Association Executive Services
Latest News & Insights for September 2026
Dear Community Member,
Welcome to the September 2026 edition of the Association Executive Services newsletter.
This month, we’re looking at some of the practical challenges facing associations, from membership value and CEO decision-making to whether
our digital systems are keeping pace with the way associations need to operate.
We explore what an annual
membership fee can
tell us about the gap between what associations offer and what current and prospective members actually value. We also look at why
Boards should review their risks, controls and insurance cover together,
as well as how
to decide where your next conference should be held.
There’s plenty happening on the AES events calendar too. Our Leading
an Association Special Interest Group is
coming up on 30 September, followed by our Is Your NFP Really Income Tax Exempt? webinar
on 15 October and Leading an Association Board Masterclass Workshop on 20 October.
Registrations are also open for our Updating Your Constitution Masterclass Workshop
in December.
Don’t forget to visit the Member Resources area for webinar recordings, articles, guides,
templates and other practical tools to support your association.
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
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A $900 Membership Fee - And a Red Flag for Associations
What happens when membership costs the equivalent of a full day’s income, but members struggle to see the value? In this article, AES
Executive Director Nick Koerbin shares a conversation with a young allied health professional who pays around $900 a year for
membership – despite receiving limited value and seeing little reason for her peers to join.
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Who Really Decides Where Your Next Conference Is Being Held?
A Board member organises boats for 600 delegates, then asks a new CEO to "make it happen." Our latest article uses this real
example to explore what happens when governance and operations blur, and why good ideas need testing before commitments are made. It also
offers practical advice for venues and suppliers who want to become genuine partners to associations.
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What Insurance Do We Need to Reduce Risk for Associations and NFPs?
Many Boards approve the annual insurance renewal and assume they're covered. But insurance isn't a risk management strategy, and a
policy won't always pay out if governance has fallen short. In our latest article, AES Executive Director Nick Koerbin explains why
Boards should review their risks, controls and cover together, with a particular eye on cyber and event risks.
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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.
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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.
Associations and AI: Examine the growing impact of artificial intelligence on association operations, member services,
governance and future planning.
Advocacy: Share insights on policy, stakeholder engagement and how associations can strengthen their influence and
represent their sectors effectively.
New Special Interest Group:
Leading an Association
Wednesday 30 September | 12PM AEST
Being an association CEO can be rewarding, challenging, and sometimes a little overwhelming.
Every association is different. You’re working with a volunteer Board, responding to the needs of members, managing competing priorities and
expectations, and making decisions that can have a significant impact on the organisation. So how do you navigate the role successfully?
Join us for an interactive session exploring the realities of leading an association.
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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.
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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.
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Know Someone Who's Missing Out? Share the AES Newsletter
Good news! The AES Newsletter is now available on our website, making it easier than ever to share with colleagues across the sector. You
already know the value of what lands in your inbox each month:
- practical ideas you can apply in your association
- insights from experienced Australian association practitioners
- updates on governance, membership, technology, AI, advocacy and taxation
- emerging trends and issues that may affect your organisation
- details of upcoming webinars, workshops and sector events.
But chances are you know someone (a board member, a colleague, a peer in another association) who isn't receiving it and is missing
practical information that could help them save time, make better decisions and stay ahead of issues affecting the sector.
Here's how you can help: forward this newsletter, or share the link below, and encourage them to subscribe. It's a
simple way for them to stay connected with current thinking without having to search for it themselves.
Read and subscribe at: associationexecutiveservices.com.au/news
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Is
Your Not-For-Profit Really Income Tax Exempt?
15 October | 12.00pm AEDT
Webinar
If your not-for-profit is not a charity, self-assesses as income tax exempt and holds an active ABN, it may be required to lodge
an annual NFP self-review return with the ATO. But lodging the return is only part of the picture. Make sure your NFP understands
its obligations and is ready for the 31 October deadline.
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Masterclass
Workshop: Leading and Association Board
20 October | 10.30am AEDT
Online
This practical workshop will examine what effective association Presidents and Chairs should be doing to facilitate a Board
culture in which Directors contribute, accept responsibility and work together — and some of the common mistakes that can undermine
Board performance.
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Masterclass
Workshop: Updating Your Constitution
9 December | 10.30am AEDT
Online
This Masterclass will help association and not-for-profit leaders recognise when a Constitution may need updating and understand how to
approach the review process. You’ll gain practical guidance on ensuring your Constitution reflects the way your organisation operates today —
while supporting its future direction.
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Stay up-to-date with all the latest headlines from around Australia's association industry.
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LGMA Queensland
Events and Corporate Partnerships Manager
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ARISO
Manager, Member Services and Growth
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SAFPA
Executive General
Manager
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Swan Guilford Historial Society Inc
Education Officer
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ANZCA
Business Analyst Membership
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Marina Industries Association
Administration Officer
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CHIA SA
Chief Executive
Officer
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There’s plenty coming up on the AES events calendar over the next few months, starting with our Special
Interest Group: Leading an Association
on Wednesday 30 September. AES Special Interest Groups are designed as practical, peer-led conversations – a chance to share experiences,
discuss what’s working (and what isn’t), and learn from others working across the association and NFP sector.
On Thursday 15 October, our webinar Is Your NFP Really Income Tax Exempt? will
look at an issue that can easily be overlooked by member-based associations: whether your organisation actually meets the requirements to
self-assess as income tax exempt. Then, on Tuesday 20 October, the Leading an
Association Board Masterclass Workshop will
focus on the practicalities of leading an effective Board.
Looking a little further ahead, registrations are also open for our Updating
Your Constitution Masterclass Workshop
on Wednesday 9 December – a useful opportunity for associations considering whether their constitution still reflects how their
organisation operates today.
Don't forget that AES webinars are free for members, and members receive a discount on AES Masterclass Workshops. You can see all
upcoming sessions and register via the AES events
calendar.
Member Benefit Highlight:
One Hour Governance Presentation
Available as part of the AES Enterprise and Premium memberships.
Give your Board a practical introduction to good governance with a one-hour
virtual presentation designed specifically for Board Directors.
The session provides up-to-date information, practical insights and key considerations to help Directors
better understand their governance responsibilities and stay informed and confident in their roles.
If you would like to arrange a governance presentation for your Board, please contact Anne
via email to discuss your requirements and arrange a suitable time.
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Be sure to explore our latest insights in Member Resources:
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Recording of our recent webinars:
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New articles available:
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.
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How Can AES Help Your Association?
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About AES
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Disclaimer: The articles in
our newsletters are intended to stimulate interest in the subject matters. All comments and articles are for
information purposes only. Professional advice should be sought on specific matters, and with lawyers under Costs
Agreement and to which Legal Professional Privilege (LPP) applies.
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