Associations Conference Europe

National associations in Europe and pan-European peak bodies are vital to advancing a successful and connected Europe. They represent the pinnacle of an industry, profession, sport or special cause across diverse countries, cultures and regulatory environments. Without strong associations, sectors risk being fragmented and unheard at both national and European levels.

Governology and its colleague organisations have run events on association matters in UK, Ireland, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand. Associations Conference Europe is Governology’s inaugural event in Europe.

All associations need to discuss practical matters such as:

• Governance and Leadership

• Statutes and Structures

• Healthy Board / CEO relationships

• Membership retention and growth

• Practical and profitable events

• Member services

• Communications for member engagement

• Strategic Plans

• Staffing and other key resources

• Technology including databases and AI

• Finances and revenue growth

• Advocacy and position statements

Antwerp is an ideal and beautiful location for Associations Conference Europe. Only 30 minutes from Brussels, 2 hours from Amsterdam and 3.5 hours from Paris, it has the charm of a classic European city and the modern facilities of Radisson Blu Hotel, Antwerp City Centre.

The facilitator will be John Peacock AM, an association thought leader who has presented to associations in 17 nations. John is Director of Governology.

Exclusive Hotel Discount for Delegates

As part of our partnership with the venue, delegates will receive a 15% discount on their hotel stay. Discount details and booking information will be shared with registered delegates after registration.

About the Speakers

John Peacock AM

Director - Governology

John is an international advisor to associations and charities, specialising in governance, mergers, and strategic planning. John Peacock is a highly experienced international advisor to associations and charities and is a thought leader for the associations sector. Since 2000, John has trained and consulted to hundreds of associations and charities, large and small, on strategic planning, governance, board effectiveness, operations, restructuring, financial issues and external reviews.

His particular areas of specialisation are governance, mergers of associations and developing association plans. John has presented to associations in 17 nations.

Nele Devolder

Senior Vice President - Kellen

Kellen is a global association management company, where she supports European and international trade associations through association management and strategic advice. Nele is also Secretary General of two European trade associations, bringing first-hand leadership experience from within the association community. With over 25 years of experience, Nele advises boards and executives on governance, strategy, organisational development, and building future-proof associations that deliver lasting value to their members.

Jesse van Sas

Secretary-General - FIDI Global Alliance 

Jesse van Sas, born in The Netherlands, began his career in payroll and moving/relocation sales roles in Belgium before rising to General Manager at Ziegler Relocation, then Managing Director of Santa Fe Relocation (Belgium) in 2009.

Since December 2015, he has served as Secretary General of FIDI, the global association of quality-certified moving and DSP companies, having previously volunteered as a FIDI Academy trainer and led the Belgian FIDI association.

Under his leadership, FIDI has expanded FAIM Quality Programs, grown into the DSP industry, and launched financial netting.

Marie Tahmazian

Operations Director - International Seed Federations

Marie earned her degree in Chemistry specialized in formulation from the French Science University of Montpellier. After spending a gap year in UK, she had the opportunity to work for Syngenta Jealott’s Hill International Research Centre in the UK as a formulation chemist in crop protection.

After taking a break from her professional life to raise her two kids while moving to different countries, Marie transitioned back into the workplace and pursued an Accountancy degree in Switzerland.

She spent some years in an accounting firm in France before finally joining ISF in December 2013 as an accountant, where her role gradually grew to include engagement with members like national seed associations and seed companies.

Ian Spare

President - Union of International Mountain Leader Associations

Ian is President of UIMLA, the global body for International Mountain Leaders. During his tenure, UIMLA has more than doubled its member associations, expanded beyond its traditional Alpine European base to include countries such as Japan and Nepal, and supported new foundations in the Balkans. Based in Switzerland and a practising International Mountain Leader, Ian’s work focuses on inclusive governance, professional standards, and building sustainable structures for a diverse international federation.

Prof. Angele Kedaitiene

Founder, Secretary General, Director of EU Relations - Club Climate Europe

Angele has a long-lasting career of over 35 years, of which around 20 years she has spent at the universities and academia, the rest at the national and EU level civil service, consulting sector, and recently, at the non-profit sector.

Angele has a master's degree in economics from Vilnius University and University College Dublin, and she has a doctoral degree from the Lithuanian Science Council. She has been a visiting fellow at Copenhagen Business School, Boon University, and Lulea Technical University.  

Raniya Dass

Senior Consultant - Governology

She has over 5 years’ experience in the legal industry across various legal areas including property law, wills and estates, litigation, criminal law, leasing, family law, workers compensation, personal injury and commercial matters. Most recently, she was a paralegal for the Australian Red Cross Society.

She also obtained practical experience in governance and drafting constitutions in her former role as the Sydney Campuses Director for the University of Wollongong’s Law Students’ Society.

About Our Sponsors

Antwerp Convention Bureau

Antwerp: Where the City Is Your Venue

Tired of the same old conference experience? In Antwerp, we flip the script.

Here, you don’t just book a venue, you embrace an entire city. Every street, museum, park, and restaurant becomes part of your programme. Thanks to our walkable scale and welcoming mindset, your congress resonates far beyond the conference room. From heritage venues and hidden gems to portside innovation hubs and boutique hotels, Antwerp becomes a living, breathing extension of your event.

Every detail aligns with your goals, making your programme as meaningful as it is memorable. With world-class access, deep expertise in life sciences, sustainable chemistry, port & logistics, and a community that treats your event like its own, Antwerp isn’t just another host city. It’s a city that makes your event matter more.

Antwerp. The City Is Your Venue.

Let’s make your next event unforgettable.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Antwerp City Centre

Radisson Blu Hotel, Antwerp City Centre offers an ideal central location and contemporary comfort. Situated near Antwerp Central Station, the hotel provides direct access to Antwerp’s main attractions, cultural landmarks, and business districts.

With modern amenities and stylish meeting spaces, Radisson Blu creates a professional environment that supports meaningful business experiences. Our focus on detail and guest experience ensures every stay contributes to a seamless and productive programme.

As a sponsor of this conference, we are proud to support a successful event experience.

FLANDERS Convention Bureau

FLANDERS Convention Bureau is the official, independent convention bureau for Flanders, dedicated to supporting international associations in delivering congresses that create lasting societal impact.

We provide complimentary expertise in bid development, venue selection, stakeholder engagement, local partnerships, and impact and legacy planning. We help international associations by connecting them with Flanders' local knowledge ecosystem, to design meetings that advance strategic objectives, strengthen member engagement, foster innovation, and generate measurable value for both the association and the destination.