The Memcom Annual Conference is the premier event for the membership sector, where we come together to explore the innovations, strategies, and insights shaping the future of our industry. 

 

Key Information

► Thursday 30th April 2025

► Convene, Level 2, 155 Bishopsgate, City of London, London EC2M 3YD

► Timings: 

  • Registration & breakfast - 08:30am - 09:30am
  • Conference - 09:30am - 17:00pm
  • Drinks reception & networking - 17:00pm - 20:00pm

► Ticket Prices: 

Ticket Type

Early Bird Price
(Ends 31st December 2025)

Standard Price

Memcom Members

Free

Email catherine@memcom.org.uk for details on membership

Non-Profit £229 £299
Corporate £549 £599

3 for 2 offer! Get a 3rd off when you buy 3 or more tickets - please email events@memcom.org.uk to set up 

Programme

<<Under Construction>>

Please note this programme may change

08:30am  - 09:30am - Registration & Breakfast

09:30 — 10:20
(S2) Keynote Session

Details to be confirmed

10:25 — 11:15
(S3) Keynote Sector Response

11:15am  - 11:45am - Tea & Coffee Break

11:45 — 12:35
(S6) The Evolving Psychology of Membership: Purpose, belonging and perceived fairness

12:35pm  - 14:00pm - Lunch Break

14:00 — 14:50
(S12) Purpose, Trust & Reputation in a Polarised World: Do members expect leadership, not neutrality?

In an era of polarised politics and divided public discourse, silence can speak as loudly as action. This session explores whether members now expect their organisations to take principled stands on social, political and ethical issues, and what that means for purpose, trust and reputation. We’ll examine how leadership bodies can navigate complexity, balance differing views and demonstrate values without alienating the communities they serve or falling foul of their constitutional documents.

14:55 — 15:45
(S16) Leadership in an Age of Change: Transformational leadership for membership CEOs

In turbulent times, transformational leadership is no longer optional — it’s essential. This session challenges leaders of membership organisations to rethink how they lead, inspire and engage. Explore the mindsets and behaviours that define successful leadership in an era of disruption, and learn how to turn challenge into opportunity for your organisation and its members.

15:45pm  - 16:15pm - Tea & Coffee Break

16:15 — 17:05
(S20) Closing Plenary: Collaborate to Thrive: Cross-Sector Partnerships: Working smarter across associations, charities and professional bodies

Silos limit progress; partnerships unlock it. The challenges facing membership organisations, charities and professional bodies are too complex to tackle alone. This closing plenary celebrates the power of collaboration — exploring how cross-sector partnerships can drive innovation, amplify impact and strengthen the collective voice of the sector. Join us to reflect, connect and look ahead to what’s possible when we work smarter together.

17:05pm  - 19:00pm - Drinks Reception & Networking

08:30am  - 09:30am - Registration & Breakfast

09:30 — 10:20
(S2) Keynote Session

Details to be confirmed

10:25 — 11:15
(S3) Keynote Sector Response

11:15am  - 11:45am - Tea & Coffee Break

11:45 — 12:35
(S7) The New Powerbrokers: Navigating influence beyond the mainstream

As voter sentiment fragments and traditional loyalties shift, smaller and fringe parties are playing an increasingly decisive role in shaping political outcomes. This session explores how organisations can engage constructively and credibly with these emerging players — understanding their priorities, earning trust, and ensuring your voice is heard when the balance of power changes.

12:35pm  - 14:00pm - Lunch Break

14:00 — 14:50
(S13) AI, Automation & the Human Touch

From chatbots to predictive analytics, AI is transforming how we engage with members. But can automation ever replicate the warmth and understanding that build loyalty? This session examines how membership organisations can harness technology to improve experience and impact — without losing the human touch that truly matters.

14:55 — 15:45
(S17) Growing Younger: Rethinking value propositions for younger professionals

As member demographics shift, attracting and retaining younger professionals requires more than refreshed branding — it demands a rethink of value itself. 

15:45pm  - 16:15pm - Tea & Coffee Break

16:15 — 17:05
(S20) Closing Plenary: Collaborate to Thrive: Cross-Sector Partnerships: Working smarter across associations, charities and professional bodies

Silos limit progress; partnerships unlock it. The challenges facing membership organisations, charities and professional bodies are too complex to tackle alone. This closing plenary celebrates the power of collaboration — exploring how cross-sector partnerships can drive innovation, amplify impact and strengthen the collective voice of the sector. Join us to reflect, connect and look ahead to what’s possible when we work smarter together.

17:05pm  - 19:00pm - Drinks Reception & Networking

08:00 — 09:30
(S1) CEO Network: Registration & breakfast

Ease into the day with a networking breakfast exclusively for Memcom's CEO members. Meet your peers from across the membership sector, exchange perspectives and start building the conversations that will invariably shape the discussions ahead.

10:25 — 11:15
(S4) From Transactions to Transformation: Designing member journeys that matter

Too many membership journeys stop at the point of payment or participation. True transformation happens when every touchpoint reinforces purpose and belonging. This session examines how to design journeys that connect strategy, systems and human insight — turning everyday transactions into opportunities for engagement, growth and advocacy.

11:15am  - 11:45am - Tea & Coffee Break

11:45 — 12:35
(S8) Holding Trust: Data ethics for modern membership bodies

AI is changing what’s possible with data — and challenging what’s ethical. In this session, we’ll explore how member organisations can go beyond compliance to embed ethical principles in every aspect of data use and automation. From algorithmic bias to informed consent, we’ll discuss how to create governance frameworks that earn trust while embracing technological progress.

12:35 — 14:00
(S10) Memcom HR Network over lunch

Take a break from the sessions and enjoy lunch with peers from the Memcom HR Network. A relaxed chance to share experiences, spark ideas and build lasting professional connections. Share challenges, exchange ideas and connect with peers who understand the unique dynamics of people management in member organisations.

14:00 — 14:50
(S14) Community Building in the Digital Age: How to design belonging online and offline

As artificial intelligence reshapes how people connect, the challenge for membership organisations is to design belonging that feels human — both online and offline. This session explores how digital tools, data and AI-driven personalisation can strengthen community while safeguarding trust and inclusion. Discover how to build authentic, values-led spaces where members feel recognised, respected and genuinely part of something bigger.

14:55 — 15:45
(S18) Events Reimagined: From Annual Conference to Continuous Experience: Turning one-off events into year-round engagement ecosystems

What if your annual event wasn’t an ending, but the start of an ongoing conversation? This session looks at how to build engagement before, during and after your conference, turning one-off gatherings into dynamic ecosystems of learning and connection. Discover practical ways to blend live, virtual and on-demand experiences that keep members engaged all year.

15:45pm  - 16:15pm - Tea & Coffee Break

17:05pm  - 19:00pm - Drinks Reception & Networking

08:30am  - 09:30am - Registration & Breakfast

10:25 — 11:15
(S5) Ask The Experts - Your finance questions answered

Back by popular demand, membership sector specialists HaysMac return for one of our most highly attended sessions. From finance and pensions to tax, audit and budgeting, their experts will tackle your key questions and share practical insights to help your organisation stay compliant, efficient and financially confident.

11:15am  - 11:45am - Tea & Coffee Break

11:45 — 12:35
(S9) Rethinking Risk: Building financial, strategic and cultural resilience

In a volatile world, risk is no longer a compliance tick-box — it’s a core leadership discipline.

This session, jointly led by Haysmacintyre, Rheo Investing, and the AAT, explores how membership and not-for-profit organisations can rethink risk holistically: balancing financial prudence, ethical investment, governance confidence and cultural resilience.

12:35 — 14:00
(S11) Memcom Finance Network over lunch

The Memcom Finance Network provides a supportive space to connect with peers and exchange ideas on strategy, sustainability and sound financial governance. Connect with finance colleagues from across the Memcom community to exchange practical advice, debate key issues and build stronger professional networks within the sector.

14:00 — 14:50
(S15) Unseen Value: The IP you didn’t know you owned

Not all intellectual property comes with a patent or trademark. From know-how and data to design and content, valuable IP often sits quietly within teams, unnoticed and unprotected. This session helps you spot what’s already yours, explains why it matters, and outlines how to protect it effectively — ensuring your organisation makes the most of its innovation and insight.

14:55 — 15:45
(S19) Data for Decisions: Intelligence, Insight & Impact: Using analytics to guide strategic choices

Data is only valuable when it shapes decisions. This session looks at how to translate analytics into real strategic impact — from understanding member behaviour to improving performance and forecasting future trends. Discover how to use data intelligently to guide action and embed evidence at the heart of decision-making.

15:45pm  - 16:15pm - Tea & Coffee Break

17:05pm  - 19:00pm - Drinks Reception & Networking