http://www.bsae.be

Promoting theBelgian Society of

Association Executives

Marc MestdaghCoordinator BSAE

(V4.0 – 1/12/2013)

http://www.bsae.be

Associations are

“Associations are the hidden glue of our society and economy. Like the mortar that holds the bricks of a building in place, associations go largely unnoticed, yet they do much to hold the entire structure together. As such, associations cannot settle for being only good, they must work toward greatness.”

(7 Measures of Success, What do Remarkable Associations do that others don’t, ASEA, 2006)

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In Belgium

Association management is largely unknownAssociation professional is not really a jobAssociation management services (e.g. provided

by AMC’s) are scarcely available Association’s staff are in general small (except

for the big multisectoral organizations)Associations are not recognized to be that

important as such…

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Nevertheless

There are approx. 700 Belgian trade and professional associations

Providing jobs to approx. 3000 FTE

[Note: in Brussels –the EU-capital there are approx. 2000 EU/INT associations/delegations with 10.000 FTE active, along with 15.000 lobbyists]

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But…

We live in challenging times, and associations can play an important role, despite of:

• The overall complexity of our society• The information overload and the huge impact

of the internet (e.g. social media)• The increasing number of stakeholders

(including competition, self-organization, light groups)

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Associations have to adapt

Old school thinking leads to protectionism, immobility and vulnerability

“Professionals see the World through a lens created by other members of their profession” (C.Shirky)

Associations have to OPEN up, embracing the new socio-economic dynamics, working towards a sustainable, humanized society !

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We need

Professional associations led and staffed by remarkable association managers

• Well-educated, always learning (CPD)• Flexible, creative, hyperconnected• Skilled coordinator, transparant

communicator, capable thought leader

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We therefore started

The Belgian Society of Association Executives, with a simple mission statement:

Empowering association executives

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Our main objectives are to

• Empower association managers to turn them into respected ‘captains of associations’ through networking, knowledge-sharing and education

• Enhance the professionalism and sustainability of the associations they work in

• Emphasize the economic and social importance of professional societies and trade organizations for society as a whole

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By means of (amongst others)

• BSAE meet-ups with members (knowledge sharing events, with high-level speakers)

• Annual BSAE-congress• Outreach to other societies (ASAE, ESAE, VPN,

…)• Sectorlink Magazine: print/electronic

newsletter for the BSAE-members

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Contact me

Marc Mestdagh, Coordinator+32 (9) 233 48 66marc@bsae.beBSAE vzwKortrijksesteenweg 1007B-9000 GENT (BELGIUM)

http://www.bsae.be

Associations embracing a long term sustainable and social future need awesome association managers