Associations Matter Conference & Exhibition 2026
We are proud to bring the Associations Matter Conference & Exhibition 2026 to Lower Hutt – 3–4 August 2026.
Association leaders are under increasing pressure — on membership, revenue, governance, and delivery.
The Associations Matter Conference is where leaders come together to step back, share what’s working, and make the decisions that shape the year ahead.
You’ll be in the room with CEOs, Executive Directors, and senior leaders from across New Zealand’s association sector.
Leave with clearer direction, stronger connections, and practical ideas you can apply immediately.
Membership organisations play a critical role in New Zealand’s economic, professional and community life. They convene sectors, uphold standards, advocate for good practice, and create spaces where people belong.
It is where New Zealand’s association leaders come together to raise standards, share experience, and strengthen the future of membership organisations.
This year’s conference challenges us to look ahead and consider what the next decade demands of association leaders — from governance and financial sustainability to member engagement, digital transformation, partnerships and capability development.
Optional Welcome Function
Join us on Sunday 2 August from 5.30 pm to 7.00 pm for an informal welcome function at The Dowse Art Museum and Dowse Square.
Proudly supported by Hutt City Council, this optional event is a relaxed opportunity to meet fellow delegates, reconnect with colleagues and begin the conference with conversation and connection.
Arrive early, collect your name badge and spend some time exploring the exhibition hall before the conference begins.
This is a great opportunity to meet our exhibitors, reconnect with colleagues you may not have seen for a few months, and introduce yourself to new people from across the association community.
8.40 am — Plenary Doors Open
Delegates are invited to move into the plenary room and take their seats ahead of the formal welcome.
8.55 am — Pōwhiri and Formal Welcome
The conference will begin with a pōwhiri, followed by a welcome to Lower Hutt from Mayor Fauono Ken Laban and an opening address from NZSAE Chair Lyn McMorran.
9.20 am — Conference Welcome and Housekeeping
Conference MC Nicky Styris will welcome delegates, outline the key information for the two days and introduce the opening speaker.
Gen Z is asking big questions about work, purpose, loyalty and belonging. In this keynote, Jehan Casinader will challenge the stereotypes and explore how association leaders can better attract, understand and retain younger staff.
Through powerful storytelling and practical insight, Jehan will help delegates think differently about communication, workplace culture and the future of talent.
About Jehan
Jehan Casinader is an award-winning journalist, keynote speaker and mental health advocate. One of New Zealand’s most-booked speakers and MCs, he is a respected voice in wellbeing, leadership and workplace culture.
In a environment, leading a member voice has never been more complex — or more important. In this short provocation presentation, Katherine Rich of BusinessNZ will challenge association leaders to think about how they represent diverse member views, maintain credibility, and influence decision-making when public debate is increasingly polarised. This session will set up an honest conversation about advocacy, trust, courage, and the responsibility associations carry when speaking on behalf of their sectors.
About Katherine
She is currently Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, New Zealand’s peak business advocacy organisation. Her background is particularly relevant because she has worked across both sides of the table — as a former Member of Parliament from 1999 to 2008, and as a long-serving association leader, including as Chief Executive of the New Zealand Food & Grocery Council from 2009 to 2022.
Stream A
What is Good Governance and what can you do about it?
John McKeefry is Director Business Development at Govn365.
Good governance is not about adding more papers, more process, or longer board meetings. At its best, governance helps an organisation stay focused on the right priorities, make better decisions, and keep strategy, performance and people firmly connected. In this practical session, John McKeefry will explore what effective governance looks like in a modern association environment — where boards and chief executives need clarity, trust, good information and a shared understanding of their respective roles. The session will look at how governance can move beyond compliance and become a real driver of organisational performance, leadership and long-term sustainability.
About John
John McKeefry is Director Business Development at Govn365. He brings a strong background in business development, sales, and people and culture, including senior HR leadership experience across the public, health and finance sectors. Prior to joining Govn365, John worked with AskYourTeam, supporting organisations to better understand and unlock the potential of their people. John is a strong advocate for good governance, with a particular interest in the important connection between strategy, performance, people and culture. His experience gives him a practical understanding of how boards and leadership teams can work more effectively together to support stronger organisational outcomes.
Stream B
Beyond the Brochure Website: Building Association Websites That Work With Your AMS
George Bonnici-Carter is the Founder and Technical Lead of Bonnici
For many associations, the website is still treated as a shopfront — a place for information, events and member updates. But a modern association website should do far more than look good. It should work with your AMS, support member journeys, reduce manual administration, improve data flow, and make it easier for members to engage with the organisation. In this practical session, George Bonnici-Carter will explore how associations can move beyond the traditional brochure website and start thinking about their website as a connected digital platform that supports membership, events, communications and long-term organisational growth.
About George
George Bonnici-Carter is the Founder and Technical Lead of Bonnici, a New Zealand-based web development company that builds digital platforms, websites, apps, portals and APIs designed to grow with an organisation. George has more than 10 years’ enterprise web development experience across government, financial services and the nonprofit sector, with a strong focus on scalable, reliable and well-integrated systems. Bonnici’s approach is built around honest advice, clear communication and code that is built to last — with no offshore handoffs and direct access to the people doing the work
Stream A
How to Write a Submission That Actually Gets Read
Daniel Paul, Managing Director, The PR Company
Submissions are one of the most important tools associations have to influence policy, regulation and public decision-making — but not all submissions land well. In a crowded and politically complex environment, it is not enough to simply state a position. A strong submission needs to be clear, credible, well-structured, evidence-based and written in a way that makes it easy for decision-makers to understand the issue and act on it. In this practical session, Daniel Paul will share how associations can write submissions that cut through, strengthen their advocacy voice, and improve their chances of being heard by government, officials and those shaping public policy.
About Daniel
Daniel Paul FPRINZ is a Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand and Managing Director of The PR Company. He specialises in advocacy relations, helping NGOs, not-for-profits and membership organisations turn important causes into influence. Daniel works with organisations to build credibility with government, increase their visibility in the media, and develop lasting relationships with the people who shape public policy and public opinion. His work focuses on helping organisations communicate with clarity, authority and purpose — particularly when the stakes are high and the message needs to be heard.
Stream B
Beyond the Lecture: Designing Online Events That Members Remember
Kath Cherrie, Vice Chair NZATD
Online events, virtual updates, and webinars are core to how associations connect with members. But let’s be honest: your members aren't tired of learning, they are just tired of being lectured at. Too often, they log on, mute, and immediately start clearing their emails in another tab.
If you are tired of fighting screen fatigue—or trying to manage external subject matter experts who want to dump 60 text-heavy slides on your audience—it’s time to flip the script.
In this highly practical, hands-on session, you won’t just sit and listen. You will actively use a step-by-step framework to design your next online event right there in the room using our Online Event Foundation Template.
Key Takeaways:
This session is vital for anyone involved in member communications, online learning, professional development, or event management who wants to move from a passive broadcast to an active value exchange.
About Kath
Kath Cherrie is a Learning & Development professional, speaker, and Toastmaster dedicated to helping people learn smarter and retain more. Driven by a curiosity for how people process and master new skills, Kath combines evidence-based framework design with engaging, hands-on strategies to make learning stick. When she isn't designing learning experiences or sharing insights with the L&D community, you can find her diving into creative projects and practical business design.
Stream A
Staying Relevant to Grow: How Engaging the Next Generation Fuels Membership Success
Bernice Archer, Chief Operating Officer, Institute of Finance Professionals New Zealand (INFINZ),
How do you turn early‑career engagement into sustained membership growth? At INFINZ, the answer has been a deliberate focus on younger professionals - designing tailored communities, relevant learning opportunities, and meaningful connections that evolve with members across their careers.
By aligning purpose, programme design, and partnerships, INFINZ has created a strong pipeline of engaged members - from students through to senior leaders - ultimately tripling its membership and strengthening the wider finance ecosystem.
This session shares the practical strategies behind that growth and what other associations can apply in their own context.
About Bernice
Bernice Archer is Chief Operating Officer at the Institute of Finance Professionals New Zealand (INFINZ), where she leads strategy, operations, and member engagement for one of the country’s most respected finance industry bodies. She has a strong focus on organisational direction, purpose, and ensuring programmes and partnerships deliver meaningful impact to members and the wider industry.
Before joining INFINZ, Bernice held roles including Strategic Programmes Manager at Fairfax Media and Key Relationships Manager at the Telecommunications Users Association, following earlier experience managing large-scale exhibitions with dmg world media in Australia. Across her career, she has built deep expertise in programme design, partnerships, and delivering high-impact industry initiatives aligned to clear strategic outcomes.
Stream A
Technology and AI in the Real World
Daniel Watson, Managing Director and Owner, Vertech IT Services
Technology and AI are moving quickly, but for many associations the real challenge is not knowing that change is coming — it is knowing what to do with it. Beyond the headlines, organisations need practical, secure and realistic ways to use technology that support their people, improve productivity, protect data, and strengthen the way they operate. In this session, Daniel Watson will bring a grounded, real-world perspective on technology, AI, cybersecurity and cloud capability, helping association leaders think clearly about what matters, what to prioritise, and how to make smarter technology decisions without getting caught up in the hype.
About Daniel
Daniel Watson is the Managing Director and Owner of Vertech IT Services, a business he has led since 2010. His areas of focus include building a best-in-class managed services and security provider, advising organisations on security and regulatory compliance, and supporting clients with scalable, resilient cloud solutions.
Daniel enjoys working directly with clients to develop creative IT strategies that make a practical difference to their organisation. He is also instrumental in shaping Vertech’s growth strategy and supporting his team to deliver strong, reliable and future-focused solutions for clients.
Outside of work, Daniel is married with two teenage children and is actively involved in the community. He volunteers as a Watch Assistant with the Spirit of Adventure Trust, is a leader in his local Sea Scouts Troop, and has served as a Sergeant with the Royal New Zealand Engineers Army Reserve
One of the hardest parts of association leadership is managing the many different voices around the table. Members may share a common sector, but they do not always share the same priorities, pressures, politics or commercial realities. In a strong association, those differences need to be heard, understood and managed — without losing sight of the bigger picture.
In this practical and honest session, Sirma Karapeeva will explore what it takes to lead in a complex membership environment, where advocacy, influence and sector credibility depend on bringing diverse views together and turning them into a clear, constructive voice. Drawing on her experience as Chief Executive of the Meat Industry Association of New Zealand, and her background in trade, policy and regulation, Sirma will share insights into stakeholder management, member alignment, government engagement, and leading through competing interests.
About Sirma
Sirma Karapeeva is a highly experienced association leader, director and trade policy specialist. She was Chief Executive Officer of the Meat Industry Association of New Zealand from 2020 to 2026, following five years as the Association’s Trade and Economic Manager.
Sirma has deep experience working across complex policy, regulatory and advocacy environments. Before joining the Meat Industry Association, she held senior policy roles with the Ministry for Primary Industries and the Ministry of Economic Development, where she worked on international trade negotiations, regulatory cooperation, technical barriers to trade, market access and standards.
Throughout her career, Sirma has represented New Zealand’s interests in international forums and worked closely with domestic and international stakeholders. She brings strong strategic thinking, policy expertise and practical leadership experience to the challenge of managing different voices, building consensus, and ensuring associations remain credible, focused and effective.
Associations are often at their best when others do not see the work being done. They set standards, build capability, connect sectors, support professional development, represent member interests, inform policy, respond in times of pressure, and help industries and professions move forward. But what would happen if associations were not there?
This panel will explore the real contribution associations make to New Zealand — not just to members, but to business, communities, government, the economy and society more broadly. The discussion will look at the often unseen work of associations, the risks if that work is undervalued, and why the association model still matters in a changing and increasingly fragmented world.
This will be a timely conversation about visibility, relevance, influence and impact — and a reminder that associations do not just serve sectors; they help hold sectors together.
In a world of AI, noise, declining trust and increasing disconnection, the most valuable thing any leader or organisation can build is a clear and trusted human identity. For associations, this matters more than ever. Members are looking for organisations that are relevant, visible, credible and genuinely connected to the people they serve.
In this keynote, Scott Wright will challenge association leaders to think differently about trust, value and human connection. Drawing on his work around HI — Human Identity — Scott will explore how leaders, teams and organisations can stand out in a crowded environment, build stronger relationships, and create greater impact by being more deliberate about who they are, how they show up, and the value they bring. This is a timely and energising session about the human advantage in an increasingly automated world.
About Scott
Scott Wright, known as “The HI Guy”, is a Human Identity Strategist and Founder of The HI Co. Through keynote speaking, workshops and consulting, Scott helps individuals, teams, brands and organisations define, curate and bring to life their HI — Human Identity. His work focuses on helping people and organisations become more trusted, more valuable and more human in a world shaped by AI, declining trust and increasing disconnection.
Scott’s approach combines energy, clarity and practical challenge. He encourages leaders to be braver, bolder and more deliberate about how they show up, connect and create impact. His message is especially relevant for associations, where trust, relationships, credibility and human connection sit at the heart of long-term relevance and influence.
Conference Dinner and NZSAE Associations Matter Awards
Join us for the Associations Matter Conference Dinner and the inaugural NZSAE Associations Matter Awards — an evening of connection, celebration and recognition across the association sector.
The evening will begin at 6:30 pm with cocktails, drinks and networking in the exhibition hall, giving delegates, exhibitors, partners and sponsors time to connect in a relaxed setting before dinner. The reception will include live cooking stations and substantial entrée-style food, creating a warm and social start to the evening.
At 7:15 pm, guests will move through to the Conference and Awards Dinner. The dinner will bring a classic and elegant atmosphere to the night, while still keeping the focus where it belongs — on people, achievement and community.
A key part of the evening will be the presentation of the NZSAE Associations Matter Awards, recognising excellence and leadership across four categories:
Association Leader of the Year
Emerging Leader Award
Excellence in Member Engagement
Association Impact Award
Each award will acknowledge the people and organisations making a meaningful contribution to the association sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. Winners will be recognised on stage, with a short conversation highlighting their work, impact and lessons for the wider sector.
NZSAE gratefully acknowledges the support of our Awards sponsors and conference partners, whose contribution helps make this evening possible and supports the celebration of excellence within the association community.
This will be a special night for the sector — a chance to celebrate achievement, strengthen connections, and recognise the people and organisations helping associations matter.
Arrive early, this is a great opportunity to meet our exhibitors, reconnect with colleagues you may not have seen for a few months, and introduce yourself to new people from across the association community.
We may even have sausage rolls
Has a member ever resigned and said: “Oh, I just didn’t see the value.” It’s infuriating. You’re working incredibly hard and offering lots of value - but members don’t feel it. In a tight economy, members are scrutinising every line item on their budget. Promises like “networking” and “advocacy” and “learning” simply aren’t enough to keep members engaged and renewing, year after year. So, what are we to do?
In this energising and practical session, strategic advisor Paul McGregor will help you identify the Value Gaps in your association - and how to close them. Expect a candid, energising start to the day, with practical thinking you can take straight back to your board and teams. Three delegate outcomes
About Paul
Paul McGregor is a strategic advisor, speaker and MC working with membership associations, industry groups and professional bodies across New Zealand and Australia. He’s the author of The Question Effect and The Value Proposition Playbook for Associations. He’s passionate about strengthening associations by getting boards and leadership teams aligned around a compelling value proposition. You can connect with Paul at www.paulmcgregor.co.nz and linkedin.com/in/paulrmcgregor
Stream A
Leading a Small Association: 1–3 FTE
Facilitated CEO conversation
Leading a small association often means being close to everything — members, finances, events, governance, communications, advocacy and delivery. With limited staff and resources, small association leaders are constantly making decisions about what matters most, what can wait, and what simply cannot be done.
This stream is designed for leaders of smaller associations who want an honest and practical conversation with peers facing similar realities. The discussion will explore workload, priorities, board expectations, member service, financial pressure, systems, outsourcing, and the challenge of staying strategic when so much of the role is hands-on.
Stream B
Leading a Larger Association: 4+ FTE
Facilitated CEO conversation
Larger associations may have more staff and infrastructure, but they also face greater complexity. Leading at this scale brings challenges around team leadership, internal communication, organisational structure, culture, governance, stakeholder management, financial sustainability and keeping the organisation aligned behind a clear strategy.
This stream is designed for leaders of larger associations who want to explore the realities of leading through others while still staying connected to members, boards and sector priorities. The conversation will focus on delegation, leadership capacity, performance, systems, decision-making, role clarity and the challenge of maintaining momentum across a growing organisation.
About the streams
Whether you lead a small association or a larger organisation, the role is demanding, complex and often lonely. These two streams recognise that association leadership is not one-size-fits-all. The pressure points are different depending on the size, structure and maturity of the organisation.
Both sessions will be practical, open and peer-led, giving delegates the opportunity to share what is working, talk honestly about what is difficult, and take away ideas from others who understand the realities of leading an association.
Stream C
Building Influence Without the Title: How Influence Really Works in Associations
In associations, influence rarely comes from job titles alone. Progress depends on people who can build trust, communicate clearly, manage competing interests, and create momentum across boards, members, staff, volunteers, partners and government.
This session explores how influence works in real association environments — especially when authority is shared and relationships matter. Through three short perspectives and a facilitated panel conversation, speakers will share practical lessons on building credibility, managing stakeholders, influencing decisions and getting things done.
The session will look at three forms of influence:
Operational influence
How credibility, communication and consistent delivery help move work forward across teams, members, boards, sponsors and volunteers.
People influence
How trust, judgement and clear communication shape outcomes during difficult conversations, change, conflict and organisational pressure.
External influence
How associations build influence with government, industry and stakeholders through credibility, relationships and long-term engagement.
Designed for managers, advisors, coordinators, operational leaders, communications and engagement professionals, and anyone helping move an association forward from the middle of the organisation.
Back by popular demand, The Situation Room returns for Associations Matter 2026.
Delegates will be placed at the centre of a realistic association scenario and asked to work through the issue as it unfolds. There will be incomplete information, competing priorities, difficult judgement calls, and a few surprise elements along the way.
This is not a presentation. It is a practical, interactive session designed to test how association leaders think under pressure, work with others, assess risk, make decisions, and communicate when the facts are still emerging.
The scenario will be based on a real-world association challenge — the kind of issue that could affect governance, finance, operations, members, reputation or leadership. Working together, delegates will need to decide what matters most, what questions to ask, who needs to be involved, and what action should be taken.
Following the scenario, the session will move into a short expert debrief, drawing out the key lessons, warning signs and practical takeaways for association leaders and boards.
Expect discussion, pressure, curveballs and plenty of practical learning.
Stream A
Partnership, Sponsorship and Non-Dues Revenue: Part 1
Building the Right Commercial Foundations
Kayne Franich, Membership Services Manager, Property Council New Zealand
Non-dues revenue is an important part of financial sustainability for many associations, but strong commercial income does not happen by accident. It requires a clear understanding of the organisation’s value, the audience it can connect partners with, and the difference between selling sponsorship space and building meaningful partnerships.
In Part 1 of this practical stream, Kayne Franich will explore the foundations of partnership, sponsorship and non-dues revenue. The session will look at how associations can identify commercial opportunities, understand what partners are really looking for, and structure offerings that create value for the association, the partner and the membership.
This session is designed for association leaders and staff who want to think more deliberately about commercial revenue, without losing sight of member trust, organisational purpose and long-term relationships.
Stream B
Three Sectors. One Reality. Not Everyone Likes Change — Especially When They Didn’t Suggest It
Mumtaz Parker, Head of Corporate Services, Water New Zealand
Change is now a constant for associations and the sectors they serve. Whether the pressure comes from government reform, workforce shortages, regulation, technology, funding, member expectations or public trust, leaders are being asked to guide people through uncertainty while still delivering value and momentum.
In this session, Mumtaz Parker will explore the human side of change — why people resist it, what happens when change is done to people rather than with them, and how leaders can build the trust, capacity and resilience needed to move forward. Drawing on her experience across education, health and the water sector, Mumtaz will share practical lessons on leading through complexity, supporting people through transition, and keeping organisations focused when the ground keeps shifting.
About Mumtaz
Mumtaz Parker is Head of Corporate Services at Water New Zealand, where she provides strategic, operational and leadership oversight across corporate services and membership functions. She brings more than 20 years’ senior leadership experience across education, health and the water sector, with a strong focus on people, operations, change and organisational impact.
Mumtaz holds an MBA, a Master’s in Professional Practice – Leadership, and is a Chartered Manager. She is also the author of Betting on a Hijabi, a personal story of leadership, resilience, identity and visibility in Aotearoa New Zealand. Her leadership approach is grounded in empathy, courage and clarity, with a particular interest in helping people and organisations navigate change in a way that builds trust rather than erodes it..
Stream A
Partnership, Sponsorship and Non-Dues Revenue: Part 2
Turning Commercial Ideas Into Action
Kayne Franich, Membership Services Manager, Property Council New Zealand
Part 2 will build on the first session and focus on practical application. Delegates will explore how to turn partnership and sponsorship ideas into clear offers, stronger conversations and realistic revenue opportunities.
This session will look at what makes an offer compelling, how to price and package opportunities, how to approach potential partners, and how to manage the relationship once an agreement is in place. It will also consider the common mistakes associations make when trying to grow non-dues revenue — including undervaluing their audience, overcomplicating packages, or treating partnerships as one-off transactions.
Together, the two sessions will give delegates a practical framework for building more sustainable commercial income while protecting the credibility and purpose of the association.
Stream B
Volunteering, Capacity and the Hidden Price of Over-Commitment
Henry Cassin, Engineering New Zealand
Volunteers are at the heart of many associations, but goodwill alone is not a sustainable operating model. As expectations grow and capacity tightens, associations need to be honest about what they ask of volunteers, what support is needed, and what happens when committed people are stretched too far.
In this practical session, Henry Cassin will explore the realities of volunteer engagement, capacity and over-commitment in an association environment. The session will look at how organisations can better support volunteer networks, set clearer expectations, avoid burnout, and create structures that make volunteering more effective, rewarding and sustainable.
This is a timely conversation for any association relying on committees, branches, working groups, technical groups, regional networks or member volunteers to help deliver value.
About Henry
Henry Cassin is Engagement Manager, Technical Groups at Engineering New Zealand. In this role, he works across a national network of specialist groups, supporting engagement, connection and activity within a complex member and volunteer environment.
Henry brings practical experience in working with volunteers, technical communities and member-led networks. His perspective is grounded in the realities of helping volunteers contribute meaningfully while managing capacity, expectations and the pressure that often sits behind association delivery.
Cam Calkoen brings a powerful and uplifting message about possibility, belief and the choice to back ourselves. Born with cerebral palsy, Cam was told that walking and talking would be his greatest challenges. Instead, he chose to push beyond the expectations placed on him — becoming an athletic gold medallist, international speaker, social entrepreneur and advocate for dreaming big and achieving more.
In this keynote, Cam will challenge delegates to think differently about limits, opportunity and what it means to lead with confidence. His message is not just about overcoming adversity; it is about embracing what makes each of us unique, choosing courage over hesitation, and creating the conditions for ourselves and others to exceed expectations.
For association leaders, this is a timely reminder that our work is ultimately about people — their potential, their confidence, their contribution and their ability to achieve more than they may first believe possible.
About Cam
Cam Calkoen is an award-winning Certified Professional Speaker, inspirational speaker, social entrepreneur, charitable fundraiser and athletic gold medallist. Born with cerebral palsy, Cam chose not to be defined by the expectations others placed on him. Instead, he embraced his own version of “awesome” and built a life and career around helping others do the same.
Cam’s message has reached audiences around the world, inspiring people to dream bigger, embrace opportunity and exceed expectations. His work is grounded in lived experience, humour, courage and a genuine belief that people are capable of more than they often realise.
Through his keynote presentations, Cam encourages audiences to challenge assumptions, build belief, and take practical steps towards the future they want to create.
Join us for the Associations Matter Conference Dinner and the inaugural NZSAE Associations Matter Awards — an evening of connection, celebration and recognition across the association sector.
Held at the Lower Hutt Events Centre
The evening will begin at 6:30 pm with cocktails, drinks and networking in the exhibition hall, giving delegates, exhibitors, partners and sponsors time to connect in a relaxed setting before dinner. The reception will include live cooking stations and substantial entrée-style food, creating a warm and social start to the evening.
At 7:15 pm, guests will move through to the Conference and Awards Dinner. The dinner will bring a classic and elegant atmosphere to the night, while still keeping the focus where it belongs — on people, achievement and community.
A key part of the evening will be the presentation of the NZSAE Associations Matter Awards, recognising excellence and leadership across four categories:
Association Leader of the Year
Emerging Leader Award
Excellence in Member Engagement
Association Impact Award
Each award will acknowledge the people and organisations making a meaningful contribution to the association sector in Aotearoa New Zealand. Winners will be recognised on stage, with a short conversation highlighting their work, impact and lessons for the wider sector.
NZSAE gratefully acknowledges the support of our Awards sponsors and conference partners, whose contribution helps make this evening possible and supports the celebration of excellence within the association community.
This will be a special night for the sector — a chance to celebrate achievement, strengthen connections, and recognise the people and organisations helping associations matter.
Your conference registration includes your ticket to the NZSAE Associations Matter Awards Dinner.
The exhibition at the NZSAE Associations Matter Conference & Exhibition 2026 brings together a strong mix of organisations that work with, support, and supply New Zealand’s association sector.
This is not a separate trade show sitting on the side of the conference. The exhibition is part of the full delegate experience — a place to meet people, explore ideas, ask questions, and discover practical solutions that may help your organisation.
Across the two days, delegates will have the opportunity to connect with suppliers, venues, destinations, technology providers, professional service firms, event specialists and other organisations that understand the association environment.
Whether you are reviewing systems, planning future events, looking at member engagement tools, considering new partnerships, or simply wanting to see what support is available, the exhibition gives you direct access to people who work with associations every day.
Networking breaks and catering will take place within the exhibition area, creating a natural space for conversation between delegates, exhibitors, speakers and partners.
Lower Hutt Events Centre is a modern, purpose-built venue in the heart of Hutt Central, designed for conferences, meetings, exhibitions and large events. With flexible spaces and an experienced team on site, it’s set up to make arrivals easy, sessions run smoothly, and the delegate experience feel professional from start to finish.
Located beside the beautiful Riddiford Garden, the venue offers a genuine sense of space and calm between sessions — making it an ideal setting for both focused learning and relaxed networking.
For Wellington-based delegates, the trip is genuinely straightforward. The Centre is around a 20-minute drive from central Wellington, and public transport is simple as well — including direct rail services to Lower Hutt and an easy walk from the interchange. This means you can attend for a single day or both days without turning it into a major travel mission.
For those travelling from around the country, Lower Hutt provides an easy and practical base within the Wellington region — close enough to Wellington Airport and the CBD to keep logistics simple, while offering nearby accommodation, dining and amenities.
The Sebel Wellington Lower Hutt
We are pleased to offer NZSAE delegates a preferred accommodation discount of 12% off the best flexible rate at The Sebel Wellington Lower Hutt for the Associations Matter Conference.
The Sebel Lower Hutt sits alongside Te Awa Kairangi – The Hutt River, in close proximity to the Lower Hutt city centre, Queensgate Mall and the civic precinct.
The hotel offers fully serviced studio and one-bedroom apartments, suitable for both business and leisure travellers, with views across the river and nearby Riddiford Gardens.
Accommodation for Conference Delegates
The hotel is located approximately 260 metres from the Lower Hutt Events Centre, making it an easy walk to and from the conference venue.
The Angus Hotel
Quality Hotel The Angus provides comfortable Lower Hutt accommodation with 75 well-appointed studio rooms, along with an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness centre and conference facilities.
The hotel is located approximately 650 metres from the Lower Hutt Events Centre, making it a convenient option for conference delegates who prefer to stay close to the venue.
While no specific conference rate has been arranged with the hotel, delegates are welcome to book directly with the property.
Contact the Hotel
Phone: 04 560 1100 or 0800 800 469
Email: reception@theangus.co.nz
