learning circle
Events

Communication Strategies Across Channels

Engagement, Events and Experience Learning Circle

Association communications have become increasingly complex. Members are receiving more information, across more channels, while expecting communications to be relevant, timely and easy to engage with.

This Learning Circle explores how associations can communicate more effectively across the different channels they use — from email and websites to social media, events, newsletters and direct member communications.

Rather than simply adding more communication, the focus is on being clearer, more consistent and more strategic about what we say, where we say it and how we reach different audiences.

Through practical examples and peer discussion, we will look at what is working across associations, where communication can become fragmented, and how to build a more connected approach across channels.

What you will take away

By the end of this Learning Circle, you should have practical ideas to help you:

  • choose the right channel for the right message and audience

  • create greater consistency across your association’s communications

  • strengthen engagement without simply increasing communication volume

  • better connect communications across membership, events, professional development and other activities

  • identify where your current communication approach could be simplified or improved

  • learn from approaches being used by other associations

Featured Speaker

Topic: Communication Strategies Across Channels

Speaker: Angela Paul, Conference Comms


Think differently about your annual conference

Rather than just ‘rinse and repeat’ let’s talk about how you can turn your conference into a content gathering machine that adds value long after the event finishes.It takes time and effort to run a conference, but what do you have to show for it at the end? What do your sponsors and exhibitors have to show for their investment? How can you make the most out of these important but, let’s face it, expensive face-to-face events?

In this session, PR and communications specialist Angela Paul APR, FPRINZ shares fresh approaches for keeping your members engaged and your exhibitors happy for weeks after your conference closes.

The session will begin with practical insights and examples from Angela, followed by an off-the-record conversation where participants can explore the topic, share experiences and discuss what could work within their own association.


How the Learning Circle works

NZSAE Learning Circles are small-group professional development sessions created specifically for people working in associations and membership organisations.

Most sessions begin with approximately 30 minutes of expert insight before moving into facilitated peer kōrero. This is where much of the value of the Learning Circle comes from — hearing what colleagues are experiencing, asking questions, comparing approaches and learning from one another.


Learning Circles are designed to be:

  • Practical — focused on issues you are dealing with now

  • Peer-led — drawing on the experience of the association community

  • Interactive — conversation rather than another webinar

  • Applicable — with ideas you can take back and use within your organisation

This Circle sits within: Engagement, Events & Experience

This domain looks at how associations create meaningful experiences and connections for members, stakeholders and partners.

Topics within the domain include:

  • brand and communications

  • member and stakeholder communications

  • conference and event design

  • sponsorship and partner engagement

  • professional development

  • audience experience and engagement

The five Learning Circle domains

NZSAE Learning Circles rotate across five core areas of association management:

  • Member Engagement — Recruitment, onboarding, retention and member experience

  • Digital Tools & Technology — AI, CRM, analytics, data and digital tools

  • Engagement, Events & Experience — Brand, communications, conferences, sponsorship and professional development

  • Finance, Risk & Operations — Budgeting, compliance, systems, governance and organisational operations

  • Leadership & Strategy — Board dynamics, strategic planning, people, leadership and sector positioning

Together, the five domains provide association professionals with broad exposure to the skills, knowledge and practical issues involved in running successful membership organisations.

Online meeting

This session will be delivered via Zoom. Registered attendees will receive the meeting link in their confirmation email and reminder communications before the event.