8:30am

Registration Opens

9:00am

Welcome to the Association Professions Summit

Andrew Gosbell, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

9:05am

Welcome from the Venue

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:
- Defining a Profession
- The Role of Associations of Professionals
- Key Considerations for Associations of Professionals

Andrew Gosbell, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

9:30am 

Career Pathways, Professional Designation & Credentialing

Aspirational credentials can elevate both the profile of your association and the professional standing of its members. This session explores how to create and sustain credentials that members are proud to display, while supporting clear career pathways that demonstrate growth, expertise, and professionalism within the sector. It will examine why post-nominals matter, the role of micro-credentials and accreditation, and how credentials can be aligned with structured career progression to strengthen recognition, credibility, and ongoing professional development.

Catherine Maloney, Chief Executive Officer, Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health

11:20am

Building Credibility Through Accreditation and CPD

Professional credibility depends on more than qualifications alone. Associations play a critical role in establishing standards, assuring quality, and supporting ongoing professional development. This session explores how accreditation and CPD frameworks can strengthen professional recognition, enhance stakeholder confidence, and create clear expectations for practitioners. Drawing on practical experience, it will examine the principles of effective accreditation, quality assurance processes, and strategies for maintaining standards in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.

Adam Kilburn, Chief Executive Officer & Public Officer, National ELT Accreditation Scheme

12:00pm

Lunch

1:00pm

Upholding Codes of Conduct, Complaints & Disciplinary Procedures

This session brings together both legal and practical perspectives on how to design and implement fair, effective, and defensible disciplinary frameworks. Drawing on recent Australian case law, Kathy will outline the key legal principles and risks associations must navigate when dealing with member misconduct. 

Kathy Nguyen, Senior Lawyer, Governology

1:30pm

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 ethically market and advocate for their profession, navigate overlap with adjacent professions and industry bodies, and consider the opportunities and challenges associated with staff participating as members.

2:00pm

Case Studies and Lessons Learned

This session will showcase real-world case studies 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.

Leticia Delmenico, Chief Executive Officer, Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand

2:45pm

Afternoon Tea

3:15pm

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.

Kylie Blundell, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Dental Prosthetists Association
Kerstin Baas, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Society of Orthodontists
Jill Romeo, Executive Officer, Australian & New Zealand Association for Health Professional Educators

3:55pm

Closing Comments 

4:00pm

Event Ends