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NZSAE Professional Development Membership by Design SymposiumA one-day deep dive into designing sustainable, New Zealand–centric membership programmes that attract, welcome and keep people. Registration Options
Member – Full Day
$129.00
Non-Member – Full Day
$229.00
Additional Person
$85.00
Additional person registration applies to someone within the same association. NETWORKING by DESIGN 9:30 – 10:00 am ATTRACT by Design 10:00 – 11:00 The Magnetic Member MessageThis session explores how associations clarify their value proposition and communicate it in a way that resonates. We will examine what truly motivates professionals to join, how to sharpen positioning, and how to ensure your message attracts the right members — not just more members. Speaker: To be confirmed ONBOARD by Design11:00 – 11:30 The First 30 Days That MatterFirst impressions shape long-term engagement. This session focuses on designing onboarding intentionally — identifying early value signals, balancing human and automated touchpoints, and ensuring the first 30 days create momentum rather than uncertainty. Speaker: Kayne Franich – Property Council Peer Exchange 11:30 – 12:00 Designing the First 30 Days Welcome actions | Key messages | One early engagement win | What can be automated LUNCH 12:00 – 1:00 | RETAIN by Design 1:00 – 1:35 pm Why members choose to renewRetention is intentional, not accidental. This session examines why disengagement happens, which members renew consistently, and how associations can deliberately strengthen the factors that drive long-term commitment. Speaker: Elaine Linnell – General Manager, NZEA Peer Exchange 1:35 – 2:00 Strengthening the Reasons Members Stay BELONG by Design 2:00 – 2:25 Moving from members to advocates and championsBelonging goes beyond attendance and transactions. This session explores belonging as a combination of connection, contribution and recognition — and where associations can start, regardless of size or resource. Speaker: To be confirmed Peer Exchange 2:30 – 3:00 Moments That Create Belonging THE MEMBERSHIP ADVANTAGE 3:00 – 3:45 Membership Advantage It explores why intentional design separates thriving associations from those merely surviving. By reinforcing lifecycle learning — from attracting and onboarding to retaining and fostering belonging — this interactive session will draw the full day together with practical reflection and clear priorities. Speaker: Brett Jeffery, CAE – NZSAE |
Designing membership that attracts, retains and builds belonging
The Membership by Design Symposium is a one-day, practical forum for association and membership professionals who want to take a more intentional approach to the member experience.
Built around the full membership lifecycle — Attract, Onboard, Retain and Belong — the day provides a clear, applied framework you can use back at work, regardless of your organisation’s size or maturity.
Rather than generic marketing theory, this Symposium focuses on the real challenges associations face every day: finding the right members, creating a strong first experience, sustaining value over time, and building genuine engagement and belonging.
Each lifecycle stage is explored through:
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short, focused insights grounded in association practice
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facilitated peer exchange with others facing similar challenges
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practical tools, templates and takeaways you can apply immediately
You’ll work alongside peers from across the sector, sharing what works (and what doesn’t), and leave with fresh thinking, tested ideas, and four tangible tools to strengthen your membership approach.
You’ll leave with:
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a clear, end-to-end view of the membership lifecycle
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practical tools for attraction, onboarding, retention and belonging
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insights drawn from New Zealand associations and real-world experience
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renewed confidence in where to focus your time and effort
This is a NZSAE signature membership event — practical, sector-relevant, and designed to save you months of trial and error by getting intentional about membership design.
New Zealand Society of Association Executives Inc (NZSAE) Te Hapori o nga Kaiwhakahaere Hononga o Aotearoa | Quick Links |
© New Zealand Society of Association Executives Inc. (NZSAE) 2026 |