Boosting engagement and awareness through shared celebration
Global awareness days can be a powerful tool for associations to increase visibility, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and promote positive narratives around their mission. When carefully designed and consistently celebrated, these initiatives help foster a sense of pride and community among members while drawing attention from a wider public audience. For associations working across borders and cultures, such events also provide a unified focus and a shared message that resonates worldwide.
Join Patricia Brunner, the Managing Director of International Au Pair Association (IAPA) for an inspiring and practical exploration of the International Au Pair Day initiative. The International Au Pair Day, launched in 2019 by IAPA, celebrated every 24 November has become a major event for the association and its members. Patricia will share how this initiative has grown into a successful global celebration and leads their efforts in raising awareness of the au pair programme, boosting member engagement, and reinforcing IAPA’s role in shaping positive international dialogue around cultural exchange.
Topics covered include:
12:00 - Introduction
12:05 - Presentation
12:35 - Questions & Answers
12:55 - Close
Managing Director, International Au Pair Association
Patricia Brunner, Managing Director of the International Au Pair Association (IAPA), is a passionate advocate for the power of cultural exchange to foster person-to-person diplomacy and mutual understanding.
Her journey in the au pair world began right after school, when she spent time as an au pair in the United States. This formative experience sparked a lifelong passion for travel, languages, and intercultural exchange. After returning to Germany, Patricia pursued a successful career as an engineer in apparel technology.
Inspired by her international experiences and strong belief in the value of the au pair program, she founded her own agency in Munich in 2001. For 15 years, she successfully facilitated placements for young Germans abroad and supported au pairs from around the world in finding host families in Germany.
Her commitment and deep industry expertise soon led to leadership roles within the German Au Pair Association, and later within IAPA, where she served in various board positions, including as Chair. In 2016, after closing her agency, she transitioned into her current role as Managing Director of IAPA. Since then, she has been dedicated to advancing the association’s mission and strengthening its global network of member organizations.
Outside of her professional life, Patricia enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her family and friends. She also loves walking her dog and getting lost in a good book.