Long-awaited unified Australian Business Events Association to launch in July

The long-awaited unified Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) will launch on 3rd July 2023, marking the biggest shake-up of the business events association landscape in over a decade.

The new association unites the Association of Australian Convention Bureaux (AACB), the Australian Convention Centres Group (ACCG), and the Exhibition & Events Association of Australasia Ltd (EEAA).

The work to spearhead the new association has been led by a Project Development Group, comprised of directors from the three associations. They have announced that widely respected industry stalwart, Peter King (pictured above) has been appointed as independent chair of the board. King was most recently the Chief Executive of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The business events industry of Australia has called over many years to unify the sector. The most recent research conducted in 2022 revealed that 84% of survey respondents 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.

King said an industry of this size, scope and importance needed one strong and robust association to get traction on the issues that matter.

King noted “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.

“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.”

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.

King added “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.

“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.”

King noted that the association will be immediately looking to fill the post of Chief Executive, adding that interested parties should follow developments closely.

The website for the Australian Business Events Association will be launched in mid-June and will commence trading officially from 3rd July 2023.

Peter King – inaugural Chair of the Australian Business Events Association (ABEA)
Peter King has a diverse and extensive professional background having spent 20 years leading multi-national businesses across the Asia Pacific region for consumer brands including Puma, Coleman and Sunbeam.

For the last 15 years he has been a leader in the venue and events industry globally as Chief Executive of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and before that leading the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW which was responsible for the management of the largest annual event in Australia (Sydney Royal Easter Show) along with the Showgrounds arena hosting AFL, BBL, concerts and other events.

King is also Vice President of AIPC, the International Convention Centres industry association current Chair of the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame and on the MCC Cricket sub-committee.

For membership enquiries and general association information, please contact Domenic Genua on 0412 642 357, email: ceo@eeaa.com.au