The transformative impact of AI and the evolving role of
events in a rapidly changing world are among the topics that will be discussed
at this year’s Association Focus.
The one-day learning event for association professionals,
will take place on 18 May at Kap Europa – the day before IMEX Frankfurt (19-21
May).
Sofya Abramchuk, head of design and product at the Gaudi World
Foundation, will deliver the opening keynote, exploring how revisiting an
association’s mission can help strengthen relationships and fuel business
growth as a means to help association professionals tackle the ongoing
challenge of membership retention and engagement.
AI and the future of work is the focus of the second keynote
by Toby Bassford, founder and managing director of change management
consultancy Tillon.
In his talk, Bassford will demonstrate how rapidly advancing
AI tools can support rather than disrupt, empowering staff to reclaim time for
higher‑value work and restoring a sense of purpose.
Meanwhile, a dedicated track for association leaders will examine
how associations can harness AI as a strategic advantage.
Hosted by ASAE president & CEO Michelle Mason and vice
president Amy Hissrich, sessions include a dive into the role of AI to help
drive member engagement and revenue diversification.
Mason said: “Associations today face continuous disruption,
tighter margins and rising expectations.
“Resilience means
more than managing through change; it means using tools like AI strategically
to extend our reach, improve efficiency and personalize engagement.
“The real task for association leaders now is to move beyond
experimentation and adopt AI intentionally, in ways that strengthen mission,
governance and long-term sustainability.”
The programme will include a track for association planners,
curated by Martin Sirk, owner of Sirk Serendipity which will feature a crowd‑sourced
segment on future‑focused event practices.
For more information on Association Focus email [email protected].
Register here for IMEX Frankfurt.
