Behind the Scenes at SMS

Julian is an incurable romantic and he recently brought me home a surprise ... an adorable moodle (maltese X miniture poodle) puppy who was born on our wedding day.

This was particularly suprising to me as I was 5 and a 1/2 months pregnant at the time. It was also a shock as, due to my tendency to adopt strays, we already had 3 dogs in the house and I was on a promise not to rescue any more until at least one had moved to the big kennel in the sky.

So when he said he was bringing home a lovely surprise I was expecting a good Thai takeaway and a back massage. Or at least a pizza and a Macgyver DVD. Perhaps that explains Julian's own suprise when he got home and I called out "Bring it up, the table is set and I'm starving!"

Julian named the puppy "Awesome" for the sole reason that he is an awesome little guy. Despite my initial misgivings at the name I have to admit that he is pretty awesome and has quickly become a much loved member of our family. He's a bright little guy. About 5 seconds after he discovered liver treats he was the easiest dog in the world to train. I particularly appreciated how quickly he took to toilet training. My next training priority is getting him to step over it afterwards.

In the office Awesome snoozes the days away on the bottom shelf of the bookcase storing his energy for a good play in the evenings. What an awesome life!

Lunch with Matt Moran @ Aria Restaurant Brisbane

Our Lunch with Matt Moran at Aria Restaurant Brisbane booked out in just 3 days with 40 executives from associations, charities, foundations and other nonprofits from around Brisbane attending. Congratulations to Rori from Queensland Alliance and Penny from AFL Queensland who each won a signed limited edition of Matt's latest cookbook. With the phenomenal success of this event we will be running similar events in Brisbane and other locations again in the near future. Stay tuned!

Get Julian's Top Sponsorship Tips at Networx Networking Function (Discount for SMS Subscribers)

Julian Moore will speaking at the Networx Networking evening on Wednesday 19 May in Brisbane. This is a great opportunity to pick up some useful sponsorship tips while at the same time expanding your networks.

You will take away practical tips, information and advice you can implement immediately to massively increase your sponsorship income.

Tickets are only $55 (inc GST) for SMS subscribers. To get the discount enter the promotional code: SMS

Tickets include pre-event attendance list, drinks and finger food, event giveaways, networking opportunities, Networx tote bag and presentations.

For full event details visit: http://networxevents.com.au/brisbane/events-tickets-networking/view/53

What a crazy year it's been. So far this year we've moved into new offices (I'm very happy as I now have a window to gaze out of), we got married and ... are we are expecting our first child together in October. So apologies for being a little quiet on the blogs. I promise this will improve now that I am back at work!

We've also been hard at work developing a range of training workshops, consultancy solutions and a couple of other useful resources to assist you and your organisation to be more successful. Stay tuned for more to come shortly!

Want to know who's been giving ... and getting ... the big sponsorship dollars?

There are a number of Australian associations and charities pulling in significant sponsorship dollars at the moment. Just this month, one state-based organisation went from less than $50,000 per annum in sponsorship to over $200,000 per annum in just one proposal - and three days.

If you would like to learn who is doing this, how they are doing it, and how you could replicate their success in your own organisation - then you should attend Sponsorship Update. This session has been designed to give you the latest information on what corporates are actively looking to invest in sponsorship and how to take advantage of these opportunities.

Sponsorship Update will run in Brisbane (May 25), Sydney (May 26), and Melbourne (May 27) from 9.30am-12.00pm. Book before May 7 and pay only $149 to attend - perhaps the best investment you will make all year. For more information or to book please visit the website or download the PDF. Alternatively you can click here to register online.

In this briefing you will learn critical information that you can apply immediately to your organisation including:

• What corporates are currently spending;
• What dollar amounts are being paid;
• Who is currently most successful ... and why;
• How to actively show your sponsor return on investment through a simple measurement process.
• Current opportunities available for proactive organisations.

This is your opportunity to benefit from the country's leading not-for-profit sponsorship professional and learn how organisations are applying the techniques Julian teaches in his Sponsorship Fundamentals workshop.

As per all our events, scholarships apply for low income organisations and those travelling by air to the event (email info@smsonline.net.au for more information about scholarship eligibility).

For more information or to book please visit the website or download the PDF. Alternatively you can click here to register online.

Job vacancy in Queensland

If you are excellent at running events, managing volunteers and growing membership ... and are interested in a new challenge ... then read on! One of my clients has an interesting position opening up in Brisbane for a branch manager. Whomever takes the role would need to be a self starter and have the ability to effectively manage relationships while running a busy office. This is a great opportunity for someone who is looking to step up in their career to a new challenge. I've worked with this organisation for a long time and would highly recommend them as an employer. If you are interested in more information please drop me a line at belinda@smsonline.net.au.

How to decimate your membership in one easy step ...

An association based in New South Wales had a new accountant who had been there for about three months and had yet to talk to a member. It was time for renewals to go out and, being conscientious, he had read the constitution where it clearly stated that "members must be given six months written notice should they wish to resign their membership". So he sent out the renewals with a bright yellow sticker attached that stated "Payment required within 7 days or legal action will be taken". Without speaking to a member he had single-handedly managed to devastate their membership numbers that year (and for several years afterwards).

Renewals are a form of direct mail ... and one that this organisation had roundly stuffed it up. This was unfortunate because direct marketing is not difficult. It is simply a matter of understanding how the different factors work together to produce a successful outcome.

Free trip to the IMEX conference in Frankfurt

After a lovely long break over Christmas we returned to immediately move offices. So it's been awhile since I've had a moment to sit down and blog - and it's good to be back!

Every year we select a group of 10 people to come with us to the IMEX conference in Frankfurt.

All flights from Australia to Frankfurt, accommodation and transfers are free to those accepted as part of the group. To be eligible you need to be involved in planning, organising or running events outside of Australia and New Zealand.

We're currently taking applications from people in Australia and New Zealand who would like to be included on the program. If you would like to apply for the association hosted buyer programme please click on this link ... 

http://www.imex-frankfurt.com/register.php?unique=4afc2460d914b&type=buyer&exc=0


Your registration includes attendance at IMEX and the Association Day and Evening on Monday 24 May (the day before the exhibition opens in Frankfurt). It also includes complimentary:

• Economy flights from Australia
• 4/5 star accommodation in Frankfurt
• Transfers airport-hotel-exhibition
• Exclusive association education programme and networking
• Hosted Buyer Lounge access
• Fast-track access to the show
• Dedicated IMEX support team
• Efficient online IMEX appointments system

To qualify for the hosted buyer programme you must be responsible for planning, organising, recommending or making financial decisions for events outside your home country.


IMEX has 3,500 exhibitors from over 150 countries who showcase new and exciting destinations and services. The association day provides you with the opportunity to network with other association people from around the world. 

If you have any questions please contact me on 0413 190 197 or belinda@smsonline.net.au.