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AES provides support services to not-for-profit organisations.
Business events in Australia contribute over $36B annually and are growing fast!
Check out our latest article for essential tips on venue selection, security, insurance, and more—plus key stats like $21.4B in traveller
spend and 11% projected growth.
It’s the Gala Awards night – but are your awards truly valued by most of your members?
Most association leaders face a persistent challenge: growing and retaining members. It’s not uncommon to hear stories of
members who join for a year, drop off, and then rejoin two years later. While this cycle may seem harmless, it carries hidden costs—such
as staff time, marketing expenses, onboarding resources, and software overhead—that
can quietly drain your association’s budget.
Running an association or not-for-profit (NFP) is no small feat. Whether you're leading a professional body, a community group, or a
national peak organisation, one question always lingers:
“How do we know we’re doing well?”
It’s a fair question—and an important one.
A Director Penalty Notice (DPN) is a formal notice issued by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) that holds company directors personally liable for specific unpaid company tax obligations.
Too often, associations are eager to expand their membership before ensuring the organisation is on solid footing. But real, sustainable growth starts from within. Before you open the doors to new members, it's essential to check that the ship is seaworthy—strategically, financially, and operationally.
While design matters, this narrow focus misses the bigger picture: your website is not just a communications tool—it's a core operational platform.
Is your association growing—or just getting by?
What are the secrets to onboarding new members to your Association
The first meeting of an association's Board marks the beginning of a critical working relationship between Board members and the organisation they serve. It sets the tone for governance, collaboration, and strategic direction. A well-structured induction process ensures that new Board members are informed and confident and can contribute meaningfully from day one.
How to handle media calls
Sustainable, diverse revenue streams are vital for economic stability, long-term success, and enhancing value to your members.
Empowering the Association CEO is not just a step but the pivotal first step towards achieving Association Excellence.
For many associations and not-for-profit organisations, annual conferences or events are a highlight of the year. These gatherings provide a platform for members to connect, learn, and share ideas. Volunteers' contributions are often indispensable to ensure these events run smoothly.
What critical actions are required by all new potential members wishing to join your association, not for profit organisation or charity?
The Queensland Government's Made in Queensland program expansion represents a significant opportunity for associations whose members operate within or contribute to the manufacturing sector. This initiative aligns with the state's broader objectives to bolster local manufacturing capabilities, foster innovation, and attract new businesses, ensuring Queensland remains a competitive and thriving industrial hub.
For over seven years during the 1990s, I was involved with the Total Quality Management Institute, formed by leaders of some of Australia's major corporations.
There are many challenges that associations face when generating membership growth, particularly when competing with organisations providing services similar to your potential membership base. Here are some tips worth considering that have worked for our clients.
Most Associations and NFP organisations rely on their members to govern their organisation. Many appointed to the Board have limited knowledge or training, so high-performing associations ensure their new Board members are fully inducted before attending their first Board meeting.
One of the most important functions of an NFP Board is developing, implementing, and reviewing key policies. These are critical for volunteer Boards as they often act as a reference or endorsement of their values and culture.
Although there is a buzz about AI, there are some innovative ways you can genuinely surprise your members so they remain loyal to your Association or organisation.
Many association Presidents and CEOs complain that their organisation has stalled, membership is dropping, and not much has changed in the last twelve months. So, what are the key factors separating a high-performing association from one spinning at the wheel?
Boards and management of associations have very different roles, and these must be clearly defined to ensure that everyone is completing their responsibilities. When the Board and the CEO work effectively, operations run more smoothly.
Thought about an application fee for your new members?
According to the latest figures from the ATO, there are 660,000 not-for-profit organisations in Australia, including registered charities,
incorporated associations, and other entities.
The not-for-profit sector employs over 2 million people, and most organisations are governed by volunteer boards. Their success relies on
the skills, knowledge, and experience of the appointed board or committee members.
The latest research undertaken by Association Executive Services
tells us that the Treasurer's role on an NFP board is the hardest to recruit.
Are you about to send out your member renewals? Here are my five tips to consider before you send your renewal notices
Do you need to grow your membership –it may have declined for some time. You need to have a membership drive. So, where do we start?
No matter the size of your association, risk management is one of the significant challenges facing volunteer boards. Often, Boards are expected to meet and decide there and then to enter into contracts with suppliers, sometimes worth thousands of dollars, without a proper risk assessment.
Have you had to deal with an angry member complaining about a service your association is providing?
Members are the lifeblood of associations, but when a member calls you to complain, how do you handle these incidents?
How much should an association or any organisation's CEO be allowed to spend?
Of course, it all depends on several factors, such as the size and financial health of the organisation. Having been a CEO of several
similar organisations, here are some suggested guidelines.
So, you have been elected or appointed to the Board of your member association or local not-for-profit organisation. Here is a brief overview of the roles and responsibilities of a Board.
As an association leader, you probably have a strategic plan for your organisation. But have you fully articulated why this plan is important? And have you done all of the necessary work to properly develop one?
Congratulations if you have been appointed as the new CEO of an Association or not-for-profit Organisation.
As an association leader, I have had the opportunity to be appointed to this role several times, and I am happy to share a few lessons
learned during this early time to help you succeed in your new role.
How we help membership based, not-for-profit associations now and into the future.
