Blog: AssociationX launches in Wellington
Last week saw the launch of the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE) AssociationX in Wellington, a brand new event for the association and non-for-profit sector.
The event was the creation of New Zealand General Manager Brett Jeffery, in an effort to offer something new, purposeful, and engaging that would bring both associations and service providers together with an emphasis on collaboration and education.
The one and a half day event commenced with an afternoon business exchange followed by networking. The second day was a tradeshow style event that included an educational programme also held on the exhibition floor.
AssociationX Business Exchange 2021
After 2020 decimated the events sector, it takes courage, determination and significant amounts of passion to launch a brand new event. The association sector in New Zealand is still contending with recent legislative changes, last year’s budget constraints, and continuing to operate in a post-Covid environment. The desire to attend in-person events has changed so the value proposition for new events must be diligently considered.
AssociationX was understandably well received with attendees and exhibitors ready to discuss business opportunities. The educational component on the tradeshow floor, using silent presentation technology provided an excellent overlay to what might normally be a passive space.
Sandra Julia // Auaha Events on Hybrid Conferencing
As a start-up organisation and supplier to the association sector, we were delighted to be part of this new event. We found the combination of the business exchange, the tradeshow, and education component worked cohesively and towards a common goal - of providing value for associations across a range of mediums. Additionally, Jessica joined the panel speaking session on Conferencing in a New World in which communications, sustainability, and the importance of working with suppliers were core topics.
AssociationX // Conferencing in a New World Speaker Panel: Brett Jeffery, Jessica Vandy, Sarah Healy
Thank you Brett and to AuSAE for initiating this new event experience. We look forward to seeing AssociationX grow and evolve in 2022.