In what has been described as the “biggest shake-up of the business events association landscape” in over a decade, 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 are merging to form the Australian Business Events Association, set to launch on 3 July 2023.
The announcement came after repeated calls by the business events industry in the country over the years to unify the sector. In fact, the most recent research conducted in 2022 revealed that 84 per cent wanted a unified body representing the sector as the duplication of services from numerous associations resulted in inefficient use of industry funds and the multiple advocacy voices have created confusion with stakeholders and diluted industry messaging.
The merger came through with the efforts of the Project Development Group, comprised of directors from the three associations. It was also decided that the new body will be chaired by industry stalwart Peter King who also served as the CEO of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
In a statement, King said that Australia’s events industry 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,” King said.
“The industry has been on the fringe of the government’s radar for too long,” King added. “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,” he continued. “Ultimately, the Australian Business Events Association is about member prosperity. When our members win, everyone benefits.”
Australian Business Events Association will have membership categories designed to ensure engagement within the industry is accessible to all, regardless of business size.
“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,” King said. “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.”
