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Learning, Education & Professional Development Summit 2025

Register for this event
Date:Friday, 20 June 2025
Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm AEST
Venue:Mercure Sydney, 818-820 George St, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Price:$550 (Members) | $770 (Non-Members)

Education and professional development are key offerings that associations provide to support the growth and success of their members, while advancing the industries or professions they represent.

This summit brings together association leaders, decision-makers, and practitioners to explore strategies, share best practices, and address issues related to education, training, and professional development within their organisations. Topics include:

  • Supervision in formal education and workforce entry
  • Mentoring and knowledge sharing
  • Career advancement, micro-credentialing, and certifications
  • The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) cycle
  • Journey of Lifelong Professional Learning

Through expert-led presentations, case studies, panel discussions, product showcases, and networking, attendees will gain insights, practical tools, and actionable takeaways to enhance the impact of their learning initiatives.

8:30am

Registration Opens

9:00am

Welcome to the Learning, Education & Professional Development Summit
Chair: Tony Gleeson, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

9:05am

Welcome from Venue Partner 

9:10am

Associations Forum Overview 
-Overview of the day's schedule and objectives
-Exploring the roles that Associations play in enabling and supporting the lifelong learning and professional development of their members

Tony Gleeson, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

9:20am

Sponsor Address          

Curriculum Development and Education Programs 
Associations develop comprehensive educational programs, workshops, seminars, and courses tailored to the needs and interests of their members. These programs cover a wide range of topics relevant to the industry or profession, including technical skills, industry trends, regulatory or profession, including technical skills, industry trends, regulatory updates, leadership development, and soft skills.

9:50am

Providing Education Programs that Improve the Professional Skillset & Employability of Association Members
Steve Morris, Chief Executive Officer, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia

10:20am

Sponsor Address   

10:50am

Morning Tea 

11:20am

Sponsor Address  

Mentoring, Networking and Knowledge Sharing

Associations facilitate networking and peer learning opportunities that allow members to connect with colleagues, share experiences, and learn from each other. Whether through in-person events, online communities, or mentorship programs, members benefit from the collective wisdom and support of their peers. Throughout the journey of lifelong learning, mentorship plays an essential role in supporting individuals' growth and development. Mentors provide guidance, advice, and support based on their own experiences and expertise, helping mentees navigate challenges, overcome obstacles, and achieve their goals.

11:50am

Innovative Mentoring Program Across the Professional Career Span  

-Effective coaching and mentoring strategies
-Performance management

Jenny Bax, Chief Executive Officer, Underwriting Agencies Council
Tracey Smith, President, Business Managers Victoria

12:20pm

Sponsor Address

12:50pm

Lunch

1:40pm

Sponsor Address

Career Advancement, Certification and Credentialing
Many associations offer certification and credentialing programs to validate and recognize the expertise and skills of their members. These programs provide a structured pathway for professional development, allowing members to demonstrate their proficiency, enhance their credentials, and advance their careers. 

2:10pm

Credentialing Case Studies

3:00pm

Afternoon Tea

3:30pm

Panel Discussion
-Micro-credentialing to support skills development
-Developing non-technical (soft) skills

David Bushby, Chief Executive Officer, Commercial and Asset Finance Brokers Association

Continuous Cycle of Learning and Development
Lifelong professional learning involves an ongoing commitment to continuous learning and development throughout one's career. To be effective, it also involves a reflective process of ongoing self-assessment, feedback, and growth that facilitates setting meaningful goals to guide further improvement and development. Some professions require members to meet continuing education requirements to maintain licensure or certification. Associations play a critical role in helping members fulfil these requirements by offering approved educational programs and tracking their progress towards ongoing learning goals. 

4:00pm

Supporting Compliance: Navigating Regulatory Change and Developing CPD Pathways  

Michelle Ryan, General Manager, Education Content and Strategy, Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand

Journey of Lifelong Professional Learning
A continuous and transformative process that involves acquiring knowledge, developing skills, adapting to change, and making a positive impact throughout one's career. Associations can play a significant role in supporting their members’ commitment to continuous learning, self-reflection, and growth, so that they can continuously improve their skills, knowledge, and competencies throughout their careers.

4:30pm

Closing Q&A Panel Discussion 
-Strategies for fostering a culture of lifelong learning within organizations
-The role of Associations in providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities for continuous professional development
-Effective methods for staying relevant and adapting to changes in one's industry or field

Ruth Ferraro, Non-Executive Director for multiple Private Higher Education Providers

5:00pm

Closing Comments

Member Registrations: $550
Non-Member Registrations: $770 (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 .

Accomodation - Get 10% off at Mercure Sydney. Simply email h2073@accor.com or call 02 9217 6797, quoting the discount code "2506ASSOCI". A cut-off date of 14 days prior to the summit applies.




ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Tracey Smith, President, Business Managers Victoria

Tracey Smith has had more than 38 years’ experience as a Business Manager in Victorian government schools prior to accepting the nomination for the role of full time President of Business Managers Victoria (BMV). She has been a member of BMV since 1988, Vice President for 16 years, and understood the needs of the members and what her focus and priorities would need to be. Part of the expectation of being on secondment for the Department of Education, is that she is a member of 31 committees. Tracey has been a member of the international group of business leaders for 10 years. In this role she shares professional learning suggestions, strategies and networking ideas. Tracey has a Diploma of Business Management, and a Post Graduate Certificate of Education Business Leadership from Deakin University. Tracey’s longtime personal motto of “Aspire to Inspire before I Expire” (Author Unknown) drives her passion to provide lifetime learning opportunities for her members.

Jenny Bax, Chief Executive Officer, Underwriting Agencies Council

A trailblazing leader with 30 years in insurance, Jenny Bax is the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the Underwriting Agencies Council and passionate about shaping the future of UAC and delivering its members a road map for success. Jenny is a founding member and current past Chair of ANZIIF’s General Insurance Faculty Board.  She has worked for several leading insurers in a variety of operational & management roles both in Australia & overseas. Jenny has a Graduate Diploma in Insurance and a Master of Business Administration from Deakin University and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

David Bushby, Chief Executive Officer, Commercial and Asset Finance Brokers Association

David Bushby has experience in both the public and private sector, with thirty years’ background in the practice of law, as a company director, in government and community relations, law making, politics and diplomacy. He is an admitted solicitor to the High Court of Australia and served as a Federal Senator for Tasmania from 2007 to 2019, where he was Chief Government Whip of the Senate from 2014 onwards. David was for many years, Chair/Deputy Chair of the Senate Economics Committee where he took a particular interest in the banking, finance and superannuation sectors. Between 2019 and 2022, David served as Australia’s Consul-General in Chicago. Most recently, he was assisting the state Government in Tasmania. In October 2023, David commenced as the Chief Executive Officer of the Commercial & Asset Finance Brokers Association of Australia (CAFBA), a position in which he relies and draws on his experience in small business, as a lawyer and an economist, government relations, law making and diplomacy. In particular, David’s understanding of government, regulation and policy development and implementation, place him ideally to assist with the public policy advocacy aspect of his role as CEO of CAFBA.

Steve Morris, Chief Executive Officer, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia

Steve Morris is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. Previous roles include those of CEO Arthritis South Australia and CEO NPS Medicinewise. Prior to that he was Executive Director at SA Pharmacy and Chief Pharmacist, SA Health, having responsibility for the delivery of statewide pharmacy services to the public sector within South Australia. He has worked in numerous clinical and managerial roles within health spanning pharmacy practice, including community, hospital, primary care, industry and NGO sectors. Prior to moving to Australia, he was the Deputy Chief Executive of the National Prescribing Centre in the UK, an organisation which supported pharmacists working within General Practice. He has a keen interest in medicines safety, health literacy and workforce strategies which enhance the impact of pharmacists on patient outcomes. 

Ruth Ferraro, GAICD, FGIA, Non-Executive Director for multiple Private Higher Education Providers

Dr Ferraro (Ruth) has more than 25 years in executive roles in education across multiple disciplines within membership bodies. The sectors she has worked in include education, medical specialisations, accounting, law and financial planning. Ruth has been responsible for the design, development and delivery of formal accredited programs using work-integrated models as well as for programming continuous and lifelong learning including credit recognition through micro-credentials. Since 2018 Ruth has pursued a portfolio career of consulting to education providers on governance and holds several non-executive director roles for private higher education providers. Her research interest is the professionalisation undertaken by membership bodies of emergent and niche/sub-specialisations.

Tony Gleeson, Associations Advisor, Associations Forum

Tony Gleeson MBA GAICD is Associations Advisor at Associations Forum. He has over 30 years of experience in the fields of association management and governance, leadership, project and change management, organisational integration and talent development. Tony has been Chief Executive of Australian Institute of Refrigeration Air-conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) and the Australian Institute of Management (AIM), and was an Executive General Manager with CPA Australia. Prior to his roles with membership associations, he held senior consulting roles in strategy, process re-engineering and change management with PwC, Deloitte and Terra Firma Consulting.Tony is an innovative and energetic leader, skilled communicator / team builder, and adept negotiator. He has significant experience in providing support and guidance to CEOs and boards in areas of governance, strategic planning, change management and more.

MAJOR SPONSOR

Mercure Sydney

Mercure Sydney is a premier destination for meetings and events in the heart of the city. Located moments from Sydney’s Central Station, the hotel offers easy access for both local and international attendees. With versatile function spaces, state-of-the-art technology, and tailored catering options, it’s perfect for conferences, seminars, and celebrations. Each event is supported by a dedicated planning team, ensuring seamless execution. Guests enjoy comfortable, modern accommodations, a rooftop pool, and stunning city views. Proximity to key attractions like Darling Harbour and the ICC Sydney makes it an ideal venue for blending business with leisure.

SHOWCASE SPONSOR

CPDValet

Bayshann delivers a range of advisory services and software solutions to the higher education sector and professional associations. Bayshann has recently released its digital solution for the management of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) schemes. Our world first CPD platform is a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution, capable of supporting the CPD needs in any profession, such as accounting, health, law, plumbing, electrical and much more. Bayshann provides software development and systems implementation services for major platforms such as Microsoft Dynamics 365. We work closely with our customers to deliver transformative outcomes through innovation and industry insight.

 

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