Hear from previous participants
A selection of testimonials from European association executives and International association executives attending the congress in 2023.
European Associations
"The sessions were very interesting, the exchange with like-minded people and the ideas available were very very helpful and the event was exceptionally well organised and enjoyable. I have come away with plenty of ideas I can implement!"
Sarah Bawa Mason, Association of Translation Companies
"The interactive format of all sessions really brings experts together. Thus, even if it's your first time coming to the congress and if your network in other fields is still limited you can step out of this event with a brand new list of contacts from areas linked to your own professional path in one or another way. As an attendee you will get new insights into policies, legal procedures, logistical tips & tricks, creativity ideas and many other features needed for the day-by-day management of your society and your events. Extremely grateful for the opportunity to share and learn."
Diana Orejuela, European Respiratory Society
"The congress is easily becoming my favourite event to attend. It's a fantastic opportunity to network and problem solve together with other association professionals in a more focused setting. The programme content is very enriching and I've always left with valuable ideas to take back to my organisation. It's also an efficient way to meet with new suppliers and existing partners."
Marcus Arthur, European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers
"A valuable experience allowed me to reflect on the work of our association and strategize ways to enhance our efforts in line with our mission."
Joëlle Verluyten, European AIDS Clinical Society
"The congress was a great opportunity to network and, while the sessions were not dedicated to my specific area (sales/business development), I was pleasantly suprised at how much value I got from the sessions I attended."
Natalie Dass, European Society of Endocronology
"AWC has a very interesting format, gifted speakers, and is pushing new frontiers."
Diana Yordanova, Housing Europe
"I have participated in this event several times and I always feel that I learn a lot and return to my association full of new ideas and suggestions to implement and support change."
Catarina Olim, European Association of Speech & Language Therapists
"Attending was very valuable; it truly was a the one-stop shop to: 1) discuss and learn about crucial issues we face as association leaders 2) meet potential suppliers and 3) network with fellow delegates."
Lucas Boudet, EASA Alliance
"The best opportunity to learn from other Association leaders how to solve issues, improve the Association's aspect and network with Leaders form other fields."
Eleonora Azzaro, EAAP
"I didn't know what to expect as my boss and I planned to attend the confernce with specific goals in mind, related solely to our association (finding a new CRM system and conections for 2024 conferencing spaces). What I learned when I arrived and participated in both days, is that many associations faced very similar issues during the pandemic and how nice it was to exchange notes on what is new in the associations world - since we only operate in Brussels, but are connected to telecoms from more than 20 European countries. I enjoyed the dynamic nature of the sessions as well as the high quality of presenters. The setting was super beautiful, as were the evening locations."
Andrija Visic, ETIS
International Associations
"I found great value in the event and really glad I participated. Congratulations on a great event. Everyone I spoke to seemed to find the event enjoyable and valuable. I really enjoyed the format of the sessions and the dynamic with the suppliers.
A very well organised event and different to any other conference I have attended. The onus on the delegates to prepare case studies to share really enhanced the conversation and networking opportunities during the event. I felt that it really helped make stronger connection with fellow association leaders and the session facilitators did a great job of setting the scene and instigation the conversations between delegates. Look forward to sharing some of the session content as well as pages of notes I took with my colleagues back in the office."
Ben Telfer, ICMIF
"Another great annual conference and programme for #AWC23 - Always amazing to meet and chat with others representing international associations. Learning from one another in order to drive best practice, better membership engagement, benefits, and so much more."
Simon Darvill, IAPB
"This event was a perfect place to ensure we are keeping ahead of the curve in our operations. The programme allowed time to share our own thoughts, receive updates on new technologies, and meet with suppliers to help us implement what we have learnt. I learnt lots, made a lot of new friends at this event, and I hope I see you all next year! A big thank you to the fabulous team at Association of Association Executives (AAE) for putting this together."
James Whittaker, Society of Petroleum Engineers
"Another great annual conference and programme for #AWC23 Great to learn from one another in order to drive best practice, better membership engagement, benefits, and so much more."
Alushca Ritchie, World Tourism Organization
"An enjoyable and interesting event in Florence. I appreciated the original format and the people I met there."
Rhoda Lane O'Kelly, The Consumer Goods Forum
"Thank you for what was a very interesting, useful and enjoyable experience in Florence for the AWC. While they were long days with many meetings, many of the meetings and conversations I had turned out to be more productive than I might’ve expected. Tt was a very good event, so well done. I’ll keep this conference in mind for next year."
Federico Moscogiuri, IFMRS Global
"Congratulations for a successful conference! Great job! I have learned a lot and expanded my network."
Salvio Valenzuela, BKR International
"Many thanks for the great congress and congratulations!"
Muriel Auclaire, UICC
"This was my first time attending the Associations Congress and it did not disappoint. It was well organized and offered informative sessions with excellent speakers and case studies."
Sylvia Anderson, World Molecular Imaging Society
"It's so nice to meet and exchange ideas with other association professionals. It's easy to forget that we often share the same challenges. I recommend the congress to anyone looking to make meaningful connections and receive inspiration for their upcoming events."
Rebecca Hadid, International Brain Research Organization
"A great learning experience and amazing networking opportunities."
Vanessa Vorlop, ICRS
"Associations World Congress connects association leaders with each other, providing a forum for open, honest and frank exchange amongst industry professionals. I highly recommend it."
Padraic Gilligan, Society for Incentive Travel Excellence
"Absolutely loved the opportunities to workshop ideas with other members."
Wendy Cliff, International Association for Suicide Prevention
"This is a fantastic event, not only for learning, building relationships and sharing knowledge, but for personal growth too."
Gina Djerdana, FDI World Dental
"Excellent networking opportunities and interesting topical sessions."
Christian Feichtinger, IAFSTRO
"My first Associations Congress was a great learning and networking opportunity. It's a great opportunity to share good practices with peers and hear about the latest innovations. The sessions are of high quality and so are the networking events. I would definitely come back and bring a colleague next year!"
Melanie Milate-Maschino, WIPGA
"It was a very worthwhile experience at the congress to meet others in the association community, to share stories of the opportunities and threats and to hear best practices."
Helen Monument, WA Alliance
Other
"A great opportunity for networking and sharing of information. It was encouraging to see that no matter where we come from and what the purpose of our organisation is, we can learn how to address difficulties and challenges. The Associations Congress provided the perfect environment to share and learn."
Norma Camilleri, President & CEO, Malta Federation of Professional Associations