Sydney Marketing Community – Privacy Policy

Last updated: 19^th December 2025

Sydney Marketing Community (“SMC”, “we”, “our”, “us”) is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy explains how we collect, use, disclose and store personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

By interacting with us, joining the community, attending events or using our website, you agree to the handling of your personal information as set out in this policy.

1. What personal information we collect

We collect information that helps us run the community, deliver events, communicate with members and improve our services. This may include:

Identity & contact details

• Name
• Email address
• Phone number
• Job title, employer, industry
• Professional profile links (e.g., LinkedIn)

Membership & participation

• Membership status and preferences
• Event registrations and attendance
• Volunteer applications
• Sponsorship enquiries
• Payment information (processed through third-party providers)

Digital interaction

• Website analytics, cookies and tracking pixels
• Device, browser and session information
• Email engagement data (opens, clicks)

We only collect the minimum information required for our functions and activities.

2. How we collect personal information

We collect information in several ways, including:

• Forms submitted on our website
• Membership or event applications
• Hubspot or other event-ticketing platforms
• Newsletter sign-up forms
• Surveys, feedback tools and community participation
• Direct emails or conversations with us
• Automatically through website analytics and cookies

Where reasonable, we collect information directly from you. On occasion, we may receive data from third-party providers (e.g., Hubspot event attendees).

3. Why we collect and use personal information

We use your information to:

• Operate the Sydney Marketing Community
• Manage membership and volunteer programs
• Organise and deliver events
• Communicate updates, newsletters, offers and opportunities
• Process payments
• Understand member needs and improve services
• Conduct research, reporting and analytics
• Comply with legal obligations

We may also use your information for direct marketing related to SMC events, updates and opportunities. You can opt out at any time.

4. Partner offers and collaboration insights

To help us provide relevant opportunities to members, we sometimes work with selected partners (such as event hosts, industry organisations or brands offering member benefits).

To help a partner determine whether an offer is suitable for our community, we may share limited information such as:

• Aggregated data
• De-identified insights
• Role seniority or industry breakdowns
• Engagement levels
• Other minimal personal information necessary to assess suitability

Partners do not contact members directly using this information.
All communications about partner offers are made by Sydney Marketing Community only.

We do not sell personal information, and we require partners to comply with confidentiality and privacy obligations.

5. When we disclose personal information

We may disclose personal information to organisations that support our operations, including:

• CRM and marketing platforms (e.g. HubSpot)
• Event platforms
• Payment processors
• Email service providers
• Hosting, IT and analytics providers
• Volunteers or contractors assisting with community operations
• Professional advisers (legal, accounting, etc.)

These providers may change over time as our systems evolve.

International disclosures

Some service providers may store or process data outside Australia, including but not limited to the United States and Europe.
We take reasonable steps to ensure they comply with appropriate privacy and security standards.

6. Cookies, analytics and tracking

Our website may use:

• Cookies
• Tracking pixels
• HubSpot analytics
• Social media pixels (e.g., LinkedIn, Meta)
• Google Analytics or similar tools

These help us understand site usage, improve user experience and deliver relevant content.
You can manage cookie settings through your browser.

7. How we store and protect personal information

We take reasonable steps to secure your information from misuse, interference and loss, and from unauthorised access, modification or disclosure.

Measures include:

• Secure cloud systems with access controls
• Encrypted connections
• Limited access to data (staff/volunteers on a need-to-know basis)
• Policies for secure handling and deletion of information

Despite these precautions, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure.

8. Access, correction and your rights

You have the right to:

• Request access to your personal information
• Request corrections or updates
• Opt out of marketing communications
• Make a privacy complaint

To exercise these rights, contact us at:
info@sydneymarketingcommunity.com.au

We will respond within a reasonable timeframe.

9. Retention and deletion

We keep personal information only for as long as needed to fulfil the purposes described in this policy, or as required by law.

Examples:

• Member information — while active and for a reasonable period afterwards
• Event data — for event management, reporting and follow-up
• Unsubscribed contacts — retained only to respect opt-out preferences

We securely delete or de-identify information when it is no longer required.

10. Third-party websites and services

Our website and emails may contain links to external websites or services.
These sites are not controlled by SMC, and we are not responsible for their privacy practices.
We recommend reviewing their policies before providing personal information.

11. Updates to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our systems, processes or legal obligations.
When we update the policy, we will publish the revised version on our website with the effective date.
Your continued use of our services after an update indicates acceptance of the changes.

12. How to contact us

Sydney Marketing Community
You can contact us at any time through the Contact Us form on our website. We take privacy concerns seriously and will respond promptly.

 

We take privacy concerns seriously and will respond promptly.