by Nancy Carfrae and Clara Fernández López, Union of International Associations, UIA Singapore. For over 100 years the UIA has been working to promote and facilitate the work of international associations. Since 2007 the UIA Associations Round Tables held in Europe have given associations an opportunity to learn through networking and through practice. This year, for the first time, the UIA Associations Round Table has come to Asia from 23 to 24 October 2013. Representatives from international associations – professional societies, service organizations, interest groups, charities, and all other types, and active in all fields of human endeavour – have met at the inaugural UIA Round Table - Asia, held at the Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre in Singapore. During these two days of the Round Table - Asia, association delegates have met, networked, enjoyed and learned together with other international association representatives. The participants have shared experience and knowledge with colleagues from all over the world, have profited from the training provided by senior leaders, and have gained practical skills and tools. Followed by thought-provoking discussions, renowned professionals have presented their experience on several topics, current and crucial for the associations world: “Ensuring value for your members” by Greta Kotler from ASAE, “What does Generation Y want from your association?” by Rob Davidson from the London Centre for Events Management, University of Greenwich, “Making a sincere commitment to bettering society” by Patrizia Semprebene Buongiorno from FIMAC. Cyril Ritchie, Vice-president of UIA, was a keynote speaker about “The role of international associations in the world” and Dorjee Sun, Director and Founder of the Carbon Conservation Group offered a keynote presentation on the topic “Innovation and Creativity”. Participants very much enjoyed the pros and cons presented during the closing panel discussion “Making the switch: manage your association and your events yourself, or work with professionals?” moderated by Greta Kotler and with a total of six panelists coming from international associations and from PCO companies. The breaks, dinner and lunch, gave plenty of time to network with colleagues from other associations and other countries. Through their active participation, association representatives and speakers, UIA representatives and UIA partners in Singapore – all have contributed to make this Round Table a success for everyone! This first UIA Associations Round Table - Asia 2013 has been possible thanks to the support of the Singapore Exhibition and Convention Bureau, MP International, Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre, TravelRave 2013, and other partners. The UIA’s partners have contributed in many ways, especially in helping to keep registration fees for association representatives low, thus enabling delegates from smaller associations to attend. Thank you – and see you in Korea in 2014! | ||||||