Associations World Congress 2022

Europe’s most-attended conference by association leaders & executives, the Associations World Congress returns in 2022 as a physical event to Lisbon, Portugal

Our community of association executives focused on what would be most valuable for them, and so we adapted the congress with a "Value Innovation" approach, removing what was not thought valuable, adapting to create more value and creating new elements we haven't had before. 

Our new approach

• A focused event just for association leaders and association events strategists
• High-level delegates invited
• More In-depth longer sessions
• Engaging experts to lead sessions, with contributions from associations throughout
• Gain real solutions to challenges - not just finding out other people are in a similar situation
• Very focused groups working together to innovate ideas and create value during sessions
• Avoid un-structured elements

Programme and event features

• 3 Streams covering; Association Strategy, Events Strategy and Executive Skills
• 4 half-day sessions in each stream (move from stream to stream as you wish)
• Sessions led by expert consultants and association leaders
• Association case studies are presented in each of the Association Strategy and Events Strategy sessions
• Executive Skills stream is led by the International Nova Business School
• Sessions include: Presentations, Case Studies, Room and round-table discussions, Group & individual exercises, and Q&As
• Each table in each session is carefully table-planned so delegate sit with relevant peers
• Pre-congress session addresses issues specific to medical associations

Value of attending

• Learn from session leaders some of the most expert approaches to critical issues facing your association
• Learn what other successful associations are doing for their future growth
• Gain insights in important initiatives by other associations
• Build a network of your peers
• Learn what strategic suppliers to associations can do to support you and your members
• Gain key information on locations for your events and how they relate to your sector and needs

Engaging with strategic suppliers

A better way was needed for delegates to meet the suppliers that were relevant to them. The following approach has been taken:

• No exhibition, rather pre-arranged appointments at tables
• Delegates indicate which types of suppliers they wish to meet, and the AAE set the appointments up, that suits the profile of the association and for their events size and region
• No appointments during session time
• Non-sales appointments
• Only 3 appointments per day on Tuesday and Wednesday
• Round-table Briefings where delegates can discuss issues together and hear how the suppliers and service providers support associations

Testimonials

Very useful intelligence on board management based on real experience.

Sorcha Edwards

Secretary General

The European Federation of Public, Cooperative & Social Housing

Useful content, great networking and an enthusiastic buzz throughout the event

Steven Price

Executive Director

European Institute for Industrial Leadership

The event to attend, if you aim to make your association a better place for your members and partners

Jean-Luc Eiselé

Chief Executive Officer

World Heart Federation

Useful, well structured, inspirational and informational event for association professionals.

Bostjan Skalar

Chief Executive Officer

World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies

One of the best professional meetings I've attended. The quality is outstanding!

Monica Fontana

Executive Director

European Renal Association - European Dialysis and Transplant Association