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Invitation by the team of the Union of International Associations, UIA
Brussels. "We all know, as association representatives, that we have so much in common - collecting and spreading information, organising events, serving and recruiting members - our activities are similar although our missions vary. By learning together, sharing our knowledge and experience with each other, we can enhance our work and our lives, and face our concerns with confidence", says Jacques de Mévius, Secretary-General of UIA. "The 2012 Round Table of UIA has a programme filled with topics of immediate relevance to associations and all involved with them. Our past events have already proved to be a fine source of inspiration, drawing together people who know that the world of associations appreciates change and challenge", says Jacques de Mévius, Secretary-General of UIA: We invite you to contact UIA for registration soon, as places are filling fast!"
On Monday 12 November, the 2012 UIA Round Table will be held at the Brussels Marriott Hotel. The two training sessions in the morning will each offer a choice of the same six highly appropriate subjects, in six parallel groups. Participants will therefore have the chance to select two topics, one before and one after the 'Marketplace' refreshment break.
Six super subjects
1 Social media are all around us, and we are aware of their impact: Jonas Eriksson of AwareHouse will facilitate a session on using their benefits to promote associations' effectiveness.
2 At a time when everyone is thinking twice about any new move, Terrance Barkan of Globalstrat will advise on strategies to enlarge your association and find new members for it, developing its approach and appeal.
3 Cooperation between commercial and non-profit sectors and its use for synergy is the concept to be investigated by Bernard Miche of Finergie, financial specialist.
4 Communication, we are constantly told, is essential, and Tim Casswell of Creative Connection will explore this topic, consider unintended consequences (an aspect rarely tackled!) and how one can make the 'art of change' into an asset.
5 Solutions to the issues of sustainability and the surprisingly good return on investment which can result are the field of expertise of Marilyn Mehlmann, Global Action Plan International, and she will share her passion and experience.
6 Written minutes can be correct but dull: visual minutes as a colourful record of a meeting are lively and memorable, improving listening skills and identifying themes and trends; Vicky Long of Creative Connection can tell us how to produce inspiring illustrated reports.
Cities welcome associations
After a 'Brusselicious' lunch, ideal for networking, making and renewing acquaintances, a panel of speakers from three top cities will address the power of international associations. Representatives of the tourist boards of Brussels, Washington DC and Singapore will highlight aspects of the relationship of cities with associations and why these cities welcome both the establishment of organisations' headquarters and holding their congresses and meetings. Marcel Vissers of Headquarters Magazine will bring to bear his lengthy experience of association life across the world in moderating this panel discussion,.
The Union of International Associations has been collecting information on international organisations and meetings for more than a century in its extraordinary Yearbook, and making this vast database available for many purposes to the advantage of civil society. "'The Round Table is planned for the benefit of the community of associations. We encourage you to join us and take advantage of this excellent opportunity", says the Secretary-General.
Details are on the UIA web site.
Looking forward to seeing you in Brussels!