My time as President of AAPO is coming to an end and I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the confidence you've shown in me over the 2 years I've been in the job. It has been tremendously rewarding personally and professionally. I have really enjoyed working with a dedicated team of fellow members and watching AAPO grow and develop. I cannot say it enough. Thank you!...

The 2011 President's Award was presented at the Gala Dinner during the 2011 AAPO Conference in Christchurch on February 9. It was a great pleasure to be able to present the award in front of industry peers, and to have the awardee acknowledged publicly. Here is the speech announcing the Award - The winner of this award has been in business and a member of AAPO since 2006. She is...

As President of AAPO, nothing gives me more pleasure than to present this award to someone who has distinguished themselves as a leader and a toiler for our industry. Simultaneously, nothing gives me more angst than deciding who will be the next recipient. AAPO is blessed with strong candidates, people who give selflessly, think strategically and work tirelessly. Previous recipients Wendy Hanes and Wendy Davie are a testament to this....

Professor Michael Kyrios, the keynote speaker at AAPO's very first conference in 2006, has called for a taskforce on compulsive hoarding. What do you think? And if you agree, who should be on that taskforce? Read the Age article here.

For decluttering tips, don't take your advice from the Australian Labor Party. Much better to consult a Professional Organiser. In the meantime, it's election time for the Australasian Association of Professional Organisers. Members should seriously consider making a contribution to their industry association. Now's the time to get those nominations in quick.

Please put your hands together and stand to welcome our Social Media Co-ordinator, Claire Lane from Urban Assistant. Claire was one of 4 applicants for the position and her strong application won her the job. Look out for activity on AAPO's Twitter and Facebook accounts, spreading the word about organising and how it can make a difference.

You know the saying, what happens at conference, stays at conference? Well, not in this case. I can tell you I had a fabulous time, came home utterly exhausted from all the networking, learning, sharing. Remember I told you the conference theme was Innovate, Connect, Inspire? Keep that in mind as you read this update on the NAPO conference in Columbus, Ohio. (And yes, it was noted that OHIO stands...

Have you checked out the AAPO News page lately? Wow, there's a lot happening. Our members are busy getting the word out about Organising and its benefits. Here are some of the latest news items... Working Order by Roz Howland The Organised Family by Charlie Chapman Experts Reveal Secrets to Being Organised, featuring AAPO members, Gail Rose and Marianne Shenton Virtual Organizing in Action, featuring Roz Howland

The first session of the NAPO 2010 Conference in Columbus, Ohio, was the Ask an Organizer panel. The first question asked of that panel was, “What one question do you always ask of a client at the first needs assessment meeting?” The first answer given was, “Are you ready to get organised?” Great question, and a very apt one to start a jam-packed program aimed at beginners and more experienced...

The April edition of the AAPO Newsletter is out now. Don't get it but would love keep up with news in the organising world? Simply sign up here. I'd like to thank Kat Tate, our dedicated newsletter editor, who is handing in her "red pen" and hanging up her Editor-in-Chief hat. Thanks for the energy and ideas you've brought to the position. All AAPO members and other subscribers have benefitted...