Strategies to reinvigorate your organisation will be the focus of the Associations Forum National Conference taking place 29-30 July 2009 in Melbourne.

The keynote speaker is the President and CEO of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), John H. Graham, who will speak about the associations sector in the USA, the impact of the global financial crisis, and trends in association management and governance.

An overview of the global financial crisis and its implications will also be provided by Jeff Oughton, former Head of Australian Economics & Industry Intelligence, National Australia Bank.

Chief executive officers and senior managers interested in learning from the achievements and challenges of other not-for-profit organisations will find a good mix of real life case studies and expert commentary in the conference program. The conference also provides a unique opportunity to meet hundreds of not-for-profit colleagues from across Australia.

“The collegiate nature of the not-for-profit sector means there is an openness and willingness to share information. Associations Forum aims to facilitate this exchange of knowledge and experience through our events and services.

“Delegates will gain plenty of practical tips to take back immediately to their own organisation,” says Kathy Nguyen from Associations Forum.

The conference program has been expanded to include five streams covering topics such as governance, marketing, membership, lobbying, fundraising, risk management and technology.

There will be a vibrant exhibition and trade show area which will help connect associations with relevant providers of new and in-demand technologies, products and services.

The conference is also set to be one of the first major events to be held in the new Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. The centre is the only convention centre in the world to achieve a ‘6 Green Star’ environmental rating and is one of the most architecturally impressive buildings in Australia.