The Australian Business Events Association (ABEA) has today released two major research papers: the State of the Business Events Industry Report (2024) and the Forward Bids Calendar 2025. Together, these reports deliver a national snapshot and a forward-looking lens to guide investment, policy and industry-wide planning.

Produced as part of ABEA’s commitment to research-driven advocacy, both reports offer credible, consolidated data to support evidence-based decisions across government and industry.

Now in its second year, this edition of the State of the Business Events Industry Report uses 2024 data to capture the size, scope and contribution of Australia’s billion-dollar business events industry. Drawing on national and international data, including insights from International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), Union of International Associations (UIA), Tourism Research Australia (TRA) and Asia Pacific Incentives and Meetings Event (AIME), the report tracks year-on-year performance and identifies opportunities for long-term growth.

The report is authored by Emeritus Professor Dr Leo Jago OAM, formerly Chief Economist of Tourism Research Australia, and internationally recognised for his work with the UNWTO, ICCA and JMIC.

Melissa Brown, CEO, ABEA said this report is essential for defining who we are as an industry, and why we matter.

“It ensures decision-makers have access to the kind of longitudinal data they need to drive serious outcomes, whether that’s workforce funding, visa reform, investment in regional venues or trade policy alignment,” said Brown.

Complementing the annual report, the Forward Bids Calendar provides granular intelligence on the business events pipeline, offering insight into bids won, lost and in progress across all major Australian convention bureaux.

As the only tourism sector with a confirmed forward calendar, the business events industry has a unique ability to forecast economic activity. This supports government and trade stakeholders to unlock the wider value of international events, from talent attraction and research collaboration to foreign investment and global knowledge exchange.

Both resources are produced in partnership with government agencies, university researchers and strategic collaborators. They form part of ABEA’s core commitment to advancing prosperity for its members and positioning business events as a powerful driver of national progress. Members will receive direct access to both reports via an upcoming member-only newsletter.

ABEA is committed to expanding its suite of industry insights and will continue developing reports like these to benefit the wider business events community. If there are resources you’d like to see developed or opportunities to collaborate, we invite you to contact us.

More information is available at abea.org.au

For copies of the reports please contact memberservices@abea.org.au.