Who we are
30 years of association expertise, built on relationships and driven by what's next.
Management, events, governance, finance and member services under one roof - giving Australian associations the confidence and continuity to focus on what matters most.
- Years supporting associations
- 30+Years supporting associations
- Associations each year
- 70+Associations each year
- Conferences delivered
- 500+Conferences delivered
Our values
We understand what makes associations work.
Partnership
Accountable, collaborative and proactive. We work as an extension of your team, invested in your outcomes.
Trust
Transparent, open and always acting in your members' best interests - the foundation of every long partnership.
Accountability
Consistent results through proven systems, clear reporting and dependable day-to-day service.
Commitment
Mindful of every dollar, every resource and every decision, so your association gets maximum value.
Innovation
Creativity and cross-pollinated best practice drawn from across the sector, put to work for you.
Why TAS
An extension of your organisation
We become part of your team, bringing expertise and continuity while giving your leaders space to focus on what matters most.
Knowledge that compounds
Our experience across associations brings proven insight, perspective and knowledge that strengthens over time.
Partnership with purpose
We build lasting relationships, with thoughtful, transparent support shaped around your organisation and its ambitions.
Our people
Meet the team behind TAS
Our executive and senior team bring deep experience across governance, finance, events and member services, supported by staff across Australia including Sydney, Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane.
- Francis Child FCA, CEM, Executive Chair. Francis studied Economics with Statistics at the University of Bristol and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in England & Wales in 1981. After the accounting profession he spent eight years in the UK music industry before moving to Australia in 1992, where he was Main Board and Finance Director of AiC Worldwide, then one of the world's leading conference and trade show organisers. In 2000 he purchased Conference Action, added the Australian Professional Centre in 2005, and has since built TAS into Australia's leading provider of association management services. Francis is an Honorary Life Member of the PCO Association.
- Emma Hayes, Managing Director. Emma is an experienced senior executive with a background in business leadership, operations, communications and client service, having led large teams and complex business networks across a range of industries. She holds a business degree and is completing a Master's in Law. Her leadership is grounded in ethical practice, collaboration and long-term thinking, with a particular interest in organisational development, workplace culture and sustainable growth.
- Siegmar Kahl, Financial Controller. Siegmar has worked in accounting and finance for 18 years, from complex technical accounting (AAS/IFRS) in large multinational firms to running the full finance function for smaller organisations. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2013 after an audit background, and holds a Master's in Business Economics from Germany. His expertise spans taxation, corporate governance, compliance and day-to-day operations, with more than a decade of leadership experience.
- Mathew Simons, Director of Customer Service. Mathew brings a strong track record in operations leadership across financial services, healthcare and government. Known for a practical, outcomes-focused approach, he specialises in streamlining processes, improving productivity and delivering high-quality service in complex environments, with deep experience across service operations, project delivery and continuous improvement.
- Ellie James, Head of Events. Ellie has over 15 years' expertise in event management, marketing and project leadership, delivering conferences, exhibitions and international events for audiences of up to 8,000 across corporate and association sectors. She joined TAS in 2021 and now leads the Events Team, following senior roles at RTC Events Management and Terrapinn Australia. For Ellie, successful events come down to passion, collaboration and strong relationships with teams and suppliers.
- Thalia Child GIA (Cert), Director of Strategic Services. Thalia graduated from Macquarie University in 2015 with a degree in International Business Studies and is certified in Governance for Not-for-Profits through the Governance Institute of Australia. With more than 10 years across the business she has skills in both association and conference management, and leads client service delivery, quality training and strategic services across the TAS portfolio.
- Patty Felstead, Senior Association Manager. Patty brings a wealth of experience in account and project management across a range of industries and joined TAS in 2025. Warm and approachable, she is a natural escalation point for the association management team, combining client account management, project delivery and stakeholder engagement with a solutions-focused mindset.
- Claudia Lu, Senior Association Manager. Claudia graduated from UNSW in 2018 with a double degree in Commerce (Marketing) and Media (PR & Advertising). She began her career in customer service, marketing and promotions across events and entertainment before moving into digital marketing account management. Claudia joined TAS in 2021 and has since been promoted to Senior Association Manager.
Giving back
Proud partners of charity: water
Our work is about helping communities thrive, and that doesn't stop at our clients. Through our partnership with charity: water, the TAS team is helping bring clean, safe drinking water to communities around the world, an ongoing commitment we're proud to be part of.
Learn more about charity: water →
In their words
What our clients say
"Working with you and the team to deliver the National Small Business Summit this year was a great experience. It's just so much easier to have a team who really understand this event and what we are trying to achieve."
"Your involvement continues to springboard the RMIA forward, allowing us to reach new heights."
Talk to us
Discover how we can support your association's success
Tell us where you are today and we'll show you what's possible.