The newly formed Australian Business Events Association has officially announced its board of directors and launched its new logo in the lead up to its official launch on July 3.
Matt Pearce, CEO and co-founder of Talk2 Media & Events, has been appointed as Deputy Chair. He is joined at the helm by Janet Hamilton, general manager of the Cairns Convention Centre; Nigel Keen, general manager of the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre; Michael Matthews, CEO of Canberra Convention Bureau; Julia Swanson, CEO of the Melbourne Convention Bureau; and Nicole Walker, managing director of Arinex.
The seven inaugural Board of Directors have all played a critical role in establishing the Australian Business Events Association. The board will increase to 11 positions with a formal process to recruit an additional three directors to begin shortly.
Peter King, Chair of ABEA, said each of the newly appointed directors are well positioned to drive the new association forward.
“We have assembled an exceptional calibre of committed directors who are renowned leaders in their own right,” he said.
“They live, breathe and lead business events and bring a new energy to the table and understand what the potential is for our sector.
“Together we will drive the policy, advocacy and research agenda, as well as effective members services.”
The Australian Business Events Association has also revealed its new logo.
“With the drive of an all-encompassing entity like the Australian Business Events Association to highlight and promote the sector, we have the opportunity to represent our expertise, talent and technical innovations to a national and international audience,” said Pearce.
Hamilton said she was acutely aware of the business event sector’s needs and the challenges it faces.
“I plan on applying the full extent of my knowledge to support the range of businesses and individuals that constitute the sector, to drive success and prosperity for our members,” she said.
An independent committee has been tasked with the search for a CEO and the Association hopes to make an appointment by early July.
