Association Professions Summit 2026
Professions are core to the improvement of our community, society and quality of life. Through the experience and work of these experts in their field, professionals contribute to healthier lives, a better built environment, a stronger economy and leading-edge scientific advancements. Whilst professionals are individuals, no profession can contribute fully without an association dedicated to their particular profession. Associations Forum is holding a one-day summit examining matters impacting on professional associations.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
C-suites | Board | Education & Training | Professional Services | Member Services | Event & Conference | Policy & Advocacy
MEET OUR SPONSORS
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8:30am |
Registration Opens |
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9:00am |
Welcome to the Association Professions Summit |
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9:05am |
Welcome from the Venue |
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9:10am |
Becoming a ‘Must-Join’ Association of Professionals There are many occupations that wish to be considered a ‘profession’. This session explores the foundations that define a profession and examines how associations of professionals can elevate their value to members to become a ‘must-join’ organisation. Topics include: |
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9:30am |
Career Pathways, Professional Designation & Credentialing |
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10:00am |
Roundtable: Tackling Emerging Challenges in Professional Associations |
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10:30am |
Morning Tea |
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11:00am |
Sponsor Address: Janison |
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11:20am |
Building Credibility Through Accreditation and CPD Adam Kilburn, Chief Executive Officer & Public Officer, National ELT Accreditation Scheme |
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11:50pm |
Navigating Competition, Identity and Membership Boundaries As professions evolve and associations operate in increasingly complex environments, questions around competition, professional identity, and membership structures are becoming more prominent. This session explores how associations can advocate for their profession, navigate overlap with adjacent professions and industry bodies, and consider the opportunities and challenges associated with staff participating as members. |
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12:20pm |
Lunch |
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1:20pm |
Upholding Codes of Conduct, Complaints & Disciplinary Procedures Kathy Nguyen, Senior Lawyer, Governology |
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1:50pm |
Case Studies and Lessons Learned This session will showcase a case study from associations that have successfully developed and implemented professional standards, credentialing programs, and career pathways. Speakers will share practical experiences, challenges, and lessons learned, providing attendees with valuable insights into different approaches to professional recognition and actionable ideas that can be adapted within their own organisations and sectors. |
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2:40pm |
Afternoon Tea |
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3:10pm |
Leadership Perspectives for Professional Associations In this wrap-up session, a panel of experienced association leaders will reflect on the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of professional communities. Drawing on their leadership experience, they will explore how associations can sustain professional standards in a rapidly changing environment, balance innovation with institutional legacy, and lead effectively through disruption, diversity, and digital transformation. Attendees will gain practical insights into the evolving role of associations and the leadership capabilities needed to remain relevant and impactful. |
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3:55pm |
Closing Comments |
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4:00pm |
Event Ends |
Member Registrations: $550 
Non-Member Registrations: $750 (NFP only)
Buy One, Get One Free: Simply add the code ‘2ndFOC’ when registering to avail our limited time offer.
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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GOLD SPONSORS
UCEventsX
UCEventsX is the conferencing and events team within UCX Ltd, the University of Canberra's student experience organisation. We work with associations, government, and corporate clients to deliver well-run events from start to finish. Our campus offers flexible venues supported by an experienced team. We keep things simple, with clear communication and consistent delivery. What sets us apart is our purpose. As a profit-for-purpose enterprise, every event helps fund student initiatives, including the Food Pantry, subsidised meals, campus entertainment, and wellbeing programs. Choosing UCEventsX means delivering a high-quality event while contributing to a stronger, more connected university community, making us a compelling choice for organisations seeking both excellence and meaningful social impact.
Janison
Janison is an Australian-owned education technology company specialising in digital assessment for professional certification. For over 20 years, we’ve partnered with professional associations, governments, and education bodies to deliver secure, scalable exams that uphold standards and protect credential integrity. Our assessment platform combines proprietary technology with end-to-end services to support high-stakes certification and ongoing assessment. From test delivery to reporting, we help associations streamline operations, maintain compliance, and provide candidates with a seamless, reliable exam experience – while generating the insights needed to strengthen programs and support member success.
BRONZE SPONSOR
Higher Logic
Higher Logic is revolutionising engagement. We combine AI with human insight to help organisations build lasting relationships through personalised, intelligent experiences. Our platform connects community, marketing, learning, events, and more—powered by a centralised data warehouse that learns and adapts with every interaction. It's how we enable smarter, more relevant engagement. Whether helping associations improve retention or enabling businesses to reduce support costs and grow loyalty, our deep expertise and true partnership mindset empower our customers to do more than they ever imagined. Learn more at www.higherlogic.com.
SPEAKERS
Catherine Maloney, Chief Executive Officer, Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health
Cath Maloney is Chief Executive Officer of Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health (SARRAH), where she leads the delivery of innovative workforce development initiatives that support allied health professionals and service providers across rural and remote Australia. Drawing on her background as a physiotherapist and extensive experience as a business owner, executive leader and company director, Cath has brought people together across sectors, organisations and disciplines to create meaningful change. Her collaborative approach has led to the development of award-winning programs that strengthen the allied health workforce and improve access to high-quality healthcare for rural and remote communities. Cath has held senior leadership and management roles in state government and within a remote Aboriginal Community Controlled organisation. She also served for six years on the Board of a rural Primary Health Network, contributing to strategic leadership and health system reform at a regional level. Cath holds a Master of Science in Medicine (Pain Management), is a graduate of the advanced Leadership Program with Women & Leadership Australia and the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and is a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
Ana Bratkovic, Education & Professional Development Specialist, Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia
Ana Bratkovic is an experienced education professional with over 35 years of experience across education, professional development, quality assurance and accreditation. Currently an Education and Professional Development Specialist at the Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA), Ana develops and delivers educational resources, online courses and professional development initiatives that support industry capability and professional excellence. Previously, Ana held senior leadership positions at NEAS Australia, including General Manager, where she oversaw national and international quality assurance operations, stakeholder engagement, professional development and organisational improvement. She has also worked as an independent auditor and education expert, providing specialist advice to Australian regulatory authorities, including ASQA and TEQSA. Ana brings extensive expertise in educational design, quality management, stakeholder collaboration and strategic project delivery. She is passionate about promoting excellence in education, supporting lifelong learning and creating meaningful professional development opportunities that enable individuals and organisations to achieve their potential.
Kathryn Zeitz, Chief Executive Officer, Australian College of Nursing
Dr Kathryn Zeitz commenced as Australian College of Nursing’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in September 2024, and is an accomplished and respected health executive, academic, researcher, and nursing leader. Her distinguished career is marked by her dedication to improving healthcare delivery and outcomes with a commitment to patient-centred care. Dr Zeitz is an Adjunct Professor at The University of Adelaide and an Adjunct Associate Professor with Flinders University. Her commitment to patient-centred care is evident through her leadership in organisational development and service improvement programs that actively incorporate stakeholder engagement. Outside of her professional roles, Dr Zeitz is dedicated to community service. She has previously been the Chair of Variety SA and a Board Director for Variety Australia, for which she was awarded Life Membership in 2021. She is a long-standing volunteer and leader within St John Ambulance Australia, where she is currently a Board Director.
Kerstin Baas, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Society of Orthodontists
Kerstin Baas GAICD is an influential transformation leader in Australia's health sector, serving as CEO of the Australian Society of Orthodontists, the national peak body dedicated to strengthening professional practice, workforce capability, and patient outcomes. With a career spanning strategy, business transformation and development, and executive governance, Kerstin is known for driving initiatives that enhance business performance and build resilient professional communities. Her leadership blends strategic foresight with operational discipline, financial and risk management, guiding organisations through change and contemporary governance reform. Kerstin works closely with a variety of stakeholders including boards, executives, regulators, and industry to achieve sustainable strategic outcomes. As a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, she brings strong governance acumen and a commitment to transparent, accountable leadership.
