s a good chance the recipients are tired of reading them. What matters in terms of getting things done is keeping your members’ interests at heart and to feel empowered to turn over every stone (and, if you have to, blow them up with a battery, some chewing gum and a paperclip).

Most importantly, communication is a two way street.

The turmoil of the ongoing public health crisis, social justice conversations, political unrest, disrupted supply chains and the “great resignation” has unquestionably changed your association and your relationship with your members, who are operating in a whole new world. If you expect to remain among their priorities and to serve them in a robust way, then you need to be asking them regularly what they need, how they want to hear from you, what keeps them up at night and how you can be of service to them.

And then you need to keep that conversation going.

David Wyatt is Senior Vice President at Elizabeth Christian Public Relations (ECPR), a public relations firm specializing in projects involving media relations, video production, legislative and grassroots efforts, social media planning and execution, business development, event planning and crisis communications. He can be reached at dwyatt@echristianpr.com.

Originally posted here

AuSAE Premium Alliance Partner, Advanced Solutions International (ASI), a leading global provider of software and services for associations and non-profits, is hosting two live webinars to help Association Executives improve their member journey and set their associations up for a successful 2022.

Is Your Membership Renewal Journey Magical or Miserable?

Date: Tuesday, 16 November 2021
Time: 2pm to 3pm AEDT / 4pm to 5 pm NZDT
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/8616363644824/WN_gwbw76HKTeapg_uP6jyXdg

During what has been some of the most challenging times for associations, it’s become increasingly important for Association leaders to step into their member’s shoes and see things from their perspective. When you do -- you might just be horrified by your membership renewal process!

In this webcast, learn how to draw insights from your data, use personalisation and automation to create a compelling, cohesive and frictionless member experience through the renewal process -- and unlock a deeper understanding of the journey members go through to engage with your association and renew.

The following steps in the member renewal journey will be reviewed:

• Confidence in your data to inform decisions
• Driving personalisation
• Using automation to direct the next steps
• Tracking and measuring the execution

Your members’ journey through membership renewal may just horrify you!

Ensuring Your Member Onboarding Journey Gets Results

Date: Tuesday, 30 November 2021
Time: 2pm to 3pm AEDT / 4pm to 5 pm NZDT
Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4416363652356/WN_pvJeCNXATaC_lZoNgTlaAg

A clear and engaging member onboarding strategy is your best member retention tool and fundamental to your association’s continued success. In this webcast find out how to ensure your member onboarding journey gets results for your association.

You’ll learn how you can support a defined onboarding journey, align it to your strategy, and deliver a personalised, frictionless experience for the new member.

The webinar will cover:

• Aligning your member onboarding journey goals with your strategy
• Driving personalisation
• Actively adjust journey execution to meet expected outcomes

View full schedule at: www.advsol.com/webcasts

About ASI

Advanced Solutions International (ASI) is a leading global provider of products, programs, and services that help associations and non-profits improve operational and financial performance. Since 1991 we've helped thousands of clients grow revenue and reduce expenses by providing industry expertise, best practice advice, and proven solutions. 

ASI is the developer of iMIS EMS, the world’s #1 association and non-profit software solution, and the only Engagement Management System (EMS)™ – fusing database management and web publishing into a single system – leading to operational efficiencies, revenue growth, and continuous performance improvement. Harnessing the power of Microsoft Azure’s cloud platform, iMIS EMS is purpose-built to meet the most important challenge facing associations and non-profits – Engagement. We have a global network of nearly 100 partners to provide you with a full range of services to implement and support your iMIS EMS platform.

 ASI is proud to be an AuSAE Premium Alliance Partner.  Learn more at www.advsol.com/ausae.

With a very successful 2021, training over 180 associations, we are pleased to announce the return of the Digital Academy in 2022! Due to the positive feedback we received from Associations all over the globe, we’re coming back even stronger. The Digital Academy in 2022 will see double the number of courses and double the value! Register now to secure your spots.

• Double the number of courses in 2022!
• 20 courses to choose from, covering Association Strategy & Engage iMIS.
• Brand new passport registration options are available.
• 2-3 Association Strategy favourites coming back new & improved.
• iMIS training courses condensed into 2-hour sessions every fortnight.
• Applications are open for the Digital Scholarship program valued at $15,000.

Enrol Now for 2022

Digital Academy Scholarship Program

In 2022, we would also like to give back. We’re offering eligible organisations in the association community within Australia and New Zealand with 10 x Academy Experience Company passports as part of our Digital Scholarship Program valued at $1,500 each. See the eligibility criteria and apply.

Apply for a Scholarship

For more information, visit www.causeis.com.au 

We know a common conversation you may have as an Association leader is centred on how to refine and articulate your organisation’s ‘value proposition’ and how to understand your member’s perception of the ‘value’ you give. It is an ever-evolving and important piece of work for all leaders, especially after the tumultuous environment of the past two years.

If you want to rethink or validate your Association’s value, look no further – there’s help at hand.

Our colleagues over at Zadro, a communications agency who work extensively with Association leaders, have launched a White Paper for Associations: Communicating Your Value to Members Year-On-Year.

Get the insights and support you need to understand and communicate your value, to spearhead your membership retention, engagement and growth strategies for 2022 and beyond.

Click here to access Zadro’s White Paper for Associations.

Read the white paper, talk about it with Felicity Zadro at our upcoming AuSAE webinar: How to communicate your Association's value in 2022 and beyond

New Zealand has built upon its earth science strengths to win the 22nd International Sedimentological Congress (ISC) in 2026.

The ISC is one of the largest international conferences dedicated to the study of sedimentary rocks and the processes by which they are formed. The ISC is rarely held in the Southern Hemisphere but in 2026 it will be hosted by Geoscience Society of New Zealand’s Sedimentology Special Interest Group (SSIG).

The congress is expected to attract up to 1,000 participants to Tākina, Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre and deliver an estimated $3.4m to the economy.

Lead organiser and Senior Geologist at GNS Science, Dr Mark Lawrence, says: “This congress will be an excellent opportunity to showcase New Zealand sedimentology and for networking with international sedimentologists.”

Tourism New Zealand works with experts across the country and the business events industry to support New Zealand to bid for and win international conferences.

Tourism New Zealand General Manager Domestic & Business Events Bjoern Spreitzer says:“Conferences like this showcase our expertise to the world and help grow our knowledge at home. They also deliver significant economic gains that benefit the New Zealand economy.”

The conference win is testament to both New Zealand’s strengths in earth science and its ability to provide fascinating first-hand experiences in the field, Dr Lawrence adds.

“Geologically New Zealand is very interesting. It has a whole range of geological attributes concentrated in a relatively small geographic area. Then you have the impact of tectonics, and climate change. It’s essentially a neat, small-scale laboratory,” he says.

The theme for the congress will be ‘Sedimentation on active plate margins through time and space’ and will include field trips across the country covering as broad a range of sedimentary systems in Zealandia as possible. Topics relating to Māori and Pacifica views of the sedimentary process will also be included.

Dr Lawrence says the congress is an excellent opportunity to engage the next generation of sedimentologists, who will be able to attend with fewer costs since the event is close to home.

“It will be particularly good for students who may otherwise be unlikely to attend such a prestigious event overseas. For those starting out in the field it’s a great opportunity to make these international contacts.”

Plans are also underway to ensure the conference has wider outreach to New Zealanders, through public lectures or learning experiences for school age children.

Wellington will be the host city, providing both a core of knowledge in earth science via Victoria University and geological affiliated research institutes GNS Science and NIWA, and a brand-new conference venue.

WellingtonNZ General Manager David Perks says the capital’s central location makes it the perfect location for this congress.

“Being so central to the rest of New Zealand means all the site visits to be undertaken by delegates are very accessible. And while here they’ll be able to enjoy our great eateries and bars and all Wellington has to offer, learning more about the history of New Zealand right across the road at Te Papa – New Zealand’s national museum, and getting closer to nature at Zealandia.

“While the congress doesn’t happen until 2026, it’s great to see that Tākina is already front of mind for international organisations. It was specifically designed to host international conferences of this size.”