AGENDA | SPEAKERS | ADVISORY PANEL
Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Site Visit
12:00 - 13:00 |
Registration and badging for the pre-congress session delegates |
13:00 - 13:50 |
Lunch & Networking |
14:00 - 17:30 |
Medical Associations ForumThis dynamic and interactive session ia designed to explore the evolving landscape impacting medical associations and their events. Led by Linda Pereira, the Forum will delve into the contextual forces - from social shifts and digital transformation to changing member expectations - that are reshaping how associations engage and deliver value through meetings and congresses. This collaborative session will not only highlight emerging trends but also feature curated case studies that bring real-world innovation from delegates, and the challenges to light. Designed to foster peer-to-peer learning, the Forum will tap into the collective wisdom of attendees, creating a space where experiences, insights, and practical strategies can be shared openly. Whether you're reimagining your event strategy or seeking inspiration from fellow leaders, you will gain clarity and the connection needed to navigate what's next.
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14:00 - 17:30 |
Leadership & Governance ForumExecutive leadership in an association means working in an ever-evolving environment where volunteer leadership changes regularly. Defining the role of the executive and ensuring effective governance requires continuous effort, strategic insight, and adaptability. In this interactive forum, we will explore the unique challenges of working with voluntary leadership and provide practical strategies to enhance collaboration, decision-making, and organizational impact. Key topics include:
Join us for an engaging discussion designed to equip you with tools and insights to lead effectively in a dynamic governance environment. ![]() |
15:30 - 16:00 |
Refreshments & Networking |
18:30 - 19:30 |
Welcome Reception & RegistrationAt the Grand Elysee Hotel An opportunity to meet your fellow delegates, speakers and association experts and partners, with drinks and canapés. SPONSOR & HOST ![]()
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19:30 - 21:30 |
Hosted DinnersA number of dinners are hosted by suppliers at various restaurants. State your interest in attending one of these when booking your delegate place. |
09:55 - 10:50 |
What is the Association's Role in a World of Disinformation and 'Alternative' Facts?Keynote Panel ![]() Jean-Luc EiseléChief Executive Officer, World Heart Federation ![]() Alison AbbottCommunications Director, World LPG Association ![]() Jon BissetChief Executive Officer, Community Broadcasting Association of Australia |
09:55 - 10:50 |
How can Associations Justify the Inevitable Environmental Impact of Events?Keynote Panel: ![]() Rodney CoxGlobal Event and Association Specialist, International Gas Union ![]() ![]() ![]() Sasha FriezeManaging Director, The Business Narrative, Author, The Chief Event Officer’s Playbook |
09:55 - 10:50 |
What is the Successful Membership Model of the Future?Keynote Panel ![]() Erika LundströmDirector, Governance, Membership and Learning, International AIDS Society ![]() Dan WaiglExecutive Director, Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe ![]() |
09:55 - 10:50 |
Artificial Intelligence: The Key to Value & Growth or Low cost, High volume and Unreliability?Keynote Panel ![]() ![]() ![]() |
10:50 – 11:25 |
Refreshments, Networking & Exhibition |
11:25 - 12:20 |
Building Public Trust and Media LiteracyThis presentation explores how associations can leverage their position to build trust and strengthen media literacy, with actionable frameworks for developing member-focused educational initiatives that enhance critical thinking across diverse demographic groups. ![]() Jon BissetChief Executive Officer, Community Broadcasting Association of Australia Critical factors for Successful Governance and Constitutions that workAssociations around the world have the same principles and pressures, although with different legislation and culture. This presentation will highlight global best practice including small boards, strategic plans, delegation to CEO, accountability to members and readable constitutions. John Peacock AM from Governology has presented to associations in 17 nations and will share his deep governance knowledge and looks forward to questions, comments and alternative viewpoints. ![]() |
11:25 - 12:20 |
Case studies from association executives of successes in their plans, activites and policies |
11:25 - 12:20 |
Digital Transformation: From Complexity to ClarityIt's critical to have an orderly and planned adoption of your core technology and member interface. Without it your association may fail and your reputation destroyed. This case study highlights the practical steps a membership organisation took to address digital, data and process challenges that many others face. It provides real examples of how IStructE achieved long-term success. You will be walked through the journey IStructE undertook, from recognising the need for change to achieving tangible outcomes. The focus will be on the practical lessons learned at each stage, showing what worked, what didn’t, and what others can take away.
![]() From zero to multi-million: Building organisational membership (at an individual member organisation)Building organisational membership as an individual member organisation can reap rewards, but how can you ensure success ? In this session you will learn how the International Bar Association, had exceptional success, with these issues covered:
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11:25 - 12:20 |
Using AI to power an Association's news feedLearn how an end-to-end content service that blends journalistic expertise with AI-sourced stories, provides an association with relevant high quality news stories from around the world. Amplify is working with organisations including this association to source stories for its Spotlight news feed, providing members a highly valuable service. The founders of Amplify, Alan Hunter and Michael Brunt, are both highly experienced with The Times and The Economist, explain how the service works and what it does for its clients, who range from associations to professional publishers, trade organisations and companies. ![]() |
12:20 - 13:25 |
Strategic Partner Exchange (12:30 - 12:45, 12:50 - 13:05, 13:10 - 13:25) |
13:00 - 14:15 |
Lunch, Networking & Exhibition |
14:15 - 17:30 |
Money Matters: Re-examining Financial & Investment StrategiesFinancial strategy is often seen as a necessity and not a priority for association executives. However it is central to every association’s sustainability, resilience, and long-term future. In this session, we take a fresh look at how associations are managing their financial and investment strategies in today’s changing environment. Join your peers for an open, practical session about what’s working, what needs rethinking, and how financial decision-making can better support your organisation’s mission and future growth. Considering :
This expert-led deep-dive session is highly interactive and contributive:
The format may be adjusted to address the needs identified in the session surveys that are completed by delegates a 6-8 weeks before the event. Session Leader: ![]() |
14:15 - 17:30 |
Creating Events Everyone Talks About and No One Wants to MissCrafting events that members and the sector prioritise This interactive session led by Sasha Frieze – author and award-winning events producer, and producer of over 500 association conferences - will examine the essential strategies, models, and approaches to create events where insight meets influence. Events that become the go-to gatherings for your members and the wider sector. In this session, we’ll review a blueprint to help you shape meaningful must-attend events and share experience and learning with your peers. Questions include:
This isn’t a lecture - it’s a collaborative session shaped by expert input and your voice. Immersive discussions form the core of this workshop:
Expect a responsive format, shaped by who’s in the room and what matters to them. Session leader: ![]() Sasha FriezeManaging Director, The Business Narrative, Author, The Chief Event Officer’s Playbook |
14:15 - 17:30 |
Redefining Success: Metrics That Matter in Today’s WorldIn a rapidly evolving landscape, traditional metrics alone are no longer enough to drive meaningful growth for membership organisations. This practical session explores how associations can redefine success by aligning the right data with strategic goals. From recruitment and retention to engagement and lapses, we’ll examine what leading membership bodies are measuring and what they should be measuring to stay relevant and responsive. We’ll also explore how digital tools and platforms offer new opportunities for tracking behaviour, segmenting audiences, and forecasting future needs. Drawing on real-world examples, this session will help you understand how to use data to:
This expert-led deep-dive session is highly interactive and contributive:
The format may be adjusted to address the needs identified in the session surveys that are completed by delegates a 6-8 weeks before the event. Session leader: ![]() |
14:15 - 17:30 |
Beyond the Hype: Practical AI for Membership & Advocacy WorkWe've now got an understanding of what the standard AI tools can do and how to do basic prompts. We know AI can do so much more and need to know how we can take full advantage of what AI has to offer. In this hands-on session, you will examine your time-consuming and repetitive workflows, and take this as a starting point for developing AI Agents that can drive greater productivity. Stephanie will explain the various types of AI Agent tools, how you create an AI Agent, and take you through the process, workshop style. Session leader: ![]() Testimonials for Stéphanie"I came out of the session with my mind quite literally blown, and buzzing with so many ideas on practical applications and projects I want to try out immediately! Thanks for completely changing my approach to how I was using AI - I can't wait to see where the new discoveries take my association and me personally!"
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Venue: Panoramadeck, Emporio
The Congress Dinner & Awards Ceremony takes place at this fantastic venue - the highest in Hamburg, overlooking the lakes, river, port and entire landscape.
Network with fellow delegates, session leaders and association experts and suppliers, whilst enjoying a meal together.
The Ceremony for the International & European Association Awards will feature after the main course, where the finalists and winners are recognsised across many categories.
SPONSORS
14:00 - 15:20 |
Owning the AI Space in your SectorAs a leading provider of information in your sector, your community are looking for authoritative guidance and leadership on the use of AI an how it is applied within the sector, best practices and transparency for retention of trust. This session will examine what the challenges are to doing this in both Individual Member Organisations and Business Member Organisations. The session leader, who has great experience with this in his organisation will provide guidance and best practices and ideas, as well as examples. This expert-led deep-dive session is highly interactive and contributive:
The format may be adjusted to address the needs identified in the session surveys that are completed by delegates a 6-8 weeks before the event. Session leader: ![]() |
14:00 - 15:20 |
Creating Successful Event PortfoliosIt's vital that we provide value and services for each and every member. By doing so you will ensure a robust and loyal membership, with a stable revenue stream. In this session, we examine what a balanced portfolio of events should and could be, and how this squares with our obligation to provide for the whole membership, including:
This expert-led deep-dive session is highly interactive and contributive:
The format may be adjusted to address the needs identified in the session surveys that are completed by delegates a 6-8 weeks before the event. Session leader: ![]() Rodney CoxGlobal Event and Association Specialist, International Gas Union |
14:00 - 15:20 |
Organisational Memberships: Engagement beyond the Main ContactSome associations can choose their membership composition, whereas for others it is inherent in their organisation’s purpose. Membership models may allow for organisational as well as individual membership – yet what are the implications? Regardless of membership structure, different tactics are required for engaging with organisational members. This session interactive session will examine the issues:
This expert-led deep-dive session is highly interactive and contributive:
The format may be adjusted to address the needs identified in the session surveys that are completed by delegates a 6-8 weeks before the event. Session leader: ![]() |
14:00 - 15:20 |
Harnessing the Power of AI in Your OrganizationThis engaging and interactive session is designed to equip organizational leaders and professionals with the strategic insight and practical frameworks needed to harness the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence. Grounded in the concepts from Harnessing the Power of AI in Organizations by Alan King, the session explores the five-layer integration model and the Human-AI-Data Dependency Triangle. Delegates will first receive a dynamic 40-minute presentation unpacking key themes from the book, exploring how AI can empower decision-making, streamline operations, and unlock innovation. Following the presentation, attendees will collaborate in table discussions, each focusing on one layer of the five-layer model. These group activities are designed to explore AI implementation within their own organizational contexts, analyzing opportunities, risks, and ethical considerations. Insights will then be shared with the full room, promoting cross-sector learning and reflection. Key Takeaways
The first 20 delegates to book will receive a free copy of Alan's book "Harnessing the Power of AI in Organizations" Session leader: ![]() |
15:30 - 16:00 |
Keynote Speaker |
16:00 |
Congress Closes |
This is for delegates who applied and have been accepted, that have potenital events to bring to Hamburg.
TUESDAY | |
16:00 - 18:00 |
Check-in at the Grand Elysee Hotel |
18:00 - 20:00 |
Dinner at the Grand Elysée Hotel |
20:30 - 22:30 | Summer Harbour Cruise - Enjoy the River Elbe, Hamburg's skyline and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Speicherstadt from the water |
WEDNESDAY | |
08:30 - 10:00 |
Breakfast & Site Inspection of the Grand Elysée Hotel |
10:15 - 11:00 |
Visit to, and site inspection of Curio Haus |
11:00 - 13:00 | Walking City Tour – Explore Altstadt, Neustadt and HafenCity |
13:00 - 14:30 | Site Inspection and Lunch at the historic Parliament (part of city hall) |
14:30 | End of site visit |
For those accepted on the site visit, the hotel accommodation on Tuesday night and the itinerary above are for no-fee. Flights and other travel are paid by the delegate as part of their attendance to the congress.
Executive Director, CPL Events & Consultancy
Linda is passionate about associations and is particularly active in the professional associations in her own field. She is also a consultant to a variety of associations. In 2008 she was considered one of Portugal’s five most influential people in the conference & events industry and received the education award from IAHMP.
Respected internationally as a speaker Linda has lectured in countries such as Italy, Spain, Russia, Egypt, Cape Verde, United Kingdom, Dubai, Spain and The Netherlands. In 2009 she received the medal of honour for positive entrepreneurship in Portugal for her commitment to promoting culture and heritage and for CSR initiatives.
Principal Consultant & Strategist, Tecker International
Throughout his career, Jim has been a catalyst for growth, redesign, and positive change. He has worked with leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors and is most skilled at building the bridges between them and has helped national organizations move beyond their differences and overcome paralysis by helping them see mutual and connected interests. Jim has rebuilt deeply troubled organizations whilst creating national brand strategy and advocacy frameworks.
Jim has served as Executive Director of the Minnesota Optometric Association, the Jefferson Center and Jefferson Action. His experience also includes working with national medical specialty societies in the Office of Federation Relations at the American Medical Association. Prior to that, he was in charge of federal and state government and chapter relations for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Executive Director, Association of Association Executives
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.
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https://www.associationexecutives.org/
:
damianhutt
:
@DamianHutt
Executive Director, CPL Events & Consultancy
Linda is passionate about associations and is particularly active in the professional associations in her own field. She is also a consultant to a variety of associations. In 2008 she was considered one of Portugal’s five most influential people in the conference & events industry and received the education award from IAHMP.
Respected internationally as a speaker Linda has lectured in countries such as Italy, Spain, Russia, Egypt, Cape Verde, United Kingdom, Dubai, Spain and The Netherlands. In 2009 she received the medal of honour for positive entrepreneurship in Portugal for her commitment to promoting culture and heritage and for CSR initiatives.
Deputy Executive Director, International Bar Association
Tim Hughes has been Deputy Executive Director of the International Bar Association for over two decades, working to build its revenue and its international legal programmes and objectives. Prior to this he held senior management positions in several multinational FTSE 100 companies, and acted as an adviser in post-war Croatia. He is also a speaker on themes of culture and heritage.
Managing Director, The Business Narrative, Author, The Chief Event Officer’s Playbook
Sasha Frieze FRSA FCIM is an award-winning event strategist and consultant, who’s delivered 1,000+ events (500+ association) in 30+ years.
The author of the forthcoming book The Chief Event Officer’s Playbook – how to create transformational events, Sasha has worked for decades with clients across media owners, conference and exhibition companies, corporates, associations and non-profits. Her clients include the United Nations Foundation, The Guardian, The BMJ, the Open Data Institute, Raymond James, Incisive Media, the British Society for Immunology and the Royal College of Anaesthetists.
Sasha is a Non-Executive Director of the British Society for Haematology, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and The Royal Society of Arts, is a visiting lecturer in event management at The University of Westminster, London and judges industry awards.
CEO, Associations Forum, Consultant & Director, Governology (UK)
John Peacock, CEO, Associations Forum (Australia) and Director, Governology (UK)
John is one of Australia’s most experienced advisors to associations and charities and is a thought leader for the associations sector. He is a regular national and international presenter, on matters essential to the governance and operations of associations, charities and other mutual bodies.
Since 2000, John has trained and consulted to hundreds of associations and charities, large and small, on strategic planning, governance, Board effectiveness, operations, restructuring, financial issues and external reviews.
His particular areas of specialisation are governance, constitutions, mergers of associations and developing association plans that can be translated into actions..
John’s work with associations was recognised in the 2021 Australia Day Honours List with his appointment as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia (General Division) for significant service to the associations and not-for-profit sectors through a range of initiatives.
Founder, AI-Your-Org, Head of Global Membership Development, IMechE
I have been working at the IMechE for many years, starting as a Regional Manager and working my way up to my current role. Currently I oversee the Global Membership Development Team, collaborating across directorates and leading on the development of the global membership development strategy and organisational growth.Chief Executive Officer, Pixl8 Group
No bio provided
Co-Founder, Global Artificial Intelligence Leaders Network
No bio provided
CEO, Associations Forum, Consultant & Director, Governology (UK)
John Peacock, CEO, Associations Forum (Australia) and Director, Governology (UK)
John is one of Australia’s most experienced advisors to associations and charities and is a thought leader for the associations sector. He is a regular national and international presenter, on matters essential to the governance and operations of associations, charities and other mutual bodies.
Since 2000, John has trained and consulted to hundreds of associations and charities, large and small, on strategic planning, governance, Board effectiveness, operations, restructuring, financial issues and external reviews.
His particular areas of specialisation are governance, constitutions, mergers of associations and developing association plans that can be translated into actions..
John’s work with associations was recognised in the 2021 Australia Day Honours List with his appointment as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia (General Division) for significant service to the associations and not-for-profit sectors through a range of initiatives.
Lead Consultant & Founder, Chrysalis Digital
Ben has worked closely with Membership organisations for over 20 years, spanning many sub-verticals within this field, leading and supporting on digital transformations for many membership organisations.
With this wealth of experience he launched Chrysalis Digital in 2015, drawing upon the deep understanding and unique challenges within membership organisations. Ben creates and leads digital strategy transformations enabling membership organisations to achieve successful digital outcomes.
Deputy Executive Director, International Bar Association
Tim Hughes has been Deputy Executive Director of the International Bar Association for over two decades, working to build its revenue and its international legal programmes and objectives. Prior to this he held senior management positions in several multinational FTSE 100 companies, and acted as an adviser in post-war Croatia. He is also a speaker on themes of culture and heritage.
Chief Executive Officer, Self Storage Association
Rennie has been in association management for most of his working life, starting with the Australian Meat Industry Council in 1998. He has been at CEO level of industry associations for 21 years and is currently the CEO of the Federation of European Self Storage Associations which he more than tripled in turnover over the past 5 years. He is also the CEO of the Self Storage Association UK, building it to be the second largest association in this sector in the world. Rennie has worked with a range of associations in 3 continents, often assisting them in developing their strategic direction. He has also been a board member of several charitable organisations, mostly in the early childhood education sector. He has an MBA from Deakin University and is a member of the Oxford University High Performance Leadership Programme.
Managing Director, The Business Narrative, Author, The Chief Event Officer’s Playbook
Sasha Frieze FRSA FCIM is an award-winning event strategist and consultant, who’s delivered 1,000+ events (500+ association) in 30+ years.
The author of the forthcoming book The Chief Event Officer’s Playbook – how to create transformational events, Sasha has worked for decades with clients across media owners, conference and exhibition companies, corporates, associations and non-profits. Her clients include the United Nations Foundation, The Guardian, The BMJ, the Open Data Institute, Raymond James, Incisive Media, the British Society for Immunology and the Royal College of Anaesthetists.
Sasha is a Non-Executive Director of the British Society for Haematology, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing and The Royal Society of Arts, is a visiting lecturer in event management at The University of Westminster, London and judges industry awards.
Managing Director, Dovetail Creative
Lisa has been building powerful networks and communities for over 25 years, ensuring the groups she works with thrive and grow. After a flourishing career working for a variety of associations, membership bodies and not for profit organisations, Lisa launched her own agency, Dovetail Creative Ltd, in 2021 and now supports a variety of organisations with all aspects of community, member and customer forum engagement, events, marketing strategy, and consultancy.
Lisa is a frequent speaker and moderator at industry events and is on the board for RISE and Trade Association Forum. In addition, Lisa is involved in several mentoring programmes enabling her to pass on skills and knowledge to help others grow. Lisa has a passion for ESG initiatives and is co-producer of the Media Tech Sustainability Summit and Corporate Star Awards.
CEO & Founder, Fresh Strategies & Solutions
With experience as an international business leader and innovation practitioner, Stéphanie know what it takes to make impactful innovation and cultural change happen in the public and private sectors. Since 2017, as founder and CEO of Fresh Strategy, she has been on a mission to help organisations deliver innovation that makes a real difference.
Fresh Strategy was founded on the belief that innovation can be a force for good, and that the actions of single people and organisations collectively have the power to change the world. Through sharing knowledge, experience and expertise, they help everyone realise their potential to become a catalyst for change.
Stéphanie's work is centred around deep global and local experience across a variety of sectors and industries, embracing complexity and prioritising simplicity to successfully lead complex strategic processes and deliver excellent results.
Executive Director, Strategic Management Society
No bio provided
Global Experience Thought Leader; XM Coach Co-Founder & Chairman, XM Coach | TribeCX | TMD
With over 40 years of experience as a senior Customer Experience (CX) executive, David helps leaders transform their business performance through customer-centric change. He coaches, equips, and empowers Fortune 1000 executives and their teams to design and deliver exceptional experiences that align with their brand promise and drive measurable results. He also advises governments, major Not-For-Profit organisations, and start-ups on CX strategy, culture, and execution.
Consultant & Advisor , former Global Director of Programming, BBC Studios
Simon has been working with associations for over 15 years, supporting them to tell their stories through video. He was the founder and leader of the multi-award winning Programme Partnerships at BBC Studios, developing a unique team creating extraordinary content and campaigns for organisations across the world.
He currently holds a senior executive role at Hi Impact, a fast-growing media company with a global reach. Hi Impact are creators of the COP29 Daily Show, broadcast on over 50 TV networks and FAST channels worldwide, working in partnership with LinkedIn News and YouTube to make the climate conversation accessible and relatable. Hi Impact works with a range of partners to bring the most compelling stories to screen, stream and broadcast them to wider audiences; doing so in a style demanded by modern, discerning viewers.
Co-Founder, HBM Advisory
Co-founder of HBM Advisory, a strategic consultancy that helps organisations unlock the full potential of their content businesses.Co-Founder, Global Artificial Intelligence Leaders Network
No bio provided
CEO, Associations Forum, Consultant & Director, Governology (UK)
John Peacock, CEO, Associations Forum (Australia) and Director, Governology (UK)
John is one of Australia’s most experienced advisors to associations and charities and is a thought leader for the associations sector. He is a regular national and international presenter, on matters essential to the governance and operations of associations, charities and other mutual bodies.
Since 2000, John has trained and consulted to hundreds of associations and charities, large and small, on strategic planning, governance, Board effectiveness, operations, restructuring, financial issues and external reviews.
His particular areas of specialisation are governance, constitutions, mergers of associations and developing association plans that can be translated into actions..
John’s work with associations was recognised in the 2021 Australia Day Honours List with his appointment as a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia (General Division) for significant service to the associations and not-for-profit sectors through a range of initiatives.
Founder, AI-Your-Org, Head of Global Membership Development, IMechE
I have been working at the IMechE for many years, starting as a Regional Manager and working my way up to my current role. Currently I oversee the Global Membership Development Team, collaborating across directorates and leading on the development of the global membership development strategy and organisational growth.