European Association Summit & Awards 2025
Knowledge Sessions & Speakers
Leading with Consensus in a Fractured World
09:45 - 10:20
The flagship session of the European Association Summit will set the stage for the volatile environment in which Association Leaders operate today. An Association’s primary focus is to build and foster a Community, oftentimes with members of different backgrounds, resources and goals. A Community that will come together to decide on commonly accepted strategies, involving different stakeholders. Consensus building is in the basis of what we do, but this has gotten harder at a time of shifting alliances and rising risks. A short presentation shall be followed by a fireside chat with the ESAE President, providing inspiration for a full day of knowledge sharing among peers.
Guiding Communities Amidst Geopolitical Change
10:20 - 11:20
In an era of global uncertainty, shifting alliances, and increasing isolationism, Associations and professional societies play a crucial role in providing stability, leadership, and trusted resources for their communities. How can these organizations step up as touchstones in turbulent times, especially when operating with limited resources? This session will explore strategies for Associations to offer guidance, credible information, and support amid constant geopolitical shifts.
Leading with Values when Values are under Threat
11:50 - 12:50
In times of uncertainty, strong leadership rooted in core values is essential to maintaining stability, trust, and purpose within organizations. This session explores how leaders can uphold integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration—both in their personal leadership and in shaping organizational culture. How can Associations cultivate a culture that remains aligned with their mission and vision, even when external pressures challenge their values?
Empowering your staff: The case for Upskilling & Reskilling
13:45 - 14:30
How many of us have a training line in our Associations’ budgets? While most Association Leaders realise that they need to be agile and invest in new technologies in order to render our organisations future-proof, very few allocate the necessary amount of resources, be it time and money for training our staff and ourselves. This session will explore how the nature of work in Associations is changing, and with the help of our experts will discuss how Association professionals can prepare for the big changes ahead, be it AI, the inherent need for work-life balance, labour trends and the uncertainty in the broader environment in which we operate.
The Social Responsibility of Associations
13:45 - 14:30
Associations have a unique role in social responsibility, as they serve not only their members but also the broader communities they influence. Their social responsibility often extends beyond industry advocacy and professional development to include ethical leadership, sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and community engagement. Even small steps can have a significant impact, and this session will start with inspiring stories on how Associations can get started on their path to assuming their responsibilities in a micro and macro environment.
The era of Policy Communications
13:45 - 14:30
Advocacy and Communication are becoming increasingly interconnected in the EU Public Affairs ecosystem. Parallel to that, we are witnessing the rise of technology, and the proliferation of social media, oftentimes at the expense of traditional media as source of information (and disinformation) for the general public but also for policymakers. To effectively advocate on behalf of our Communities, promoting the purpose and long-term legacy of our organisations, it is essential to adopt a multidisciplinary approach. Impactful public affairs strategies rely on strong communication to shape perceptions, influence policy, and engage stakeholders.
Strategy: From Conception to Impact
SESSION ORGANIZED BY ESAE'S STRATEGY COMMUNITY
14:50 - 15:50
Strategy is a concept that holds different meanings for different organisations. However, at its core, it is about defining identity, setting objectives, and implementing a clear path to achieve them. This session aims to address key challenges Associations face in strategic planning, execution, and impact measurement.
Mastering Decision-Making in Association Boards
SESSION ORGANIZED BY ESAE'S GOVERNANCE & DEI COMMUNITY
14:50 - 15:50
Strong governance requires transparent, inclusive, and strategic decision-making. Associations often face challenges like groupthink, unclear roles, and competing interests, which can lead to inefficiency. This interactive session will explore key governance obstacles, compare structures in trade and professional Associations, and use gamification to simulate boardroom dynamics. Participants will gain hands-on insights and develop practical strategies to enhance accountability, efficiency, and constructive debate in decision-making.
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“Coz we’ve always done it like this...”
SESSION ORGANIZED BY ESAE'S HEALTH COMMUNITY
14:50 - 15:50
For decades, health conferences have followed the same formats in design and technology use, making it challenging to engage younger delegates. This session will explore how Associations can break the cycle, think outside the box, and attract the next generation of attendees, and ultimately, future members. Expect practical ideas and innovative strategies to refresh your events and create a more dynamic, inclusive experience for all!
Engagement Excellence - Driving Lasting Impact through Events, Technology & Innovation
JOINT SESSION ORGANIZED BY ESAE'S EVENTS MANAGEMENT COMMUNITY AND COMMUNICATION & MEMBERSHIP COMMUNITY
16:30 - 18:00
Traditional event formats no longer guarantee engagement. This session will explore fresh approaches to attracting and retaining members, not just during events but throughout the year. Through real-life case studies and roundtable discussions, participants will develop a list of actionable ideas to apply in their organisations. From innovative event strategies to year-round engagement tactics, this session will provide practical takeaways to foster lasting connections and sustained member involvement.
Resilience and Adaptability in Sustainability Strategies
JOINT SESSION ORGANIZED BY ESAE'S SUSTAINABILITY & LEGACY COMMUNITY AND ADVOCACY COMMUNITY
16:30 - 18:00
In a rapidly evolving landscape, resilience and adaptability are key to effective sustainability and advocacy strategies. This session will explore how Associations can integrate long-term legacy goals with flexible, impact-driven approaches. Through expert insights, participants will learn how to navigate shifting priorities, engage stakeholders, and drive meaningful, lasting change.
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Digitalising HR & Finance - Doing More with Less
JOINT SESSION ORGANIZED BY ESAE'S HR COMMUNITY AND FINANCE COMMUNITY
16:30 - 18:00
As Associations face increasing demands with limited resources, digitalisation offers a powerful solution to streamline HR and finance operations. This session will explore how automation, AI, and digital tools can enhance efficiency, reduce manual workload, and improve decision-making. Participants will gain practical strategies to optimise processes, maximise impact, and future-proof their organisations.
