Resources

Presentations: Leading a Member Voice in a Politically Charged Environment | Katherine Rich

In a environment, leading a member voice has never been more complex — or more important. In this short provocation presentation, Katherine Rich of BusinessNZ will challenge association leaders to think about how they represent diverse member views, maintain credibility, and influence decision-making when public debate is increasingly polarised. This session will set up an honest conversation about advocacy, trust, courage, and the responsibility associations carry when speaking on behalf of their sectors.

Presentations: Managing Different Voices: Leading When Members Do Not Always Agree | Sirma Karapeeva

One of the hardest parts of association leadership is managing the many different voices around the table. Members may share a common sector, but they do not always share the same priorities, pressures, politics or commercial realities. In a strong association, those differences need to be heard, understood and managed — without losing sight of the bigger picture.

Presentations: Partnership, Sponsorship and Non-Dues Revenue: Building the Right Commercial Foundations Kayne Franich

Non-dues revenue is an important part of financial sustainability for many associations, but strong commercial income does not happen by accident. It requires a clear understanding of the organisation’s value, the audience it can connect partners with, and the difference between selling sponsorship space and building meaningful partnerships.

Presentations: Staying Relevant to Grow: How Engaging the Next Generation Fuels Membership Success Bernice Archer

How do you turn early‑career engagement into sustained membership growth? At INFINZ, the answer has been a deliberate focus on younger professionals - designing tailored communities, relevant learning opportunities, and meaningful connections that evolve with members across their careers.

Presentations: Technology and AI in the Real World Daniel Watson, Managing Director and Owner, Vertech IT Services

Technology and AI are moving quickly, but for many associations the real challenge is not knowing that change is coming — it is knowing what to do with it. Beyond the headlines, organisations need practical, secure and realistic ways to use technology that support their people, improve productivity, protect data, and strengthen the way they operate.

Presentations: Three Sectors. One Reality. Not Everyone Likes Change — Especially When They Didn’t Suggest It Mumtaz Parker

Change is now a constant for associations and the sectors they serve. Whether the pressure comes from government reform, workforce shortages, regulation, technology, funding, member expectations or public trust, leaders are being asked to guide people through uncertainty while still delivering value and momentum.

Presentations: Volunteering, Capacity and the Hidden Price of Over-Commitment Henry Cassin

Volunteers are at the heart of many associations, but goodwill alone is not a sustainable operating model. As expectations grow and capacity tightens, associations need to be honest about what they ask of volunteers, what support is needed, and what happens when committed people are stretched too far.

Presentations: What is Good Governance and what can you do about it? John McKeefry

Good governance is not about adding more papers, more process, or longer board meetings. At its best, governance helps an organisation stay focused on the right priorities, make better decisions, and keep strategy, performance and people firmly connected. In this practical session, John McKeefry will explore what effective governance looks like in a modern association environment — where boards and chief executives need clarity, trust, good information and a shared understanding of their respective roles. The session will look at how governance can move beyond compliance and become a real driver of organisational performance, leadership and long-term sustainability.

Presentations: What’s in it for me? Communicating Value Cheat Sheet - Paul McGregor

Presentations: What’s in it for me? How to close the Value Gaps holding your association back

Has a member ever resigned and said: “Oh, I just didn’t see the value.” It’s infuriating. You’re working incredibly hard and offering lots of value - but members don’t feel it. In a tight economy, members are scrutinising every line item on their budget. Promises like “networking” and “advocacy” and “learning” simply aren’t enough to keep members engaged and renewing, year after year. So, what are we to do?

Presentations: What’s in it for me? The Value Proposition Playbook for Associations - White Paper Paul McGregor