Would you like to join the AUDE Executive Committee as Chairperson of our Conference Steering Group? There's an upcoming vacancy in this volunteer position that does so much to shape members' experience of AUDE. Please get in touch with our Executive Director Jane White using the information below.

Tenure

This is a three-year term with an option of a further three years if re-elected to run concurrently, after which time you must step away for a period of at least 12 months.

AUDE Annual Conference

The AUDE annual conference is a leadership event aimed at the Associations most senior members. The event has a capped delegate capacity of around 160. Typically running around Easter, the event generates most of its income through a large exhibition and sponsorship portfolio. It also welcomes international delegations from our sister organisations in Australia (TEFMA), South Africa (HEFMA) and America (APPA).

• The event starts on a Sunday for the Executive and International delegates only.
• On Monday afternoon, main delegates arrive. There is an afternoon social activity, in the evening Welcome Drinks for new Members and a Dinner for all member delegates.
• On the Tuesday there is a full conference programme and exhibition. This day includes the AUDE AGM. The evening hosts a Networking Dinner where exhibitors and sponsors are invited to join.
• Wednesday is the second full day of conference content. In the evening is the Gala Dinner and AUDE Awards Ceremony.
• Conference ends on Thursday morning with breakfast. There is no content on this day.

The main aims of the role are

1. To oversee the effective and timely development, marketing and staging of the Annual Conference for AUDE.  Particularly to ensure the event occurs as planned; its academic and social content is relevant to the members and fulfils the requirements of the AUDE Strategic Plan and the purpose of the conference.

1. To Chair all meetings associated with the Conference Steering Group (CSG). Ensuring they are efficient and timely as there can be a lot of information to discuss. One of the main challenges can be making clear decisions at a speed that allows conference planning to continue at pace.

1. To provide and present pre-event progress update and post event feedback reports to the AUDE Executive Committee regarding the respective conference being planned/held.

1. To provide quarterly reports to the AUDE Executive Committee on matters relating to the Annual Conference or issues relating to conference organisation as appropriate.

1. To ensure membership of the Steering Group is maintained at appropriate levels with adequate representation of the interests of the Association as a whole. Current membership consists of:

• Executive Director, AUDE
• Events Manager, AUDE
• Communications Officer, AUDE
• Chair of AUDE
• Director of Estates, current hosting university
• Director of Estates, previous hosting university
• Director of Estates, year ahead hosting university
• Chair of Professional Development Group, AUDE
• Outsourced Events support, currently this is Your Vision Events Ltd

1. Attend the Annual Conference and host the New Members / Welcome drinks on the first evening.

1. Any other relevant/related duties which from time to time might be requested by the Executive.

Previous Chairperson’s advised that anyone doing this role will need:

• Experience as an active member of AUDE
• Ability to appreciate the wishes and interests of the full AUDE membership
• Ability to work with a range of fellow Directors
• Ability to devote sufficient time to the post
• The extent of his/her contacts within and outside the HE sector.
• Has lots of ideas around what makes a successful conference, ideas for speakers etc.

Other things to note

• Meeting dates and invitations will be administrated by the Events Manager, AUDE
• The meetings agendas are devised and circulated by the Events Manager, AUDE
• Similarly, the notes and actions from the meetings are created by the Events Manager, AUDE
• The conference has financial targets and should expect to make a surplus of £200k or 40% of turnover, whichever is the larger. Overall responsibility of the conference finances sits with the Executive Director, AUDE, the AUDE Treasurer and supported by the Events Manager, AUDE.

Time commitment

• This is an intense role. You will be required to chair approx. 8-10 meetings lasting around 90 minutes each. Meetings commence in September and run through to May. Meetings are typically held online.
• You will also hold a seat on the National Executive Committee, there are 4 meetings a year to which you will need to submit a short paper. The meetings last approx. 4 hours each. 3 are held online the 4^th in person.

What you will get in return

• A complimentary ticket to attend the annual conference during your term as chair
• A seat on the National Executive Committee
• Full support from the AUDE team and Executive Director
• An amazing sense of pride and achievement when you see all the hard work come to fruition
• Raising your own profile, adding to your network
• The ability to drive and shape the Association and contribute to its success.

Process for application

If you are interested in applying for this role please email jane@aude.ac.uk. You will be given a template to complete your application. All applications will be reviewed by the national Executive Committee and a successful candidate appointed.

Attendance at the 2024 conference at Northumbria University is strongly encouraged.

Closing date for applications is the 5^th April 2024.