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CEO & Chair Symposium 2027

Register for this event
Date: Thursday, 18 February 2027 - Friday, 19 February 2027
Venue:Wrest Point Hotel, 410 Sandy Bay Road, Sandy Bay TAS 7005  
Price:$1100 (Members) | $1550 (Non-Members)

Associations and charities represent a huge variety of industries, professions and special causes. CEO & Chair Symposium is a collegiate meeting of CEOs and Board Chairs to discuss governing and running a state, national or global association. Through peer-led conversations and real-world examples, delegates will explore how leaders approach challenges and achieve success for their association, charity and their members. Topics to be addressed include:

1.     Association Analysis
2.     The CEO & Chair Relationship
3.     Sharing Experiences over Decades
4.     Politics and the Economy
5.     Technical Topic Talks e.g., Governance, Membership, Advocacy, etc.
6.     Global Association Perspectives

CEO & Chair Symposium is an interactive event with tailored discussions to address issues raised by attendees.

MEET OUR SPONSORS

      

         

Wednesday 17, February 2027

Welcome drinks at Birdcage Bar, Wrest Point Hotel

4:00pm

Registration Opens

4:30pm

Welcome drinks

6:30pm

Optional Casual Dinner, user pay

Thursday 18, February 2027

Day 1 of Symposium at Derwent Room, Wrest Point Hotel

8:00am

Registration Opens

9:00am

Welcome to the CEO and Chair Symposium

Andrew Gosbell, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

9:05am

Welcome from the Venue Sponsor

9:10am

Introduction and Purpose of CEO & Chair Symposium 
An opening session outlining the Symposium’s purpose, featuring remarks from an invited speaker and setting the scene for two days of peer-led discussions, shared experiences and conversations.

10:30am

Morning Tea

11:00am

Association Analysis
- 45 minutes: This session invites attendees to do a three-minute presentation with two PowerPoint slides describing their organisation, perhaps Organisation Staff Charts and their Triumphs and Tribulations (i.e., opportunities and challenges)
- 45 minutes: Small group or overall group discussion on presentations

12:30pm

Lunch

1:30pm

The CEO & Chair Relationship
- Prominent Case Study: CEO/Chair relationship panel of a CEO and their Chair
- Delegates will break into three groups of CEOs according to organisation size and one group of Chairs.

Tom Symondson, Chief Executive Officer, Ageing Australia

3:00pm

Afternoon Tea

3:30pm

Sharing Experiences over Decades
- Meltdowns at Mutuals
- Fireside chat with CEOs and Chairs

5:00pm

Close of Formal Sessions

5:30pm

Ferry Transfer at the Waterfront Lawn to Drinks Venue at MACq 01 Hotel

6:30pm

Symposium Dinner at The Henry Jones Art Hotel

10:00pm

End of Day 1

 

Friday 19, February 2027

Day 2 of Symposium at Derwent Room, Wrest Point Hotel

9:00am

Politics and the Economy 
Day two opens with a state-of-the-sector outlook on Australia’s political and economic landscape, featuring political leaders and a prominent economist or international affairs expert.

10:00am

Morning Tea

10:30am

Technical Topic Talks
Practical, expert-led discussions on the issues shaping associations. Topics will include:

- Governance                             - Communications
- Strategic planning                    - Technology
- Turnaraound                            - Human Resources
- Finances                                  - Economy & Politics
- Membership & Engagement    - Events
- Member Services                     - Education and Learning
- Advocacy and Campaigns.      - Professions
- Mergers                                    - Industries

12:00pm

Lunch 

1:00pm

Global Association Perspectives
Hear from global association leaders on emerging trends, international challenges and opportunities, and lessons that Australian associations can apply to strengthen their organisations and member value.

2:30pm

Afternoon Tea

3:00pm

Next Steps and Closing Comments
- Outcomes
- What delegates will implement

3:55pm

Closing Comments

4:00pm

End of Symposium

Member Registrations: $1100 (Members)
Non-Member Registrations: $1550
(NFP only)

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


Accomodation - Get 15% off at Wrest Point Hotel. Simply click here.

The beauty of Wrest Point, with 271 accommodation rooms goes well beyond our breath-taking water, mountain and city views. We also have more to enjoy and experience, just a few steps beyond your door. Savour fine flavours at our awarded Point Revolving Restaurant or enjoy one of our casual dining options. Immerse yourself in our indoor heated pool. Sip something special at our bars before a night of live entertainment. Or stroll through Sullivan’s Cove and the Salamanca markets. It’s all just minutes away.

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