This monthly meeting provides you the opportunity to share your challenges and learn from your peers, as well as share your own experience on all things Events & Conferences for associations, societies and federations.
The meeting is free of charge for all employees of associations, societies and federations to attend, and is not open to suppliers.
Facilitated by
Simon Bull
Simon works at a head of department and senior management level for membership organisations in national and international membership, marketing, communications, business development and commercial roles. He has been responsible for multi – million commercial and membership revenue generation for professional bodies and trade associations.
Richard Casey
Prior to joining the veterinary world in 2011 Richard’s career was focussed in human resources and organisational development for a variety of household names. Today, he is Executive Director for the World Small Animal Veterinary Association, and a Past President of the UK’s Veterinary Management Group (VMG). He holds an Executive MBA, Post Graduate Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership, is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development, and is in the final year of researching his Doctorate in Business Administration, with a focus on strategic planning for veterinary associations. Richard believes anyone can achieve success in their careers regardless of their background, and that the key to this is courage and kindness.
Magdalena Mook
CEO of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Magdalena brings a wealth of experience in consulting, coaching, association management, and fundraising. Through her leadership, the organization has become the leading voice for the global coaching community with more than 63,000 members and almost 60,000 ICF-credential holders worldwide.
Ms. Mook received her M.S. in Economics and International Trade from the Warsaw School of Economics, Poland. In 2019, Magda was recognized as #1 Coach: Global Influence and a finalist in the Thinkers50 Distinguished Award in Coaching and Mentoring. In 2023, 2024 and in 2025 she was recognized as #10 of Top30 Global Gurus in Organizational Culture. Thinkers50 also recognized Magda in 2024 as one of Coaches50 Top Coach in the world. She is a trained professional coach and systems facilitator.
Magda is a frequent keynote speaker, a contributor to Forbes Magazine, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Entrepreneur Organization and other major publications. She is a host of a monthly LinkedIn Live, where she speaks to organizational leaders and major influencers.
Magda is a long-time member of ASAE, formerly chairing the International Council and Key Global Associations Committee (KGAC), where is remains an active member and contributor.
Natasha Slater
Natasha graduated in French and Russian Studies from the University of Edinburgh. Following several years as a consultant specialising in energy, health and environmental policy in the EU and neighbouring countries, she transitioned to non-profit administration in the neuroscience sector in 2017, and joined IBRO in 2022. As Director of Partnerships & Engagement, she is responsible for driving IBRO’s portfolio of partnerships, oversees its external communications, and coordinates efforts to evaluate and enhance the accessibility of IBRO’s global programs.
Lian John
I am responsible for researching new members of the AAE community and ensuring our community system has the right information to enable the AAE to be a great success.
I have worked on association projects and have been researching associations since 2010 worldwide, and understand their personnel and roles and responsibilities.
I can help you to ensure your association data is up-to-date, or how to update it yourself directly, and can provide you different levels of access to our system online.
- Email:
- [email protected]
Rupesh Kumar
Rupesh Kumar is an experienced marketing and communications professional with over 14 years of expertise in global affairs, business development, and strategic engagement. Currently serving as the Director of Special Projects at APMP, he leads high-impact initiatives, driving innovation and strategic growth across the organization. Previously, as the Director of Chapter and Membership Engagement, he played a key role in expanding community engagement, strengthening industry partnerships, and enhancing member experiences. With a strong background in stakeholder relations, event management, and digital marketing, Rupesh is dedicated to fostering professional communities and delivering impactful projects.
Jon Kudlick
Jon has been working within the membership sector for almost 25 years, since joining the Royal Society of Arts as their first Head of Fellowship. Since then, he has worked at Director level, covering marketing, communications and membership for professional bodies (Royal Society of Biology), trade associations (including BritishAmerican Business), a members club (Royal Overseas League) and charities, including his most recent post at Royal British Legion as their Membership Transformation Lead.
Vicky Gallagher
I'm responsible for managing the AAE's portfolio of events and training courses, from the large congresses to the seminar and member meetings, working with other team members.
I manage the speakers, the venues, suppliers, event mobile apps, delegate and speaker communications, budgeting and forecasting, and the operations onsite.
I started working for associations in 2010 and have worked for the ACCA, MSI Global Alliance and a variety of other organisations, including training businesses.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- +44 (0) 203 954 8000
- Extension:
- 2
Sherma Malan
Sherma is a dynamic and results-oriented professional with a comprehensive background in education and professional body management, dedicated to driving operational excellence and fostering innovation. Leveraging exceptional interpersonal relationship skills with a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams, she is committed to delivering impactful solutions that enhance productivity and support organisational goals. With a passion for continuous improvement and a drive for success, she excels in transforming challenges into opportunities.
Manuela Impellizzeri Kemp
Manuela is the Head of Events and Volunteer Engagement at the Association for Project Management, the chartered membership organisation for the project profession with over 45,000 members, 470 corporate partners and 1,500 volunteers.
Since February 2023, Manuela has been leading APM’s events and volunteer engagement strategy, delivering meaningful value to project professionals. She champions the diverse needs of members, volunteers, and wider stakeholders, ensuring they gain maximum benefits from their engagement and from the impactful events her team creates.
Manuela has been working with membership organisations for over 12 years, across the project profession, built environment and health sectors, both in the UK and Continental Europe. Prior to this, she worked in private organisations, from language training to industrial design and professional services.
Manuela’s expertise ranges from engaging members and volunteers in supporting their profession to driving the creation of valuable events, all with a continuous focus on enhancing inclusivity and fostering loyal relationships.
Victoria Withy
Originally from New Zealand, I have a ‘can do’ attitude, an understanding of the strength diversity brings, an open, transparent and collaborative approach and an appreciation of working in a team. Since moving to Scotland, UK in 2002 I have developed a strong network locally as well as across Europe.
Working in the world of associations and particularly in the science/medical arena is rewarding, challenging and thought provoking. I have been working in the area of endocrinology (hormones) for a number of years - most recently with the European Society of Endocrinology heading up Membership, Marketing and Communications and Publishing.
I am honoured to support the work of MemberWise as Ambassador for Mentoring, Gordon Riding for the Disabled as a volunteer and also sit on the Business Improvement Board for my town in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire as the past Chair of the Inverurie Business Association
I am passionate about
- Viewing a business from a holistic point of view and developing people and strategies to help drive success
- Developing marketing and communications strategies which deliver tangible results
- Commercialisation, attracting inward investment and sponsorship/partnership strategy for conferences
- Brand development and lead generation to build sustainable market presence
- Delivering independent information and guidance on business strategy
- Using digital and print channels to support research dissemination from academic journals
- Mentoring and developing people to support their success
- Developing awareness days - for example European Hormone Day and World Hormone Day highlighting the importance of hormones and good hormone health #BecauseHormonesMatter
Fiona Campbell
Fiona Campbell, as CEO of the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) since 2015, has been instrumental in driving the substantial growth of the organisation, which now represents over 1700 members across Scotland. Her leadership has actively fostered a dynamic self-catering sector essential to Scotland’s tourism economy. Fiona’s expertise extends to policy advocacy, evidenced by her active participation in numerous industry groups both in Scotland and internationally. Recognised as CEO of the Year 2023 and a judge on BBC Scotland's "Scotland's Greatest Escape," Fiona’s achievements include prestigious awards including the Scottish Thistle Awards Regional Ambassador Award and acknowledgment on the UK Women in Trade Associations Top 100 Power List.
Raisa McNab
Raisa McNab is Chief Executive Officer at the Association of Translation Companies, the leading trade association for language services companies in the UK whose 240 members provide translation and interpreting services to public sector authorities and businesses across the UK and the world in over 300 languages.
Raisa spans the boundaries between associations, the language services industry, academia and the public sector, promoting collaboration and best practice. She is a champion of compelling communication and meaningful member engagement, and the developer of the Community Impact Wheel, an interactive survey tool for associations.
Jessica Imbert
With a Master’s Degree in European and International Law, Jessica has a long-standing experience in EU public health policy – with past experiences in EU institutions, a European NGO and as a freelance consultant. Jessica is now Director External Affairs at MedTech Europe.
Bradley Forder
Bradley’s role is to align and amplify worldsteel’s and its members’ key messages. He is secretary to worldsteel’s Communications Committee (COMMCO) and also oversees the work of the Digital Communications (DIGICOMM) Expert Group, which coordinates member activity in particular on social media. Before joining worldsteel he worked in communications support for two public-private partnerships between the European Commission and the aviation sector. He has an MA in European Political Economy jointly awarded by the University of Bath, UK, and Universidad Carlos III de Madrid, Spain.
Lorraine Reese
Lorraine began her career at a corporate events agency but has spent over 20 years working for a range of prestigious associations and learned societies. As Associate Director of Events and Marketing at the Biochemical Society, Lorraine has strategic oversight of the Society’s programme of events, Awards and grants schemes, and marketing and communications activities, as well as managing specific projects across the Group.
Thomas Jacob
Thomas Jacob is the Chief Operating Officer at WAN-IFRA, responsible for global operational management and business development. With nearly four decades of experience in the media industry, Thomas has held key leadership roles across various regions. Early in his career, he relocated to Singapore to establish IFRA’s presence in Asia, successfully founding IFRA Asia and IFRA India.
He later joined Associated Newspapers Limited (ANL), publisher of the Daily Mail and Metro in the UK. As ANL’s International Development Director, Thomas played a pivotal role in conceptualizing a mid-market newspaper for the Indian market and initiated a joint venture with the India Today Group to launch Mail Today.
Thomas holds an MBA with high honors from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, graduating summa cum laude and becoming a member of the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society. He earned his electronics and telecommunications engineering degree with distinction from the National Institute of Technology, Suratkal, and completed advanced studies in computer networking at ICIS, Singapore.
Sylvie Aitken
Sylvie Aitken has over 20 years’ experience in corporate and public affairs communications (both in-house and agency). She has successfully led the creation and execution of integrated communication strategies, profiling business (Boeing, Mondelez, FoodDrinkEurope, e-Pure) and civil society innovators (World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE), The Ocean Cleanup, Oxfam from thought leadership initiatives, on and offline engagement programmes, brand repositioning, to building strategic coalitions and partnerships - showcasing their contribution to the EUs policy agendas.
In her role as Director of Communications for Plastics Europe since 2020, Sylvie has reshaped the organisation’s strategic communications approach including a new brand positioning, visual identity and narrative reflecting the industry’s sustainability ambitions, and openly engaging with stakeholders on societal and business critical issues.
Heike Fania
Dr. Heike Fania is Director of Marketing and Communications and Deputy Director at the Osteology Foundation, a global non-profit dedicated to advancing science and education in oral tissue regeneration. She brings extensive experience in scientific communication, marketing, education strategy, and stakeholder engagement across the medical and association sectors. Holding a PhD in Natural Sciences and a Swiss Federal Diploma in Leadership and Management, she combines strategic vision and collaboration-oriented leadership with scientific expertise. Her work is driven by a passion for impactful communication, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration.
Bori Csala
I'm responsible for developing and managing the Seminar programme and Member communications.
I'm working with our community of over 20,000 association employees and leaders as well as consultants to bring you business-critical content on transforming your products, services, membership, events, communications, governance and operationsal efficiency, as well as raising the value of your association and sector.
I'm bringing over 10 years experience in associations in multiple roles in European and International associations.
- Email:
- [email protected]
Tajinder Panesor
Taj joined the IOP in March 2000 and, in his current role, is responsible for member recruitment, engagement and retention, professional registration, the groups and branches member networks, and the events and conferences programme.
He is also responsible for the management of the IOP’s digital development and infrastructure programme of work.
In his time at the IOP, Taj has also worked in several other areas, most notably international affairs, science policy, and commercial event management.
Prior to the IOP, Taj worked for a number of organisations including Charing Cross and Westminster Medical School, Harefield Hospital, and Glaxo Group Research.
He holds a BSc in applied biochemistry and an MSc in environmental pollution science. He is a member of the IOP.
Ella Minty
- Board and Council Member; Assessor for the Chartered Status; Founder and Co-chair of the Energy Leadership Platform; Chair of the Foresight Panel - the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR);
- Board Director of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), Aberdeen Section;
- Fellow of the UK’s Institute of Leadership, and Judge of its Digital Leadership Annual Awards;
- Founding Fellow of the Commonwealth Communicators Organisation – The Commonwealth Secretariat;
- Lead trainer for the Post Graduate Specialist Diploma in Crisis Communication - Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University;
- Founder of SPE’s Leadership Development Initiative for Young Professionals, Middle East and North Africa;
- Business mentor to the members of The Institute of Directors (IoD) and to the UK Government’s Communications Services (GCS);
- Chief Examiner, Socially Mobile CIC;
- Adviser to the Digital Democracy Commission, UK’s Parliament House of Commons
Aline Loosveldt
I am an experienced membership management professional with a strong background in strategy development, member engagement, and organisational growth. As the Membership Affairs Director at EADV, I lead initiatives focused on recruiting, retaining, and supporting members while ensuring alignment with our strategic objectives. I play a key role in governance, overseeing statutes, election processes, and supporting various committees. Passionate about delivering value to our members, I continuously work to enhance membership services, optimise operations, and foster a thriving professional community.
James Fudge
James is Head of Operations at the Manufacturing Technologies Association. He is responsible for membership and related services as well as the events programme at the association, including the biennial MACH exhibition.
Nick Bunting OBE
Nick Bunting OBE is the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA), a leading charity supporting the welfare of RAF personnel, veterans, and their families. Under his leadership, RAFA has expanded its support services, focusing on mental health, family welfare, and innovative programs like RAFAKidz, which provides high-quality childcare to military families.
Nick’s career spans senior roles in both the charity and business sectors, where he has driven organisational growth and impact. He is known for his strategic leadership and commitment to improving the lives of service personnel. In recognition of his services to military charity work, Nick was awarded an OBE in 2020. His passion for advocating on behalf of the RAF community has cemented RAFA’s role as a crucial support network for those who serve.
Philippa Baumgartner
Philippa Baumgartner is Head of Communications at the Club of Rome, a global think tank working to advance systems change for a safe and just future. With over 18 years of experience across corporate, academic, and non-profit sectors, she has led high-performing communications teams and shaped narratives that drive systems change. Philippa specialises in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and improving how organisations work by building clear processes and strengthening operational focus. She previously held senior roles at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) and Freightliner Group Ltd, and holds a BSc in Mathematics from King’s College London and an MBA from Modul University, Vienna.
Anca Urdea
I've been with the AAE since 2011, and I manage the Association Success Awards programme of awards, and I produce the Association Success story case studies for our Resource Centre.
I have a BA in Sociology, and an MA from the University of Greenwhich, and am a certified Certified Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a Certified Master Practitioner of Time Line Therapy and a Certified Master Hypnotist.
- Email:
- [email protected]
Suzanne Beard
Sue has over 20 years experience in membership organisations and professional bodies including the Landscape Institute and the Energy Institute, where she headed up the membership and education functions within the senior leadership team, focusing on process efficiency, and transformation of the membership offer. For the last 2 years she has directed SB Membership Projects and Services, providing practical advice and guidance and an extra pair of hands to help membership bodies achieve their goals.
Dishi Phillips
As Executive Director for the European Society for Precision Engineering & Nanotechnology (euspen), Dishi Phillips has extensive leadership and EU project management experience. A solid background in financial management, staff management and holistic marketing, Dishi has been instrumental in strengthening the relationship between the three main global Societies within precision engineering. With strong connections between academia and industry and the ability to forge long-lasting, professional and credible relationships, Dishi is a strong advocate in supporting and promoting women into engineering and is studying for her Doctorate at Cranfield University.
Ms Dishi Phillips, BA(Hons), DipM MCIM
Damian Hutt FIEM
I’m responsible for the strategy and operational management of the Association of Association Executives, with all members of the team reporting to me. With the advice of members, Advisory Panel members, and the team, I decide what new products and services to offer, and how they should be fulfilled.
I have over 35 years experience in conferences and events, with 21 specifically supporting associations with their events, publishing, member engagement, and association management. I have headed up the AAE since its beginnings in 2006.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- +44 (0) 203 954 8000
- Extension:
- x4
- Twitter:
- DamianHutt
- LinkedIn:
- https://linkedin.com/in/damianhutt/
Cecilia Spoor EMIAM
I look after the leadership activities for the AAE. This involves chairing the Leaders Forums at the UK and the World Associations Congresses, as well the Leaders Summits and identifying other opportunities to support association leaders, for example new programmes and forums to bring Executive Heads together.
I have been working on the AAE leaders events for eight years, contributed to the leadership aspects of all AAE's activities, and have an Executive Masters in International Association Management from Solvay Business School, Brussels.
Get in touch if you would like to hear more about our leadership activities at AAE or if you would like me to put you in touch with a trusted advisor or another executive director with experience of a particular issue.
- Email:
- [email protected]
Sven Bossu
Sven joined AIPC as CEO in May 2020. Together with the Board, the Members and the Business Partners he has implemented a transformation programme which has resulted into an entirely new value proposal to Convention and Exhibition Centres across the globe based on the changing needs of the members and the challenges they are facing.
Before joining AIPC, Sven worked as managing director at ESTRO (European Society for Radiation Oncology). He successfully led the branding, marketing and digital transformation of ESTRO – a massive project which was finalised in April 2020. It included a full re-branding, implementation of a new CMS and CRM system, the creation and implementation of a marketing strategy and a complete re-vamp of the annual congress. Prior to joining ESTRO, Sven worked for 20 years in the financials services world. The first 10 years of his career he worked as an international programme manager at ING, followed by 10 years at SWIFT – the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications.
At SWIFT, Sven oversaw Sibos – SWIFT’ s flagship event which brings together over 8,000 decision takers form over 150 countries for 4 days to discuss the common challenges the financial community faces and the common solutions to be put in place.
Sven holds a degree in anthropology. He works and lives in Belgium, has two children and loves to read.
Sarah Stutt
I have been with the AAE since 2018 where I ensure seamless event experiences by managing sponsor and exhibitor participation, while simultaneously fostering strong business partnerships. This includes collaborating with partners to optimise their event engagement and promotion strategies.
My commitment extends to the AAE's Resource Centre, where I curate valuable content (supplier updates, industry news, insightful articles) to keep members informed. Additionally, I actively support business partners by providing information and guidance on how to effectively engage with the AAE community and promote their services and products.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- +44 (0) 203 954 8000
- Extension:
- x3
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Recordings are made of this for admin reference purposes only. Outside of the meeting you may refer to anything discussed but you may not refer to who said it or about whom or which organisation it was said.
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