The long-awaited creation of a unified business events association has been officially announced with three events organisations uniting to form the Australian Business Events Association.
The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux, the Australian Convention Centres Group and the Exhibition & Events Association of Australasia have formed the Australian Business Events Association which will take effect from July 3, marking the biggest shake-up of the business events association landscape in over a decade.
The work to spearhead the new association was led by a Project Development Group, comprised of directors from the three associations.
Former Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre CEO Peter King has been appointed as independent chair of the board. King said the industry needed one strong and robust association to get traction on the issues that matter.
“A consolidated and united association can commission much-needed research, create policy, train its people, tackle sustainability, develop career paths, link with international and domestic trade opportunities and powerfully advocate to government,” he said.
“The industry has been on the fringe of the government’s radar for too long. COVID taught us that we need to get serious about amplifying our collective voice.
“We are building a platform through which we can develop the outcomes and the impact the people and organisations who deliver approximately 480,000 business events annually need to thrive, create jobs, and contribute to the economy.
“We will be focused on our pillars of advocacy, research and policy, development of the industry, the services members need to run their teams and businesses, and the promotion of the sector as a great place to work and do business.
“Ultimately, the Australian Business Events Association is about member prosperity. When our members win, everyone benefits.”
King said the membership categories for the Australian Business Events Association are designed to ensure engagement within the industry is accessible to all, regardless of business size.
“We have designed our membership levels for the thousands of small businesses who are the engine room of our sector, as well as the large venues, destinations and corporates which play an equally important role,” he said.
“Everyone is equal at the table. Our State and Territory Chapters, sector groups and special interest committees will play a vital role in ensuring the issues around the country and within our different sectors will all be brought to the table.
“We have a lot to do as an industry, but united we are stronger than we’ve ever been. We are buoyed by the wonderful encouragement we have received from all around the country and from both sides of both state and federal government.
“We invite everyone in the events industry to come together, to support one another and put our best foot forward, to ensure everyone benefits.”
The current board of directors also includes Michael Matthews, Nicole Walker, Matt Pearce, Julia Swanson, Nigel Keen and Janet Hamilton. The association is currently looking to fill the post of CEO.
For membership enquiries contact EEAA’s Domenic Genua here.
