The Australian Business Events Association have been busy with a roadshow to each state to explain the purpose of the association – and to drum up membership.

This week ABEA released an update on their recent progress in policy and advocacy work, as they create strategic relationships and pathways to enable input on the future of the business events industry.

Here are some key highlights from recent engagements:

Collaboration with Australian Chamber Tourism & Industry

Highlighting ABEA’s resolve in representing the business events sector at the highest level, ABEA Chair Peter King met with Australian Chamber Tourism Executive Chair, John Hart OAM to discuss THRIVE 2030 by Austrade, sustainability, employment, skills and migration.

Meeting with Shadow Minister for Trade and Investment

ABEA met with the Honorable Kevin Hogan MP, Shadow Minister for Trade and Investment to discuss the pivotal role of business events in both trade and tourism, with the MP offering his support from the Opposition where possible, highlighting the industry’s importance in national economic growth.

Tourism Australia’s Strategic Priorities

Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism                          Phillipa Harrison – Managing Director, Tourism Australia

Peter King (ABEA Chair) addressed industry leaders at the Tourism Australia Update, yielding ongoing commitments from Senator the Hon Don Farrell, Minister for Trade and Tourism, and Phillipa Harrison, Managing Director of Tourism Australia. The growth of business events remains one of the strategic priorities for 2023-24.

Austrade and Tourism Research Australia Partnership

Austrade, its Tourism Research Australian division, and ABEA met to discuss the Government’s $2 million investment in business events research, as well as establishing a framework for valuing business events’ contribution to Australia’s economy. The project will commence in 2023-24 with a national business events infrastructure audit.

Canberra’s Business Events Infrastructure

ABEA met with Senator David Pocock as he shared his “Vision for Canberra“, underscoring the importance of business events as a critical pillar for the city’s growth. Senator Pocock explained, “Of the 145 international business events listed … from 2023 to 2029, none are being hosted in Canberra. These events are forecast to be attended by almost 200,000 delegates for a total visitor spend of approximately $600 million. That’s a huge chunk of business to be missing out on.”

Continued Representation at Tourism Visa Advisory Group

Alison Garrod, Chair of the Tourism Visa Advisory Group, met with ABEA to explore visa options for business conferences, trade fairs, and expos, emphasizing the industry’s need for global competitiveness, as well as the important services offered by the Department’s International Event Coordinator Network.

Presentation to Canberra Hotel General Managers                                                                  

ABEA provided insights on the new industry peak body to Canberra’s leading hotel General Managers, highlighting ABEA’s mission and the importance of collaboration between the business events sector and local hospitality establishments.

These recent engagements underscore the association’s commitment to advocacy, collaboration, and growth. We look forward to sharing more updates on ABEA’s progress in the near future.