A date has been set for the formation of a new industry body that will help meeting and event professionals in Australia present a united front to government.
Earlier this year, the Association of Australian Convention
Bureaux (AACB), the Australian Convention Centres Group (ACCG), and the
Exhibition & Events Association of Australasia (EEAA) announced
they would join forces.
The associations have now revealed that the newly
created Australian Business Events Association will launch on July 3rd with
Peter King, former CEO of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, at the helm.
Once launched, the AACB and EEAA will wind up and cease to be separate entities.
King, a respected member of the Australian business events community with an international profile in the industry, has been appointed as independent chair of the
board.
Why now?
The new association was formed in response to research that
showed association professionals wanted a unified body representing the sector
to government, and the broader business community. It was deemed that the
duplication of services from numerous associations resulted in inefficient use
of industry funds, with multiple advocacy voices creating confusion with
stakeholders and diluting industry messaging.
Peter King Photo Credit: LinkedInKing said an industry of this size, scope and importance
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.
“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,” King added.
“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.”
The Australian Business Events Association will focus on
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,” said King.
Membership
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.
“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."
The association is looking to fill the post of association
CEO and King added that interested parties should follow developments closely.
A desire to travel led Holly Patrick to the business meetings and events world and she’s never looked back. Holly takes a particular interest in event sustainability and creating a diverse and inclusive industry. When she’s not working, she can be found rolling skating along Brighton seafront listening to an eclectic playlist, featuring the likes of Patti Smith, Sean Paul, and Arooj Aftab.
