Association Executive Services

Latest News & Insights for August 2026

Dear Community Member,

Welcome to the August 2026 edition of the Association Executive Services newsletter.

This month, we’re looking at some of the decisions that shape the long-term success of an association. We explore the four decisions Boards need to make now to ensure their association remains viable over the next five years, as well as four things every new association CEO should know before stepping into the role.

Registrations are now open for our upcoming webinar, From Sponsorship to Partnership: A New Revenue Model, on Thursday 3 September. Paul Davis, CEO of ARCIA, will join Nick Koerbin to discuss how ARCIA moved beyond one-off conference sponsorships to build genuine, multi-year partnerships that deliver value throughout the year.

We also have a webinar coming up on Thursday 15 October focused on how to determine whether your NFP actually qualifies to self-assess as income tax exempt. Many member-based associations, particularly professional and industry bodies focused on advancing their members’ interests, may not meet the exemption tests. And even if your organisation is taxable, not all of its income may be.

Don’t forget to visit the Member Resources area, where you’ll find recordings of recent webinars, along with a growing library of articles, guides, templates and practical tools.

You’ll also find the latest industry news, new opportunities on the Jobs Board and updates from across the association sector.

As always, thank you for your continued engagement and support of AES. We look forward to connecting with many of you through our events, webinars and Special Interest Groups in the months ahead.

Have a great week,
Nick Koerbin
Executive Director, AES

Unlock Government Grant Opportunities — Without the Hassle

Searching for government grants can be time-consuming and complex — but not anymore. As part of our Enterprise or Premium AES Memberships, you now have exclusive access to our in-house Professional Grants Team. Let us do the heavy lifting so you can focus on growing your organisation.

Enterprise Members
✔️ Get up to 1 hour of customised grant research tailored to your industry and objectives.
✔️ Identify key funding streams you may be missing out on.

Premium Members
✔️ Enjoy up to 2 hours of in-depth grant research
✔️ Plus, receive a Preliminary Grant Opportunity Report outlining the most promising options.

This is your chance to discover funding you didn’t know was available, without lifting a finger. Whether you're planning a new project or scaling operations, this member-exclusive benefit can help you access real dollars to fuel your mission.

Not a Premium or Enterprise member yet? Join today online.

Find Your Community Through AES Special Interest Groups

AES Special Interest Groups bring members together to share ideas, discuss common challenges and learn from others working in similar roles. These peer-led groups provide a practical forum for focused conversations, fresh perspectives and useful connections across the association sector. Joining a Special Interest Group is an easy way to expand your network, exchange practical ideas and stay connected with the conversations shaping the sector.

Membership: Explore strategies for attracting, retaining and engaging members, with a focus on building sustainable membership growth.

Information Technology: Discuss the systems, data and digital issues shaping associations, including CRM and AMS platforms, cybersecurity, integration and emerging technology.

Leadership: Connect with senior association leaders to discuss governance, strategy, organisational performance and the realities of leading in a complex environment.

Advocacy: Share insights on policy, stakeholder engagement and how associations can strengthen their influence and represent their sectors effectively.

Associations and AI: Examine the growing impact of artificial intelligence on association operations, member services, governance and future planning.

AES Membership: Connection, Insight and Support

Association leaders are expected to navigate a wide range of responsibilities, from governance and member engagement to advocacy, operations and long-term strategy. AES membership provides access to the people, knowledge and support that can make those responsibilities easier to manage.

Through AES, you can connect with experienced peers, exchange ideas, learn from shared challenges and gain practical perspectives from across the association sector. It is a trusted community where leaders can test their thinking, seek advice and stay informed about the issues shaping the sector.

Whether you are addressing an immediate challenge or planning for the future, AES membership helps you feel better connected, better supported and better equipped to lead.

Did You Know? As an AES member, you have access to a program of free webinars covering the latest issues, trends and developments affecting associations. Led by experienced industry professionals, AES webinars provide practical insights across areas such as governance, leadership, membership, compliance, technology and association management. They are a convenient way to stay informed, build your knowledge and hear from experts on the topics that matter most to your organisation. Best of all, AES members can attend these webinars free of charge, helping you continue your professional development and get even more value from your membership. Join AES Today

Stay up-to-date with all the latest headlines from around Australia's association industry.

• More cyber security support on the way for charities and not-for-profits
  
• ACNC welcomes funding to help boost charity capability
• ACNC launches updated CIS, clarifying its position on charities and use of housing models
• Scam Alert: Scammers impersonating ASIC in email phishing campaign
• Rape charity rejects donations from immigration campaign group
• Charity drive charges on despite boggy conditions
• Half of charities cound be hit by 30pc trust tax
• The law of giving - keeping Australia's charitable wheels turning
• What's changing in not-for-profit reporting? AASB 1061 breakdown 
• CEO Simon Westaway steps down from airports peak body
• Australian research industry bodies propose merger
• AANA rebrands in push to become 'more powerful' industry voice
• Australian Hydrogen Council rebrands to drive industrial decarbonisation 
• What global diversity trends mean for Australian boards
• AICD welcomes review of non-financial reporting burden and calls for pause on new obligations

Securing conference sponsorship is often the most draining task in the association calendar. Build the prospectus. Chase last year's sponsors. Follow up. Renew. Start again next year. It works but only as a short-term fix. And it quietly caps what your association can earn. There's a better model and one association has already made the shift. Paul Davis, CEO of ARCIA, Australia's Radio & Critical Communications Association, joins Nick Koerbin for a one-hour webinar on Thursday 3 September on how ARCIA moved from one-off sponsorship to genuine, multi-year partnerships.

We also have a webinar coming up on Thursday 15 October focused on how to determine whether your NFP actually qualifies to self-assess as income tax exempt. Many member-based associations, particularly professional and industry bodies focused on advancing their members’ interests, may not meet the exemption tests. And even if your organisation is taxable, not all of its income may be.  

Don't forget that AES webinars are free for members, and there is a member discount for AES Masterclass Workshops. If you can't attend the webinars live, we encourage you to register so you can access the recording at a time that suits you. Note that our AES Masterclass Workshops are not recorded.

Be sure to explore our latest insights in Member Resources: 

• Recording of our recent webinars:
  • Technology in Associations - AES 2026 Sector Report
  • How to Approach Government and Be Heard
  • Overview of Payday Super - The Basics for Associations
    
    
• New articles available:
  • Your renewal letter is asking members to invest in the future. Write it that way.
  • When does an association need to rebrand itself?

• New template available:
  • AI Policy (Use of Text Generators)

How to Access Your AES Member Resources

To access all the AES Member Resources please log in with your email address and password. If you have forgotten your password just click “Lost/Forgot Password”.

Need help navigating? Call Anne during business hours on 03 8393 9382 or email us and we’ll respond promptly.

We look forward to connecting with you at our upcoming events and sharing more valuable resources in the months ahead.

How Can AES Help Your Association?