Association Hub Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

If you're looking for a leader in the association sector who has tackled it all—rebranding, skyrocketing membership, launching a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), and spearheading advocacy—you won’t find anyone better than Michelle Blicavs.

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Olena chats with Michelle, CEO of Surveyors Australia, about her dynamic journey in transforming a long-standing association into a thriving, forward-thinking organisation. From an ambitious rebrand to hands-on member engagement and securing a seat at the advocacy table in Canberra, Michelle shares her recipe for success. Hear how she grew the association's membership by personally visiting hundreds of organisations across Australia and how that boots-on-the-ground approach led to remarkable growth.

Michelle also opens up about the bold decision to start a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to address Australia’s surveyor skill shortages, despite many peers in the sector advising against it. Plus, learn how she navigated the often daunting world of advocacy, proving that even small associations can have a big voice.

This episode is packed with real-world insights, actionable advice, and stories that showcase the power of passion and perseverance in the association sector.

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, Angela Shelton sits down with Nikki Walker, Global VP for Associations & Communities at MCI Group, to dive into the 2024 Association Engagement Index.

This episode dives into how associations can foster deeper connections with their members by moving beyond passive engagement and embracing innovative strategies like the Engagement Loop. Nikki shares actionable tips on personalisation, agile engagement, and multichannel outreach that can transform your association’s approach to strengthen member relationships. Whether you’re aiming to boost participation or drive co-creation, this episode is filled with valuable insights you won’t want to miss!

Connect with Nikki Walker here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-walker-34b8179/

Download the Association Engagement Index (2024) Report here: https://www.mci-associationengagement.com/register

Uncover the secrets of member benefits that matter with Penny Cornah, CEO of the Master Plumbers' Association of Queensland (MPAQ).

Discover how MPAQ offers an incredible array of benefits to its members, from contract preparation and accounting advice to workplace safety and technical support.

Penny shares the whole process of member benefits development —from understanding member needs, to generating ideas, to developing industry partnerships and promoting benefits to members. Penny provides invaluable insights on how associations can develop and implement effective member benefit programs that truly add value and meet the needs of their members.

Whether you're looking to enhance your own association's offerings or simply curious about the best practices in the industry, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples.

If you need a bit of inspiration, visit MPAQ website for more details: www.mpaq.com.au/services.

Have you ever wondered how to balance a day job with leading a successful association?

In this episode, Angela Shelton sits down with Marise Maechler, President of the Association for Women in Insurance NSW. Marise shares her inspiring journey from a small town to the big city, taking on new challenges and seizing the opportunity to lead the association in 2021. Discover how she empowers early-career women through innovative initiatives, the secrets behind their sell-out events, and practical advice for aspiring leaders. Tune in for an engaging conversation packed with insights and inspiration for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in their industry.

Contact with Marise at www.linkedin.com/in/marise-maechler/

Are you looking to boost engagement within your association but don't know where to start?

Join us for a conversation with Amanda Lea Kaiser as we dive into the essentials of member engagement in our latest episode, For Associations Who Want to Be More Engaging, Where Should They Start?

In this episode, Amanda shares her expert insights on:

• Building strong communities that foster connection and support.
• Avoiding common pitfalls in engagement strategies.
• Offering many opportunities for members to connect.
• Understanding engagement is from our members’ point of view.
• Engaging the most critical of member segments—new members.
• Whether you're a seasoned association professional or new to the field, this episode is packed with practical tips and actionable advice to help you enhance engagement and drive growth in your community.

Tune in now and learn how to create meaningful, impactful engagement that resonates with your members!

Connect with Amanda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandakaiser/

Find out more here: https://amandaleakaiser.com/

Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com.au/Elevating-Engagement-Uncommon-Strategies-Community/dp/1774583267

New Member Engagement Study: https://amandaleakaiser.com/new-member-engagement-study

Committee management doesn’t always come easy, but with the right strategies and insights, it can be incredibly rewarding. Join hosts Olena Lima and Angela Shelton as they welcome Lori Modde, CEO of Outdoors NSW & ACT, to the Association Hub podcast.

In this episode, Lori shares her expertise on managing committees effectively, drawing from her extensive experience in the sport and outdoor industries. Learn how Lori successfully manages 10 committees with 53 members, ensuring productive meetings, clear communication, and engaged volunteers. Discover practical tips on setting up committees, maintaining motivation, and leveraging technology to enhance committee management. Whether you're looking to improve your committee management skills or curious about best practices in the association world, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

Join us on the Association Hub Podcast as we chat with Leisha Jordan, Marketing & Communication Manager at the Nursery & Garden Industry NSW & ACT Ltd (NGINA). Discover how Leisha led a groundbreaking campaign that revitalised the future of the nursery and garden industry by bringing in young talent and addressing significant skill shortages.

With a budget of just $500, this campaign achieved a 1175% increase in enrolment for the CIII Nursery Operations TAFE NSW Course, ensuring the industry's sustainability.

Tune in to learn how creativity, strategic targeting, and leveraging various communication channels can lead to extraordinary results. Don't miss this inspiring episode that showcases the true potential of impactful marketing on a shoestring budget!

Key Takeaways:

• Even with a limited budget, creativity and strategic targeting can lead to significant results.
• Building trust with members and leveraging word of mouth can be highly effective in promoting a campaign.
• Utilising various communication channels, such as social media, email marketing, webinars, and published media, can significantly enhance effectiveness of marketing campaigns.
• Tracking and measuring the progress of a campaign is crucial for making adjustments and optimising results.
• Adapting the product or service to meet the needs of the target audience is essential for campaign success.

See the marketing in action, and access NGINA's game-changing campaign here.

Are you confident that your association is maximising its strategic potential? Delve into the critical topic of strategy execution with Rosie Yeo, a strategist, on this episode of the Association Hub Podcast. Host Angela Shelton and Rosie explore why many associations stumble when bringing their visionary plans to life. They provide practical advice on how to ignite progress and stay true to your long-term objectives. Learn how your association, regardless of size, can benefit from a proactive approach to strategy and execution in our rapidly changing environment. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that will empower you to transform strategic challenges into opportunities for growth. Don’t miss out—this episode is a must-listen for every association professional aiming to thrive.

Connect with Rosie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosieyeo/

Find out more here: www.rosieyeo.com.au

Handy Resources: www.rosieyeo.com.au/resources, www.goforbold.com.au

In this episode of the Association Hub Podcast, we're joined by John Chatterton, Chief Experience Officer of the Australian Computer Society. John shares how ACS has combined six key departments—Member Insights, Innovation and Product Development, Marketing, Events, Partnerships, and Member Services—with the sole goal of delivering exceptional member experience. Learn how they use data insights, personalisation, and technology to create a seamless and engaging journey for their members. Tune in to discover practical strategies that can transform your association.

Many of us never imagined a career in associations while growing up. Yet, some find their calling and passion in this diverse and dynamic field.

Meet Joanne Phillips, a dedicated association executive who has navigated her career through vastly different industries — from healthcare and retail to law and education. In this episode, Joanne shares her unique journey, discussing the essential skills and experiences that have shaped her successful career.

We'll also dive into the importance of the Certified Association Executive (CAE) certification and what it takes to excel in association management.

Whether you're just starting out or are a seasoned association pro, this episode offers insightful perspectives on building a rewarding career in the association sector.