Who We Are

AC Forum is the only peer-to-peer association established exclusively by and for associations.

The beginnings of AC Forum date back to 1999. Three prominent medical associations decided to meet on a regular basis to exchange ideas and experiences, and establish common targets. Since then, AC Forum has grown into an established not-for-profit association that inspires and encourages its members to achieve excellence.

The aim of AC Forum is to advance association leadership and management. AC Forum provides a platform for exchange of knowledge, expertise, and experiences amongst association peers facing comparable opportunities and challenges in the association industry. It provides its members with a variety of opportunities to network, exchange, and learn in environments that are confidential, trusting, and free from commercial influence.

Membership is open to self-managed, not-for-profit associations that represent a particular profession or field and that host conferences with over 1,000 participants. AC Forum supports a community working for the benefit of professionals and the sectors they represent and serve.

Everything we do is guided by our values: integrity, inclusivity, community, collaboration, accountability.

Our Mission

To be the pre-eminent platform for international associations, supporting a dynamic community and inspiring innovation and excellence in leadership and impact

Our Vision

Associations as driving forces of societal progress, envisioning and crafting a progressive future

Our Values

Integrity

  • We build trusting relationships
  • We create safe spaces for honest discussions
  • We are respectful and reflective

Inclusivity

  • We embrace the diversity of our members
  • We intentionally act with diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do
  • We support each other

Community

  • We are a connected engaged community where every member is valued
  • We facilitate connections
  • We recognise and support the needs of different segments

Collaboration

  • We are open to the benefits of working with others
  • We seek collaborative advantage
  • We recognise impact builds from connections

Accountability

  • We are transparent and responsible for our actions
  • We encourage and respond to feedback
  • We model good governance

Our Strategic Objectives

Objective I

Deliver valuable, meaningful education

Objective II

Advance excellence in association leadership

Objective III

Facilitate thought leadership, advocacy, and influence for impact

Objective IV

Build a sustainable inclusive organisation

Our Purposes & Goals

  • Serve as a forum for communication and networking in confidence
  • Deliver topical and relevant education, using the expertise from among our members and from external experts
  • Enable the exchange of information between members
  • Lead the way for associations driving innovation and excellence
  • Contribute and work towards better organised associations.
  • Increase the level of professionalism, knowledge, and expertise within associations

Our Core Topics

  • Advocacy, Impact, Legacy, Policy

  • Communications & Marketing

  • Education & Content

  • Event Management

  • Finance

  • Governance, Leadership & Management

  • Human Resources

  • IT & Technology

  • Membership & Engagement

  • Publishing
  • Sponsorship & Fundraising

What We Do

  • Provide a safe space for members to share knowledge, challenges, successes – and not so successful outcomes

  • Facilitate networking and connection building between members

  • Deliver valuable, meaningful education for our members

  • Develop resources to advance excellence in association leadership and management

  • Demonstrate thought leadership and influence for impact with external stakeholders and partners

  • Collaborate with third parties on activities, projects, and issues of mutual interest and benefit to our members

Is your organisation interested in joining AC Forum?