6
ABPCO
September 2018
Leading
from the
heart
After ABPCO’s successful
AGM at etc.venues County
Hall recently, AEM sat down
with the new chairs, Kate
Sargent and Jo Powel,
to find out all about the new
plans for the association.
What are you most looking forward to?
There is a balance of the grand plans and
the simple opportunities when you take on
a senior role in such an iconic association.
We are excited to deliver on ABPCO’s
mission and values, that were developed
and announced last year. They offer exciting
stories to better engage current members,
while reeling in the new.
Having watched the association succeed
over the last few years, it will also be a
pleasure to be so instrumental in its ongoing
success and development over the next two
years. However, there are also the more
personal opportunities that are just as
exciting; as joint chairs we will get to know
the members better, build great relationships,
make new friends and, of course, have the
pleasure of working closely with Heather
(Lishman – association director - Ed).
What are the priorities over the next two
years?
Our annual engagement survey provided
some incredible feedback and superb results
from across the membership.
We have a core group of active members,
who truly appreciate that you get out of
ABPCO what you put into it. They see
the benefits in real terms across all our
pillars – excellence, belonging and learning.
However, it was clear that there are some
members on the periphery who feel there is
more to be done.
Most frustrating is the fact that we are
already meeting their needs but they just
aren’t aware.
Our biggest focus will, therefore, be on
better communication and, in particular,
clear demonstration of our value.
What will be your biggest challenge?
Clearly it is going to be following the
amazing work of those who have come
before. Caroline and Nicole, Therese and
Rose… they have done so much for the
association, delivering so many positive
changes and improvements.
It will be a hard act to follow. However,
despite some big tasks ahead – including the
development of the new website, we have a
great executive team behind us, who know
how to work together and deliver for the
good of the whole membership.
What is it about ABPCO that makes it
successful?
It might sound obvious, but it is the people
and what they bring with them. ABPCO
feels like a family.
Whether you are part of a wider agency
working in the industry or an individual
focused on events within an association we
offer a home, a place to be with like-minded
people who can share the good times and
the bad.
Unlike many other organisations,
ABPCO feels like it has a heart and that is
what truly sets it above the rest.