NZSAE upcoming events

NZSAE Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2026 (29 April 2026)

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Join us for the New Zealand Society of Association Executives Inc (NZSAE) Annual General Meeting, where we’ll cover essential updates, review our achievements, and look forward to our goals for the coming year.

This is a valuable opportunity to connect with peers, participate in shaping our association’s future, and welcome fresh leadership dedicated to strengthening membership organisations across New Zealand.

We look forward to your attendance as a member.

Membership by Design Symposium (06 May 2026)

Tue, 05 May 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Membership by Design is a one-day, practical forum for association and membership professionals focused on strengthening the full membership experience — from attraction through to long-term engagement and belonging.

Across the day, you’ll hear focused insights, learn from peers, and work through applied ideas designed specifically for the association environment.

The Symposium is structured around the membership lifecycle: Attract. Onboard. Retain. Belong. — with practical takeaways you can use immediately.

You’ll leave with: four practical tools (one per lifecycle stage) and a clear plan for what to improve next.

Please see the website here for more details

NZSAE Connections (13 May 2026)

Tue, 12 May 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Join us for a unique overnight experience designed exclusively for association executives.

NZSAE Connections brings together 13 association executives with NZSAE partners and suppliers in a relaxed and engaging environment. Over two days, you’ll have the opportunity to:

Participate in focused one-on-one meetings with suppliers to explore tailored solutions for your association.
Engage in interactive workshops on time management, work efficiency, and implementing strategies to drive your success.
Network with peers while enjoying accommodation, meals, and an unforgettable New Zealand destination.

What’s Included:

Flights are covered
All meals and accommodation are fully covered.
Access to all workshops and supplier meetings.
A seamless, stress-free experience

Spots are limited to just 13 association executives, so secure your place today to be part of this one-of-a-kind event.

Website and More Information Here

CAE Credits
This event is offered as part of NZSAE’s CAE Approved Provider status and may qualify for 10 CAE credit(s) toward your professional development requirements. The content aligns with the CAE exam content outline under Governance, Organisational Strategy, Operations, Business Development, Membership Stakeholder Engagement. Learn more at www.asaecenter.org/cae.

Building Training Programmes That Make Money and Deliver Member Value (09 June 2026)

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:00:00 GMT

Building Training Programmes That Make Money and Deliver Member Value
A practical half-day workshop for association professionals responsible for education, CPD, and events.
9:00am – 1:00pm | Includes morning tea and lunch

Too much association training is content-heavy, presentation-led, and delivers limited return. This practical workshop focuses on a better approach — designing training that creates real outcomes for members and contributes to sustainable income.

What you’ll work on
Bring a real training idea — you’ll work on it during the session.

Start with the change you want to see, not the content
Design training that members value and will pay for
Work backwards from outcomes to format and delivery
Use simple tools to define measurable success
Apply a practical design process you can reuse

Who should attend
This workshop is ideal for:

Association staff responsible for education, CPD, or professional development
Events and membership teams working with speakers or subject matter experts
Anyone designing training without a formal L&D background
Associations looking to strengthen training and grow non-dues revenue

What you’ll walk away with
By the end of the session, you will have:

A clearer view of what effective training looks like — and what to stop doing
A simple, repeatable design framework
Practical ways to improve engagement without increasing cost
Confidence in evaluating training beyond satisfaction surveys
A reworked training idea ready to deliver

How it works
This is a practical, interactive workshop. Expect:

Short inputs and practical application
Minimal slides and maximum participation
Real association examples
Structured discussion with peers facing similar challenges
Tools and templates provided

Why this matters for associations
Training is no longer just a member benefit — it is a core part of how associations create value and generate revenue.

This session is designed to help associations move from simply running training to building programmes that work for members and for the organisation.

Format: In-person workshop
Time: 9:00am – 1:00pm, including morning tea and lunch
Who should attend: Association professionals responsible for education, CPD, professional development, events, and membership engagement

Maire Smith (Presenter)
Learning Design Lead / Kaiārahi Hoahoa Ako, Synapsys NZ
2025 NZATD L&D Consultant Award Winner

Maire Smith is passionate about designing learning that creates real change. In 2025, she was recognised with the L&D Consultant Award from the New Zealand Association for Training and Development.

She brings more than 25 years of experience in learning experience design, UX design, project management, and quality management, with work spanning the government, energy, and rural sectors.

Maire’s award-winning approach focuses on helping learners apply new ideas and skills in practical ways back in the workplace.

CEO/ED Meeting – Wellington (23 June 2026)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 03:00:00 GMT

You’re invited to join NZSAE’s exclusive Leadership Exchange — an afternoon of insightful discussion and valuable networking designed specifically for senior association leaders.

By attending, you’ll:

Gain fresh perspectives on industry trends and challenges
Network with peers and share practical best practice
Strengthen your professional network and build lasting relationships
Develop new strategies to move your association forward
Explore innovative approaches to complex organisational issues
Hear directly from experienced association leaders

Don’t miss this opportunity to sharpen your leadership thinking and position your organisation for the year ahead.

Exclusive to Executive Directors and CEOs

Networking drinks will be available following the meeting.

Not a NZSAE member?

Join us now

CAE Credits
This event is offered as part of NZSAE’s CAE Approved Provider status and may qualify for 1 CAE credit toward your professional development requirements. The content aligns with the CAE exam outline under Member Stakeholder Engagement Management. Learn more at www.asaecenter.org/cae.

CEO/ED Meeting – Auckland (30 June 2026)

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 23:30:00 GMT

You’re invited to join NZSAE’s exclusive Leadership Exchange — an afternoon of insightful discussion and valuable networking designed specifically for senior association leaders.

By attending, you’ll:

Gain fresh perspectives on industry trends and challenges
Network with peers and share practical best practice
Strengthen your professional network and build lasting relationships
Develop new strategies to move your association forward
Explore innovative approaches to complex organisational issues
Hear directly from experienced association leaders

Don’t miss this opportunity to sharpen your leadership thinking and position your organisation for the year ahead.

Exclusive to Executive Directors and CEOs

a light lunch will be provided during the meeting.

Not a NZSAE member?

Join us now

Auckland Association Lunch: Celebrate Matariki with the Association Community (02 July 2026)

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 23:30:00 GMT

Mark Matariki with the Association Community
Join us this July for our annual Matariki Lunch — a time to gather with association colleagues, pause together, and acknowledge the Māori New Year through connection, reflection, and shared conversation.

Matariki invites us to look back on the year that has passed and consider what lies ahead. For associations, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on purpose, people, and the role our organisations play in strengthening communities across New Zealand.

Guest Speaker: To be announced
Our keynote speaker will provide timely insight relevant to association leaders, offering perspective to help frame the year ahead within a changing national and global context.

What to Expect:

A welcoming moment that recognises the significance of Matariki.
A keynote address offering insight and reflection for association leadership.
Time to reconnect with peers from across the association sector.
Shared kai in a relaxed and respectful setting.

This lunch is an opportunity to step away from the pace of work, acknowledge the year that has been, and reconnect with the people who understand the realities of association life.

Spaces are limited. Early registration is recommended.

Register now and join us for a meaningful Matariki gathering with the association community.

CAE Credits
This event is offered as part of NZSAE’s CAE Approved Provider status and may qualify for 1 CAE credit toward your professional development requirements. The content aligns with the CAE exam content outline under Member Stakeholder Engagement Management . Learn more at www.asaecenter.org/cae.

Wellington Association Lunch and Private Parliament Tour: Celebrate Matariki with the Association Community (07 July 2026)

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 23:30:00 GMT

What to Expect:

A welcoming moment that recognises the significance of Matariki.
A keynote address offering insight and reflection for association leadership.
Time to reconnect with peers from across the association sector.
Shared kai in a relaxed and respectful setting.

This lunch is an opportunity to step away from the pace of work, acknowledge the year that has been, and reconnect with the people who understand the realities of association life.

Spaces are limited. Early registration is recommended.

Register now and join us for a meaningful Matariki gathering with the association community.

NZSAE Associations Matter Conference & Exhibition (03 August 2026)

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Register for the Associations Matter Conference & Exhibition 2026

The Associations Matter Conference & Exhibition is New Zealand’s national gathering for association professionals — bringing together Chief Executives, Executive Directors, senior leaders and operational teams from membership organisations across the country.

Held on 3–4 August 2026 at the Lower Hutt Events Centre, the conference provides two days of practical insight, peer learning and meaningful connections with colleagues across the association sector.

This year’s programme is built around the theme Beyond 2030, exploring the future of associations — including governance, member engagement, financial sustainability, digital transformation and leadership capability.

What your registration includes

Full access to the two-day conference programme
Entry to the conference exhibition and networking breaks
Morning tea, lunch and refreshments
Conference materials and delegate networking opportunities
Ticket to the Conference & Awards Dinner

We look forward to welcoming you to Lower Hutt for two days of learning, discussion and connection with association leaders from across New Zealand.

NZSAE Associations Matter Conference & Exhibition - Exhibition Opportunities (03 August 2026)

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 20:00:00 GMT

Exhibition Opportunities

The Associations Matter Conference & Exhibition 2026 is NZSAE’s flagship event for association professionals in New Zealand. It brings together senior leaders, decision-makers, and operational teams to explore practical ideas, sector insights, and real-world solutions that strengthen associations.

Exhibition Floor Plan

As an exhibitor, you’ll be right in the mix — showcasing your products and services, building genuine relationships, and positioning your organisation as a trusted partner for associations across the country.

Why Exhibit?

Connect with a targeted audience of association professionals — including CEOs, Executive Directors, and senior decision-makers.
Showcase your solutions in a purpose-built exhibition space designed for conversation and leads.
Lift your visibility through curated marketing inclusions and onsite branding opportunities.

Where & when: Lower Hutt Events Centre, 3–4 August 2026. This is a high-engagement environment built for relationships — not foot traffic for the sake of it.

Exhibition Options

Exhibition Booth Only
A straightforward booth option for organisations who want to be on the floor, meet delegates, and build relationships during the event.

Associations Matter 2026 Prospectus

Let’s show why Associations Matter — and put your organisation in front of the people shaping the sector.

NZSAE Associations Matter Awards Dinner (03 August 2026)

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 06:30:00 GMT

If your organisation has entered the NZSAE Awards, has been named as a finalist, or you have team members who would like to attend the Awards Dinner without registering for the full conference, a limited number of dinner-only tickets are available.

Please note that the Awards Dinner is already included for all full conference delegates and does not need to be purchased separately.

Dinner-only tickets are available exclusively to association organisations and their representatives. These tickets are not available to suppliers or general corporate attendees.

Workshop: Governance for Associations | Auckland (25 August 2026)

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Governance for Associations Workshop is a focused, in-person workshop for Association Chairs, Presidents, CEOs, and Executive Directors to examine what effective governance looks like in today’s environment.

Good governance remains one of the most critical responsibilities of any association. Yet in practice, it is often where the greatest tension, uncertainty, and risk can arise. This workshop is designed to be practical, grounded, and discussion-based — not theory for theory’s sake.

The session will explore the core governance realities leaders face, including:

The respective roles of the Chair, Board, and CEO
Strategic alignment between governance and operations
Delegation, authority, and accountability
Risk oversight and compliance responsibilities
Common governance tensions — and how to manage them
Board performance, succession, and evaluation

Participants will engage in open, peer-level conversation, sharing real experiences and approaches from across the association sector.

Format: In-person workshop
Who should attend: Association Chairs/Presidents, CEOs, and Executive Directors

Find out more and register

CEO/ED Meeting – Wellington (13 October 2026)

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 02:00:00 GMT

You’re invited to join NZSAE’s exclusive Leadership Exchange — an afternoon of insightful discussion and valuable networking designed specifically for senior association leaders.

By attending, you’ll:

Gain fresh perspectives on industry trends and challenges
Network with peers and share practical best practice
Strengthen your professional network and build lasting relationships
Develop new strategies to move your association forward
Explore innovative approaches to complex organisational issues
Hear directly from experienced association leaders

Don’t miss this opportunity to sharpen your leadership thinking and position your organisation for the year ahead.

Exclusive to Executive Directors and CEOs

Networking drinks will be available following the meeting.

Not a NZSAE member?

Join us now

CEO/ED Meeting – Auckland (20 October 2026)

Mon, 19 Oct 2026 22:30:00 GMT

You’re invited to join NZSAE’s exclusive Leadership Exchange — an afternoon of insightful discussion and valuable networking designed specifically for senior association leaders.

By attending, you’ll:

Gain fresh perspectives on industry trends and challenges
Network with peers and share practical best practice
Strengthen your professional network and build lasting relationships
Develop new strategies to move your association forward
Explore innovative approaches to complex organisational issues
Hear directly from experienced association leaders

Don’t miss this opportunity to sharpen your leadership thinking and position your organisation for the year ahead.

Exclusive to Executive Directors and CEOs

a light lunch will be provided during the meeting.

Not a NZSAE member?

Join us now

Wellington Association Christmas lunch (24 November 2026)

Mon, 23 Nov 2026 22:30:00 GMT

End of Year Function

Our End of Year Function is a moment to pause and properly close out the year together. Hosted as a festive lunch, it brings association professionals together to reflect on the year that’s been, acknowledge shared challenges and successes, and step back from the day-to-day before the summer break.

The lunch will feature a keynote speaker offering perspective and insight relevant to association leadership, alongside good conversation and time to reconnect with peers. It’s intentionally unhurried — a chance to strengthen relationships and finish the year on a thoughtful, positive note.

Auckland Association Christmas lunch (01 December 2026)

Mon, 30 Nov 2026 22:30:00 GMT