Associations World Congress 2025

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 Forum

This 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.

• Welcome & Introductions
• Introduction and setting the scene
• Interactive Discussion & Q&A
• Networking coffee break
• Case Studies by invited leaders
• Key takeaways

Linda Pereira

Executive Director, CPL Events & Consultancy

Find out more

14:00 - 17:30

Leadership & Governance Forum

Executive 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:

• Navigating leadership transitions – Defining and sustaining the executive’s role in a changing leadership landscape
• Understanding board dynamics – Helping boards embrace their responsibilities and function effectively
• Enhancing decision-making – Ensuring the right people make the right decisions at the right time
• Prioritizing impact – A strategic framework to help your association focus on the programs and services that truly matter

Join us for an engaging discussion designed to equip you with tools and insights to lead effectively in a dynamic governance environment.

Jim Meffert

Principal Consultant & Strategist, Tecker International

Find out more

15:30 - 16:00

Refreshments & Networking

18:30 - 19:30

Welcome Reception & Registration

At the Grand Elysee Hotel

An opportunity to meet your fellow delegates, speakers and association experts and partners, with drinks and canapés.

SPONSOR & HOST

19:30 - 21:30

Hosted Dinners

A number of dinners are hosted by suppliers at various restaurants.

State your interest in attending one of these when booking your delegate place.

08:00

Registration and badging desk opens

08:30 - 09:00

Welcome and Introduction to the Congress

• What to expect over the two days
• Key updates to the programme
• Introduce the hosts

Damian Hutt FIEM

Executive Director, Association of Association Executives

Find out more

09:00 - 09:45

Keynote Talk: Forging Bridges of Trust and Innovation in the Digital Era

Inspiring Author | Helicopter Pilot | Endurance Triathlete |  Executive Head of European Hematology Association

Ignacio Quiles Lara will address one of the most pressing challenges facing association leaders today: how to innovate and create added value while maintaining organizational relevance and stakeholder trust. In an era marked by rapid technological transformation, he will explore the delicate balance between leveraging innovation and fostering meaningful human connections. He will also guide leaders on how to navigate transitions effectively, ensuring their teams and members are empowered throughout the process.

Drawing on his extensive experience in translational research, business leadership, and his remarkable tenure as Executive Head of the European Hematology Association—where he has driven impactful change over the past three years—Ignacio will provide invaluable insights into modern association leadership. His emphasis on innovation, technology, and trust will illuminate the path forward for associations seeking to remain relevant while staying deeply human-centered. Attendees will gain practical guidance on developing associations, foundations, or federations that are technologically progressive yet aligned with their unique mission and values. Ignacio's approach ensured continued relevance and added value in today's ever-changing landscape.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Ignacio is an inspiring author (his last book is titled Seven Minutes), a skilled helicopter pilot, and an accomplished endurance triathlete. With a rich background as a venture mentor, investor, and board member for early-stage ventures, Ignacio's multifaceted expertise uniquely positions him as a thought leader in his field. He has also held senior roles at renowned pharmaceutical companies, including GSK, AbbVie, Servier, and Novartis.

His remarkable academic credentials include a degree in Biochemistry and Bioscience, as well as Master’s degrees in Anthropology, Genetics, Public Health, Life Sciences, and European Studies, and a Doctorate in Experimental and Health Sciences. Additionally, he holds an MBA from ESADE and has completed the Executive Development Programme at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business.

09:55 - 10:50

What is the Association's Role in a World of Disinformation and 'Alternative' Facts?

Keynote Panel

Alison Abbott

Communications Director, World Liquid Gas Association

Jon Bisset

Chief Executive Officer, Community Broadcasting Association of Australia

Find out more

Jean-Luc Eiselé

Chief Executive Officer, World Heart Federation

Cecilia Spoor EMIAM

Leadership Programme Director, Association of Association Executives

Find out more

09:55 - 10:50

How can Associations Justify the Inevitable Environmental Impact of Events?

Keynote Panel:

Rodney Cox

Global Event and Association Specialist, International Gas Union

Sasha Frieze

Managing Director, The Business Narrative, Author, The Chief Event Officer’s Playbook

Find out more

Tim Hughes

Deputy Executive Director, International Bar Association

Find out more

Linda Pereira

Executive Director, CPL Events & Consultancy

Find out more

09:55 - 10:50

What is the Successful Membership Model of the Future?

Keynote Panel

Erika​​​​ Lundström

Director, Governance, Membership and Learning, International AIDS Society

Find out more

Alfonso Montero

Chief Executive Officer, European Social Network

Ms Tanja Munro

Executive Director, European Consortium for Political Research

Find out more

John Peacock

Director, Governology

Find out more

Dan Waigl

Executive Director, Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe

Find out more

Lisa Collins

Managing Director, Dovetail Creative

Find out more

09:55 - 10:50

Artificial Intelligence: The Key to Value & Growth or Low cost, High volume and Unreliability?

Keynote Panel

Alan King

Founder, AI-Your-Org

Find out more

Daniela Leveratto

President, Global AI Association

Find out more

Alex Skinner

Co-founder and Chief Executive, Pixl8 Group

Find out more

Stéphanie Kioutsoukis

CEO & Founder, Fresh Strategies & Solutions

Find out more

10:50 – 11:25

Refreshments, Networking & Exhibition

11:25 - 12:20

Building Public Trust and Media Literacy

This 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 Bisset

Chief Executive Officer, Community Broadcasting Association of Australia

Find out more

Critical factors for Successful Governance and Constitutions that work

Associations 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.

John Peacock

Director, Governology

Find out more

11:25 - 12:20

It’s good to talk: the AI Event tool that gathers collective wisdom and conversational intelligence

We've seen only a few genuinely valuable AI tools for events, and the event organisers are pleased to be including this case study on one of the most powerful available today: Natter.

During this presentation you will learn how Natter puts thousands of people into simultaneous conversations about a particular topic or theme, and then summarises the trends of every discussion in seconds. 

• How it is being used to understand what delegates - members or the sector are thinking, feeling, and doing about an area or issue

• How human interaction and authentic conversation innately leads to solutions and consensus

• How AI can then synthesise those findings instantly, as a seamless way to give everyone a voice across diverse memberships, at events, and beyond.

Two example uses will be cited:

• The conversation on 'AI and Associations', where 70+ association leaders globally talk about how it is altering the trajectory of associations

• Setting the strategic path of an association through a conversation amongst their membership to prioritise issues in their industry

Simon Shelley

Consultant & Advisor, former Global Director of Programming, BBC Studios

Find out more

Charlie Woodward

CEO & Co-Founder, Natter

Find out more

How AI Reimagined Delegate, Speaker & Sponsor Value Is Transforming From One-Off Events to Year-Round Engagement (& Revenue)

This fast-paced case study explores how a leading international event transformed stakeholder engagement using AI-powered tools to elevate the speaker journey, personalise the delegate experience, and make sponsor ROI truly measurable. Learn how this CX-driven approach shifted the model from transactional to transformational — even after only a partial rollout.

Key takeaways:

• Speaker Engagement Reinvented: Personal brand-building and content curation elevated speaker participation pre-, during, and post-event
• Smarter Delegate Journeys: A capability assessment and AI-curated agenda created truly a personalised agenda, valued experiences and practical value
• Sponsor Value Demonstrated: Integrated sponsor content and tailored connections boosted relevance and pipeline impact
• From Event to Ecosystem: AI-enabled benchmarking and content reuse kept stakeholders engaged well beyond the event itself

David Hicks

Global Experience Thought Leader; XM Coach Co-Founder & Chairman, XM Coach | TribeCX | TMD

Find out more

11:25 - 12:20

Digital Transformation: From Complexity to Clarity

It'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.

• Why IStructE started this programme and what it set out to achieve
• The internal challenges they needed to overcome, including legacy systems and inefficient processes
• The role of external expertise in guiding their approach and securing the right suppliers
• How they gathered and documented business and data requirements
• What happened during implementation, including successes and challenges
• Reflections two years on – the benefits realised, lessons learned, and where the real value was delivered

Ben Sturt

Managing Director, Chrysalis Digital

Find out more

From fragmented to future-ready: A digital transformation that redefined a profession

How does a team of six reimagine digital engagement for over 1,200 members - while tackling a ten-year-old fragmented website, limited resources, and the disruption of a global pandemic? In this compelling case study, Dr Martina Byrne, Chief Executive of the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII), shares how her team led a transformation that not only modernised their systems but revitalised how they connect, communicate and deliver value to members. 

A year since launching their ReadyMembership platform, PRII has seen a 70% increase in website traffic, above average retention rate (over 92%) and 2% net membership growth, along with the delivery of rich, personalised logged-in experiences that deepen engagement and raise the profile of the PR profession in Ireland.

This session will explore:

• The unique challenges and opportunities small associations face when undertaking major digital transformation with limited internal capacity
• How PRII responded to changing member needs post-Covid, reshaping content delivery and networking opportunities in a rapidly evolving environment
• How the right digital platform can build emotional connection and long-term loyalty through personalised, logged-in member experiences and deliver membership growth
• Lessons for associations and suppliers: from communication and cultural fit to the importance of chemistry in successful collaboration

Martina Byrne

Chief Executive Officer, Public Relations Institute of Ireland

Alex Skinner

Co-founder and Chief Executive, Pixl8 Group

Find out more

11:25 - 12:20

Future-proofing knowledge management for Associations in the evolving AI landscape

Learn about ReadyIntelligence, the first AI-powered platform that helps associations make their knowledge more accessible—transforming complex, hard-to-find information into clear, trustworthy answers. ReadyIntelligence makes an organisation’s private, structured and unstructured knowledge truly findable and actionable.

Unlike general AI platforms that draw on public data or focus on productivity tools, ReadyIntelligence works with an organisation’s own private knowledge base—searching internal documents, resources, and media to provide direct, source-cited answers.

ReadyIntelligence is launched to the European association market at this congress. Be the first to see how you can take full advantage of AI in Europe.

Rennie Schafer

Chief Executive Officer, European Federation of Self Storage Association

Find out more

Alex Skinner

Co-founder and Chief Executive, Pixl8 Group

Find out more

Using AI to power an Association's news feed

Learn 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.

Michael Brunt

Co-Founder, HBM Advisory

Find out more

11:25 - 12:20

The Modernization Mandate: What TMA’s Video Pivot Reveals About the Future of Associations

Association leaders are under increasing pressure to modernize engagement strategies without growing headcount or budget. This session reveals how the Turnaround Management Association (TMA) successfully reimagined its video approach—turning what was once a slow, costly process into a scalable member engagement engine that delivers real results.

Attendees will gain a firsthand look at how TMA’s lean team enhanced loyalty, elevated member voices, and attracted new sponsors by embracing a modern, flexible video strategy.

This case study dives into the strategic decisions and operational shifts that helped TMA transition from traditional video production to a decentralized, rapid-response content model. Attendees will learn how these changes unlocked higher engagement, faster content delivery, and measurable ROI—all while reducing costs and increasing member participation.

The presentation connects TMA’s experience to a broader industry shift, showing how associations of all sizes can adopt scalable video practices to drive relevance and growth in a digital-first era.

• Why traditional video models no longer serve today’s engagement needs

• How TMA scaled video creation without adding staff or hiring agencies

• The role of member-driven content in building loyalty and community

• Key outcomes: Increased engagement, faster execution, and new sponsorship revenue

• Practical steps any association can take to modernize their video strategy

Ilana Cheyfitz

Senior Video Strategist, Gather Voices

Find out more

Strategic Partner Exchange (12:30 - 12:45, 12:50 - 13:05, 13:10 - 13:25)

Lunch, Networking & Exhibition

14:15 - 17:30

Money Matters: Re-examining Financial & Investment Strategies

Financial 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 :

• How diversified should your income stream be?
• What does a goods reserves policy look like?
• How should you fund major projects?
• How should you invest association funds?
• What determines your membership fee increases?

This expert-led deep-dive session is highly interactive and contributive:

• Introduction to the key issues from the Session Leader
• Review of delegates' situation (from the session survey completed by attendees)
• Structured discussion of the issues highlighted by delegates, with multiple threads
• Break
• Experience sharing by delegates either to the room or at round tables
• Break-out into sub-topic issues
• Review and wrap-up

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: 

Rennie Schafer

Chief Executive Officer, European Federation of Self Storage Association

Find out more

14:15 - 17:30

Creating Events Everyone Talks About and No One Wants to Miss

Crafting 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:

• How do you design for transformation, and who is the transformation for?  Meeting the needs of participants, sponsors, your organisation and your sector.
• Putting the participants at the heart of the event story, and crafting their journey to achieve change that delivers value
• Do you have clarity on your event’s deep purpose?
• What types of content and experiences do participants want?
• Understanding competition mapping over competition tracking

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:

• Understanding the blueprint and key themes
• Snapshot review of participant’s events, based on survey information (+/- 6 weeks prior to the event)
• Roundtable structured discussions
• Break
• Group reflection and experience-sharing session
• Workshop session – action plan for your events
• Review and wrap-up

Expect a responsive format, shaped by who’s in the room and what matters to them.

Session leader:

Sasha Frieze

Managing Director, The Business Narrative, Author, The Chief Event Officer’s Playbook

Find out more

14:15 - 17:30

Redefining Success: Metrics That Matter in Today’s World

In 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:

• Identify early indicators of churn and loyalty
• Align recruitment efforts with high-value prospects
• Tailor engagement strategies based on member segments
• Measure digital engagement in ways that go beyond vanity metrics
• Create a metrics framework that informs growth and impact

This expert-led deep-dive session is highly interactive and contributive:

• Introduction to the key issues from the Session Leader
• Review of delegates' situation (from the session survey completed by attendees)
• Structured discussion of the issues highlighted by delegates, with multiple threads
• Break
• Experience sharing by delegates either to the room or at round tables
• Break-out into sub-topic issues
• Review and wrap-up

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:

Lisa Collins

Managing Director, Dovetail Creative

Find out more

14:15 - 17:30

Beyond the Hype: Practical AI for Membership & Advocacy Work

We'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 SPONSOR

 

Session leader:

Stéphanie Kioutsoukis

CEO & Founder, Fresh Strategies & Solutions

Find out more

14:15 - 17:30

Strategic Growth for Impact: Expanding Educational & Professional Development in Associations

In an increasingly competitive and resource-constrained environment, associations must deliver educational and professional development programs that are not just popular but purposeful. Strategic alignment, clear value to members, and smart implementation are crucial for long-term impact and sustainable growth. Growing the take-up of these offerings requires both insight into member needs and clarity of communication.

Whether you’re refining an existing portfolio or planning new initiatives, this session will explore how to grow with intention and deliver meaningful, mission-aligned outcomes.

This session is led by Rebecca Hadid, who has over a decade of experience leading global education and professional development initiatives in the nonprofit and scientific sectors. She specializes in designing inclusive, mission-driven programs, building international partnerships, and supporting sustainable growth through the targeted strengthening of initiatives to optimize impact and visibility.

SESSION SPONSOR

 

Key issues we will be considering:

• The importance of developing a clear, mission-aligned strategy for your education and professional development portfolios
• Using brainstorming and planning tools to define your core offerings, identify your target audiences, and ensure alignment with your association’s mission
• Regular assessment and adjustment as necessary to ensure continued relevance and alignment with emerging member needs
• Designing initiatives that meet real expectations and deliver value, avoiding misalignment and missed opportunities
• Identifying your core audiences and addressing barriers to participation to deliver inclusive and targeted programs
• Clearly and consistently communicating the value of your programs, leveraging events, partnerships, and community networks as platforms to amplify reach, spark interest, and drive engagement
• Establishing clear success metrics and tracking methods to define and measure the real-world impact of your programs
• Exploring how new funding models and strategic partnerships can drive your program’s growth, sustainability, and impact

Session leader

Rebecca Hadid PhD

Director of Grants and Programs, IBRO, International Brain Research Organization

Find out more

09:00 - 11:45

Uncharted Income: Navigating New Revenue Initiatives in Turbulent Times

From global instability to rising costs and shifting workforce trends, today’s geopolitical and economic environment is anything but predictable. For membership associations, these uncertainties pose a direct threat to traditional revenue models, especially those heavily reliant on dues, events, or government funding. In this interactive session, participants will confront the real-world pressures driving the need for revenue diversification and discuss the importance of developing new ideas before the need becomes urgent.

Through facilitated brainstorming and collaborative discussion, we’ll explore how associations can build financial resilience by developing new, creative, and mission-aligned income streams. Attendees will share challenges, generate ideas, and leave with some actionable strategies to help their organizations navigate disruption—and thrive despite it.

• Is revenue diversification and developing new revenue streams important to your organization?  If not, why not?
• Do you feel that any of your traditional revenue streams are under threat?  Which ones?  What are the biggest threats that you are facing – either from with your organization or from external forces?
• How urgent is revenue diversification for your organization? 
• How much team/staff/volunteer organizational time is spent developing new ideas (not just thinking about it) – i.e. whiteboarding, brainstorming?
• What challenges/trade-offs do you face when considering new programs or ideas to generate revenue?
• Are there any new or unique ideas that you want to try but haven’t been able to?  What are the barriers (i.e. time, money, governance, resistance from stakeholders)?
• Have you had to overcome resistance to embracing the need for evolution in revenue streams specifically from internal sources (staff, board, committees, members)?  What approach did you take?> 
• What are some things that you have tried that didn’t work?  Why not? 
• Are you developing or have you initiated any new and/or unique ideas that you feel are promising or have proven to be successful?  
• What are some interesting or unconventional revenue streams you’ve seen in other industries – whether for-profit or nonprofit – that associations could consider adopting?

Session Leader: 

Barbara Grobicki

Executive Director, Strategic Management Society

Find out more

09:00 - 11:45

Growing Event Stakeholder Engagement & Revenue Through Experience-Led Thinking

Events today are about delivering memorable, valuable experiences to all stakeholders. Whether you're looking to attract higher-quality delegates, deepen sponsor partnerships, or turn speakers into brand advocates, this session offers the mindset shift and methods needed to evolve your model with confidence.

As expectations shift, sponsor budgets tighten, and delegate seniority declines, associations are under increasing pressure to prove the value of in-person events. This highly interactive session—led by global customer experience (CX) expert David Hicks—presents a bold, practical approach to redesigning flagship conferences and congresses through the lens of stakeholder experience.

Drawing on decades of experience across travel, technology, and professional services—as well as chairing some of the world’s largest events—David will demonstrate how CX-led strategies can transform engagement and drive measurable growth in satisfaction, retention, and revenue. He’ll also share a case study from a major congress, revealing lessons learned and how even partial implementations can yield significant impact.

This deep-dive working session, shaped around real challenges gathered through a pre-event survey. With a structured yet dynamic format, you’ll engage in a hands-on exploration of your own event model and leave with practical takeaways you can apply immediately. Key elements include:

SESSION SPONSOR

• Kick-off with Key Issues: David sets the stage with fast-moving insights on current stakeholder trends and pain points.
• Review of Delegate Realities: We’ll explore what the group has shared through the survey to focus discussion on what matters most.
• Structured Peer-Led Exploration: Through facilitated discussion, you’ll uncover missed opportunities and friction points across stakeholders—speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, and delegates.
• Experience Exchange or Focused Breakouts: Depending on group needs, we’ll move into either plenary storytelling or small breakouts to explore themes like delegate loyalty, sponsor ROI, and speaker activation.
• Toolkits & Tactics: David will introduce proven CX frameworks to boost engagement and value delivery.
• Personalised Action Plan: Each delegate leaves with a focused plan to improve outcomes across their event portfolio.

Session leader:

David Hicks

Global Experience Thought Leader; XM Coach Co-Founder & Chairman, XM Coach | TribeCX | TMD

Find out more

09:00 - 11:45

Understanding your Membership & Stakeholders

Understanding your membership and your stakeholders, their points of view on issues in the sector, and being able to evaluate and anlyse them is vital to your ability to service their needs and represent them.

In this deepdive session you will examine:

• The challenges to gaining an understanding of your membership & stakeholders on a large scale, how to be up-to-date when the sector evolves rapidly, and how to resolve them
• Various successful methods that have worked for associations
• Example approaches that everyone can learn from
• Mistakes and how to avoid them

This expert-led deep-dive session is highly interactive and contributive:

• Introduction to the key issues from the Session Leader
• Review of delegates' situation (from the session survey completed by attendees)
• Structured discussion of the issues highlighted by delegates, with multiple threads
• Break
• Experience sharing by delegates either to the room or at round tables
• Break-out into sub-topic issues
• Review and wrap-up

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:

Simon Shelley

Consultant & Advisor, former Global Director of Programming, BBC Studios

Find out more

09:00 - 11:45

Creating Valuable and Reliable Content with AI

From member updates and marketing copy to research, reports and white papers, AI is transforming how associations produce content. But with opportunity comes risk: how can you ensure quality, accuracy and value while using AI to do more with less?

In this session, we’ll explore how associations are starting to harness AI tools to support their content strategies; practical lessons, common pitfalls and what it takes to build trust in AI-generated content.  We’ll examine the most pressing challenges you are facing, alongside real examples of what’s working well.

Michael and Alan will draw on their work with associations and experience as advisors to the publishing industry, and their experience at the globally recognised titles of The Economist and The Times.

• Learn how AI can support a range of content needs, from comms to commercial
• Gain understanding of the risks and how to maintain credibility and tone of voice
• Discover lessons from peer experiences and a real-world association case studies
• Leave with practical ideas to take back and apply

This expert-led deep-dive session is highly interactive and contributive:

• Introduction to the key issues from the Session Leader
• Review of delegates' situation (from the session survey completed by attendees)
• Structured discussion of the issues highlighted by delegates, with multiple threads
• Break
• Experience sharing by delegates either to the room or at round tables
• Break-out into sub-topic issues
• Review and wrap-up

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 leaders:

Alan Hunter

Co-Founder, HBM Advisory

Find out more

Michael Brunt

Co-Founder, HBM Advisory

Find out more

09:00 - 11:45

Video for Associations — From Cost Centre to Strategic Driver

For decades, associations have viewed video as a costly, high-production endeavor—great for galas or polished promos, but too expensive, too slow, and too complex for everyday engagement. That model no longer holds.

In this session, we’ll reveal how video has evolved from a one-size-fits-all media format into a strategic spectrum of tools and tactics—from quick member-generated clips to templated explainers, campaign videos, and real-time event content. Association executives will discover how modern tools make it possible to create more video with fewer resources, faster production cycles, and better alignment with organizational goals.

You’ll leave with a framework for turning video from a cost center into a strategic driver of member engagement, recruitment, retention, and advocacy—with clear next steps, example workflows, and inspiring stories from peers who have made the shift.

Core aspects to be explored:

• Mindset Shift: From one-format video to a dynamic, multi-purpose content stream.

• Technology Enablement: Why modern platforms (like Gather Voices) change the game.

• Operational Agility: How associations can cut turnaround time from weeks to hours.

• Strategic Alignment: Making video measurable, relevant, and goal-driven.

• Case Studies: European or international association examples to increase relatability.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

• Understand the “Video Spectrum” and how to match different video types to strategic objectives.

• Identify barriers to video scalability and learn how to overcome them using modern tools and workflows.

• Build a lightweight video strategy tied to KPIs like member engagement, event attendance, and content reach.

• Evaluate ROI and cost efficiency of video across various formats—professional, semi-produced, and user-generated.

• Create a practical roadmap for integrating scalable, sustainable video into their organization’s communications mix.

Joel Resnik

CRO, Gather Voices

Find out more

Refreshments, Networking & Exhibition

Strategic Partner Exchange (11:55 - 12:10, 12:15 - 12:30, 12:35 - 12:50)

Lunch, Networking & Exhibition

13:30 - 13:55

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:

• The proposition for organisations – values and value
• Deepening organisational engagement
• Avoiding a conflict between individual members and organisational members when its very successful

Tim Hughes

Deputy Executive Director, International Bar Association

Find out more

13:30 - 13:55

Creating AI Policies for an Association: A Strategic Framework

Developing AI policies for an association involves setting clear guidelines to ensure responsible, ethical, and effective use of AI technologies.

Join this session to learn how you can approach it. Key elements include:

• Define the Purpose and Scope
• Engage Stakeholders
• Establish Core Principles
• Define Acceptable Use and Boundaries
• Address Compliance and Risk
• Provide Implementation Guidelines
• Set Up Governance and Review
• Communicate and Educate

Daniela Leveratto

President, Global AI Association

Find out more

13:30 - 13:55

Expanding access: how ISUOG scaled global education through targeted virtual delivery

Learn how two global associations collaborated to deliver four editions of an online training programme reaching clinicians in 135 countries, entirely free to participants. Whether you’re planning your first virtual course or refining a mature series, this session offers practical insights into scaling access, managing complexity, and sustaining long-term impact through virtual delivery.

ISUOG and the Fetal Medicine Foundation’s Ultrasound Essentials is an annual virtual education programme for healthcare professionals in low-resource settings. Now preparing for its fifth edition in 2026, the programme has evolved from expert-led content to a model informed by participant feedback and performance data.

This case study explores how strategic planning, thoughtful use of technology, and close collaboration with a production partner contributed to its continued reach and quality. We'll look at how the technical, educational and logistical elements come together to deliver meaningful learning at scale, without compromising accessibility or engagement.

We’ll look at:

• How to align educational programmes with mission objectives and financial sustainability

• What’s required to maintain relevance and consistency in an annual global virtual course

• Technical and logistical considerations for delivering high-quality content at scale

• How to balance stakeholder expectations, audience needs, and available resources

• The role of participant feedback and analytics in evolving programme design and delivery

Martin Shepherdly

Managing Director, BeThere Global

Find out more

13:30 - 13:55

Engage, Educate, Empower: Strategies for Year-Round Learning

Participants should attend this session to explore how digital Learning is reshaping year-round education and community engagement.

Want to revolutionize your association’s approach to ongoing education? Discover how you can transform the digital Learning landscape in your association by providing free access to global content that keeps professionals engaged year-round. This session will show how to build a thriving, knowledge-sharing community that drives member engagement, strengthens educational offerings, and introduces new potential revenue streams long after events end.

Mr Marcel Dekker

Director, Kenes Group

Find out more

Mrs Louise Gorringe

AVP, Association Management , Kenes Group

Find out more

13:30 - 13:55

AI Compliance – Implementing AI governance and achieving AI literacy

Insights into the measures associations should take to establish AI governance structures and to ensure that all employees who come into contact with AI systems have a sufficient level of AI literacy – a requirement stipulated by the AI Act.

You will learn the specific requirements arising from the AI Act and receive an overview of best practices.

Dr Maximilian Vonthien LL.M

Senior Associate, CMS Hasche Sigle Partnerschaft von Rechtsanwälten und Steuerberatern mbB

Find out more

14:00 - 15:20

Creating Successful Event Portfolios

It'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:

• How should we adapt to reach a higher proportion of our members and what proportion should this be?
• Should you, and could you, be organising leadership summits, roadshows, and more
• Regional conferences vs global / european conferences - should we alternate them?
• Is a large portfolio of online events essential to the association's success, and if so, what is the full range of types of events that are most effective

SESSION SPONSOR

 

This expert-led deep-dive session is highly interactive and contributive:

• Introduction to the key issues from the Session Leader
• Review of delegates' situation (from the session survey completed by attendees)
• Structured discussion of the issues highlighted by delegates, with multiple threads
• Break
• Experience sharing by delegates either to the room or at round tables
• Break-out into sub-topic issues
• Review and wrap-up

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 Cox

Global Event and Association Specialist, International Gas Union

14:00 - 15:20

Organisational Memberships: Engagement beyond the Main Contact

Some 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:

• Advantages of a Main Contact in organisational membership
• How reliance on the Main Contact can be detrimental
• Targeting the CEO – or are they too busy?
• How to target more already senior and up-and-coming representatives
• How universal principals of recruitment and retention can be applied
• Techniques and tips for quality engagement
• Developing an Engagement Plan

This expert-led deep-dive session is highly interactive and contributive:

• Introduction to the key issues from the Session Leader
• Review of delegates' situation (from the session survey completed by attendees)
• Structured discussion of the issues highlighted by delegates, with multiple threads
• Break
• Experience sharing by delegates either to the room or at round tables
• Break-out into sub-topic issues
• Review and wrap-up

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:

John Peacock

Director, Governology

Find out more

14:00 - 15:20

Harnessing the Power of AI in Your Organization

This 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

• Understand the foundational models for AI integration in organizations
• Explore real-world strategies for applying AI across different organizational functions
• Identify benefits, potential pitfalls, and ethical concerns of AI deployment
• Collaborate with peers to generate actionable insights for AI adoption
• Gain visibility into current sentiment through a delegate AI readiness survey

The first 20 delegates to book will receive a free copy of Alan's book "Harnessing the Power of AI in Organizations"

SESSION SPONSOR

 

Session leader:

Alan King

Founder, AI-Your-Org

Find out more

15:30 - 16:00

Closing Keynote : The Power of Connection: From Purpose to Movement

Kristin Engvig is most known for Inspiring Female Leadership with a uniquely global, conscious, and human-centered approach. She does so much more than support or empower: She illuminate, activate, and elevate.

“Kristin Engvig is known for inspiring a new generation of female leadership: conscious, purposeful, and globally connected.”

As we bring this year's Association World Congress to a close, you are invited to explore the heart of creating a movement rooted in authentic connection. In this inspiring closing keynote, Kristin Engvig, founder of WIN & the WIN Conference, which has grown into a global movement inspiring women worldwide, reflects on how to turn purpose into lasting impact and connection into collective momentum. Drawing on her experience of bringing women together from around the world to promote a more harmonious future and conscious leadership, Kristin will share key principles for building trust, inspiring vision and nurturing thriving communities.

This is not only a moment of reflection; it is also a call to embrace your own leadership with renewed clarity.

Together, we will explore:

• How to rediscover your purpose and recognise a new dream emerging.
• How to build meaningful connections and networks that support growth, creativity, and excellence.
• How to create your own movement within your association or across sectors, with values, voice and vision at its core.

With intention, courage, and connection, we can shape associations and societies that truly thrive. Let’s lead the way forward together.

Kristin Engvig

CEO & Founder, WIN & WIN Conference

Find out more

16:00

Congress Close

16:00 - 18:00

Check-in at the Grand Elysee Hotel

18:00 - 20:00

Dinner at the Grand Elysée Hotel

08:30 - 10:00

Breakfast & Site Inspection of the Grand Elysée Hotel

10:15 - 11:00

Visit to, and site inspection of Curio Haus