ABEA confirms new leadership

The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has announced its new board, marking the first official appointments following the organisation’s inauguration.

Re-elected board member Matt Pearce joins new directors Gareth Martin and Dan Londero together with board appointed Rocky Bruzzano, bringing a wealth of industry experience and diverse expertise to the organisation’s leadership.

Additionally, Amy Saleh (pictured above centre), Operations Director at Hannover Fairs Australia and current Chair of the Emerging Leaders Council, will serve as ABEA’s first Emerging Leader Board Observer. This role, without voting rights, is designed to provide new perspectives while cultivating future board leaders. Saleh will help establish selection criteria for this position in the coming years.

Peter King, Chair, ABEA thanked the members for their engagement in the elections, noting the high calibre of candidates who put themselves forward for the available board positions.

King advised “we had an exceptional number of candidates who all put their hands up to be part of the ABEA Board. The members came out in force to vote, and their voices have been heard.

“We wish to thank everyone who took part. The members have chosen highly skilled and dedicated professionals to help lead the organisation into its next phase.

Matt Pearce, Chief Executive and co-founder of Talk2Media & Events (pictured above right) has extensive experience in trade and consumer exhibitions, media and business events. He will continue to serve as Deputy Chair and represent organisers. Pearce was central to the unification work that lead to the formation of ABEA in 2023.

Gareth Martin (pictured above left), Chief Executive of Business Events Perth, will ensure ongoing representation for Western Australia as he becomes the bureau sector representative. With more than 16 years in the industry, Martin's leadership has positioned Perth as a premier business events destination.

Dan Londero (pictured above), Chief Executive and Co-Founder of Turnkey Event Solutions, brings 30 years of global business experience across Australia, China, and the UK. Londero represents small business interests and will represent suppliers. His background with Reed Exhibitions (RX), along with his expertise in training and recruitment, ensures an understanding of small and large organisations across the industry supporting ABEA’s commitment to workforce development.

Rocky Bruzzano (pictured above), Managing Director of Exponet fulfills a board appointed position on the board, and has two decades of experience as a CFO and extensive knowledge in corporate finance. Bruzzano will lead the Finance Subcommittee, contributing his extensive strategic acumen to ABEA's financial oversight.

The new additions join Samantha Glass, Penny Lion, Leo Jago, Nicole Walker and Julia Swanson to form the ABEA Board of Directors.

ABEA thanked outgoing directors Nigel Keen, previously General Manager, Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, and Michael Matthews, Chief Executive, Canberra Convention Bureau for their dedicated service. ABEA also acknowledges Janet Hamilton, General Manager, Cairns Convention Centre who stepped down earlier this year.

With these appointments, ABEA continues to build a forward-focused, strategic board committed to advancing the Australian business events sector. They are actively evaluating candidates to fill its final open seat, with a focus on enhancing the association's skills matrix.

More information on ABEA