Set in the geothermal playground of Rotorua, the unique three-day event delivered a collaborative learning experience that coaxed participants out of their comfort zone and into an engaging, unexpected and sometimes challenging program.

“It was clear from the moment we stepped off the plane and were transported by jet boat across the beautiful Lake Rotorua that we were in for an experience like no other,” says Toni Brearley, Deputy CEO, AuSAE.

Using information collected from delegates, the program – designed and facilitated by Onur Ekinci of FAST Meetings – provided a combination of individual and team experiences, as well as the opportunity for delegates to critically reflect on their roles as association leaders.

The Retreat also provided delegates with access to a number of unique speakers who spent considerable time with the group providing insights into their journey. They also discussed the powerful impact their positive leadership has had on them, and on those around them.

“It was energising to step away from my organisation for a few days into a different environment with a group of colleagues ready to have an honest discussion about their experiences and challenges, and to adopt changes,” says Jane Schmitt, CEO, Australian Medical Association (AMA) of Queensland. “It provided the opportunity to really focus on both overarching issues facing associations today, and the effect that strong leadership has on resilience, innovation and motivation for ourselves, our staff and our membership.”

The educational experience was enhanced by the natural surroundings of the Rotorua region and the rich cultural history of the area. Participants were treated to a traditional Maori welcome ceremony, dumplings from geothermal pools, an exhilarating four-wheel drive adventure,
and a magical breakfast amongst the Red Wood Forest.

“The CEO Retreat in Rotorua was possibly the most important professional development workshop I have ever undertaken, as it challenged me to think about not only what I was doing, but why I was doing it,” says Richard Stokes, CEO, Australian Boarding Schools Association. “It made me reflect upon the strategies which would work best to improve the service delivery of our organisation, and to look at what we were doing well.”

AuSAE extends its sincere thanks to Events and Venues Rotorua for the generous sponsorship of the retreat, and to all the Rotorua venue hosts.