Planning for your 2025 Conference: Remember to Protect Your Volunteers!

For many associations and not-for-profit organisations, annual conferences or events are a highlight of the year. These gatherings provide a platform for members to connect, learn, and share ideas. Volunteers' contributions are often indispensable to ensure these events run smoothly. 

Membership Onboarding Done Right: Key Governance Actions for Associations and NFPs

What critical actions are required by all new potential members wishing to join your association, not for profit organisation or charity? 

Seizing Opportunities: How Associations Can Leverage Queensland's Expanded Made in Queensland Program

The Queensland Government's Made in Queensland program expansion represents a significant opportunity for associations whose members operate within or contribute to the manufacturing sector. This initiative aligns with the state's broader objectives to bolster local manufacturing capabilities, foster innovation, and attract new businesses, ensuring Queensland remains a competitive and thriving industrial hub.

Newly Appointed as a Director or Officer for your Association, Society, or Non-Profit Organisation

How to develop systems that will help you grow your membership

For over seven years during the 1990s, I was involved with the Total Quality Management Institute, formed by leaders of some of Australia's major corporations. 

Looking to grow your membership base?

There are many challenges that associations face when generating membership growth, particularly when competing with organisations providing services similar to your potential membership base. Here are some tips worth considering that have worked for our clients.

How to onboard a new Association Board Director or Committee member

Most Associations and NFP organisations rely on their members to govern their organisation. Many appointed to the Board have limited knowledge or training, so high-performing associations ensure their new Board members are fully inducted before attending their first Board meeting.

What are the most important policies for all associations?

One of the most important functions of an NFP Board is developing, implementing, and reviewing key policies. These are critical for volunteer Boards as they often act as a reference or endorsement of their values and culture.

Want to create member loyalty - create a surprise!

Although there is a buzz about AI, there are some innovative ways you can genuinely surprise your members so they remain loyal to your Association or organisation.

Belonging to an Association

How to Ensure the Viability and Relevance of Your Association

Many association Presidents and CEOs complain that their organisation has stalled, membership is dropping, and not much has changed in the last twelve months. So, what are the key factors separating a high-performing association from one spinning at the wheel?

Membership Renewals- Joining date or fixed date?

What are the real measures of a successful membership growth strategy?

How to manage your new Association Board

Boards and management of associations have very different roles, and these must be clearly defined to ensure that everyone is completing their responsibilities. When the Board and the CEO work effectively, operations run more smoothly.

Application Fees for New Members

Thought about an application fee for your new members?

How to develop a robust and enthusiastic Association Board

According to the latest figures from the ATO, there are 660,000 not-for-profit organisations in Australia, including registered charities, incorporated associations, and other entities.

The not-for-profit sector employs over 2 million people, and most organisations are governed by volunteer boards. Their success relies on the skills, knowledge, and experience of the appointed board or committee members.

Do we have a nomination for the role of Treasurer?

Top 5 tips before you send out member renewals

Are you about to send out your member renewals? Here are my five tips to consider before you send your renewal notices

Growing your membership with a Membership Drive

Do you need to grow your membership –it may have declined for some time.  You need to have a membership drive. So, where do we start?

Risk Assessing Third Party Agreements

No matter the size of your association, risk management is one of the significant challenges facing volunteer boards. Often, Boards are expected to meet and decide there and then to enter into contracts with suppliers, sometimes worth thousands of dollars, without a proper risk assessment.

How to deal with angry members of your Association

Have you had to deal with an angry member complaining about a service your association is providing?

Members are the lifeblood of associations, but when a member calls you to complain, how do you handle these incidents?

What are the spending limits for an Association CEO?

How much should an association or any organisation's CEO be allowed to spend?

Of course, it all depends on several factors, such as the size and financial health of the organisation. Having been a CEO of several similar organisations, here are some suggested guidelines.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Board

So, you have been elected or appointed to the Board of your member association or local not-for-profit organisation. Here is a brief overview of the roles and responsibilities of a Board.

What is next for your Association

As an association leader, you probably have a strategic plan for your organisation. But have you fully articulated why this plan is important? And have you done all of the necessary work to properly develop one?

Did you get the Association CEO job?

Congratulations if you have been appointed as the new CEO of an Association or not-for-profit Organisation.

As an association leader, I have had the opportunity to be appointed to this role several times, and I am happy to share a few lessons learned during this early time to help you succeed in your new role.

Updating your Constitution

Unlocking the Hidden Asset - Retirees can Transform your Association

In Australia, the aging population is not just a statistic but a significant shift that professional and industry-based associations must address. The Australian Bureau of Statistics reports that over 4.2 million Australians are retirees, and in 2023 alone, 145,000 individuals retired at an average age of 65.

However, within this challenge lies a hidden asset many associations overlook: their retired members' accumulated knowledge and experience. While many associations accommodate retiree members, only some fully tap into the wealth of expertise these individuals offer. Here are some ideas for engaging retired members

What are the Essential Skills for Association Administration Staff?

How to Craft an Effective Advocacy Strategy for Policy Change

Delve into expert tips and insights on how to implement the right strategy and tips to enrich your association's advocacy campaigns.

Closing Loopholes Changes: Closing Loopholes Bill Attains Royal Assent

The Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes No 2) came into effect on 26 February 2024. The new legislation introduces new rules and changes some existing laws, including the Fair Work Act 2009 and comes into effect at various times between now and 2025.

Understanding the New Not-For-Profit Tax Changes

In case you missed it, we recently delivered an insightful webinar explaining the significant tax reform changes for not-for-profit (NFP) organisations. ATO Assistant Commissioner Jennifer Moltisanti shared her advice and guidance on the topic in great detail.

AES Warmly Welcomes Two New Consultants

AES is excited to introduce our two new team members, Jan Davis and John Kilgour, who will both bring a range of skills and knowledge to the team.

What makes a great Association President?

The Vital Role of the Association President: A Guide to Effective Leadership

Managing Audio-Visual Costs for Your Association Conference

Key Tips For Ensuring Conference Success

Building Wisdom to Face Change

We're experiencing change at an unprecedented pace, as seen with technologies like ChatGPT gaining 100 million users in just 2 months, far quicker than platforms like YouTube, Facebook, or Netflix in their early days. With shifts in commerce, climate, and public discourse, how do association leaders and futurists respond effectively? Maxime Lagace says wisdom is key. Paul Tero introduces the “DIKW Wisdom Hierarchy,” emphasising the transformation of raw data into wisdom through description and understanding processes. Harness this model to guide your organisation and adapt to our ever-evolving world.

Remote Working Challenges for Industry Associations: An Analysis of a Landmark Decision

For leaders and executives within industry associations and not-for-profit organisations, the shift to remote working arrangements has presented both opportunities and challenges. Ensuring a seamless transition without compromising on the essential functions of the organisation is crucial. The recent case of Suzie Cheikho v Insurance Australia Group Services Limited presented at the Fair Work Commission provides invaluable insights into navigating this complex terrain.

Tips for Associations When Seeking Legal Advice

Navigating the complexities of legal advice? Dive into insights from AES Legal Advisor John Crobsy. From the nuances of 'confidentiality' and 'privilege' in solicitor-client communications to the intricate landscape of legal pricing—whether hourly rates, scale costs, or contingency fees.

Email vs. Phone Call: When to Use Each

Inbox overflowing? Email has become such a large part of everyday life that most of us receive dozens of emails a day, ranging from important work information through to spam from companies and brands. Unfortunately, with such a volume of messages, it can be easy for important emails to get lost, be forgotten about, or left in the “think about it later” basket for too long. A great way to avoid your important email message getting left behind is to avoid sending it as an email altogether. We take a look at when it’s a good idea to pick up the phone.

How to Continuously Evolve to Attract and Retain Members

Key Trends in Leadership for 2023

A new year is a great time for association leaders to take a look as their leadership style and reflect on how they could adopt new approaches to improve in 2023. From inclusivity and mental health awareness, to managing competition between and giving feedback to employees, we take a look at the key trends to have on your radar.

Key Trends for Strategic Planning in 2023

Are you ready to formulate and implement your strategic plan for 2023? While your association’s leadership team may be well versed in creating a plan for your future strategic direction, there could be emerging trends and considerations that you haven’t factored into your planning process. We take a look at the key trends that should be on your radar.

It’s Time to Stand Out

Humans have survived and evolved by blending in. As a species, we didn’t go to the edge of the forest and yell at the wild beasts on the savannah. We learnt to hide, to be inconspicuous. We learnt not to be different because standing out meant death. For brands and leaders, the rules are different. Being brave enough to stand up and stand out is rewarded.

Is Your Association Ready for 2023? How to Review Your Strategic Plan

With the new year fast approaching, now is the time to ensure your key documents are ready to help you achieve success in 2023. Central to this is your association’s strategic plan, which provides an overview of your goals and direction. But if you feel that your strategic plan hasn’t been well utilised by your Board this year, you need to make changes to ensure that your plan is being regularly reviewed and is working as well as it could to help your association achieve its objectives.

How to Ensure Your Association is Running at Peak Performance

Is your association operating at the best of its capabilities? For an association to be performing well, it needs to be involved and invested in a range of activities and programs that offer benefits to members and that contribute to the overall goals of the organisation. From creating a value-adding range of products and services, to hosting informative and engaging events, to working with strategic partners, there are many ways that an association can ensure it is achieving its objectives now and into the future. 

How to Cultivate the Best Possible Culture for Your Association

A positive work culture achieves more than just happier and healthier employees; it increases productivity, improves outcomes, and leads to long-term growth and success. However, cultivating this kind of culture and a workplace where employees want to grow and succeed isn’t easy. With a new trend of resignations and disengagement, it is now harder than ever to keep the best talent at your association.

The Ultimate Guide to Marketing and Communications for Associations

When running an association there are many different factors that make it successful. One of the most important keys to a thriving not-for-profit organisation is effective marketing. Marketing is the way you get your association out there. It helps you to build a large membership base, to promote your goals and drive traffic to your website. It is also a tool for developing a strong brand identity and to connect with potential members, sponsors and more.

 

The Policies and Procedures Every Association Must Have

The Treasurer: One of the Most Important Roles on Any Board

In any organisation the Treasurer bears the responsibility of managing its finances and overseeing all financial decisions. In a not-for-profit (NFP) association, much of the success of the organisation rests in its ability to acquire and appropriately utilise funds and thus the Treasurer plays an essential role in the NFP achieving its goals.

Planning Your Conference: Devising a Theme and Speaker Topics

If you're planning on hosting a conference in 2022, choosing a theme is an essential first step. Devising a theme that is exciting, relevant and thought-provoking is vital. Your theme will guide panel discussions and inform the topics presented on by keynote speakers.

In this article, we delve into why setting your conference theme should be an essential part of planning a conference. We also run through some tips on how to devise a theme that will help you build an engaging program

How to Deal with Member Complaints

How can you promote a positive culture within your association while dealing with a member complaint? Here are 7 points to consider before responding.

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How to Use Key Performance Indicators in your Strategic Plan

Does your strategic plan utilise Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)? KPIs are an important and useful planning tool that can be used in a strategic plan to provide a greater sense of purpose and to demonstrate tangible results. A successful strategic plan will include several KPIs to manage and track progress and success. When creating your Association’s strategic plan, it can be helpful to begin with the goals you want to achieve and considering them in terms of outcomes with quantifiable results.

Why Associations Need a Strategic Plan and the 5 Steps to Developing One

Why is it crucial that Associations have – and stick to – a strategic plan? A comprehensive strategic plan is the key to your Association’s ability to thrive and grow in a competitive, complex landscape. A strategic plan needs to clearly articulate your Association’s strategic priorities and how you are going to achieve them.

How to Successfully Allocate Tasks to Board Members

The Board of an association exists to guide the vision and strategic direction of the organisation. All Board members, along with the management team, are working towards this shared goal, which can sometimes make it challenging to decide who is responsibility for individual tasks. However, allocating specific roles and tasks to Board members helps to delineate between the responsibilities of the Board and those of the executive. 

Understanding the Diversity of Skills Needed for an Effective Board

Creating a successful and high-functioning association Board is one of the most challenging aspects of association governance, but it is also one of the most important. A great Board will create a clear vision for the association, strategise for a successful future, mentor the executive of the association, advocate in external circles, identify opportunities and clear the path of obstacles.

Advocating to Government During a Pandemic and Beyond

Last month, Association Executive Services hosted a webinar focussed on advocacy to government, both during the COVID-19 pandemic and afterwards. The objective of the webinar was to explore traditional methods of influencing government policy, how those have changed in the last two years, and how associations can build strong working relationships as we move into a post-pandemic recovery.

AES 2021 Technology in Associations Survey: Results Revealed

Association Executive Services recently distributed a survey to Australian associations seeking information on the technology they are using, including the costs of this technology, the challenges they have encountered, and any solutions they have found. The survey also focused on how they are thinking about technology into the future, and which platforms or software they are prioritising.

How to Make Sure Your Members Renew

At this time of year, many associations are busy sending out renewal notices to members. Retaining membership numbers year to year is a vital part of keeping an association sustainable and relevant. In fact, as much effort should go into your member retention strategy as does to your efforts for member acquisition.

Association Events in 2022

After two years of cancellations, postponements, and numerous challenges when it comes to hosting and attending live events, many of us are keen to get back into “business as usual”. But although associations are planning to resume live member events in 2022, the general feeling amongst association leaders about planning events and conferences for next year is “steady as it goes.”

Association Management is Changing

Working within a COVID-19 world has forced many association leaders to rethink how they will manage their organisation in the future. With changes to the way associations can run events, engage with members, and continue to offer value, it is important that all organisations are able to be flexible and adapt.

How to Attract & Retain Board Members

Associations rely on their Board members to ensure proper Governance and to develop and implement strategies and policy. Many associations in Australia are fortunate enough to have their members seeking positions as Board members, but at the same time other associations can struggle to attract members.

Dealing with Theft by an Association Employee

Have you had to deal with internal theft in your Association? Theft can be extremely damaging to an association of any size. To prevent it, safeguards must be put in place and managers need to be aware of potentially problematic behaviour.

What is the Best Practice in Association Board Meetings?

Throughout Australia, many not for profit organisations are in the process of conducting their Annual General Meeting (AGM) of members. This is a legal requirement where the Board must organise an annual meeting of members.

Is There Value in Employing an Interim Association CEO?

An interim CEO can be a valuable tool in ensuring continuity of operations and effective change management when an association loses their CEO. This crucial role within the management team requires an experienced and skilful person, and the Board should not rush the recruitment of a new CEO. Instead, an interim CEO can be used to handle operations and maintain the association’s objectives.

Members Who Suffer in Silence: The Importance of Supporting and Engaging Members for Better Retention

Associations offer a multitude of benefits to members, but sometimes members can be forgotten. When this happens, it’s important that contact is reinstated and members are made to feel valued by the association. This way, they’ll be more likely to continue to renew their membership and be more involved in the association’s events and activities.

Should networking be part of your member value proposition?

Every association needs to have a clear value proposition to encourage new members to join and existing members to continue being involved. As revealed in recent research, networking rates as one of the greatest benefits valued by professionals, who appreciate associations that facilitate this activity. 

How to Define the Role of Your Association's Board

Boards and management of associations have very different roles, and it’s important that these are clearly defined to ensure that everyone is completing their own responsibilities. Blurred lines when it comes to the roles of governance and of management can cause delays and frustrations on all sides, leading to a less successful organisation and negatively affecting the ability to achieve the overarching goals of the association. 

How to Induct Your Next Board Member

Any association with newly elected Board members must ensure their Board members are fully aware of their responsibilities before they are appointed. A thorough induction process with key senior figures ensures individuals are able to start meaningful work on the Board from the outset.

The Role of Volunteers in Associations

One of the major differences between not-for-profit organisations and other entities is the reliance on volunteers. Volunteers can play an important role to support some or all of the administration activities, approve membership applications or facilitate the combined learning of the members.

Value of Associations when Society is in Turmoil

Associations offer advantages to members throughout their careers and regardless of external factors, but their value is best realised when society is in turmoil. The past eighteen months have posed unprecedented challenges for people all over the world. While Australians have been relatively lucky in respect of the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, our economy has inevitably been shaken by these global events. Being a part of an association offers members a myriad of benefits, especially during times of great uncertainty. 

How to Grow and Retain Membership in Lockdown

Ongoing lockdowns have presented an unprecedented challenge for industry associations that typically rely on in-person events and conferences to engage members and grow their membership base. With the majority of the Australian workforce now working from home, the opportunities to connect are more limited.

How To Recruit Your New Association CEO: Industry Experience Versus Association Experience

One of the services that AES has offered to associations for a number of years is the provision of an interim CEO. Often, this service is utilised by association boards that are in a transition phase, defined by the recruitment of a new CEO.

Did you miss the AES Webinar on Cyber Criminals? This is a must read

As we move into an increasingly digitised world, the threat of cyber-attack is growing. Regardless of the size of an organisation, cyber-criminals can infiltrate your systems and target you for payment. Payments made to cyber criminals typically cannot be recovered, so it is vital that associations understand the risks and take action to strengthen their cyber security.

Your Association And Managing Copyright

I recently spoke to AES Legal Advisor John Crosby about how Copyright can apply to associations and some things to watch out for.

How to Create New Revenue Streams Through Association Partnerships

Many associations rely on events as a major source of revenue. With business events cancelled and postponed over the last 18 months due to COVID-19, this has significantly impacted association revenue.

Upgrading Your Website? Essential Tips to Consider Before You Start

One of the biggest challenges facing many associations today is the rapidly changing pace of technology. Today, new and improved technology is enabling associations to provide services, manage the organisation's day-to-day functions, and communicate with members in a way not previously possible.

5 Powerful Actions to Make Sure Your Strategic Plan Works

Associations can be very dynamic organisations. They can bring together like minded members to share information, ideas, and best practice processes within their industry or area of interest.

Key Tips for Association Compliance (that are often overlooked by Boards)

Each year, association and not-for-profit Boards need to ensure that their organisation is compliant with all requirements imposed by the relevant regulators and government departments, particularly the Australian Tax Office.

A Snapshot Of The Changing Nature Of Association Leadership

Association Executive Services (AES) hosted its first face-to-face event since COVID-19 yesterday: a breakfast attended by over 20 association leaders in Melbourne. The theme for the event was Refreshed Recharged and Ready for 2021.

Four Tips To Getting Your Membership Subscriptions Right

Most associations send out a membership invoice subscription to their members either once a year or on the anniversary of their joining. Membership subscriptions can present a range of issues for associations. In particular, pricing can be a dilemma each year. Is your pricing structure right? Are your members going to be pleased with the subscription price? Do you need to increase the price? These are all questions your Board of Directors should review (and answer) each year. 

How Benchmarking Can Benefit Your Association

Associations (and their members) come together to represent a specific purpose and to forward the interests of a specific group of people. More and more, members’ expectations of the services, support, advice and benefits delivered by their association are on the rise. As such, association leaders must be able to demonstrate to their members that they are meeting industry best practice, and that the needs of members are being met.

Member Engagement: What’s Changed for 2021?

It’s now over 12 months since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and yet, its influence on associations throughout Australia is still being felt. Many association leaders have had to revisit their membership engagement and marketing strategies to ensure that their existing members renew and new members are attracted. 

$50 Million Federal Business Events Grants – Most Association Events Lose Out

In September 2020, the Federal Government announced that they would commit $50 million in grants to support business events.

Funding Available for Association and Business Events

With the Federal Government's $50 million business grants program largely excluding associations from the initiative, some of the State Government funding initiatives may be more beneficial for Australian associations.

Considering Registering as a Charity Under the ACNC? Think Again

Registering as a charity under the Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission (ACNC) might seem like a good idea. It certainly affords charitable not-for-profit organisations the opportunity to gain exemptions from income tax, and enables them to apply for certain categories of deductible gift recipient (DGR) status.

Running an AGM: Top Questions Answered

The AES team has recently facilitated several virtual Annual General Meetings (AGMs) for its clients and members. During each of these AGMs, we noticed some similar behaviours that we feel need to be addressed. 

Recovery and Beyond: What Does Association Leadership Look Like in the Next 12 Months?

Professional Advantage and AES have come together to facilitate a series of webinars that will be rolled out over the next six months or so. The purpose of the series is to bring association leaders and professionals together, and have them share their strategies and experience to help one another recover from the impacts that COVID-19 has had on Australian associations.

The Art of Member Discipline

In the course of their careers, all association leaders would have experienced a situation in which a member has acted inappropriately, requiring disciplinary action by the association. This disciplinary action may have required expulsion of the member from the association, society, or club.