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Association Leaders Symposium 2026

Date:Thursday, 24 September 2026
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Venue:ICC Sydney, 14 Darling Dr, Sydney NSW 2000 (Level 4 Room C4.5)
Price:Member Registrations: $750  |  Non-Member Registrations: $900 (NFP only)

Registrations for this event have closed.

Association Leaders Symposium is a prestigious annual event that brings together influential leaders from associations which represent various industries and professions. Through insightful keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, Association Leaders Symposium aims to foster collaboration, share innovative ideas, and inspire positive change in the associations sector.

Why Attend?

  • Network with visionary leaders
  • Embrace innovation and stay on the cutting edge of association leadership
  • Stay informed about industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies
  • Presentations from business, association and charity leaders
  • Engage in thought-provoking discussions and challenge your leadership paradigms

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

CEOs and C-Suite | Presidents | Board Members | Senior Managers | Emerging Leaders

MEET OUR SPONSORS

        

   

8:30am

Registration and Optional Site Tour

9:00am

Welcome to the Association Leaders Symposium 2026

John Peacock AM, Chief Executive Officer, Associations Forum

9:05am

Welcome from International Convention Centre Sydney

Adam Mather Brown, Chief Executive Officer, ICC Sydney

9:10am

Productivity, Reform and Australia's Future Economy
Australia faces a period of slowing productivity growth, economic adjustment, workforce challenges, and increasing pressure to improve national competitiveness. For associations, these shifts have significant implications for industries, professions, and the members they represent. In this keynote address, Danielle Wood explores the economic and policy trends shaping Australia's future, the reform priorities facing governments and businesses, and the role industry and professional associations can play in supporting productivity, workforce capability, innovation, and sustainable economic growth in an increasingly complex operating environment.

Danielle Wood, Chair, Productivity Commission

9:40am

AI Governance, Ethics and Risk: What Boards and CEOs Need to Know
As AI adoption accelerates across industries, associations face increasing pressure to balance innovation with governance, ethics, accountability, and operational risk. This session explores the governance implications of AI, leadership responsibilities, workforce readiness, and practical considerations for boards and executive teams navigating digital transformation.

Matthew Fisher, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Society of Anaesthetists
Megan Spielvogel, General Manager, Australian Information Security Association

10:25am

Sponsor Address: Guild Solutions Inc

Engelbert “Gel" Nolasco, Chief Executive Officer and President, Guild Solutions Inc

10:30am

Morning Tea 

11:00am

National Campaigns That Shift Policy and Public Opinion
Successful advocacy now extends far beyond policy submissions - it requires strategic communications, stakeholder alignment, media engagement, and the ability to shape public opinion. As housing affordability and cost-of-living pressures continue to dominate national debate, this session explores how associations are influencing political and public discourse on major economic and social issues. Drawing on a national housing advocacy campaign that cut through media noise and resonated across both metropolitan and regional communities, the discussion will examine the strategies, messaging, and engagement approaches that help associations build public support and strengthen their influence with decision-makers.

Jocelyn Martin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Housing Industry Association

11:30am

Behind Closed Doors: Fireside Chat with Association CEOs
Association CEOs are increasingly expected to lead through disruption, manage complex stakeholder expectations, strengthen financial sustainability, and drive organisational transformation - all while maintaining strong board relationships and member confidence. In this candid discussion, experienced CEOs reflect on leadership lessons, difficult decisions, organisational change, and the realities of leading modern associations in an increasingly demanding environment.

Steffi Jackson, Chief Executive Officer, Change Management Institute
Troy Williams, Association Management Leader | Chief Executive, Auctioneers & Valuers Association of Australia

12:20pm

Lunch

1:20pm

Creating Sustainable Revenue Streams Beyond Membership Dues
Financial sustainability remains one of the most significant strategic challenges facing associations. As member expectations evolve and operating pressures increase, organisations are reassessing traditional revenue models and exploring new commercial opportunities. This session explores practical approaches to revenue diversification, partnerships, events, education, certification, sponsorship, and long-term financial resilience while maintaining member value and organisational purpose.

David Millar, Chief Executive Officer, Concrete Institute of Australia

1:50pm

What I Wish I Knew Earlier as Chair

Stepping into the role of Chair brings a unique set of leadership, governance, and relationship challenges that are often only fully understood through experience. In this candid discussion, experienced Chairs reflect on lessons learned, navigating board dynamics, supporting and challenging CEOs, managing difficult decisions, and balancing strategic leadership with governance responsibilities in an increasingly complex environment.

Martin Coote, President, Master Locksmiths Association of Australasia
Katherine Turner, President, Australasian Lymphology Association 

2:30pm

Roundtable Interactive Session
This interactive discussion session invites participants to share experiences and practical strategies around governance, advocacy, board culture, organisational change, and leadership challenges. Topics include managing difficult leadership dynamics, navigating transformation, strengthening member value, and balancing strategic priorities in complex operating environments.

Simon Rountree, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

3:00pm

Afternoon Tea

3:30pm

Lessons Learnt from Leading Industry Associations

As industries evolve, associations play a critical role in supporting their members, advancing their sectors, and guiding their industries through change. In this closing panel discussion, Patrizia Di Biase-Dyson, CEO of the Australian Publishers Association, and Jackie Brian, CEO of Australian Organic Limited, will share insights from their leadership journeys and the transformations taking place within their respective industries. Key discussion points include:

-About the Organics and Publishing industry
-The Journey to Becoming Association CEOs 
-Challenges and Successes in Leading Transformation
-Personal Leadership Tips

Jackie Brian, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Organic Limited
Patrizia Di Biase-Dyson, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Publishers Association 

4:25pm

Closing Remarks

4:30pm

Event Ends

 Member Registrations: $750  
 Non-Member Registrations: $900
(NFP only)

Buy One, Get One Free: Simply add the code ‘2ndFOC’ when registering to avail our limited time offer.

Gold membership comes with more value
Join as an Associations Forum Gold member and receive a complimentary ticket 
to the Association Leaders Symposium. Email us to learn more.


Associations Forum will send a tax invoice upon registration for this event. Registrations are only open to not-for-profit organisations. For corporate enquiries, please contact partnerships@associations.net.au.

 

 
 

 

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