Bringing people together to exchange ideas is what the business events industry does best, says the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA).
But how often do we give ourselves the same opportunity?
That question sits behind the theme for this year’s ABEA 2026 Conference, Sharing What Works.
When the industry gathers at the Adelaide Convention Centre from 30 November to 2 December, the focus will be on practical insights from the people who’ve put ideas into action.
A stronger industry starts with its people
Business events are navigating tighter budgets, higher client expectations, workforce pressures and rapid changes in technology and sustainability.
No single organisation has every answer. However, collectively, we hold a remarkable depth of expertise, and the opportunity for our sector lies in turning shared knowledge into stronger industry capability.
That’s why the conference opens with a dedicated training day on Monday 30 November. Anchored in Learn, the first of the program’s three pillars (Learn, Belong, Lead), it offers immersive, industry-led workshops that go well beyond the basics.
Four ways to sharpen your edge
Leading Well for Emerging Leaders: A two-day program led by Dan Londero from Turnkey Event Solutions for leaders aged 35 and under, or with fewer than 10 years in the industry. It covers mindset, wellbeing and systemic leadership, and includes a one-on-one coaching session and a personal action plan.
Beyond Busy: Lead the work that actually matters: Strategist Rosie Yeo helps operations, sales and marketing professionals escape the busy trap and focus on the work that moves the needle.
Proactive Sales: Winning the Next Piece of Business: Sarah McPhail from SJA Consultants draws on 20 years of event and hospitality sales experience to tackle prospecting, qualifying, objection handling and negotiation.
Play a Different Game: Challenger Thinking: Dion Workman shows marketers how to compete without the biggest budget, leaving each participant with a Challenger Playbook and a 30-day move.
The learning happens across the room
The content is only half the value. Each workshop brings organisers, venues, bureaux, suppliers, destinations and corporate teams into the same room. The exchange of ideas between participants is where Sharing What Works comes to life, and it carries through the rest of the conference.
Just as importantly, these conversations happen within a community built on longstanding relationships and shared experiences. Reconnecting with familiar faces and welcoming new industry peers creates the trust and openness that encourages people to share their successes, challenges and lessons learned.
This sense of community is central to Day Two’s Belong pillar, with special interest groups, dedicated ‘tribe time’ and networking opportunities designed to bring people together.
On Day Three, the focus shifts to Lead, with delegates sharing perspectives, challenging ideas and learning from one another.
Invest in yourself, and the industry
When we invest in learning from one another, we strengthen individual businesses and the industry as a whole. It allows us to compete more effectively on a global scale, build a highly credible industry reputation and support increased growth.
Every delegate who returns to the office with a sharper sales approach, a clearer strategy or more confident leadership lifts the standard for all of us.
The most valuable thing you’ll take home from Adelaide may be an idea that changes how you work, a new connection that opens doors, or a conversation with an old colleague that reminds you why this industry is so special.
Training day workshops are available as add-ons to the conference pass. Explore the training program and register here.
