Memcom Conference 2025

Join us for an inspiring keynote session with Ben Brown, one of the BBC’s most respected and recognisable news presenters. With a career spanning more than three decades, Ben has reported from the frontlines of some of the most significant global events of our time – including from Ukraine, Russia, and Afghanistan – before becoming a familiar face on British television as a BBC News presenter.

In this session, Ben will share powerful and often moving stories from his international reporting career, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to cover conflict, political unrest and humanitarian crises in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Drawing on these experiences, he will reflect on the current global political landscape and the increasingly urgent role of journalism in making sense of it all.

Ben will also explore the critical importance of democracy and a free press, and the growing challenges of ensuring accurate, trustworthy information in an age dominated by disinformation, misinformation, and the rapid pace of social media.

The session will conclude with an extended Q&A segment – with at least 20 minutes reserved – as Ben is especially keen to engage directly with delegates and hear your thoughts, questions, and perspectives.

This is a rare opportunity to hear firsthand from a journalist who has spent his career witnessing history unfold – and who continues to play a key role in how it is reported and understood.

Building on the insights shared by BBC News presenter Ben Brown in the keynote session, this panel brings together representative voices from across the professional body sector to reflect on what his experiences and observations mean for the future of our organisations and the wider world we operate in.

This session will explore how the challenges and themes raised – from the global political climate and the role of trusted information, to the importance of democratic values – intersect with the work of professional bodies and their members.

Join us for a thought-provoking session on how professional bodies can continue to grow, adapt and lead in an increasingly uncertain environment.

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, innovation is no longer just a nice-to-have - it’s a necessity for survival. But to innovate, organisations must first ask themselves: what old habits, processes, or practices are holding us back? In this high-impact seminar, we’ll explore the critical question: What should we stop doing to create the space and culture for true innovation? Key topics to be discussed include:

• Identifying and breaking free from outdated practices and mindsets that stifle innovation.
• How to eliminate inefficiencies, redundant processes, and legacy systems that hinder progress.
• The importance of cultivating a culture that embraces change and rewards experimentation.
• Balancing the need for stability with the drive for change.

In a challenging economic climate, organisations face tough decisions about prioritising resources. As budgets tighten, are ethics-based initiatives - such as Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) programmes and sustainability efforts - at risk of being sidelined? Or can doing the right thing still align with financial viability? This thought-provoking seminar will explore:

• The business case for maintaining EDI and sustainability initiatives, even during economic pressures.
• Strategies for integrating ethical priorities into organisational goals without compromising the bottom line.
• How to measure and communicate the value of these programmes to stakeholders. 

Is it time to go fully digital, strike a hybrid balance, or double down on print as a growth tool?

In today’s digital-first world, traditional broadcasting methods are no longer enough to capture attention or build meaningful relationships with members. Membership organisations must evolve to foster trust, leverage data-driven communication strategies, and engage authentically with emerging generations -especially Gen Z, whose values and behaviors are reshaping the market. This session is being lead by some Gen Zs working in the membership sector now. 

As the membership sector continues to evolve, it’s crucial to understand the trends and innovations that will shape its future. What will membership organisations look like in 2035? What changes will redefine member engagement, value propositions, and operational models over the next decade? In this thought-provoking closing plenary, industry experts, futurists, and thought leaders will offer their perspectives.

Finsbury 1&2

Exploring strategies for strengthening membership organisations through recruiting, engaging and managing high-level volunteers

Expanding into international markets offers exciting growth potential but comes with its own set of complexities, from cultural nuances and legal frameworks to ethical considerations and competitive landscapes. How can organisations collaborate effectively to capitalise on global opportunities while navigating these challenges?

An opportunity for Memcom CEO Network members to meet live and in-person!

Membership sector experts HaysMac will answer anything you need to know on all things finance, pension, tax, audit, budgets and much, much more. A return performance for one of our most highly attended sessions.

As the world of work evolves at an unprecedented pace, all organisations must adapt to stay competitive. Identifying the skills of tomorrow, attracting and managing emerging talent, and understanding the transformative impact of AI are critical to building a future-ready workforce.

Recognising that there are finite resources - what should we stop doing in order to innovate, and how do we sell that to the Board?

Navigating the complexities of a digital transformation project can be daunting, with challenges ranging from stakeholder buy-in to managing timelines and budgets. Join our experts in this practical and engaging seminar as they share their proven strategies for managing digital transformation projects with minimal stress.

In this last 'Ask the Expert' session of this conference we will be talking about the affordable pieces of AI software and platforms that can deliver time and cost savings, with minimal investment.