The Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB), the Australian Convention Centres Group (ACCG), and the Exhibition & Events Association of Australasia Ltd (EEAA) have announced they have unified and will launch the Australian Business Events Association on 3 July 2023.
Peter King, who was most recently the CEO of the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, has been appointed as independent chair of the board.
There have been calls for many years for a reduction in the number of bodies claiming to represent business events in Australia and to unify the sector through the creation of a single representative body. Peter King said that COVID had given industry a tough lesson in that respect.
“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.”
“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.”
“We invite everyone in the events industry to come together, to support one another and put our best foot forward, to ensure everyone benefits.” said Peter King.
Fourth events representative body Meetings and Events Australia (MEA) issued a press release acknowledging the formation of the new consolidated association, but used the statement to set out their own stall to the industry and explain their distinctive qualities as a representative body – that MEA embraces all types events.
“Our membership traverses those who own/operate/produce/rollout events, are venues at which events are held, or are suppliers to the industry – for business and non business events. It is not unusual for an events business to deliver events of both descriptions.
MEA provides a community and one place of belonging across both spaces,” said the statement.
At time of writing, fifth events representative body The Professional Conference Organisers Association has not yet issued a statement relating to the formation of the new unified body.
The Australian Business Events Association is looking to fill the post of CEO.