Since the creation of Dubai Association Centre (DAC) back in 2013, the vision was to add life to the bustling economy and community of the UAE and the wider region. In this lively discussion, you will hear directly from the DAC founders, their vision for associations now and for many years to come.

Associations have the potential to make great contributions to their country’s economy, competitiveness, and quality of life. Review how associations around the world are making important contributions to their respective societies. Learn about practices that distinguish the leading associations and provide benchmarks for other associations. Review research on successful practices in areas vital to association sustainability and success.

Many of the discussions revolving around the future focus on government reforms and business disruptions. What do associations bring to the table? And how are they planning for a time where technology will be the native language? If collaboration is the way forward, can associations and governments work together towards this uncharted territory?

The intersection of technology, mergers and acquisitions, multiple generations, social media, a global workplace and the empowered consumer are having a profound impact on the business events industry. How are you harnessing digital disruption within your association and building a digital-first business model? How can you utilize data to enhance partnerships and alliances? In this session you will engage in meaningful dialogue on maximizing digital capabilities within your organization.

Learner Outcomes

• Determine how digital disruption is impacting your organization
• Identify how a data-driven mindset can enhance your organization’s objectives
• Assess changes you must make in your business models to be more adaptable in the future

In an interactive session, two government entities with unique goals will join us and talk about super kids and how they matter to them and why embedding the upcoming generation in their long-term strategy is the only way forward. Joined by two unique children who are aiming for the stars this session includes a live discussion where the next generation is the center of discussion.

In today’s experience-driven world, engaging and motivating your membership is essential. Join us as we look at the power of simplicity and distill your organization’s purpose into a single concept that can be easily remembered and applied. Together we’ll explore how changing values are driving new member behaviours. Then we’ll look at passion and leverage our discoveries to help create your organization’s voice. Finally, we’ll develop a picture of the future that will draw members into galvanizing action.

After this session delegates will be able to:

–  Articulate the importance of connecting experiences to your organization’s values and purpose

– Apply a design thinking model creatively solve for your organization’s complex problems

– Summarize your findings in a clean and simple organizational strategic framework

Association-led events can be a significant catalyst for change, elevating the host’s global stature and turbocharging its economic, knowledge, and social development. This session will take a close look at the challenges of pursuing and hosting an association’s event, and offers practical and proven insights to help cities and countries capture and host a successful event that delivers a legacy of positive and lasting change.

Associations need smart structures and rules to operate effectively – followed by excellent services and events to win the hearts and minds of members. This interactive session with 8 practical ideas will consider:

• The role of boards, staff and members in governance
• Why you need straightforward plans and good employees
• Making surpluses and keeping enough money
• How to gain, keep and impress members
• Wonderful member services, networking and events

This session will be informative and engaging allowing for interaction between delegates and panel.

Delegates will receive a quick briefing on the feedback obtained from the Future Zone (Water Cooler Networking Area).

In today’s globalizing world, a significant part of the revenue of many international and regional associations comes from their overseas membership and customer base. Better serving their overseas members, providing value and building engagement abroad are becoming strategic priorities. Associations with global ambitions however, are often challenged in the way they operate when they transition into new markets.

Find out how leading associations have successfully customized their business model and established win-win partnerships to facilitate the implementation of their global expansion strategy and plans.

This session is powered by the Global Association Hubs Partnership (GAHP).

Enjoy a breathtaking evening at Layali – Madinat Jumeirah under Dubai’s skyline, overlooking the famous Burj Al Arab with a tantalizingly diverse cuisine, which promises to surprise your taste buds accompanied with live entertainment.

We will get the morning going with a summary of memorable points from the first day’s sessions – and an overview of the second day.

Delegates will receive a quick briefing on the feedback obtained from the Community Area (Water Cooler Networking Area).

Ideally, everyone would know their true calling early in life and find happiness in their work, but it often doesn’t work that way. Do you see your career as a set of stepping stones, not a linear path? You keep reading about all these new opportunities, but don’t understand them, and you are afraid of being left behind. Learn from the experts on how planning your career and achieving progressive learning through certification can be a game changer in your professional development.

Delegates will receive a quick briefing on the feedback obtained from the Development Platform (Water Cooler Networking Area).

Active volunteer leaders and committee members underpin the success of long-established, western associations. However, in the world of online engagement, there are no geographic boundaries, and instant access to knowledge is prevalent, how do associations still manage to engage and successfully work with active volunteer leaders?

This session will identify common factors for successful volunteer engagement and highlight tactics to overcome barriers. Learn how local associations or local components of global associations have been successful and what initiatives have worked in promoting volunteerism across the generations.

Moving forward, how do associations follow up and obtain the resources that they need?  How can associations share their successes and discuss their challenges with other association executives?  What resources are available locally and globally that will assist associations to take advantage of past experience and leapfrog to success?  Drawn from leading organizations around the world, this session will focus on resources and opportunities available to associations as they move forward.

Summing up Dubai Association Conference 2017