NZSAE upcoming events

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 – 1:30pm | 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 – 1:30pm, 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.

Association Systems & Membership Platforms in Practice (& user groups) (25 June 2026)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMT

Associations across New Zealand are using a wide range of AMS and CRM platforms to manage membership, events, communications, finance, reporting, and engagement — but many are still facing the same frustrations, challenges, and questions.

This NZSAE online discussion is designed as a practical peer conversation for association professionals to openly discuss the systems they use, what is working well, where challenges exist, and what they wish they had known earlier.

The session will begin with a facilitated whole-group discussion exploring:

the platforms currently being used across the sector
member engagement and renewals
integrations and reporting
websites and online portals
communications and automation
onboarding and user experience
frustrations, limitations, and lessons learned

Following the initial discussion, participants will move into smaller peer breakout groups based on the systems they currently use. These smaller discussions will allow association professionals to connect directly with others using the same platform to share experiences, practical tips, workarounds, and insights.

This is not a vendor presentation or sales session — it is a practical association-to-association conversation designed to support better decision-making and shared learning across the sector

Session Format

Part One — Sector Conversation (30 mins)
A facilitated discussion exploring the systems currently being used across associations and the common opportunities and frustrations being experienced.

Part Two — Peer System Groups (45 mins)
Participants move into smaller peer groups based on the systems they currently use for more focused practical discussion.

Part Three — Key Takeaways (15 mins)
Groups return for a final shared discussion around common themes, insights, and practical learnings.

The session will begin with a facilitated whole-group discussion exploring:

the platforms currently being used across the sector
member engagement and renewals
integrations and reporting
websites and online portals
communications and automation
onboarding and user experience
frustrations, limitations, and lessons learned

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

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

Mon, 06 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.

Auckland Association Lunch: Celebrate Matariki with the Association Community (22 July 2026)

Tue, 21 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

All exhibition booths for the NZSAE Associations Matter Conference are now sold. For other sponsorship or partnership opportunities, please contact Brett

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

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

End of Year Function

The Associations Marketplace 2027 (23 February 2027)

Mon, 22 Feb 2027 19:00:00 GMT

Exhibition Opportunities

Association Marketplace 2027

Tools, Tech & Solutions for Associations

Association Marketplace 2027 is a focused one-day event designed specifically for association and membership professionals across New Zealand.

Bringing together association leaders, suppliers, destinations, venues, technology providers, and specialist service companies, the event is built around practical conversations, new ideas, and real solutions that help associations strengthen membership, operations, events, governance, engagement, and growth.

Rather than a traditional large-scale trade show, Association Marketplace is designed to be more personal, practical, and outcomes-focused — creating meaningful connections between association executives and trusted suppliers who understand the sector.

What to Expect

A focused exhibition marketplace
Practical education sessions and supplier showcases
New technology and membership solutions
One-on-one conversations and networking opportunities
Ideas and tools associations can immediately apply within their organisations

Whether you work in membership, events, governance, communications, operations, finance, or leadership, Association Marketplace is designed to connect you with the people, products, and ideas shaping the future of associations in New Zealand.

Supplier & Exhibitor Opportunities

Association Marketplace 2027 provides suppliers with the opportunity to connect directly with association decision-makers from across New Zealand.

Exhibitor spaces are intentionally limited to support strong engagement, meaningful conversations, and quality outcomes for both suppliers and delegates.

Exhibiting Includes

Exhibition booth space
Direct access to association executives and senior leaders
Networking opportunities throughout the event
Inclusion in event marketing and exhibitor promotions
Opportunity to showcase practical tools, services, and solutions

Download the Tradeshow Prospectus

Download the Association Marketplace 2027 exhibitor and sponsorship prospectus here .

Reserve Your Booth

A limited number of booths are now available for early reservation.

To secure your place, suppliers can reserve their booth with a $500 + GST deposit, with the remaining balance payable closer to the event in 2027.

For sponsorship or partnership opportunities, please contact Brett .

Website Integration Meeting (15 May 2030)

Wed, 15 May 2030 04:30:00 GMT

Website integration meeting to make sure we are using the right technology going forward.