Recently there was the first official Association Chat on Twitter - if you're on Twitter, search for #assnchat to follow the conversation.
Deirdre Reid was kind enough to post a summary of the chat to her blog - read it here.
Some interesting points were raised, particularly about how online communities may present a threat to associations, providing for free the networking, information and resources members used to pay their associations for. There were, however, some solutions posed as to how associations could actually better use these social networking tools and communities. Other topics covered were the role of content - whether member-only or open to all - in the membership offering, a discussion of the traditional membership fee model and whether this is viable in the future, and why associations are reluctant to change.
Next official chat is tomorrow, so check it out.
21 June 2009
Asia Pacific gets business tourism boost with relaunch of association
The eight Asian visitor bureaux which together make up the recently relaunched Asian Association of Convention and Visitor Bureaux (AACVB) have agreed on a new agenda to try to boost the region's market share in the events industry.
The eight members include the bureaux of China, Hong Kong, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
AACVB chair, Suprabha Moleeratanond, said, "At least eight convention and visitor bureaux will put cooperation ahead of competition and raise the level of sophistication in the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition sectors in Asia. Our aim is to increase competitiveness and drive new MICE business to our region."
The aggressive new agenda aims to attract intra-regional conventions, especially those that can be rotated among AACVB members.
The AACVB was initially established in 1983 but the organisation had difficulty with leadership from 2000 and gradually became inactive. It was revived in November last year.
The new strategic direction for the organisation also aims to achieve sharing of best practices and the creation of joint branding, marketing and advertising. The AACVB has also suggested it will lookat training and accreditation to lift standards in the region.
Joyce DiMascio, head of business events for Tourism Australia, told MICEBTN, "We are a very interesting time in the association market, particularly in terms of the relevance and growth potential that will come out of the Asia Pacific region. During the recent IMEX in Frankfurt there were various forums looking at the future of the association market. The opportunities here in Asia now are dawning on the Europeans and the Americans. The formation of the new Asian alliance is to me another signal that our colleagues in Asia are beginning to recognise the enormous potential that we have in our part of the world."
Meanwhile, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Asia Pacific will hold its first Australian event in Sydney on 1 July.
Managing director of HSMAI Asia Pacific, Bernadette Dennis, said: "HSMAI is a global organisation of sales and marketing professionals representing all segments of the hospitality industry. We already have more than half the number of members we need to establish a chapter in Australia, so this event represents our commitment to those members and to growing our presence in the Australian market."
The eight members include the bureaux of China, Hong Kong, Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.
AACVB chair, Suprabha Moleeratanond, said, "At least eight convention and visitor bureaux will put cooperation ahead of competition and raise the level of sophistication in the meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibition sectors in Asia. Our aim is to increase competitiveness and drive new MICE business to our region."
The aggressive new agenda aims to attract intra-regional conventions, especially those that can be rotated among AACVB members.
The AACVB was initially established in 1983 but the organisation had difficulty with leadership from 2000 and gradually became inactive. It was revived in November last year.
The new strategic direction for the organisation also aims to achieve sharing of best practices and the creation of joint branding, marketing and advertising. The AACVB has also suggested it will lookat training and accreditation to lift standards in the region.
Joyce DiMascio, head of business events for Tourism Australia, told MICEBTN, "We are a very interesting time in the association market, particularly in terms of the relevance and growth potential that will come out of the Asia Pacific region. During the recent IMEX in Frankfurt there were various forums looking at the future of the association market. The opportunities here in Asia now are dawning on the Europeans and the Americans. The formation of the new Asian alliance is to me another signal that our colleagues in Asia are beginning to recognise the enormous potential that we have in our part of the world."
Meanwhile, the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Asia Pacific will hold its first Australian event in Sydney on 1 July.
Managing director of HSMAI Asia Pacific, Bernadette Dennis, said: "HSMAI is a global organisation of sales and marketing professionals representing all segments of the hospitality industry. We already have more than half the number of members we need to establish a chapter in Australia, so this event represents our commitment to those members and to growing our presence in the Australian market."
Dieticians Association appoints new president
The Dieticians Association of Australia (DAA) has elected Advanced Accredited Practising Dietician, Julie Dundon, as president.
Dundon is the director of Nutrition Professionals Australia, a nutrition practice based in Adelaide, and has previously served as vice-president and as a director on the DAA Board.
She replaces former president Julie Hulcombe.
On her appointment, Dundon said she looks forward to working with members to improve and advocate for nutrition at all levels.
DAA CEO Claire Hewat said, "Julie's wide range of dietetic experience and her previous involvement with DAA, her professionalism and enthusiasm will be an asset to the association. We look forward to working with Julie over the next two years in her rle as DAA president."
Dundon is the director of Nutrition Professionals Australia, a nutrition practice based in Adelaide, and has previously served as vice-president and as a director on the DAA Board.
She replaces former president Julie Hulcombe.
On her appointment, Dundon said she looks forward to working with members to improve and advocate for nutrition at all levels.
DAA CEO Claire Hewat said, "Julie's wide range of dietetic experience and her previous involvement with DAA, her professionalism and enthusiasm will be an asset to the association. We look forward to working with Julie over the next two years in her rle as DAA president."
16 June 2009
Price increases for mailing magazines
If you mail magazines to your members, your postage costs are about to get more expensive.
Australia Post has announced it will lift its rates from 6 July 2009, by 3.9 per cent for parcels, 3.6 per cent for Print Post and 3.1 per cent for line-haul charges. According to director of mailing house D&D Mailing Services, David Docherty, who was quoted in The Australian, the combined effect of these rises is an average increase of 4.6 per cent for publishers posting out magazines – presumably with similar impacts on associations mailing magazines.
While prices are reviewed each year, in the past they have been adjusted in September - making this review two months earlier than expected.
Publishing peak body Publishers Australia has taken Australia Post to task over the increases, arguing that they do not reflect the current level of inflation or the severity of the business climate, and believe that insufficient notice has been given of the change, particularly given the timing.
Publishers Australia executive director Alan Sarkissian said, "Postal increases are inevitable, although as it has been only nine months since the last rise, the 6th July increase is seen by the association and the majority of its members as not being in the spirit of fair play, or in line with the Rudd Government’s strategies to keep companies afloat in these challenging times."
Publishers Australia has also challenged Australia Post spokesperson Jo Willoughby's assertion that the increases were necessary because of direct cost pressures incurred by Australia Post, and that in fact, the full measure of these costs were not being passed on through the increases.
Associations may have to review costs associated with magazine production in light of these impending increases.
Australia Post has announced it will lift its rates from 6 July 2009, by 3.9 per cent for parcels, 3.6 per cent for Print Post and 3.1 per cent for line-haul charges. According to director of mailing house D&D Mailing Services, David Docherty, who was quoted in The Australian, the combined effect of these rises is an average increase of 4.6 per cent for publishers posting out magazines – presumably with similar impacts on associations mailing magazines.
While prices are reviewed each year, in the past they have been adjusted in September - making this review two months earlier than expected.
Publishing peak body Publishers Australia has taken Australia Post to task over the increases, arguing that they do not reflect the current level of inflation or the severity of the business climate, and believe that insufficient notice has been given of the change, particularly given the timing.
Publishers Australia executive director Alan Sarkissian said, "Postal increases are inevitable, although as it has been only nine months since the last rise, the 6th July increase is seen by the association and the majority of its members as not being in the spirit of fair play, or in line with the Rudd Government’s strategies to keep companies afloat in these challenging times."
Publishers Australia has also challenged Australia Post spokesperson Jo Willoughby's assertion that the increases were necessary because of direct cost pressures incurred by Australia Post, and that in fact, the full measure of these costs were not being passed on through the increases.
Associations may have to review costs associated with magazine production in light of these impending increases.
14 June 2009
Are you ready for the Fair Work Act?
With just two weeks until the requirements of the Fair Work Act come into play, is your association ready?
The Fair Work Act introduces a new workplace relations system, replacing the previous Work Choices law.
According to the Not-for-Profit Network, professional associations and other not-for-profit organisations should be looking to review their IR/HR policy, procedures and employment contracts to ensure they comply with the new legislation.
Some of the key changes which will apply from 1 July include:
For more information about the changes and how they might apply to your organisation, visit the Deacons website here.
The Fair Work Act introduces a new workplace relations system, replacing the previous Work Choices law.
According to the Not-for-Profit Network, professional associations and other not-for-profit organisations should be looking to review their IR/HR policy, procedures and employment contracts to ensure they comply with the new legislation.
Some of the key changes which will apply from 1 July include:
- new unfair dismissal provisions, with different provisions for small and large business;
- revised agreement-making and bargaining provisions; and
- the establishment of Fair Work Australia as the new governing body.
For more information about the changes and how they might apply to your organisation, visit the Deacons website here.
10 June 2009
New law for governance of NSW associations
The NSW Parliament recently passed the Associations Incorporation Act 2009 (NSW), which replaces the Associations Incorporation Act 1984 and the Associations Incorporation Regulations 1989, and brings the provisions up to date with the modern business environment.
The NSW Department of Fair Trading is currently working on the regulations arising from the new law, which are expected to apply from late 2009.
According to law firm Lander & Rogers, the revised Act includes:
The new Act is accessible here.
The NSW Department of Fair Trading is currently working on the regulations arising from the new law, which are expected to apply from late 2009.
According to law firm Lander & Rogers, the revised Act includes:
- objects of the Act which make it clear that it exists to provide for the registration and corporate governance of small-scale, non-commercial associations;
- new regulatory burdens for certain types of associations (determined by the income and assets of the association), including a requirement to undertake a yearly financial audit and lodge financial information at an annual meeting and with the Office of Fair Trading;
- a revision of the definition of 'pecuniary gain' so that if an association carries out activities for the purpose of securing financial gain for members or has capital invested in shares or property that is held by members, the association may be penalised, deregistered or involuntarily wound up;
- a requirement for an association's public officer and at least three committee members to be resident in Australia;
- a requirement for committee members to disclose conflicts of interest and abstain from voting where such a conflict of interest exists;
- the creation of a number of offences for fraudulent behaviour and misuse of confidential information by committee members that would be enforceable by the Commissioner for Fair Trading through disciplinary or legal action;
- provision for the Commissioner for Fair Trading to change the name of an association where it is inappropriate;
- provision for association meetings to be held across two or more venues using technology that allows members a reasonably opportunity to participate, and to expressly allow for a postal ballot as authorised by the association's constitution; and,
- the removal of an outdated requirement for association documents to be executed under seal.
The new Act is accessible here.
04 June 2009
New president represents future of the Australian Institute of Architects
The newly elected national president of the Australian Institute of Architects represents the future of the Australian architecture profession.
Melinda Dodson of GHD Architects in Canberra at 39 becomes the youngest person ever to take the role of national president, and only the second female to hold this office. Louise Cox, the current head of the world's peak architecture body, the International Union of Architects, was the first female president. Dodson succeeds Sydney architect Howard Tanner.
During her career, Dodson has worked in practices in both Adelaide and Canberra, including a number of years with award-winning firm Alastair Swayn Architects. She has managed both large and small architectural projects in the areas of health, education, commercial offices, interior fit-outs and campus planning. She has been active in the Institute's ACT Chapter, receiving the Australian Institute of Architects ACT Young Architect Prize in 2005.
As national president, Dodson's key priorities for the Institute and profession over the coming 12 months are to focus on the development of:
"To turn this around requires vision, leadership and effective action, and as leaders of a GHG-intensive industry, architects have a responsibility to act. Through the creative process, we can provide architectural solutions that sustain long-term human health and wellbeing," Dodson says.
She also believes that Australian cities must address the ceaseless suburban sprawl, which, coupled with other consumer trends, continues to increase carbon emissions.
"We seek 'smart growth' of our cities, such as urban infill. All new and existing buildings must work with our climate, not fight it. It's essential that, as the trend towards bigger and bigger houses continues, we all ask ourselves – how much is enough?"
Melinda Dodson of GHD Architects in Canberra at 39 becomes the youngest person ever to take the role of national president, and only the second female to hold this office. Louise Cox, the current head of the world's peak architecture body, the International Union of Architects, was the first female president. Dodson succeeds Sydney architect Howard Tanner.
During her career, Dodson has worked in practices in both Adelaide and Canberra, including a number of years with award-winning firm Alastair Swayn Architects. She has managed both large and small architectural projects in the areas of health, education, commercial offices, interior fit-outs and campus planning. She has been active in the Institute's ACT Chapter, receiving the Australian Institute of Architects ACT Young Architect Prize in 2005.
As national president, Dodson's key priorities for the Institute and profession over the coming 12 months are to focus on the development of:
- Sustainable cities and architecture;
- Effective contract and project partnerships;
- Support for young/emerging and female architects; and,
- A fostering of the Institute and architecture community working in Australia and offshore.
"To turn this around requires vision, leadership and effective action, and as leaders of a GHG-intensive industry, architects have a responsibility to act. Through the creative process, we can provide architectural solutions that sustain long-term human health and wellbeing," Dodson says.
She also believes that Australian cities must address the ceaseless suburban sprawl, which, coupled with other consumer trends, continues to increase carbon emissions.
"We seek 'smart growth' of our cities, such as urban infill. All new and existing buildings must work with our climate, not fight it. It's essential that, as the trend towards bigger and bigger houses continues, we all ask ourselves – how much is enough?"
Dr Andrew Pesce elected AMA president
Sydney obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Andrew Pesce has been elected Federal president of the Australian Medical Association (AMA).
Dr Pesce works both in private practice and in the public hospital system, where he is clinical director of Women's Health at Sydney West Area Health Service and chair of the Westmead Hospital Medical Staff Council. He is president of the National Association of Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and has served on the AMA's Federal Council and Executive.
He replaces Dr Rosanna Capolingua who retires after two years as AMA president.
Melbourne orthopaedic surgeon Dr Gary Speck and Coonabarabran GP Aniello Iannuzzi also stood for the presidency.
Dr Pesce was elected for a 12 month term.
Since his election, Dr Pesce has been outspoken on the need for the AMA and the government to work more cooperatively together.
Also elected was Dr Steven Hambleton as vice president of AMA, Dr Roderick McRae as chair of Council, and Dr Peter Garcia-Webb was elected treasurer.
Dr Pesce works both in private practice and in the public hospital system, where he is clinical director of Women's Health at Sydney West Area Health Service and chair of the Westmead Hospital Medical Staff Council. He is president of the National Association of Specialist Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and has served on the AMA's Federal Council and Executive.
He replaces Dr Rosanna Capolingua who retires after two years as AMA president.
Melbourne orthopaedic surgeon Dr Gary Speck and Coonabarabran GP Aniello Iannuzzi also stood for the presidency.
Dr Pesce was elected for a 12 month term.
Since his election, Dr Pesce has been outspoken on the need for the AMA and the government to work more cooperatively together.
Also elected was Dr Steven Hambleton as vice president of AMA, Dr Roderick McRae as chair of Council, and Dr Peter Garcia-Webb was elected treasurer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)