Multimedia Hub

EVENT REPORT In the dynamic realm of European Communication, Associations are overwhelmed by information, a challenge accentuated by the approaching 2024 European elections. Finding ways to ensure that their messages are heard above this noise can be an ongoing challenge for Associations. Therefore, Association professionals need to build a long-term communication strategy, to effectively analyse their audience and understand the benefits of different communication channels.

EVENT REPORT In the realm of international Association events, one major issue is often overlooked: the environmental impact of extensive travel. Every year, hundreds of thousands of delegates travel across the world for various events, from small meetings to large conferences. This practice raises serious concerns about the overall carbon footprint of these events, with strong connections to the reputation of the organisations involved. However, considering the international

EVENT REPORT ESAE is dedicated to advancing excellence in Association management, a commitment that extends to supporting the next generation of leaders. This session aimed to help them develop the right skills and competencies and to enable seasoned Association Executives to understand better the needs of the rising stars within their teams. The session covered how to spot and develop talents, the indispensable hard and soft skills needed for leaders and rising stars, and th

EVENT REPORT In November 2022, the European Union (EU) adopted a new law mandating gender balance on corporate boards, setting ambitious targets for equality in gender representation. To meet these goals, the private sector has already begun to reshape its governance structures. This shift is reflected in Associations, where diversity in their governance tends to go hand-in-hand with the diversity in their membership. This means that the imperative for diverse and inclusive g

EVENT REPORT In the ever-changing digital landscape, Associations are leveraging online learning initiatives to diversify their revenue streams and reach a broader audience. This report examines three case studies presented during an online session. It explores how the European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT), the International Fertilizers Association (IFA), and the International Association of Public Transports (UITP) have successfully utilized online learning to op

At the European Association Summit in Brussels, a panel discussion - in which I participated - focused on revenue diversification for associations. And while all the panelists and the moderator worked for very different organisations, there was one message we agreed upon: growth for the sake of growth is not a strategy. Words Sven Bossu

EVENT REPORT Effective decision-making is at the heart of leadership, and this session explored how cognitive processes, emotional influences, and unconscious biases shape judgments. On December 5, 2024, ESAE hosted a Masterclass session on "Uncovering the Science Behind Decision-Making, Unconscious Bias, and Leadership." Participants gained valuable insights into improving their leadership styles, fostering collaboration, and aligning decisions with strategic goals to naviga

EVENT REPORT On 27 November, ESAE gathered Association professionals to explore one of the most pressing challenges in today's workforce: attracting and retaining talent. As the job market evolves, Associations must redefine their approaches to recruitment and retention to meet the expectations of purpose-driven professionals and the demands of a competitive labour landscape. READ MORE HERE.

EVENT REPORT More than 160 Association Executives and Leaders joined the IBTM World Association Leaders Forum in November 2024 receiving and sharing knowledge on Fostering Innovation to Overcome Global Challenges, a program designed by ESAE tapping on the collective knowledge and expanding it to cover both practical and strategic issues that Associations are facing today. If Association professionals wish to steer their organisations clear of trouble, and better serve their m

EVENT REPORT On November 8, 2024, ESAE hosted an engaging webinar focused on workplace inclusion, with expert speakers exploring how Associations can foster inclusivity at every level. While our community has extensively discussed Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in terms of gender balance, this session shed light on other crucial aspects of the acronym that have not received as much attention. It provided a unique opportunity to clarify the terms of DEI and explore acti

EVENT REPORT The success or failure of impact initiatives frequently depends on qualitative factors that are difficult to quantify. For instance, it is complicated to measure the quality of a conversation with a policymaker or a societal change after a project. This situation may create obstacles for Associations to increase their impact and leave a long-term legacy. To help Associations change their mindset regarding KPIs, this webinar showcased case studies and expertise to

EVENT REPORT Associations traditionally rely on membership fees and service revenues, such as congresses, seminars, and events. This dependence can cause risks, as membership fluctuations can impact financial stability. Recent global challenges, like pandemics and economic disruptions, highlight the need for diverse fundraising strategies. While there is no "one-size-fits-all-solution", Association professionals can be inspired by the directions taken by their peers and adjus

EVENT REPORT This session addressed the evolving risk landscape for event organisers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic profoundly disrupted event contracts, creating tension, worry, and a significant loss of trust between Associations and other event stakeholders, including destinations and delegates. Our panel of experts discussed the critical role of risk management in event planning and the importance of risk-sharing. The "Copenhagen Risk Assessment Survey

EVENT REPORT Designed by ESAE’s Communications & Membership Community of Practice, this session invited Association professionals to explore how artificial intelligence can enhance engagement and uncover deeper insights from interactions among Association members. In collaboration with Natter, an AI-powered platform designed to turn dialogue into actionable knowledge, participants joined short, randomly assigned video conversations. These peer exchanges were analysed in real

EVENT REPORT Managing association events requires more than logistical skill—it demands resilience, adaptability, and the ability to maintain focus under pressure. While association work can be deeply rewarding, it often comes with invisible pressures: tight deadlines, competing priorities, and last-minute changes that can take a toll on personal and team well-being. This webinar, co-led by Event Mental Wellbeing examined how burnout manifests in the association events sector

EVENT REPORT Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds remarkable potential for Associations, yet for many, it still feels unfamiliar, complex, and somewhat uninviting. However, AI doesn’t have to be intimidating or overly technical. By starting small, any organization can begin to see tangible benefits. The key is to shift the mindset from scepticism to partnership: to see AI not as a replacement, but as a collaborator that enhances human capacity and creativity. For Associations,

EVENT REPORT This whitepaper draws on the ESAE roundtable “Efficiently Managing Leadership Transitions”, organised by ESAE in collaboration with Kadrant and Mavence EU, on October 8 2025. The panel was moderated by Giulia Mauri, founder and partner at Kadrant and it included the following speakers: Ulrich Adam, Director General of Orgalim, James Watson, Director General of Eurometaux, and Anna Koj, Managing Director of Mavence EU. The roundtable was very well attended and par

EVENT REPORT Association leadership has undergone a significant transformation. While presidents have traditionally been the face of the organisation and the sector, professional Secretariats now play a much more prominent role. Today’s leaders are expected not only to manage operations but also to engage with policymakers, represent members publicly, and shape long-term strategy. This evolution demands greater agility, strategic oversight, and a stronger connection between l

EVENT REPORT Clear communication lies at the heart of effective Association management. Whether drafting member updates, board briefings, advocacy messages, or event invitations, the ability to write clearly, concisely, and persuasively directly impacts engagement and outcomes. This ESAE workshop provided communication professionals with practical frameworks and techniques to craft messages that cut through the noise and get results. Led by Anita Kelly, the session covered ho

EVENT REPORT In today’s dynamic environment, Associations are expected to deliver increasingly diverse and complex services despite limited internal capacity. Outsourcing, whether to consultants, freelancers, or agencies, can offer the flexibility and expertise needed to meet member expectations and achieve strategic goals. However, deciding what to outsource, when, and to whom is not straightforward. This joint webinar by ESAE and AC Forum explored how different Association