SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – What could your organisation achieve with 20% more capacity?
That was the question posed by Gel Nolasco, CEO of GSI, during his presentation at the Association Leaders Symposium 2026, where senior executives, board directors and association leaders gathered to discuss the future of leadership, governance, technology and member engagement. The symposium, hosted by Associations Forum at ICC Sydney, is recognised as one of the sector’s premier annual events, bringing together leaders from associations, charities and member-based organisations to explore emerging challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
As a major sponsor of this year’s event, GSI used the platform to highlight a challenge many associations know all too well: the growing expectation to do more with the same resources.
The capacity challenge
In his presentation, Creating Capacity for What Matters Most, Gel Nolasco outlined how the responsibilities of association leaders have expanded significantly in recent years. While service delivery, stakeholder engagement, events and governance remain core responsibilities, organisations are now also expected to manage digital platforms, data and reporting, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and increasingly complex multi-channel engagement strategies.
“More responsibility, same resources” was a recurring theme throughout the presentation, reflecting the reality that many associations face as they balance increasing member expectations with limited operational capacity.
According to Nolasco, the solution is not simply to work harder but to create capacity that enables organisations to focus on strategic priorities, innovation and member value.
“Capacity creates choices.”
A strategic asset, not just an pperational need
Throughout the session, GSI positioned capacity as a strategic asset rather than an operational concern. The presentation encouraged leaders to think beyond day-to-day workload pressures and consider how additional organisational capacity could unlock growth, strengthen stakeholder relationships and accelerate transformation initiatives.
The concept resonated strongly with symposium attendees, many of whom are navigating similar pressures around workforce capability, digital transformation and the responsible adoption of AI. These topics were also key themes throughout the conference program, which explored productivity, governance, emerging technologies and the future of organisational leadership.
Supporting associations across Australia and beyond
During the presentation, GSI showcased its experience supporting member organisations and not-for-profits across Australia and New Zealand through boutique people, finance, technology, change and member operations solutions. The organisation highlighted its global delivery model spanning Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines, enabling it to provide scalable support while maintaining a strong focus on service quality and stakeholder outcomes.
Among the organisations supported by GSI are the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and Australasian College of Pharmacy.
The company also shared several operational outcomes achieved across its client base, including supporting more than 511,844 interactions, 122,651 administrative transactions, and maintaining 91% employee engagement, significantly above the benchmark noted in the presentation.
Associations Leader Symposium 2026 at the ICC Sydney, Australia.
Looking ahead
As associations continue to operate in an increasingly complex environment, Nolasco’s message was clear: creating capacity is no longer optional. It is essential for organisations that want to innovate, strengthen member experiences and remain focused on their purpose.
The presentation concluded with a challenge for leaders to consider the opportunities that additional capacity could create within their own organisations:
“If your leadership team had 20% more capacity tomorrow, what would change?”
For the associations and member organisations represented at the symposium, the answer may well shape the next phase of their growth and impact.
The Association Leaders Symposium 2026 was held on 24 September 2026 at ICC Sydney and brought together association CEOs, board members, senior managers and emerging leaders to explore key issues affecting the sector, including productivity, AI governance, innovation and organisational leadership.
