ABEA strengthens business events sector impact with industry partnershi

The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) - Australia’s peak body for business events - has secured ten strategic partnerships in under two years, a sign of growing industry unity and ABEA’s leadership in strengthening the sector’s impact.

Melissa Brown, ABEA Chief Executive, commented on the strategic partnerships, alliances and memberships that are putting business events at the table of key decision-making forums.

“Advocacy happens at different levels and speeds; however, we first need to be in the room with the right people and places to be considered an important part of the puzzle.

“Our work with the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as Austrade, gives distinction to our important sector, from sister industries such as tourism.

“We’re also deriving direct benefit in the form of additional research capabilities from Austrade and closer working relationships with those who inform policy.

“The support we have received from Business Events Australia has been exceptional. They have championed us from day one and continue to do so.

“Our membership of the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (COSBOA) is a critical pathway that enables us to voice the needs, concerns and specific issues of the thousands of small businesses that are the backbone of business events.

“Further afield, global associations such as ICCA, AIPC, UFI and IAPCO provide direct links to the latest research, education, trends and insights into our industry. Having representatives speak at our Leader’s Forum in February at AIME was extremely valuable for the year ahead.

“We have partnered with AIPC to bring to Australia the first AIPC Academy, and we’ll be working closely with our international colleagues in the lead up to our national conference.

“These partnerships are a reflection on the commitment we have to our members, firmly cementing ABEA as the voice of the industry.

“We are also in discussions with other organisations to keep growing in influence and impact,” said Brown.

ABEA’s Industry Associations and Partners include:

• Accommodation Australia – eeger workforce platform

• Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

• Austrade

• AIPC

• Business Events Australia

• COSBOA

• IAPCO

• ICCA

• Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA)

• UFI