Association Executive Services

10/03/2026

Insights from the AES Technology Survey and Special Interest Group Discussion Artificial Intelligence is now part of daily work for many association professionals. Association Executive Services (AES) are soon to release its annual report on technology in Australian Associations and recently facilit

14/01/2026

One of the biggest challenges for association leaders is to ensure that their technology is the right fit for their organisation. Every year, AES organises a survey sent to Associations throughout Australia to provide insights into the best platforms and empower association leaders to make informed decisions about their tech investments.

AES is committed to enabling associations to achieve business excellence and long-term sustainability. AES has no commercial interest in any IT business or vendor that supplies services to associations.

On the 26th of February, we have scheduled a webinar to discuss the results. Here is the link to the webinar.
https://lnkd.in/gVc2ZM7

This is the 6th year we have run this survey, and we invite you to participate. Here is the link to the survey
2025 Australian Association Technology Survey https://lnkd.in/dN4tDpxu

07/01/2026

Secretariat Services for Association and Not For Profit Organisations

06/01/2026

Happy New Year — I am very much looking forward to what 2026 will bring.
Over the past 12 months, we have seen significant movement across association and not-for-profit leadership. As a result, our Interim CEO service has been in strong demand, with two of our consultants currently supporting organisations through leadership transitions.
Interim leadership is most effective when it brings experience, steady decision-making, and a clear focus on what comes next. That is precisely the approach our consultants provide—maintaining momentum while boards take the time to make well-considered, long-term appointments.
If your association or not-for-profit organisation is navigating a leadership change and wants a smooth, well-managed transition, our Interim CEO service may be the right solution.
For more information, visit
https://lnkd.in/g8ggw3r8

15/06/2025

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rethinking-your-associations-website-read-first-nick-koerbin-mrmhc

Last week, Association Executive Services was invited to a Board meeting of a medium-sized professional association, and the topic of launching a new website sparked lively discussion. Predictably, the conversation centred on visual elements—fonts, colours, and imagery.

08/12/2024

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. Volunteers can be involved in tasks ranging from supporting staff at the registration desks to crowd and traffic control, liaising with sponsors and exhibitors, and much more.
While volunteers can be a significant asset, ensuring their safety, clarity of purpose, and recognition is crucial. Here are some key steps to effectively protect and support your volunteers:

😎 Define Roles with Clear Job Descriptions
Provide detailed job descriptions that clearly outline the tasks volunteers will perform. In particular, who do they report to? What hours are they required to work? This ensures everyone understands their responsibilities and minimises confusion.

😎 Conduct a Proper Induction
Every volunteer should undergo an induction process. This includes:
Familiarise them with their roles, responsibilities, and reporting structure.
Educating them on relevant policies and procedures, focusing on occupational health and safety (OHS). Providing a comprehensive briefing on emergency protocols and event-specific guidelines.

😎 Secure Volunteer Insurance
Pay attention to the importance of separate volunteer insurance. This coverage protects against potential incidents, such as workplace injuries, and demonstrates your commitment to volunteer safety.

😎 Recognise and Appreciate Volunteer Contributions
Remember to consider the value of recognising your volunteers' hard work. Consider ways to express your gratitude, such as:
❣️ Hosting a post-event thank-you gathering.
❣️ Providing certificates of appreciation or small gifts.
👏Publicly acknowledged their efforts during the closing remarks of the event.

Volunteers are the backbone of many successful events. By ensuring they are well-prepared, protected, and appreciated, you create a positive experience for them while safeguarding the success of your conference.

💡 What ideas do you have to manage and reward your volunteers?

Looking for an experienced team to manage your next conference contact us at Association Executive Services for a friendly discussion.

17/10/2024

What a fantastic awards night! With over 550 delegates in attendance, the team at Association Executive Services rose to the challenge and delivered an exceptional event. We extend our heartfelt thanks to ARCIA - Australia's radio and critical communications Association and CEO Paul Davis for entrusting us with this responsibility for the second year in a row. We're proud to partner with you in making these moments truly memorable

29/05/2024

How do we 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 appointed board or committee members' skills, knowledge, and experience.

Your dedication and effort are commendable if you volunteer on the Board or Committee of a not-for-profit organisation. We understand the significant time and commitment these roles require.

The key to the success of these boards lies in fostering robust discussions and collaboration among Board members to reach strategic decisions and policies. Here are some of my ideas to ensure a harmonious and productive Board:

😎 Provide a comprehensive induction process for all new Board members to ensure their understanding of the constitution, bylaws, and policies.

😎 Communicate the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of Board members.

😎Encourage professional behaviour, particularly during Board meetings.

😎Ensure all Board members are aligned with the organisation's Vision and Mission and are actively working towards its goals and objectives.

😎Establish a process for rewarding or recognising board members for their dedicated service. This could range from life membership to a simple certificate thanking the Board member for their time and commitment.

Following these essential guidelines will help develop a forward-thinking and harmonious board.

If you need help with your board, contact us at Association Executive Services today

19/05/2024

Last week, Virgin Australia made a significant announcement that will impact both new applicants and current members of their Virgin Australia Lounge.

Effective July 1, 2024, a new membership application fee of $99.00 will be implemented. This fee will apply to individuals applying to join the lounge or to members who allow their memberships to lapse for over a month before renewing.

For frequent travellers like myself, having access to a comfortable space to unwind or complete tasks before boarding a flight is undeniably advantageous.

This recent notification prompted me to ponder the significance of the membership joining and renewal process not only with airline lounges but also with membership-based associations.

Considering the tangible benefits of association memberships, it may be worthwhile to explore the inclusion of an application fee for new members.

Here are a couple of reasons why implementing an application fee could be beneficial:

Cost Offsetting: Processing new memberships involves inherent costs, varying depending on membership criteria. These upfront processing costs can be offset by introducing an application fee, ensuring the association can efficiently manage new member enrollments.

Building Long-Term Commitment: The application fee can foster a more substantial, committed membership base. By imposing a fee for new applicants, the association can discourage transient memberships and reduce membership turnover, a common challenge faced by associations that still need to have a joining fee. This can lead to a more engaged and dedicated membership, enhancing the association's effectiveness.

The introduction of an application fee may stir some discussion among members. However, its potential to streamline the onboarding process, cover administrative costs, and foster sustained membership commitment presents a strong argument for its implementation within membership associations.

The team at Association Executives Services is an expert in helping Associations maintain and grow their membership. Contact our office to discuss how we can help.

20/12/2023

15/12/2023

Hot off the press we will be presenting the results in our webinar in February https://www.associationexecutiveservices.com.au/events/technology-in-associations/